Medical Imaging

Physicians utilize medical imaging to see inside the body to diagnose and treat patients. This includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography,  and the nuclear imaging modalities of PET and SPECT. 

iCAD Receives FDA Approval for FujiFilm Aspire HD Digital Mammography System

iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICAD), an industry-leading provider of advanced image analysis, workflow solutions and radiation therapy for the early identification and treatment of cancer, today announced approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use of the Company’s SecondLook® mammography computer-aided detection (CAD), on the next generation PowerLook Advanced Mammography Platform (AMP)™, for FujiFilm’s Aspire™ HD Full-Field Digital Mammography System.

What is my role in radiation safety?

As a healthcare professional who works in medical imaging, you most likely work with equipment that produces ionizing radiation. You and your team are responsible for following as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principles and balancing the right dose for the right patient to provide optimal care. As a result, radiation protection is a vitally important part of your job.

Experts preach caution after CMS decision for PET cancer imaging

CMS effectively ushered in a fresh start for oncologic PET imaging upon the final coverage decision for PET imaging of solid tumors announced on June 11. Elaboration of new coverage was provided on June 13 and the NOPR (the National Oncologic Pet Registry) was concluded as of June 11. Representatives from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and NOPR moderated a webinar June 19 to discuss the decision and to counsel clinicians on how PET imaging is expected to move forward.

Carestream detector gets FDA clearance

The FDA has cleared the latest wireless digital radiography detector from Carestream Health.

Technologists: Hybrid PET/MR is changing the landscape

A new standard is being set for technologists working within the emerging discipline of PET/MR. A meeting of minds from both sides of the technology is necessary to assure a high level of patient care to include diversified education and protocols within the imaging suite, according to a joint consensus statement by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS) and the Section of Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT) published April 30 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Molecular imaging: Oncology & beyond

June seems to be the month for molecular imaging. Gregor Robertson, mayor of Vancouver, proclaimed it to be “Nuclear and Molecular Imaging Week” during the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s (SNMMI) annual meeting June 8-12. Not to be outdone by politicians, researchers pulled out all the stops, highlighting how molecular modalities best conventional options in cardiac imaging and treatment response for conditions from breast cancer to major depression.

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Mixed bag: Breast MRI CAD boosts sensitivity but not accuracy

A multicenter reader study designed to examine the effect of CAD on the diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI indicated improved sensitivity and comparable accuracy among novice and expert readers reviewing images without and with CAD, according to a study published in the June issue of American Journal of Roentgenology. CAD software did not increase interpretation time.

3D touchscreen could let MDs ‘feel’ MRI exams

Microsoft Research unveiled a prototype touchscreen that may allow physicians to interact with an MR exam in 3D.

Around the web

Harvard’s David A. Rosman, MD, MBA, explains how moving imaging outside of hospitals could save billions of dollars for U.S. healthcare.

Back in September, the FDA approved GE HealthCare’s new PET radiotracer, flurpiridaz F-18, for patients with known or suspected CAD. It is seen by many in the industry as a major step forward in patient care. 

After three years of intermittent shortages of nuclear imaging tracer technetium-99m pyrophosphate, there are no signs of the shortage abating.