Novel strategies in imaging

Abstract

Urology imaging varies around the world. A recent survey by the ESUI (European Society of Urologic Imaging; full member of the European Association of Urology (EAU)) compared the diVerent imaging modalities in diVerent countries of Europe. This survey revealed dramatic diVerences as well as similarities in the application of imaging by radiologists and urologists. However, imaging play a key role in the daily routine of academic as well as in private practice urology. Many innovating imaging approaches have been developed in the Weld of urology. Ultrasound seems to be the most commonly used modality in urologic imaging. Therefore, this issue focuses on novel imaging strategies in order to encourage and motivate further development of existing or new methods. For many years, the ESUI has tried to promote and inform on new and standard strategies in and around the Weld of urologic imaging. As in every Weld, expertise and experience are necessary to achieve quality imaging. Furthermore, the consequences of preoperative diagnostic imaging and the need to learn from correct and incorrect interpretation lead to consistent improvement of the diagnostic quality. The ability to translate morphologic changes and anatomic Wndings into pathologic processes enables us to Wnd adequate therapeutic strategies for our patients. One problem of studies on imaging is the fact that when prospective or multicenter studies have been Wnalized and published, many of the methods are outdated and or have been even replaced by newer versions or more advanced technologies. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to report on new concepts and developments early. In many cases, small but consistent improvements of existing technologies lead to more signiWcant clinical improvement than dramatic new developments. In addition, transfer of techniques from other specialities to urology sometimes develop new concepts and understanding. A comparison of pathologic imaging Wndings with neighboring Welds like gynecology, surgery, nuclear medicine, and oncology sometimes often leads to a better understanding of the signiWcance of these Wndings and possibly better concepts. Today, many improvements combine existing imaging modalities with digital algorithms and hi-tech computer technology to enable more objective and reproducible results. Most modern imaging systems have great digital storage and processing capabilities. Network solutions and large databases with expert systems seem to be the next step in modern imaging strategies by being able to spread the experience and expertise to connected users. This topic issue is to inform you about diVerent approaches to novel strategies in imaging and give you a chance to compare your experience and expertise with the presented information. In one of the studies in this issue Grabski et al. ask the question, “Can prostate cancer diagnostic imaging be improved by a computer-based analysis of the transrectal ultrasound signal (C-TRUS) system?” Until recently, C-TRUS existed only as a stand-alone device. Now, C-TRUS has been developed into a network-compatible module (C-TRUS-MS). This new technology allows users to transmit C-TRUS images from any internet platform for C-TRUSMS investigation. The results indicate that C-TRUS-MS “online” achieves similar results as the stand-alone system, independent from the user’s imaging experience. Furthermore, T. Loch (&) Department of Urology, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg, University Teaching Hospital, Flensburg, Germany e-mail: lochti@diako.de