Articles tagged with Radiology
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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%.