In search of venous thromboembolism: the first 2913 years.
OBJECTIVE
Venous thromboembolism was first described in India around 600-900 BC. It was not until the 17th through 19th centuries that Western researchers began to understand the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Roentgen's discovery of x-rays in 1895 led to the first objective imaging.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently, scintigraphy, helical CT, MRI, and sonography provide accurate in vivo images. These high-quality images have forced clinicians to reevaluate many preimaging assumptions about and treatments for venous thromboembolism.
1 Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Hospital, 9200 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226-3596.
Lawrence R
LR
Goodman
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000266:history*; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000266:history*