Welcome Words

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

On behalf of the European Society of Thoracic Imaging, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 30th Annual Scientific Meeting in Rome, Italy, from May 09-11, 2024.

The conference will take place in the Parco dei Principi Hotel, situated in a tranquil area of the city centre, just a short walk from Villa Borghese, a lavish 17th-century garden on the Pincian Hill and one of Rome’s largest urban parks. It is the perfect spot to enjoy Roman art amidst the landscaped greenery, featuring statues, fountains, and villas throughout, as well as a breathtaking view over Rome near Piazza del Popolo and Trinità dei Monti with the Spanish Steps. The park is also home to the Galleria Borghese, one of the top art galleries in the world, which hosts the famous sculptures by Bernini and Canova, along with paintings by Tiziano, Raffaello and Caravaggio.

The scientific programme will focus on all the aspects of thoracic imaging, offering lectures on state-of-the-art CT, MRI, and interventional radiology. It will also include scientific presentations detailing the latest technical and diagnostic advancements in our field. With imaging playing a central role in diagnosis and therapy control, we aim to build a bridge between clinicians, radiologists, and industry, thus eliciting interdisciplinary discussion, teaching, and information sharing. We will delve into topics such as lung fibrosis, lung cancer screening and staging, response evaluation criteria to targeted and immuno-oncology therapies, lung infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence in chest disease diagnosis and quantification.

As you know, Rome is one of the most important historical sites in the world. Monuments from its glorious past are everywhere, spanning from ancient Roman remains to magnificent baroque churches. It is the site of the most expansive archaeological area and houses the most extensive art collections in the world, with works from ancient to contemporary art. Rome is not only a unique open-air museum that draws in millions of tourists annually, but it also offers an array of art exhibitions, museums, music halls, and theatres. The city’s lively and busy streets provide a magical and romantic ambiance by night, the perfect time to uncover the secrets of the Caput Mundi.

I hope you will appreciate the scientific content of the 30th ESTI Congress, coupled with the chance to engage with colleagues from diverse countries and backgrounds. This is an opportunity to exchange ideas not only with fellow radiologists but also with clinicians participating in our multidisciplinary sessions, all while enjoying the extraordinary history and unique charm of our host city.

Welcome to Rome!
Anna Rita Larici
ESTI President

X