Historical development of Croatian radiology.

ABSTRACT

The history of the development of Croatian radiology is described, from the first beginnings to the present. Very soon after Roentgen's discovery in 1895, not only communications and informative lectures, but also the first x-ray device appeared in Zagreb and then in many other towns in Croatia. The first specialists in roentgenology and x-ray technician were educated at Professor Holzknecht's Roentgenology Institute in Vienna. After the opening of the University School of Medicine in Zagreb in 1917/1918, the Chair of Roentgenology, headed by Professor L. Popovic, was founded as early as 1922. Here the first specialization for physicians was organized. After the second world war, with the foundation of Medical Schools in Rijeka, Osijek and Split, Croatian radiology steadily progressed. Autonomous departments and institutes for diagnostic and therapeutic radiology were organized at all large medical centers. Thanks to gynecologists, ultrasound has not only developed at radiologic units, but also at departments of gastroenterology, orthopedics, pediatrics and others. Today, there are many units for interventional ultrasonography throughout Croatia. Radioisotope units have also been organized, but only in the main medical centers, rarely in small ones. At present, there are five radiotherapy and oncology institutions in Zagreb, and one in Rijeka, Split and Osijek. Interventional radiology has been well organized since the 80s, and the First Congress of Diagnostic and interventional Radiology was held in Rijeka in 1994. In conclusion, there is no doubt that the Croatian radiology keeps pace with the international advances in the field.