Use of PET among Medicare beneficiaries with cancer increased from 2004 to 2008, but the increase was not even between sociodemographic groups as the modality had higher utilization among whites and those in higher income zip codes, according to a study published in the September issue of Journal of the American College of Radiology.

As radiology equipment becomes ever more advanced, so-called “structured data” only increases. Advanced 3D and reconstruction visualization generates measurements from multiple angles, and the digital information builds and builds.

RAD-Planning has issued an advisory for imaging centers in the path of Isaac in the Gulf Region, which forecasts predict will soon become a hurricane.

Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. received FDA clearance on its new Vantage Titan 1.5T series, which features the 8-, 16- and 32-channel MR systems. The series offers a scalable solution with a full upgrade path from the 8-channel to the 32-channel system.

Siemens Healthcare has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Penrith Corporation of Plymouth Meeting, PA., a manufacturer of integrated ultrasound imaging systems. The deal is expected to close in September 2012.

Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has received FDA clearance for its high-density 16-element flexible coil system, developed in partnership with NeoCoil.

Siemens Healthcare announced that the MAGNETOM Spectra 3 Tesla MRI system has received clearance from the FDA. The MAGNETOM Spectra system offers premium imaging at a competitive price, providing hospitals and radiological institutes with easier access to 3T technology.

The global market for X-rays will top $9 billion by 2017, according to "Medical Imaging Markets,” a new report from TriMarkPublications.com.