Pietro Cignolini

Born in Genoa in 1897, Pietro Cignolini obtained his professorship in radiology in 1929 and was chief department of the Medical Clinic at the University of Genoa, from 1926 to 1956. He was author of about 300 scientific publications, including many medical treatises, and reached an international noteworthy reputation in the field of cardiovascular radiodiagnostics as pioneer of the analytical kymography by means of his polikymography. This was the only method used for a direct study of the cardiac muscle until the spread of ultrasound, CT and magnetic resonance in the 1970s. Prof. Cignolini was the founder of the Department of Radiology at the Policlinico of Palermo, nowadays entitled with his name.

The Cignolini's kymograph, produced by the company Farnumed in Milan, was used for cardiac Röntgenkymography. This radiological technique produced a continuous recording on a radiographic film showing the temporal variation of any cardiac process. The device is composed by a two-column stand, which supports the kymographic device ("chimney box"), vertically adjustable in relation to the patient's height. Two seats are connected to the columns of the stand, one for the patient and the other for the operator. In the kymographic device there are four perfectly equal lanes, where, in relation to the needs, different accessories of the same size are introduced, i.e. different types of grids, a special X-ray cassette for 30 x 40 cm films and a suitable fluoroscopic screen.

The Cignolini's kymograph is now displayed at the Museum of Radiology of the University of Palermo, in the section dedicated to Prof. Pietro Cignolini. In this picture some original device’s details can be seen: e.g. the operator's seat, adjustable in height through a command in the control panel. The seat is a Radaelli saddle derived from motorcycles.

Side view of the Cignolini's kymograph showing the opposite seating pattern between the patient (on the right) and the operator (on the left).

An original letter from Professor Pietro Cignolini to Professor Giuseppe Bignami, director of the radiology center of the Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia.

A 1935 letter sent by Carlo Hoepli, son of the founder of the homonymous editor, to professor Pietro Cignolini asking for information and images regarding the emerging analytical kymography.

A 1939 letter through which professor Mario Lenzi, director of the Institute of Radiology of the Policlinico of Modena (from 1956 to 1979), thanks prof. Pietro Cignolini for sending noteworthy scientific materials and information.

Letter from prof. Massimo Lupo, head of the San Giuliano Hospital in Novara, sent to prof. Pietro Cignolini, illustrating scientific researches in the radiological field.

An original letter from the Secretary of the Italian Finance Minister asking prof. Pietro Cignolini updates on his scientific research.

An original letter sent in 1948 to Prof. Pietro Cignolini by Prof. Gian Giuseppe Palmieri, Professor of Radiology at the University of Bologna and president of the Italian Society of Medical Radiology.

A letter sent to prof. Pietro Cignolini by prof. Pietro Perona of the University of Padua, famous for his parallel slit kymograph.

A 1934 letter sent to Prof. Pietro Cignolini by prof. Luigi Turano, Professor of Radiology at the University La Sapienza of Rome, later president of the Italian Society of Medical Radiology (from 1954 to 1958).

A report of analytical kymography, which is a reduction from 30 x 40 cm format film. The numbered segments represent in order: n. 2 and n. 3 the diaphragm muscle; n. 4 the right atrium; n. 7 the aorta; n. 8 the left atrium; n. 9 the left ventricle, at the level of the heart valves; n. 10 the left ventricle at tip level; n. 11 left side of the diaphragm muscle.

The second type of Cignolini's kymograph realized in 1931.

The third type of Cignolini's kymograph realized in 1932.

The fourth type of Cignolini's kymograph realized in 1934.

The Cignolini's regmograph realized in 1938. The regmography is a X-ray recording technique to produce images by means of decreased exposure to X-rays.