Edgy NSF article may have gone too far
I read with interest your article on nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and the “heavy collateraldamage” that radiologists face due to the off-label uses of gadoliniumagents and subsequent development of NSF in somepatients
To the editor:
I read with interest your article on nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and the “heavy collateral damage” that radiologists face due to the off-label uses of gadolinium agents and subsequent development of NSF in some patients (“Radiologists meet with heavy collateral damage,” December, page 23). While the points are largely difficult to dispute, I just want to note that there is a lot that we do in interventional radiology that is off-label, such as the way that stents are utilized (FDA concerns noted).
The rhetoric in the article is a bit inflammatory, suggesting that radiologists are to be shamed for ignorance or worse, when most are likely to be well educated and following standards of care that are taught by leaders and mentors in our fields. A similar type of discussion has been going on now for some time now regarding the uses of ionizing radiation in CT scans, with polarizing viewpoints that at times seem more like pointing fingers than actually facilitating constructive dialogue. A toning down of the accusatorial commentary may be appreciated by some of your readers.
Jason Smith, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Study: AI-Generated ADC Maps from MRI More Than Double Specificity in Prostate Cancer Detection
June 5th 2025Emerging research showed that AI-generated ADC mapping from MRI led to significant increases in accuracy, PPV and specificity in comparison to conventional ADC mapping while achieving a 93 percent sensitivity for PCa.
Possible Real-Time Adaptive Approach to Breast MRI Suggests ‘New Era’ of AI-Directed MRI
June 3rd 2025Assessing the simulated use of AI-generated suspicion scores for determining whether one should continue with full MRI or shift to an abbreviated MRI, the authors of a new study noted comparable sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for biopsies between the MRI approaches.
Can Abbreviated MRI Have an Impact in Differentiating Intraductal Papilloma and Ductal Secretion?
June 3rd 2025For patients with inconclusive ultrasound results, abbreviated breast MRI offers comparable detection of intraductal papilloma as a full breast MRI protocol at significantly reduced times for scan acquisition and interpretation, according to a new study.
