Why a series on imaging in the ERJ?

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Abstract
Little more than two decades ago, standard chest radiographs were the only imaging technique routinely available to chest physicians. Then the clinical introduction of computed tomography (CT) in the early 1980s revolutionized thoracic imaging. CT not only evolved to a key modality in the mere diagnosis of respiratory disorders, but also had a profound impact on pretherapeutic planing and post‐therapeutic follow-up. Soon thereafter, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital angiographic techniques broadened the spectrum of diagnostic imaging tools available to the respiratory clinician. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is now the latest imaging modality introduced into clinical practice and, like the afore-mentioned techniques, this is likely to substantially modify the diagnostic approach to thoracic lesions. Interestingly, standard chest radiography, the “work-horse” in respiratory imaging, has lost nothing of its importance over the last two decades. Indeed, standard chest radiography itself underwent important changes, such as the introduction of new film systems, the subsequent reduction of radiation dose, the increase of image quality, and, finally, constantly expanding digitalization.

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