Diagnostic Imaging North America

November 2005

COVER STORY

By: James Brice

Specialists garner a bigger share of medical imaging

Exemption protects in-office imaging

Leasing puts physicians just a click away from profits

Molecular Imaging Outlook

• MI addresses conundrum of investigational drug trials
• JHU ICMIC spurs advanced research
• Molecular Imaging Briefing
• MI tactics help improve prostate cancer diagnosis
• Cathepsin-sensing optical probe detects breast cancer lesions in mouse study
• DTI monitors stem cell transplantation in brains of Krabbe disease infants
• Contrast ultrasound targeting integrins depicts molecular signs of angiogenesis
• Reporter gene PET/CT imaging strategy tracks mechanisms of cardiac gene therapy
• Annexin V SPECT maps apoptosis in human stroke
• Correction:

DEPARTMENTS

X-RAY VISION

John C. Hayes and James Brice

Time has come for action on in-office self-referral abuses

AGENDA

Jane Lowers

Contrasting views on utilization management spur discussion

SPECIAL SECTION: Everyday 3D

• Techniques abet diagnosis and display in daily practice
• Radiologists use 3D tools to work smarter, not harder
• Pairing with PACS adds volumes to trauma images
• Dedicated labs lend consistency to image quality and results
• Imagers find learning curve for interpretation worth the climb
• Workstation purchasing hinges on practice preferences

Overread

• After a long haul, digital finally gains an edge
• Don't ask, don't smell
• MRI of cervical cancer involves potential pitfalls
• AIUM toughens policy on keepsake ultrasound
• Interventional oncology seeks role within radiology
• New detectors and shielding improve radiologists' safety
• Interventional clinics move toward self-sustainability
• X-ray angio misses anomalies
• Enhanced ultrasound reveals gynecological disorders
• Pediatric CT colonography sheds light on screening
• Shifts in technology drive ACR's guideline changes

Overread: VERBATIM!

• Preventive imager laments fall of EBCT, spreads the blame

Newsclips

• MRI techniques probe cerebral malaria's harm
• Physicians' payment ties in with performance
• Pediatric liver tumors gobble up FDG
• MR imaging unveils one source of dementia
• Task force says 'no' to routine genetic testing

Technology Advisor

• Diversity of products indicates healthy market for imaging
• Lesser slice CTs find niches in and outside of radiology
• CAD offerings build on clinical performance
• Digital imaging moves far beyond radiology
• Vendors eye growth outside traditional markets
• 3T MR imaging promises to extend radiology's reach
• Vendors speed workflow with XR system enhancements

Informatics

• PACS takes on unfamiliar research role in cancer project

Cardiovascular Screening

• Coronary artery calcium score predicts future cardiac events

Men's Health

• Prostate imaging goals shift as therapeutic options expand

Cardiovascular Disease

• 64 slices let CT join MR in a two-stop cardiac shop

Sonography

• Advanced applications make ultrasound more competitive

Vascular Therapy

• Carotid stenting offers new interventional practice option

Computed Tomography

• Thorax imaging fulfills promise with computer-aided detection

MR Spectroscopy

• MRS gains indications, but still fights for reimbursement

Tech Watch

• PET/CT scanners proliferate and add new capabilities
• Ultrasound vendors address major customer concerns
• Mammography vendors pursue better operability
• Voice recognition enters realm of mature technologies

Perturbations

• Save spin for a trip to the laundromat