Screening and Preventive Diagnosis with Radiological Imaging Diagnostic Algorithms for Whole-Body Exams

Abstract

Nowadays various diseases, such as atherosclerosis, malignant tumors, inflammatory joint disorders and diabetes are understood as systemic in their nature (Baur et al. 2002; Diehm et al. 2004; Fenchel et al. 2006; Goyen et al. 2002, 2003; Kafetzakis et al. 2005; Kramer et al. 2005; Weckbach 2006). The conventional approach of diagnostic imaging, however, is focused on the examination of a particular organ and body part in which clinical symptoms are present. In the past, radiological modalities also were technically restricted, allowing only to image a circumscribed part of the body. Established diagnostic algorithms reflect these limitations, and frequently a combination of different imaging modalities is recommended for the work-up of patients suffering from diseases potentially involving multiple organs and body parts, respectively. This stepwise multimodality approach is time consuming and associated with high costs. Moreover, it may be stressful for the patient. Disease manifestations asymptomatic at the time point of the initial diagnostic work-up may remain undetected, so that the treatment may not be adequate (Fig. 4.1) (Goyen et al. 2002; Barkhausen 2006; Baumgartner et al. 2005; Ho et al. 1999; Matsubara et al. 1990; Rubin 1997).