Articles tagged with Radiology
Researchers found that modifying risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes remains vital to combating peripheral arterial disease. While some patients with blocked leg arteries may not exhibit symptoms, early detection and treatment are still essential to prevent progression and potential complications.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans are more effective than standard X-rays in detecting abnormalities in patients with the H1N1 virus. The extent of disease was better characterized on CT scans, making them a superior imaging modality for high-risk patients.
A new scale, the Duke Abdominal Assessment Scale (DAAS), helps clinicians determine disease severity and need for surgery in infants with NEC. The DAAS provides a standardized 10-point radiographic scale that increases with disease severity, enabling earlier detection of patients at risk for developing severe NEC.
The use of external teleradiology services (EOTSs) has slowed in recent years, contradicting predictions of market expansion. Many radiology practices that initially adopted EOTSs have since stopped using them, suggesting a possible decline in their widespread adoption.
A study found that lung scintigraphy is more reliable than CTA for diagnosing and excluding pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients. Lung scintigraphy produces better diagnostic quality images more often than CTA, particularly due to hemodynamic effects of pregnancy.
Researchers have found that patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications, including pulmonary embolism. Imaging studies may need to be repeated in severely ill patients to monitor disease progression.
Researchers have found that severe H1N1 cases are associated with an increased risk of developing acute pulmonary embolism. A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology used CT scans to identify patients at risk, highlighting the importance of monitoring for this serious complication.
Researchers used medical imaging to identify a severe case of H1N1 after a negative nasal swab test. CT scans revealed peripheral ground-glass opacities, which raised suspicion of the virus and were later confirmed as a cause of death. The study suggests that early CT scans may help clinicians recognize cases of severe influenza.
A minimally invasive procedure called CT-guided tube pericardiostomy has been found to be just as effective as surgical drainage in treating pericardial effusion, with a significant cost savings of 89%. This treatment method spares patients from recovery time and reduces the risk associated with invasive surgery.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.
Researchers developed a modified catheter with side holes and slits to reduce the force of contrast material exiting the end hole. The study found a nine to 30 percent reduction in velocity and a more cloud-like dispersal of contrast material, resulting in improved patient safety.
Researchers explore image-guided interventional radiology procedures as a central role in treating DVT. These techniques aim to eliminate blood clots completely, potentially improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications. A national clinical trial is underway to confirm the effectiveness of this approach.
A survey of 374 radiologists found that increased use of radiological imaging is driven by new technology, patient informedness, and lower physician tolerances for uncertainty. This can lead to unnecessary investigations, radiation exposure, and healthcare costs.
Radiologists and medical physicists have implemented low-dose protocols and tracking systems to reduce cumulative ionizing radiation exposure. The Radiological Society of North America has launched initiatives to raise awareness of radiation risks and explore opportunities to improve patient safety through partnerships with the America...
Researchers have identified a new treatment option for patients with ruptured brain aneurysms using stent-assisted coil embolization, which was successful in 72% of cases. The procedure offers an alternative to surgical repair or balloon-assisted embolization, particularly for wide-necked aneurysms.
A new adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique significantly reduces patient radiation doses during CT scans, enabling improved image quality. The study found that ASIR can reduce radiation doses by up to 65% without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that cuts off blood flow to painful fibroids, killing tumors and subsiding symptoms. This procedure can significantly decrease the hysterectomy rate in the United States, benefiting over 300,000 women annually.
A study at UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA found that combining digital breast tomosynthesis and full-field digital mammography can decrease recall rates by 30% for cancer-free examinations. This could alleviate patient stress and economic burden on imaging facilities.
A study performed at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that MRI can evaluate beta cell mass and detect inflammation of the pancreas in patients with diabetes. This information can aid physicians in developing personalized treatment plans and achieving insulin independence for patients.
A study found that many coronary angioplasty procedures in developing countries exceed the known dose reference level, highlighting the need for patient dose estimations and management. The research aims to introduce these concepts to interventional radiologists and cardiologists in these countries.
Researchers found that high levels of calcium in coronary arteries can predict severe cardiac events, including fatal heart attacks. The study suggests combining calcium scoring with other imaging tests can help identify patients at highest risk.
A new low-dose unenhanced CT scan has been shown to correctly identify patients with appendicitis while delivering 50% less radiation than traditional standard-dose enhanced CT scans. The study used this method on 78 patients and achieved high accuracy rates from two independent radiologists.
A new treatment method, Vesselplasty, has been shown to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures. The study, which included 29 patients, found significant improvements in pain scores and mobility, with no clinical complications reported.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology has consistently high quality and influence, ranking in the top half of 90 radiology journals. The Society of Interventional Radiology offers an International Affiliate Program with online-only access to professionals outside North America.
A major electronic collection of articles about uterine artery embolization is now available, providing information on the treatment's benefits and technical aspects. The collection includes studies that demonstrate the procedure's lower cost compared to traditional surgery.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting will explore ways to minimize radiation dosage in children, adults, and health professionals. Studies have shown that lower doses can be effective in detecting abnormalities, reducing the risk of cancer among medical professionals.
The Society of Interventional Radiology has released new clinical practice guidelines for managing patient radiation dose in interventional procedures. The guidelines emphasize the need for diligence in safely using fluoroscopy to minimize radiation exposure, particularly in procedures such as embolization and TIPS creation.
A new study published in Radiology found that MRI can accurately diagnose deep endometriosis and locate lesions prior to surgery. The technique was effective in detecting the disease's extent and involvement of surrounding organs, such as the colon and bladder.
A recent study has found that gadolinium-based contrast agents alone are not sufficient to cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with kidney problems. Despite high doses, these agents did not trigger NSF, suggesting that other factors may be necessary for the disease to develop.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have discovered a way to lower patient radiation doses during pulmonary CT angiography. By adjusting the peak kilovoltage setting, they were able to achieve superior vascular enhancement while maintaining image quality.
A new minimally invasive procedure has been shown to provide immediate symptom relief for patients with rotator cuff tendonitis. The treatment uses ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy to break up calcium deposits and restore mobility. Results showed significant improvement in pain and mobility, even at long-term follow-up.
A study found that MDCT with prospective ECG triggering reduces chest radiation dose by 71% compared to retrospective gating, delivering a lower dose of 9mSv. Image quality was also slightly better with prospective triggering.
Researchers have created a new breast biopsy technique using a mechanical arm to guide the needle, resulting in increased success rates and reduced procedure times. The system has shown promise for improving biopsy efficiency and accuracy, especially for radiologists of varying experience levels.
A new study found that approximately 50% of radiologists surveyed reported never having their vision tested or it had been 24 months or longer since their last exam. The study, conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams for radiologists to maintain optimal visual accuracy.
A UCF researcher is developing a computer program to analyze brain scans and automatically measure tumor size in 3D. The program has shown up to 90% accuracy compared to human analysis and could help determine treatment plans for patients.
A study by Brown University researchers found that ER physicians do not follow established clinical guidelines for diagnosing suspected pulmonary emboli. According to the study, many patients receive CT scans despite having low clinical suspicion of PE, resulting in unnecessary radiation exposure.
A study of over 1 million radiology reports found that side discrepancy errors, incorrectly noting the side of a lesion, were clinically important and occurred more frequently in female patients. Radiologists should verify these errors, while physicians and patients must also collaborate to ensure accurate clinical management.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has awarded over $2 million in grant funding since its inception, including $191,000 to 13 researchers. The grants support research training, seed grants, and academic development funding.
The American College of Radiology has reaffirmed its support for clinical patient management by vascular and interventional radiologists. These specialists provide minimally invasive treatment options with less risk, pain, and recovery time compared to open surgery. With this extension, interventional radiologists are formalizing their...
A study at the University of Washington found that cardiac CT is a cost-effective approach to diagnose low-risk chest pain patients, reducing costs by 44% and shortening hospital stays by up to 20 hours. The new technique uses lower-dose cardiac CT options, allowing for faster evaluation and discharge in under six hours.
A study found that most ordering physicians underestimate radiation doses from CT scans and overestimate their cancer risk, according to the American College of Radiology. The study suggests that improved radiation education is needed for medical professionals.
A study found that ultrasound significantly changed management decisions for 50% of patients with rheumatic hand and foot conditions. Ultrasound increased certainty in clinical findings, ranging from 24% to 56%, and led to a decrease in the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for difficult-to-assess patients.
Researchers have developed an alternative treatment method for chronic Achilles tendon tendinosis, with sonographically-guided debridement showing significant improvements in 60% of patients who had failed conservative treatments. The procedure encourages the body's natural repair process to heal damaged tendons.
A computer-aided detection system has been shown to detect 45-55% of overlooked lung cancer nodules, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved survival rates. The study suggests that CAD software can assist radiologists in identifying subtle signs of early lung cancer.
A new study supports CT colonography as a primary screening test for colon cancer, with high accuracy in detecting clinically important polyps. The study found that 91.6% of detected lesions were also found during optical colonoscopy or surgery.
A study using MRI has identified five possible causes of patient complications after ACL reconstructive surgery, including graft discontinuity and hardware failure. Persistent pain is the most common complaint among patients, with other symptoms such as instability and joint swelling also reported.
A study by American College of Radiology found that educating physicians about ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scanning reduced patient radiation exposure from 11.5 mSv in 2006 to 8.9 mSv in 2007. VQ scanning is now preferred for patients with normal chest x-rays suspected of having pulmonary embolism.
A new computer algorithm assesses mammographic breast density by automatically segmenting breast tissue from background, removing muscle, and using region growing to determine dense areas. This method provides objective and accurate recommendations on further imaging or monitoring, reducing variability among radiologists.
A study at UCLA used preoperative MRI to evaluate neurovascular bundles in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). The results showed that preoperative MR assisted surgeons in making more informed decisions about nerve sparing techniques, with less likelihood of causing impotence.
Researchers found that baroque classical music significantly improved radiologists' mood and work satisfaction, with 63% of participants reporting a positive impact. The study suggests that environmental factors like music can enhance the work environment for busy radiology reading rooms.
A study at the University of Arizona found that remote CT colonography is feasible in rural health centers using teleradiology. Technicians performed CTC exams on 86 patients and sent data to a local server for interpretation by an off-site radiologist.
A new study has developed a software that utilizes the Nintendo Wii gaming system's infrared sensor and accelerometer to enable flexible ways for radiologists to interact with patient images. This method may alleviate limitations of traditional keyboard-mouse interfaces and reduce repetitive motion injuries.
Researchers found that adjusting kVp and mAs levels according to a child's body shape can significantly decrease radiation dose during CT scans. The study used phantoms representing average waist sizes for children, resulting in lower doses at smaller phantom diameters.
Researchers at Brown University found MR enterography to be an effective tool for evaluating and guiding treatment of Crohn's Disease patients without exposing them to unnecessary radiation. The test was shown to provide valuable information for guiding patient management, with physicians overwhelmingly preferring it over CT scans.
A study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that excluding the lateral view in chest radiograph screenings decreases radiation exposure by 67%. No abnormalities were detected in the lateral view that weren
A study using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals new details about the brain's white matter tracts, allowing radiologists to better understand conditions such as tumors, hemorrhages, and strokes. DTI provides a comprehensive view of brain anatomy, including connectivity between regions.
A new automated system for interpreting coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies detects major coronary artery stenosis with 95% accuracy, helping prioritize cases. The technology aims to improve radiologist efficiency and reduce response times in positive cases.
A study at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center found certain ultrasound features indicative of cancer, allowing for non-invasive management. Microcalcifications, taller-than-wide shape, and hypoechogenicity were identified as high-risk features.
The 64-slice CT scanner is the most efficient radiation source for evaluating pregnant patients with possible pulmonary emboli, according to a study. This technology reduces fetal exposure by shortening scan times and minimizing scatter radiation, while still providing accurate diagnoses.
A new MRI sequence, T2-weighted BLADE, improves image quality and reduces motion artifacts in female pelvis imaging. This allows radiologists to make more accurate diagnoses of uterine leiomyomas, ovarian cancers, and other abnormalities.