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.

SCCT 2024-2025 President Maros Ferencik (right) shared an office with SCCT's first president Stephan Achenbach (left) in 2002.

New SCCT president takes office, lists priorities

Maros Ferencik, MD, noted that the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography represents specialists from many different specialties, including cardiology, radiology and beyond.

Polaris Dawn astronauts will undergo brain MRIs upon landing

The scans will be conducted earlier than any other post-flight imaging of astronauts on record.

Debra L. Monticciolo, MD, FACR, FSBI, past-president of both the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), and the American College of Radiology (ACR), explains the advances in breast screening technology and the positives and negatives of each and how artificial intelligence might be able to play a role to ease workflows.

The pros and cons of current breast screening modalities and the role of AI

Debra L. Monticciolo, MD, past president of both the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology, explains the advantages and disadvantages of current breast screening technology.

CT scans highlight impact of semaglutide on body composition

Body composition metrics derived from CT scans provide greater insight into how losing weight affects the body from a cardiometabolic perspective.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has shared new recommendations for performing medical imaging exams on heart failure patients with surgically implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and temporary mechanical circulatory support (TMCS) devices. The guideline, published in full in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, represents ASE’s first update on the topic since 2015.[1]

ASE shares new guideline on imaging patients with implanted devices

The new guideline details the best imaging strategies for a variety of clinical scenarios.

Breast arterial calcifications (BACs) identified on screening mammograms may help identify women who face a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new analysis published in Clinical Imaging.

Nearly 25% of women with breast arterial calcifications on mammo develop heart disease

Specifically, women with BACs on their mammogram may be at an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission warns of medical mishaps stemming from radiopharmaceutical use

NRC estimates that 29 of these “medical events” occurred between 2021 and 2023, with “many” involving new therapeutic radiopharma procedures.

Map of Congressional districts and the rate of amputations based on medicare data showing Mississippi delta region with the highest number of amputation procedures per year. Dr. Fakorede located his practice there to try and combat extremely the high PAD and CLI rates.

PAD is a public health crisis say cardiovascular societies

September is peripheral artery disease (PAD) awareness month, and medical societies are using it to promote awareness for patients and referring physicians to act against the debilitating disease.

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