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.

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.
Rural hospitals band together to offer MRI services
Five Northern California critical access hospitals are banding together to share a mobile MRI unit across three counties.

Community fears temporary changes to x-ray services may become permanent

At North Cotswolds Community Hospital in Gloucestershire, England, x-ray services were reduced due to ongoing staffing issues. There are now fears that this temporary change will be made permanent.

Radiologists prefer stationary DBT to mammography, study finds

Stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (sDBT) improved radiologists’ accuracy in detecting malignancies and was favored over mammography, reported authors of a Jan. 16 study published in Academic Radiology.

New PET tracer may improve melanoma detection

A novel radiotracer tested for the first time in humans may help improve the detection of primary and metastatic melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Radiologists at Belgian hospital adopt Aidoc neuro tool into workflows

The radiology department at the Antwerp University Hospital in Belgium has incorporated an Aidoc tool that uses AI to help radiologists make faster diagnoses from CT scans, the university announced Wednesday, Jan. 16.

18F-fluoride PET/CT accurate, reliable for detecting bone metastases

Radiolabeled 18F-fluoride PET/CT proved superior at detecting bone metastases (BM) than a comparative radiotracer, according to a Jan. 14 study published in Clinical Radiology.

Lumbar spine MRI reports too complex for patients to understand

Lumbar spine MRI reports are too confusing for an average patient to read and understand, according to new findings published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Spectral CT may help inexperienced radiologists define malignant pleural diseases

Spectral CT with iodine mapping helps differentiate benign pleural metastatic tumors from cancerous lesions, reported authors of a Radiology study. The iodine overlays particularly helped less-experienced radiologists.

FDA clears iSchemaView imaging platform for selecting stroke patients for clot removal

iSchemaView has received FDA clearance for its RAPID neuroimaging platform to be used for selecting stroke patients for endovascular thrombectomy.

Medical Imaging

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

Rural hospitals band together to offer MRI services