The Institute of Medicine recommends stricter resident duty hour regulations to reduce fatigue-related errors and ensure patient safety. The new guidelines focus on regular sleep opportunities for residents, rather than reducing maximum weekly work hours.
A study published in the journal Cancer found that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) significantly reduced pain from bone metastases in patients. RFA is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses heat to kill tumor cells, eliminating the need for strong narcotic pain management.
The new SBI and ACR recommendations suggest that breast cancer screening should begin at age 40, with annual screening recommended for average-risk patients. High-risk patients may start screening as early as age 30. The guidelines aim to reduce mortality rates from breast cancer through earlier detection.
A study found that only 51.6% of eligible women completed a screening MRI, with claustrophobia as the primary reason for nonparticipation. Alternative methods like ultrasound may be considered for high-risk women who cannot undergo MRI screening.
A study found that middle-aged men and women who engage in high levels of physical activity are at greater risk for developing knee abnormalities and osteoarthritis. High-impact activities like running and jumping carry a greater risk, while low-impact activities like swimming and cycling may protect against disease.
The Image Sharing Demonstration at RSNA 2009 showcases methods for sharing images, reports, and medical history to enhance patient care in radiology. The project aims to enable 'meaningful use' of electronic health records and improve interoperability between medical institutions.
Computerized provider order entry/decision support systems offer an education-focused method of utilization management, tracking physician performance and comparing scores to peers. This approach has been shown to reduce imaging utilization by 2.75%, 1.2%, and 1.3% for CT, MRI, and ultrasound respectively.
A recent study found that 95% of radiation oncologists utilize advanced imaging modalities like FDG-PET and MRI for target delineation. The most common technologies used were FDG-PET and MRI, with nearly 75% of respondents using one or both.
A study published in JACR found that on-call radiology residents can accurately interpret emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours. The accuracy of image interpretation is crucial for diagnostic radiology, with clinicians relying solely on preliminary interpretations to make treatment decisions.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that short-term follow-up is an acceptable alternative to invasive biopsy for women with palpable breast lesions showing benign imaging features. The study included 320 women with 375 masses and showed a low prevalence of breast cancer.
A new medical imaging technique called dynamic MRI has been found to identify pelvic organ prolapse in women with lower urinary tract symptoms. The condition can go undiagnosed due to its lack of symptoms at rest, but becomes apparent when the patient strains.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that combining triple-drug TACE with a liver transplant significantly increased long-term survival rates for patients with unresectable liver cancer. The median survival time for patients who underwent the procedure was over 112 months.
A new study published in Radiology found that using standardized words and phrases from a pull-down menu actually decreased the completeness and accuracy of radiology reports. Researchers tested two groups of residents on different reporting methods, finding that structured software resulted in less complete and accurate reports.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism. The treatment was lifesaving in 86.5% of cases studied and had only a 2.4% chance of major complications.
Researchers found that patients are dissatisfied with the current system of receiving radiology test results, citing long delays and lack of detail. The study suggests that patients would prefer to have secure online access to their medical records, including detailed results, to improve their care experience.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that hospitals using more in-patient diagnostic imaging exams had significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates without a corresponding increase in costs. The study analyzed data from over 100 hospitals and more than 1 million patient outcomes, suggesting...
Residents can educate Congress, medical community, and public about CTC efficacy and importance of radiologist training. They are urged to support Medicare coverage and become proficient in performing and interpreting CTC during residency.
A Stanford study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy can save lives in people with massive blood clots in their lungs. The treatment was effective in 86.5% of cases and appeared to be safer than existing treatments.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans are more effective than standard X-rays in detecting abnormalities in patients with the H1N1 virus. The extent of disease was better characterized on CT scans, making them a superior imaging modality for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that modifying risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes remains vital to combating peripheral arterial disease. While some patients with blocked leg arteries may not exhibit symptoms, early detection and treatment are still essential to prevent progression and potential complications.
A new scale, the Duke Abdominal Assessment Scale (DAAS), helps clinicians determine disease severity and need for surgery in infants with NEC. The DAAS provides a standardized 10-point radiographic scale that increases with disease severity, enabling earlier detection of patients at risk for developing severe NEC.
The use of external teleradiology services (EOTSs) has slowed in recent years, contradicting predictions of market expansion. Many radiology practices that initially adopted EOTSs have since stopped using them, suggesting a possible decline in their widespread adoption.
Researchers have found that patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications, including pulmonary embolism. Imaging studies may need to be repeated in severely ill patients to monitor disease progression.
A large cohort study of 456,930 contrast doses found only 522 cases of adverse effects, most being mild and non-severe. The study suggests that contrast agents are safe to use and essential for diagnosis, with the advent of new agents improving their safety profile.
Researchers explore image-guided interventional radiology procedures as a central role in treating DVT. These techniques aim to eliminate blood clots completely, potentially improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications. A national clinical trial is underway to confirm the effectiveness of this approach.
Researchers validated a simple blood test to assess treatment effectiveness in metastatic breast cancer patients, correlating CTC count with disease response. The study supports the use of CTC enumeration as an adjunct to standard clinical and radiographic methods.
Radiologists and medical physicists have implemented low-dose protocols and tracking systems to reduce cumulative ionizing radiation exposure. The Radiological Society of North America has launched initiatives to raise awareness of radiation risks and explore opportunities to improve patient safety through partnerships with the America...
Researchers have identified a new treatment option for patients with ruptured brain aneurysms using stent-assisted coil embolization, which was successful in 72% of cases. The procedure offers an alternative to surgical repair or balloon-assisted embolization, particularly for wide-necked aneurysms.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found a strong link between concussions and brain tissue injury, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to detect subtle changes in the brain. The study suggests that DTI scanning could help diagnose concussions and predict lasting loss of executive function.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that cuts off blood flow to painful fibroids, killing tumors and subsiding symptoms. This procedure can significantly decrease the hysterectomy rate in the United States, benefiting over 300,000 women annually.
A study performed at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that MRI can evaluate beta cell mass and detect inflammation of the pancreas in patients with diabetes. This information can aid physicians in developing personalized treatment plans and achieving insulin independence for patients.
A study at UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA found that combining digital breast tomosynthesis and full-field digital mammography can decrease recall rates by 30% for cancer-free examinations. This could alleviate patient stress and economic burden on imaging facilities.
A study found that many coronary angioplasty procedures in developing countries exceed the known dose reference level, highlighting the need for patient dose estimations and management. The research aims to introduce these concepts to interventional radiologists and cardiologists in these countries.
Janet Leigh, Chair of Oral Medicine and Radiology at LSUHSC New Orleans School of Dentistry, is a RWJF Health Policy Fellow. She will participate in the policy process at the federal level, accelerating her career as a leader in health policy.
A new low-dose unenhanced CT scan has been shown to correctly identify patients with appendicitis while delivering 50% less radiation than traditional standard-dose enhanced CT scans. The study used this method on 78 patients and achieved high accuracy rates from two independent radiologists.
A new treatment method, Vesselplasty, has been shown to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures. The study, which included 29 patients, found significant improvements in pain scores and mobility, with no clinical complications reported.
A breakthrough technology developed by the US Navy is being adapted for breast cancer detection, offering improved reliability in early detection. The technology complements existing radiology devices by yielding more detailed images of faint cancerous lesions.
A major electronic collection of articles about uterine artery embolization is now available, providing information on the treatment's benefits and technical aspects. The collection includes studies that demonstrate the procedure's lower cost compared to traditional surgery.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology has consistently high quality and influence, ranking in the top half of 90 radiology journals. The Society of Interventional Radiology offers an International Affiliate Program with online-only access to professionals outside North America.
A recent study published in Radiology found that obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of rapid cartilage loss in the knees. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 participants, identified baseline BMI as a key predictor of rapid cartilage loss.
A study found that cardiac CT workups are more cost-effective than traditional care for low-risk chest pain patients, reducing hospital stays by up to 20 hours and lowering charges by 44%. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly reduce costs in emergency departments.
A new study published in Radiology found that MRI can accurately diagnose deep endometriosis and locate lesions prior to surgery. The technique was effective in detecting the disease's extent and involvement of surrounding organs, such as the colon and bladder.
The Society of Interventional Radiology has released new clinical practice guidelines for managing patient radiation dose in interventional procedures. The guidelines emphasize the need for diligence in safely using fluoroscopy to minimize radiation exposure, particularly in procedures such as embolization and TIPS creation.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have discovered a way to lower patient radiation doses during pulmonary CT angiography. By adjusting the peak kilovoltage setting, they were able to achieve superior vascular enhancement while maintaining image quality.
A recent study has found that gadolinium-based contrast agents alone are not sufficient to cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with kidney problems. Despite high doses, these agents did not trigger NSF, suggesting that other factors may be necessary for the disease to develop.
A new minimally invasive procedure has been shown to provide immediate symptom relief for patients with rotator cuff tendonitis. The treatment uses ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy to break up calcium deposits and restore mobility. Results showed significant improvement in pain and mobility, even at long-term follow-up.
A new study found that approximately 50% of radiologists surveyed reported never having their vision tested or it had been 24 months or longer since their last exam. The study, conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams for radiologists to maintain optimal visual accuracy.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MDCT angiography accurately recommends successful treatment for patients with critical limb ischemia, allowing them to avoid surgery. The procedure was also shown to be a low-risk option compared to traditional digital subtraction angiography.
A UCF researcher is developing a computer program to analyze brain scans and automatically measure tumor size in 3D. The program has shown up to 90% accuracy compared to human analysis and could help determine treatment plans for patients.
The I-SPY trial offers critical insights into locally advanced breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring growing breast masses. The study found that most interval cancers are discovered between routine mammogram exams, suggesting a need for better screening strategies.
A study at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center found that nearly 20% of patients with recent breast cancer diagnoses had additional malignant tumors detected only by Breast MRI. The detection of these 'unsuspected' cancers is critical for patient health and survival.
A study of over 1 million radiology reports found that side discrepancy errors, incorrectly noting the side of a lesion, were clinically important and occurred more frequently in female patients. Radiologists should verify these errors, while physicians and patients must also collaborate to ensure accurate clinical management.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has awarded over $2 million in grant funding since its inception, including $191,000 to 13 researchers. The grants support research training, seed grants, and academic development funding.
The American College of Radiology has reaffirmed its support for clinical patient management by vascular and interventional radiologists. These specialists provide minimally invasive treatment options with less risk, pain, and recovery time compared to open surgery. With this extension, interventional radiologists are formalizing their...
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that 3T MRI detected 66 malignant lesions, while mammography detected 54 and sonography detected 57. This suggests that 3T MRI is an important tool for early breast cancer detection and more accurate disease evaluation.
A study found that most ordering physicians underestimate radiation doses from CT scans and overestimate their cancer risk, according to the American College of Radiology. The study suggests that improved radiation education is needed for medical professionals.
A new imaging technique called breast elastography enables accurate diagnoses of breast cancer by analyzing tissue stiffness. This study found that breast elastography outperformed conventional ultrasound in diagnosing breast cancers, reducing unnecessary biopsies and patient anxiety.
A study by American College of Radiology found that educating physicians about ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scanning reduced patient radiation exposure from 11.5 mSv in 2006 to 8.9 mSv in 2007. VQ scanning is now preferred for patients with normal chest x-rays suspected of having pulmonary embolism.
MRI technology successfully identifies prostate cancer spread beyond the gland, helping doctors determine if surgery is necessary. The study reviewed 119 patients and found that MRI correctly identified 95% of T2 cases and 75% of T3 disease
A study found that ultrasound significantly changed management decisions for 50% of patients with rheumatic hand and foot conditions. Ultrasound increased certainty in clinical findings, ranging from 24% to 56%, and led to a decrease in the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for difficult-to-assess patients.