[en] This paper describes what information is produced by radionuclide, ultrasound and CT scanning in the various diseases affecting the thyroid, liver, pancreas, kidneys and pelvic organs. The advantages and limitations of the different types of non invasive investigations are stressed. (Auth.)

[en] In this chapter, basic principles and state-of-the-art of positron emission tomography are briefly outlined. Use of different radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals are touched upon. Some applications of this technique in nuclear medicine are mentioned. (G.J.P.)

[en] Radionuclide studies aid the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases by providing information about regional pulmonary ventilation, perfusion and ventilation-perfusion (V-P) relationships which cannot be obtained by other methods. Ventilation-perfusion lung studies are used to evaluate regional lung function in patients prior to pulmonary surgery, to detect obstructive airways disease and to aid management of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. The following sections will discuss each of these subjects in detail. (orig.)

[en] Newly developed technologies are going to revolutionize the diagnostic procedure in cardiology. Recent progress has been made in nuclear cardiology, sonography, transmission computer tomography and digital video-techniques. Nuclear magnetic resonance seems to offer another possibility for imaging of the heart. This chapter deals with the problem of how the spectrum of methods available fits into the various cardiovascular abnormalities. (Auth.)

[en] As an introduction to tomographic imaging, the author describes three imaging methodologies following the design principle and the scanning mode: point-by-point imaging; line-by-line imaging; and plane-by-plane imaging. The new 90⁰ Compton Scattering Tomography of Okuyama is described with respect to basic principles, design aspects, and applicative possibilities especially for the lungs. Performance testing results of 90⁰ CST of the lung are presented: energy resolution, spatial resolution. It is concluded that the technique of 90⁰ Compton Scattering Tomography for lung studies represents a simple and inexpensive tool for the morphological and functional investigation of the lung state and particularly, of its density. (G.J.P.)

[en] In late 1979, the Dynamic Spatial Reconstructor (DSR), a multiple X-ray source, stop action, volume scanning imaging device was installed. At present, the operational characteristics and biomedical utility of the DSR are being evaluated. This research project involves scanning experimental animals and carefully selected patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary pathology. The DSR scanner utilizes a computerized transaxial tomography principle to generate images of transverse slices of the body. (Auth.)

[en] This book describes to practitioners the evolutionary progression of new non-invasive diagnostic imaging techniques. The utility of the procedures is also described in a series of state-of-the-art lectures given by outstanding international clinical investigators from NATO countries. Subjects of the papers include the following: advances in source and detector technology, acoustical imaging, NMR and microwave imaging, positron and single photon emission tomography, digital radiography and image processing and display techniques. Fundamental papers describing the theory of non-invasive procedures are included along with papers describing clinical examinations. Examples of utility and studies of diseases of the abdomen and pelvis, heart and lung, and central nervous system are included. Cost-effective and cost-benefit assessment of the new high technology procedures, as well as the use of diagnostic imaging techniques in developing countries are also presented. An index of leading topics completes the volume. (orig.)

[en] The conventional angiocardiography as an intrinsic method of investigation can now partially be substituted by digital vascular imaging technique. This technique, the d.v.i., has been in use in the St. Antonius Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands, since October 1980. The technique is a modified form of the subtraction technique. With this method, the X-ray transmission data from the image intensifier are digitized and stored in a memory. Method, material and equipment are described. Various arterial areas and the left ventricle are examined using d.v.i. Subsequent sections describe these different examinations with respect to indications and results. (Auth.)

[en] In this chapter, the use of the nuclear magnetic resonance technique in biological imaging is described. Basic principles of the nuclear spin resonance are explained and their use in imaging by applying gradient magnetic fields. Technical developments in approving the apparatus are described like the use of superconducting magnets, and methods to improve the anatomical resolution. A comparison is made with other imaging techniques. It is concluded that NMR is a very valuable imaging technique; especially if it is combined with chemical analysis, it would provide fundamental measurements of disease processes at the cellular level. (G.J.P.)

[en] The goal of radiopharmaceutical chemistry is to design and develop radiotracers targeted to an organ or function whose activity kinetics in tissue can be detected externally by a gamma or a positron device. Radiopharmaceuticals are divided into the general categories of specific and non-specific agents. The specific radiopharmaceuticals are the tracers that follow a biochemical pathway or are involved in a particular interaction, for example metabolic substrates, drugs or analogs, and antibodies. This paper will focus on trends in the design of specific agents. The best radionuclides for the development of specific tracers are the positron emitting nuclides: carbon-11, nitrogen-13, oxygen-15 and fluorine-18. First the design of radiopharmaceuticals are considered in general (labeling strategies, stereochemical effects, specific activity). Next, a brief summary of the use of several radiopharmaceuticals is presented on the basis of their biochemical rationale. (orig./G.J.P.)