…issue 6 of the thrice-yearly journal for medical imaging professionals worldwide.

Controversies and Consensus in Imaging and Intervention
     Encourages debate and informs:
  • Computed tomography radiologists
  • Interventional cardiologists
  • Interventional radiologists
  • MRI radiologists
  • Radiographers
  • Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Practice managers

Ending an exciting year...
As we reach the end of 2004, we are pleased to present our final issue of the year.We hope that you have enjoyed the topics presented by C2I2 during this year, which have included state-of-the-art reviews and stimulating discussions on a wide range of issues important to medical-imaging professionals..

C2I2 2004 - a reminder of articles earlier this year...
Issue 4 (Spring/Summer 2004):
  • PET-CT-principles and practices
  • CT-colonography or colonoscopy
  • Renovascular hypertension I- Epidemiology and clinical presentation
  • Minimising radiation exposure

Issue 5 (Autumn 2004):
  • Endoluminal management of thoracic aortic dissections
  • Should integrated PET/CT be used for thoracic lesions?
  • Renovascular hypertension II - Imaging techniques
  • Metallurgical principles of Nitinol

We finish 2004 with our same aim of providing high-quality, informative articles of appeal to all our readers. In this issue, distinguished authors review radiographic contrast media and thrombosis, and discuss the use of cerebral protection during carotid artery stenting.We complete our series on renovascular hypertension and present an algorithm for the management of post-catheterisation pseudoaneurysms.

Continuing discussion...
Dr Mark Downes
We hope that C2I2 continues to provide a valuable source of information and generate interesting points for thought and discussion between you and your colleagues. Promoting high-level debate on current, key issues in imaging is a primary aim of the journal. Readers are always welcome to initiate or continue discussions arising from articles presented in the journal. Feedback and opinions on discussion articles, or other views on topics covered in the journal, can be sent to C2I2@choicemc.com, or to our postal address.We look forward to presenting and addressing matters raised by our readers in future issues, and continuing the interaction and crossover of knowledge between specialities.

In this issue...
  • Professor Laskey of Bethesda, Maryland, USA, discusses the effects of contrast media on thrombosis, as mediated through their interactions with components of the vascular system.
  • Three papers consider the controversy surrounding the use of cerebral protection during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Dr Doerfler and Professor Forsting based at Essen, Germany, consider available data on the use of cerebral protection devices and conclude that their routine use is not currently justified, as CAS without cerebral protection can be performed successfully in everyday practice. Dr Reimers of Mirano, Italy, discusses the utility and value of cerebral protection systems and suggests that available data support the mandatory use of cerebral protection for CAS. Professor Colombo and Dr Iakovou, from Milan, Italy, conclude the discussion with a review of the clinical use of protection devices, and propose their careful incorporation into current methods for percutaneous treatment of extracranial carotid disease.
  • Professor Roeren from Aarau, Switzerland, completes our series on renovascular hypertension by evaluating the indications and clinical outcomes for endovascular approaches to the treatment of renal artery stenosis.
  • Dr Munneke and colleagues in London, UK, describe the aetiology and risk factors for post-catheterisation pseudoaneurysms and describe thrombin injection as a method to resolve this access site complication.
We are sure you will find this issue of C2I2 enjoyable and look forward to the continued presentation and discussion of key issues in imaging in 2005.


December 2004, 1098/OS