[Imaging Diagnosis and Interventional Radiology for Thoracic Surgery]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) with over 64 scanners allows high-speed body imaging.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) gated scanning and 4D imaging improve cardiac and vascular disease evaluation.
• Enhanced spatial and temporal resolution in CT and MRI visualize fine vascular structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in thoracic imaging and interventional radiology.
• To highlight the role of new technologies in diagnosing and treating thoracic conditions.
• To discuss improvements in radiation dose reduction and image quality.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing advanced CT and MRI techniques, including ECG gating and 4D imaging.
• Employing interventional radiology for procedures like vascular embolization and thoracic duct embolization.
• Investigating new modalities such as dual-energy CT and 4D flow MRI.

Main Results:

• MDCT and MRI provide precise visualization of cardiac and vascular structures.
• Interventional radiology enables safer embolization and treatment of chylothorax.
• Dual-energy CT offers iodine imaging for perfusion assessment and radiation dose reduction.
• 4D flow MRI visualizes vascular flow dynamics without contrast agents.

Conclusions:

• Newly developed thoracic imaging techniques significantly improve diagnostic capabilities.
• Interventional radiology, combined with advanced imaging, enhances treatment safety and efficacy.
• Innovations in CT and MRI promise further advancements in thoracic imaging and patient care.