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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2010; 14(1): 003-013
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248701
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Evolution of Whole-Body Imaging

Deirdre E. Moran1 , Eric J. Heffernan1
  • 1Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Publication Date:
12 March 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This article reviews the evolution of whole-body imaging, discussing the history and development of radiography, nuclear medicine, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), combined PET-CT, and magnetic resonance imaging. The obstacles hindering progress toward whole-body imaging using each of these modalities, and the technical advances that were developed to overcome them, are reviewed. The effectiveness and the limitations of whole-body imaging with each of these techniques are also briefly discussed.

KEYWORDS

Radiography - computed tomography - nuclear medicine - positron emission tomography - magnetic resonance imaging

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Eric J HeffernanM.B. 

Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital

Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland

Email: ejheffernan@eircom.net