Journal highlights
The following are highlights from the current issues of RSNA’s peer-reviewed journals.
Reporting Mode Matters in Chest Radiography
Radiologists face rising imaging volumes and increasingly complex findings. Efficient reporting workflows are essential to maintain accuracy and minimize distractions. AI and structured reporting (SR) tools have emerged to support this need, but there are tradeoffs.
Compared with free-text reports, SR and AI may improve completeness and highlight overlooked findings; they may also introduce bias or overreliance.
Combining AI and SR (AI-SR) may enhance quality and efficiency. However, it is unclear whether reporting mode affects a radiologist’s diagnostic workflow and image analysis behavior.
A recent Radiology article addresses this knowledge gap. Authors led by Mahta Khoobi, MSc, Aachen University Hospital, Germany, studied eight readers who interpreted 35 bedside chest radiographs. They compared free-text reporting, SR and AI-SR, and they found that SR streamlined visual search and improved efficiency. AI-SR further improved diagnostic accuracy.
“To better emulate clinical practice, future studies should use eye trackers that integrate into the workflow, include actual radiology workstations with multiple screens, provide access to prior imaging studies and clinical information, and allow image manipulation functions such as zooming and panning,” the authors recommend.
Read the full article, “Effect of Reporting Mode and Clinical Experience on Radiologists’ Gaze and Image Analysis Behavior at Chest Radiography.”
Follow the Radiology editor on X @RadiologyEditor.
Technical setup for radiograph reporting under eye-tracking conditions. (A) Photograph of a dedicated screen-based eye-tracking device on which anteroposterior chest radiographs were read (right screen half [radiograph display field]) and reported on (left screen half [report display field]). In this photograph the itemized template for structured reporting is shown. The paper sheet next to the keyboard details the study instructions. (B) Photograph of the screen-based eye-tracking device in use (background) and the associated workstation (foreground) where the captured eye-tracking data were registered and saved for processing.
https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.251348 ©RSNA 2026
Quantitative Dual-Energy CT Improves Abdominal Imaging
Conventional single-energy CT is essential in abdominal imaging, but it has technological limitations. By contrast, dual-energy CT (DECT) generates multiple energy- and material-specific datasets. Radiologists can use these datasets to evaluate tissue composition, improve lesion detection and characterization and support the development of imaging biomarkers. Although DECT has expanded the diagnostic capabilities of abdominal CT, implementing quantitative DECT in clinical practice remains challenging.
A new article published in RadioGraphics reviews the various applications of quantitative DECT parameters in abdominal imaging. Roberto García-Figueiras, MD, PhD, of Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and colleagues describe the fundamental principles of DECT, current uses in abdominal disease, the strengths and limitations of different DECT approaches, and emerging applications such as radiomics.
“Further technological advances, especially in artificial intelligence, will likely play a crucial role in expanding the clinical usefulness of DECT-derived quantitative parameters in abdominal imaging and facilitate full integration of this technique into clinical practice,” the authors write.
Read the full article, “Quantitative Dual-Energy CT in Abdominal Imaging: Technical Considerations and Emerging Clinical Applications.”
Follow the RadioGraphics editor on X @RadG_Editor
Acute pancreatitis in a 54-year-old man with intense epigastric pain of less than 24 hours. (A) Axial enhanced portal phase image shows findings denoting acute pancreatitis, mainly involving the body and tail of the pancreas (arrows). (B) Axial color-coded monochromatic image (50 keV) shows an extensive hypoattenuating area (white arrows), suggesting no contrast uptake and parenchymal necrosis. (C) Axial iodine concentration map shows no significant iodine uptake (0.3–0.5 mg/mL) (based on the CT system used) in the body and tail of the pancreas (white arrows), confirming necrotizing acute pancreatitis. Note preserved areas with significant iodine concentrations (1.5 mg/mL) (orange arrow in B, C) in the glandular neck. DECT using iodine quantification may be more sensitive than standard image evaluation in diagnosing early acute pancreatitis.
https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.250074 ©RSNA 2026
Higher Acoustic Output Improves Liver SWE Without Compromising Safety
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most common chronic liver disorder in the United States. US shear wave elastography (SWE) is a safe, widely available and relatively low-cost technique commonly used for liver fibrosis diagnosis and staging. However, SWE failure rates increase and diagnostic accuracy declines in obese patients, the population most likely to have MASLD.
In a recent study published in Radiology Advances, Theodor T. Pierce, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues assessed the safety and efficacy of increased push mechanical index (IPMI) in SWE above current U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits.
Increased acoustic output improved image quality and reduced measurement variability by 29.2%, a key marker of SWE quality. The researchers found no significant changes in serologic biomarkers of liver damage during follow-up, with all participants remaining within predefined safety margins.
“Our study demonstrates IPMI SWE results in improved image quality and reduced measurement variability, especially in obese patients, without compromising patient safety,” the authors conclude.
Read the full article, “Liver shear wave elastography using a mechanical index exceeding regulatory limits is safe and effective.”
RSNA Editorial Fellowship Applications
Gain hands-on editorial experience and insider insight into the peer review process through an RSNA editorial fellowship. Designed for radiologists at multiple career stages who are interested in radiologic journalism and publishing, the fellowships are fully virtual and are designed to fit seamlessly into any schedule.
RSNA currently offers three fellowship opportunities:
- William R. Eyler Fellowship in Radiology Science Journalism - A one-month program intended for mid-career radiologists hoping to further their experience in radiologic journalism.
- William W. Olmsted Fellowship in Radiology Education Journalism – A one-week program designed for early-career radiologists and trainee residents who are interested in scholarly publication and the medical journal editorial processes.
- Herbert Y. Kressel International Editorial Fellowship - A one- to two-week program for early- or mid-career radiologists who currently reside in a non-North American country.
Now is your chance to gain firsthand experience in radiologic journalism and the editorial review process.
Learn more about each fellowship and apply today.