Articles tagged with Radiology
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 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.
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.
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.
A study suggests that electronic medical records (EMRs) significantly improve physician compliance with reviewing portal images, leading to more accurate radiation treatment and higher quality care. By leveraging EMRs, hospitals can reduce errors and optimize patient care.
A new study has found that lung nodule matching software can significantly improve radiologists' efficiency, with an average increase of almost two-fold compared to manual matching. The software correctly matched nodules at an accuracy rate of 79-92% while reducing the time required for matching from 1 second to under 6 minutes.
Researchers found a strong link between post-stroke depression and brain network impairment, specifically in the default-mode network (DMN), which is involved in emotional regulation. The study suggests that functional brain impairment may be more critical than structural lesions in predicting depression severity.
A multi-institutional survey study found that 74% of radiology residents own smartphones and 37% own tablet devices, with 81% believing they would spend more time learning if provided with a tablet device. Tablet technology has the potential to enhance radiology education by providing more study time.
A study found that ED patients undergoing CT of the abdomen and pelvis are clinically complex, with 93.8% classified as higher complexity. The study suggests that advanced imaging services in the ED setting serve valuable roles, such as facilitating patient triage and reducing hospital lengths of stay.
A multicenter study found that the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data Systems (BI-RADS) terminology used by radiologists is useful in predicting malignancy in breast lesions detected with MRI. Features such as irregular shape, spiculated margins, and marked enhancement are most predictive of cancer.
A new study found that a 6-month follow-up MRI after a benign breast biopsy is not necessary, according to the American Roentgen Ray Society. The study included 144 patients with 176 lesions and found no malignancies on follow-up MR imaging, except for one patient who had minimal atypical ductal hyperplasia
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that unnecessary imaging recommendations in PET/CT oncologic reports are common, with 43 out of 84 recommendations being deemed unnecessary. This highlights the need for radiologists to reduce frequency of additional imaging tests without compromising patient outcomes.
A recent study found that radiologists recommended additional imaging in 30% of PET/CT oncologic reports, with half being unnecessary. The study suggests that reluctance to accept uncertainty and medicolegal concerns contribute to these recommendations.
A new study reveals that automated breast ultrasound can detect additional clinically significant breast cancers missed by mammography, in just three minutes of physician time. This technology is a game-changer for women with dense breasts, who are at higher risk of missing cancer diagnoses.
A new study shows that digital breast tomosynthesis reduces recall rates for routine mammography, particularly for asymmetries and calcifications. The technology allows for a more detailed examination of the breast tissue, resulting in lower recall rates and reduced anxiety for patients.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that patients with simple assault or ground-level falls without pre-existing spinal conditions do not need cervical spine CT scans. This reduction in unnecessary exams can help decrease radiation exposure to sensitive areas, such as the eyes and thyroid, and lower healthcare costs.
A new study shows cone beam CT is better than multidetector CT for visualizing superior semicircular canal dehiscence and normal temporal bone anatomy, with improved image quality at half the radiation dose. The study found a significant reduction in false positives and improvements in pathology detection.
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.
The study found that dedicated pediatric imaging departments significantly reduce radiation doses in pediatric CT scans, with compliance rates improving and patient doses decreasing. The use of specialized technologists and protocols tailored to child size and organ system scanned contribute to these benefits.
A Vanderbilt University study found that individual differences in dopamine levels in specific brain areas affect motivation and willingness to work for rewards. The research provides new insights into the role of dopamine in human behavior and may have implications for treating mental illnesses like depression and schizophrenia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.