Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) provided diagnostic quality CT images at a reduced radiation dose of 1.8 mGy in patients with urinary stone disease, according to a study published online in Radiology Aug. 13. These early data suggest that a modified protocol can be introduced into clinical practice for urinary stone evaluation if ASIR or similar tools are available.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has decided to launch CT screening for veterans at high risk for lung cancer.

The FDA approved ranibizumab injection (Lucentis, Genentech, which is a subsidiary of the Roche Group) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), a sight-threatening eye disease that occurs in people with diabetes.

While waiting for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to begin the recovery audit contractor (RAC) prepayment review demonstration originally slated to begin in January, the Journal of the American Health Information Management Association published a guide to prepare for the audits and encouraged healthcare organizations to be proactive.

The National Quality Forum (NQF) endorsed measures Aug. 10 for care coordination, complication-related patient safety, cancer and disparities and cultural competency. In addition, NQF removed the time-limit endorsement in 13 measures, including a measure for a standardized adverse event ratio for children 18 years of age undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Leukoaraiosis, or nonspecific white matter changes, which are comprised of tiny areas in the brain that have been deprived of oxygen and appear as bright white dots on MRI scans, may not be benign and may be a disease that alters brain function in the elderly, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Radiology.

This weeks highlights delivered good news for middle-aged and older men and women. The debate on prostate cancer screening, much like breast cancer screening, has reached a crescendo. Other findings should spark vibrant discussions with colleagues and patients.

Due to the lack of studies, there is currently no proof that patients with ovarian cancer can benefit from PET alone or in combination with CT. With regard to diagnostic accuracy, recurrences can be detected earlier and more accurately with PET or PET/CT than with conventional imaging techniques in certain cases. So concluded the final report by Germany's Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) in Cologne, which was published May 23.