While radiologists herald breast tomosynthesis as the hope for the future of breast imaging, several barriers hinder its widespread use. Its very ability to detect benign lesions dilutes the value of such detection, according to a keynote speech at the RSNA meeting.

Rates of diagnostic imaging utilization varied by more than 56% across the 10 Medicare regions of the U.S., according to a study presented Wednesday. The regions with the highest utilization had the lowest percentage of imaging services provided by radiologists.

Clinical trials in oncology demand standardized measurements of imaging scans to assess treatment response, but, unfortunately, the existing clinical workflow is not designed to produce these cohesive measurements on a routine basis. A group from Dana Farber Cancer Center has proposed using imaging analysts to deliver more consistent results.

The availability of a portable CT scanner in an emergency room significantly increases the number of patients who are eligible for life-saving treatment.

Including a patient’s photo with imaging exam results produces a psychological boost that leads radiologists to take a more personal, emphatic approach to interpretation, according an Israeli study presented Tuesday at the 2008 RSNA meeting.

Stroke victims get faster “door-to-CT” time when departments communicate effectively, especially when emergency medical staff is called while the patient is en route to the hospital.

Siemens Healthcare showcased at RSNA 2008 a PET/CT designed with radiologists in mind. It emphasizes CT performance and casts PET as the “smart contrast” that enhances the dynamic information delivered by CT. Siemens is pitching the CT component of its new Biograph mCT (molecular CT) as the most important part of the scanner and the PET component as delivering complementary information.

The news was mixed for CT in the emergency department in research presented Wednesday at the RSNA meeting. CT was found to be better than ultrasound for diagnosing ER patients with abdominal pain, but radiation dose can be drastically reduced for patients suspected of appendicitis, according to authors of several studies.

Out of every 10 women whose mammogram or physical exam reveals potentially cancerous cells in their breasts, approximately three of them will have additional dangerous clusters the examinations missed, according to a recent study presented at the RSNA conference Wednesday.

For victims of psychological trauma, the challenge of suppressing painful memories may be rooted in the wiring of the brain, an ongoing study revealed at the RSNA conference Wednesday.

A neuroradiologist, a neurosurgeon, and a radiological technologist explained to an RSNA audience how working together to analyze fMR scans has significantly helped them pinpoint hard-to-reach brain tumors and plan delicate surgery, resulting in improved surgical outcomes.

Toshiba America Medical Systems has positioned its MicroPure ultrasound technology as a way to better characterize microcalcifications. The new technology, showcased at RSNA 2008 on Toshiba’s Aplio XG ultrasound scanner, improves the detection of small calcifications that otherwise may evade detection with ultrasound.

Extending its reach in applications for MR in women’s health, Toshiba unveiled at RSNA 2008 its Radiance Plus Breast Imaging Suite for use on the company’s two 1.5T scanners, the Vantage Atlas and Vantage Titan.

Philips Healthcare showcased its new value-oriented HD15 ultrasound system at RSNA 2008. The latest addition to Philips’ HD product line, commercially released in summer, is designed for use in small hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

The Brilliance iCT SP (scalable platform) scanner officially joined the Philips CT portfolio at RSNA 2008.

Web-PACS and IT developer Infinitt North America unveiled at RSNA 2008 a software tool that uses 3D and other postprocessing techniques to improve visualization and analysis of coronary vessels.

After two years of R&D, GE Healthcare released at RSNA 2008 a thin-client server to support 3D visualization on PCs.

The 2008 RSNA meeting serves as a reference point of sorts for two important trials testing the clinical efficacy of multislice cardiac CT. Results from the Core64 trials of 64-slice coronary CTA were published Nov. 28 while plans for a Core320 trial were announced in Chicago at the RSNA show.

As the mammography community embraces digital mammography, newly converted sites must overcome the challenge of comparing new images with old. PACSGEAR introduced at RSNA 2008 its solution to the problem.

Most radiologists know about the medical risks associated with patient exposure to ionizing radiation, but many are still in the dark about basic steps they can take to reduce patient exposure. A University of Michigan survey presented at the RSNA meeting found that a surprising percentage were unaware of methods to adjust mA and kVp during CT procedures.