Radiologic and near-infrared/optical spectroscopic imaging: where is the synergy?

OBJECTIVE: Optical and radiologic imaging are commonly used in preclinical research, and research into combined instruments for human applications is showing promise. The purpose of this article is to outline the fundamental limitations and advantages and to review the available systems. The emerging developments and future potential will be summarized. CONCLUSION: Integration of hybrid systems is now routine at the preclinical level and appears in the form of specialized packages in which performance varies considerably. The synergy is commonly focused on using spatial localization from radiographs to provide structural data for spectroscopy; however, applications also exist in which the spectroscopy informs the use of radiologic imaging. Examples of clinical systems under research and development are shown.