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. 

A comparison of standard 2D mammography (right) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), or 3D mammography (left). The DBT creates a data set of 1 mm slices that the radiologist can look through to see more detail in suspect areas and determine if it dense breast tissue is masking a tumor.

Standalone AI excels at reading digital mammograms, but how does it hold up with DBT exams?

Standalone AI can significantly outperform radiologists' sensitivity in reading digital mammograms and has shown potential in DBT exams as well, but experts are not yet ready to hand over the reins.

osteomyelitis on MRI

Diagnosing osteomyelitis with abbreviated noncontrast MRI protocols

Using abbreviated MRI protocols for pediatric exams offers similar quality as standard protocols but decreases the need for sedation. 

lesion on breast ultrasound

CAD software is especially beneficial for radiologists in rural settings

Judging the software’s utility in rural settings with less experienced readers is important for expanding access to and improving care for patients, authors of a new AJR paper noted.

Physical activity is linked to smaller brain bleeds, new CT data reveal

The research, published in Stroke and Vascular Neurology, suggests that just four hours of physical activity per week can reduce the significance of a brain bleed.

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'Visual hindsight bias': What it is and how it affects lawsuits against radiologists

This psychological phenomenon describes the notion that people believe they can make better predictions or decisions once they have been exposed to new information on the subject, often causing them to overestimate their own abilities. 

Is warming iodinated contrast prior to use really necessary?

The ACR Manual on Contrast Media suggests that highly viscous ICM should be warmed to body temperature prior to administration when using high-rate intravenous low-osmolality power injections, viscous iodinated CM, small-caliber catheters, or for timed studies looking at peak enhancement.   

FDA report details MRI accident caused by sex toy

An FDA adverse event report suggests that although the patient involved in the accident was screened for metal prior to undergoing her MRI, she did not disclose the presence of a “butt plug." 

Philips launches new AI-powered CT system said to improve workflows, increase returns

Philips has developed an AI-powered CT system designed to increase throughput and improve image quality, all while decreasing patient exposure to ionizing radiation. 

Around the web

A total of 16 cardiology practices from 12 states settled with the DOJ to resolve allegations they overbilled Medicare for imaging agents used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. 

CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care.