Tomography


 * Tomography **

The detectors used to record images from electron microscopes produce two-dimensional images. If we have views of the same specimen from many different directions/sections the information from the third dimension can be recovered. (Alberts) In electron microscope tomography the specimen holder is tilted in the microscope to generate the different views. A three dimensional image is produced by combining the set of different views of the subject.
 * Basic Description of Technique: **



This technique is widely used in medical computed tomography (CT) scans. To obtain different views, the imaging equipment is moved around the patient. This cross-sectional imaging technique is one of the most important methods of radiological diagnosis.It is also very useful as it bares less contraindications to other forms of radiological diagnostics such as MRI's.
 * Purpose: **

In 1914 Polish Biologist Mayer was the first to suggest the idea of tomography. The basic principles of tomography were published by Frank and Takahasi in the mid-forties but it wasn’t until 1972 that George Hounsfield developed and commercialized the first computer tomography,which became known as the CT(computed tomography) scan. Later on the first images of a living subject were published in 1974. (Seynaeve)
 * Origin: **

A recent journal article says that computed tomography is one of the most rapidly evolving techniques used for evaluating cardiovascular anatomy. It states that physicians should be trained to use computed tomography and further improve diagnostic accuracy since it can provide information about cardiovascular anatomy as well as function. (Budhoff)
 * Research: **

Another article shows how computed tomography allows visualization of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary tree. This is essential in assessing the patient risk factors for a cardiac event. The physician can more closely and noninvasively follow the progression of plaque build up in the arteries. (Priester)

A third journal article reviews the study and evaluation of computed tomography in the care of adults with congenital heart disease. Previously cardiac catherization had been the primary method to evaluate these patients. The research shows that computed tomography provides important information to guide care of adult patients with congenital heart disease. (Cook)

Looking at a fourth article Computed tomography of Septal defects(Rajiah & Kanne 2010) demonstrated how as an alternative multidetector computed tomography can be used as it provides excellent detection of any defects in the heart or pulmonary vasculature.Being an alternative is very useful especially for individuals who are unable to do MRI’s

Lastly another article Assessment of cardiac volumes by multidetector computed tomography(Lin & Min 2008) demonstrates how Cardiac Computed Tomography has evolved to be very useful as a means of evaluation.CCT is important as it can be used when other methods are unable to be used on certain patients such as Cardiac magnetic resonance.

Tomography can be used in many different disciplines but its importance in the medical field and cardiovascular diagnostics is clearly proven.


 * References: **

Alberts, B. et al. 2008. Molecular biology of the cell, 5th edition. Garland Science. New York,NY.

Budhoff, Matthew J., Stephen Achenbach, Daniel S. Berman, Zahi A. Fayad, and Michael Poon. "Task Force 13: Training in Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging (Computed Tomography)." Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography 2.2 Mar. (2008): 130-35. Science Direct. Web.

Cook, Stephen C., Peter C. Dyke, and Subha V. Raman. "Management of adults with congenital heart disease with cardiovascular compute tomography." Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography 2.1 Jan. (2008): 12-22. Science Direct. Web.

= Lin,F.Y.,Min,J.K. (2008) Assessment of cardiac volumes by multidetector computed tomography, [|//Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography//]//, //2,4,pg 256-262 doi: 10.1016/j.jcct.2008.05.144 =

Priester, Tiffany C., and Sheldon E. Litwin. "Measuring Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis with Computed Tomography: Searching for Clarity Among Shades of Gray." Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography 3.2 Nov. (2009): S81-90. Science Direct. Web.

= Rajiah,P.,Kanne, J.P.(2010)Computed tomography of Septal Defects, [|//Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography//]//, //4,4,pg 231-245 doi: 10.1016/j.jcct.2010.05.005 =

Seynaeve, P C. "The History of Tomography." Journal Belge de Radiologie- 78.5 Oct. (1995): 284. PubMed. Web.