Articles tagged with Radiology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 study has found that patients with mild traumatic brain injury exhibit abnormal functional connectivity in the thalamus, a key relay station for brain information. The disruption of this connectivity may contribute to various post-traumatic symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
A recent study found that self-referral in medical imaging contributes to increased diagnostic imaging growth, with a 59.7% utilization rate of imaging services attributed to non-radiologist self-referers. The study estimates $3.6 billion in excess costs to Medicare Part B annually due to unnecessary imaging.
A study found that integrating clinical decision support tools into Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) improved radiologists' use of the tools, with a 52% increase in usage when access was removed. The integrated approach led to a threefold increase in sessions compared to non-integrated access.
A multidisciplinary panel recommends careful, well-designed research on chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in multiple sclerosis patients. The goal is to evaluate the role of vein widening with angioplasty and potential stent placement in improving symptoms.
A study in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that patient age and facility imaging capacity significantly impact MRI use. Hospitals with limited access to scanning technologies had less frequent use of MRI scans.
A study suggests that radiology benefit managers can have a negative impact on referring physicians, shifting significant costs to them. The study found that while RBMs aim to lower healthcare costs, they often result in cost savings being offset by increased fees for physicians and staff.
A study published in Radiology found that restrictive gadolinium-based contrast agent guidelines effectively prevented nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and its severe complications, including joint deformity and immobility. The guidelines require a blood test to estimate kidney function before administering the contrast agent.
A recent study at Nationwide Children's Hospital identified 11 patients with Self-Embedding Behavior (SEB), a form of self-injurious behavior involving foreign objects in soft tissue. The majority of patients had psychiatric disorders, histories of out-of-home placements, and suicidal ideations.
A new study introduces an improved algorithm to detect and remove motion artifacts from full-body MRIs. The Motion Artifact Removal by Retrospective Resolution Reduction (MARs) algorithm enables better retrospective reviews of images and reduces the need for additional imaging, leading to improved overall image quality.
A recent study suggests that eliminating CT venography of the pelvis can significantly reduce a patient's exposure to excessive radiation dose. The study found that only 0.3% of patients presented with isolated pelvic VTE after pulmonary embolism was ruled out.
The NCRP workshop aims to define circumstances for assessing the value of CT scanning while addressing issues of utilization patterns, radiation exposures, and overutilization. Participating organizations offer recommendations to control the inappropriate use of CT in emergency departments.
The ACR white paper offers strategies for radiologist participation in accountable care organizations (ACOs), combining traditional image interpretation with new value-added services. The ACR is developing tools to assist members in the transition and advocating for radiologist compensation for these services.
A new study suggests that dual-energy CT scans can detect monosodium urate crystals in different tissues, helping to understand and monitor gout. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
3D printing technology is being used to create ultra high-resolution 3D models of patient CT scans for neurosurgical planning. These models help identify defects not visible on 2-D images, improving radiologists' ability to communicate with patients and their families about complex anatomy and pathology.
The Society of Interventional Radiology prioritizes patient safety through education and research on radiation dosage reduction. New articles explore techniques to optimize radiation use without compromising quality care.
A new study found that implementing a system to upload CD images of emergency transfer patients into the receiving institution's picture archiving and communication system (PACS) decreased subsequent imaging rates by 17%. This reduces unnecessary medical imaging tests, some of which expose patients to radiation.
A group of radiologists and biochemists have developed a new approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of medical imaging. By creating standardized benchmarks and calibration objects, they aim to provide hard numbers that can be used to justify treatments and accelerate cancer treatment approvals.
A study published in Radiology used MRI to analyze brain atrophy and identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment at risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that patients with MCI had a one-year risk of conversion to AD ranging from three to 40 percent.