Medical Imaging

Physicians utilize medical imaging to see inside the body to diagnose and treat patients. This includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography, and the nuclear imaging modalities of PET and SPECT.

RadNet acquires remote MRI scanning solutions provider Alpha RT
The company offers a suite of services including AI-powered safety monitoring in case something goes wrong in the MRI suite, staffing, training and certification.
Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE
Highly anticipated trial data comparing mechanical thrombectomy to anticoagulation alone for intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism showed that the more aggressive strategy improved outcomes.
Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation
Exams are being delivered faster, thanks to abbreviated protocols, but experts contend insurers should not cut MRI pay because of such efficiencies.
Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications
From 2013 to 2022, the percentage of rads submitting breast care claims to Medicare dropped from about 47% down to 34%.
Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds
Due to the elective, rather than diagnostic, nature of these exams, operators are not required to complete formal training or be registered if the scans are done in privately owned entities.

Comparison of a 2D digital mammogram and breast tomosynthesis 3D mammography from UCSF.

90% of breast imaging centers now offer 3D tomosynthesis

Experts in the field say the rising numbers of 3D mammography systems show it is becoming the new standard of care.

FDA denies pharma firm’s initial application for new kidney cancer imaging agent

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced the news on July 31, with the decision applying to its TLX250-CDx investigational agent for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (brand name Zircaix).

ACR CEO outlines top trends in breast imaging

Dana Smetherman, MD, is a diagnostic radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. She spoke to Health Imaging about some key issues that have her attention in 2024 and beyond.

As the pregnancy advances, the embryo is easier to see, and accurate measurements can be obtained with transabdominal ultrasound. A crown-rump length (CRL) measurement. This ultrasound scan shows the CRL, which is the average of discrete fetal measurements from the tip of the head end to the tip of the rump end in the midsagittal plane of the embryo. This is highly accurate for pregnancy dating. Images courtesy of RSNA

1 day of training with AI makes novice sonographers as accurate as experts in gestational measurements

This sort of tool could be a game changer for prenatal care in low resource settings, authors of a new paper published in JAMA suggest.

Test bolus of diluted contrast optimizes scan timing during CTA

It also reduces iodine uptake and radiation dose in patients, without sacrificing image quality.

Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

MRI scans show effect of MIND diet on brain health

The MIND diet is a combination of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets.

Ultrasound-first strategy most cost-effective for recalled breast cancer screening patients

US-first resulted in an incremental net monetary benefit of about $681 versus using diagnostic mammography first, experts wrote in AJR.

Hall of Fame Health partnership set to advance study of neurodegeneration via new PET imaging agent

The organization is teaming up with CereMark Pharma to conduct research on improving outcomes in soldiers and athletes with neurodegenerative conditions.

Medical Imaging

RadNet acquires remote MRI scanning solutions provider Alpha RT

Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE

Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation

Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications

Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds