MRI, hybrid imaging outperform conventional tests for small cell lung cancer staging

MRI, hybrid imaging outperform conventional tests for small cell lung cancer staging

FDG PET/CT, whole-body MRI, and coregistered FDG PET/MRI outperformed conventional tests for various staging endpoints in patients with SCLC,” concluded first author Yoshiharu Ohno from the Fujita Health University School of Medicine in Japan. Whole-body MRI and FDG PET/MRI outperformed FDG PET/CT for T category and thus TNM stage, indicating the utility of MRI for assessing extent of local invasion in SCLC. MRI, with or without FDG PET coregistration, can improve the staging of patients with small-cell lung cancer.

These additional observations may relate to a superior role of MRI in assessing the extent of local soft-tissue invasion by tumor, as has been observed in settings other than SCLC.

Read more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211209095634.htm

New imaging technology may reduce need for skin biopsies

Dermatologists may take pictures of a suspicious-looking lesion and quickly produce a detailed, microscopic image of the skin instead of surgically removing a sample of the skin.

This could become routine in clinics, the result of a new “virtual histology” technology being developed by researchers at UCLA.

Images appear like biopsied, histochemically stained skin sections imaged on microscope slides.

Read more: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-imaging-technology-skin-biopsies.html

Two-photon microscope provides unprecedented brain-imaging ability

Two-photon fluorescence microscopy has significantly enhanced researchers’ ability to monitor brain activity with a microscope that provides a resolution high enough to see individual neurons and their neighbors.

The approach leverages the brief, orders-of-magnitude increase in calcium that a neuron experiences when firing. When the laser is pointed at the neuron, and the neuron is firing, calcium comes in, the protein finds the calcium and ultimately, fluoresces.

Read more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211202123008.htm

Medicare beneficiary growth outstripping radiologist supply

In some parts of the U.S., the number of Medicare beneficiaries is outpacing the number of available radiologists by more than 50%.

The significant increase in Medicare beneficiaries and relative stagnation of residency matches into diagnostic radiology could strain the supply and demand balance in the delivery of imaging services.

 There is a high variance in the supply and demand mismatch. This could raise potential concern for decreased access in areas with too few radiologists and inefficient resource allocation in regions with too many radiologists.

Read more: https://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=134405

Hospital sees success deploying radiology trainees as at-home ‘teleresidents’

Deploying senior radiology trainees as at-home “teleresidents” is a feasible solution to maintain productivity and social distancing amid the pandemic, according to a new research.

Read more: https://www.radiologybusiness.com/topics/leadership-workforce/radiology-trainees-residents-home-teleresidents

Eye imaging technology breaks through skin by crossing beams

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a method for increasing the depth at which optical coherence tomography (OCT) can image structures beneath skin.

The gold standard for imaging and diagnosing diseases within the retina, OCT has yet to find widespread use as an imaging technique for other parts of the body due to its inability to return clear images from more than a millimeter beneath the skin’s surface.

Read more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211201162033.htm

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