The fusion of x-ray capabilities with functional imaging technologysuch as SPECT and PET has resulted in hybrid equipment such as PET/CT,SPECT/CT, and even positron emission mammography (PEM). The utilizationof these modalities have resulted in greater diagnostic certainty andenhanced patient management through their advanced visualizationcapabilities. Until recently, fusing MRI with radiography has beenproblematic, with most solutions using a moving-bed patient systembetween MR and x-ray suites.

The utilization of 2D information from x-ray mammography to assess theratio of dense to fatty tissue in the breast is inaccurate fordetermining the volume ratios of the tissues, according to Daniel B.Kopans, MD. In an opinion piece published in this month’s issue ofRadiology, Kopans argues that a methodological flaw exists in numerousstudies that have used 2D information to measure the percentage oftissues by volume.

Global left ventricular (LV) function is perhaps the strongestdeterminant of heart failure and death due to myocardial infarction.Traditionally, LV function studies conducted with CT have beenperformed with 2D planimetry of short-axis CT image reformations. Newadvances in automated advanced visualization 3D technology can producecomparable results to this methodology, according to a group of Germanresearchers, without the shortcomings of the 2D approach.

The use of advanced imaging technologies such as computer-aideddetection (CAD) software have enabled better reader performance for theinterpretation of CT colonography exams. In addition, adding thesoftware tool may enhance productivity by reducing the time needed toread the study. However, the question of how best to deploy thesesystems for optimal clinical efficiency remains: as a second read afterprimary interpretation of the study, or as a concurrent read during theprimary interpretation?

United States Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., last week urged his colleagues during a speech on the Senate floor to act quickly to implement healthcare IT legislation, calling for more federal support of healthcare IT adoption, coupled with quality measure improvements and supportive reimbursement policies.

Medical technology is a relatively small and constant share of totalU.S. health expenditures with an overall slow rate of growth, accordingto a new study released by AdvaMed, the Advanced Medical TechnologyAssociation.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tuesday published aproposed rule to implement certain aspects of the Patient Safety andQuality Improvement Act of 2005 (Patient Safety Act).

A comprehensive study of 231,221 screening mammograms conducted from2001-2005 indicates that the utilization of computer-assisted detection(CAD) technology enhances performance of a single reader, yieldingincreased sensitivity with only a small increase in recall rate.