Researchers found ultrasound fusion imaging to be safe and effective in detecting bone and soft tissue cancers, with 93% accuracy compared to CT biopsies. The technique guides a needle biopsy with precise accuracy, making the experience more convenient for patients.
Researchers have discovered a link between a variation of the BDNF gene and Alzheimer's disease, with those carrying the gene more likely to exhibit thinner temporal lobe structures and disrupted neural connections. This breakthrough study could lead to early identification and intervention for the disease.
A new article outlines five phases of an imaging procedure's lifecycle, identifying distinct clinical evidence needs for each phase. The roadmap aims to foster certainty for manufacturers and stakeholders in navigating the concept-to-adoption pathway.
The American College of Physicians recommends limiting routine imaging for low back pain due to lack of evidence on its health benefits, recommending only in higher-risk patients. ACP aims to preserve high-value, high-quality care by controlling unsustainable healthcare costs.
Researchers develop molecular imaging procedure to detect beta-amyloid in brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, increasing clinical diagnosis accuracy. The study shows a correlation between florbetapir-PET images and presence and quantity of beta-amyloid pathology at autopsy.
A new molecular imaging technology has been developed by researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid to detect live cellular processes. This technology differs from conventional medical imaging, allowing for earlier detection of anomalies and facilitating treatment.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins University highlights the problems with reviewing medical images from portable media. The research found three main issue areas: access, importability, and viewing problems. Noncompliance with DICOM standards is also a significant problem, which can delay patient care.
A study found that clinical decision support systems can lower imaging utilization rates for low back pain lumbar MRI, headache head MRI, and sinusitis sinus CT. These systems provide real-time feedback to providers, aiding in the elimination of unnecessary imaging and increasing patient safety and quality.
A study found that Medicare payments for non-invasive medical imaging are higher to non-radiologists than to radiologists. This disparity has resulted from faster growth in fee-for-service payments to non-radiologists between 1998 and 2006.
A new U-M study shows that children frequently receive medical imaging procedures using radiation, with an average of 7 procedures by age 18. The study raises awareness about the issue and highlights the importance of initiatives to ensure necessary and low-dose tests.
The Euro-BioImaging project will develop a comprehensive plan to construct and operate a set of complementary imaging infrastructure facilities across Europe. This will enable scientists to access state-of-the-art imaging technologies, receive training, and facilitate the translation of basic results to medical applications.
A panel of experts addressed safety concerns in medical imaging, highlighting the risks associated with excessive radiation exposure. The Image Wisely initiative aims to educate patients and professionals on the benefits and risks of medical imaging.
Two methods for culturing and imaging Caenorhabditis elegans embryos are described, enabling researchers to visualize dynamic form and function of molecules, cells, tissues, and whole embryos. Meanwhile, a method for isolating and culturing early mouse embryos is also presented, allowing time-lapse imaging of cell movements.
A study in JAMA found that multiple cardiac imaging tests are common and associated with a high cumulative estimated radiation dose for patients. The study revealed that myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) accounts for the highest radiation burden, with many patients receiving doses over 100mSv.
A new study combines digital breast tomosynthesis and diffuse optical tomography to improve breast cancer diagnosis accuracy. The combined imaging system can distinguish between malignant and benign lesions, reducing unnecessary biopsies.
Physicist Lei Ren received the Basic Science Abstract Award for his research on reducing radiation therapy imaging dose by optimizing cone beam computed tomography (CT) usage. The new technique aims to lower imaging doses by eightfold, improving treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients affected by breathing motion during treatment.
Researchers explored new techniques for 3D imaging and analysis of rocks, fossils, and other materials. These advances have improved our understanding of geological processes and the potential zones of weakness in volcanoes.
Research reveals that medical imaging can identify incidental findings in 39.8% of study participants, with potential for early diagnosis or unnecessary interventions
SPADnet aims to create a new generation of smart image sensors for photon-starved biomedical applications, enabling scalable and efficient imaging. The project will develop ring-assembly modules for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging and carry out performance tests in a PET evaluation system.
Studies show molecular imaging improves evaluation and treatment planning for various cancers, including thyroid cancer, lymphoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. The technique allows doctors to identify disease severity and extent, providing personalized care and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
A new hyperspectral imaging technique allows for rapid detection of Campylobacter in food samples, reducing the time needed for isolation and identification from days to just 24 hours.
Overutilization of medical imaging services exposes patients to unnecessary radiation and adds to healthcare costs. Radiologists recommend a national collaborative effort to develop evidence-based appropriateness criteria and implement practice guidelines to reduce overutilization.
Two newer breast imaging technologies, BSGI and PEM, have been approved for clinical use despite higher cancer risks. The lifetime risk of radiation-induced cancer from BSGI and PEM exams are significantly higher than digital mammography, with estimated risks ranging from 20 to 30 times higher.
A new imaging method can identify high-risk patients with potentially life-threatening cardiovascular conditions, helping physicians determine which patients are best suited for implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy. This technique also helps avoid overuse or underuse of ICD treatment.
Dr. George Papanicolaou receives the William Benter Prize for his work on Monte Carlo simulation and its applications in imaging analysis, tackling challenges in cluttered environments. The award supports his efforts to develop effective algorithms for detecting and imaging in varying degrees of clutter.
Researchers have developed a multifunctional nanoparticle that eliminates background noise, enabling precise medical imaging. The technique uses photoacoustic imaging to detect single cells, potentially revolutionizing cancer detection and molecular imaging.
Agnieszka Bialek wins Royal Photographic Society's Selwyn Award for her work on multi-spectral imaging, which reveals details unseen by the eye. Her IRIS technology captures eight replicated images of an object at different wavelengths, enabling characterisation of materials with variations in colour or appearance.
Researchers developed a novel optical imaging technique called Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging (CLI) that could lead to faster development of radiopharmaceuticals. CLI harnesses the speed of light to visualize medical isotopes, overcoming current limitations in nuclear imaging modalities.
A study found that imaging-guided percutaneous needle biopsies increased by 67% between 1997 and 2008, while open biopsies decreased. The technique offers greater precision and lower complication rates, resulting in a modest growth rate of 3% overall.
Scientists discovered characteristic amyloid plaques in human retinas and developed a noninvasive optical imaging technique to detect retinal plaques in live laboratory mice. The study suggests the possibility of early noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease through retinal imaging.
A large medical center implemented an imaging algorithm to reduce cumulative radiation exposure and CT scans for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages. The study showed a 25.6% decrease in mean number of CT examinations per patient and a 12.1% overall reduction in cumulative radiation exposure.
The meeting showcased groundbreaking research and development worldwide in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine, with a focus on using molecular imaging to understand disease mechanisms and improve patient health. Key findings included advances in Alzheimer's disease identification and recurrent prostate cancer detection.
A new study led by Dr. Zena Quezado found that propofol has a low occurrence of adverse events and no long-term complications when used to sedate children for imaging studies. However, the risk increases with anesthesia duration and in children with systemic disease or airway abnormalities.
The University of North Carolina has launched a new imaging center with advanced microscopes and equipment, providing researchers with cutting-edge technology and collaboration opportunities. The center is designed to stimulate scientific inquiry in fields such as cancer, neuroscience, and pharmacology.
Special issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology explores controversy surrounding cardiac imaging tests. Experts call for balance between risks and benefits, emphasizing that these tests should only be used when clinical benefit exceeds potential harm.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine published a supplement on cardiovascular molecular imaging, discussing its potential to diagnose heart diseases earlier. The publication combines various imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, MRI, and radiotracers, to improve management of cardiovascular disease.
Research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine suggests that molecular imaging using 18F-FDG PET/CT can help diagnose acute and chronic aortic dissection. This non-invasive technique can provide images to determine the difference between acute and chronic dissections, helping doctors decide the best course of treatment.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that imaging costs rose faster than overall cancer care for Medicare patients. The use of PET scans increased significantly, with a mean annual growth rate of 36-53% across six cancer types.
The use and costs of diagnostic imaging for Medicare patients with cancer increased substantially between 1999 and 2006. PET scans saw the largest increase, accompanied by a reduction in conventional nuclear medicine tests and stabilized CT scans.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNM) has received a $48,000 grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop research on comparative effectiveness of PET and other molecular imaging techniques. The primary emphasis will be on cancer diagnosis and management, with cardiology and neurolog...
Researchers developed an experimental imaging technique using gold-silver nanocages to detect hollow nanocages and solid nanoparticles in the bloodstream, enabling clear images without background fluorescence. This method shows improved performance with higher contrast and brightness than conventional fluorescent dyes.
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.
SNM's Clinical Trials Network has gained a new member, Eli Lilly and Company, which will support the initiative to facilitate the development of therapeutic medicines. The network aims to streamline drug discovery and integrate imaging biomarkers into clinical trials, ultimately leading to personalized diagnostics and therapies.
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.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found significant geographic variation in noninvasive diagnostic imaging utilization rates among Medicare beneficiaries. The study revealed that Atlanta had the highest utilization rate, while Seattle had the lowest, with a difference of over 50% between the two regions.
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.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's Clinical Trials Network Workshop explored the integration of imaging biomarkers into clinical trials, emphasizing quality and standardization. Experts shared insights on overcoming challenges and harmonizing data across multiple sites.
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.
The summit explored ways to use nanotechnology in medical imaging and therapy, focusing on targeting diseases such as cancer, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease. Experts discussed regulatory frameworks, design considerations, and future directions for this rapidly evolving field.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame describe a significant advance in imaging cell death using synthetic probes. The new method can distinguish between healthy and dying cells in tumors, potentially aiding in tumor grading and treatment effectiveness measurement.
The Rochester Institute of Technology is using a high-tech imaging system to map the damage in Haiti and provide critical insight for recovery efforts. The system, which combines thermal imaging and LIDAR technology, is being used to detect fires, chemical spills, and surface contamination.
Peter Kuchment, a leading researcher at Texas AüM University, is developing mathematical tools for improved medical imaging methods. Hybrid imaging methods like photoacoustic imaging aim to combine the strengths of different imaging modalities, enhancing tumor detection and treatment options.
A study found that emergency physicians and radiologists overwhelmingly prefer CT scans for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, citing its high accuracy and ease of access. However, approaches differ in imaging pregnant patients with radiation concerns.
Researchers have produced the first images of biological cells using a nanoscale X-ray imaging technique called ptychography. The technique enables accurate maps of electron density in biological samples, which could yield important insights for evolutionary biology and biotechnology.
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.
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.
Scientists are using various imaging techniques, including MRI and CT scans, to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and develop a better understanding of the disease. The research aims to categorize COPD patients into two major groups based on airway dysfunction and lung tissue damage.
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...
Concurrent imaging of metabolic and electric signals in the heart reveals a dynamic relationship between multiple cardiac variables. The new dual-camera system allows for rapid setup, dichroic image separation, and high spatial resolution, enabling correlative multimodal cardiac imaging.
Researchers used medical imaging to identify a severe case of H1N1 after a negative nasal swab test. CT scans revealed peripheral ground-glass opacities, which raised suspicion of the virus and were later confirmed as a cause of death. The study suggests that early CT scans may help clinicians recognize cases of severe influenza.