CT

Nuclear medicine services in 20European countries, the U.S., andCanada are learning to cope with thepotential daily disruptions in the normalsupply of molybdenum-99 fromthe forced shutdown of the High FluxReactor in Petten, the Netherlands.

A new CT scanner built on Siemens’ unique dual-source x-ray technology promises to dramatically reduce dose and eliminate motion artifact in the chest. Using two x-ray tubes and matching detectors, the Somatom Definition Flash, debuted at RSNA 2008, opens the door to routine scanning of the coronaries, according to the company.

In a bid to extend radiation oncology applications, engineers at Philips Healthcare have widened the bore of the company’s premium Gemini TF PET/CT scanner to create the industry’s first big-bore hybrid. Priced north of $2 million, the Gemini TF Big Bore is scheduled to begin shipping next year. Philips is showcasing the Big Bore this week on the RSNA exhibit floor, and beta testing will begin at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in the next several months.

The superpremium Discovery CT750 HD (high definition) CT scanner debuted Sunday in the GE Healthcare booth. It features technology shown as work-in-progress at last year’s RSNA meeting that boosts spatial resolution to 230 microns and improves contrast resolution 33% in the body to 21.5 lp/cm and 47% in the heart to 14 lp/cm, according to the company.

Using surveillance of 6 to 9-mm polyps with CT colonography instead of referring them for immediate colonoscopy and polypectomy provides a significant cost-effectiveness edge, according to a study presented Sunday.

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.

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.

RSNA newcomer readies breast ultrasoundVital Images launches workstation for webZiosoft allies with MedicsightMerge expands support, OEM offeringsMammo digitizer prepares for RSNA 2008Visage pairs with Viatronix

Nearly 16 million U.S. patients underwent nuclear imaging procedures in 2007, according to a report by marketing research firm IMV Medical Information Division. The figure shows a 3% jump compared with the 15.2 million patients who had a nuclear medicine exam back in 2006.

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.

Siemens unveils new low-dose, high-res CTToshiba pursues Barco visualization divisionInfiMed plans RNSA 2008 launchDunlee offers tubes for BrightSpeed

President-elect Barack Obama’s appointment of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to head the Department of Health and Human Services, combined with a commitment from insurers and a detailed plan from the chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, suggests strongly that healthcare reform will be a top priority for the new administration and the 111th Congress.

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.

VC blasts TomoTherapyFDA clears PET-guided biopsyMedtronic launches MR-compatible pacemakerInteleRad snags contract for PACS unifier

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.

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.

Nuclear medicine use remains under 2005 levelMerge opens door to iPhoneAlliance Imaging promotes executive

Diagnosing pregnant women suspected of appendicitis is tricky business. Often the enlarged uterus will displace the appendix, making it hard to find with ultrasound.

An Italian investigation suggests virtual colonography is a better follow-up test for failed colonoscopy than a double-contrast barium enema.

Clinical experience shows that diagnostic CT reduces the incidence of negative appendectomies. Those skeptical about the application's safety, however, may find ammunition in a recent prospective study that suggests CT may be unnecessary when appendicitis is unlikely.

Dejarnette hatches RSNA plansAgfa CR enters pediatric hospitalPhilips extends King’s College collaborationPhilips expands iCT installed base

The Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG) has announced that the High Flux Reactor in Petten, the Netherlands, will remain shut down until Feb. 16, 2009, raising the possibility of another four months of molybdenum-99 shortages for thousands of European nuclear imaging services.

An antioxidant contained in red table wine could one day prove effective as protection against radiation from a nuclear attack, according to a study by University of Pittsburgh researchers.