Diagnostic Imaging's Weekly Scan: June 12, 2020
Welcome to Diagnostic Imaging. I'm Senior Editor, Whitney Palmer. We're back this week with the latest in radiology news.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have designed a prototype of a lightweight helmet that can be used as a brain scanner. This 49-channel device, described in the journal NeuroImage, can scan the entire brain, even while the patient moves, making it perfect for children or patients who have difficulty remaining still during imaging procedures. The device has the potential, investigators said, to shed light on a variety of neurological conditions from autism to Alzheimer’s.
After months of low image volumes, more than 75 percent of the hospitals and imaging centers that provide mammography services are seeing patients again. According to a data analysis from breast imaging analytics company Volpara Solutions, mammography volumes are on the rise. Throughout the pandemic, volumes declined nationally by up to 70 percent. But, the analysis, based on 20 million anonymized mammography images, revealed that most sites have rebounded to within 10 percent of pre-pandemic levels, and approximately 5 percent have climbed above previous volumes.
Re-opening your practice after months of restricted activity can present challenges, particularly as your image workload is likely to balloon quickly. It can be easy to get stressed. To help you avoid potential burnout, Dr. David Fessell, professor of radiology at Michigan Medicine, offered four micro-practices to side-step this problem. He pointed to mindfulness moments, naming your emotion, gratitude practice, and diaphragmatic breathing as effective stress-relief methods.
And, in that vein, it will be critical in the next phase of the pandemic for you to give some attention to self-care and well-being. As volume levels rise and the pressures for social distancing and maximum disinfection continue, taking care of yourself will ensure you can continue to provide the best patient care. This week, Diagnostic Imaging spoke with Dr. Rebecca Seidel, associate professor of breast imaging at Emory University about the importance of self-care and available resources. Dr. Seidel is also chair of Emory’s Wellness Committee and a member of the American College of Radiology’s Well-Being Workgroup. Here’s what she had to say.
Can Contrast-Enhanced Mammography be a Viable Screening Alternative to Breast MRI?
June 17th 2025While the addition of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) led to over a 13 percent increase in false positive cases, researchers also noted over double the cancer yield per 1,000 women in comparison to DBT alone.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography and High-Concentration ICM Dosing: What a New Study Reveals
June 16th 2025New research showed a 96 to 97 percent sensitivity for contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) with an increased iodine delivery rate facilitating robust contrast enhancement for women with aggressive breast cancer.
Burnout in Radiology: Key Risk Factors and Promising Solutions
June 9th 2025Recognizing the daunting combination of increasing imaging volume and workforce shortages, these authors discuss key risk factors contributing to burnout and moral injury in radiology, and potential solutions to help preserve well-being among radiologists.