Articles tagged with Radiology
A decision support system translated into a high percentage of positive chest CT examinations, with 76% of patients showing a positive finding on their CT. The system's utility score helped referring physicians modify imaging requests, cancel exams, or order alternative tests.
A study of 449 patients found that follow-up CT scans had positive findings in 32.9% of cases with inconclusive abdominal ultrasound results, while 42.7% were non-significant and 11.7% equivocal. The exams were most useful for diagnosing renal lesions.
A new study by American Roentgen Ray Society shows radiologists ranking themselves as less competent in patient imaging costs and patient safety compared to non-radiology physicians. The researchers aim to use this data for self-reflection to improve their knowledge and be ambassadors of change in healthcare reform.
The image share project enables patients to distribute medical images to their physicians quickly and securely. Patients can own their exam and control distribution, while physicians gain anytime, anywhere access to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.
A new study shows that tablet-based conference mirroring enhances radiology residents' learning experience by allowing them to manipulate images, zoom in on subtle abnormalities, and participate remotely. More than 75% of residents who participated in this format strongly agreed that it improved their learning.
Radiologists must understand normal anatomy and possible complications of bariatric surgeries like gastric banding and Roux-en-Y bypass to ensure patient success. By being familiar with these procedures, radiologists can better communicate with surgical colleagues and provide optimal care for obese patients.
The new exhibit focuses on proper patient management and latest imaging techniques for treating musculoskeletal ski/snowboard injuries. It emphasizes the importance of thorough history-taking to deliver best patient care for these types of injuries.
Researchers at Westchester Medical Center overhauled their processes to tackle challenges of interpreting outside studies. This resulted in a significant reduction in unnecessary repeat studies by approximately 85%, leading to lower radiation doses for patients.
Traumatic shoulder injuries can have significant consequences if not recognized and treated promptly. Radiologists can improve patient outcomes by understanding the common mechanisms of primary shoulder injuries and identifying associated secondary bony or soft tissue injuries.
A new study from UCLA shows that magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) are equivalent in delineating anatomy in living renal donors. The results could potentially reduce radiation exposure for patients, while consistently using MRA in renal donors warrants further investigation.
Traumatic shoulder injuries often contain secondary injuries that can compromise treatment effectiveness. New protocols aim to identify these injuries, leading to improved patient outcomes. The protocols, awarded the 2012 Gold Medal, will be presented at the 2012 ARRS Annual Meeting.
A new study reveals that both amyloid-beta plaque deposits and elevated levels of the altered protein p-tau are required for clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease. The presence of both is associated with significant clinical decline over three years, highlighting p-tau as a potential target for new therapies.
John A. Kaufman, a professor and Frederick S. Keller Chair of Interventional Radiology, was awarded the 2012 Dr. Charles T. Dotter Lecture for his extraordinary contributions to the field. The award also recognizes his dedication to interventional radiology training and education.
The University of Colorado Department of Radiology has developed a smartcard to communicate effective doses and radiation risks of common adult radiologic exams to referring physicians and patients. The Adult Dose-Risk Smartcard simplifies facts on radiation dose and risk for informed decision-making about medical imaging procedures.
A study at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that patients prefer immediate access to radiology test results, even for complex diagnoses. The study showed that about half of participants preferred instant access, while a third preferred access within three days.
Kyung J. Cho, Dimitris Kelekis and Louis G. Martin received the SIR Gold Medal for their contributions to advancing the quality of medicine and patient care in interventional radiology. They are recognized for their clinical work, research and education contributions.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation's Discovery Campaign has received a major corporate pledge of $100,000 from Boston Scientific. This funding will accelerate pioneering work in interventional radiology, including grants, research consensus panels, registries, clinical trials, and educational programming.
Researchers found that aggressive treatment for chronic DVT can restore blood flow and improve quality of life for those with post-thrombotic syndrome. Minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, stenting, and thrombolytic therapy showed promising technical and clinical outcomes.
Researchers found success with irreversible electroporation to treat primary and metastatic liver cancer; the technique is now being implemented as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. Two out of eight participants had successful resections after IRE, with improved survival rates compared to traditional treatments.
Three new studies explore the use of proven interventional radiology treatments to help individuals with morbid obesity. One treatment targets ghrelin, a hunger hormone, while another uses X-ray visible embolic beads to block stomach arteries. A third study uses stem cells to repair degenerated discs and reduce pain. These minimally in...
Percutaneous cryoablation, an interventional radiology procedure, uses tiny probes to freeze and destroy tumors in metastatic breast cancer. The treatment has been shown to provide a valuable alternative to other therapies with minimal side effects and reduced recovery time.
A study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's annual meeting found that angioplasty can provide symptom relief for MS patients with venous obstructions. The procedure showed significant safety findings and provided symptomatic benefit in 55% of individuals treated.
Prostatic artery embolization shows promise in treating lower urinary tract symptoms and improving quality of life for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical success was seen in 91% of treated individuals, with significant volume reduction in prostate size.
A minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment called endovascular aortic repair is associated with lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgical repair for ruptured aneurysms. The study found that women had worse outcomes after the procedure, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
A minimally invasive endovascular treatment for CCSVI shows promise in improving physical- and mental health-related quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study found significant short-term improvements in over 75% of those with relapsing remitting and primary progressive forms of MS.
Researchers implemented a new CT imaging protocol for lung-nodule biopsies, reducing the radiation dose by 66% while maintaining image quality. The study focused on minimizing patient exposure and promoting safer procedures.
Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that significantly improves the detection of pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. The addition of two magnetic resonance imaging sequences to a common MR angiography technique boosts detection rates to 84%, reducing the need for ionizing radiation and contrast agents.
A recent study suggests that US radiation residents' curricula for business practice and health care policy are in need of improvement, with most programs offering variable topics and educational time. The study's findings indicate that current curricula may be suboptimal, highlighting the need for further commitment and innovation.
A medical school in Ireland has successfully implemented a radiation protection program for undergraduate medical students, improving their knowledge of radiation protection. The program was designed as an e-learning module and resulted in significant improvements in students' post-module radiation protection knowledge.
The Society of Interventional Radiology will showcase new scientific advances and discoveries in its 37th Annual Scientific Meeting, featuring minimally invasive treatments for dozens of diseases. The meeting will include scientific presentations, posters, and technical exhibits highlighting research on interventional radiology.
Virtual colonoscopies are comparably effective to standard colonoscopy in detecting colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. The Colon Cancer Alliance and ACR urge Medicare to cover seniors for screening CT colonography, which is endorsed by the American Cancer Society.
A large hospital implemented a CPOE system with clinical decision support for radiology, significantly increasing meaningful use and adoption rates. The study observed a decrease in low-utility imaging studies by up to 57%.
A recent study found that musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound volume increased significantly among non-radiologists, particularly podiatrists, from 2000 to 2009. The study's findings raise concerns about self-referral and the potential for increased healthcare costs.
A recent study suggests that surgical breast biopsies are not overused, with the actual rate falling between 2% and 18%. The study analyzed Medicare data from 2004 to 2009 and found a true surgical breast biopsy figure of around 11%. This finding challenges earlier reports that suggested surgery was used for 30% of breast biopsies.
A new technique using subtle gaze direction guides novice radiologists to follow expert scanpaths, improving accuracy in reading mammograms. This high-tech approach shows promise for training medical image interpretation and could be applied to various visual search tasks.
A new study published in Radiology found that preoperative MRI helps surgeons make informed decisions about nerve-sparing procedures for men with prostate cancer. The imaging modality changed the surgical plan in 28% of patients, without compromising oncologic outcomes.
A study found that uninsured patients receiving imaging services in a hospital setting received the same quantity and value as insured patients. Despite this, uninsured individuals were less likely to undergo interventional procedures but more likely to receive computed tomography studies.
A study of over 14,000 Medicare patients with peripheral arterial disease found that treatment by interventional radiologists results in better patient outcomes and lower costs. The study suggests that consumers have a choice in selecting healthcare providers and can expect varying levels of quality and cost depending on the specialist
Researchers found that quantitative CT scans can identify patients with greater airway wall thickness and emphysema, who are at higher risk for frequent exacerbations. These findings could lead to individualized, targeted management of COPD disease.
The RTOG 0925 study aims to identify early clinical and neurocognitive changes that could precede tumor progression in low-risk glioma patients. The study will compare treatment effects on cognitive function, quality of life, and seizure control in patients with evidence versus no evidence of progression.
A study found that physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment refer more patients for unnecessary MRI exams, leading to increased healthcare costs. The study revealed a higher rate of negative scans and younger patients among those referred by financially interested physicians.
Experts from NYU Langone's Department of Radiology will present on various topics, including genitourinary evaluations and breast MRI outcomes. The department is a leader in advanced diagnostic imaging with over 100 board-certified radiologists.
Researchers published a study on following patients with retrievable IVC filters to improve placement success and patient follow-up. The study supports existing guidelines developed by the Society of Interventional Radiology for safe filter placement.
A study found that post-mortem imaging can identify cause of death in two-thirds of cases, with CT being more accurate than MRI. However, common causes of sudden death are frequently missed, and further development is needed to address these weaknesses.
Researchers found that shutting down radiology workstations and monitors after an 8-hour shift can save substantial energy and costs. By doing so, they reduced their energy consumption by 76.3% and saved $9,225.33, mainly due to the shutdown of standby equipment.
Diagnosis-related malpractice claims have risen by 40% since 1996, with total payouts increasing from $21.7 million to $91 million in 2010. Improving notification reliability and work flow through semi-automated systems can enhance patient safety.
A nationwide study found that radiologists performed 55% of non-cardiac ultrasound studies in 2009, while non-radiologists accounted for 41%. The role of radiologists in non-cardiac ultrasound is strong but may be impacted by miniaturization of ultrasound equipment
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that many radiologists disagree on managing incidental findings on body computed tomography (CT) scans. Despite advances in CT resolution and increasing utilization, published guidelines are still emerging, leading to a lack of agreement among radiologists.
Two new studies advance the field of yttrium-90 radioembolization for liver cancer treatment. Researchers successfully modified blood vessels to maximize tumor-killing material delivery and simplify treatment. This technique allows for high local radiation doses with minimal risk to healthy tissues.
According to a recent poll, nearly 9-in-10 women reported that having regular mammograms gave them control over their own healthcare. The poll also showed that 90% of women considered mammograms important to their health and well-being.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has accepted a major corporate pledge of $100,000 from the St. Jude Medical Foundation to expand minimally invasive medicine into new areas of discovery. This support strengthens the Discovery Campaign and enables innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care.
A recent study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that exercise plays a crucial role in recovery from peripheral arterial disease after treatment. Interventions such as angioplasty and stenting can also help restore blood flow, improving walking ability and overall quality of life.
The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has awarded $2.5 million to advance two significant imaging research projects at the Philips Healthcare Global Advanced Imaging Innovation Center, a collaboration among University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University.
With significant incentives available, radiologists must prepare to comply with meaningful use regulations, which could impact patient care. Radiologists can qualify by adopting new technology and workflows, as recommended by experts.
Hospital executives should recognize the value added by on-site radiology groups, which include patient safety, image quality, interpretation accuracy, service to patients and physicians, cost containment, and business building. Fragmentation of radiology departments can lead to lost values and chaos.
Experts offer practical strategies for reducing radiation dose in chest CT scans, including stratifying protocols based on clinical indications and limiting scan length. Pediatric CT scans require lower doses compared to adult patients, and using appropriate scan parameters can further reduce radiation exposure.
Studies show that ankle brachial index can help identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events, while bifurcated prostheses on aorto-iliac lesions may improve PAD treatment outcomes. Early detection and intervention are crucial to managing PAD and preventing serious consequences.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology's impact factor increased by nearly 15% in 2010, reflecting its commitment to quality and tradition of excellence. The journal has expanded its reach through new media channels, including a podcast channel and redesigned website.
Radiation dose optimization in head CT scans is crucial for reducing exposure and improving patient safety. Experts recommend using techniques such as lower tube current, automatic exposure control, and scanning at a lower tube voltage to minimize dose without compromising image quality.
A community hospital implemented a comprehensive CT radiation dose reduction program, reducing effective doses by up to 64% in certain protocols. The program's key strategies included ensuring proper scanner functionality, trained staff, monitoring, and education.