Articles tagged with Radiology
Researchers found non-heart abnormalities in 61% of patients who underwent CTCA scans, including lung cancer, emphysema, and fluid buildup. The study emphasizes the need for a team-based approach to reading these scans, with both radiologists and technologists requiring specialized training.
A recent study has found Botox to be highly effective in treating severe drooling in children with neurologic conditions. The procedure was successful in approximately 70% of the tested patients, resulting in significant improvement without any serious side effects.
New CT scan technology uses multiple planes to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, reducing reading time by up to 40%. The approach increases confidence in diagnoses, particularly for complex cases like metastatic tumors.
A recent study has found that CT angiograms are being performed at a significantly higher rate than necessary, leading to increased radiation exposure for patients. The study, which analyzed data from 2002-2004, showed that the percentage of patients with pulmonary embolism diagnosed using CTA decreased over time.
A meta-analysis of 35 studies found CT colonography to have a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting polyps and colorectal cancer, making it a promising alternative for screening. The study's findings suggest that CT colonography could increase patient compliance and improve early detection rates.
A new breast shield designed to reduce radiation dose to female breasts during chest CT scans has been developed, with results showing a 43-73% reduction in radiation exposure. The shield is lightweight, comfortable, reusable and can be used for both routine chest CT examinations and CT angiography.
Researchers used pulsed-HIFU to treat tumors in mice with a reporter gene, achieving nine times higher uptake compared to untreated tumors. The technique has potential for enhanced delivery of therapeutic genes across various tissues without scars or needles.
A 2001-2002 survey of 45 mammography facilities in three states found that 44% did not have enough radiologists on staff, and 46% reported difficulty maintaining qualified technologists. Scheduling delays for diagnostic and screening mammograms were common, with some facilities reporting waits of up to four weeks.
A study found that Color Doppler sonography speeds detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, improving survival chances. CDS was more sensitive and specific than abdominal x-rays for determining NEC in newborns.
A recent study suggests that CT lung cancer screening may not be as beneficial as previously thought, as many early-stage cancers detected through CT are slow-growing and unlikely to have been fatal. The study found that unnecessary surgical procedures and expenses were also significant drawbacks.
Researchers analyze brain case of 3-foot-tall Hobbit, finding few similarities to microcephalics and pygmies. The findings support the theory that the fossil is a member of a unique ancestral species, Homo floresiensis.
A study found that Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) systems can effectively detect small and subtle breast cancers, with a sensitivity of up to 92% for lesions of 5 mm or less. CAD also helps reduce missed cancers and positively impacts breast cancer prognosis without increasing patient recall rates.
Researchers found that indirect CT venography increases the detection rate of thromboembolic disease by 20% compared to traditional CTPA. The addition of CTV improves diagnosis for patients with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, saving lives.
A recent study suggests that whole-body CT screening for cancer and other diseases is not a cost-effective use of healthcare funding. The procedure's estimated $2,513 cost per patient yields only minimal gains in life expectancy, making it more expensive than many other interventions.
A new computer-aided detection (CAD) system has been developed to detect colon polyps obscured by contrast-enhanced fluid in the colon. The algorithm successfully identified 19 out of 22 polyps in a study involving 17 patients, highlighting its potential to reduce missed diagnoses and lower cancer risk.
A study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect significant polyps as accurately as conventional colonoscopy, reducing the need for invasive procedures. The research suggests reserving conventional colonoscopy for patients with a higher likelihood of harboring significant polyps.
A study found that obesity significantly impacts imaging quality and accuracy, particularly for abdominal ultrasound, chest x-ray, and CT scans. The direct cost of incomplete exams has tripled over 15 years, highlighting the need for equipment design changes and technological advancements.
A recent study found that non-radiologist physicians performed 23.5% more diagnostic imaging tests than radiologists between 1997-2002, with increases twice as high for cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons.
A CT scan has identified air trapping as the cause of a puzzling cough among World Trade Center rescue workers. The test, which measures lung airways, reveals abnormalities not detected by standard pulmonary function tests.
A study by Dr. Jeremy Kuniyoshi reveals that surfing-related injuries are often complex and require a deep understanding of the sport to diagnose accurately. Common injuries include dislocated shoulders, head and neck trauma, and environmental injuries such as stings from marine life.
Researchers used volumetric CT imaging to analyze the mask's composition, revealing previously unknown aspects of its creation. The study also showed internal and external damage not visible to the naked eye, which was corrected using rapid prototyping software.
A study using fMRI and polygraph exams found that brain activity can distinguish truthful responses from deceptive ones. The researchers created a relevant situation for normal volunteers, who showed activation in specific brain areas during deception.
A computer program reads CT scans and combines with radiologist's judgment to detect lung cancer, improving detection rates. The system analyzes size, texture, density, and change over time of nodules to determine cancer likelihood.
The study investigates the accuracy of ultrasound in novel clinical conditions and assesses its feasibility for monitoring musculoskeletal changes in astronauts. The findings suggest that remote-guided ultrasound may be an effective method for performing diagnostic exams, with implications for emergency and rural medicine on Earth.
Children under 3 years old are prone to swallowing foreign objects, with up to 20% needing surgical removal. Swallowing multiple magnets can lead to severe complications like obstruction, necrosis, and perforation of the intestines.
A new study uses MRI to guide percutaneous sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive treatment for low-flow vascular malformations, resulting in successful symptom relief without complications. The technique enables precise targeting and monitoring of the malformation, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A study found that the number of CT scans performed for suspected pulmonary embolism increased significantly between 1997-1998 and 2002-2003, despite only a proportionate increase in actual cases. Radiologists are now seeing smaller abnormalities that were previously undetectable, leading to reconsideration of clinical issues.
Intraoperative MRI improved tumor removal by detecting additional tissue that needed to be removed, altering surgical strategy in 27.5% of cases. High-field MRI provides better image quality and reduced scan time, but its high cost is a limiting factor.
Research finds full-body CT scanning increases cancer mortality risk associated with radiation exposure, posing a significant threat to asymptomatic adults. The effective dose of radiation from a single scan is comparable to atomic-bomb survivors' doses, leading to an estimated lifetime risk of cancer in one in 50 people.
Experts recommend developing a research-supportive culture, recruiting more PhDs and MD/PhDs, and leveraging institutional resources to expand imaging research. The goal is to enhance research in academic radiology departments and secure research funding.
A recent study found that computer-aided detection (CAD) software can identify 71 percent of missed breast cancers on mammograms. CAD marked tumors as suspicious, leading to earlier detection and potentially better patient outcomes.
Despite significant declines in breast cancer death rates due to mammography, one in three American women over 40 has not had a mammogram in the last two years. Mammography is the best screening tool for early detection of breast cancer, and Dr. Feig emphasizes its importance regardless of age.
Thermal ablation, utilizing ultrasound or MRI imaging, effectively destroys breast tumors by applying heat or freezing abnormal tissue. The procedure has been successfully performed on over 50 patients, with no scarring and no cosmetic deformity remaining after treatment.
Gary Whitman, MD, and Alfred Abuhamad, MD, were selected for the award due to their extensive participation in AIUM activities, teaching, and committee memberships. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has promoted safe and effective ultrasound use in clinical medicine for over 50 years.
A recent study found that nearly 28% of radiology claims went unpaid, with lost revenue exceeding $20 billion annually. The study suggests that managed care companies are pocketing these funds, limiting patient access and forcing physicians to cease participating with tardy payers.
Researchers found that heavy smokers had a reduced rate of restenosis at both six months and 12 months following angioplasty. Increasing carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream may inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, a key factor in restenosis.
A study using triple-contrast CT found that it can accurately detect peritoneal damage and injury extent in patients with penetrating torso trauma. The imaging modality achieved an overall accuracy rate of 98 percent, surpassing previous limitations of CT scans for retroperitoneum assessment.
A new CAD system has been shown to detect 77% of computer-identified false positives, leading to more accurate polyp detection. The technology holds promise for increasing widespread colon cancer screening due to its ability to significantly reduce the difficulty and time required for exam interpretation.
Researchers studied 40 patients with 42 adrenal masses and found that MRI was more sensitive than CT in characterizing lipid-rich adenomas. The study's findings suggest that MRI may be the preferred imaging modality for detecting adrenal adenomas, particularly in cases where symptoms are present or a history of cancer is known.
A study found that MDCT was more accurate than plain film in detecting bone loss near the prosthesis (100% vs 67%) and fractures (100% vs 94%). MDCT also showed improved detection of loose components (61% vs 54%). The study suggests MDCT should be performed for patients with questionable x-rays or those needing surgery.
A study of 238 blunt and penetrating trauma patients found MDCT to be highly effective in diagnosing thoracic and lumbar spine injuries. CT scans characterized fractures, making surgery easier for surgeons.
MDCT angiography successfully diagnosed suspected arterial injuries in 48 of 49 patients, with only one patient requiring a follow-up angiogram. The study suggests that MDCT angiography can replace traditional angiography as an initial diagnostic tool.
A study of 1,325 patients revealed that CT pulmonary angiograms expose female breasts to at least 2.0 rads per breast, equivalent to 10-25 mammograms or 100-400 chest radiographs. Researchers recommend reducing radiation exposure by selecting suitable patients, using alternative imaging methods, and manipulating scan parameters.
A study at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital found that PACS implementation led to a 39% increase in work-related relative value units (WRVU) per radiologist, indicating improved productivity. Staffing remained the same despite increased patient volume, suggesting efficient use of PACS can handle growth without adding staff.
A prospective study found that CAD significantly improves cancer detection rates, particularly for calcifications, while reducing recall rates slightly. The results indicate that CAD is an effective way to double-read mammograms without the need for a second radiologist.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have developed a new breast imaging technique using electrical impedance, microwave imaging, and near-infrared spectroscopy. The method can identify specific breast characteristics that differ in normal and diseased tissue, potentially leading to early detection of breast cancer.
Interpretation times for digital mammography (SFM) were significantly shorter than those for full-field digital mammography (FFDM), with a 59% difference. Technical problems also occurred more frequently in FFDM cases, impacting accuracy and efficiency.
Researchers at Dartmouth College developed and tested three alternative breast imaging methods to learn about breast tissue structure and behavior. The non-invasive techniques include electrical impedance spectral imaging, microwave imaging spectroscopy, and near infrared spectral imaging.
Researchers at UCLA successfully deliver gene therapy agents directly into tumor cells with minimal complications, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects of existing treatments. The study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of CT-guided injection for gene therapy delivery.
Researchers found that MR-compatible incubators allow for high-quality imaging of critically ill newborns without radiation exposure. The incubators streamline the examination process and improve image resolution, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers successfully treated 21 small breast cancers with RF ablation, destroying malignant tissue with no adverse effects. However, surrounding tissue was not removed, limiting the procedure's effectiveness as a standalone treatment.
A recent study found that stenting has excellent short-term results for treating lower-extremity ischemia, with a high success rate of 98 percent. The procedure also has a significantly lower mortality rate compared to femoral artery bypass surgery.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that 22 patients had vertebral fractures, with 45% going undiagnosed. Vertebral fractures often indicate osteoporosis, a common disease in the elderly that can be easily treated with drugs.
A new index, CTPE Index, quantifies clot size and predicts patient outcome in pulmonary embolism. Patients with high clot burdens are at increased risk of death and may require aggressive treatment.
A study found that a computer-aided detection system did not change mammography recall rates or breast cancer detection rates, suggesting it may not be beneficial in academic practices. The results were similar even when focusing on the seven highest-volume radiologists at the center.
A study found that PET scans revealed significant abnormalities in 53 patients, including 30 cases with malignant or premalignant tumors unrelated to primary cancer. Follow-up was crucial to diagnose incidental findings, which were often asymptomatic.
The new 'camera pill' technology has shown significant potential for diagnosing small bowel disease, particularly in conjunction with computed tomography. It can detect more abnormalities than standard imaging techniques and provide detailed images of the entire small intestine.
A survey of medical school deans and state medical society executives reveals widespread physician shortages in the US. The most frequently cited specialties experiencing shortages are anesthesiology (50%) and radiology (44%), with other subspecialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and geriatrics also reporting deficits.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that seeking a second opinion for breast cancer may significantly alter diagnosis and treatment plans. The research, led by Dr. Amy Rochester Guest, suggests that patients with complex cases or those who are diagnosed with both breasts affected benefit most from consulting specialized teams.
The University Hospitals of Cleveland is using GE's RapidScreen Digital to improve lung cancer detection rates. The CAD system analyzes digital x-ray data and draws circles around suspicious regions, focusing radiologists on potential abnormalities.