Neurovascular imaging: seeing the future more clearly

I am very happy to present the new journal titled Neurovascular Imaging (NVI), published by BioMed Central. The field of neurovascular imaging is a pivotal point at the intersection of neuroradiology, vascular neurology and vascular neurosurgery. Neurovascular research is a growing field and it is my opinion that a dedicated space for research in this field is necessary.

In recent years, research in the field of neurovascular imaging has grown and changed through the exploration of both the morphological features associated with the pathology [1–3] and the pathways that lead to the early development of pathological conditions [4, 5]. In particular, the introduction of new CT and MR technologies opened new territories in the neurovascular imaging field [6–8]. Epidemiological analyses have shown that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the western world [9] and several recently published studies have underlined the link between the vessel (small and medium size) and brain disorders [10, 11]. The purpose of this journal will be to publish the latest research and educational papers about the key topics in neurovascular imaging.

The main topics of focus for NVI include (but are not limited to): (1) Basis of pathology and technique (2) Carotid and vertebral artery, (3) Intracranial arterial circulation, (4) Stroke imaging, (5) Veins imaging, (6) Spine circulation, (7) Pediatric vascular disease. The journal will publish not only articles that cover “how to image” or “how to identify” some specific anatomy part or disease, but mainly scientific studies that explore the diagnostic process by using imaging. The vision is to consider the use of imaging as an advanced tool to perform the diagnosis of a disease and to identify associations between pathological conditions.

The modality of publication of the articles in NVI is the open access publishing model [12, 13]; this approach has several advantages, including a wide readership resulting from unrestricted access.

In the past, the traditional business model for scientific publishers relied on restricting access to published research in order to recoup the costs of the publication process. This approach was proven to work in the past but it is becoming apparent that the reality is rapidly changing and the necessity of restricting access to published research nowadays is debatable. It is well demonstrated that to produce “science,” it is important for the unrestricted flow of information in order to develop the necessary critical mass of new ideas to make a “quantum leap” the research [14].

The Editorial Board is composed by world-renowned leaders in the various fields of neurovascular imaging, some of whom are some of the fathers of this topic. Readers can be assured that NVI will be home to high-quality research submitted and reviewed by the leading people in the field.

In conclusion, I have high hopes for Neurovascular Imaging; its duty is complex, but I am sure that NVI will achieve its goals in the best way.