Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

MRI scans link early brain asynchrony in children with autism

A recent study found a reduced connection between the amygdala and parts of the brain associated with social communication and language in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  

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Radiologists can embrace business analytics without being ‘a computer geek’

Implementing business analytics into radiology operations may seem like a daunting task, but practice leaders must remember they can use such data without building their own in-house tools from scratch.

New MRI-focused approach to detecting myelofibrosis

Findings from an experimental model show that researchers were able to effectively identify bone marrow cancer (myelofibrosis) using MRI, which could result in how this disease is diagnosed moving forward. 

AMA provides decision support for imaging

It's crucial for a physicial to carefully assess each patient and decide if it is appropriate to put them through medical imaging tests. The American Medical Association (AMA) Steps Forward provides physicians with a new module, listing steps to integrate clinical decision support for imaging into one's practice:

Leak in blood-brain barrier linked to early Alzheimer's

Contrast enhanced MRI found leakages in the blood-brain barrier of people with early Alzheimer’s disease is associated with cognitive decline.

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New MRI scanner opens up possibilities for anxious patients

Many people who deal with claustrophobia have trouble climbing into an MRI scanner, but the staff at Dignity Health Mercy Hospital in Folsom, California, are helping to relieve some of that stress. 

What happens when a brain is scanned twice a week for 18 months?

In an effort to create one of the most detailed maps of brain connectivity ever, psychologist Russell Poldrack climbed into an MRI machine to scan his brain for 10 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday morning for a year and a half. 

3D imaging used in craniopagus surgery

Anias and Jadon McDonald, twins who were conjoined at head and separated at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, are said to be “right on target, if not ahead of schedule” by their doctors, in regards to their craniopagus surgery.

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.