#IDoR2023: Brandnew Chest X-ray Module Celebrating International Day of Radiology

On November 8^th, 1895, the future Nobel laureate Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen had a stroke of luck: Radiation invisible to the human eye had the ability to make otherwise concealed things visible. Initially, Roentgen referred to these short-wavelength, high-energy rays as “X-rays.” Later on, in German they would be called “Röntgenstrahlen” (Roentgen rays) in his honor. Among the first images was an X-ray of his wife’s hand, with a ring seemingly floating around her bony finger.

For the 11^th International Day of Radiology on November 8^th, we celebrate not only the discovery of X-rays, but also the impressive progress made in radiology since then.

Fascinating Chest X-rays

Thanks to X-rays, we can now not only visualize finger bones beneath tissues but also the lungs, the entire mediastinum including ribs, heart, and spine within the body. Additionally, X-rays can reveal materials introduced into the body, such as central catheters, pacemakers, or ports.

The imaging of the heart and lungs through X-rays is quintessential in radiology. It is one of the oldest fields of medical imaging, with numerous accomplishments. Just think about the containment of tuberculosis (TB) in past decades!

A mobile X-ray unit during healthcare support for the rural population in Hermstedt in the GDR (German Democratic Republic) — photo: Federal Archive

From the Early Detection of Tuberculosis Onwards

In some countries, mobile X-ray units were even built into buses or trains to combat the TB epidemic. Chest X-rays provided crucial diagnostic clues. In Germany, the home of BerlinCaseViewer, tuberculosis has become relatively rare, and large-scale X-ray screenings are a thing of the past. However, globally, tuberculosis remains one of the top ten leading causes of death.¹ And X-ray technology continues to be relevant to this day.