(a) MR image of IPH obtained at the level of the bifurcation shows high-signal-intensity regions of IPH (arrows). Noncomplicated areas of the plaque (*) are also visible. (b) Corresponding slice of the carotid endarterectomy specimen at the level of the carotid bifurcation enabled confirmation of the presence of IPH (arrows). (Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnification, x12.5.) EC = external carotid artery, IC = internal carotid artery.

T1-weighted 3D MR imaging can detect the precise location of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) within complicated plaques in the carotid arteries, researchers have found.

In light of recent imaging research that has demonstrated the role of IPH in the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, Richard Bitar, M.D., M.Sc., of the University of Toronto, and colleagues evaluated MR imaging for detecting the location of IPH, testing the hypothesis that T1-hyperintense material represents methemoglobin as defined by histological standards. The researchers studied 97 images from 11 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, employing a 3D T1-weighted fat-suppressed spoiled gradient echo for high-resolution MR examination. Compared with histological findings, the MR sequence yielded sensitivity of 93.5 to 100 percent, specificity of 80.3 to 87.9 percent, positive predictive values of 70.5 to 78.4 percent and negative predictive values of 96.7 to 100 percent between two readers.

With its high spatial resolution, Bitar and colleagues write, the MR sequence "permits in-slice detection of plaque hemorrhage location, resulting in strong agreement between imaging and histology."

The researchers identify the high-resolution MR technique as a noninvasive method for identifying patients with high-risk carotid atherosclerosis. The method "is an easy technique to interpret due to its use of a single contrast weighting and the innate T1-hyperintense tissue contrast thought to be provided by methemoglobin, based on the careful histological correlation provided by this study," they write.

Media Coverage of Radiology

In August, media outlets carried 887 news stories generated by articles appearing in Radiology. These stories reached an estimated 436 million people.

News releases promoted findings from a study on embolization of varicoceles to increase male fertility (Radiology 2008;248:540-549) and a study on premedication to reduce discomfort during screening mammography (Radiology 2008;248:765-772—published online ahead of print July 22). A video news release was issued in association with the mammography study.

Broadcast coverage included Good Morning America, Today, MSNBC, FOX News Edge, CBC (Montreal), CBS Radio, Primer Impacto (Univision), WABC-TV (New York), KABC-TV (Los Angeles), America This Morning (ABC), AgDay (syndicated), Good Morning America Radio, New England Cable News (Boston), KGUN-TV (Tucson), WDIV-TV (Detroit), WCVB-TV (Boston), WPIX-TV (New York), WLS-TV (Chicago), WNYW-TV (New York), KGO-TV (San Francisco), WBBM-TV (Chicago), WPVI-TV (Philadelphia), WFAA-TV (Dallas), WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh), KTNX-TV (Phoenix), KING-TV (Seattle), KYW-TV (Philadelphia), KXAS-TV (Fort Worth), WBAL-TV (Baltimore), KARE-TV (Minneapolis), KTRK-TV (Houston), WJW-TV (Cleveland), Take Five (syndicated radio) and Martha Stewart Living Radio (syndicated).

Print and wire coverage included Washington Post, Newsday, Philadelphia Inquirer, Miami Herald, Houston Chronicle, News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), Idaho Statesman, Akron Beacon Journal (Ohio), South Bend Tribune (Ind.) and The Hamilton Spectator (Ontario).

Web placements included WebMD, Yahoo! News, Medscape, MSNBC.com, Washingtonpost.com, CBSnews.com, ABCnews.com, LAtimes.com, NYdailynews.com, USNews.com and Forbes.com.

October Public Information Activities Focus on Breast Cancer Awareness

To highlight National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, RSNA will distribute public service announcements (PSAs) focusing on the importance of regular screening mammograms.

In addition to the PSAs, RSNA will distribute the "60-Second Checkup" radio program focusing on digital mammography, stereoscopic digital mammography, mammography screening/imaging and the breast imaging information offered on Radiology Info.org.

RSNA On Hand for ASTRO 50th Anniversary

Radiology Managing Editor John Humpal, M.A., and 2008 RSNA President Theresa C. McLoud, M.D., greeted visitors to the RSNA informational booth at the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting, held last month in Boston. Presentations at the ASTRO meeting included the latest in radiation therapy for breast and prostate cancer, as well as the results of studies into the costs that keep patients out of clinical trials and the stress suffered by long-term cancer survivors.

RSNA will take its booth to the annual meeting of the Sociedad Mexicana de Radiologia e Imagen (SMRI) in Mexico City next February and the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna next March.