Diagnostic Reading #24: Five “Must Read” Articles on Medical Imaging
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In the news: point-of-care ultrasound travels to space.
This week’s articles in Diagnostic Reading include: imaging method predicts efficacy of chemo; new MRI view improves elbow assessment; how to recognize, report vertebral fractures; possible increase in MR imaging due to drug approval; and POCUS in outer space.
New imaging method predicts chemotherapy effectiveness after one treatment – Axis Imaging News
Combining data from tumor biomarkers, ultrasound and ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT), after a patient’s first cycle of pre-surgical chemotherapy, provided a highly accurate prediction of how a tumor was responding to treatment, according to trial results published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Early prediction of how well the neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment before surgery is working may provide a window of opportunity when care could be altered and have a big impact on a patient’s quality of life.
Catch the MLB “FEVER” – Using a new elbow MRI view for improved injury assessment – Diagnostic Imaging
Adopting a new view with MRI scans can help providers evaluate ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries that are common in athletes who throw.Researchers detailed this new view—the flexed elbow valgus external rotation (FEVER) view—which provides an increase in joint space for an improved MRI evaluation of the UCL, according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. UCL tears can lead to chronic valgus instability, pain and dysfunction that can require a surgery. About 25 percent of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers, as well as 15 percent of minor league pitchers, suffer these injuries.
Top tips on how to recognize and report vertebral fractures – AuntMinnie Europe
The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has released new guidance designed to improve radiological recognition and actionable reporting of osteoporotic vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs). “VFFs are common and are frequently present on imaging, but are rarely reported,” stated RCR experts. The RCR guidance includes 12 key points, such as implementing a policy for standardized use of terminology for VFFs.
Radiology could see surge in MR imaging volumes following approval of blockbuster Alzheimer’s treatment – Radiology Business
Radiology providers could see an increase in MR imaging following the recent approval of Aduhelm, a new Alzheimer’s treatment. Screening patients for access to this drug will necessitate either a PET scan or lumbar puncture, experts noted. Additionally, individuals will require a baseline MRI within one year before treatment and two more exams prior to subsequent infusions.
Astronauts to perform cardiac ultrasound in outer space – DOTmed HealthCare Business News
Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound with real-time artificial intelligence (AI) guidance will be used to assess the hearts of astronauts under microgravity conditions on a space mission next year. Studies have shown that outer space has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system of astronauts, and researchers in Israel plan to assess these specific effects in the upcoming analysis that will include handheld ultrasound devices.
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