X-ray remains mainstay, but advanced imaging gained ground at IRIA-2010

The annual meeting of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association was held at the end of January in Ahmedabad, a historic city in the state of Gujarat. The theme of IRIA-2010 was “Research to Reality.”

IRIA-2010 was a trendsetter in many aspects of Indian radiology, providing a balance between immense scientific knowledge and vendor exhibits of the newest equipment, followed by a social meeting and entertaining program, which inserted a brief glimpse of Indian culture.

IRIA-2010 was full of educational prospects, including plenary sessions, case-based reviews, hands-on workshops, oration and awards, a workstation face-off, quiz of the day, case of the day, scientific poster exhibition, symposia with lectures, proffered papers, and educational exhibits. Hot topics at the meeting were molecular imaging with MRI, nuclear imaging with specific focus on PET/CT, and ultrasound imaging, with a prime focus on elastography and tissue contrast imaging. Advances in digital radiography and MSCT were topics in demand and very well highlighted at the congress.

Attendees’ interest in the congress varied according to people’s working environment and seniority. Outside the major cities in India, most radiologists are doing general radiology practice with less stress on subspecialty. So, an obvious focus for them was ultrasound and Doppler. However, subspecialty radiologists from musculoskeletal imaging and neuroimaging were attracted to fMRI and MRI-guided interventions. A special academic boost was provided to residents and young radiologists in training through plenary sessions and hands-on workshops on fetal imaging, cardiac imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, PET imaging, breast imaging, and advanced neuroimaging.

The importance of baseline investigations like x-ray radiography was methodically explained to residents and young radiologists by senior keynote speakers. An additional response from junior radiologists reinforced the need to avoid prejudice against x-ray radiography.

Concern for the climate led the congress to rely less on paper and more on electronic materials this year. Items such as registration, exhibition, souvenirs, certificates, and abstract lists were provided in a digital format. Recycling of radiological products was also promoted. The “go green” initiative at the IRIA-2010 congress was indeed impressive.

IRIA-2010 included several important international faces such as Dr.Donald Resnik, who highlighted the importance of definitions in decision making when dealing with tendon injury. Dr. Scott Atlas delivered an impeccable speech exploring stroke and the role of CT over MRI with statistical correlation.

IRIA-2010 was full of business exhibition opportunities and included radiology giants as well as small- and medium-level traders. It was an outstanding opportunity for private and government radiological departments to deal with multiple available options under one roof.

Surprisingly, the global recession had no major effect on the numbers of exhibitors or attendees. It was noticeably the highest number of exhibitors and attendees present in the 63-year history of the congress.

So Gujarat chapter of IRIA-2010 was a revolutionary road in all aspects of Indian radiology.

Dr. Vadodaria is a junior lecturer at the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute in Ahmedabad.