Archive: 14 November 2021

Axillary Ultrasound Evaluation for Breast Cancer Patients

Axillary ultrasound evaluation may not be necessary for all patients with breast cancer, and a new article offers an algorithm to help radiologists determine which patients should undergo evaluation and which patients should skip it.

Decisions about axillary imaging should consider local clinical practices and adapt to changes in the clinical management of axillary lymph nodes. Indications may change as more clinical trial results become available.

The next step is to create educational tools and guidelines for axillary nodal evaluation with ultrasound in patients with breast cancer.

Read more: https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/proposed-algorithm-for-axillary-ultrasound-evaluation-in-breast-cancer-patients-seeks-middle-ground

MRI brain imaging can be used for prescribing antidepressants

Research led by UT Southwestern has identified MRI brain imaging biomarkers that bring new levels of precision for prescribing the most effective antidepressants.

The study used that data and new innovations to construct new machine learning models that tell scientists and clinicians which specific brain regions and circuits are associated with the prediction of treatment response to each medication.

Read more: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20211109/MRI-brain-imaging-biomarkers-bring-new-levels-of-precision-for-prescribing-antidepressants.aspx

Benefits of Radiologist-Patient Consultations After Neck Ultrasound

Radiologist-patient consultations after neck ultrasound are desired by most patients and reduce anxiety without a significant increase in examination time, a new study found.

The study aimed to evaluate the patient experience and time involved in radiologist-patient consultations at the time of examination as part of a patient-centered medical approach.

The patients who underwent neck ultrasound in this study were generally satisfied with the radiological service that was provided. However, anxiety levels can be decreased and the patients’ wishes can be fulfilled by informing patients of their US results directly after the examination.

Read more: https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/study-shows-benefits-of-radiologist-patient-consultations-after-neck-ultrasound

Reshaping Imaging: 4 Areas Enhancing Provider Workflows & Patient Care

Radiology departments play a pivotal role in the efficient delivery of a high-quality patient experience. Four categories that have tremendous potential to enhance both provider workflows and patient care are:

1. Augmented reality
2. Enterprise imaging
3. Artificial intelligence
4. Mobile apps

Here’s a closer look at each, as well as their possible impacts: https://hitconsultant.net/2021/11/10/reshaping-medical-imaging/#.YY4TXmBBzIW

Common blind spots and errors on neck imaging: 6 tips for radiologists

An estimated 40 million diagnostic imaging errors occur around the globe each year, increasing morbidity and mortality rates while wasting healthcare dollars.

Head and neck imaging is particularly susceptible to mistakes, Reza Assadsangabi, MD, suggested. But radiologists can take measures to educate themselves and avoid such misdiagnoses.

Read the 6 tips: https://www.healthimaging.com/topics/practice-management/neck-imaging-errors-blind-spots

New AI-Based Algorithm Spots Unseen Signs of Heart Failure

A new self-learning algorithm can detect blood pumping problems by reading electrocardiograms (also known as ECGs or EKGs) to predict whether a patient was experiencing heart failure.

The special artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer algorithm created by researchers at Mount Sinai (New York, NY, USA) was able to learn how to identify subtle changes in electrocardiograms (also known as ECGs or EKGs) to predict whether a patient was experiencing heart failure.

This study represents an exciting step forward in finding information hidden within the ECG data which can lead to better screening and treatment paradigms using a relatively simple and widely available test

Read more: https://www.hospimedica.com/health-it/articles/294790199/new-self-learning-ai-based-algorithm-reads-electrocardiograms-to-spot-unseen-signs-of-heart-failure.html

High-Energy X-Rays Show Lung Vessels Altered by COVID-19

Using high-energy X-rays emitted by a special type of particle accelerator, scientists have intricately captured the damage caused by COVID-19 to the lungs’ smallest blood vessels.

Due to this intense brilliance, researchers can view blood vessels five microns in diameter (a tenth of the diameter of a hair) in an intact human lung. A clinical CT scan only resolves blood vessels that are about 100 times larger, around 1mm in diameter.

By combining our molecular methods with the HiP-CT multiscale imaging in lungs affected by COVID-19 pneumonia they understood the impact it has on oxygen levels in our circulatory system

Read more: https://www.hospimedica.com/covid-19/articles/294790408/high-energy-x-rays-emitted-by-special-particle-accelerator-show-lung-vessels-altered-by-covid-19.html

4 Trends in Enterprise Imaging Systems

Here is a list of some of the top overarching trends in enterprise radiology systems observed over the past year:

1. Introduction of Newly Engineered Cloud-based Platforms
2. Movement to Larger Cloud Data Storage Providers
3. Increased Customization Capabilities
4. Third-party Apps are Now Being Integrated

Read about these trends in detail: https://www.itnonline.com/article/4-trends-enterprise-imaging-systems