Articles tagged with Radiology
Multidetector CT (MDCT) technology can accurately detect bowel perforations without the need for contrast media, making it a game-changer in emergency medicine. The study found that MDCT correctly identified bowel perforation in 73 of 85 patients.
A study found that viewing prior mammograms alongside current mammograms significantly improves radiologist performance and reduces unnecessary recalls. The use of prior mammograms recorded on film in comparison with digital mammograms poses a challenge, but limiting their availability may balance medical benefits with effort.
A study by the University of Wisconsin Medical School and Hospital found that the two-slice-touch rule increases the accuracy of diagnosing meniscal tears. The positive predictive value for diagnosing a meniscal tear increased from 91% to 94%, making it a reliable tool for diagnosis.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute shows that computer-assisted detection (CAD) technology improves mammographic specificity by 3%, allowing 30 women to avoid further evaluation. However, CAD does not affect overall sensitivity and may lead to deferral of radiologists' own judgment.
A study of 44 patients with pulmonary embolism from illicit silicone injection found high fatality rates and severe complications. Transsexual males were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and medical checks.
Researchers found milk to be an effective alternative to the costly oral contrast agent VoLumen in gastrointestinal imaging exams. Milk was shown to produce similar bowel distension and enhancement without causing more abdominal discomfort than VoLumen, making it a viable option for patients.
Researchers found that smoking cessation led to normalized brain metabolite concentrations, with decreased NAA levels in the anterior cingulate cortex correlating with smoking history. Choline and creatine levels were also affected, suggesting a link between smoking and neuronal dysfunction.
A new study using fMRI found that strong brands elicit stronger activity in the brain, activating areas involved in positive emotional processing and self-identification. Weak brands, on the other hand, showed higher levels of activation in working memory and negative emotional response.
A new project delivers mobile digital mammography services to remote reservations, transmitting images via satellite for real-time interpretation. The initiative aims to improve breast cancer screening and care for rural American Indian women, who face high mortality rates.
U-M researchers found that digital mammograms transmitted via satellite to radiologists in Ann Arbor, Mich., resulted in improved delivery of traditional mobile mammography services. The service allowed Native American women to receive timely follow-up care, with 72% of those needing additional images getting tested within three days.
A team of radiologists used CT scans to re-examine the mummy of King Tutankhamun, estimating his age at death between 18-20 years old. The findings suggest a premortem fracture to the femoral bone, potentially caused by an open wound that became infected and fatal.
A recent study using MRI found that older marathon runners have a higher left ventricular mass, indicating cardiovascular disease despite no symptoms or known history of heart issues. This suggests that pre-training screening for advanced-age runners may not be effective in detecting early life-threatening cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found a decrease in blood circulation in some areas of the brain and verbal memory performance among low-dose ecstasy users compared to non-users. The study suggests that even small amounts of ecstasy may cause subtle changes in brain structure and function.
A new grid computing system enables doctors to share high-resolution medical images quickly and securely across North America. This breakthrough improves diagnosis accuracy, allows for second opinions from specialists anywhere easily, and enhances monitoring of ongoing clinical research.
Researchers have developed a remote-control mechanism for controlling an MRI machine via the internet, resulting in superior image quality compared to traditional onsite scanning. This technology enables specialized skills in MRI to be implemented remotely, improving patient care and accessibility.
A new software program developed by UCLA radiologists and Siemens Medical Solutions allows experts to operate MRI machines remotely via the Internet. The quality of remote scans was found to be superior to onsite scans performed by less experienced technologists, offering options for regions with limited medical staff and expertise.
A study published in Radiology found that virtual colonoscopy is an accurate screening method for colorectal cancer. The procedure was shown to be safer, faster, less costly, more convenient, and just as effective as optical colonoscopy in detecting polyps and cancers.
A new analysis technique identifies cellular damage in the brain, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention of Alzheimer's disease. The study found increased water content in white-matter areas and brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
A recent study of medical audit data found that community mammography screening results surpassed performance recommendations nationwide. The study, which analyzed over 1.1 million women's screening exams, revealed a cancer detection rate of 4.8 per 1,000 women.
A mathematic formula has been developed to predict a woman's risk of osteoporotic fracture, accurately identifying 75% of fractures two years after initial measurements were taken. The equation takes into account various risk factors beyond bone mineral density, allowing physicians to tailor treatment strategies to prevent fractures.
A study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center found acute diverticulitis affecting younger patients, often those who are obese. The condition, typically associated with older adults, is linked to a low-fiber diet and increased abdominal pressure, leading to inflammation and potential complications.
Marc Levine, a renowned expert in gastrointestinal radiology, has received the Eminent Scientist of the Year award from the International Research Promotion Council. He is recognized for his clinical expertise and research excellence in the field.
A study found that reducing contrast material injection by at least 10% in elderly patients undergoing CT exams of the pancreas and biliary region can decrease costs and complications. This reduction was achieved without affecting image quality.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) identifies critical brain regions prior to surgery, leading to more effective tumor removal and reduced surgical time. In 49% of cases, surgeons altered their treatment plans after fMRI findings, with no reported neurological deficits.
A study found widespread damage to normal-appearing brain tissue in patients with multiple sclerosis, affecting large fractions of white and gray matter. This damage plays a larger role in disease progression than visible lesions.
Researchers at Penn's Department of Radiology will utilize a new 7 Tesla whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system for high-field imaging. The ultra-high field magnet will improve sensitivity, speed, and image resolution, enabling detection of disease in ways never seen before.
A new study confirms the effectiveness of MRI-guided breast biopsy by using specimen radiography to confirm lesion removal. Whole specimen and sliced specimen radiography proved valuable in detecting lesions, identifying pathologists' findings, and locating fractured biopsy needle wires.
The study compared MDCT and digital radiography in orthopedic patients, finding that 63% were concordant, while 37% showed discordant results. MDCT was underestimation or overestimation in some cases, highlighting its potential value in bone healing evaluation.
A study found that carotid stenting significantly reduced depressive symptoms in patients with carotid stenosis. The procedure restored blood flow to the brain, alleviating symptoms of vascular depression.
A study found that obesity significantly impacts diagnostic imaging quality and diagnosis, leading to misdiagnosis or failed diagnoses. The impact is particularly pronounced on exams requiring radiation exposure, such as CT scans and x-rays.
At SNM's 53rd Annual Meeting, nearly 2,000 scientific and technologist abstracts were presented on various topics including cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, infectious disease, and more. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging also recognized individuals with named awards, lectures, and honors.
Contrast-enhanced sonography outperformed sonography and CT in detecting solid organ injuries in blunt abdominal trauma patients, with a sensitivity of 91.4% compared to sonography's 45.7%. The new tool offers a user-friendly and simple alternative for diagnosing traumatic abdominal injuries.
A new study used 'diffusion tensor' MRI to track brain development in infants with and without perinatal hypoxic ischemia. The results showed distinct fiber patterns in the brains of affected infants, which often persisted into later childhood and correlated with motor problems.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique using stress first-pass perfusion MRI with delayed contrast-enhancement, demonstrating an accuracy of 88 percent in detecting coronary artery disease. The non-invasive method can potentially replace traditional angiography and guide clinical decision-making.
The study found altered functionality in both the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, suggesting a breakdown in communication between these regions. This may lead to new diagnostic and preventive strategies for detecting early AD.
Researchers from NYU's Department of Chemistry and the Department of Radiology have successfully decorated virus particles with gadolinium chelates, resulting in a very intense signal in clinical MRI scans. This study validates hypotheses on the effect of particle size on MRI contrast agent effectiveness.
Alexander Gottschalk, a Michigan State University professor, received the 2006 Benedict Cassen Prize for his groundbreaking research in nuclear medicine. He made significant contributions to the field, including dynamic camera studies of the brain and heart using technetium-99m.
A new clinical trial at Penn aims to compare two embolic agents for treating uterine fibroids, with the goal of reducing symptoms and improving outcomes. The study will enroll 60 patients and last approximately nine months.
The University of Washington has licensed its innovative cardiovascular software, CASCADE, to VPDiagnostics. The technology helps clinicians identify 'vulnerable' plaque, which is linked to heart attack and stroke, providing a powerful tool for researchers to study atherosclerosis.
Researchers analyzed 50 patients' routine CT studies, finding additional lesions detected through simultaneous review of transverse and coronal images. The study suggests combining different CT views can benefit patients by detecting more findings and improving radiologist confidence.
A study found that near 100 percent mammography recall compliance can be achieved with minimal additional cost, saving healthcare dollars. The program involved tracking down noncompliant patients and resulted in one early curable breast cancer diagnosis, justifying the low cost of 16 cents per screening patient.
A new device allows physicians to monitor patients and control exam table movement safely behind a lead plastic shield, reducing radiation exposure by 90% to the head, arms, and legs. This technique preserves physicians' ability to perform procedures without heavy lead gowns, extending their career longevity.
Researchers found that early myocardial enhancement defects on cardiac multidetector CT scans can predict future heart muscle viability in heart attack patients. The study's main conclusion is that these defects are valuable predictors of future myocardial viability.
A new treatment using ultrasound-guided injections of hyperosmolar dextrose has shown promising results in treating chronic tendon pain. The study found that 43 out of 53 tendons were successfully treated, allowing patients to return to their normal pre-injury activities.
Using coronal reformats reduces the time spent interpreting CT scans by half a minute per case, leading to improved work efficiency and detection of additional findings. This technology offers relevant clinical information at no extra cost or radiation exposure.
A study of 21,923 CTC procedures found that automated carbon dioxide delivery reduced perforation rates and improved patient comfort. The findings provide reassurance for patients undergoing screening colonography.
A new CT technique has reduced radiation exposure to abdominal CT scans in children by an average of 60%, while maintaining acceptable image quality. The study found that modulating the tube current based on body symmetry resulted in a significant dose reduction, with overall reductions ranging from 14% to 82%.
A study of 53 patients with ovarian cancer found that PET-CT was more accurate than CT alone and PET alone in detecting tumor recurrence. The results suggest earlier and more definitive detection of recurrent ovarian cancer through combining anatomical and functional imaging.
A study of 157 women with acute pelvic pain found that both CT scans and ultrasounds were highly sensitive and accurate in diagnosing the condition. The researchers concluded that patients are unlikely being over-imaged, and that both imaging techniques can be used effectively in emergency settings.
A new study found that using a low radiation dose of 30 mAs can achieve high technical success rates for interventional procedures such as biopsies and catheter placements. The study showed that with minimal image quality, procedures can still be successfully performed.
A recent study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that higher strength MRI can detect shoulder cartilage tears with high accuracy, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat the condition without surgery. This non-invasive approach has significant benefits for patients, especially athletes who are prone to such injuries.
Researchers found that follow-up PET scans showed persistent tumor activity in seven out of eleven RFA treatments. This suggests that FDG-PET is a more accurate method for evaluating tumor destruction than CT alone.
Varicose veins affect 75-150 million people worldwide and traditional therapy involves costly surgery. Vascular Insights aims to reduce convalescence, complications, and pain with a single, disposable product for elimination of varicose veins.
A new automatic system at the Ann Arbor VA hospital kept eight patients with serious scan results from falling through the cracks, including five who had cancer. The system, which uses electronic tags to alert doctors to potential problems, was developed after a similar issue occurred at the institution.
A study by Dr. Ivan Pedrosa and colleagues demonstrates MRI as a viable alternative to CT scans for diagnosing appendicitis in pregnant women, sparing them from radiation exposure. The study evaluated 51 pregnant women with abdominal pain using MRI, revealing four cases of acute appendicitis, two of which were not detected via ultrasound.
The study revealed that radiologists can use four radiologic signs to prospectively identify radial meniscal tears, increasing detection sensitivity from 37% to 89%. Repairing damaged cartilage is preferred over removal when possible.
A large UK radiology department produces 150,000 to 300,000 reports annually. Radiologists can identify clinically important reports and enhance patient care through effective communication of critical radiology reports. Delayed or ineffective reporting often leads to bad outcomes for patients and costly lawsuits for radiologists.
A new study using bone SPECT test shows that the test can identify patients with lower back pain who would benefit from facet joint injections, leading to significant pain reduction and cost savings. The test can help doctors avoid unnecessary injections in patients who may not respond well to them.
Researchers have developed a new method of lie detection using brain MRI, which can accurately identify deception in 92% of cases. The test measures brain activity, eliminating the limitations of traditional polygraph tests.
Researchers have discovered that compressing digitized mammograms using file-compression techniques improves their interpretability by radiologists, allowing for remote screenings in underserved communities. The compression method retains essential features that are crucial for cancer diagnosis.