May 27 - New Studies Examine Critical Imaging Issues

The June issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology examines the utilization of abdominal imaging in recent years by comparing Medicare Part B data from both radiologists and nonradiologist physicians. The data indicates a moderate increase in utilization with radiologists strongly predominating in abdominal imaging interpretation, which supports the idea that imaging utilization can remain under control if there are fewer opportunities for self-referral.

In “Recent Trends in Utilization Rates of Abdominal Imaging: The Relative Roles of Radiologists and Nonradiologist Physicians,” authors David C. Levin, MD, et al., suggest this modest increase in the utilization rate of abdominal imaging—25%—is due to the widespread use of advanced imaging modalities, such as CT and CT angiography. While the utilization of these modalities increased by a margin of 141%, this number was offset by the decreased usage of other modalities such as plain radiography.

“Radiation Safety in the Era of Helical Computed Tomography,” by Steven Birnbaum, MD, outlines a process for initiating a comprehensive, patient-based radiation safety program achievable in a community hospital setting. With the help of radiologists and CT technologists, the author explains how all healthcare personnel can be educated in safety in regards to the performance of CT scans and work to minimize patient exposure by using shields, avoiding multiphase studies when applicable, and other important technical factors.

In the United States, 38% to 65% of patients with early stage breast cancer undergo breast conservation therapy (BCT). A panel convened to create up-to-date-guidelines for the appropriate use of radiation for BCT and “American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria: Conservative Surgery and Radiation: Stages I and II Breast Carcinoma,” by Julia R. White, MD, et al., is the result of this panel’s discussions on a variety of clinical scenarios, including node-positive breast cancer, elderly patients, genetic breast cancer, and partial breast irradiation. The guidelines set forth in this article, as are all of the ACR’s guidelines, are intended to aid physicians in determining the appropriate imaging examination for specific medical conditions. The panel used a modified Delphi technique to reach a consensus, which involved drawing conclusions from nine clinical studies addressing important aspects of breast conservation.

Source: American College of Radiology

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