Ultrasound

Radiologists perform most diagnostic and minimally invasive interventional musculoskeletal studies in the U.S., with some areas experiencing continuous growth. Data released Wednesday at the RSNA meeting, however, suggest future turf battles between radiologists and surgeons are lurking on the horizon.

Canadian and U.S. radiologists may face different regulatory restrictions when it comes to use of ultrasound contrast, but both agree on one thing: the agents have a positive effect on clinical practice, according to studies presented at the RSNA meeting on Monday.

Use of breast ultrasound and breast MRI in Medicare beneficiaries has been on the rise, but mammography utilization has not kept apace. Following a big boost in the number of mammograms in the late 1990s, growth has slowed in recent years. The reason could be waning awareness of screening programs or possibly a decline in access due to center closures.

Elasticity imaging with ultrasound allows radiologists to accurately distinguish benign from malignant breast lesions, according to a study presented at the RSNA meeting on Monday. Researchers using the technique correctly identified both cancerous and benign lesions in nearly all of the cases studied.

Officials from the American College of Radiology and the American College of Cardiology, along with other interested stakeholders, have published a consensus report defining quality for all cardiovascular imaging modalities. They say that the focus on quality in cardiovascular imaging has been less intense than in other areas of cardiovascular medicine.

iCAD readies RSNA exhibitsUltraRad offers free offsite archivingSiemens snags $40M dealGE expands alliance with Intermountain

We might as well get friendly with robots. They are cropping up left and right. Today’s robots are a far cry from the mid-20th century models with their clanking gears, a head full of flashing electronics, and occasionally flailing arms. Our modern-day Robbys are designed to fit specific tasks, like Roomba and Scoomba, the Frisbee-like contraptions now circling rooms across the nation, sucking dirt from carpets and scrubbing floors. Ah, technology.

Elderly patients can undergo CT scanning of the pancreatobiliary region with only 90% or less of the contrast dose required in other patients without compromising the exam's quality.

Ovarian cancer accounts for nearly 3% of all cancers among women. It is the second most common gynecological malignancy in the U.S., following carcinoma of the uterine corpus.

Image quality and improved ease of use characterize latest technologies appearing on RSNA exhibit floor

Cutting prenatal exposure wherever possible, but not at the expense of necessary treatment, requires subtlety and care

Mounting evidence indicates that, far from fading away, ultrasound could retain a role in the triage and follow-up of patients presenting to the emergency room with traumatic abdominal solid organ injury. Prospective data from University of California researchers validate earlier studies showing that contrast-enhanced sonography outperforms conventional sonography and complements CT’s role in this setting.

Research citing previously unknown risks to developing brains bolsters case against keepsake fetal videos

New portable handheld devices deliver quality previously seen only in less convenient consoles

The FDA has denied a request for over-the-counter sales of handheld Doppler fetoscopes. The American College of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, which have aggressively lobbied to stop unwarranted use of ultrasound technology by nonmedical personnel, hailed the decision.

GE releases flagship ultrasound for ob/gynVI and Toshiba unveil SurePlaque DICOM router launchediCAD signs senior R&D exec

Volcano strikes allianceZiehm prepares Vision for RSNA

Ultrasound is no stranger to space travel. Typically, however, the imaging modality has been used to evaluate musculoskeletal problems associated with near-weightless conditions. A new effort launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration uses live 3D ultrasound and advanced postprocessing to evaluate the effects of microgravity on astronauts’ hearts.

Going from gloom to bloom at a seminar yesterday, radiology luminaries dissected the latest practice trends, technological developments, and clinical applications in ultrasound use and turf. Their conclusions, to be published in a major radiology journal, should indicate if radiologists will choose to relinquish control of ultrasound for good or reclaim a modality that could thrive in the hands of experts through the next decade.

InSite sues over archive patentViztek reaches CR milestoneCivco takes steps to improve ultrasound

SonoSite shares fallAgfa teams with MedseekVI launches next gen Web ITUltrasonix releases ER ultrasound

Medrad unveils wireless MRPhilips demonstrates HD ultrasound for ORNAI prepares print server release

Ultrasound could one day play a key role in drug delivery, if researchers can harness the cavitation effect produced by ultrasound beams that allows drugs to pass through the protective membranes of cells.

GE Healthcare launched the latest salvo in its campaign to migrate high-performance capabilities to cost-challenged corners of medicine this week, releasing its lightweight, high-powered Logiq P5 at the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography conference in Denver.

Philips introduces ultrasound upgradesDynamic Imaging readies digital mammography

Volcano installs advanced IVUSDiagnostic Ultrasound adopts new nameCivco launches needle systems

Ultrasonix recruits new CFOMedrad reaches milestoneCivco combats motion artifactsPreclinical firm snags funds for SPECT/MRI

An international multicenter trial has validated the Edmonton Protocol for islet cell infusion as a fitting treatment alternative for certain patients suffering from type 1 diabetes. Results appeared in the Sept. 28 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Agent-specific imaging techniques help reduce artifacts and realize potential of microbubble agents for macro- and microvasculature assessment