Advances in medical imaging.

The field of medical imaging, stimulated by advances in digital and communication technologies, has grown tremendously. New imaging techniques that reveal greater anatomical detail are available in most diagnostic radiology departments. We discuss vascular imaging with ultrasound, high-resolution computed tomography of the thorax, magnetic resonance imaging applications, and picture archiving and communication systems. Vascular imaging with ultrasound requires duplex and color flow Doppler, which combine gray-scale ultrasound and the Doppler phenomenon. High-resolution computed tomography modifies conventional computed tomography technology and results in images with higher spatial resolution. Magnetic resonance imaging applications for all areas of the body are being investigated and are replacing older roentgenographic techniques such as computed tomography, arthrography, myelography, and even angiography in a growing number of indications. With these new digital imaging modalities, image management has become an important consideration that can be addressed by picture archiving and communication systems.