Articles tagged with Radiology
The European Society of Cardiology recommends reducing patient radiation exposure in cardiology procedures, which amount to over 50 chest X-rays per person each year. This can be achieved by implementing measures such as auditing and optimizing doses, educating patients, and encouraging industry competition.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology reveals that there is minimal change in regional variation of imaging utilization between 2007 and 2011. In contrast, regional variation in imaging costs and other major health services categories remains significant.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new MRI technique called Active-MRI that captures the movement of the wrist in real-time. This allows for more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as wrist instability, which can be misaligned and cause chronic pain and osteoarthritis.
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology addresses imaging-based screening and radiology's role in preventive medicine. The issue explores breast density legislation, digital breast tomosynthesis, lung cancer screening, and CT colonography reimbursement, highlighting both benefits and controversies.
The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the Regenstrief Institute are collaborating on a project to harmonize and unify terms for radiology procedures. The goal is to produce a single unified source of names and codes for radiology procedures, promoting common understanding, simplifying clinical processes, and enhancing da...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center are developing a next-generation condom that uses nanoparticle technology to increase comfort, strength, and sensation. The goal is to make condoms more appealing to use and reduce the stigma associated with them.
A study found that younger patients have a lower quality-of-life score after breast biopsy due to increased pain and anxiety. The researchers suggest tailored pre-biopsy counseling could minimize these effects.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are conducting a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy on tennis elbow. The study compares PRP injections to other treatments, including physical therapy and dry needling, in a blind study to minimize bias.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that non-radiologists are increasingly performing ultrasound-guided invasive procedures. The study highlights the growing role of non-radiologists in these procedures, with significant increases noted between 2004 and 2010.
The study found metabolic abnormalities in hippocampal and thalamic neurons of rats with the Egr3 gene transfection, which may be useful for early diagnosis and pathogenesis of schizophrenia. These findings provide imaging evidence that could aid in understanding the disease.
New diagnostic thresholds published in the New England Journal of Medicine aim to balance ultrasound use and ensure accuracy in diagnosing viable pregnancies. The guidelines suggest raising gestational sac size limits and improving blood test reliability to prevent misdiagnosis.
The American College of Radiology has developed a safety checklist for pediatric digital radiography, aiming to standardize work processes and reduce reliance on memory. The checklist is designed to decrease the chance of medical errors and improve patient care in pediatric radiography.
A study published in Radiology found that patients referred by physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment were more likely to receive negative findings on knee MRI exams. This suggests that financial incentives may drive overuse of high-tech imaging, contributing to escalating medical costs.
A California-based group has developed a website to address the implications of breast density notification laws, which require patients with dense breasts to receive written notification. The group recommends an individualized risk-based approach to guiding decision-making on supplementary screening.
A new form of imaging technology, PET/MRI, is being explored for its potential to improve diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for various types of cancer. Researchers found that PET/MRI enhanced the ability to detect malignant areas and diagnose several types of cancers more accurately.
Researchers found that women with atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) can avoid surgery if radiologist and pathologist findings are concordant. Yearly mammograms, MRI, or ultrasound as second-line screening tools may suffice.
A new study at Rhode Island Hospital found that academic medical centers have higher recall rates for mammography than community radiology centers. The study, led by Dr. Ana Lourenco, found that younger patients and those with previous surgeries or biopsies were more likely to be recalled.
A new study published in Radiology found that hospital mammography recall rates are higher than those at community office practices. The study, which analyzed data from 2008 to 2011, identified patients with previous surgeries and biopsies as a key factor contributing to the increased recall rate.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that expert radiologists were vulnerable to inattentional blindness, missing a gorilla in a scan. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to show that the majority of those who missed the gorilla looked directly at it.
A study from the University of Michigan found that electronic health records can slow the rise of healthcare costs, with a 3% savings in outpatient care compared to traditional paper records. The study examined data from nine communities and estimated $5.14 in savings per patient per month.
A new technique developed by Stanford researchers allows for the tracking of mesenchymal stem cells after transplantation, giving surgeons a better sense of whether the procedure was successful. The approach uses an FDA-approved iron supplement to label the cells, alleviating risks associated with standard labeling methods.
Radiology residents primarily use iPads as educational tools, with limited impact on daily clinical duties. Only 12% used iPads to sign dictated reports, and most had not used them for viewing radiologic examinations.
A new technology has reduced overall radiation exposure from CT scans in children by 37 percent, according to a recent study. The software uses mathematical calculations to determine the lowest possible radiation dose for each patient, allowing radiologists to precisely control the amount of radiation based on patient size.
The Society of Interventional Radiology has selected 18 new Fellows who have demonstrated excellence in research and publishing or teaching and leadership within the field. These individuals will play key roles in advancing the science and technology of interventional radiology.
Professor Harry Genant has been recognized with the first IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his influential work in noninvasive imaging methods, clinical advances, and best practice guidelines. He is a distinguished researcher, author, and educator, with extensive contributions to bone science and policy implementation.
Researchers found that laser-assisted lipolysis can reduce fat bulk and tighten skin, providing a more effective alternative to traditional liposuction. The minimally invasive treatment uses targeted energy to melt fat without affecting surrounding tissue, resulting in faster recovery times and improved results.
A new study has found that adding a photo of a patient's face to their x-ray images can significantly reduce wrong-patient errors. The study showed that radiologists correctly identified mismatched pairs with photographs, with an error detection rate of 64%, compared to 13% without photos.
A minimally invasive treatment reduces blood flow to the prostate, shrinking it and providing a larger passageway for urine. The study shows promising results with significant symptom relief in 92% of patients after one month, with no major complications.
A new study shows stent grafts can successfully keep dialysis access sites open using tiny scaffolds for far longer than previously reported, reducing the need for invasive treatments and improving patients' quality of life.
A new electrical pulse treatment called irreversible electroporation (IRE) has been shown to be safe and effective for treating complex cancers without harming healthy tissue. IRE precisely perforates cancer cells, posing fewer risks to vital structures.
Researchers have successfully treated metastatic lung cancer using cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses frozen balls of ice to kill cancerous tumors. The treatment has shown promising results, with 100% effectiveness in killing tumors at three-month follow-up and prolonged survival for patients.
Cryoneurolysis, a new interventional radiology treatment, safely short circuits chronic pain caused by nerve damage. After treatment, patients experienced significant lasting pain relief and were able to reduce or eliminate pain medication use.
In a study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers found that drug-coated stents can effectively treat critical limb ischemia by keeping clogged leg arteries open. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in amputations and improved quality of life for patients.
Stenting of completely blocked mesenteric arteries can safely restore blood flow to the bowel and resolve patients' symptoms with few complications. This minimally invasive treatment is a game-changer for elderly patients and those with peripheral arterial disease, offering less risk and faster recovery time.
A new study shows that dual energy CT is an effective way to evaluate emergency department patients with possible ACL tears. The imaging technique accurately identified ACL tears in 94% of cases, making it a promising alternative to MRI.
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that any potential work efficiencies gained when different providers interpret different medical imaging scans on the same patient are minimal and vary by procedure. The study suggests that Medicare's estimates of potential work savings were greatly exaggerated, with a maximum redu...
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a new MRI method that can differentiate white matter from gray matter in the brain in about 12 seconds. The technology uses unique fingerprinting to identify tissues and diseases, promising faster and cheaper scans with more accurate diagnoses.
A single concussion can cause lasting structural damage to the brain, according to a new study. Brain atrophy has been found in patients one year after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), which may explain long-term neurological and psychological symptoms. The study also identified specific brain regions affected by MTBI.
The Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging aims to provide a cutting-edge communication platform for professionals developing and utilizing imaging techniques in forensic analysis. Research published in the journal covers topics such as imaging technologies, education, and best practices in forensic radiology and imaging.
A new study published in Radiology found that CT scans are associated with a significantly lower risk of death than radiation-induced cancer in young adults. The study analyzed imaging records of patients 18 to 35 years old who underwent chest or abdominopelvic CT exams between 2003 and 2007.
A new radiation therapy method using volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been shown to significantly reduce prostate cancer treatment time by approximately 14%. The study found that VMAT patients had shorter average room times, with some patients experiencing similar treatment times as those using gold-marker tracking.
The majority of primary care physicians prefer delivering radiology test results to patients themselves, feeling medico-legally obligated by recommendations within reports. This preference is influenced by the wording and location of recommendations, highlighting the need for improvements in radiology reporting practices.
Researchers used a second-generation 320-detector row CT scanner to significantly reduce radiation exposure in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography. The new system achieved diagnostic-quality scans with low doses of radiation, reducing effective radiation dose by 72% compared to the first-generation unit.
The Society of Interventional Radiology publishes guidelines that capture consensus on clinical practice of intra-arterial stroke revascularization. The guidelines recommend submission of outcomes to a national registry to assess processes and outcomes in acute stroke revascularization.
A new study shows that fewer than one-in-five healthcare providers meet Medicare PQRS requirements. Radiologists are nearly twice as likely to qualify for bonuses, but face penalties if they don't improve their documentation and reporting. The study found that radiologists collectively may face penalties totaling over $100M in 2016.
A study found that radiologists' performance improves when reading images for a specific hospital, rather than multiple hospitals. This suggests that outsourcing radiology services can be beneficial, as long as the outsourcing company designs the work to maximize productivity and customer specificity.
A new study published in Radiology found that cerebral angioplasty and stent placement can be an effective treatment for stroke patients, with a significant improvement in outcomes compared to no additional therapy. The procedure was shown to improve symptoms and quality of life for approximately 43.5% of patients.
A study finds that most patients who have undergone imaging exams know little about radiologists, with only 53.5% aware they are physicians. Radiologists now see an opportunity to educate the public about their role in healthcare.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that a significant number of CT scans for cervical spine injuries could be avoided if physicians followed the National Emergency X-Radiology Study (NEXUS) criteria. The study showed that adherence to these guidelines reduced unnecessary CT scans from 24% to 16%.
Researchers discovered changes in brain connectivity after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), which may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of post-concussion syndrome. The study found decreased functional connectivity in the posterior network of the brain, correlated with neurocognitive dysfunction.
A new breast imaging technology, tomosynthesis, significantly improves radiologists' diagnostic accuracy and reduces false positive recall rates when combined with standard digital mammography. The study found a 10.7% increase in diagnostic sensitivity and a 38.6% reduction in absolute recall rates.
Bochum clinicians successfully performed MRI scans on 326 children without sedation, achieving a 97% diagnostic relevance rate. The BLADE technique was used to minimize blurring and maximize image quality, allowing for successful examinations in 41% of three-year-olds, 91% of four-year-olds, and 98% of patients over five years old.
A new digital mammography technique has been shown to improve the accuracy of breast cancer screening, reducing both false positive findings and recalls. The stereoscopic method uses a unique workstation and polarizing lenses to identify lesions at different depths within the breast volume.
A decade of increased use of sophisticated imaging studies has made radiology a crucial aspect of healthcare reform, says Dr. James V. Rawson. Radiologists are exploring ways to reduce costs, optimize utilization, and improve patient care through the strategic use of imaging technology.
Guidelines provide three categories for initial patient evaluation and order sets for follow-up visits, aiming to reduce inappropriate imaging utilization, steroid and narcotic use, and invasive procedures. The approach is based on the best available evidence to improve patient care.
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology explores radiology's role in health care reform, including utilization management, value-based payment systems, and patient-centered outcomes. The issue highlights the importance of radiologists being involved in directing overall health policy and budget discussions.
The Society of Interventional Radiology's flagship publication has launched a new app for iPad users, offering convenient access to interventional radiology literature and multimedia. The app allows readers to browse the latest issue, save articles, take notes, and share content on social media.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that non-invasive diagnostic imaging costs to Medicare Part B dropped significantly between 2006 and 2010. The decline was attributed to reimbursement cuts and increased education on scan utilization.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation provides funding for medical students conducting preclinical research in interventional radiology. One student will receive a stipend and fellow's allowances through the program, which aims to cultivate future interventional radiology leaders.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discover leukoaraiosis is a disease that alters brain function, affecting language processing and network activity. Moderate levels of the condition lead to decreased activation in key areas, while high blood pressure may also play a role.