Articles tagged with Radiology
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 new ASIR technique can reduce the radiation dose associated with abdominal CT scans by 23-66 percent. The study found that patients with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 20 experienced an average dose reduction of 66 percent.
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.
A one-day workshop improved dose reduction for various adult MDCT scans, with 46% average dose decrease for brain scans. The program's success depended on access to medical physicists and technologists.
Researchers have developed an advanced search tool called QPID to assist radiologists in extracting useful data from patients' electronic medical records. The system has already been implemented at Massachusetts General Hospital and is expected to have a significant impact on various departments within the hospital and outpatient clinics.
N. Reed Dunnick is being recognized for his dedication to bridging the gap between diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology. As an accomplished leader in the field of radiology, Dr. Dunnick has been involved with numerous professional societies throughout his career.
A recent study found that a significant number of patients are willing to undergo computed tomography colonography (CTC) for colorectal cancer screening, but are hesitant to pay out-of-pocket fees. The study suggests that CTC availability could improve screening rates if insurance coverage were more widely available.
Researchers used functional MRI to measure tumor activity during chemoembolization, finding that changes in ADC values can predict anatomical tumor response. Early knowledge of HCC response is crucial for determining treatment success and patient prognosis.
The Society of Interventional Radiology has issued a global statement defining interventional radiology, emphasizing its importance in medical care and outlining its identity and scope. The statement, supported by 41 international societies, provides a universal framework for IR practices worldwide.
A top-down approach to radiography evaluation reduced unnecessary cervical spine X-rays by 83% at a large academic medical center. The policy was implemented through the medical director's office and resulted in significant cost savings and improved efficiency.
A study found that imaging-guided percutaneous needle biopsies increased by 67% between 1997 and 2008, while open biopsies decreased. The technique offers greater precision and lower complication rates, resulting in a modest growth rate of 3% overall.
A large medical center implemented an imaging algorithm to reduce cumulative radiation exposure and CT scans for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages. The study showed a 25.6% decrease in mean number of CT examinations per patient and a 12.1% overall reduction in cumulative radiation exposure.
A new ASIR technique reduces CT colonography radiation dose by 50% without compromising image quality, improving patient safety. The study found no significant differences in image quality between standard and low-dose images using ASIR.
Gastric band slippage, a complication of adjustable gastric banding surgery, can be diagnosed using X-rays. The 'O' sign, where the band appears as an O-shaped configuration instead of its usual rectangular shape, is a key indicator.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have found that CT scans can monitor progression of severe asthma and check how it responds to treatment. The study suggests that CT-derived measures of structural changes in lungs and airways may be used as a non-invasive marker for asthma.
The American College of Radiology's Task Force on Relationships between Radiology Groups and Hospitals proposes steps to improve relationships between radiologists and healthcare systems. Radiologists must re-dedicate themselves to providing value-added services to patients and referring physicians.
A study of 2.5 million screening mammograms found improved detection of breast cancer from non-cancerous lesions over nine years, with increased recall rates and sensitivity rates. The increase in cancer detection outweighed false-positive test results, leading to a positive net effect.
A study found that patients with positive CT exam results who exhibit inconsistent symptoms may have chronic or recurrent appendicitis and should undergo surgical treatment. The researchers reviewed medical records of 2,283 patients who underwent CT scans between 2002 and 2007.
A new rule at Massachusetts General Hospital has led to a significant decrease in unnecessary imaging exams for patients. The change encourages physicians to directly log into the system, reducing low-yield exams from 5.4% to 1.9%.
Radiologists must consider the diagnostic value of multiplanar reconstructions to accurately diagnose superior mesenteric artery aneurysms. Contrast administration can help distinguish aneurysms from pancreatic masses, which may have similar density or intensity signals on unenhanced CT scans and MRI.
A study published by the American College of Radiology suggests that standard X-rays are less effective than CT scans in detecting pelvic fractures. The research found that 48% of pelvic injuries were missed using standard X-rays alone, and that CT scans provide more complete evaluation of suspected pelvic injuries.
Conventional MRI may detect a large percentage of hip labral tears, suggesting it as an acceptable alternative to MR arthrography. However, further study is needed to confirm its effectiveness in evaluating nonspecific hip pain.
A new CT technique eliminates the need for X-rays in trauma patients with possible spinal fractures, lowering cost and radiation exposure. The study found that 19% of patients with reformatted CT data also had unnecessary X-rays, resulting in a significant additional radiation dose and cost.
A new technique called z-axis modulation can significantly reduce the radiation dose associated with unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the head. By applying this simple method, radiologists can achieve a 35% reduction in patient dose while maintaining optimal image quality and noise levels.
Fluoroscopic (X-ray) guided steroid injections offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatment of hamstring tendonitis. The study found that 11 out of 16 patients showed major improvement after treatment, with no immediate or long-term complications reported.
A study found that having a pathologist on-site during ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsies decreased the inadequacy rate from 13.5% to 5%. This improvement could reduce repeat biopsy rates by up to 60%, making more efficient use of resources. The study recommends using on-site pathology for large numbers of thyroid biopsies.
A study found that younger patients, aged 31 and under, have a higher estimated radiation risk associated with abdominal CT scans. The risk is double that of older patients, highlighting the need for clinicians to carefully consider imaging orders based on patient age.
A study suggests that preoperative breast MRI can reduce local breast cancer recurrences at follow-up, particularly in young patients with dense breast tissue. The study found that patients who received a contrast-enhanced MRI prior to surgery had significantly fewer local recurrence cases.
Researchers have developed a computer-based system called Valkyrie that can automatically track patient-specific radiation dose exposure from CT scans. The system uses patient size and weight to provide accurate radiation dose information.
A study of 28 radiologists found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, including lower back pain, wrist pain, and headaches, due to inadequate workstation ergonomics. The findings highlight the importance of researching workstation design to minimize long-term implications for radiologists.
A new automated 3-D mapping and labeling system has been developed to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and speed of routine freehand ultrasound exams. The system reduces scanning time by up to 16 seconds per target and accurately measures mass locations in relation to the nipple.
By adjusting the radiation dose based on a child's weight, researchers were able to significantly lower the radiation dose associated with pediatric chest CT scans. The study found that radiation doses could be reduced by up to 73% for children weighing less than 33 pounds.
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.
A study by Annette J. Johnson, MD, MS, found that direct patient access to imaging test results could increase anxiety and workload for physicians. Radiologists and referring physicians agreed on potential benefits, but also raised concerns about patients' ability to understand written reports and the impact on physician time.
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that X-rays are often inconclusive in detecting hip and pelvic fractures. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm or rule out fractures, revealing a significant number of missed diagnoses.
A new study found that chest x-rays can predict which H1N1 patients are likely to become sicker. Abnormal findings in the periphery of both lungs were associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study's findings suggest that chest x-rays may help clinicians better identify high-risk patients who require close monitoring.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology reveals dual-energy CT as an effective diagnostic tool for gout. The technique offers high accuracy in detecting vessels and bones, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment.
A modified technique for ECG-triggered coronary CTA significantly reduces the radiation dose delivered to patients, with no impact on image quality or interpretability. The study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, involved 886 patients and found a 45% increase in radiation dose with increased padding duration.
The study found significant variations in pulmonary embolism diagnosis imaging tests used by physicians, depending on their specialty and geographic location. This suggests that some imaging may be unnecessary or inappropriate.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered a potential new treatment using bone marrow stem cells to build new blood vessels in the upper leg. The treatment, which uses X-ray-visible microbubbles to deliver stem cells, was shown to dramatically improve the body's ability to form new blood vessels and provide a more...
Radiofrequency ablation treatment destroys cancer locally, extending life for colon cancer patients. Average survival rate after RFA is 91% at one year, 66% at two years, and 41% at three years.
A new treatment using intra-arterial yttrium-90 microspheres has shown promising results in extending the lives of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with portal vein thrombosis. The treatment offers a minimally invasive option for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Researchers developed percutaneous soft tissue cryotherapy as an effective treatment for cancer that has metastasized in soft tissues and bones. The procedure resulted in an average of 77% tumor shrinkage in patients after 24 months, with preserved fibrous or collagenous structures promoting better healing.
Researchers successfully froze breast cancer in patients who refused surgery, with no localized treatment recurrences seen for up to five years and no significant complications noted. The study used image-guided, multiprobe cryotherapy, which provided safe and effective breast conservation with minimal discomfort.