Articles tagged with Radiology
A new study found a substantial increase in CVI procedures in the Medicare population between 2005 and 2014. Cardiology saw the most rapid growth in market share, while vascular surgeons and other specialists also increased their services.
A new study at the University of California found that assessing and comparing radiation doses across hospitals can lead to significantly lower doses for common CT scans. The project resulted in substantially lower radiation doses for chest and abdominal scans, as well as more consistent radiation doses for head scans.
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 new study validates a novel classification system for identifying academic radiologists' subspecialties using Medicare claims data. The system correctly classified 90% of radiologists and has potential to improve value-based payment models.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces urinary tract symptoms in men with enlarged prostates, with an 89% cumulative success rate at short-term evaluation. Long-term follow-up shows 78% cumulative success rates, making it a viable option for patients exploring alternatives to open surgery.
A machine learning application powered by artificial intelligence has been developed to provide evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions in interventional radiology. The system enables real-time communication between clinicians and patients, improving the quality of care.
A nationwide study shows that uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is vastly underutilized compared to hysterectomies, despite its lower costs and shorter hospital stays. UFEs result in substantial cost savings ($12,000) and faster recovery times compared to hysterectomies.
A minimally invasive treatment for migraine headaches has been shown to be safe and effective in children and teenagers, providing quick pain relief within minutes. The treatment reduces the need for medications with serious side effects, allowing kids to return to school sooner.
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...
Researchers found that ED patients with ultrasounds interpreted by nonradiologists underwent more follow-up imaging studies, with a mean increase of 1.08, 1.22, and 1.34 procedures within seven, fourteen, and thirty days respectively.
Researchers developed patient-size based diagnostic reference levels and achievable doses for 10 common CT head, neck and body examinations. The study found that using national benchmarks can reduce overall radiation dose and encourage facilities to optimize protocols.
Most US radiologists receive favorable satisfaction scores from their patients, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The study analyzed over 1,800 reviews and found that patients tend to have either strongly positive or strongly negative opinions about their radiologists.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation will bestow annual awards to recognize innovators and researchers in the field. Dr. Riad Salem will receive the Leaders in Innovation Award for his pioneering work on yttrium-90 radioembolization, while Terence Gade will receive the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award for his p...
New research reveals that patients are often surprised with medical bills four-to-six times higher than expected when they see out-of-network specialists, despite not choosing them. The study finds that anesthesiologists and other specialists charge significantly more than Medicare pays for similar services.
Recent years have seen a substantial increase in articles within radiology journals addressing patient-centered care, with only a limited number of journals publishing multiple original research articles. The study identified four journals that had published more than one original research article on the topic.
The reports found that CMS' proposed criteria for special considerations would result in many radiologists being evaluated using measures not reflective of their practice. Alternative criteria could help ensure fair opportunities for success in performance review under MIPS.
New research from the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute finds that state tort reforms are associated with a decrease in physician ordering of radiographs. The study examined the impact of liability pressure on overall imaging use and found that indirect tort reforms have a stronger effect on radiography orders than direct reforms.
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 study published by the Radiological Society of North America found that short-term sleep deprivation in 24-hour shift workers can lead to significant increases in cardiac contractility, blood pressure, and heart rate. The researchers also observed increased levels of stress hormones and thyroid hormones.
A new study using national patient ratings website data found that most US radiologists receive favorable satisfaction scores from their patients. The study also showed that radiologists in the Northeast scored lower than those elsewhere, and online reviews tend to be strongly positive or negative.
A study by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute found a decline in new enteral access procedures for Medicare patients over the past two decades. Meanwhile, maintenance services increased, with radiologists and emergency physicians surpassing gastroenterologists and surgeons as leading providers.
Interventional radiologists at Rush University Medical Center have developed methods to remove filters that previously couldn't be removed, achieving a 100% retrieval rate. The team uses specialized tools and medical expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.
A survey of 1,976 adult radiology outpatients found that most patients want to meet with a radiologist and have limited understanding of their role. Radiologists should make themselves available to address patient concerns and improve communication.
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 new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators shows that trained radiologists can identify abnormal mammograms at better than chance levels when shown images for only half a second. The researchers found that finer details of breast tissue texture help radiologists make the correct diagnosis more frequently.
A recent study published in Radiology documents brain abnormalities associated with congenital Zika infection, revealing significant reductions in brain tissue volume and enlarged ventricles. The research team analyzed pre- and post-natal images of fetuses and newborns in 45 confirmed and presumed cases of Zika virus.
A new report by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute proposes a bundled payment model for breast cancer screening, which could help reduce healthcare costs and improve patient adherence to screening guidelines. The model includes mammography and downstream diagnostic imaging services within a 364-day episode window.
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 new MRI technique, Plug-and-Play MR Fingerprinting (PnP-MRF), has been developed to eliminate artifacts and create high-quality images. This innovation enables accurate diagnoses and reveals disease patterns that are consistent from patient to patient, promising superior imaging with less expensive machines.
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.
The study found significant growth in CTA exams per 1,000 Medicare enrollees, increasing from 2.1 in 2001 to 47.6 in 2013, with chest CTA utilization rising the most. CTA services grew most rapidly in ED settings, with the percentage of studies performed annually in EDs increasing from 11% in 2001 to 28% in 2014.
A new study published in Radiology found that radiologists who graduated after 1940 do not face an increased risk of dying from radiation-related causes like cancer. The researchers attributed the reduction in health risks to improvements in radiation protection and monitoring, as well as advancements in equipment safety.
A high-fat Mediterranean diet with no restrictions on fat intake may reduce the risk of breast cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular events. The diet's monounsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio, fruit and vegetable intake, and moderate red wine consumption are key components that contribute to these benefits.
The new report explores how radiologists can succeed in the new payment landscape under MACRA. It provides a historical context for payment reform and describes the recent MACRA legislation, its impacts on payment, and organizations influencing its evolution.
A survey of medical professionals in Saskatchewan found that most recognize an increased cancer risk from CT scans, but many underestimate the actual radiation dose. The study suggests that automation and education can improve understanding and minimize risks.
A Japanese retrospective study found that ultralow-dose CT can accurately quantify emphysema disease without excessive radiation. Researchers suggest that this technique could stratify lung cancer risk and reduce radiation exposure in COPD patients.
Groundbreaking research in 13 radiology subspecialities presented during the ARRS 2016 Annual Meeting. Notable findings include improved prostate cancer detection and grading using restriction spectrum imaging, reduced unnecessary biopsies via novel mammographic algorithm, and faster knee MRI acquisition with accelerated SPACE.
This year's top winners include a study on benign disorders simulating thoracic malignancies and a thorough understanding of ankle nerves for nerve entrapment evaluation. B-flow imaging is also highlighted as a promising method to complement color Doppler ultrasound.
Kitt Shaffer, MD, PhD, received the 2016 Alliance of Medical Students Educators in Radiology (AMSER) Excellence in Education Award. She has made significant contributions to medical student radiology education through her work on curriculum development and faculty mentorship.
A pioneering technique using cold blasts has shown promise in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from phantom limb pain. After treating 20 patients with cryoablation therapy, researchers found a significant reduction in pain scores, from an average of 6.4 to 2.4 points.
Competition fuels innovation in interventional radiology, leading to improved patient care and outcomes. Scott Trerotola's research and publications have advanced the field, developing new techniques and device patents.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a cutting-edge solution for radiologists using Deep Learning technologies. The lab has created tools to facilitate computer-assisted diagnosis of X-rays, CTs and MRIs, freeing up time for complex cases.
A treatment called prostatic artery embolization (PAE) decreases nocturnal urination frequency and improves quality of life in men with enlarged prostates. PAE is a less invasive option compared to surgery, performed on an outpatient basis.
The Society of Interventional Radiology presented its highest honor, the SIR Gold Medal, to Ernest J. Ferris, Ho-Young Song, and Robert L. Vogelzang for their innovative work in interventional radiology. The award recognizes distinguished service to SIR or to the discipline of interventional radiology.
A new minimally invasive weight loss treatment called bariatric arterial embolization has shown safety and efficacy in a clinical trial, initiating weight loss and reducing hunger levels. The procedure targets the production of ghrelin, a hormone controlling hunger, with promising results in sustaining weight loss.
Women who underwent uterine fibroid embolization reported improved sexual function, including pain, desire, arousal, and satisfaction. About nine in 10 women also experienced a better overall quality of life, with average scores increasing from 45 to 71 one year after treatment.
A safe, minimally invasive treatment called bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) has been shown to lead to sustained weight loss in severely obese people. BAE targets the stomach's hunger hormone production, reducing appetite and resulting in significant weight loss.
The Society of Interventional Radiology honored two research papers for their impact on patient care. Dong Il Gwon's study validated a rapid PARTO procedure for treating gastric varices, while Ron C. Gaba's research explored gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma for improved treatment outcomes.
Renan Uflacker received the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation's Leaders in Innovation Award for his pioneering work in interventional radiology. The award recognized his contributions to transforming the field through innovative treatments for liver disease, peripheral vascular disease and aneurysms.
CV screening workstations aid technicians in accurately reviewing LDCT scans, leading to reduced false positives and improved efficiency. The study found 97.8% sensitivity and 98% specificity in identifying abnormal scans, with average review time of 208 seconds.
A new study using MRI to examine pregnant women with short cervixes found that high cervical tissue mobility is associated with impending preterm birth. The researchers plan larger trials to confirm the role of this imaging biomarker in predicting preterm birth.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that balloon angioplasty can successfully treat acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), a condition often misdiagnosed in older patients. The procedure led to a significant improvement in mortality rates compared to earlier treatments.
The American College of Cardiology and American College of Radiology have established recommendations for diagnosing chest pain in emergency departments. The guidelines assess the risks and benefits of diagnostic imaging procedures, providing guidance for clinicians to inform their judgment.
Researchers found that patients with high negative affect experienced significantly more adverse events during interventional radiology procedures. A positive emotional state did not make a significant difference in the incidence of adverse events.
A new approach to treating obesity involves embolizing the gastric artery to suppress appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin. Initial results show that three out of five morbidly obese patients experienced significant weight loss, including one patient who lost 50 pounds in nine months.