ABSTRACT

The Physics of Medical Imaging reviews the scientific basis and physical principles underpinning imaging in medicine. It covers the major imaging methods of x-radiology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and nuclear magnetic resonance, and considers promising new techniques. Following these reviews are several thematic chapters that cover the mathematics of medical imaging, image perception, computational requirements, and techniques. Throughout the book, the author encourages readers to consider key questions concerning imaging. This profusely illustrated and extensively indexed text is accessible to graduate physical scientists, advanced undergraduates, and research students. It logically complements books on applications of imaging techniques in medicine, making it useful for clinicians as well.

Introduction - and some challenging questions. In the beginning. Diagnostic radiology with x-rays. Quality assurance and image improvement in diagnostic radiology with x-rays. X-ray transmission computed tomography. Clinical applications of x-ray computed tomography in radiotherapy planning. The physics of radioisotope imaging. Diagnostic ultrasound. Spatially localised nuclear magnetic resonance. Physical aspects of infrared imaging. Imaging of tissue electrical impedence. Imaging by diaphanography. The mathematics of image formation and image processing. Perception and interpretation of images. Computer requirements of imaging systems. Epilogue. Index.