An MRI method to predict the ratio of total tau (tt) to beta amyloid (AB) may provide a screening tool that could help discriminate between Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, according to a study published online Dec. 26, 2012, in Neurology. The findings could allow some patients to bypass the traditional lumbar puncture required to assess tt/AB and differentiate the disorders.

MRI indicated brain contusions and axonal injury independently associated with poorer three-month outcome after mild traumatic brain injury, according to a study published online Dec. 7, 2012, in Annals of Neurology.

Despite being touted as an improvement to conventional knee replacement procedures, computer-assisted navigation provided no advantage over the traditional surgical procedure, according to a study published in the Nov. 21 edition of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) showed ongoing white matter structural changes in children who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) up to five months after the injury despite the resolution of clinical symptoms, according to a study published in the Dec. 12 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.  The findings suggest DTI could be used to diagnose pediatric concussions and highlight the potential benefit of using advanced imaging techniques to monitor recovery in children following concussions.

A new technique of targeted biopsy using MR-ultrasound fusion technology can accurately target prostate lesions and potentially improve diagnosis, according to a study published in the January issue of Journal of Urology.

The British Columbia Ministry of Health has selected McKesson QICS for its radiologist peer review initiative. As part of its ongoing quality improvement program, the company said that the Ministry of Health will use its system in a pilot to help modernize medical imaging processes and improve quality of care.

Imaging clinical decision support (CDS) can be more than a physician-friendly alternative to prior authorization, as it helps satisfy criteria for a number of quality initiatives and incentive programs, according to an article published in the December issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Judging from the vendor offerings at the Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) recent annual meeting, 2012 was another slow year for technology innovation, according to a Dec. 6 webinar from global growth consulting company Frost & Sullivan.