Copyright 2009 Medical News Today Latest MRI / PET / Ultrasound News From Medical News Today. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/mri-pet/ admin@medicalnewstoday.com (MNT Admin) editors@medicalnewstoday.com (MNT Editors) en-us Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156474.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156474.php With rapid change taking place in the surgical environment as the range of interventional and minimally invasive procedures continues to expand, Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) today announced the availability of the Veradius X-ray system. A mobile C-arm with a super thin, flat detector, Philips Veradius is designed to give the surgeon more flexibility and to improve patient care by streamlining workflow and improving image quality. Radiology / Nuclear Medicine Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156348.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156348.php The American Society of Radiologic Technologists announced it has released the first in a series of interactive learning modules focusing on computed tomography. CT Basics: Module 1 - Fundamentals provides in-depth information about the modality and its equipment and also offers radiologic technologists information about careers in CT. The first of 10 modules, the program features colorful images with easy-to-understand animations that engage participants in the learning process. Radiology / Nuclear Medicine Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156430.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156430.php Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) and Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE: ELN) announced results of a study demonstrating that TYSABRI® (natalizumab) promoted regeneration and stabilization of damage done to the myelin sheath, as measured by advanced MRI technology. Damage to the myelin sheath causes the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple Sclerosis Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156371.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156371.php A new study published in the July issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine shows that positron emission tomography (PET) scans in mice can be used to determine whether a novel type of breast cancer treatment is working as intended. Researchers successfully used PET and a specially-developed radioactive compound to image HER2 - a protein often associated with aggressive breast cancer - in breast cancer cells before and after treatment aimed at decreasing HER2 expression. Breast Cancer Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156042.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156042.php Researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Technische Universität München are using a combination of light and ultrasound to visualize fluorescent proteins that are seated several centimeters deep into living tissue. In the past, even modern technologies have failed to produce high-resolution fluorescence images from this depth because of the strong scattering of light. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156029.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156029.php Even at very high doses, gadolinium-based contrast agents alone are not sufficient to cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with kidney problems, according to a study performed at the Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL. NSF is a rare and serious syndrome that leads to fibrosis of the skin, joints and even internal organs. Some research indicates NSF is caused by gadolinium-based contrast agents that are commonly used today during MR procedures. Urology / Nephrology Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155995.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155995.php The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has reached a management agreement with the International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (ISTU) effective July 1, 2009. The AIUM will support the ISTU's administrative, financial, and member service functions in an effort to maximize the ISTU's mission of advancing therapeutic ultrasound applications worldwide. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156000.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156000.php A minimally invasive procedure to treat tendonitis in the rotator cuff of the shoulder provides immediate symptom relief to the patient, according to a study published in the July issue of Radiology. The study found that ultrasound-guided nonsurgical therapy significantly reduces pain from calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff and restores lasting mobility after treatment. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155874.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155874.php XCounter AB (publ) (AIM:XCT), a technology leader in the development of tomosynthesis-based 3D medical imaging, announced positive initial results from the first clinical evaluation of its innovative breast screening device XC Mammo - 3T. The device is the world's first dedicated 3D digital mammography system for the detection of breast cancer, the most common form of cancer found in women. Breast Cancer Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155753.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155753.php A University of Wisconsin-Madison biomedical engineer and colleagues have developed a method that, applied in MRI scans of the breast, could spare some women with increased breast cancer risk the pain and stress of having to endure a biopsy of a questionable lump or lesion. The universal technology will give radiologists greater confidence in visually classifying a lesion as malignant or benign. Breast Cancer Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155768.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155768.php The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM)-the flagship publication of SNM-has been ranked the top medical imaging journal worldwide, according to new data released in the 2008 Journal Citation Reports(c) published by Thomson Reuters. The top ranking recognizes JNM's exceptional quality and increasing influence as an academic and professional resource. JNM-a peer-reviewed, monthly publication-earned an impact factor of 6. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155507.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155507.php Reviewing the records of 577 breast cancer patients, Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers found that women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who receive a breast MRI are more likely to receive a mastectomy after their diagnosis and may face delays in starting treatment. The study demonstrates that, despite the lack of evidence of their benefit, routine use of MRI scans in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer increased significantly between 2004 and 2005, and again in 2006. Breast Cancer Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155433.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155433.php If a lump is found in the breast of an adolescent girl, she often will undergo an excisional biopsy. However, breast cancer is rare in adolescents, and the vast majority of teenage breast lumps turn out to be benign masses that are related to hormones. A recent Loyola University Health System study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that a breast ultrasound examination might eliminate the need for biopsy in many cases. Breast Cancer Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155434.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155434.php SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for point-of-care medicine, announced today the launch of the SonoAccess™ application, the first medical iPhone app from an ultrasound company that provides a multimedia library of ultrasound resource materials for medical professionals to access when and where they need it. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155420.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155420.php Kidney injury that can arise after undergoing certain medical imaging procedures increases a patient's risk of having a stroke or heart attack over the next year or two, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The findings indicate that seemingly minor and reversible kidney damage from these common clinical procedures is a serious health threat. Urology / Nephrology Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155252.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155252.php Dr. Marc Sarti from the University of Virginia recently used the Veran IG4 Plug-N-Play Navigation System on multiple patients to target small cancerous lung lesions that were located in extremely challenging locations. Dr. Sarti's unique use of the 4D capability for the diagnosis and treatment for these patients was the first of its kind. Especially in the lungs, small potential cancers are extremely difficult to access for biopsy and diagnosis. Cancer / Oncology Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155203.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155203.php Acute hepatic radiation injury could lead to necrosis of hepatocytes, fatty degeneration and hepatic fibrosis. At the present, the gold standard test is liver biopsy. However, this procedure is invasive, uncomfortable for the patients and sometimes results in serious complications. 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been used to study liver metabolism in vivo for several years. Liver Disease / Hepatitis Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155104.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155104.php A report in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, highlights a new biomarker that may be useful in identifying patients with recurrent glioblastoma, or brain tumors, who would respond better to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, specifically cediranib. Cediranib is a highly potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinases. Neurology / Neuroscience Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155082.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155082.php The Magnetic Resonance Center of the University Children's Hospital Zurich has achieved a world first break through in MR-guided, non-invasive neurosurgery. Ten patients have been successfully treated by means of transcranial high-intensity focused ultrasound. This fully non-invasive procedure opens new horizons for neurosurgery and the treatment of different neurological brain disorders. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155026.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155026.php U-Systems, the leader in dedicated breast ultrasound systems, together with Medical Director Jessica A. Guingrich, MD of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Susan G. Komen Breast Center and Centers for Breast Health announced that they have initiated the SOMO•INSIGHT Clinical Study. The first participants have been enrolled and the first pathologically confirmed cancer has been detected in a mammographically-negative screening patient. Breast Cancer Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155034.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155034.php The Magnetic Resonance Center of the University Children's Hospital Zurich has achieved a world first break through in MR-guided, non-invasive neurosurgery. Ten patients have been successfully treated by means of transcranial high-intensity focused ultrasound. This fully non-invasive procedure opens new horizons for neurosurgery and the treatment of different neurological brain disorders. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154902.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154902.php Providence Tarzana Medical Center on Friday became the first. hospital in the nation to use the latest generation in imaging - the Ziehm Vision RFD - in this case to aid a surgeon in opening the clogged carotid artery of a patient who had suffered a small stroke. Zahi E. Nassoura, a board-certified vascular surgeon and chief of staff at Tarzana, liked what he saw in the crystal-clear image provided by the Ziehm Vision, approved late last month by the U.S. Cardiovascular / Cardiology Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154877.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154877.php A PET scan uses radiation, or nuclear medicine imaging, to produce 3-dimensional, color images of the functional processes within the human body. PET stands for positron emission tomography. The machine detects pairs of gamma rays which are emitted indirectly by a tracer (positron-emitting radionuclide) which is placed in the body on a biologically active molecule. The images are reconstructed by computer analysis. MRI / PET / Ultrasound Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154755.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154755.php Accuray Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARAY), a global leader in the field of radiosurgery, announced that the Turkish Ministry of Health has purchased two CyberKnife(R) Robotic Radiosurgery Systems for installation in Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey's first CyberKnife System was installed at Anadolu Medical Center in January 2005. A second system was installed in Turkey at Hacettepe University Hospital in May 2007. Radiology / Nuclear Medicine Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154664.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154664.php The amount of time imaging equipment is in use in outpatient settings does not approach use rates President Obama and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommend Medicare utilize to calculate reimbursement for imaging, according to data recently collected by the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA), a national association of business professionals in radiology. MRI / PET / Ultrasound