Physics and Applications of Medical Imaging

Abstract

The discovery of x rays by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895 opened new pathways for the detection and diagnosis of disease in humans. Before this discovery, most diagnoses were made from a verbal description of the patient’s history and symptoms, combined with the use of the physician’s senses to detect peculiar odors, unusual visual signs, abnormal sounds, unnatural physical sensations, and, occasionally, odd tastes. X rays provided a novel approach to patient examination whereby the physician could study the internal anatomy and physiology of the patient. Today, x rays are used in hospitals, clinics, offices, and emergency facilities worldwide, and contribute essential information for the detection and diagnosis of a wide spectrum of illnesses and injuries in millions of patients each year.