Articles tagged with Radiology
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.