Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component of healthcare to help augment physicians and make them more efficient. In medical imaging, it is helping radiologists more efficiently manage PACS worklists, enable structured reporting, auto detect injuries and diseases, and to pull in relevant prior exams and patient data. In cardiology, AI is helping automate tasks and measurements on imaging and in reporting systems, guides novice echo users to improve imaging and accuracy, and can risk stratify patients. AI includes deep learning algorithms, machine learning, computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, and convolutional neural networks. 

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Radial 3D approach improves quality of head and neck images

Achieving a quality MRI of a patient’s head is difficult, but a radial gradient-recalled echo imaging protocol is a step in the right direction, researchers wrote Jan. 8 in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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Machine learning screens for obstructive CAD, reduces unnecessary imaging

By combining AI with coronary artery calcium scoring and other cardiac measurements, the team would have prevented 73 unnecessary scans.

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System combining laser imaging, AI may make cancer operations safer and more effective

The new approach can diagnose brain tumors similarly to humans, but in a fraction of the time.

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Google’s AI system rivals radiologists at detecting breast cancer

The Silicon Valley company's DeepMind AI beat out six expert readers and with further clinical testing could change the face of early breast cancer detection.

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MIT researchers create first laser ultrasound images of humans

The laser-based method produces the same quality images as conventional ultrasound, but may benefit patients, such as burn victims, who can't tolerate direct skin contact.

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Researcher awarded $600K grant to study MRI-based ‘GPS maps’ for brain tumors

The concept derives image-based biomarkers from MRI scans to produce a heat map for surgeons to better pinpoint cancers.

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MRI scans help researchers predict 10-year breast cancer recurrence

Radiomic analysis can extract mounds of information from MRIs and help researchers determine if a patient’s cancer is likely to return 10 years after treatment.  

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AI approach may lead to ‘on the fly’ risk scoring for heart attacks

Machine learning is more accurate at predicting the long-term risk of potentially life-threatening cardiac events compared to standard clinical assessments, and eventually may revolutionize cardiovascular care.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.