Oncology CT

A new survey study from the American Cancer Society shows a 4.47 million decrease in cervical cancer screenings and a 2.13 million decrease in breast cancer screenings in the United States between 2018 and 2020.

Do we settle for oblique truths more often than not to mitigate potential repercussions?

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

In a recent video interview on the current iodinated contrast media shortage, neuroradiologist Sean Bryant, MD discussed imaging alternatives, emphasized communication with referring physicians on optimal studies, and discussed the ongoing need to prevent “protocol creep” with timely updates of imaging protocols.

The resumed production of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque products is a welcome development for radiologists scrambling to come up with alternative dosing and imaging options in the past month during the temporary shortage of iodinated contrast media.

In an ongoing quest to reduce the impact of the temporary iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage, a group of researchers recently examined Medicare claims data to identify high-frequency usage patterns of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) services.

For post-op monitoring of patients who had pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resection, a new study showed that diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had enhanced sensitivity for detecting recurrent tumors in comparison to conventional MRI.

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

A new study revealed that an emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled software tool led to improved sensitivity, specificity and inter-observer agreement for the diagnosis of indeterminate pulmonary nodules on chest computed tomography (CT) scans.

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

In a recent video interview, two radiology professors from the Yale School of Medicine discussed the impact of the iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage and potential strategies, ranging from ICM dose reduction to possible deferment of non-urgent imaging, that may provide a viable path moving forward.

Is it a thoughtless verbal reflex or a failure to go beyond a surface read of imaging?

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

In recent video interviews, Syam Reddy, MD, Judy Yee, MD and Anand Narayan, MD, discussed various benefits of computed tomography colonography (CTC) for colorectal cancer screening, the underutilization of the CTC procedure and steps moving forward to improve access to this procedure.

Given the challenges with the shortage of the iodinated contrast agent Omnipaque, national and state organizations have issued suggested risk mitigation and conservation strategies to reprioritize imaging needs during this temporary shortage.

In a lung screening cohort of over 2,500 people, researchers found that significantly higher rates of chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure were associated with increased hospitalization and mortality rates in patients with COVID-19.

Review the top radiology content from the past week.

In a recent survey of over 13,700 people between the ages of 50 and 75, researchers found that only 1.4 percent of respondents had colorectal cancer screening with computed tomography (CT) colonography.

Review top radiology content from the week.

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Validating a prognostic scoring system for locoregional recurrence risk in post-mastectomy patients with varying levels of axillary lymph node involvement, emerging research suggests patients with intermediate risk for breast cancer recurrence could benefit from post-mastectomy radiotherapy.

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In a recent video interview, Arun Krishnaraj, MD, MPH and David Larson, MD, MBA, discussed the continued use of physical media to transport medical images between different health-care facilities, resulting inefficiencies and delays with patient care, and the initiative to create a linked multi-hub model to end this dated practice once and for all.

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In a formal request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the American College of Radiology (ACR) emphasized that Medicare and Medicaid coverage of computed tomography colonography (CTC) could significantly improve colorectal cancer screening rates for at-risk populations.

Review top radiology content from the week.

In a recent video interview, Syam Reddy, MD discussed the merits of computed tomography (CT) colonography, a non-invasive alternative to conventional colonoscopy, which may help reduce gaps in screening for colorectal cancer.

Review top radiology content from the week.

In a new national coverage determination, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have lowered the starting thresholds for lung cancer screening from 55 to 50 years of age and from a 30-pack/year tobacco smoking history to 20 packs a year.

What is your diagnosis?