Learning and Teaching Neuroradiology

In 1994, I attended the ABC course in Bicêtre, France, and sought to learn the ABC of vascular neuroradiology. Deeply impressed not only by his knowledge but even more by the ability to illustrate his thoughts and to teach young neuroradiologists, I began reading Pierre Lasjaunias’ and Alex Berenstein’s books. More fascinating, during the years Pierre Lasjaunias continued to develop concepts and incorporated embryologic, molecular and genetic findings in these concepts. He collected patients from all over the world from colleagues accepting his outstanding skills in analyzing and treating vascular malformations in children and of the spine, however, he also transported his knowledge in many parts of the world creating a network of familiarity always pointing out that neuroradiology is more than bringing a microcatheter wherever you want.

Pierre Lasjaunias was the prototype of a scientist who wanted to get deeper in a delicate field of a speciality. This ambition contrasts with efforts that radiologists are supposed to be competent for the whole body. During the last decade, medical knowledge has dramatically increased, but even larger efforts are needed, e.g., to understand how genetic constellations and molecular mechanisms modify disease processes and whether therapeutic decisions should be derived from these findings. Fortunately, Pierre Lasjaunias’ and others’ dedicated knowledge of vascular neuroradiology enabled us to develop and perform interventional procedures which are nowadays the most important cause for others’ interest in our speciality.

It is our tribute to him to continue his work, always looking beyond the edge of our speciality and to come closer to his vision of neuroradiology at the forefront of neurosciences.

Horst Urbach, Bonn