Utilization rates of radiological examinations in pregnant women rose dramatically over the last decade, driven largely by CT studies of the head and CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA). In one of the first studies to evaluate rates of radiological examinations that expose pregnant women to ionizing radiation, the number of exams per patient population was found to have risen by 81% over the period, according to research presented at the RSNA meeting by Dr. Elizabeth Lazarus of Brown University.

American Medical Sales is showcasing at RSNA 2007 an all-in-one PACS product that combines display, processing, and storage. Listed at $8000, the new Image Vault hardware/software combo is designed for small imaging operations. It features a simplified user interface built into a touchscreen, fingerprint security key, and automated logoff.

A research team from Iowa has found that bone fractures, hypo- or hyperdense lesions in the liver and kidney, pulmonary nodules, and gastrointestinal wall thickening or fat stranding are among the most common misses by on-call residents in the emergency room.

An analysis of imaging data suggests that PET/CT should be the modality of choice for directing cervical cancer patients to appropriate therapy.

Wednesday is always my last day at the RSNA. I have tried in the past to stay the whole week, but Thursday and Friday I was a zombie. I wish I could go the distance, because some of the best sessions come at the end.

New capabilities debuting at the RSNA in the Emageon booth include productivity enhancements in and beyond radiology. Product enhancements extend the company’s Enterprise platform offerings for multisite PACS to teleradiology, while expanding its mainstream PACS into mammography.

Paramed Medical Systems showcased an upgrade to its U-shaped open system MR scanner. The 0.6T midfield system, MR-Open, now features a large field-of-view and a closed cooling system for the superconducting magnet.

Injections of corticosteroids and anesthetics guided by CT or MR imaging offer a reliable therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic lower back pain from sacroiliac joint lesions, according to researchers from Germany and the U.S.

Providers can eliminate the use of gadolinium-based contrast by using new pulse sequences from Toshiba America Medical Systems. The angiography techniques rely on differences in the MR signal that distinguish blood and surrounding soft tissue.

MRI has outrun other modalities in a screening trial involving high-risk women. Such research helps justify an estimated $1.4 billion a year in direct costs for the U.S. if new American Cancer Society guidelines are followed.

An abbreviated field-of-view can lead to a 48% cut in radiation dose for CT pulmonary embolism exams and 96% dose reduction compared to full-view 64-slice CT triple rule-out without affecting the diagnostic sensitivity of either procedure.

Siemens Medical Solutions demonstrated on the RSNA exhibit floor a novel marriage between industrial robotics and advanced C-arm technology. Its new work-in-progress, Artis zeego, is based on technology developed for heavy equipment manufacture.

In a surprising discovery, researchers from Germany have found that whole-body staging of patients with recently diagnosed malignant melanoma using either MRI or PET/CT could miss a substantial number of metastatic lesions.

Thomas Jefferson University researchers have demonstrated that a 64-slice CT triple rule-out exam can, with 99.3% certainty, dismiss the presence of acute coronary syndrome in the emergency room for chest pain patients at mild or intermediate risk for ACS. The test also diagnosed pulmonary emboli and other noncardiac sources of the patients’ discomfort.

Canon Medical Systems has taken concerns about falling reimbursements as the justification for a program in which hospitals and other medical facilities can upgrade their x-ray equipment with digital detectors.

Cancer of the lung is overwhelmingly the most common cause of suits involving thoracic disease, outdistancing by far any other condition within the confines of the thoracic cavity. Conversely, failure to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions is an uncommon cause of suits against radiologists, but perforated viscus awards are much higher than for other gastrointestinal conditions.

Integration is an essential theme for National Institutes of Health director Dr. Elias Zerhouni. His vision for medical research revolves around the use of breakthrough science to address major health needs.

Hitachi Medical Systems formally launched its 1.2T vertical field open MR scanner at the RSNA meeting. Oasis, shown as a work-in-progress at last year’s meeting, cleared the FDA in September.

Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) and ultrasound bring different strengths to imaging and treating joint injuries and stresses, according to research presented at the RSNA meeting. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a superior method of assessing of neovascularity in patients with lateral epicondylitis, while MR can detect signs of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome after surgery. A combination of MRI and ultrasound may be the most effective solution for imaging medial elbow pain.

Biospace Med is showing off an innovative low-dose, high-contrast EOS digital x-ray system that uses two matched sets of x-ray tubes and detectors. Designed specifically for whole-body scanning, the system relies on orthogonally mounted x-ray chains that scan the standing patient and acquire data in continuous top-to-bottom motion.