A study published at the ARRS 2019 Annual Meeting found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective locoregional treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a low local progression rate. The results also corrected standard response assessment interpretations, suggesting that persistent arterial phase e...
A study presents the results of clinical and nonclinical Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence (MARS) MRI protocols at 3 Tesla on different hip arthroplasty implants. The findings show that only a minimal risk of thermal injury occurs with these protocols, especially when considering perfusion effects.
Researchers evaluated clinical and radiological features of fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA), a soft-tissue vascular lesion. FAVA is characterized by unique clinico-radiological features, including a painful intramuscular lesion in extremities, progressive heterogeneous enhancement on MRI, and associated phlebectasia.
A retrospective study found an 82.5% relative increase in radial scar diagnoses after transitioning to tomosynthesis, but a significant decrease in upgrade rates for invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ. This suggests it may be safe to follow-up pure radial scars diagnosed on core biopsy without surgery.
A recent study reveals that radiology residents in the US are not adequately trained to identify and report child abuse. The study, presented at the ARRS 2019 Annual Meeting, found that residents correctly identified only 37.6% of non-accidental trauma cases over a five-year period.
A study found that BI-RADS 3 lesions in baseline vs non-baseline high-risk screening MRI exams have different cancer yields, with lower rates in baseline exams. Most cancers diagnosed on follow-up are early stage and detected at or before the 6-month mark.
A retrospective database review of 28 MRI examinations with new suspicious findings found that nearly all were benign, with only a small percentage being proven malignant.
A study comparing percutaneous liver ablation interventions (IRs) to surgical procedures for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) found IRs had significantly lower inhospital mortality rates and hospitalization costs. IRs were also associated with shorter lengths of stay and a higher routine discharge rate to home.
A new imaging technique using subharmonic contrast-enhanced ultrasound may help detect prostate cancer in patients where MRI is negative. The study, to be presented at the ARRS Annual Meeting, found that the technique detected PCa in 9 of 31 patients with a prior negative MRI or biopsy.
Jonathan S. Lewin, a renowned expert in interventional and intraoperative MR imaging, has received the 2019 ARRS Gold Medal for his distinguished contributions to radiology. With over 200 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts published, he is a pioneer in advancing knowledge and skills in radiology.
A study found that clinicians over-order imaging for breast pain, despite a weak correlation with breast cancer. Most respondents (72%) believe there is no strong link between breast pain and breast cancer.
Christine Menias, MD, is recognized for her dedication to radiology education, with a notable track record of instructional courses and awards. She has been named the 2019 ARRS Distinguished Educator for her inspirational teaching and commitment to improving competence and patient outcomes.
A survey of fourth-year radiology residents who took the 2018 ABR Core Exam found that those who passed perceived higher value in preparation resources. Residents who passed also had more study time off and higher USMLE step 1 scores compared to those who failed.
The upgraded picture archiving and communication system (PACS) significantly reduces the time radiologists spend searching for prior studies, with average search times decreasing from 6.1 to 4.6 seconds. The new system also reduces total study reading time, with a decrease of 137 to 113 seconds per study.
Zero TE (ZTE) skull MRI demonstrates comparable diagnostic image quality to computerized tomography (CT) for evaluating skull lesions in head trauma patients. Skull structures matched well with images obtained using CT scan, suggesting ZTE as a clinical alternative for certain cases.
A study found high negative predictive values for mammography architectural distortion without ultrasound or MRI correlate, suggesting safe follow-up rather than biopsy. The results indicate that this approach can reduce the need for intervention and lower healthcare costs.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology reviews historical rationale for patient shielding and concludes that its benefits outweigh its risks. The practice, which has been in place since 1976, poses little benefit while increasing radiation exposure and decreasing image quality.
Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in patients with various autoimmune diseases. UAE was technically and clinically successful in all patients, with no significant difference in volume reduction rates between groups.
A study found that lumbar spine MRI reports were written at a readability level significantly above the average reading ability of US adults, with only one report meeting basic education standards. The high complexity of these reports may limit patient understanding and access to their health information.
A study found that contrast-enhanced MRI significantly benefited patient care by successfully triaging patients with discordant benign biopsy results to surgical or nonsurgical management. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting malignancies, with a false-positive rate of 6.7%.
A new study found that patient factors, including distance from hospital, age, and health insurance status, significantly impact follow-up imaging rates. The study also showed disparities in follow-up rates among different age groups, with younger and older patients having lower completion rates.
A new study presents contrast-enhanced subharmonic imaging (SHI) as a promising tool for detecting prostate cancers not identified by MRI. SHI provides improved contrast signal and tissue suppression, leading to better visualization of microvascular architecture.
A study using machine-learning algorithms and MRI analysis predicts the severity of neurologic impairment after spinal cord injury. The results show variable accuracy in classifying patients and identifying potential prognostic texture features.
A new machine learning model can accurately predict which patients are most likely to benefit from prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), allowing for optimized patient selection and resource allocation. The model showed high accuracy in predicting PI-RADS category 4 or 5 lesions, with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 82%.
A study presented at the ARRS 2018 Annual Meeting found that screening mammography in women aged 40-49 detects 19.3% more cancers than in older age groups, but also increases callbacks and biopsies by 1.5% and 0.1%, respectively.
A new brain imaging technique, radial VIBE, has shown promise in reducing motion-related artifacts in brain imaging of restless children. This alternative method to conventional MRI improved image quality and lesion conspicuity compared to MP-RAGE sequence.
A study presented at the ARRS 2018 Annual Meeting found that emergency patients are often given unnecessary head CT scans, leading to radiation exposure and healthcare costs. Motor vehicle accidents were associated with a higher rate of non-indicated CT examinations.
A study found that full integration of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) significantly reduced false positive rates in breast cancer screening exams. DBT was also associated with a higher cancer-detection rate compared to traditional digital mammography.
Measurements taken on projected augmented reality holographic models are highly accurate, rivaling traditional 'gold standard' methods. The study's results demonstrate the potential of AR technology for educational, training, and research purposes.
Researchers found significant differences between mobile mammography patients and those at a cancer center, including higher recall rates and racial diversity. The study aims to develop targeted programs to increase screening rates among underserved populations.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI had a 98% sensitivity rate in detecting postpartum breast cancers, leading to changes in surgical management for 28% of patients. The study also highlighted the importance of preoperative planning in managing these aggressive cancers.
The study found that utilization rates for musculoskeletal extremity imaging modalities increased significantly between 1994 and 2013, with MRI experiencing an initial period of rapid growth. The four most common modalities - radiography, ultrasound, MRI, and CT - saw increases in volume and per-beneficiary utilization.
Cinematic rendering technology produces photorealistic 3D images from CT and MRI data, enhancing medical education, patient-physician communication, and early disease detection. The technique has potential applications in surgical planning and improves physician-patient relationships.
MRI provides a comprehensive evaluation method for living liver donors, replacing invasive and time-consuming conventional methods. The use of updated MRI-based techniques improves image quality, enabling non-invasive assessment of hepatic steatosis and vascular anatomy.
As more adults are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, radiologists must monitor the disease's complex and heterogeneous spectrum. The condition affects approximately 70,000 people worldwide, with up to 7% of cases diagnosed in adulthood, often with subtle manifestations.
Practical imaging evaluation of neonatal soft-tissue tumors is crucial for accurate diagnosis, and clear understanding of imaging techniques can improve patient outcomes. Characteristic clinical and imaging findings aid in diagnosing these neoplasms, which may require biopsy or excision for definitive diagnosis.
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) honors Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. and Robert A. Novelline for their contributions to medical imaging research and clinical practice. These gold medalists are recognized for their work in developing advanced MRI imaging techniques and advancing trauma diagnosis.
Recent advancements in tomographic imaging have improved V/Q scan sensitivity for pulmonary embolism (PE), but also risk revealing small, clinically insignificant PEs. This can lead to overtreatment and defensive medicine practices in the US healthcare system.
A review paper suggests that clinical decision tools can influence pulmonary CTA use and yield, with physician nonadherence being a major obstacle. The study found that validated rules and integrated CDS systems can help appropriate use of CTAs, but further investigation is needed.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that FDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool for treating lung cancer patients, especially when clinical suspicion or evidence of disease recurrence or metastasis is present. However, its routine use without clinical suspicion should be discouraged until its value fo...
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that radiologists may be uniquely positioned to detect elder abuse due to their role in identifying injury patterns. However, most diagnostic radiologists have limited training or experience in this area, and all participants reported missing cases of elder abuse.
MR urography (MRU) offers an alternative to CT urography (CTU) for whole urinary tract imaging. However, proper technique is crucial, with steps needed to ensure adequate distention and visualization of the entire system.
A retrospective observational study found that patients receiving CT scans for atraumatic headaches in the emergency room were less likely to return within 30 days. The study suggests that CT scans may provide reassurance to patients, preventing return ED visits.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans have good sensitivity for detecting colon cancers with tumors beyond the bowel wall, but struggle with identifying nodal involvement. Thin-slice CT may be an effective tool in this area.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that radiologists who compare prior mammograms with more than one image have better true-positive outcomes and fewer false-positives. This reduction in recall rates can lead to a decrease in anxiety, radiation exposure, biopsies, and healthcare costs for patients.
A study highlights common and less common errors in pediatric chest radiography, emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach to image interpretation. The authors recommend clear understanding of a child's development and anatomy to avoid significant interpretive errors.
A Boston research team found that CT attenuation measurements can be used to differentiate between untreated osteoblastic (bone-related) metastases and enostoses (benign bone lesions). This discovery may help avoid unnecessary biopsies and radiologic studies.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that nephron-sparing treatment for small renal masses can improve life expectancy in patients with mild or moderate chronic kidney disease. The study developed a framework for incorporating tumor imaging features and renal function into treatment selection, providing a...
A study found that biphenotypic primary liver carcinoma can be misclassified as hepatocellular carcinoma if only major imaging features are considered. The study suggests using a comprehensive algorithm for liver lesion assessment, such as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (LI-RADS), to accurately classify these malignancies.
A review article aims to broaden radiologists' understanding of imaging-evident toxicity in the era of precision oncology. Toxicity can amplify with drug combinations, but acceptable levels may serve as a biomarker of treatment response. Radiologists must grasp the nuances of toxicity to contribute to optimized cancer care.