The American College of Radiology's Task Force on Relationships between Radiology Groups and Hospitals proposes steps to improve relationships between radiologists and healthcare systems. Radiologists must re-dedicate themselves to providing value-added services to patients and referring physicians.
A study found that patients with positive CT exam results who exhibit inconsistent symptoms may have chronic or recurrent appendicitis and should undergo surgical treatment. The researchers reviewed medical records of 2,283 patients who underwent CT scans between 2002 and 2007.
Researchers used CASL MRI to compare cerebral blood flow in 11 non-medicated patients with schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls. The study revealed extensive areas of hypoperfusion in frontal lobes and higher cognitive function regions, while hyperperfusion was observed in cerebellum and brainstem.
A study of 2.5 million screening mammograms found improved detection of breast cancer from non-cancerous lesions over nine years, with increased recall rates and sensitivity rates. The increase in cancer detection outweighed false-positive test results, leading to a positive net effect.
A new rule at Massachusetts General Hospital has led to a significant decrease in unnecessary imaging exams for patients. The change encourages physicians to directly log into the system, reducing low-yield exams from 5.4% to 1.9%.
A study published by the American College of Radiology suggests that standard X-rays are less effective than CT scans in detecting pelvic fractures. The research found that 48% of pelvic injuries were missed using standard X-rays alone, and that CT scans provide more complete evaluation of suspected pelvic injuries.
Fluoroscopic (X-ray) guided steroid injections offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatment of hamstring tendonitis. The study found that 11 out of 16 patients showed major improvement after treatment, with no immediate or long-term complications reported.
A new technique called z-axis modulation can significantly reduce the radiation dose associated with unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the head. By applying this simple method, radiologists can achieve a 35% reduction in patient dose while maintaining optimal image quality and noise levels.
A study found that ultrasound can effectively diagnose muscle tears in soccer players during games, allowing for immediate play cessation. This non-invasive imaging modality helps prevent further injuries by detecting partial or complete muscle tears on-site.
A study found that preoperative MRI can help surgeons identify the neurovascular bundle and spare it during RALP, leading to better erectile function outcomes. The technique has improved surgical decision-making without compromising oncological results.
A study found that having a pathologist on-site during ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsies decreased the inadequacy rate from 13.5% to 5%. This improvement could reduce repeat biopsy rates by up to 60%, making more efficient use of resources. The study recommends using on-site pathology for large numbers of thyroid biopsies.
A study suggests that breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect breast lesions missed on mammography and ultrasound, influencing surgical management choices. Breast MRI positively impacts patient management decisions, potentially reducing the need for re-intervention by accurately assessing tumor extent.
A new study suggests that indeterminate breast lesions found in high-risk patients should be evaluated more aggressively to exclude a possible malignancy. The research found that 22% of these lesions were proven positive for cancer on follow-up and subsequent biopsy, highlighting the need for earlier evaluation.
A study of 28 radiologists found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, including lower back pain, wrist pain, and headaches, due to inadequate workstation ergonomics. The findings highlight the importance of researching workstation design to minimize long-term implications for radiologists.
A study suggests that preoperative breast MRI can reduce local breast cancer recurrences at follow-up, particularly in young patients with dense breast tissue. The study found that patients who received a contrast-enhanced MRI prior to surgery had significantly fewer local recurrence cases.
A study found that younger patients, aged 31 and under, have a higher estimated radiation risk associated with abdominal CT scans. The risk is double that of older patients, highlighting the need for clinicians to carefully consider imaging orders based on patient age.
A study published in Cell Transplantation has found that using ICG to label human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes substantially improves efforts to optically track stem cells after transplanting them into heart tissues. The labeling procedure did not impair the viability or functional integrity of the cells.
Advanced imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI can shorten hospital stays and decrease costs. Studies found that early imaging on the day before or day of admission resulted in a one-day shorter length of stay for certain patients.
A study by Annette J. Johnson, MD, MS, found that direct patient access to imaging test results could increase anxiety and workload for physicians. Radiologists and referring physicians agreed on potential benefits, but also raised concerns about patients' ability to understand written reports and the impact on physician time.
A large-scale study of 10,000 adults found that virtual colonoscopy identifies more unsuspected cancers outside the colon than within it. The majority of these cancers were detected at an early stage and have positively affected survival.
A new study found that chest x-rays can predict which H1N1 patients are likely to become sicker. Abnormal findings in the periphery of both lungs were associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study's findings suggest that chest x-rays may help clinicians better identify high-risk patients who require close monitoring.
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that X-rays are often inconclusive in detecting hip and pelvic fractures. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm or rule out fractures, revealing a significant number of missed diagnoses.
A modified technique for ECG-triggered coronary CTA significantly reduces the radiation dose delivered to patients, with no impact on image quality or interpretability. The study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, involved 886 patients and found a 45% increase in radiation dose with increased padding duration.
The study found significant variations in pulmonary embolism diagnosis imaging tests used by physicians, depending on their specialty and geographic location. This suggests that some imaging may be unnecessary or inappropriate.
Researchers developed percutaneous soft tissue cryotherapy as an effective treatment for cancer that has metastasized in soft tissues and bones. The procedure resulted in an average of 77% tumor shrinkage in patients after 24 months, with preserved fibrous or collagenous structures promoting better healing.
Three Society of Interventional Radiology members, John D. Fulco, Irvin F. Hawkins Jr., and David C. Levin, were awarded the society's Gold Medal for advancing interventional radiology and improving patient care.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered a potential new treatment using bone marrow stem cells to build new blood vessels in the upper leg. The treatment, which uses X-ray-visible microbubbles to deliver stem cells, was shown to dramatically improve the body's ability to form new blood vessels and provide a more...
A new treatment using intra-arterial yttrium-90 microspheres has shown promising results in extending the lives of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with portal vein thrombosis. The treatment offers a minimally invasive option for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Radiofrequency ablation treatment destroys cancer locally, extending life for colon cancer patients. Average survival rate after RFA is 91% at one year, 66% at two years, and 41% at three years.
Researchers have developed a novel interventional radiology treatment called nanoembolization, which uses gold nanoparticles to kill cancer cells. The treatment involves injecting the nanoparticles directly into tumors via an artery near the tumor site, bypassing scar tissue that blocks traditional treatments.
Magnetic resonance-guided focal therapy offers a new treatment choice for patients with recurrent prostate cancer, providing an alternative to radiation therapy and hormone manipulation. The procedure involves tailored treatment modality and duration based on lesion size and location, preserving sexual and urinary function.
The new clinical guidelines offer recommendations for the diagnosis and management of thoracic aortic disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Risk factors include high blood pressure, age, male gender, and genetic conditions that weaken connective tissue.
Members of the Society of Interventional Radiology have filed over 2,400 patents and patent applications, pioneering modern medicine with devices and drugs. These innovations continue to shape and change the medical landscape, enabling interventional radiologists to treat patients without invasive surgery.
Researchers successfully froze breast cancer in patients who refused surgery, with no localized treatment recurrences seen for up to five years and no significant complications noted. The study used image-guided, multiprobe cryotherapy, which provided safe and effective breast conservation with minimal discomfort.
Researchers found that abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) test results are prevalent among individuals not considered high risk for coronary heart disease by Framingham risk score. This simple test can help identify those who may be at risk for future heart attacks, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A study of 792 patients with multiple myeloma found that vertebroplasty significantly reduced pain intensity, medication usage, and disability. The procedure improved mobility in nearly half of the patients, who also reported considering vertebroplasty again if needed.
Michael C. Soulen, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, received the prestigious Dr. Charles T. Dotter Lecture honor for his seminal contributions to interventional oncology. Soulen has also made significant research in interventional radiology, publishing nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles.
A study of nearly 1,500 patients over seven years found that vertebroplasty significantly improves back pain within hours and provides long-term pain relief. Collaboration between interventional radiologists and medical experts is crucial for the best results.
A global study indicates that uterine fibroid embolization has a comparable fertility rate to myomectomy, the gold standard surgical treatment, for women seeking to conceive. The procedure showed a 58.1% fertility rate, similar to myomectomy's 57% success rate.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a new interventional radiology tool showing promise in treating uterine fibroids, offering lasting relief from symptoms without surgery. In a study of over 100 patients, women experienced significant improvement in symptoms, with 90% reporting considerable or excellent relief.
A new cerebral protection device has been shown to effectively reduce particles released during carotid stenting procedures, preventing strokes. The Mo.Ma device provides an alternative to surgery for stroke prevention, with a low major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event rate of 2.7%.
Drug-eluting stents have shown promising results in treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with critical limb ischemia, rivaling bypass surgery in primary patency rates of up to 81.8% and freedom from major amputation of up to 90.6%. The treatment offers a safe and effective solution for tiny blocked arteries below the knee.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Press has released an updated edition of 'Patient Care in Vascular and Interventional Radiology,' a 448-page resource covering major aspects of patient care. The new edition is complemented by a study guide, presenting questions and detailed answers for continuing medical education.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed gold nanocages that selectively accumulate in tumors and convert laser light to heat, killing malignant cells. The treatment avoids warm surrounding tissue, making it a promising approach for cancer therapy.
A recent study found that embedding clinical images in radiology reports enhances communication between radiologists and referring physicians, leading to improved patient care. The study, which included 35 cases of abdominal CT scans, showed that attaching relevant images to the report helped make management decisions more confident an...
A large academic medical center found that a significant percentage of outpatient referrals for CT and MRI studies from primary care physicians were inappropriate. The study, performed at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, included medical records from 459 elective outpatient CT and MR examinations.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that PET scanner ownership by non-radiologists has significantly increased, outpacing radiologist-owned scans. This trend contributes to unnecessary imaging utilization and increased costs.
A new study published in Radiology shows that an imaging exam using the latest generation of CT technology exposes patients to up to 91% less radiation than standard helical CT scanning. The new volume scanner can image the entire heart in one piece, eliminating artifacts and reducing radiation exposure.
A randomized multicenter study of 190 patients shows stent grafts are more effective in treating blocked access in kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis. The study found nearly 51% of dialysis accesses remained open at six months with stent grafts, compared to just 23% with balloon angioplasties.
A new FDA-approved stent graft keeps blood vessels open longer in dialysis patients, reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures and cost savings. The study found that patients with the stent were more than twice as likely to have open vessels after six months.
The study found that videoconferencing enabled successful completion of education programs for radiology trainees in remote locations, removing the need for travel and increasing participation rates. Satisfaction with course content and delivery was high among participants.
The National Institutes of Health is implementing a system to track radiation dose exposure from medical imaging tests, aiming to determine potential cancer risks. The electronic medical record will store and retrieve reports on radiation doses, allowing for the collection of data necessary to assess cancer risk.
Researchers may use epigenetics to assess potential harm from CT scans and other low-dose radiation. The study's author argues that future trends in diseases could be linked to current CT usage.
A study found that preoperative computed tomography (CT) use among women of reproductive age coincided with a significant decrease in negative appendectomies. The increased utilization of CT and advances in technology led to improved diagnosis and reduced false-positive diagnoses, resulting in lower unnecessary surgeries.
A study published in Radiology found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC), or virtual colonoscopy, is a safe and effective screening tool for older adults. The advanced neoplastic prevalence was 7.6 percent, with no significant difference in accuracy compared to younger patients.
Researchers developed a computer program that accurately measures the meniscus in radiology images, providing potential biomarkers for osteoarthritis. The program's automated measurements are as reliable or more reliable than human interpretations, completing tasks in minutes rather than hours.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that digital mammography significantly lowers radiation doses (22%) compared to conventional film mammography. This reduction could be greater for women with larger and denser breasts, leading to improved cancer detection rates.
Researchers found that handheld devices like PDAs and iPod Touch can display medical images accurately, comparable to secondary monitors, with significant benefits for teleconsultation and emergency procedures.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that a simple educational intervention and routing patients to V/Q scanning or CTPA based on chest X-ray results significantly reduced CT scan usage and radiation exposure. The medical center saw a 20% reduction in radiation dose from 8.0 mSv to 6.4 mSv.
Researchers found a significant correlation between mammography center availability and breast cancer mortality rates, with lower rates in counties with more facilities. Mammography availability was linked to a decrease in breast cancer mortality rates, suggesting that increasing access to these services can lead to better outcomes.