Short history of mammography: a Belgian perspective.

It took the surgery community more than half a century to accept mammography. Three periods can be observed in the history of the evolution of mammography. The first one goes from 1913 to 1940, the second one from 1940 to 1970, and the third period from 1970 to the end of the century, when a high quality of mammography with an even lower dose is achieved by digital systems for both diagnostic and screening purpose.

Milestones in paediatric radiology.

A historical review of paediatric radiology is presented in the light of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Belgian Rodiological Society and the 25th anniversary of Belgian Paediatric Radiology. Key events in the evolution of paediatric radiology are summarized: the early years of radiology on children, the different measurements used to avoid harmful x-ray effects and up to date medical imaging. Some of the most important associations of radiopaediatrics are mentioned, as well as the importance of immobilization of the young patient resulting in specific x-ray instruments.

Ultrasound and computed tomography: spin-offs of the world wars.

Important losses to the ships of the allied troops by the attacks of the German submarines during World War I led researchers to find specific detecting devices as a means of defence. In 1880 Pierre Curie and his brother, discovered the production of ultrasound waves. Langevin, their student, applied this invention to the localisation of boats. At the end of WWI, research and results ended up being forgotten, but gained attention again with the sonar when WWII loomed on the horizon. At the end of the war, a former military medical doctor, G. Ludwig (US Navy), tried to localize gallstones with a left-over sonar apparatus. This definitely led to firm conclusions. Other researchers in several countries contributed to refining this new imaging technique which is nowadays widely applied. During WWII, the American and British army developed considerable research in the field of the calculator (computer) to speed up deciphering the secret codes. Coupling the principles of tomography discovered during WWI with the computing capability of the calculators developed during WWII, computerized axial tomography could be obtained. This new technology, which is used daily, probably is one of the greatest acquisitions of the 20th century in the field of medical imaging.

In search for the third dimension: from radiostereoscopy to three-dimensional imaging.

The radiographic image is the bidimensional projection of a tridimensional volume. Interpretation of such an image is sometimes uneasy as we cannot determine ot which level the shadows are located. To dissociate the superimposed shadows, the radiologist may rely on different techniques including fluoroscopy, profile view, radiosteoroscopy, conventional tomography, transverse axial tomography or really three-dimensional imaging techniques such as computer assisted (axial) tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. This paper makes a short historical overview of these different techniques.

Since 1895, orthopaedic surgery relies on x-ray imaging: a historical overview from discovery to computed tomography.

The first application of x-ray techniques to human beings was made in Germany by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in November 1895. From this first use, different groups became interested in creating and improving the technical devices. Focusing on Germany, in honour of the centenary of the awarding of the first Nobel Prize in Physics to Röntgen in 1901, we present some of the milestones in x-ray imaging, from the first pioneer's approach on glass plates, cathode x-ray tubes, fluoroscopy, earlier communications leading to x-ray films and screens, rotating x-ray tubes, tomography and CT, classic textbooks, radioprotection aspects, as well as some contributions in radiological techniques and orthopedic pathology.

Since 1895, orthopaedic surgery needs X-ray imaging: a historical overview from discovery to computed tomography.

The first application of X-ray techniques to human beings was made in Germany by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in November 1895. From this first use, different groups became interested in creating and improving the technical devices. Focusing on Germany, in honour of the centenary of the awarding of the first Nobel Prize in Physics to Röntgen in 1901, we present some of the milestones in X-ray imaging, from the first pioneer's approach on glass plates, cathode X-ray tubes, fluoroscopy, earlier communications leading to X-ray films and screens, rotating xray tubes, tomography and CT, classic textbooks, radioprotection aspects, as well as some contributions in radiological techniques and orthopedic pathology.

Were X-rays produced before the discovery by Röntgen?

Were X-rays produced before their formal discovery by Röntgen? Analysis of unexpected findings by others shows that undoubtedly X-rays were produced before Röntgen. However, the latter is the real discoverer of the rays named by himself "X-rays" or Röntgen rays to honour his discovery so meaningful for the patients all over the world in the diagnosis and treatment of severe illnesses as cancer, and also used in some industrial applications.

Subperiosteal ganglion cyst of the tibia. A communication with the knee demonstrated by delayed arthrography.

We report a patient with a subperiosteal ganglion cyst of the tibia which was imaged by radiography, arthrography, CT and MRI. The images were correlated with the arthroscopic surgical and histological findings. Spiculated formation of periosteal new bone on plain radiographs led to the initial suspicion of a malignant tumour. Demonstration of the cystic nature of the tumour using cross-sectional imaging was important for the precise diagnosis. Communication between the ganglion cyst and the knee was shown by a delayed arthrographic technique, and the presence of this communication was confirmed at arthroscopy and surgically.

Objective roentgenologic measurements of the influence of ankle braces on pathologic joint mobility. A comparison of 9 braces.

The stabilizing effect of external support (taping and nine different ankle braces) was tested in a total of 220 functionally unstable ankles. A standard surface EMG controlled stress Roentgen test protocol was used, measuring talar tilt (TT) without support and with tape bandage or brace. Different levels of TT restraining by external support could be identified. Tape bandage and two braces had a highly significant influence on the talar tilt. The mean TT without support was decreased by using from 13.4 degrees to 4.9 degrees, by using one brace to 4.8 degrees and by using another brace to 5.9 degrees. These two braces are effective for protection during functional treatment. A classification into three grades of effectiveness is proposed. It is concluded that the stabilizing influence offered by bandages and braces should be measured before using the external support as a treatment device for acute ankle sprain and as a reliable protection against sprain injuries in daily living and sports.

The beginning of radiology in Belgium.

It is quite difficult to determine who produced the first "cathodographs" in Belgium. As soon as the news of the discovery spread in Belgium, numerous Belgian laboratories repeated, and even improved, Röntgen's experiments. Scientists who made important contributions include J.D. Lucas, J. Thirion, W. van Havre, F. Dwelshauvers-Dery, F. Richard, Van Duyse and J. De Nobele, Herthoge, Th. Dineur, A. Bienfait, L. Lejeune, and J. Maffei ...

[The military radiologist Etienne Henrard (1870-1941) ... or the Belgian doctor Hirtz]. / Le radiologue militaire Etienne Henrard (1870-1941) ... ou le docteur Hirtz belge.

Etienne Henrard was undoubtedly the most important Belgian military radiologist. Besides his clinical radiological activities, he quickly became interested in stereoradiography and the removal of foreign bodies, which earned him international fame. During the First World War he continued his work and improved his techniques in the hospital "L'Océan" at De Panne, in collaboration with Antoine Depage. He was a Founding fellow member of the "Société belge de Radiologie" and of the "Journal belge de Radiologie", of which he was the Secretary (1909-1912), Vice-President (1913-1914), Président (1919-1920), Editor-in-Chief (1924-1940), and finally Treasurer (1932-1940). He was a founding fellow member, and later the President (1924-1938) and Honorary President of the "Union professionnelle des Médecins belges Radiologistes". He was the Honorary President of the Third Congress of Radiology in the French-speaking world. He was due to receive an international tribute, but an unfortunate date had been chosen: May 19, 1940.

Femoral periosteal thickening in pustulotic arthroosteitis, including 3-year followup by magnetic resonance imaging.

We describe 2 female patients with femoral periosteal thickening, in association with signs of pustulotic arthroosteitis in the sternocostoclavicular region and spine. In one patient, inflammatory changes were seen in muscular tissue surrounding this area of periosteal thickening, with fibrosis in the corresponding marrow. Over a period of up to 4 years after bone biopsy, cortical hyperostosis was observed spreading over a longer segment of her femoral diaphysis, while its thickness decreased over the longterm. Bone biopsy probably contributed to the striking periosteal thickening surrounded by inflammatory lesions in the surrounding muscles of this patients.