Articles tagged with Radiology
A study found a five-fold increase in pediatric CT exams from 1995 to 2008, with abdominal pain being the leading complaint. The effective dose of radiation for abdominal CT is up to seven times that of head CT, highlighting concerns over cumulative lifetime exposure.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, along with the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, presented inaugural JVIR Editor's Awards for outstanding clinical research paper and laboratory investigation. The awards recognized significant contributions to clinical and pre-clinical research in interventional radio...
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has received a major corporate pledge of $500,000 from Navilyst Medical to support its Discovery Campaign. This funding will be used to support grants, research consensus panels, registries, studies addressing comparative effectiveness, clinical trials, and educational programming.
Researchers confirmed that uterine fibroid embolization effectively reduces fibroid-related urinary symptoms, improving quality of life for women. The treatment blocks blood vessels to fibroids, causing them to shrink and symptoms subside.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation named Dr. Jeanne M. LaBerge the 2011 Dotter Lecturer, honoring her extraordinary contributions to interventional radiology. She is also a leader in innovation, with awards recognizing her research and education efforts.
A new interventional radiology treatment blocks blood supply to men's enlarged prostate glands, showing comparable clinical results to transurethral resection of the prostate. The minimally invasive treatment has none of the risks associated with TURP, such as sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Andrew B. Crummy, M.D., FSIR; Gordon K. McLean, M.D., FSIR, and Peter B. Lauer, CAE, received SIR's Gold Medals for their contributions to interventional radiology and cardiovascular medicine. The award recognizes their advancements in digital subtraction arteriography and other procedures.
A new medical device developed using submarine technology detects, diagnoses, and monitors stroke with high accuracy. The device can differentiate between normal brain activity and life-threatening conditions, allowing immediate treatment to begin.
Researchers develop innovative strategy to target tumor metabolism, block energy production required for malignant cancer growth, delaying tumor volume and spread. The treatment combines ultrasound-guided intra-tumoral delivery of a potent drug with imaging guidance to minimize healthy tissue exposure.
A small trial found that a proprietary antioxidant mixture taken before CT scans reduced DNA injury by up to 50%. The formula, administered orally, neutralized free radicals caused by X-rays and protected against cell damage.
A minimally invasive procedure, pelvic arterial embolization is a safe and effective treatment for postpartum hemorrhage, preserving the uterus and allowing resumption of menstruation. The study showed an initial clinical success rate of 86 percent, with repeat procedures increasing the overall bleeding control to 97.8 percent.
Researchers used catheter-based renal denervation to treat resistant hypertension in 106 adult patients, achieving significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after six months. The treatment has shown efficacy in lowering blood pressure and may have applicability in managing other diseases such as heart failure and ...
A four-year study confirms that Y-90 radioembolization is a safe and effective treatment for patients with metastatic liver cancer, particularly those who have failed chemotherapy. The procedure preserves patient quality of life and extends life, while also demonstrating anti-tumoral effects.
Researchers have shown that angioplasty to widen internal jugular and azygos veins is safe for multiple sclerosis patients. The treatment improved blood flow and reduced symptoms in 97% of patients with no significant complications.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects millions worldwide, leading to post-thrombotic syndrome and pulmonary embolism. Interventional radiologists have developed clot-busting treatments that can dissolve large blood clots with minimal risk, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers tested first-generation x-ray equipment from 1896 and found significantly higher radiation doses and longer exposure times compared to modern systems. The setup produced surprisingly good images despite image blurring, highlighting the significant health risks faced by early x-ray pioneers.
Researchers are conducting a pilot study to test image-guided neurothermal ablation, a new procedure using local radiofrequency energy to treat premature ejaculation. The treatment aims to provide an outpatient option for symptom control with limited side effects.
A new study found that uterine fibroid treatment significantly improved quality of life for women, with non-minimally invasive options such as MRgFUS showing better outcomes. The study surveyed over 197 women who underwent different treatments, including hysterectomy and UAE.
A recent study found that hospital use of computed tomographic colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is increasing. In 2008, 17% of hospitals offered CTC, up from 13% in 2005, with many citing a desire to provide alternative screening options for frail patients and those with failed optical colonoscopy.
A recent study found that radiologists who interpret a high volume of mammograms are better at detecting non-malignant lesions, resulting in lower false-positive rates. However, the number of cancers detected did not increase with volume, suggesting that a balance between screening and diagnostic mammogram interpretation is key.
The study found that radiologists who interpreted more mammograms had clinically and statistically significantly fewer false-positive findings without missing more cancers. Increasing annual screening volume requirements could lower the number of American women with false-positive workups by over 70,000 per year.
The team built a functioning anti-laser called a coherent perfect absorber (CPA), which absorbs 99.4% of incoming light and could pave the way for novel technologies in optical computing and radiology.
A new article outlines five phases of an imaging procedure's lifecycle, identifying distinct clinical evidence needs for each phase. The roadmap aims to foster certainty for manufacturers and stakeholders in navigating the concept-to-adoption pathway.
A paper on resident duty hour limits from Rhode Island Hospital has been recognized as the best education paper of 2010 by the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The lead author, Martha Mainiero, M.D., explains the history behind current resident duty hour requirements and proposed changes.
A study by radiologists suggests that radiologic case studies can effectively teach physiology to medical students, highlighting four broad physiologic principles: homeostasis, biologic energy use, structure-function relationships, and communication.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that CT scans significantly improved physicians' confidence in their diagnosis, changing treatment plans for almost half of patients with abdominal pain. This resulted in reduced probable hospital admissions by 20% and lower overall costs.
Implementing a computerized radiology workflow with customer service representatives leads to faster report delivery, reduced anxiety for patients, and increased productivity for radiologists. The study's findings support the cost-benefits of adding these representatives to alleviate administrative burdens.
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can accurately pinpoint bullet trajectory angles, enabling investigators to determine sniper locations. This technology also has potential benefits in crime scene analysis and patient treatment, according to a recent study.
A study found that Medicare payments for non-invasive medical imaging are higher to non-radiologists than to radiologists. This disparity has resulted from faster growth in fee-for-service payments to non-radiologists between 1998 and 2006.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins University highlights the problems with reviewing medical images from portable media. The research found three main issue areas: access, importability, and viewing problems. Noncompliance with DICOM standards is also a significant problem, which can delay patient care.
A panel of experts addressed safety concerns in medical imaging, highlighting the risks associated with excessive radiation exposure. The Image Wisely initiative aims to educate patients and professionals on the benefits and risks of medical imaging.
A study by Radiological Society of North America found CT scans to be the most accurate imaging modality in detecting cocaine containers in drug mules, with a sensitivity rate of 100 percent. X-rays had a lower detection rate, while low-dose linear slit digital radiography had an 85 percent sensitivity rate.
A new study reports a significant increase in CT scans performed in emergency departments, with the percentage of ED visits involving CT imaging rising from 2.8% to 13.9% between 1995 and 2007. The study found a remarkable growth rate of 16% per year, driven by increased awareness of cost and radiation concerns.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that targeted breast ultrasound was highly accurate in detecting breast cancer in women under 30. The study's high sensitivity and negative predictive value support its use as the primary imaging technique for young women with focal breast concerns.
A new study combines digital breast tomosynthesis and diffuse optical tomography to improve breast cancer diagnosis accuracy. The combined imaging system can distinguish between malignant and benign lesions, reducing unnecessary biopsies.
A new study suggests that multidetector computed tomography (CT) can pinpoint the causes of ischemic strokes, potentially reducing treatment delays. The technique detected cardiac sources in 18 of 25 cases and facilitated stroke classification in 83% of patients.
A new study suggests that MRI can accurately predict the duration of a stroke within 90% accuracy, allowing more patients to be treated with clot-busting drug tPA. This could change the way stroke is managed in emergency settings, enabling all patients to receive urgent treatment regardless of symptom onset time.
A new method for extracting and archiving CT radiation dose information enables providers to track estimated radiation doses, make informed health care decisions, and improve patient safety. The automated extraction pipeline can process both retrospective and prospective studies.
A new study uses a combination of computed tomography (CT), postmortem CT angiography (CTA) and biopsy to determine the natural causes of death, with results showing near-identical findings in 18 out of 20 cases. The minimally invasive approach has improved accuracy and reduced the need for traditional autopsy.
A study found that virtual colonoscopy (CTC) can be successfully performed in remote health centers, enabling rural patients to receive colorectal cancer screening. The CTC examinations were assessed remotely through a teleradiology system, with high image quality and diagnostic results.
Providing computed tomography colonography as an alternative to conventional colonoscopy could improve colorectal cancer screening rates. The study found that patients preferred virtual colonoscopy due to its convenience and perceived safety.
A study found that ER patients value accurate diagnoses more than radiation concerns from CT scans. Patients prefer discussing the risks and benefits of CT with their physicians before ordering the exam.
The study found that the use of CT or MRI scans for injury-related conditions increased by 3 times between 1998 and 2007, despite no significant change in hospital admissions. The average length of stay increased by 126 minutes for visits with CT or MRI use.
Computer-aided detection (CAD) software highlighted abnormal areas on mammographic images, used in 74% of screening exams and 50% of diagnostic exams by 2008. The technology is becoming standard practice despite controversy over its efficacy.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic developed a method to measure general technologist productivity, increasing efficiency and savings by $174,000. The study found that measuring productivity can help radiology departments balance competing priorities.
A new study published in Radiology suggests that radiologists can predict cardiovascular disease using incidental findings from routine CT scans. The study found that aortic calcifications were highly predictive of future cardiovascular events, and developed prediction models to identify patients at high risk.
Research reveals that medical imaging can identify incidental findings in 39.8% of study participants, with potential for early diagnosis or unnecessary interventions
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the incidence of serious infection after common ultrasound-guided procedures is low. The researchers reviewed 13,534 procedures and reported only 14 procedure-related infections, with nearly all patients improving on antibiotics alone.
A study has found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately assess the condition of certain stents used in children and young adults with congenital heart defects. Researchers discovered that specific MRI sequences can visualize the stents without radiation, making it a safer option for routine surveillance.
A study of 70 patients with low-to-moderate risk chest pain and a negative cardiac CT scan found no signs or symptoms of adverse cardiac events during the year after discharge. The results suggest that earlier discharge based on negative cardiac CTA results may be safe and clinically efficacious.
A new material can mark early-stage tumors using ultrasound imaging, potentially reducing the need for second surgeries and making operations more comfortable for patients. The durable material is made of porous glass spheres filled with a gas that helps it last longer.
Using ultrasound and a minimally-invasive procedure, radiologists can identify and remove embedded foreign objects from patients with self-embedding behavior. Early detection and removal are key steps for effective therapy and recovery.
A study suggests that staggered radiologist work shifts can expedite the communication of urgent findings and improve patient care. Radiologists were able to communicate urgent results two hours earlier than control groups, reducing mean elapsed times from image acquisition to result communication.
A study of triathletes found that their hearts become larger and stronger as a result of endurance and resistance training. This adaptation reflects the nature of triathlon training, which combines both forms of exercise.
The Society of Interventional Radiology supports high-quality clinical research to determine the safety and effectiveness of interventional M.S. treatments for vulnerable patients. SIR aims to catalyze the development of needed studies, prioritizing individualized assessments and scientific plausibility.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology's August supplement explores the development of thermal ablation techniques and devices for cancer tumor ablation. Key findings include advancements in liquid nitrogen-based cryotherapy, microwave devices, and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound.
Overutilization of medical imaging services exposes patients to unnecessary radiation and adds to healthcare costs. Radiologists recommend a national collaborative effort to develop evidence-based appropriateness criteria and implement practice guidelines to reduce overutilization.
A pay-for-performance program at Massachusetts General Hospital improved radiology report turnaround times, with reports completed in approximately two-thirds the time. The study suggests that such incentives can motivate radiologists to expedite report completion.
The adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique has been shown to reduce the radiation dose associated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) by 27 percent. This novel method allows for a reduction in tube current while maintaining diagnostic image quality, demonstrating an additive effect on existing te...
Researchers found that virtual colonoscopies (CTC) doubles the yield of identifying significant early extracolonic lesions, resulting in lives saved. CTC also increases the odds of identifying high-risk lesions by 78 percent.