Register Now for RSNA 2008 Courses
Register today for the RSNA 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, housing and courses. Admission is FREE for RSNA members.
Two essential publications for the annual meeting, the Pocket Guide and the RSNA Meeting Program, are available online. Start planning your week now. You can also search through the RSNA Meeting Program online. Be sure to take advantage of RSNA's exclusive discount agreements with United Airlines and Star Alliance™. For information about participating airlines, detailed instructions on how to book your travel and promotional/event codes, click here [pdf].
Headlines
Leading the News
Research
Technology
Medical-Legal Issues
Clinical Practice
Leading the News
Researchers Develop Painless Mammography Technique
Researchers at the Karamanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University are currently developing an ultrasound device capable of producing high-definition, 360-degree mammograms without the discomfort or time needed for traditional mammograms. The device, known as Computerized Ultrasound Risk Evaluation (CURE), directs ultrasound waves at the patient's breast while it is encased in a water bath. In this way, CURE is reportedly able to detect tumors as accurately as mammography, traditional ultrasound, and potentially MRIs. According to Karamanos radiologist Dr. Peter Littrup, results from the device have been so promising that the team expects to gain FDA approval within six months.
From "Tumor Detection: Working Toward a Painless Mammogram"
Newsday (10/07/08) Satyanarayana, Megha; Amodio, Joseph V.
Research
Rectum Changes During Prostate Cancer Radiation May Affect Therapy
A group of researchers has suggested that radiotherapy for prostate cancer should be assessed regularly and revised based on anatomical changes, as high-dose radiation can change the size and shape of the rectum, altering the therapy's effectiveness. In a study reported at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology meeting, the research team evaluated 268 patients with localized prostate cancer who were undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Rectal volume declined from an average of 65 cm3 before treatment to 55.77 cm3 after treatment, and rectal diameter decreased from 3.33 cm to 3.12 cm. According to lead researcher Dr. Roy Decker of Yale, 52 percent of patients had a clinically significant decrease in volume, and 38 percent had a clinically significant decrease in diameter. While these changes are not permanent, they may cause more of the rectum to be exposed to the radiation focus, increasing damage risk to the rectal wall and causing the prostate to shift. According to Decker, their findings support the idea of regularly using image guidance, such as CT scans, during therapy to assess any damage or changes to the prostate and surrounding organs.
From "Rectum Changes During Prostate Cancer Radiation May Affect Therapy"
MedPage Today (09/30/08) Bankhead, Charles
HDF Ultrasonographic Technique Provides High Resolution to Assess Hepatic Vasculature
A study by Seoul National University Hospital Radiologist Se Hyung Kim and colleagues observed that, in addition to providing solid directional flow information, the new high-definition flow Doppler (HDF) technique provides an overall better resolution for depicting hepatic vessels and their margins with less blooming compared to color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU). The study involved comparison of CDU, PDU, and HDF images of the hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein from 60 patients, who were divided into a liver transplantation group and a native liver group. Two radiologists independently reviewed the images and evaluated them on a 4-point scale denoting the clarity of vessel margin and degree of depiction of the HA, flow filling, and flash artifacts, as well as the degree of differentiation between HA and PV. Moderate to almost perfect agreement was reached by the radiologists for all parameters of each observed ultrasonographic technique.
From "High-Definition Flow Doppler Ultrasonographic Technique to Assess Hepatic Vasculature Compared With Color or Power Doppler Ultrasonography"
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (10/01/08) Kim, Se Hyung
Study Indicates CT and MRI Scans Can Help Differentiate Macro-Regenerative Nodules and Hepato-Carcinoma
CT and MRI scans are able to accurately identify differences between macro-regenerative nodules (MRNs) caused by a congenital absence of intra- or extra-hepatic biliary system and hepato-carcinoma (HCC), according to research conducted by Dr. Yu-Fan Cheng and his team at Chang-Gung memorial hospital. Their findings, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, showed that typical MRNs are hyperdense on pre-contrast CT and hypointense on T2WI MRI as compared with surrounding liver parenchyma. Dr. Cheng and his team believe these features can be used to differentiate from HCC, thus eliminating the need for liver biopsy in some patients.
From "Differentiating Between Macro-Regenerative Nodules and Hepato Carcinoma"
Medical News Today (10/13/08)
Technology
New Web Site Helps Doctors and Prostate Cancer Patients Make Better Treatment Choices
A team of doctors led by Saints Medical Center radiation oncologist Matthew Katz recently concluded a study of the CaP Calculator, a Web-tool designed to help doctors and patients better explore treatment options for prostate cancer. According to their research, presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Oncology, the free Web-based portal helps healthcare professionals better individualize each patient's treatment options. The CaP allows healthcare professionals to enter information including the patient's probable cancer stage, rectal exam results, PSA levels, and biopsy information. The Calculator then provides physicians and patients with a personalized risk profile of possible tumor spread and recurrence as well as estimations of the efficacy of surgical and radiation treatments.
From "New Web Site Helps Doctors and Prostate Cancer Patients Make Better Treatment Choices"
Science Daily (09/23/08)
Northern Ireland Institutes Regional RIS/PACS System
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland recently implemented an integrated solution for managing radiology information and images (RIS/PACS). The new system will allow healthcare providers throughout Northern Ireland to share RIS/PACS. The system will be developed and managed by the Swedish IT company Sectra over the next 10 years.
From "Sectra to Provide NI Radiology System"
Hospital Information Technology Europe (10/03/08)
Medical-Legal Issues
Maryland High Court Considers In-Office Imaging
The Maryland Court of Appeals recently heard arguments concerning whether patients should be allowed to receive MRIs in their physician's office or if they must be tested in a facility not owned by the doctor. The case is largely concerned with the breadth of the 1993 Maryland Patient Referral law, which is intended to prevent doctors from referring patients to diagnostic facilities in which the physicians have a financial stake. The state Board of Physicians maintains that the law requires referrals to an outside facility in which the doctor has no financial interest. The state's argument is supported by the Maryland Radiological Society (MRS), which was also a party to the case. MRS attorney Gary R. Alexander told the court that administering MRI exams should be restricted to radiologists who have the necessary expertise to interpret the results.
From "Doctors Spar Over In-Office MRI Facilities"
Maryland Daily Record (10/06/08)
Radiology Firm Sues South Jersey Healthcare, Aetna for Antitrust Violations
A New Jersey-based radiology practice recently filed an antitrust suit against South Jersey Healthcare (SJHC) and Aetna Health Inc. The Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) alleges that SJHC used its bargaining power with Aetna to force the insurer to terminate its preferred radiology provider contract with the practice. The CDI entered into a joint-venture agreement with SJHC in 2001 under which CDI and the hospitals became equal stakeholders in an outpatient imaging center based in Vineland, N.J. In 2002, Aetna made CDI an approved provider. Then, in 2005, SJHC withdrew from the joint-venture agreement and attempted to negotiate a new one causing CDI to buy out the hospital's stake in the imaging center. On Feb. 25, 2008 Aetna notified CDI it was canceling its preferred provider agreement. The cancellation was followed by the SJHC's offer to purchase CDI. The practice also alleges that hospital officials were aware of Aetna's decision. Since the offer was made, SJHC has also become a preferred provider through Aetna; however, Aetna officials claim the timing of the cancellation and the agreement with the hospital system was coincidental.
From "Radiology Firm Sues South Jersey Healthcare"
Daily Journal (N.J.) (10/09/08) Smith, Joseph P.
Clinical Practice
CT Scanning May Cause Malfunction of Electronic Medical Devices
The FDA recently issued an alert to healthcare professionals that x-rays emitted during CT exams may cause some electronic medical devices to malfunction. So far, the agency has received reports that scans have caused unintended shocks from neurostimulators, malfunctions of insulin pumps, and transient changes in pacemaker output. Agency officials believe that defibrillators, cochlear implants, and retinal implants could also be affected. Before performing a CT scan, the FDA recommends checking whether the patient has an electronic medical device in or near to the area being scanned. If so, the device type should be determined and the patient should be instructed to switch it off and/or move it out of scan range if possible. If the device cannot be turned off or relocated, x-ray exposure to the device should be minimized by using the lowest x-ray tube current and the shortest scan period necessary to get the required image. In this case, emergency measures should be prepared to treat any adverse events that might occur. After the scan is complete, the patient should be instructed to ensure their device is working properly, even if it was turned off during the scan.
From "CT Scanning May Cause Malfunction of Electronic Medical Devices"
FDA Patient Safety News (10/08) No. 80,
NCI Publishes Guidelines for Interventional Fluoroscopy
Interventional fluoroscopy has been found to be a valuable treatment for a number of diseases. However, in order to ensure safety during these procedures, healthcare professionals must work to ensure radiation dose is optimized to the patient's needs. To help further reduce the risks associated with interventional fluoroscopy, the National Cancer Institute recently published a paper that includes dosing guidelines, possible adverse events associated with fluoroscopy, and prevention strategies as well as a list of additional educational resources.
From "Interventional Fluoroscopy: Reducing Radiation Risks"
MedSun (10/08) No. 29,
Abstract News © Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC.
Radiological Society of North America, Inc.,
820 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523-2251
|
