Articles tagged with Radiology
A recent study found that self-referring physicians account for the majority of increases in diagnostic imaging ordered for privately insured patients. This trend is driven by fee-for-service reimbursement, which incentivizes physicians to perform scans in their own offices. The use of advanced imaging technologies has raised concerns ...
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College found that 3T MR-guided focused ultrasound effectively reduces symptoms of uterine fibroids in 20 patients, with minimal side effects. The non-invasive procedure allows for quick recovery times and eliminates risks associated with surgery.
Researchers at the University of Southern California found that combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging yields greater accuracy when evaluating response to radiation therapy. This method helps identify complete responders and reduces the need for unnecessary chemotherapy treatments.
A multicenter trial found that uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a viable alternative to hysterectomy for women with symptomatic fibroids. After two years, patients who underwent UAE reported health-related quality of life equal to those who had undergone hysterectomy.
A study by Charlotte Radiology found that single reading of screening mammograms with computer-aided detection (CAD) is more efficient and yields higher sensitivity than double reading. The use of CAD resulted in a lower recall rate compared to double reading, making it an effective alternative for increasing sensitivity.
Using breast shields during pediatric chest MDCT reduces radiation dose and minimally increases image noise. The study found that shielding alone reduced the dose by 26%, while combining shielding with automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) reduced it by 52%.
A multi-institutional study found PET more reliable than CT in characterizing lung nodules as malignant. PET's superior specificity led to correctly classifying 58% of benign nodules misclassified on CT.
A new study published in Radiology found that digital mammography is more accurate than film mammography for women under 50 with dense breasts. The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) compared the accuracy of both methods in different subgroups, confirming improved diagnostic accuracy for digital mammography in pre- an...
A novel treatment for DVT uses a fiber-binding agent to clear clots rapidly and safely, with 90% of patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms after six months. The therapy reduces the risk of bleeding and post-thrombotic syndrome, enabling patients to resume normal activity within a week.
A national study found digital mammography performed better than film in pre- and perimenopausal women under 50 with dense breasts. The study, DMIST, also showed improved diagnostic accuracy for digital mammography over film for some subgroups.
A nationwide study found that diagnostic mammogram accuracy depends on the radiologist reading it, with varying sensitivity and false-positive rates. Radiologists based at academic medical centers or spending most time on breast imaging performed more accurately.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that diagnostic mammogram readings vary extensively by radiologist, with no explanation for the variation. Radiologists' performance was influenced by their experience, affiliation, and time spent interpreting mammograms.
A recent study found that 318 of 321 benign-appearing adrenal masses were confirmed to be clinically insignificant. The study showed no malignant adrenal lesions, even among patients with other malignancies elsewhere.
A new minimally invasive procedure using ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy significantly reduces pain and restores mobility in patients with calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. The procedure, which takes about an hour to perform, has been shown to provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.
A study found that approximately 27% of obese gastric bypass patients weighing over 450 pounds were denied standard diagnostic imaging due to weight restrictions. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and compromised patient care.
A new automated dental radiograph matching system can reduce the task of forensic experts by up to 95% and produce matches at an average rate of less than four seconds. The system uses Phase-Only Correlation technology to align images and measure their similarity, resulting in a significant reduction in time spent on identification.
Computed tomography (CT) autopsies have been shown to be a sensitive tool for detecting injuries and cause of death in victims of blunt trauma. In a study comparing CT with conventional autopsy, CT accurately identified the cause of death in all 14 blunt trauma cases and five out of six penetrating wounds.
A study of 500 consecutive children admitted to Arkansas Children's Hospital following ATV accidents found a high incidence of head, spinal, lung, and extremity injuries. Many victims suffered permanent disabilities or fatalities, highlighting the risks associated with ATV use in children.
A five-year study will evaluate the performance of chest X-ray CAD in identifying hard-to-detect lung cancers, aiming to improve patient survival rates. The study, funded by the State of Ohio, will involve 9,000 test subjects and assess the software's ability to identify actionable pulmonary nodules.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that monitoring total entrance skin radiation dose can accurately determine maximum radiation skin dose during coronary angioplasty. This allows radiologists to avoid skin injury to patients, a major disadvantage of the procedure.
Researchers found that computer-aided detection (CAD) combined with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) improves radiologists' ability to detect solid lung nodules. CAD successfully matched 91.3% of nodules detected in both exams, and reduced reading time for radiologists.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that physicians who self-refer or refer patients to colleagues in their own specialty are more likely to order imaging studies, with variations ranging from 12% to over 200%. This economic motivation may lead to unnecessary referrals and excess utilization of imaging procedures.
Demand for Spanish-language cancer web materials has quadrupled, with OncoLink en español seeing a significant increase in unique visitors. However, limited internet access and different search patterns among Spanish-speaking users highlight the need for tailored content to meet their needs.
Researchers found that screeners are more accurate in visual searches when allowed to correct their choices, but errors rise for rare targets. The study suggests improving airport security and cancer screening by addressing execution errors and perception issues separately.
A new technique developed by UC radiologists uses multi-detector computed tomography (CT) scanners to capture images of chest veins. This approach allows for better diagnosis of venous diseases by compensating for the extra time it takes contrast solution to reach the veins.
Researchers found 151 patients had vascular findings not related to renal arteries, including mesenteric artery stenosis and aortic atherosclerosis. Additionally, 220 patients had non-vascular benign lesions, while malignancies were detected in 10 cases.
A recent study examined the discrepancy rate of emergency diagnostic imaging exams interpreted by residents after hours and found that well-trained and supervised residents can interpret studies safely. The major discrepancy rate was 2.6%, with only a miniscule negative clinical effect found in 0.3% cases.
A recent study found that a split-bolus CT urography technique can reduce both radiation dose and number of images produced, while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. This new method has the potential to replace traditional excretory urography protocols for diagnosing urinary tract abnormalities.
Researchers have identified a new abnormality related to disease progression and disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that T1-weighted MR images of the brains of MS patients often depict bright areas called hyperintense lesions, which were more likely to be present in patients with secondary-progressive MS.
The article challenges the routine use of ultrasound as a screening procedure for chromosome abnormalities, suggesting that foetal 'nuchal thickness' measurements are not supported by scientific data. This could lead to the 'loss' of normal babies in attempts to prevent Down's syndrome and trisomy 18.
A recent study reveals radiologists can diagnose clinically unseen venous thromboembolic disease in cancer patients earlier by closely examining CT scans of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The study identified 23 unsuspected iliofemoral DVTs and four common iliac vein involvements among 736 patients.
A study found that providing informational handouts to parents about CT radiation risks can improve their understanding, increasing awareness of the potential increased risk of cancer related to pediatric CT. Parents became less willing to undergo CT if their doctor believed it was equally effective to observation.
Researchers found structural and functional abnormalities in specific brain regions associated with chronic auditory hallucinations in schizophrenic patients. The study used MRI to identify biological markers for treatment and monitor patient response.
A recent study found that magnetic resonance CAD significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis, outperforming experienced radiologists in detection and grading.
MDCT angiography is highly accurate in depicting intracranial aneurysms, outperforming digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in diagnostic accuracy. The technique can quickly determine the possibility of using minimally invasive treatment rather than open surgery.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that adding readings by non-physician technologists to standard mammograms read by two radiologists increased breast cancer detection rates by 6.8%. This improvement was achieved with a minimal increase in false positives.
A study found that recovering alcoholics who smoked showed lower improvement in tests of memory, reasoning, judgment, and visual/spatial coordination compared to non-smokers. Smokers demonstrated inferior performance in auditory/verbal learning and memory, cognitive efficiency, executive skills, processing speed, and working memory.
Researchers found that sonographically-guided alcohol injections showed a high success rate and were well-tolerated by patients with Morton's neuroma. The study reported partial or total symptom improvement in 94% of patients, with 84% becoming totally pain-free.
A recent study found that acute allergic-like reactions to newer nonionic contrast agents are rare in children, occurring in only 20 out of 11,306 pediatric IV administrations. The study confirms the safety and better understands the risks of these agents in children.
A multicenter clinical trial found that magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) effectively shrinks uterine fibroids and significantly relieves symptoms in women. The optimized protocol allowed treatment of a greater fibroid volume, resulting in even greater symptomatic relief.
A study published in Radiology found that MDCT can aid forensics teams in determining if a person has drowned by demonstrating airway froth and sediment. The procedure may provide support for the diagnosis of drowning when other causes have been excluded.
A study published in Radiology found that MRI can predict full or partial recovery of patients with acute spinal cord injuries by assessing MR images within 48 hours. The severity of MSCC, bleeding, and cord swelling are key indicators of a poor prognosis, while their absence indicates a good chance for neurological recovery.
Researchers are developing new electronics to accurately measure subatomic particles, potentially detecting cancer at an earlier stage. Improved Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology could lead to better diagnoses and more accurate tumor detection.
A research team led by UC San Diego radiologist Michael Kuo has developed tools that can translate CT images of cancer tumors into molecular details, revealing a strong connection between imaging features and genetic activity patterns. The study found consistent associations between 75% of genes in liver tumors and imaging traits.
Researchers have developed a method to discern most genetic activity of a tumor from radiology scans, enabling personalized medicine and non-invasive diagnosis. This approach could revolutionize cancer treatment by providing unique characteristics of each patient's disease.
A recent study found significantly higher transcription error rates in women compared to men, with error rates ranging from 0.015 to 0.206 in females and 0.025 to 0.139 in males. The results suggest that women may need to spend more time training on commercial speech recognition systems to achieve accurate results.
Radiologists use nighthawk services primarily for convenience and recruiting value, with excessive volume also a motivation. International nighthawk services are used in 40% of cases, but often involve American radiologists reading foreign films.
A recent study found that radiology residents use approximately 15% of their average annual salary for educational expenses. Senior residents reported an average out-of-pocket expense of $7,515 for review courses and board examinations, with many struggling to pay off student loans from medical school.
A study by radiologists at the University of Minnesota found that PET-CT detects muscular lymphoma more effectively than CT alone, revealing muscle involvement that may be overlooked. This breakthrough suggests that incorporating PET-CT into imaging protocols can lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
A recent case report suggests that ultrasound-guided cryoablation of small breast cancer is a safe procedure with minimal side effects, resulting in excellent cosmetic results and no progressive disease at one year follow-up. The technique has shown promise as an alternative to surgery for minimal breast cancer treatment.
Researchers developed a new technique to acquire soft-tissue cross-sectional images using a flat panel C-arm fluoroscopic unit. This allows for efficient patient visits and additional clinical information that directly affects interventional therapy in 80% of cases.
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that CT scans were more effective than plain radiographs in detecting lumbar spine fractures. The study revealed that CT scans correctly identified 91.7% of fractures, while plain films only detected 56.4%, highlighting their superior diagnostic value.
The new technology significantly improves the accuracy of radiologist interpretation by aligning 3D medical images in three-dimensional space. This enables quicker diagnoses and treatment for patients with diseases like cancer, reducing wait time and anxiety.
According to Northwestern University physician Kristi Kirschner, people with physical disabilities often encounter structural problems when trying to obtain basic care and life-saving diagnostic tests. This can lead to humiliating and terrifying experiences, as well as increased risk of injury or death.
A new study shows radiofrequency ablation effective for early-stage, inoperable lung cancer, achieving survival rates equal to or better than traditional external beam radiation. The treatment resulted in a 57% five-year survival rate and controlled tumor progression.
A lung cancer screening regimen has been found to identify patients with early-stage cancer, allowing for curative treatment. The study suggests that annual repeat screenings can detect lung cancer at its earliest stage, resulting in a high proportion of patients having no evidence of metastases.
A new study uses MRI to measure intra-abdominal fat, a type of fat that can predispose children to adult diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The study found strong correlations between single-slice MRI measurements and clinical measures, suggesting that this method could be useful in monitoring adolescents at risk.
A novel MR angiography technique highly accurately identifies blockages in brain-supplying arteries and produces superior results compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography.
A recent study using MRI found that 26% of vaginally delivered babies had small bleeds in and around the brain. The bleeds were likely caused by pressure on the skull during delivery. Most bleeds resolve over time without issues, but larger ones may cause problems later in childhood.
A possible association has been found between a popular MRI contrast agent and the incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with kidney disease. The study recommends avoiding gadodiamide in patients with any degree of renal disease due to the vast majority of NSF cases being associated with its use.