A quality improvement initiative at an American College of Radiology institution led to a significant reduction in unnecessary follow-up imaging for adnexal cystic lesions. The initiative improved sonographic characterization and imaging triage, increasing confidence in characterizing certain lesions as physiologic or benign.
A study found a substantial decrease in the use of nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging from 2006 to 2011, with a 51% relative decline. The study suggests changing physician behavior and declines in incident coronary disease contributed to the reduction.
Researchers developed a unique, compact imaging device to 'light up' malignant brain tumors using scorpion venom protein and a laser. The system consists of a special camera and an imaging agent that targets cancer cells, enabling neurosurgeons to remove more tumor and spare healthy tissue during surgery.
A study found that susceptibility-weighted imaging can detect small clusters of hypointensity in the brain, indicating acute and chronic injuries from concussion or subconcussive events. The research also identified sex differences in the extent of these changes.
Researchers developed a reliable 3-D MRI imaging technique to study premature brain development. This allows for early identification of delayed tracts and potential treatments, enabling proactive therapies within weeks of birth.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology reveals that there is minimal change in regional variation of imaging utilization between 2007 and 2011. In contrast, regional variation in imaging costs and other major health services categories remains significant.
A new 3-D phase contrast X-ray imaging system will help evaluate and monitor bioengineered tissues in a living body. The technique addresses limitations of conventional X-ray imaging technologies.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed prototype calibration tools for ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF-MRI), a technique that provides new contrast mechanisms and practical advantages. The ULF-MRI phantoms are designed to allow direct comparison of performance between ULF-MRI and clinica...
Researchers used 18F-FDOPA PET imaging to differentiate between radiation-induced lesions and new tumor growth in brain metastases patients, achieving an accuracy of 83% with visual scoring. The study found that 18F-FDOPA PET imaging was highly prognostic of progression-free survival and overall survival.
Researchers used brain imaging to track pregabalin's effects on fibromyalgia patients, finding reduced glutamate levels and decreased insula connectivity. This study suggests a future of targeted brain imaging approaches for chronic widespread pain treatment.
Researchers analyzed 36 cases of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor in the spinal cord, finding that patchy reinforcement on MRI and inflammatory cell infiltration are key features. The study aims to reduce misdiagnosis rate and improve patient quality of life by providing accurate imaging and clinical properties.
A group of Grand Valley State University students and faculty are working with Van Andel Institute to develop new methods for early cancer detection using advanced imaging technology. The partnership has led to significant advancements in the medical imaging field, with potential applications for predicting tumor growth and spread.
Researchers from UT Arlington and MIT developed a new technology that allows for quantitative microscopy through opaque media, enabling the observation of cellular processes in lab-on-a-chip devices. The technique uses near infrared light and quantitative phase imaging to achieve label-free imaging with nanometer thickness accuracy.
Researchers created an innovative imaging system with a deformable lens and iris-like component, allowing for precise control of light focus. The device focuses light almost as well as the biological counterpart in people, with potential applications in medicine and scientific research.
Researchers have developed a new optical imaging technique to track molecular movement, cell abnormalities, and fluid dynamics within tumors. This approach combines two high-tech methods to provide unprecedented insights into human cancer biology and aid in drug discovery.
A study published in Radiology found that patients referred by physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment were more likely to receive negative findings on knee MRI exams. This suggests that financial incentives may drive overuse of high-tech imaging, contributing to escalating medical costs.
The Journal of Medical Imaging will cover fundamental and translational research and applications focused on photonics in medical imaging. The journal will mirror the scope of the annual SPIE Medical Imaging symposium, covering topics such as imaging physics, tomographic reconstruction algorithms, image processing, and more.
A new form of imaging technology, PET/MRI, is being explored for its potential to improve diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for various types of cancer. Researchers found that PET/MRI enhanced the ability to detect malignant areas and diagnose several types of cancers more accurately.
A multicenter trial found that BI-RADS 3 breast lesions have a malignancy rate of 0.8%, with most cancers detected at 12-month follow-up imaging. The study suggests that extending the follow-up interval from six to 12 months for these lesions may reduce unnecessary biopsies and exams.
Researchers developed a single-pixel imaging technique using coded apertures to quickly manipulate THz waves, producing high-fidelity images in seconds. The technique has the potential to revolutionize areas like chemical fingerprinting, security imaging, and real-time skin cancer detection.
A new study found that patient and visit factors, such as prior visits, referral sources and clinical reasons, are the primary predictors of imaging use in emergency departments. Physician-related factors had a minimal impact on imaging utilization.
A new University of Florida study suggests a brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders. The diffusion tensor imaging technique was used on 72 patients with movement disorder diagnoses, with high accuracy achieved in separating the patients into disorder groups.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging agent, Tc-99m MIP-1404, which binds to PSMA enzyme in prostate cancer cells, enabling detection of metastases. The agent shows promise in detecting lesions more accurately than standard bone imaging.
A US study found that reducing unnecessary and high-dose pediatric CT scans could lower the overall lifetime risk of future imaging-related cancers by 62 percent. The research suggests that eliminating unnecessary imaging and lowering doses for the highest-dose scans could prevent thousands of future cancers.
The new SPECT/MR system offers exceptional molecular imaging capabilities, reducing patient exposure to ionizing radiation and offering customized multifunctional imaging. It has the potential to diversify options for clinicians and biomedical investigators, with possible human trials in the near future.
Researchers used parallel PET/MR imaging to map chemotherapy distribution before surgery, improving risk stratification and patient management. This study suggests simultaneous PET/MR imaging can benefit patients by predicting cancer recurrence and avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy.
A new hybrid molecular imaging system combines positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance to detect recurrent prostate cancer. The study reveals that PET/MR finds more areas of metastases than PET/CT, making it a viable alternative for restaging patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
A comparative heart imaging study found that PET/MR measures up to PET/CT in cardiac applications, with comparable results for heart muscle viability assessment. The technology has implications for future studies into ischemic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia development after cardiac arrest.
The new technology uses tiny radiofrequency solenoids to track patient movement, optimizing image reconstruction and reducing artifacts. This innovation improves brain imaging for patients with dementia, leading to better diagnostic imaging and therapy monitoring.
Researchers developed a new dual agent scan that can differentiate between diabetic foot infection and a non-infectious complication in nerve-damaged joints. The technique combines agents targeting bone cell activity and immune response, allowing doctors to accurately diagnose and rule out unnecessary scans.
A new molecular imaging technique, F-18 FET, has been shown to be highly effective in detecting and differentiating brain lesions in children, with an accuracy rate of 94%. This study improves the clinical management of pediatric brain cancer patients by providing more accurate information about tumor progression and treatment.
Noninvasive imaging tests like CT, MR, and PET may help evaluate and manage diabetes by assessing changes in fat composition and distribution. This can aid in early disease detection and identify functional abnormalities before symptoms appear.
Multispectral photoacoustic imaging distinguishes between benign and malignant prostate tissue with a high degree of accuracy. The new technique, which combines laser optics and ultrasound imaging technologies, predicts 25 out of 26 benign tissues and 13 out of 16 malignant tissues correctly.
A new breast imaging algorithm is being implemented in Uganda to diagnose and treat women with palpable breast masses. The program combines a unique diagnostic algorithm with targeted community outreach to combat myths surrounding cancer, aiming for early diagnosis and effective care.
Scientists use AwakeSPECT to study Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's disease by acquiring functional images of conscious mouse brains. The system, developed at Jefferson Lab, tracks movement and removes motion artifacts, providing detailed brain chemistry changes.
A study found that brain imaging after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion can detect microbleed lesions and tube-shaped linear lesions, which may be associated with vascular injury. These lesions could potentially provide a target for treating people with mTBI.
Two novel radiolabeled small molecules targeting PSMA have excellent potential for diagnosing and staging prostate cancer. The imaging agents showed a high sensitivity of lesion detection in bone, soft tissue, and the prostate gland.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source are transforming X-ray microscopy into a widely available form of high-resolution imaging. State-of-the-art instruments can create three-dimensional images with elemental and/or chemical sensitivity, allowing for unprecedented insights into biological systems.
The Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging aims to provide a cutting-edge communication platform for professionals developing and utilizing imaging techniques in forensic analysis. Research published in the journal covers topics such as imaging technologies, education, and best practices in forensic radiology and imaging.
A research team in Japan has developed a new imaging method that allows for detailed intracellular temperature maps, revealing the temperature difference varies greatly depending on the location in the cell. This breakthrough may lead to a better understanding of diseases like cancer and its pathogenesis.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published the first guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's disease, providing a framework for healthcare practitioners to determine when to order this test. The guidelines emphasize that amyloid PET imaging should be used judiciously, particularly among elderly indi...
Serial compression ultrasonography with Doppler imaging is a reliable method for ruling out deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women, detecting 94% of cases. This approach safely allows physicians to withhold anticoagulation therapy, reducing unnecessary risks during pregnancy.
New research reveals that 18F-FDG PET/CT provides better prognostic information than conventional imaging, changing management for over 50% of patients. The study found that PET/CT accurately identified lesions in multiple areas, leading to revised staging and treatment plans.
A novel imaging method based on SISAR is proposed to extract the target profile accurately in forward scatter radar (FSR). The method can effectively deduce the target type, such as a cruise missile or unmanned aerial vehicle. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the validity of the algorithm, showing promising results for stealth tar...
A study of 250,000 women found that repeated CT and nuclear imaging increased breast cancer risk, especially in younger patients. The risk was highest among young women who received multiple scans, with estimates suggesting a 20% increase in 10-year breast cancer risk.
Researchers have developed omni-tomography, a technology that integrates multiple imaging modalities to improve early disease screening, cancer staging, and therapeutic assessment. This approach enables precise reconstruction of small areas in the body using prior knowledge and common properties.
A new report by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute suggests that declining medical imaging use may be driving up hospital stays and medical costs in the US. This trend could have negative consequences on patient safety and access to care if not addressed through policy changes.
Researchers have discovered a new PET imaging agent that can predict the early response to treatment for head and neck cancer patients. The agent, 3'-deoxy-3'F-18-fluorothymidine (18-F-FLT), showed high accuracy in detecting therapeutic responses and identifying patients needing close follow-up.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that non-invasive diagnostic imaging costs to Medicare Part B dropped significantly between 2006 and 2010. The decline was attributed to reimbursement cuts and increased education on scan utilization.
A new imaging technique called near-field thermoacoustics has the potential to benefit medical practitioners and biology researchers. The technique uses harmless electromagnetic radiation to create high-contrast images of normal tissues, tumors, and other pathological changes.
Sparse microwave imaging combines sparse signal processing theory with microwave imaging to improve resolution and reduce system complexity. The new concept enables faster calculation of large-scale scenes, making it suitable for wide mapping swath applications.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a new 3D view of the body's response to infection, enabling the identification of proteins involved in the inflammatory response. The technology combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and imaging mass spectrometry to visualize the immune system's response to bacterial infections.
Researchers have developed a method to find and kill malignant cells while sparing healthy ones using theranostic imaging. The technique relies on binding a potent drug therapy to specific proteins on tumor cell surfaces, allowing it to target cancerous cells with precision.
A study found that stage IV cancer patients on Medicare are more likely to undergo high-cost diagnostic imaging procedures, which may be driven by the increasing number of treatment options available. The use of imaging has steadily increased between 1995 and 2006, with costs rising faster than overall cancer care costs.
Cardiologists at WashU Medicine have developed a noninvasive imaging technique to detect coronary artery disease in pediatric heart transplant patients, reducing the need for invasive tests. The technique uses contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI to assess coronary arteries and has shown promising results, although further study is needed.
Between 1996 and 2010, the use of advanced diagnostic imaging like CT and MRI tripled and nearly quadrupled, respectively. Estimated radiation exposure also increased substantially, with a significant association between CT usage and radiation dose.
A recent UCSF study found that radiation exposure from medical imaging doubled in integrated health care systems (HMOs) between 1996 and 2010, with significant variations between systems. The study, which analyzed millions of patient records, showed a dramatic increase in imaging rates and high radiation doses.
A study suggests that women can reduce their breast cancer risk by avoiding unnecessary medical imaging. According to the UCSF analysis of IOM report, radiation exposure from medical imaging is a known risk factor for breast cancer.
A new molecular imaging method using PET/CT with Gallium-68 DOTATATE identifies hormonally active tissues, allowing clinicians to re-evaluate patient management. This technique changes treatment plans in over 35% of patients, saving them from unnecessary surgeries.
Researchers develop a molecular imaging tool to detect coronary artery disease, which is caused by atherosclerosis. The technique measures the coronary flow reserve, or CFR, and calculates precise dilation of blood vessels at rest and under stress.