A World History of Neuroradiology

This book covers the history of neuroradiology as written by the member societies of the World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies (WFNRS). Neuroradiology, as a specialty, received increasing recognition in the 1980’s. Before this, the pioneering work of Professor Auguste Wackenheim and Professor Jean-Paul Braun formed the European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) and the European Courses in Neuroradiology (ECNR). Professor George du Boulay (London) then formulated guidelines for education and training in Neuroradiology. These guidelines, which have been generally accepted by the National Delegates of the Society, formed a basis for the realization of the ultimate goal - the

recognition of Neuroradiology as a specific specialty.

Far before the time of formal recognition, many neuroradiological procedures (diagnostic and interventional) were performed, at first sporadically and then increasingly routinely, using imaging procedures and techniques developed by medical pioneers specializing in neuroscience. There followed the development of the International Congresses of Radiology (1^st ICR in London, 1925), the Symposium Neuroradiologicum (1^st SNR in Anvers, 1939), the European Society of Neuroradiology conferences (1^st ESNR in Colmar, 1969), and the European Course in Neuroradiology (1^st ECNR in Toulouse, 1984).

There is however a risk that such specialization may result in professional isolation, and so it is thus necessary to ensure that there is close understanding with other Societies with interests Neuroradiology and with all the clinical and radiological specialists with whom Neuroradiologists have daily contact. The writing of a history of Neuroradiology is seen as an important bridge between Neuroradiology and its related fields. It is also important in mutual understanding between Neuroradiology Societies in different parts of the world.

This background forms the basis for the World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies (WFNRS) compiling this book as an effort to record the development and growth of the specialty since the 1990’s. Practically, the objective is to record the living professional memory of the development of Neuroradiology from the 1990’s to the current day and to promote understanding of the global development of Neuroradiology. Currently, WFNRS is the only federation of Neuroradiology in the world with the diversity to achieve this aim. To cover the views from overall, all society members of WFNRS are invited to write their respective parts of the development and footprints of neuroradiology, covering but not limited to the time periods from 1990’s to the current day.

This is an ideal resource for neuroradiologists, radiologists, and interested medical professionals.

This is an open access book.