A recent study found that extending localizer radiographs and extra axial images beyond defined levels increases radiation exposure. Limiting these areas can significantly reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality. The researchers discovered that a total of 562 extra images were acquired in the studied examinations.
A new automatic system at the Ann Arbor VA hospital kept eight patients with serious scan results from falling through the cracks, including five who had cancer. The system, which uses electronic tags to alert doctors to potential problems, was developed after a similar issue occurred at the institution.
Recovering alcoholics who smoked showed significantly less improvement in brain function and neurochemical markers of brain cell health compared to those who didn't smoke. Quitting smoking may be beneficial for better brain recovery from alcoholism, suggests a study.
Researchers used PET scans to monitor artificially induced lung inflammation in healthy volunteers, allowing for less invasive testing of potential anti-inflammatory drugs. The new imaging process may help diagnose inflammatory lung diseases and improve clinical trials.
A recent study published in Radiology found that nearly a quarter of benign papillary breast lesions were upgraded to atypical ductal hyperplasia or ductal carcinoma in situ after surgical excision. This suggests that these lesions should be surgically removed to prevent potential cancer development.
The study revealed that radiologists can use four radiologic signs to prospectively identify radial meniscal tears, increasing detection sensitivity from 37% to 89%. Repairing damaged cartilage is preferred over removal when possible.
Researchers found that diabetic patients' heart muscle uses about half as much glucose and four times more fat for energy than non-diabetics. This increased reliance on fat can lead to inflammation, cell death, and heart dysfunction.
A large UK radiology department produces 150,000 to 300,000 reports annually. Radiologists can identify clinically important reports and enhance patient care through effective communication of critical radiology reports. Delayed or ineffective reporting often leads to bad outcomes for patients and costly lawsuits for radiologists.
Researchers used MRI to study canine cranial nerves, enabling earlier disease recognition and imaging of nerve nuclei. The study sheds light on the challenges of identifying small nerves using conventional imaging modalities.
A study found that transcatheter arterial embolization procedures using a digital flat-panel system resulted in lower radiation doses to patients' skin, ranging from 130-467 mGy. This compares to higher doses of 510-1,882 mGy with conventional units.
The new imaging technique enables rapid acquisition of three planes, reducing examination time to 12 minutes compared to the standard method. Fetal MRI is being increasingly performed due to its excellent view of brain tissue and lack of radiation, usually done when ultrasound is inconclusive.
A new study finds that cigarette smoking exacerbates brain atrophy in alcoholics, particularly in regions such as the parietal and temporal lobes. The researchers discovered a direct relationship between brain volume and cognitive function among non-smoking alcoholics, but no similar link was found among smokers.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that 3D MRI can detect pancreatic cancer in patients with severe mid-abdominal pain and other symptoms. The study suggests that radiologists should look for pancreatic cancer even if the patient didn't have an examination for that purpose.
The program provides hands-on research experience and networking opportunities for biomedical engineering students. Students work with medical professionals to apply their research in a professional setting.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI is more comprehensive than SPECT in assessing heart damage in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MRI was able to detect small areas of heart damage and provide important data on cardiac function, whereas SPECT only became relevant if no abnormaliti...
A recent study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect extracolonic abnormalities in 63% of patients, with clinically important findings detected in 9%. The procedure is potentially cost-effective and can be used to screen for other conditions as well.
A study found that 45 out of 500 virtual colonoscopy patients had clinically important extracolonic findings, including kidney cancers and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study suggests that virtual colonoscopy may be more effective at detecting diseases outside the colon than in the colon.
A study of 497 emergency room patients found that repositioning during CT scans improved image quality for multiple trauma cases. By reorienting the patient's body position, artifacts caused by arms, electrodes, and cables were minimized, resulting in comparable image quality to routine imaging.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that contrast-enhanced MRI is more accurate than FDG-PET in detecting liver tumors, especially for smaller lesions. The study analyzed 79 liver tumors and showed an accuracy rate of 75.5% for MRI versus 64.1% for PET.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel 3D rendering technique for PET/CT images, allowing for simultaneous viewing of multiple modalities. This new paradigm has the potential to revolutionize diagnostic and treatment procedures for various diseases.
Larson, a leading expert in targeted radiotherapy and molecular imaging, has made significant contributions to the advancement of positron emission tomography (PET) as a clinical tool for oncology. His research has led to novel findings in cancer understanding and treatment.
A study of 58 breast cancer patients found that initial tumor volume and changes in tumor volume during chemotherapy are strong predictors of recurrence-free survival. MRI measurements can help tailor treatment strategies for individual patients.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans significantly reduced the need for appendectomies from 20% to 3% at an urban hospital. The technology's accuracy in imaging the appendix and detecting mimic conditions led to a dramatic decrease in unnecessary surgeries.
A study of 23 pancreatic biopsies found ultrasound-guided biopsies to be effective in obtaining adequate samples, with a diagnosis possible in 61% of cases. The procedure is easier on patients than traditional endoscopic biopsies, which require sedation and are less efficient.
Researchers found that dutasteride suppresses blood flow in benign prostate tissue, enabling targeted biopsies to detect cancer more effectively. This reduction in benign blood flow improved cancer detection rates and may reduce the need for repeat biopsies.
A recent study suggests that chest CT scans can be used to identify patients who have had a heart attack. The study found that normal heart muscle enhancement is reduced in patients who have had a recent heart attack, making it possible for radiologists to look for this sign as the first step in identifying a potential heart attack. Fu...
A new CAD system has improved the accuracy of breast MRI analysis, allowing radiologists to better determine cancer lesion sizes. The system reduced analysis time by an average of 7 minutes compared to standard software.
A study by Dr. Linda Tang found that radiology residents can reliably interpret head CT scans for initial triaging of acute stroke patients, achieving a 97% agreement rate with attending physicians. The results have affected hospital protocol and require certification prior to taking call.
A six-week study found that video replay of teaching rounds significantly improved radiology residents' case-based knowledge and communication abilities. The study used videotaped feedback to help residents develop awareness of their strengths and nonverbal skills, reducing anxiety and improving board exam performance.
A recent study found that chest CT scans are necessary for multiple trauma patients, even if initial X-ray results appear normal. The study analyzed data from 563 patients and revealed that X-rays missed 40% of clinically significant thoracic injuries.
The US topped global rankings for high-tech imaging, with the highest per capita use of MR and CT. In contrast, India, China, and Indonesia had the lowest usage of these technologies.
Researchers successfully transmitted ultrasound images from Yugoslavia to the US using compressed files, with radiologists able to diagnose patients accurately in 67% of cases. The study aims to expand access to medical technology globally, particularly in areas without internet access.
A new study published in the American College of Radiology shows that expandable electrodes are safe and effective for radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors. The procedure resulted in high survival rates and low complication rates, comparable to those achieved through surgery.
Researchers successfully transmitted ultrasound images over phone lines, demonstrating feasibility for real-time diagnosis in resource-poor settings. The study showed that compressed images were comparable to non-compressed ones in terms of diagnostic accuracy, paving the way for expanded healthcare access.
Fine-needle aspiration of axillary lymph nodes has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary dissection for patients with suspected breast cancer. The procedure allows for precise treatment and can help avoid unnecessary surgeries, saving money and time.
Researchers found that coated stents were better at keeping blood vessels open in cirrhosis patients, with improved survival rates and fewer interventions needed. The study analyzed data from 93 patients who underwent a successful TIPS procedure using either coated or non-coated stents.
A new ultrasound technique called streaming detection has been shown to accurately identify benign cysts in breast lumps, allowing for the reduction of unnecessary diagnostic procedures. This innovative method could potentially decrease both patient discomfort and healthcare costs associated with cyst aspirations.
Researchers discovered non-coronary findings in 60 patients via heart CT scans, including lung cancer and aneurysms. Radiologists' training is crucial for early disease management and improved patient prognosis.
Researchers found non-heart abnormalities in 61% of patients who underwent CTCA scans, including lung cancer, emphysema, and fluid buildup. The study emphasizes the need for a team-based approach to reading these scans, with both radiologists and technologists requiring specialized training.
A recent study has found Botox to be highly effective in treating severe drooling in children with neurologic conditions. The procedure was successful in approximately 70% of the tested patients, resulting in significant improvement without any serious side effects.
A recent study has found that CT angiograms are being performed at a significantly higher rate than necessary, leading to increased radiation exposure for patients. The study, which analyzed data from 2002-2004, showed that the percentage of patients with pulmonary embolism diagnosed using CTA decreased over time.
A new electronic exhibit developed by Andrea Walker and Vesna Kriss aims to help radiologists confidently diagnose child abuse using imaging techniques. The exhibit highlights red flags such as fractures in different stages of healing, posterior rib fractures, and long bone fractures in children who are not walking.
Researchers found that low-dose MDCT can provide similar diagnostic image quality to standard-dose CT scans while reducing radiation doses by up to 10 times. The study suggests low-dose MDCT is a better option for evaluating sinus disease in children due to its improved accuracy and reduced need for sedation.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MDCT is highly accurate in diagnosing coronary artery disease in patients with little to moderate calcium buildup. However, its accuracy drops significantly in cases with severe calcification, emphasizing the need for conventional angiography in such cases.
A study found that commercially available extracts of black cohosh increased cell killing by two of four drugs used in cancer therapy for breast cancer patients. However, the herb also decreased the effectiveness of one drug. Further research is needed to understand why these effects occur.
A new study found no significant difference in outcomes between patients ruled out for pulmonary embolism with MDCT and single-detector CT. However, the increased detection rate of small clots may lead to more unnecessary treatment, increasing risks such as hemorrhagic stroke.
A study by American College of Radiology found MRI to be useful in assessing suspected breast cancer patients, detecting additional cancers not visible on mammography or sonography. The use of computer-assisted diagnosis improved accuracy and led to recommended mastectomies for some patients.
A new study finds that MRI is more accurate than current standards in assessing the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. The imaging technique correctly identified the presence of residual tumor in 71% of cases, while sonography and clinical examination were less accurate.
Researchers found that 39% of healthy patients with mesenteric lymph nodes had no evidence of disease one year after their initial examination. Follow-up imaging is not necessary for patients with multiple small nodes scattered throughout the abdomen.
A study published in JAMA found that MRI can accurately detect breast cancer with a high sensitivity rate of 88.1%, but its effectiveness decreases when ruling out malignancies. The technology is most beneficial for patients with difficult-to-interpret mammograms.
A study found that obesity significantly impacts imaging quality and accuracy, particularly for abdominal ultrasound, chest x-ray, and CT scans. The direct cost of incomplete exams has tripled over 15 years, highlighting the need for equipment design changes and technological advancements.
A study found that dental x-rays were as sensitive as questionnaires in identifying women with spinal osteoporosis. Dental x-rays can be used as a first step in determining which women need further BMD testing, especially for those with low response rates to questionnaires.
Using MRI guidance, doctors can target and freeze liver tumors with cryotherapy, achieving high success rates and minimal scarring. The non-invasive procedure results in quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays.
Researchers used volumetric CT imaging to analyze the mask's composition, revealing previously unknown aspects of its creation. The study also showed internal and external damage not visible to the naked eye, which was corrected using rapid prototyping software.
A study of 51 young patients found triplane fractures, a common sports-related injury, occur differently than previously thought. The use of CT with multiplanar reconstruction provides a new standard for describing these complex fractures.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that virtual colonoscopy is equally effective for detecting both flat and non-flat types of lesions. The study detected 80% of flat lesions and 81% of non-flat lesions, with no diminutive flat lesions showing histological advanced lesions.
A new study uses MRI to guide percutaneous sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive treatment for low-flow vascular malformations, resulting in successful symptom relief without complications. The technique enables precise targeting and monitoring of the malformation, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Children under 3 years old are prone to swallowing foreign objects, with up to 20% needing surgical removal. Swallowing multiple magnets can lead to severe complications like obstruction, necrosis, and perforation of the intestines.
Brain imaging studies identify differences in left/right dominance linked to language problems, distinguishing them from autism. Language impairment is strongly associated with a larger right-sided Broca's area.
A study found that the number of CT scans performed for suspected pulmonary embolism increased significantly between 1997-1998 and 2002-2003, despite only a proportionate increase in actual cases. Radiologists are now seeing smaller abnormalities that were previously undetectable, leading to reconsideration of clinical issues.