Contrast Media Reactions Are Allergic, but Minor
March 9th 2011Final results of the prospective French CIRTACI trial are in: contrast media for diagnostic imaging are very safe in general, as long as radiologists are vigilant for patients with allergies, asthma, or previous reactions to contrast agents. The vast majority are more itchy than serious.
Reducing CT Coronary Angiography Radiation, Maintaining Imaging Quality
March 7th 2011Through carefully calculated adjustments to coronary imaging using dose-reduction techniques, cardiologists have managed to reduce the radiation delivered to patients undergoing coronary angiograms considerably. Plus, it’s possible to maintain good image quality throughout, researchers found
Breast Cancer Screening in 2025: Mammography, MRI, or More?
March 7th 2011Will we still be using mammography for breast cancer screening one fourth of the way through this century? That was the question posed in one session at ECR 2011, and speaker Christine Kuhl said she greatly fears that we actually may.
Which Test is Best for Cardiac Triage?
March 7th 2011Just this month, cardiovascular surgeons and diagnostic radiologists collaborated to publish an article showing that CT is much better than ultrasound at measuring the diameter of the aortic annulus - an important matter when deciding which size of valve to implant transcutaneously. This could both dishearten and encourage radiologist Rodrigo Salgado of Antwerp University Hospital, who says CT is best for measuring the annulus, and that isn't circular, doesn’t have a radius, and in fact actually doesn't exist.