A nationwide study confirms virtual colonoscopy's accuracy in detecting colorectal cancers and pre-cancerous polyps as high as traditional colonoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure has been endorsed by the American Cancer Society, offering a safe and non-invasive screening option for millions of Americans.
Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully suppressed levels of the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin in pigs using a minimally invasive procedure. The method, called GACE, produces an effect similar to bariatric surgery by lowering appetite and promoting significant weight loss.
A new $10 million clinical trial is testing a treatment that can chew up deep vein thrombosis (DVT) clots and administer clot-busting drugs, with the goal of preventing long-term complications like post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The trial aims to provide a safer, quicker and more effective approach to treatment.
A recent study found that 3T MRI is better at detecting and characterizing structural brain abnormalities in patients with focal epilepsy than 1.5T MRI, leading to a better diagnosis and safer treatment options. This improvement was seen in the detection of lesions and accurate characterization of abnormalities.
Merging multiple CT images simplifies probe repositioning during radiofrequency ablation treatments, according to a recent study. The summation method allows for rapid and accurate visualization of treated areas, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Researchers used ultrasound imaging to measure carotid artery plaque density and predict cardiovascular events. Patients with reduced plaque density had a significantly increased risk of near-future adverse events, highlighting the potential for this non-invasive technique to improve cardiovascular disease management.
Endovascular repair, using stent grafts to fix blood vessel injuries, is shown to save more lives and decrease chance of paraplegia compared to open surgery. This minimally invasive technique reduces mortality rates by half and diminishes risk of paraplegia by 75 percent.
A minimally invasive treatment called venous embolization has been shown to significantly improve a couple's chances of pregnancy in infertile men. The study found that patients with high sperm motility prior to treatment had the highest success rates, with over 26% of couples becoming pregnant after six months.
Research at the University of Washington suggests that faulty brain connections might be responsible for social impairments in adults with autism. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare brain activity in individuals with high-functioning autism and typically developed adults while looking at faces.
A new study suggests that CT lung cancer screening can increase lung cancer detection by 37% and reduce mortality by 28%, but has limited impact on all-cause mortality. Quitting smoking is still the most effective way to reduce risk of death from various causes.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have developed a new noninvasive method to detect and measure noncalcified plaque using voxel analysis and MDCTA. The technique was shown to be equally effective as catheter coronary angiography in identifying patients at risk for heart disease.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected Christopher Rose, M.D., and Joel Tepper, M.D., as the recipients of the 2008 Gold Medal. The award recognizes their outstanding contributions to radiation oncology and leadership in the field.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a blood test that can predict treatment efficacy in metastatic breast cancer patients. The test measures circulating tumor cells and has been shown to be a reliable predictor of disease progression.
A multicenter trial found that breast ultrasound combined with mammography detected more cancers than mammography alone in high-risk women. The study used over 2,800 participants, including 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, and showed that breast ultrasound is a cost-effective and non-invasive screening option.
Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare cause of intermittent upper GI bleeding, often associated with chronic pancreatitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, with interventional radiology and surgical options available.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College found that 3T MR-guided focused ultrasound effectively reduces symptoms of uterine fibroids in 20 patients, with minimal side effects. The non-invasive procedure allows for quick recovery times and eliminates risks associated with surgery.
Elderly patients over 70 years old benefit from frequent mammograms, which can detect breast cancers earlier and reduce surgical procedures. The study found that 19 of 24 cases of breast malignancy were initially identified on screening mammography.
Recent data from the National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR) shows that PET scans can dramatically change treatment plans for cancer patients, with a 36.5% change in treatment or no-treatment decisions reported.
A new study published in Radiology found that MRI detection of extracapsular extension is an important factor in determining outcome for men scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. Patients with substantial extracapsular spread are more likely to experience recurrence and spread of their cancers.
A new CT imaging technique has significantly improved the outcome of living donor liver transplants by enhancing accurate visualization of vital bile duct anatomy. This innovation, adopted by radiologists at the University of Alberta Hospital, aims to reduce screening time and improve convenience for potential donors.
In a phase II trial, patients with varicose veins treated with Varisolve foam experienced no neurological, visual or cardiac changes. The study used carbon dioxide-based foam and monitored patients with heart defects for potential risks.
Researchers at the University of Southern California found that combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging yields greater accuracy when evaluating response to radiation therapy. This method helps identify complete responders and reduces the need for unnecessary chemotherapy treatments.
Researchers have discovered that a brain network linked to introspective tasks is less intricate and well-connected in children, with firmer connections forming as individuals mature. This finding has implications for understanding the effects of aging, brain injuries, and conditions like autism on brain function.
A new study suggests that taking N-acetylcysteine before a CT scan or angiogram can protect at-risk patients from kidney damage caused by iodine-containing contrast agents. The inexpensive drug, which is quick, convenient and widely available, appears to be the best choice for those with weakened kidneys.
A study by Charlotte Radiology found that single reading of screening mammograms with computer-aided detection (CAD) is more efficient and yields higher sensitivity than double reading. The use of CAD resulted in a lower recall rate compared to double reading, making it an effective alternative for increasing sensitivity.
A recent study found that gadolinium-containing contrast agents can cause allergic-like reactions in premedicated patients, including children and adults. Pre-medication with corticosteroids and antihistamines may not completely eliminate the risk of breakthrough reactions.
A novel treatment for DVT uses a fiber-binding agent to clear clots rapidly and safely, with 90% of patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms after six months. The therapy reduces the risk of bleeding and post-thrombotic syndrome, enabling patients to resume normal activity within a week.
A national study found digital mammography performed better than film in pre- and perimenopausal women under 50 with dense breasts. The study, DMIST, also showed improved diagnostic accuracy for digital mammography over film for some subgroups.
A new study published in Radiology found that digital mammography is more accurate than film mammography for women under 50 with dense breasts. The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) compared the accuracy of both methods in different subgroups, confirming improved diagnostic accuracy for digital mammography in pre- an...
The PEM/PET system can spot tumors half the size of standard imaging systems, and complete an image and biopsy in a similar time frame. It features high-resolution PET images of the breast, guiding needle biopsies with a robot arm.
Researchers have identified lung injury in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging. The study found structural changes in the lungs similar to those found in smokers, suggesting early signs of emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
A recent study found that CT colonography is effective in detecting new and significant abnormalities outside the colon, including cirrhosis and tumors, in elderly patients. The study also showed that a high percentage of patients had at least one malignancy, with extracolonic malignancies being more common than previously thought.
Mayo Clinic researchers will study renal vascular disease caused by atherosclerosis to find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition. The study aims to develop novel imaging tools to predict, detect, and evaluate the disease, with the goal of preventing renal deterioration.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that physicians who self-refer or refer patients to colleagues in their own specialty are more likely to order imaging studies, with variations ranging from 12% to over 200%. This economic motivation may lead to unnecessary referrals and excess utilization of imaging procedures.
African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and have larger tumors than Caucasian women. The study found higher relapse rates in African American patients after treatment.
Researchers have identified a new brain marker that may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier, using fMRI to monitor changes in brain activation and deactivation. The study found that impaired deactivation in the posteromedial cortices was closely related to memory impairment and neuropsychological testing scores.
A recent study examined the discrepancy rate of emergency diagnostic imaging exams interpreted by residents after hours and found that well-trained and supervised residents can interpret studies safely. The major discrepancy rate was 2.6%, with only a miniscule negative clinical effect found in 0.3% cases.
A ventilation/perfusion lung scan (V/Q scan) is a reliable alternative to CT angiograms in diagnosing pulmonary embolisms, especially in young women. The study found that V/Q scans can exclude pulmonary embolism with low probability clinical assessment, reducing radiation exposure and breast cancer risk.
Researchers have identified a new abnormality related to disease progression and disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that T1-weighted MR images of the brains of MS patients often depict bright areas called hyperintense lesions, which were more likely to be present in patients with secondary-progressive MS.
A study found that providing informational handouts to parents about CT radiation risks can improve their understanding, increasing awareness of the potential increased risk of cancer related to pediatric CT. Parents became less willing to undergo CT if their doctor believed it was equally effective to observation.
A recent study found that cardiac CTAs post-CABG reveal clinically significant non-cardiac findings in 34 patients, including pulmonary embolism and lung cancer. The study highlights the importance of physician interpreters trained to read entire CT scans beyond coronary vessels.
Researchers have figured out how to train synthetic polymer molecules to self-assemble into long, multicompartment cylinders with potential applications in radiology and signal communication. The discovery, reported in Science, has the potential to provide sustained delivery of chemotherapy from a single injection.
A multicenter study compared screening methods in high-risk women, finding that MRI accurately identifies tumors missed by mammography and ultrasound. The study suggests that women at high risk for breast cancer can benefit from undergoing screening MRI to detect more cancers.
Researchers found structural and functional abnormalities in specific brain regions associated with chronic auditory hallucinations in schizophrenic patients. The study used MRI to identify biological markers for treatment and monitor patient response.
MDCT angiography is highly accurate in depicting intracranial aneurysms, outperforming digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in diagnostic accuracy. The technique can quickly determine the possibility of using minimally invasive treatment rather than open surgery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a new technique to track and protect transplanted insulin-producing cells in a diabetic animal model. The method uses magnetic capsules to encapsulate the cells, avoiding immune rejection and allowing for successful long-term function.
Randal S. Weber, a renowned otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, has been chosen as an Honorary Member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO). Dr. Weber's contributions to promoting multidisciplinary approaches in treating patients with head and neck cancers have earned him this prestigious honor.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has recognized 40 distinguished members as its 2007 ASTRO Fellows. The nominees have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership.
A study found that recovering alcoholics who smoked showed lower improvement in tests of memory, reasoning, judgment, and visual/spatial coordination compared to non-smokers. Smokers demonstrated inferior performance in auditory/verbal learning and memory, cognitive efficiency, executive skills, processing speed, and working memory.
Researchers found that following ultrasound diagnosis of probably benign breast masses is a safe alternative to biopsy for stable masses. The study showed an overall negative predictive value of 99.8%, indicating only 0.2% risk of cancer development.
A new study found that software enhancement of breast MRI scans reduces false positive identifications by 23 percent, improving the accuracy of radiologists. The software analyzes multiple imaging series to provide detailed data on lesion morphology and kinetic features.
Researchers found that sonographically-guided alcohol injections showed a high success rate and were well-tolerated by patients with Morton's neuroma. The study reported partial or total symptom improvement in 94% of patients, with 84% becoming totally pain-free.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed three new electromagnetic imaging techniques that can effectively distinguish between healthy breast tissue and abnormal tissue. The study, which involved 150 women, found that the new methods offered a high contrast and increased accuracy in detecting breast cancer compared to convention...
Researchers found that percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) significantly reduces tumor volume and alleviates symptoms in patients with radioiodine-ineffective bone metastasis from thyroid cancer. PEI's effectiveness was also linked to improved quality of life for selected patients.
R. Edward Coleman received the award for his contributions to molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice, particularly in advancing positron emission tomography (PET) for breast cancer, Alzheimer's, and brain tumors. His research has had a significant impact on medicine, and he is recognized as one of the best doctors in America.
A study published in Radiology found that MDCT can aid forensics teams in determining if a person has drowned by demonstrating airway froth and sediment. The procedure may provide support for the diagnosis of drowning when other causes have been excluded.
A multicenter clinical trial found that magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) effectively shrinks uterine fibroids and significantly relieves symptoms in women. The optimized protocol allowed treatment of a greater fibroid volume, resulting in even greater symptomatic relief.
A study published in Radiology found that MRI can predict full or partial recovery of patients with acute spinal cord injuries by assessing MR images within 48 hours. The severity of MSCC, bleeding, and cord swelling are key indicators of a poor prognosis, while their absence indicates a good chance for neurological recovery.
Researchers are developing new electronics to accurately measure subatomic particles, potentially detecting cancer at an earlier stage. Improved Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology could lead to better diagnoses and more accurate tumor detection.
Researchers have developed a method to discern most genetic activity of a tumor from radiology scans, enabling personalized medicine and non-invasive diagnosis. This approach could revolutionize cancer treatment by providing unique characteristics of each patient's disease.