Evolution of gastrointestinal imageology in China: A 50-year review

Abstract

AIM: To review the evolution of gastrointestinal (GI) imageology in China over the past 50 years.

METHODS: The evolution of GI imageological equipment and techniques, published original articles of GI imageology in the Chinese Journal of Radiology, books of GI imageology in China, academic researches which won the academic award of scientific and technological progress at the ministrial and national level were reviewed.

RESULTS: Within 50 years of GI imageology evolution, equipment of GI imageology were developed from 200 mA X-rays apparatus in the 50 s to digital X-rays in the 90 s. Technique of GI imaging was developed from general radiography in the 50 s to digital radiography (DR), CT and MR virtual endoscopy of GI in the 90 s. About 211 original articles were published in the Chinese Journal of Radiology on the GI imageology. Radiography and single contrast examination of disease were mainly described in the 50 s and CT and MR and DR and interventional radiology in the 90 s. Twelve books about GI imageology were published within the 50 years, ranging from atlas of X-ray examination and diagnosis of GI by Chen Zhen Lin to atlas of imaging diagnosis of alimentary tract disease by Jin-Xia Xie. Three academic prizes of scientific and technological progress were awarded by the Ministry of Health and the nation. The study of double contrast barium sulfate of Hua-Shan 2000 by Chen Gen-Fang et al acquired class 3 award of national invention in the 70 s, and experimental study and applications of double contrast radiography by Ke-Zhong Shang et al won class 3 award of the Ministry of Health.

CONCLUSION: In keeping abreast with the development of world GI imageology, great achievements have been made in the study and development in GI imageology in China with its own features.

Key Words: Gastroenterology; X-rays; Tomography, X-ray computed; Magnetic resonance imaging; History; China