Articles tagged with Radiology
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
The virtual autopsy combines CT and MR imaging to provide detailed information about trauma injuries and soft tissue. This technology can also be used in situations where traditional autopsy is not feasible due to religious or family objections.
A new procedure using cryotherapy has been shown to effectively reduce the size of benign breast lumps by an average of 73% without significant complications. Patients report satisfactory cosmetic results and a high level of patient acceptance for this non-invasive treatment.
A new MRI technique using whole brain N-acetylaspartate (WBNAA) measures the amount of NAA in the brain, which decreases with MS disease progression. This method is more sensitive and specific than current markers, enabling earlier treatment monitoring and drug development for MS patients.
A new standard has been proposed for coronary artery calcium screening, which aims to improve accuracy and comparability of results. The new system uses a calibrated scoring method and reduces radiation doses for small and medium-sized patients.
Labral tears in hip cartilage have been identified as a common injury among professional golfers, with MRI scans revealing significant damage. Eight pro golfers underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair labral injuries, marking a significant shift towards earlier diagnosis and treatment of hip pain.
Researchers found that a three-minute head scan is comparable to the traditional 20-minute version in terms of image quality and diagnostic results. The new protocol eliminated complications from patient movement, resulting in better image quality and accurate blockage identification for clot-busting drugs.
A recent MRI study found degenerative changes in the spine as early as childhood, contradicting previous assumptions about when back trouble begins. The research suggests proactive steps should start early in life to prevent future issues.
A prospective multicenter trial found that 3-D virtual colonoscopy is more sensitive than conventional colonoscopy, detecting over 90% of significant polyps with minimal discomfort and cost
A study using fMRI found that children with seriously delayed speech have higher levels of right brain lobe activity and less total brain activation than age-matched children. This suggests that speech-delayed children may be less receptive to language as they age, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Researchers used MRI to study 45 healthy elderly patients and found that progressive brain atrophy was predictive of future cognitive decline. The medial temporal lobe, a small but critical brain region, showed the most significant correlation with memory loss.
Researchers used transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to treat patients with liver tumors, shrinking them by up to 35% in size. Patients who responded successfully were then treated with laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), allowing for a more aggressive approach to tumor treatment while preserving patient quality of life.
A study published in Radiology found that MRI can accurately detect bone invasion by soft-tissue sarcomas, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 93%, respectively. This accuracy enables radiologists to confidently evaluate MR results for bone involvement, previously reserved for soft tissue involvement.
A large-scale study from Massachusetts General Hospital finds radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to be the most effective treatment for osteoid osteoma, a type of benign bone tumor. RFA offers a high success rate and low complication rate, making it an attractive alternative to traditional surgery and medication.
Researchers found that coronary artery calcium scoring can predict death with high accuracy, especially in individuals with high scores. The study contributes to the debate on using calcium screening to detect latent atherosclerosis and its link to heart disease.
Contrast digital mammography has been shown to accurately identify cancers in patients with suspicious abnormalities, reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies. The new technique uses intravenous iodine contrast to enhance blood vessels created by tumors, improving detection in dense breast tissue.
The study found that over half of the centers offering full-body scans were located on the east and west coasts, with California and New York having the largest concentrations. The researchers recommend stricter regulation to protect healthcare consumers from unregulated repeat exams and unwarranted expenditures.
A new study provides a precise formula to lower CT radiation doses for pediatric patients, reducing abdominal doses by up to 80%. The technique charts offer guidance for both head and body CT scans for children from infancy to adolescence.
Self-referred whole-body CT scanning has grown rapidly, with 88 imaging centers nationwide and prices ranging from $795 to $1,215. Researchers caution that the technology's effectiveness is uncertain and potential risks include radiation exposure and false-positive results.
Contrast-enhanced MRI is a reliable method to measure blood flow to tumors, allowing for accurate assessment of chemotherapy response and tumor viability. The study found that patients who responded to treatment had significant decreases in angiogenesis, while non-responders showed increases.
A new study found that combining radiofrequency ablation with chemotherapy can effectively treat larger liver tumors. The treatment, which involves using heat to destroy tumor tissue and administering a chemotherapeutic agent intravenously, resulted in a tripling of survival rates compared to those receiving no treatment.
New technologies, such as robotics and GPS-guided therapy, are being integrated with imaging technology to enhance precision in minimally invasive procedures. These advancements aim to reduce human error and improve patient outcomes.
Detachable coil embolization is a new approach to treating brain aneurysms, offering less invasive treatment with shorter recovery times. The procedure has been shown to reduce mortality rates by 22.6% compared to traditional open surgery for patients with ruptured aneurysms.
A survey of US radiology residents found that most were hesitant to pursue breast imaging training or interpret mammograms due to negative attitudes and perceived drawbacks. The shortage of qualified radiologists is expected to worsen as demand for screening mammography services increases with an aging population.
A study conducted at Lausanne University Hospital found that MDCT accurately depicted more spine fractures than conventional x-rays, with a sensitivity rate of nearly three times higher. This innovation could save time, money, and radiation exposure for patients admitted to emergency departments for severe trauma.
A study of 73 patients with symptoms suggestive of SARS found that CT scans identified three common features: ground-glass opacification, lower lobe distribution, and peripheral distribution. These findings suggest that CT can be a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting SARS, particularly in cases where chest x-rays are normal.
A study published in the Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology suggests that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for osteoid osteomas, with all eight patients achieving complete pain relief. The use of CT fluoroscopy enhanced imaging guidance improved precision and success rates.
A study found that using mammograms read by specialists reduces call back rates significantly, with an average rate of 8% in the second year compared to 11% in the first year. Specialists are defined as radiologists who have read 3,000 mammograms per year over the last two years.