Enhancements in breast imaging mark the latest ultrasound upgrade from Philips Healthcare. Tissue aberration correction technology and algorithms built into the Vision 2009 upgrade for its iU22 radiological flagship are part of an integrated effort to better define tissue in fatty breasts, according to the company. An enabling technology is the Philips PureWave transducer and its coded beamformer, which have been present on earlier technologies.
Elastrography forms the cornerstone of an ultrasound system unveiled by first-time RSNA exhibitor SuperSonic Imagine. The Aixplorer system is dedicated to breast imaging. It differentiates healthy from cancerous tissues by quantifying differences in the elasticity of the tissues. SuperSonic’s ShearWave Elastography technique produces consistent results regardless of the operator’s skill, according to the company.
Lifelong learning in an era of globalized healthcare science and practice is essential, according to Sunday’s opening session of RSNA 2008, which also stressed the need for standardization in training and certification.
A new technique may help characterize diffusion anisotropy in the spinal cord in a clinical setting. Researchers have determined that using 3D single-shot diffusion-weighted stimulated echo-planar imaging in the cervical spinal cord results in higher resolution and less distortion than 2D single-shot diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging.
Prostate-specific antigen measurements are considered a useful organ-specific marker, but they are not necessarily an adequate tumor marker. PET/CT in combination with PSA levels can play a significant role in detecting and staging prostate cancer, according to two presentations Sunday at RSNA 2008.
The imminent publication of eagerly anticipated new international guidelines promises to transform the complex area of lung cancer staging.
Results from the largest and longest trial of its kind suggest that patients with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinomas who undergo systematic treatment with three chemotherapeutic agents and arterial embolization plus imaging follow-up have better survival rates than those who undergo nonstandardized chemoembolization regimes.
The RSNA will underscore the unique achievements of Japanese imaging researchers in “Japan Presents,” a presentation of seven scientific papers focusing on diagnostic radiology. On Monday, Dec. 1, each paper will be introduced with the Japanese spin on ideas and concepts.
Themes emerging from breast imaging abstracts at the upcoming RSNA include the increased use of breast MRI, full-field digital mammography versus film-screen mammography, and more.
You can tell by the titles of special focus sessions planned for the 2008 RSNA that program committee chair Dr. Robert M. Quencer sees an opportunity to use the sessions to examine tough issues affecting clinical imaging practice.
Highlights of the 2008 RSNA meeting include discussions about the use of CT angiography as a noninvasive technique for diagnosing coronary artery disease and the replacement of standard optical colonoscopy with CT colonography to screen for colon cancer.
There is nothing like a little momentum to help the RSNA organizers present the latest developments in imaging research in the meeting’s scientific sessions. Everyone associated with imaging sciences from Beijing to New York City understands that presenting research in Chicago is an essential requirement for membership in this unique community.
RSNA presentations on prostate cancer staging and treatment, along with talks on radiation therapy for thoracic malignancies, have piqued the interest of cancer care specialists. But in general, oncologists and radiation oncologists conveyed some reservations about this year’s offerings in oncologic imaging and therapies.
Computer-aided detection significantly improves the sensitivity of pulmonary embolism imaging, according to a study that will be presented at the 2008 RSNA meeting. Other studies show that specially developed CAD schemes can detect flat lesions that are often missed in CT colonography.
Highlights of the 2008 RSNA meeting suggest the field of musculoskeletal radiology is moving away from purely descriptive imaging studies and more into quantitative ones. Research is advancing the understanding of tissue function and underlying anomalies as well as image-guided treatment options.
Unfettered by wires or workstations, radiologists stroll through the hospital, viewing medical images and signing off on reports. But physical limitations and security issues still pose hurdles to large-scale implementation of wireless solutions.
Medison America spotlights the Accuvix V10 this week at the RSNA meeting. The ultrasound scanner, which appeared last year as a work-in-progress, cleared the FDA in spring. It supports 3D/4D imaging, as well as spectral, color, and power Doppler.
The lack of an effective, detailed workup algorithm for positive results in multicenter lung cancer screening trials results in a lower cancer yield from invasive procedures and later diagnoses for participants, according to a new study presented at the RSNA meeting.
The palm-sized Acuson P10 ultrasound scanner appears this week as a commercial product from Siemens Medical Solutions along with the laptop-based Acuson P50. The P50 is designed for mobile environments but is outfitted with diagnostic-level capabilities, including high-quality gray-scale as well as color and Doppler imaging. Its primary applications will be in cardiology and vascular imaging.
Radiologists who wonder why diagnostic imaging has been targeted for utilization constraints need only examine the Medicare B experience from 2000 to 2005. Medicare payments for outpatient medical imaging rose 93% during that period from $6 billion to more than $11 billion. The increase reflected a shift in preference to high-cost, high-tech modalities, especially CT and MR. Utilization among cardiologists exploded.
In what is possibly the largest study in its kind, Harvard University researchers have shown that PET/CT can reliably tell whether unsuspected adrenal lesions discovered while managing oncologic patients are benign or malignant.
Vantage Titan, a wide-bore 1.5T scanner, highlights MR offerings from Toshiba America Medical Systems at the RSNA meeting this week. The work-in-progress features a bore 18% wider than any 1.5T scanner currently on the market, according to the company. A specially designed gradient system offers an amplitude of 30 and a slew rate of 130 to expand the field-of-view.
Toshiba America Medical Systems upgraded its Xario XG and Aplio ultrasound sytems with three transducers, each capable of volumetric scanning. The additions expand the range of these systems, which previously had depended on only one transducer for 4D imaging. The transducers can be applied to transvaginal/obstetric, prostate, small parts including breast, testes, and thyroid, and abdominal scanning.
Professional attendance at the 2007 RSNA meeting saw a 3% increase compared with last year. Society officers credit a large contingent of international attendees for the rising figures.
An overwhelming majority of the audience at an RSNA special focus session Thursday voted in favor of keeping up the efforts to get FDA approval for the use of contrast ultrasound for general radiology applications.
Radiologists must become more alert to the extensive range of health problems faced by patients who swallow fish bones, according to a thought-provoking poster from Spain that was one of eight international exhibits to scoop a prestigious Magna Cum Laude award in the vast RSNA 2007 poster hall on Wednesday afternoon.
A New England Journal of Medicine review article published Thursday targets the cancer risks of CT at the same time that hundreds of scientific presentations and new products at the 2007 RSNA meeting are fueling multislice CT’s continued growth.
Inspired by vertebroplasty's success, Greek researchers have shown that percutaneous cement injections can also successfully stabilize arthritic and neoplastic lesions affecting the femoral head. The technique offers pain relief and an alternative to surgery in selected patients.
Merge Healthcare has become the first U.S. RIS/PACS company to enter the fast-growing teleradiology market, offering a service that gives U.S.-based radiologists consultation interpretations provided by radiologists based in India.
Two new computed radiography systems and a digital radiography unit debut this week at the Caresteam Health booth at the RSNA meeting. The CRs, dubbed the Classic and Elite, are accompanied by IT products already introduced:
