American Headache Society published recommendations for when neuroimaging is most beneficial
Not all patients who experience a migraine should undergo neuroimaging, according to recommendations released by the American Headache Society (AHS).
If a patient presents with a headache consistent with migraine, but he or she also has a normal neurological exam without any other points of concern, additional neuroimaging isn’t necessary. Only patients who experience other factors that point to potentially negative underlying problems should receive CT or MRI scanning.
These recommendations were published recently in a study in Headache. They were based on a review of 23 studies that included adults who pursued outpatient treatment for migraine and who received either MRI or CT scans.
Patients in the studies who had headaches consistent with migraine demonstrated no differences to patients in the general population, according to the multi-institution team that reviewed the existing literature. Existing literature supports that finding, the team said. Consequently, the AHS recommends neuroimaging in these patients isn’t necessary.
However, there are some circumstances in which patients with headaches consistent with migraine should receive further neuroimaging. Additional imaging should be considered in these situations:
Overall, the team said, following these recommendations could reduce the overutilitation of neuroimaging. But, they noted these recommendations do not mandate any particular course of medical care, and they are not intended to replace professional judgement.
Can Polyenergetic Reconstruction Help Resolve Streak Artifacts in Photon Counting CT?
July 22nd 2024New research looking at photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) demonstrated significantly reduced variation and tracheal air density attenuation with polyenergetic reconstruction in contrast to monoenergetic reconstruction on chest CT.
Systematic Review: PET/MRI May be More Advantageous than PET/CT in Cancer Imaging
July 18th 2024While PET/MRI and PET/CT had comparable sensitivity for patient-level regional nodal metastases and lesion-level recurrence, the authors of a systematic review noted that PET/MRI had significantly higher accuracy in breast cancer and colorectal cancer staging.