This open access book gives a complete and comprehensive introduction to the fields of medical imaging systems, as designed for a broad range of applications. The authors of the book first explain the foundations of system theory and image processing, before highlighting several modalities in a dedicated chapter. The initial focus is on modalities that are closely related to traditional camera systems such as endoscopy and microscopy. This is followed by more complex image formation processes: magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray projection imaging, computed tomography, X-ray phase-contrast imaging, nuclear imaging, ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography.

Covers the most important imaging modalities in radiology: projection radiography, x-ray computed tomography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging. Organized into parts to emphasize key overall conceptual divisions.

The book provides a comprehensive compilation of fundamentals, technical solutions and applications for medical imaging systems. It is intended as a handbook for students in biomedical engineering, for medical physicists, and for engineers working on medical technologies, as well as for lecturers at universities and engineering schools. For qualified personnel at hospitals, and physicians working with these instruments it serves as a basic source of information. This also applies for service engineers and marketing specialists. The book starts with the representation of the physical basics of image processing, implying some knowledge of Fourier transforms. After that, experienced authors describe technical solutions and applications for imaging systems in medical diagnostics. The applications comprise the fields of X-ray diagnostics, computed tomography, nuclear medical diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, molecular imaging and hybrid systems. Considering the increasing importance of software based solutions, emphasis is also laid on the imaging software platform and hospital information systems.

The book has two intentions. First, it assembles the latest research in the field of medical imaging technology in one place. Detailed descriptions of current state-of-the-art medical imaging systems (comprised of x-ray CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine) and data processing techniques are discussed. Information is provided that will give interested engineers and scientists a solid foundation from which to build with additional resources. Secondly, it exposes the reader to myriad applications that medical imaging technology has enabled.

First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This textbook, intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, is an introduction to the physical and mathematical principles used in clinical medical imaging. The first two chapters introduce basic concepts and useful terms used in medical imaging and the tools implemented in image reconstruction, while the following chapters cover an array of topics such as physics of x-rays and their implementation in planar and computed tomography (CT) imaging; nuclear medicine imaging and the methods of forming functional planar and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images and Clinical imaging using positron emitters as radiotracers. The book also discusses the principles of MRI pulse sequencing and signal generation, gradient fields, and the methodologies implemented for image formation, form flow imaging and magnetic resonance angiography and the basic physics of acoustic waves, the different acquisition modes used in medical ultrasound, and the methodologies implemented for image formation and flow imaging using the Doppler Effect. By the end of the book, readers will know what is expected from a medical image, will comprehend the issues involved in producing and assessing the quality of a medical image, will be able to conceptually implement this knowledge in the development of a new imaging modality, and will be able to write basic algorithms for image reconstruction. Knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, regular and partial differential equations, and a familiarity with the Fourier transform and it applications is expected, along with fluency with computer programming. The book contains exercises, homework problems, and sample exam questions that are exemplary of the main concepts and formulae students would encounter in a clinical setting.