2007 Article Archive
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007
December 17, 2007
FEATURES
RSNA 2007 Reporter’s Notebook
There’s always interesting news from the RSNA meetings. Here are a few studies that caught our eye.
Under Attack — Even Imaging Modalities Can Be Hackers’ Point of Entry
Medical records can be used for all sorts of identity theft scams. As hackers become more sophisticated, medical facilities—especially imaging departments—need to take extra precautions to protect their patient data.
Five Things to Watch in 2008 — Hot Topics From RSNA
Tis the season for reflecting on the year that’s passed and peering into the year ahead. Here are five topics from RSNA that may have a big impact on radiology in 2008.
RSNA Products & Services Showcase
There was much to see in the RSNA exhibit hall. Have a look at what’s new.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Face Time
Target on Therapy
IMRT Doses to Prostate Do Not Decrease Sexual Function More Than Conventional Radiation; Radiation After Prostate Surgery Cuts Recurrence
PACS Platform
Secure Your System Inside and Out
Research Review
Radiofrequency Heats Nanotubes to Destroy Tumors
Interventional Update
Ovarian Vein Embolization for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
News Scan
Imaging Gastric Bypass Patients Presents Problems; HIPAA Privacy Rule Slows Scientific Discovery, Adds Cost to Research; Dental X-ray System Quickly IDs Disaster Victims; PET Scans Track Small Tumors After Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
December 3, 2007
FEATURES
Women’s Imaging
Mammography is still the first line of defense for breast cancer screening, but new technologies show promise for aiding diagnosis and treatment. However, technology adoption isn’t keeping pace with availability.
Stop Falls or Risk Payment Denials
Assessment, planning, and communication can reduce the number of patient falls. If your facility doesn’t already follow this model, consider that beginning on October 1, 2008, hospitals will no longer be reimbursed for injuries resulting from these unfortunate events.
Postcards From L.A.
There was plenty to talk about at this year’s ASTRO meeting. Have a look at some of the notable studies that were presented.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Connecting Radiology (and More)
Interventional Update
Embolic Therapy for Liver Metastases
PACS Platform
Oncology PACS
Target on Therapy
Treatment Trade-off?
Managing to Succeed
Patient Safety in Your Facility
News Scan
Cardiac CT: Comparable to Angiography; MDCT With CAD Improves Lung Nodule Detection; Neurologists Offer CT Guidelines for Seizure Patients; Mayo Clinic Looks at Complementary Therapies After Surgery
Datebook
Products and Services
Siemens Introduces MAGNETOM Essenza 1.5T MRI; Resonance Technology Offers New Integrated Headset; Intelerad: New PET/CT Fusion Module; SKF Telescopic Lifting Pillars; New Mobile Carts and Stands From Chief
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look.
November 19, 2007
FEATURES
256 Slices
Toshiba’s 256-slice CT can scan most human organs in one pass. Read about the early research with the first unit of its kind in the United States.
Patient Safety: A Tough Act to Follow
It’s hard to argue against patient safety, but apparently it’s also hard to understand and interpret the Patient Safety Act, as evidenced by the amount of time it’s taking to see regulations from the 2005 law.
Computer Assist
Computer-assisted detection can help radiologists diagnose and stage treatment for breast and prostate cancer, although it’s used differently in each.
Time to Change
Interpreting studies from volumetric reconstructions helps radiologists deal with the crush of images. Doctors and facilities are finding different ways of incorporating 3D into their workflow.
Coding Crunch: Who Will Feed the Cash Cow?
Your coding staff gets you paid. There is a shortage of quality coders, but some facilities are finding innovative ways of recruiting and retaining these key people.
ASTRO Reporter’s Notebook
Take a look at the latest news in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment from the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting last month.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
64 vs. 8 Slices
Managing to Succeed
RIS Mining
Interventional Update
Don’t Overlook E/M Visits for Interventional Work
Research Review
Emotional Well-being Does Not Predict Cancer Survival; Trial Evaluates PET/CT for Staging Cervical Cancer
Molecular Imaging News
Quantitative PET Finds Early Determination Effectiveness of Cancer Treatment; Golden ‘Nanorods’
Radiation Oncology Research
Attacking an enzyme found in tumors may make them less resistant to radiation therapy
Technology Trends
Teleradiology is taking off; here’s what to look for so your choice doesn’t crash and burn.
Target on Therapy
Comparing Treatment Choices; Study: Race Affects Prostate Cancer Recurrence
News Scan
Radiologist shortages aren’t just an American problem; Renal MRA yields a high rate of incidental findings; Professional organizations make changes
Datebook
Products and Services
Check out some of the wares that will be on display at this year’s RSNA meeting.
Second Opinions
November 5, 2007
FEATURES
New Dimensions
After the birth of teleradiology, it was only a matter of time before 3D postprocessing and reconstruction became available. Find out who uses these services and how this field is evolving.
Transparent Healthcare
A Harvard Business School professor offers her take on consumer-driven healthcare, pay for performance, and why regular folks won’t get either unless they demand them.
Cardiac MRI — A Radiology Today Interview With Ricardo C. Cury, MD
All the buzz surrounds cardiac CT, but MR has a role, too. Cury, of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University, discusses how the modalities will complement each other.
Changing Scope
With PET/CT use booming, cross-trained techs won’t be a luxury much longer—they’ll be a necessity.
3D Ultrasound
Clinicians in various specialties are discovering what their colleagues in obstetrics already know—3D ultrasound has many benefits.
Incentives or Mandates?
Which came first: the carrot or the stick? Although most people seem to think that electronic medical records should be used more often, no one can agree on how much the federal government should facilitate the process.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Learning to Use Tools
Interventional Update
Stroke Prevention During Carotid Stenting; SIR Joins Coalition to Raise DVT and PE Awareness
Research Review
PET Scans Detect Breast Tumors’ Response to Chemotherapy
PACS Platform
A 14-Step RIS/PACS Selection Process
Nuc Med Notes
Why Painkillers Don’t Work for People With Fibromyalgia; Getting Specific
Products and Services
Check out some of the wares that will be on display at this year’s RSNA meeting.
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
October 22, 2007
FEATURES
A Radiology Today Interview With Robert L. Falk, MD — 3D Image Processing
RT speaks with Falk, whose 3D image processing lab offers volumetric reconstructions and other services to facilities without 3D capabilities.
The Art of a Deal
Don’t sign on the dotted line without carefully considering how a contract will affect your healthcare facility. Understanding what you need and what you’re getting can help make your vendor negotiations a win-win proposition.
Protecting Patient Privacy in a Research Environment
Depending on how HIPAA’s shadow falls on your organization, you may want to consider a privacy board instead of an institutional review board. Make sure you know what each one can—and can’t—do.
Zoo Call
Who ya gonna call when your gorilla has uterine fibroids? Illinois’ Brookfield Zoo brought in some interventional radiologists.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Getting Comfortable With 3D Reconstruction
Technology Trends
One Scan, Several Exams
Research Review
Ultrasound With Mammo: The Benefit Is Unclear; Dangerous Treatment?
MRI Monitor
MR Spectroscopy Helps Avoid Breast Biopsy
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
News Scan
New Technique Charts Brain Connections; Study Finds Many Parents Uninformed About CT Radiation Risks; Molecular Probe May Offer Noninvasive Diagnostic Alternative; CT Scans of Cancer May Aid Earlier Diagnoses of Thromboembolic Disease; Company News
Products and Services
CIRS’ Ultrasound Heart Phantom; MEDRAD’s eCoil for Siemens, Philips 3.0T Scanners; NEC Bundles With Matrox; Barco’s QAWeb Tool;
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
October 8, 2007
FEATURES
Changing Cancer Care
As imaging technology becomes more sophisticated, it’s becoming an increasingly important piece of the cancer care puzzle.
Beautiful Transition — Putnam Hospital Center’s Metamorphosis to PACS
Healthcare facilities often worry that PACS implementation will be disruptive and expensive, but Putnam Hospital Center did it efficiently and cost-effectively while improving patient care.
Computer-assisted Coding — Improving Your People’s Productivity
With all the codes that may be relevant to a single case, it can be difficult for coders to keep up. Computer-assisted coding helps fill in the blanks.
Accelerating Proton Therapy Usage
Proton beam therapy offers many benefits for cancer patients, but due to limited availability, only a fraction of them receive it. However, technological advances and increased financing may make this valuable therapy a more viable option.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Computer-assisted Humanity
PACS Platform
Endoscopy and the PACS Network; DRA Spurs PACS Adoption and Lower-cost Systems
Molecular Imaging News
Imaging the Placebo Effect
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
News Scan
SPECT Helps Develop a Picture of Depression; Split-bolus MDCT Reduces Radiation Dose; New Device Increases Options for PAD Treatment; Adult Brains Reorganize After Injury; Company News
Products and Services
Patient Comfort Systems Introduces MRI Table Pads for Stereotactic Breast Biopsies; Carestream Health Debuts RIS; Everbrite Lighting for MRI; Barco’s 3D PET/CT;
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
September 24, 2007
FEATURES
Reinterpreting Interpretation
As medical images become increasingly available among clinicians, radiologists should consider how they can use technology to add value to their interpretations.
Consulting With Computers
Voice recognition software is finding its way from the radiology department to other parts of the healthcare enterprise.
The X-RAY Project
Using x-rays and CT scans, a photographer has created a thought-provoking portrait of terrorism’s aftereffects.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Clinical and Personal Impressions
Ultrasound News
3-D Ultrasound Guides Nerve Block Injections; New Algorithm Improves Image Clarity
Research Review
MRI Tracks Insulin Cell Transplants; MEG Seeks Autism’s Origin in the Brain
MRI Monitor
Lighting up Multiple Sclerosis; fMRI Finds ‘Back-up’ Brain Network
News Scan
New Imaging Technique May Shed Light on Infant Development; Study: Angiogenesis Inhibitors Should Be Carefully Monitored; Company News
Products and Services
NovaRad Releases NovaRIS 6.2; MEDRAD Introduces Pressure-rated Disposable for CT Power Injection; VoLumen Aids CT Views; Philips’ Radiology Oncology Toolbox
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
September 10, 2007
FEATURES
Furnishing the Pilot’s Seat — Outfitting Digital Reading Rooms So Productivity Takes Off
Software is only part of the equation when it comes to PACS productivity. A proper ergonomic environment can pay big dividends.
Who’s Driving?
Is your facility considering a mobile radiology option? Make sure you have all the information you need before you choose.
Privacy Concerns
The push for nationwide, interoperable medical records makes data security ever more important. Be aware of the key issues and how they may affect your practice.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Out of Reach
Technology Trends
Training Your Voice
PACS Platform
Getting What You Want (and Pay for) From Your PACS
Target on Therapy
RFA a Viable Treatment Option for Kidney Tumors; IMRT Reduces Breast-related Side Effects
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
News Scan
Faculty Gives Mixed Review of Decreased Resident Hours; MR Spectroscopy Measures Dark Energy; This Is Your Brain on Music; Company News
Products and Services
Barco Displays Nio Color 3MP; Philips Broadens Tumor Localization Application; iCAD Announces SecondLook Software Upgrade; IgeaCare and Orange Business Services Combine Capabilities
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
August 27, 2007
FEATURES
Molecular Imaging Techniques Add Versatility to Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Mammography is still the primary breast cancer screening tool, but new techniques such as breast-specific gamma imaging and positron emission mammography can provide valuable, additional information about breast lesions.
What’s Your Plan?
Are you ready for the unexpected? Make sure you know what steps you’ll take if you suddenly find yourself looking for a new job.
Biometrics — Passing on Using Passwords
Truly personal identification is becoming more common in the healthcare setting.
Transcriptionville: In Search of Uniformity
Most people in the medical industry agree that standardization of medical documents would add a great deal of efficiency to the healthcare system, but there are many obstacles to making that dream a reality. Will the government need to step in to make it happen?
Our 2007 Buyers’ Guide — The World at Your Fingertips
Whatever you need to improve your facility or department, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
In the News
CT Slice
MDCT Offers Alternative Compared With Digital Subtraction Angiography
MRI Monitor
Study: Screening MRI in High-risk Women Detects More Breast Cancers Than Mammography or Ultrasound; Hallucinations in Schizophrenia Linked to Brain Area That Processes Voices
News Scan
PET May Predict Treatment Outcome; Study Assesses Cardiac CT Cancer Risk; ACR Develops Modular MRI Accreditation Program; Imaging Provides Clues to Autism; Researchers Measure Dark Energy in Proteins; Company News
Managing to Succeed
Improving Point-of-Service Collections
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
Products and Services
Maxant’s MediPort; Philips Releases Pinnacle3 System 810; Nucletron Introduces microSelectron Digital Afterloader; Barco Debuts CT Colonography Tool
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
August 13, 2007
FEATURES
Different Than Boomers — Understanding How to Manage Generations X and Y
A new generation of workers requires a different management style. A consultant offers some advice for cultivating a diverse and productive workforce.
The Audit You Want
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ billing process can be notoriously difficult to navigate, but a charge capture audit can help facilities ensure they’re getting their fair share of reimbursement.
Workflow Efficiency — Maybe the Best Answer to Radiology’s Growing Volume Problem
Studies contain more images than ever, and that probably won’t change any time soon. To meet this challenge, radiology departments and hospitals can help themselves by reorganizing how they process information.
The 411 on Informed Consent
With changes to informed consent policies dealing with medical records and surgical services on the horizon, medical facilities need to make sure they’ve got the proper procedures and documentation in place.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
How is Your Coding?
PACS Platform
Building a Rural Radiology Network
Target on Therapy
Treatment Choice?
Research Review
Alternative Breast Imaging Techniques Sort Abnormal From Normal Tissue; Study Evaluates Brain Lesions of Older Patients
News Scan
Data on Shortened Resident Work Hours Inconclusive; Improved Quality and Coordination of Care Can Reduce Medicare Costs; Company News
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
Products and Services
Fujifilm’s Synapse 3.2 With Advanced Mammography PACS Capabilities; MEDRAD Introduces Extravasation Detector; Agfa and Vocada Integrate
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
July 30, 2007
FEATURES
Turning Crisis Into Opportunity — Challenges Facing Radiology in the 21st Century
At the recent meeting of the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators, Frank J. Lexa, MD, MBA, outlined some hurdles that radiology departments will face in the years ahead.
Postcards From Washington, D.C.
Last month’s meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine featured a range of nuclear medicine applications. Find out what’s new in the world of molecular imaging.
5 Ways to Improve Receivables
Claim denials and delays are facts of life for healthcare facilities, but there are definite steps that can decrease billing hassles and increase cash flow.
Breast MRI — Finding Its Role in Imaging Cancer Care
In response to more studies demonstrating the effectiveness of breast MRI, the American Cancer Society has updated its screening guidelines. Now, facilities are faced with the task of deciding how to integrate the modality with ultrasound and mammography.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
SIIMs to Me They AHRA Get Together
Ultrasound News
Biopsy Alternative
Target on Therapy
Pretreatment Benefit
News Scan
Kidney Angioplasty Can Impair Renal Function; Editorial Touts ‘The Age of Teleradiology’; Common Antidepressants Linked to Increased Bone Loss; Company News
Products and Services
Agfa’s Newest Version of IMPAX; PACStoGo Lite Plus Lightens Medical Record Storage Workload; Codonics Releases Virtua XR Disc Publisher
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
July 16, 2007
FEATURES
Cone Beam CT — A 360° Alternative to Mammography
Breast CT is still in the developmental stage, but researchers see potential for adding another tool to the breast cancer prevention and treatment toolbox.
Imaging Recovery? — Using MRI to Predict Outcomes for Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries
Based on information from a study they conducted, doctors at Toronto Western Hospital believe MRI should become a standard component of spinal cord injury treatment.
Looking at Things Differently
Radiologists look at thousands of images per day, and the number keeps growing; improvements in speed and accuracy are dependent on more efficient methodology and technology.
Microsoft’s Interest in Healthcare Information Technology: What Does It Mean? Microsoft has traditionally been the company that provides a platform for health information technology. Now that they’re beginning to provide applications, will they be able to compete and cooperate at the same time?
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
‘You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat’
Nuc Med Notes
Image of the Year Explores Link Between Chemicals and Behavior
Research Review
PET Predicts Treatment Response Earlier; Time-of-flight PET May Reduce Scan Times and Improve Images
Datebook
Conferences, classes, and symposia of interest to radiologic science professionals
News Scan
Imaging May Facilitate Personalized Medicine; New Nanoparticle Protocols Aid Cancer Detection; ARRT Extends Degree Deadline; fMRI Probes Sleep Deprivation; Company News
Products and Services
Fujifilm’s Two-cassette CR System; Philips Traces Cardiac Workflow; Numa Migrates Nuc Med Data; Agfa’s Enterprise Clinical Portal
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
July 2, 2007
CPOE: Streamlining Workflow to Improve Patient Care
Computerized physician order entry implementation presents a few challenges for radiology departments, but its potential to speed up workflow and increase patient safety may make it well worth the effort.
Holding Service?
Some prominent radiologists believe the specialty had better rethink its idea of good service.
Taking Stock of EHR Progress
In 2004, President Bush proposed the establishment of a fully functional electronic health record within 10 years. Find out what progress has been made on the initiative and what still needs to be done.
Perfect Match: Best-of-Cluster Approach Marries What’s New with What Works
With interoperability, flexibility, and scalability coming to the forefront of HIT, hospitals are abandoning best-of-breed systems for strategic clusters that allow them to customize workflow.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Marginal Thinking
CT Slice
Study: Don’t Sweat the Small Lesions; Study: CT Exam Identifies Drowning Victims
Managing to Succeed
Change Is Coming — Deal With It Effectively
PACS Platform
Hooking Referrers on your PACS
Lateral View: Guest Commentary on the Imaging World
MRI Needs Magnet-Compatible Devices
News Scan
PET Predicts Response to Chemotherapy; Speech Recognition Less Accurate for Women; RFA Studied for Treating Precancerous Esophagus Condition; Emory Interventionalist Performs First Ultrasound Thrombolysis in U.S.; Company News
Products and Services
Philips Shows Heart With CardioMD; Mazor Debuts SpineAssist Application; Agfa’s Digital Mammography Workstation
Nuc Med Notes
Fusion Imaging Often Alters Treatment inAustralian Ovarian Cancer Study
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
June 18, 2007
FEATURES
Finding Their Voice (Recognition)
USC’s Keck School of Medicine had some difficulty integrating its speech recognition program with its PACS/RIS but on its second try found a way to get everyone at the facility speaking the same language.
Ready for an Emergency? Don’t Wait to Find Out
Emergency planning requires time and resources, but considering what could happen to your facility in the event of a disaster, it’s well worth the investment.
ARRS Reporter’s Notebook
Get the scoop on some of the research presented at last month’s annual meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Teleradiology and Competition
News Scan
Concentric Stents May Improve Diabetes Intervention; Off-label Use of Drug-coated Stents Associated With Higher Complication Rates; Angioplasty More Effective Than Drug Therapy for Treating ‘Silent Ischemia’; Imaging Helps Describe Cultural Differences in Aging Brains; Company News
Guest Commentary
The Growing Need for IT Support of Radiation Therapy
CT Slice
High Intracoronary Attenuation Improves CT Angiography Accuracy; CT Replaced Cather Angiography for Aortic Injury Diagnosis in Study; Low-dose CT Helps Diagnose Acute Abdominal Pain
Research Review
New Drug Shows Potential for Radiation Protection; Study Reports Breast Cancer Doesn’t Increase Heart Attack Risk
Target on Therapy
Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy, and Surgery Affect Men’s Quality of Life Differently
Products and Services
CDW and Barco Launch Integrated Diagnostic Imaging Solution; Philips’ Pediatric Ultrasound Transducer; CardiArc Releases SPECT Scanner; Patient Comfort Systems Introduces Antimicrobial Pads and Positioners; Agfa Unveils Digital Imaging Solution
Second Opinions
June 4, 2007
FEATURES
Digital Transition
Many community hospitals are transitioning from film to digital images. Find out how one hospital is managing the change.
Cutting Edge
Brain tumors and other neurological conditions have been notoriously difficult to treat. Stereotactic radiosurgery using Accuray’s CyberKnife is providing surgeons and patients with a new option and impressive results.
Postcards From ARRS in Orlando
There were plenty of interesting presentations at last month’s meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society. We’ve highlighted a few, in case you missed them.
Patient Safety Is Everybody’s Business
Patient safety isn’t something that can be delegated. Everyone in a hospital, from administration to direct care staff, needs to work as a team to reduce harmful errors.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Community Hospital PACS
CT Slice
High Intracoronary Attenuation Improves CT Angiography Accuracy; Low-dose CT Helps Diagnose Acute Abdominal Pain; CT Replaced Catheter Angiography for Aortic Injury Diagnosis in Study
PACS Platform
Wireless PACS Shows Potential
Mammography Matters
Mammography “Saturation” May Be Part of Cancer Drop; Digital Mammography Market Forecast to Double by 2011
News Scan
X-ray Diffraction Helps Illuminate Link Between Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Other Degenerative Diseases; Study Finds Financial Incentives Improve Patient Care; Mass Spectrometry Sequences 68-million-year-old T. Rex Protein; Company News
Products and Services
Agfa HealthCare Demonstrates Nuclear Cardiology Solution; Fujifilm Incorporates Synapse PACS With Empiric’s RIS; Philips Achieves Convenient MRI Upgrade
Second Opinions
May 21, 2007
FEATURES
Nuclear Medicine & PACS Interoperability
Even though nuclear medicine studies are digital, they’re not as easy to integrate with PACS as you may expect. But in time, nuclear medicine practitioners hope to derive the same functionality from PACS as other radiologists.
Bringing the Heat
Researchers are investigating nanoparticles and magnetic fields to heat and kill cancer cells with precision.
Alternate Route — Comparing Radial and Femoral Access
While most interventional radiologists and cardiologists rely on the femoral artery as their point of entry for angiograms and balloon angioplasties, the potential advantages of using the radial artery are becoming more attractive.
Standard Issue
Some medical transcription companies say tom-AY-to, others say tom-AH-to. The Joint Task Force on Standards Development hopes that the visual black character standard will help everyone get on the same page.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Technology Transfer — Swords Into Scalpels
MRI Monitor
Breast MRI Scans: What Women Need to Know
Research Review
Genes May Help Predict Treatment Response
Technology Trends
MRI-safe Devices May Reduce Blind Biopsies; MRI-safe Ventilator Approved
News Scan
New Imaging Technique Points Toward More Effective Prostate Cancer Treatment; Family, Friends More Involved in Cancer Treatment Decisions; Less Hormone Replacement Therapy Linked to Fewer Breast Cancers; Radiation From Medical Imaging Rising; Company News
Products and Services
Mercury Presents Visage CS; Siemens Releases New Applications; Philips Adds New Features to Brilliance CT; Agfa Demonstrates Scheduling for Cardiology
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
May 7, 2007
FEATURES
ACR MRI Safety Guidelines Shed New Light on Gadolinium Contrast Concerns
In the wake of the debate over gadolinium-based contrast agents, the American College of Radiology has issued new guidelines.
Going Mobile — Imaging Makes House Calls
Portable imaging services are branching out of hospitals and into surrounding communities.
Is There Enough Bite to HIPAA’s Privacy Rule?
Is the lack of disciplinary action a sign of lenient enforcement or a victory for voluntary compliance? Some experts weigh in.
2007 Technologist Salary Survey
We asked, you answered. Find out what other respondents had to say.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
New Guidelines, Same Old Issue
PACS Platform
Classifying PACS Clients
Mammography Matters
New American College of Physicians Clinical Guidelines
MRI Monitor
fMRI Aids In Pain Research; MRI Tracks Injected Cells in the Body
News Scan
Surprise Study Finding: CAD Reduces Mammo Specificity; Study Shows Zinc Doesn’t Help Head and Neck Cancer Patients; Holden Named ASRT President-Elect; Web-based Reminders May Be Effective for Mammograms Imaging Provides Clues to Cardiomyopathy
Products and Services
Siemens Introduces High Performance Imaging Release; Agfa IMPAX Clinical Module Integrates Clinical Data Into PACS for Radiologists; LuraTech Develops Browser-based Viewing Applications; Philips Monitors Cardiac Care; Kodak Debuts New Software Option for CARESTREAM EIM; NAI Tech Products Reaches Out With Touch Screen;
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
April 23, 2007
FEATURES
Cardiac MRI — Just Ahead?
At Wake Forest University, radiology and cardiology are working on a process that eliminates many difficulties of cardiac MRI.
PACS Slims Down
Thick client computing is increasingly giving way to thin client set-ups, which make it easier to distribute PACS across the enterprise.
Seek & Destroy
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to activate cell-death signals in cancer cells. Now they’re taking aim at a more effective targeting mechanism.
SIR Reporter’s Notebook
Here’s a sample of some therapies discussed at this year’s Society of Interventional Radiology meeting.
Spring 2007 Product Showcase
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Another Screening Shoe Drops
Nuc Med Notes
G250 PET Identifies Aggressive Kidney Tumors
Research Review
Turning Epstein-Barr Virus Loose on Tumors
Products and Services
Mercury Speeds 3-D Imaging; SunPoint Offers Practical Nondiagnostic Image Viewer; Merge Releases Mammo 7.0; Centricity Family Combines EMR, PACS, and Financials;
News Scan
Hopkins Testing First U.S. 256-slice Scanner; Scoping Sets the Stage; New CT Screening for Lung Cancer Data Published; MRI-compatible Pacemaker Being Put Through Its Paces; Company News
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
April 9, 2007
FEATURES
News From SIR
Read about some of the new treatments presented at last month’s Society of Interventional Radiology meeting in Seattle.
Spinal Interventions
Back pain sufferers know that relief doesn’t come easy—if at all—but any of several new interventions may be just what the doctor ordered.
It Came From Outer Space
Researchers are working on image reading techniques that take advantage of the eye’s natural affinity for detecting motion.
PACS Buyers’ Guide
Have a look at what’s new in the world of PACS.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Asymptomatic?
PACS Platform
DICOM CD Validation Testing
Target on Therapy
Brachytherapy vs. Prostatectomy; ASTRO Adds Research and Government Relations Staff
News Scan
MRI May Effectively Predict Heart Attack Risk; MDCT Detects Urinary Stone Disease at Lower Doses; Imaging Raises Question of Anesthetic-Alzheimer’s Link; MRI for Patients With MS May Help Predict Brain Atrophy; Ohio State to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Therapy; Company News
Managing to Succeed
In-house or Outsourced Transcription?
Products and Services
EIZO Introduces 4 Megapixel Widescreen Color Monitor; Neurostar’s Virtual Radiology Network;
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
March 26, 2007
FEATURES
Dangerous View?
As the link between gadolinium-based contrast agents and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis grows stronger, scientists try to assess its potential risks and benefits.
Virtual House Call
New Hampshire’s Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is allowing patients to plug into their medical records, with surprising results.
Is Renal Stenting Worth It?
Experts at the Society of Interventional Radiology meeting weighed in on the value of this procedure.
Project Planning Lessons Learned
A director of radiology services outlines the important steps and potential pitfalls of planning a project.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Scratch One Off the List
MRI Monitor
MR Angiography Offers Alternative for Detecting Artery Blockages
Technology Trends
Capturing Motion With a High-speed 3-D X-ray System
Facility Focus
Midland Memorial Hospital
News Scan
PET Tracers Carry HIV Protein to Kill Tumors; Study Finds Similar Refracture Rates Among Older Men and Women; High-resolution X-ray Diffraction Uncovers a Cause of Deafness; Endoscopic Brain Surgery Presents New Option for Treating Children; Company News
Products and Services
Rcadia Cardiac COR Analyzer Receives FDA Clearance; DeJarnette Releases dyseCT 3.0; Kodak Showcases CARESTREAM PACS, RIS; GE Healthcare Highlights CartiGram; peerVue Kicks Off Radiology Peer Review and QI Solution;
North American Imaging Upgrades Software for DiCOM Box;
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
March 12, 2007
FEATURES
Happy Doctors & Healthy Hospitals
A new study suggests that the highest priority for both patients and doctors is quality of care. In an effort to improve care by boosting doctors’ job satisfaction, more hospitals are finding ways to help physicians heal themselves.
Cardiac Imaging
Should cardiac imaging be done by radiologists or cardiologists? At the Society of Interventional Radiology meeting, interventionalists made their pitch for a bigger (CT) slice of this growing specialty.
A Better Way to Imaging Aching Backs?
Back pain sufferers don’t have to take their MRIs lying down anymore. Open configuration scanners allow patients to be scanned while sitting, possibly increasing the accuracy of diagnoses.
New Approaches to Reduce Medical Errors
The traditional response to an adverse patient safety event has been to find the immediate cause of the incident, but a new approach suggests that reducing staff errors has more to do with organizational structures than individual failures.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Pirates of IR
Nuc Med Notes
SPECT/CT Can Aid Sentinel Note Detection; PET Useful in Finding Pancreas Problems in Newborns
PACS Platform
PACS Costs vs. Savings
News Scan
Concern Over Gadolinium-based MRI Contrasts; Carotid Stenting ‘Test Mission’ Virtually Possible; Optical Imaging Uses Blurry Images to Enhance View; Paleontologists Use CT to Scan Ancient Skeletons for Clues to Evolution; Company News
Products and Services
Philips Introduces New Digital Handheld Recorder; Toshiba Introduces Vascular System; MEDRAD Offers Endorectal Coils for Pelvic Imaging
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
February 26, 2007
FEATURES
Looking to the Future of PACS
Healthcare providers are increasingly using PACS as an enterprisewide tool, and we asked some experts where they believe this trend will lead.
Findings From NEEMO
NASA researchers are hanging out in the Florida Keys surf—all in the name of better telemedicine and safer space travel.
Hard Answers
A new, noninvasive imaging technique may have significant applications for breast lesions and possibly other areas of the body as well.
HL7 101: A Beginner’s Guide
You may not yet have heard of Health Level 7, but this messaging standard is helping computers translate and share data in all areas of healthcare.
Eight Highlights From SIR
We’ve got a sneak peek of the scientific program from the Society of Interventional Radiology’s annual meeting.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
An Imaging Test Drive
Nuc Med Notes
On the Trail of a Tracer for Prostate Cancer
News Scan
How Your Brain Helps You Become a Wine Expert; Renamed CARE Bill Reintroduced; Vaginal Birth Increases Hemorrhage Risk in Newborns; Are Women Seeing the Most Experienced Breast Cancer Surgeons?; CMS Confirms Fee Schedule Errors
Bone Matters
Repeat Scan Offered Little Predictive Benefit for Future Fractures in Study; Researchers Urge Monitoring of Bone Health During Chemotherapy
Target on Therapy
Looking to Solve the Recurrence Puzzle
Research Review
Angiogenesis Inhibitor Holds Promise for Treating Brain Tumors
Products and Services
Agfa Makes IMPAX; DR Systems Showcases New RIS/PACS Feature; ETS-Lindgren’s CD-ROM for Medical Products Showcase; MDR Video Gets Software Update; Toshiba Enhances Workflow and Storage for Aquilion CT
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
February 12, 2007
FEATURES
Open-source Viewer Opens Doors — OsiriX Unlocks Mac Platform to Imaging
A community of software developers and a couple manufacturers are bringing DICOM and PACS to a Mac platform. The results may prove to be greater flexibility and potentially lower costs.
Simultaneous Acquisition — A PET Detector Inside an MRI Bore Makes It Feasible
PET/CT may be the buzzword in fusion imaging, but MR/PET is in development, too.
Patient Work, Not Paperwork
Mammography information systems are helping practitioners control paperwork and focus on what they do best: care for patients.
25 Questions for Future Imaging Research
RSNA’s Research & Education Foundation asked its membership what questions radiology researchers will seek to answer in the coming years, and here’s what they said.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Questions & Apples
PACS Platform
Digital Imaging Increases Incidental Findings
Lateral View: Guest Commentary on the Imaging World
Saving Money, Saving Your Job — Purchasing Rules Can Constrain Savings
Target on Therapy
Looking to Solve the Recurrence Puzzle
News Scan
Diabetes Drug May Prevent Brain Injury From Radiation Therapy; 3T MRI Helps Doctors Better Assess Tumor Operability; ‘Genetic Switch’ May Signal Breast Cancer Metastases
Products and Services
North American Imaging Speeds Up Video Recording; EIZO Releases Wide-Screen Clinical Review Monitor; Interventional Planning Tools From Toshiba; MTECH Labs Offers Shim Power Supply Controllers; Crown International to Distribute PhoneidoS Speech Solutions
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
January 29, 2007
FEATURES
Mobile & Digital — Real-Time Reporting Adds Immediacy and Convenience to Remote Breast Cancer Screening
Improved cancer diagnosis may be literally right around the corner for women in underserved areas of the country.
Home Field Advantage
When it comes to IT projects, more hospitals are bringing it all back home.
Teleradiology Version 2.X
Teleradiology is changing the way business gets done—in facilities of all sizes.
Zen and the Art of Biopsy
Researchers put a new spin on hypnosis in an effort to improve patient comfort.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Better Than a Sharp Stick
Products & Services Showcase 2007
Mammography Matters
Computer- Assisted Detection — Study: Technology Can’t Replace Doctors’ Judgment in Reading Mammograms
News Scan
Mammo Priors Reduced Recalls in Study; Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer; Low-Tech Steps Can Reduce Catheter-Related Complications; Company News; High Workload Linked to Worse Patient Outcomes
Products and Services
EIZO Adds Four Monochrome Monitors; Amirsys Integrates Decision Support With PowerScribe; Thales Offers RF Solution; Agfa Shows New Image Processing Technology; TDK Showcases Hardware and Digital Media Solutions
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
January 15, 2007
FEATURES
Cover Story
Final Answer? Teleradiology Moves Toward Final Reads
Teleradiology is growing and changing. Providing final reads instead of preliminary reads is a logical step.
Weapons Check — Fox Chase Data Show IMRT as Another Viable Option for Prostate Cancer
While both have been proven effective, brachytherapy and IMRT’s differences give doctors and patients a choice when deciding on a treatment plan.
Predicting Recurrence
Researchers hope a mathematical model will help them assess which women with breast cancer would benefit most from radiation therapy.
MRI News From RSNA
A look at what’s finishing up and what is coming down the pike in the wide world of MRI.
RSNA New Product Showcase II
There was so much to see at RSNA 2006, we needed two issues to do it justice.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
A Time for Change
CT Slice
PET/CT Helps Tumor Staging — Study Suggests That Whole-Body Scans Have a Role in Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer
MRI Monitor
‘Halo 2’ Effect — Video Game Violence and Emotional Arousal; Your Brain Likes Name Brands
PACS Platform
Happy New Year — DRA Cuts Push PACS Companies to Help Clients Stretch Their Budgets
News Scan
Study Challenges ‘Watchful Waiting’ in Older Prostate Patients; Imaging Part of Major New Heart Study; Allergy Drug Shows Promise as a Cancer Fighter; Care Act: Half Empty or Half Full?
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
