FDA researchers have found that certain cardiac pacemakers may inadequately stimulate a patient's heart while undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan due to the magnetic pulses mixing with the electronic pulses from the pacemaker. This inadequate stimulation is potentially dangerous for the patient undergoing the MRI scan, according to research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BioMedical Engineering Online.
MRI is an imaging technique that uses a magnetic field instead of ionizing radiation to produce a detailed image of internal body structures. MRI systems expose patients to very strong magnetic fields that can interfere with implanted cardiac pacemakers. Physicians are instructed by pacemaker manufacturers and MRI system manufacturers not to expose patients with pacemakers to MRI scans. MRI can damage the pacemaker's electronic system and cause burning of heart tissue at the tip of the pacemaker lead, due to an increase in temperature from the MRI. Both risks can result in incorrect or absent stimulation from the pacemaker.
source: Medical News Today
12.16.2009
12.14.2009
Studies quantify radiation doses, cancer risks from CT scans
Doses of radiation from commonly performed computed tomography (CT) scans vary widely, appear higher than generally believed and may contribute to an estimated tens of thousands of future cancer cases, according to two reports in the December 14/28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
CT scans have become increasingly common in the United States—about 70 million were performed in 2007, up from 3 million in 1980, according to background information in one of the articles. "While CT scans can provide great medical benefits, there is concern about potential future cancer risks because they involve much higher radiation doses than conventional diagnostic X-rays," the authors of one report write. For example, a chest CT scan exposes the patient to more than 100 times the radiation dose of a routine chest X-ray. "The risks to individuals are likely to be small, but because of the large number of persons exposed annually, even small risks could translate into a considerable number of future cancers."
It is important to understand how much radiation medical imaging delivers to help balance benefits and risks, the authors note. In one paper, Rebecca Smith-Bindman, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues studied 1,119 patients undergoing the 11 most common types of diagnostic CT scans at four area institutions in 2008. Using hospital records, they calculated the radiation dosage involved with each scan and then estimated lifetime risks of cancer that could be attributed to those scans.
Radiation dosage varied widely between different types of CT studies; median (midpoint) doses ranged from 2 millisieverts for a routine head CT scan to 31 millisieverts for a multiphase abdomen and pelvis scan. "Within each type of CT study, effective dose varied significantly within and across institutions, with a mean [average] 13-fold variation between the highest and lowest dose for each study type," the authors write.
The estimated number of CT scans that would lead to the development of one cancer case also varied by type of CT scan and also by each patient's age and sex.
source: Eurekalert
CT scans have become increasingly common in the United States—about 70 million were performed in 2007, up from 3 million in 1980, according to background information in one of the articles. "While CT scans can provide great medical benefits, there is concern about potential future cancer risks because they involve much higher radiation doses than conventional diagnostic X-rays," the authors of one report write. For example, a chest CT scan exposes the patient to more than 100 times the radiation dose of a routine chest X-ray. "The risks to individuals are likely to be small, but because of the large number of persons exposed annually, even small risks could translate into a considerable number of future cancers."
It is important to understand how much radiation medical imaging delivers to help balance benefits and risks, the authors note. In one paper, Rebecca Smith-Bindman, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues studied 1,119 patients undergoing the 11 most common types of diagnostic CT scans at four area institutions in 2008. Using hospital records, they calculated the radiation dosage involved with each scan and then estimated lifetime risks of cancer that could be attributed to those scans.
Radiation dosage varied widely between different types of CT studies; median (midpoint) doses ranged from 2 millisieverts for a routine head CT scan to 31 millisieverts for a multiphase abdomen and pelvis scan. "Within each type of CT study, effective dose varied significantly within and across institutions, with a mean [average] 13-fold variation between the highest and lowest dose for each study type," the authors write.
The estimated number of CT scans that would lead to the development of one cancer case also varied by type of CT scan and also by each patient's age and sex.
source: Eurekalert
Variable Doses of Radiation Raise Safety Concerns for CT Procedures
Radiation doses from common CT procedures vary widely and are higher than generally thought, raising concerns about increased risk for cancer, according to a new study led by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) imaging specialists.
San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 14, 2009 -- Radiation doses from common CT procedures vary widely and are higher than generally thought, raising concerns about increased risk for cancer, according to a new study led by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) imaging specialists.
In day-to-day clinical practice, we found significant variation in the radiation doses for the same type of computed tomography procedures within institutions and across institutions," said lead investigator Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, a professor of radiology at UCSF. Our results highlight the need for greater standardization because this is a medical safety issue."
Computed tomography imaging, known as CT, is a diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body that provide detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues. CT is associated with higher radiation exposure than conventional x-rays, yet radiation dosages that patients receive from the newer CT scanners have gone largely unregulated, according to Smith-Bindman, who also is a UCSF professor of epidemiology and biostatistics and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences.
Our study provides some initial data documenting the doses that patients receive when they undergo actual CT examinations and this is different than the doses when phantoms-- sophisticated plastic models typically used to quantify CT scanner dose-- are used. We believe documenting the actual doses that patients are exposed to is the first step to reducing those doses and any attendant risk," she emphasized.
complete article: PR Web
San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 14, 2009 -- Radiation doses from common CT procedures vary widely and are higher than generally thought, raising concerns about increased risk for cancer, according to a new study led by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) imaging specialists.
In day-to-day clinical practice, we found significant variation in the radiation doses for the same type of computed tomography procedures within institutions and across institutions," said lead investigator Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, a professor of radiology at UCSF. Our results highlight the need for greater standardization because this is a medical safety issue."
Computed tomography imaging, known as CT, is a diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body that provide detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues. CT is associated with higher radiation exposure than conventional x-rays, yet radiation dosages that patients receive from the newer CT scanners have gone largely unregulated, according to Smith-Bindman, who also is a UCSF professor of epidemiology and biostatistics and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences.
Our study provides some initial data documenting the doses that patients receive when they undergo actual CT examinations and this is different than the doses when phantoms-- sophisticated plastic models typically used to quantify CT scanner dose-- are used. We believe documenting the actual doses that patients are exposed to is the first step to reducing those doses and any attendant risk," she emphasized.
complete article: PR Web
12.13.2009
Repligen Reports Phase 3 Clinical Trial Results of RG1068 in Pancreatic Imaging
WALTHAM, MA - December 9, 2009 - Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ: RGEN) reported today top-line results from a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RG1068, synthetic human secretin, to improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pancreas in patients with a history of pancreatitis. The study's co-primary endpoints were improvements in sensitivity of detection of structural abnormalities of the pancreatic ducts using RG1068 in combination with MRI compared to MRI alone with minimal loss in specificity (<7.5%). The study design used endoscopy as the standard for determination of structural abnormalities. The predetermined criteria for a successful study were achievement of a statistically significant improvement in sensitivity with minimal loss in specificity from two of the three central radiologists reading the MRI images. In this study, one radiologist achieved a statistically significant improvement in sensitivity with RG1068 (p<0.001) while a second radiologist showed a trend but did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.088). There was minimal loss in specificity for all radiologists. While it was not a pre-specified endpoint, pooled data from all three radiologists resulted in a statistically significant improvement in sensitivity with RG1068 (p=0.005) with minimal loss in specificity.
source: Repligen
source: Repligen
12.11.2009
MRI Detects Breast Cancer at Earlier Stage
SAN ANTONIO - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with mammography detects almost all cancers at an early stage, thereby reducing the incidence of advanced stage breast cancer in high-risk women.
"Earlier stage breast cancers are more likely to be curable," said lead researcher Ellen Warner, M.D., M.Sc., medical oncologist in the Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, in Toronto, Canada.
"We can be fairly confident that if screening with MRI finds cancers at a much earlier stage, it probably also saves lives," added Warner, who presented details of these results at the CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held Dec. 9-13.
The researchers separated 1,275 women at high risk for breast cancer into two groups: One group was screened with MRI plus mammography, and the second, a control group, received conventional screening by mammography. Participants had the defective BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which suggests a very high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Warner and colleagues followed the women over several years to determine which screening method detected cancer at a significantly earlier stage.
source: AACR
"Earlier stage breast cancers are more likely to be curable," said lead researcher Ellen Warner, M.D., M.Sc., medical oncologist in the Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, in Toronto, Canada.
"We can be fairly confident that if screening with MRI finds cancers at a much earlier stage, it probably also saves lives," added Warner, who presented details of these results at the CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held Dec. 9-13.
The researchers separated 1,275 women at high risk for breast cancer into two groups: One group was screened with MRI plus mammography, and the second, a control group, received conventional screening by mammography. Participants had the defective BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which suggests a very high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Warner and colleagues followed the women over several years to determine which screening method detected cancer at a significantly earlier stage.
source: AACR
12.09.2009
CT Brain Perfusion Scans Safety Investigation: Initial Notification
[UPDATED 12/07/2009] The FDA, working with state and local health authorities, has identified at least 50 additional patients who were exposed to excess radiation of up to eight times the expected level during their CT perfusion scans. These cases so far involve more than one manufacturer of CT scanners. Some of these patients reported hair loss or skin redness following their scans. High doses of radiation can cause cataracts and increase the risk of some forms of cancer.
On the basis of its investigation to date, the FDA is providing interim recommendations for imaging facilities, radiologists, and radiologic technologists to help prevent additional cases of excess exposure.
These recommendations include:
* Facilities assess whether patients who underwent CT perfusion scans received excess radiation.
* Facilities review their radiation dosing protocols for all CT perfusion studies to ensure that the correct dosing is planned for each study.
* Facilities implement quality control procedures to ensure that dosing protocols are followed every time and the planned amount of radiation is administered.
* Radiologic technologists check the CT scanner display panel before performing a study to make sure the amount of radiation to be delivered is at the appropriate level for the individual patient.
* If more than one study is performed on a patient during one imaging session, practitioners should adjust the dose of radiation so it is appropriate for each study.
source: FDA
On the basis of its investigation to date, the FDA is providing interim recommendations for imaging facilities, radiologists, and radiologic technologists to help prevent additional cases of excess exposure.
These recommendations include:
* Facilities assess whether patients who underwent CT perfusion scans received excess radiation.
* Facilities review their radiation dosing protocols for all CT perfusion studies to ensure that the correct dosing is planned for each study.
* Facilities implement quality control procedures to ensure that dosing protocols are followed every time and the planned amount of radiation is administered.
* Radiologic technologists check the CT scanner display panel before performing a study to make sure the amount of radiation to be delivered is at the appropriate level for the individual patient.
* If more than one study is performed on a patient during one imaging session, practitioners should adjust the dose of radiation so it is appropriate for each study.
source: FDA
12.07.2009
CT Imaging Taken Post Avastin May Predict Survival in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
ScienceDaily (Dec. 2, 2009) — Using routine computed tomography (CT) imaging to analyze form and structural changes to colorectal liver metastasis after bevacizumab and chemotherapy may predict overall survival, according to research from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
The findings are published in the Dec. 2 issue of JAMA.
When combined with chemotherapy, the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab, also known as Avastin, is associated with both improved survival in those with metastatic colorectal cancer and higher rates of pathologic response in patients undergoing surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases. The monoclonal antibody was approved for use in the front line setting of metastatic colorectal cancer in 2004.
However, the therapy presents a unique set of challenges, explains Jean-Nicolas Vauthey, M.D., professor in M. D. Anderson's Department of Surgical Oncology.
source: Science Daily Release
The findings are published in the Dec. 2 issue of JAMA.
When combined with chemotherapy, the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab, also known as Avastin, is associated with both improved survival in those with metastatic colorectal cancer and higher rates of pathologic response in patients undergoing surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases. The monoclonal antibody was approved for use in the front line setting of metastatic colorectal cancer in 2004.
However, the therapy presents a unique set of challenges, explains Jean-Nicolas Vauthey, M.D., professor in M. D. Anderson's Department of Surgical Oncology.
source: Science Daily Release
12.05.2009
Smart Phones Allow Quick Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis
CHICAGO — Radiologists can accurately diagnose acute appendicitis from a remote location with the use of a handheld device or mobile phone equipped with special software, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
"The goal is to improve the speed and accuracy of medical diagnoses, as well as to improve communications among different consulting physicians," said the study's lead author, Asim F. Choudhri, M.D., fellow physician in the Division of Neuroradiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "When we can make these determinations earlier, the appropriate surgical teams and equipment can be assembled before the surgeon even has the chance to examine the patient."
Appendicitis, or inflammation and infection of the appendix, is a medical emergency requiring surgical removal of the organ. Undiagnosed or left untreated, the inflamed appendix will rupture, causing toxins to spill into the abdominal cavity and potentially causing a life-threatening infection. Appendicitis can occur at any age but is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Typically, a patient arriving at the emergency room with suspected appendicitis will undergo computed tomography (CT) and a physical examination. If a radiologist is not immediately available to interpret the CT images or if consultation with a specialist is needed, diagnosis is delayed, increasing the risk of rupture. Transmitting the images over a mobile device allows for instant consultation and diagnosis from a remote location. It can also aid in surgical planning.
"This new technology can expedite diagnosis and, therefore, treatment," Dr. Choudhri said.
For the study performed at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis of 25 patients with pain in the right lower abdomen were reviewed over an encrypted wireless network by five radiologists using an iPhone G3 equipped with OsiriX Mobile medical image viewing software. All of the patients had surgical confirmation or follow-up evaluations to confirm whether or not they had appendicitis.
source: RSNA News Release
"The goal is to improve the speed and accuracy of medical diagnoses, as well as to improve communications among different consulting physicians," said the study's lead author, Asim F. Choudhri, M.D., fellow physician in the Division of Neuroradiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "When we can make these determinations earlier, the appropriate surgical teams and equipment can be assembled before the surgeon even has the chance to examine the patient."
Appendicitis, or inflammation and infection of the appendix, is a medical emergency requiring surgical removal of the organ. Undiagnosed or left untreated, the inflamed appendix will rupture, causing toxins to spill into the abdominal cavity and potentially causing a life-threatening infection. Appendicitis can occur at any age but is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Typically, a patient arriving at the emergency room with suspected appendicitis will undergo computed tomography (CT) and a physical examination. If a radiologist is not immediately available to interpret the CT images or if consultation with a specialist is needed, diagnosis is delayed, increasing the risk of rupture. Transmitting the images over a mobile device allows for instant consultation and diagnosis from a remote location. It can also aid in surgical planning.
"This new technology can expedite diagnosis and, therefore, treatment," Dr. Choudhri said.
For the study performed at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis of 25 patients with pain in the right lower abdomen were reviewed over an encrypted wireless network by five radiologists using an iPhone G3 equipped with OsiriX Mobile medical image viewing software. All of the patients had surgical confirmation or follow-up evaluations to confirm whether or not they had appendicitis.
source: RSNA News Release
12.03.2009
RevMed Successfully Introduces MRI Product Suite at Radiology Society of North America Conference
CHARLESTON, SC--(Marketwire - December 3, 2009) - Revolutions Medical Corporation ("RevMed" or the "Company") (OTCBB: RMCP), producers of the RevVac safety syringe, RevColor, RevDisplay and Rev3D MRI Technology, today announced that it introduced its proprietary suite of MRI software products at this week's Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting with great success. Radiologists and universities world-wide received presentations at the RMCP booth. A number of these contacts could play an important role in the Company's ongoing efforts to clinically validate specific applications of its MRI tools prior to the 2010 commercial launch.
"I could not be more pleased about the overwhelming interest that our MRI tools generated at this first introduction of our technology, and moreover at the premier imaging conference in the world," stated RevMed CEO Ron Wheet. "Introducing our proprietary MRI product offering at this conference was a dramatic step forward to commercialization in 2010. Radiologists immediately understood the utility of our products. Universities, OEM and VAR providers requested follow-up discussions regarding clinical collaboration. They also want to explore delivery options, i.e. embedding our product content into their existing commercially available products. Timely hot topics at the show included MRI analysis in breast disease, and brain abnormalities such as the depth of injury in concussion (as reported by the NFL); these led to discussions as to how our unique MRI color software would aid in image analysis, thereby enhancing diagnostic confidence in an entirely different way."
source: MarketWire
"I could not be more pleased about the overwhelming interest that our MRI tools generated at this first introduction of our technology, and moreover at the premier imaging conference in the world," stated RevMed CEO Ron Wheet. "Introducing our proprietary MRI product offering at this conference was a dramatic step forward to commercialization in 2010. Radiologists immediately understood the utility of our products. Universities, OEM and VAR providers requested follow-up discussions regarding clinical collaboration. They also want to explore delivery options, i.e. embedding our product content into their existing commercially available products. Timely hot topics at the show included MRI analysis in breast disease, and brain abnormalities such as the depth of injury in concussion (as reported by the NFL); these led to discussions as to how our unique MRI color software would aid in image analysis, thereby enhancing diagnostic confidence in an entirely different way."
source: MarketWire
12.01.2009
Unindicated CT Series Result in Unnecessary Radiation Exposure for Patients
CHICAGO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A large proportion of patients who undergo abdominal/pelvic computed tomography (CT) receive unindicated and unnecessary additional image acquisition resulting in excess, avoidable radiation exposure, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
"It is the responsibility of all physicians who work with ionizing radiation to ensure that the dosage is as low as reasonably achievable without compromising the patient's well being," said Kristie Guite, M.D., radiology resident at the University of Wisconsin (UW) in Madison. "Our study found that this principle is not being followed in many practices."
A CT examination consists of imaging the patient using a CT scanner and sometimes involves the injection of an intravenous contrast agent. Imaging can be performed at multiple time points before and/or after the injection of the contrast material. Each image acquisition is referred to as a "series." Although having multiple series can be helpful for some conditions, they are not generally necessary.
Because it provides valuable diagnostic information, CT use has risen rapidly. In recent years, a number of reports have highlighted the increasing radiation exposure to patients through the use of medical imaging, particularly CT. While these reports have often focused on general and screening uses, little attention has been paid to radiation from additional series, including routine non-contrast or delayed-phase CT, which may or may not be indicated by the patient's condition but are sometimes performed so that nothing is overlooked.
To determine the frequency of unindicated additional scanning and the resultant excess radiation exposure to patients, the researchers reviewed the appropriateness and radiation dose of abdomen and pelvis CT exams for 500 patients performed at outside institutions and submitted to UW - Madison for interpretation. The patients ranged in age from nine months to 91 years, with most between 30 and 50 years old.
"
complete article
"It is the responsibility of all physicians who work with ionizing radiation to ensure that the dosage is as low as reasonably achievable without compromising the patient's well being," said Kristie Guite, M.D., radiology resident at the University of Wisconsin (UW) in Madison. "Our study found that this principle is not being followed in many practices."
A CT examination consists of imaging the patient using a CT scanner and sometimes involves the injection of an intravenous contrast agent. Imaging can be performed at multiple time points before and/or after the injection of the contrast material. Each image acquisition is referred to as a "series." Although having multiple series can be helpful for some conditions, they are not generally necessary.
Because it provides valuable diagnostic information, CT use has risen rapidly. In recent years, a number of reports have highlighted the increasing radiation exposure to patients through the use of medical imaging, particularly CT. While these reports have often focused on general and screening uses, little attention has been paid to radiation from additional series, including routine non-contrast or delayed-phase CT, which may or may not be indicated by the patient's condition but are sometimes performed so that nothing is overlooked.
To determine the frequency of unindicated additional scanning and the resultant excess radiation exposure to patients, the researchers reviewed the appropriateness and radiation dose of abdomen and pelvis CT exams for 500 patients performed at outside institutions and submitted to UW - Madison for interpretation. The patients ranged in age from nine months to 91 years, with most between 30 and 50 years old.
"
complete article
11.29.2009
Toshiba Showcases Patient-Friendly 3T MR System
CHICAGO - (Business Wire) Understanding that claustrophobia and acoustic noise are the top patient complaints with 3T MR imaging today, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., has developed a comfortable and efficient 3T MR, the Vantage Titan™ 3T open bore MR. Toshiba’s Vantage Titan 3T is pending 510k clearance and will be showcased at this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, held in Chicago, Nov. 29 – Dec. 4 (Booth #5629, South Hall).
The Vantage Titan 3T MR combines Toshiba’s commitment to patients and customers with the power of additional diagnostic capabilities, making it a comfortable and efficient 3T MR system. Its patient-centered technology improves the exam experience, resulting in better patient compliance and more streamlined exams to improve the delivery of care.
Benefits of the Vantage Titan 3T open bore MR include Increased Patient Comfort
Toshiba’s patient-friendly features make the Vantage Titan 3T MR comfortable. The system includes Toshiba’s exclusive Pianissimo™ noise-reduction technology, which reduces exam noise by up to 90 percent, making the Vantage Titan 3T the quietest available. Additionally, the Vantage Titan 3T boasts a 71 cm opening, giving patients more room and reducing claustrophobia, another concern facing the 3T MR market.
The system also incorporates the ability to perform contrast-free MRA exams, including Fresh Blood Imaging (FBI) for evaluating peripheral vascular diseases of the lower legs and extremities; Contrast-free Improved Angiography (CIA) for easier visualization of smaller vessels; Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) for evaluating hemodynamic, functional assessments and visualization of vascular structures; and Time and Space Angiography (TSA) to create non-contrast time-resolved imaging with high temporal resolution. Toshiba is the only imaging vendor to offer advanced contrast-free MRA techniques.
source: Toshiba
The Vantage Titan 3T MR combines Toshiba’s commitment to patients and customers with the power of additional diagnostic capabilities, making it a comfortable and efficient 3T MR system. Its patient-centered technology improves the exam experience, resulting in better patient compliance and more streamlined exams to improve the delivery of care.
Benefits of the Vantage Titan 3T open bore MR include Increased Patient Comfort
Toshiba’s patient-friendly features make the Vantage Titan 3T MR comfortable. The system includes Toshiba’s exclusive Pianissimo™ noise-reduction technology, which reduces exam noise by up to 90 percent, making the Vantage Titan 3T the quietest available. Additionally, the Vantage Titan 3T boasts a 71 cm opening, giving patients more room and reducing claustrophobia, another concern facing the 3T MR market.
The system also incorporates the ability to perform contrast-free MRA exams, including Fresh Blood Imaging (FBI) for evaluating peripheral vascular diseases of the lower legs and extremities; Contrast-free Improved Angiography (CIA) for easier visualization of smaller vessels; Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) for evaluating hemodynamic, functional assessments and visualization of vascular structures; and Time and Space Angiography (TSA) to create non-contrast time-resolved imaging with high temporal resolution. Toshiba is the only imaging vendor to offer advanced contrast-free MRA techniques.
source: Toshiba
11.25.2009
GE Healthcare Introduces Novel Device To Detect Tissue Stiffness
WAUKESHA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Healthcare today introduced MR-Touch, a visual palpation technology that uses low frequency sound waves in combination with MRI to measure tissue elasticity. For centuries, clinicians have evaluated tissue stiffness—the physical property of tissue most affected by disease—through palpation. Based on technology invented at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and licensed to GE Healthcare, MR Touch extends the principles of palpation with a precise, non-invasive, cost-effective way to evaluate tissue stiffness.
Recently FDA cleared, MR-Touch is a certified healthymagination product and has been third-party validated to reduce costs and increase the quality of healthcare. GE Healthcare will also feature MR-Touch at the annual meeting of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA), booth #4029, at Chicago’s McCormick Place from November 29-December 4, 2009.
“GE is proud to be the first to offer technology that has the potential to fundamentally improve the way disease is detected, monitored and understood,” said Jim Davis, General Manager of Global MR, GE Healthcare. “MR-Touch is a clear reflection of our healthymagination vision and underscores the importance of breakthrough innovation to delivering the highest level of patient care.”
source: Business Wire
Recently FDA cleared, MR-Touch is a certified healthymagination product and has been third-party validated to reduce costs and increase the quality of healthcare. GE Healthcare will also feature MR-Touch at the annual meeting of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA), booth #4029, at Chicago’s McCormick Place from November 29-December 4, 2009.
“GE is proud to be the first to offer technology that has the potential to fundamentally improve the way disease is detected, monitored and understood,” said Jim Davis, General Manager of Global MR, GE Healthcare. “MR-Touch is a clear reflection of our healthymagination vision and underscores the importance of breakthrough innovation to delivering the highest level of patient care.”
source: Business Wire
11.23.2009
Medical Imaging Technique Identifies Very Common Condition in Women That Often Goes Undiagnosed
In women with lower urinary tract symptoms, a medical imaging technique called dynamic MRI allows clinicians to diagnose pelvic organ prolapse — a condition that often goes undiagnosed on static MRI and at physical examination, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Pelvic organ prolapse is relatively common and occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become weak or damaged and can no longer support the pelvic organs. If left untreated, living with prolapse can be a challenge, both physically and emotionally, as the symptoms can disrupt day-to-day life. Dynamic MRI is performed while the patient performs a straining maneuver, such as bearing down. Static MRI is performed while the patient is at rest.
The study, performed at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, included 84 women with lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent dynamic and static MRI scans for a suspected urethra abnormality. Ten of the 84 patients were found to have an abnormality of the urethra. “However 33 patients were diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, of whom 29 were diagnosed exclusively on dynamic imaging,” said Genevieve L. Bennett, M.D., assistant professor of radiology at NYU Langone Medical Center and lead author of the study.
“Dynamic imaging allows for the detection of pelvic organ prolapse, which may not be evident at rest but only detected when the woman strains,” said Bennett.
source: ARRS
Pelvic organ prolapse is relatively common and occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become weak or damaged and can no longer support the pelvic organs. If left untreated, living with prolapse can be a challenge, both physically and emotionally, as the symptoms can disrupt day-to-day life. Dynamic MRI is performed while the patient performs a straining maneuver, such as bearing down. Static MRI is performed while the patient is at rest.
The study, performed at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, included 84 women with lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent dynamic and static MRI scans for a suspected urethra abnormality. Ten of the 84 patients were found to have an abnormality of the urethra. “However 33 patients were diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, of whom 29 were diagnosed exclusively on dynamic imaging,” said Genevieve L. Bennett, M.D., assistant professor of radiology at NYU Langone Medical Center and lead author of the study.
“Dynamic imaging allows for the detection of pelvic organ prolapse, which may not be evident at rest but only detected when the woman strains,” said Bennett.
source: ARRS
11.21.2009
Simple Blood Test Could Reduce Repeat Breast MRI Scans in Premenopausal Women With Irregular Periods
A simple blood test corresponding to the follicular phase (days 3-14) of a normal menstrual cycle can aid in optimal scheduling of breast MRI exams in premenopausal women with irregular cycles — possibly reducing the number of repeat scans and non-diagnostic tests patients experience and providing clearer images on which doctors make their recommendations, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Research has shown that performing breast MRI scans during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle minimizes breast tissue enhancement. “In practice, many clinicians scan premenopausal women who lack normal menstrual cycles without regard to the timing of their hormonal cycle,” said Richard L. Ellis, M.D., lead author of the study. “This can result in non-diagnostic exams and repeat scans,” he said.
Using what is already known about the menstrual cycle and its effects upon normal breast tissue, Ellis, a radiologist at the Norma J. Vinger Center for Breast Care in Lacrosse, Wis., reasoned that a simple blood test could be used to optimize the timing of breast MRI exams. Blood tests were used to time exams in 11 women with irregular cycles. “None of the breast MRI scans performed in our small group of women resulted in high background enhancement of normal breast tissue requiring a repeat scan,” said Ellis.
“Appropriate timing of a breast MRI examination for premenopausal women who do not have a normal menstrual cycle is a challenge. However, using existing science, we found that a simple blood test to determine a woman’s serum progesterone concentration can aid in optimal timing of breast MRI. This is significant in an ever-increasing population of women requiring or eligible for breast MRI,” said Ellis.
source: ARRS
Research has shown that performing breast MRI scans during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle minimizes breast tissue enhancement. “In practice, many clinicians scan premenopausal women who lack normal menstrual cycles without regard to the timing of their hormonal cycle,” said Richard L. Ellis, M.D., lead author of the study. “This can result in non-diagnostic exams and repeat scans,” he said.
Using what is already known about the menstrual cycle and its effects upon normal breast tissue, Ellis, a radiologist at the Norma J. Vinger Center for Breast Care in Lacrosse, Wis., reasoned that a simple blood test could be used to optimize the timing of breast MRI exams. Blood tests were used to time exams in 11 women with irregular cycles. “None of the breast MRI scans performed in our small group of women resulted in high background enhancement of normal breast tissue requiring a repeat scan,” said Ellis.
“Appropriate timing of a breast MRI examination for premenopausal women who do not have a normal menstrual cycle is a challenge. However, using existing science, we found that a simple blood test to determine a woman’s serum progesterone concentration can aid in optimal timing of breast MRI. This is significant in an ever-increasing population of women requiring or eligible for breast MRI,” said Ellis.
source: ARRS
11.19.2009
In A Flash: New Flash CT Reduces Radiation Dose By Up To 90%
NYU Langone Medical Center is the first hospital in the Northeast to offer one of the world's fastest and most radiation dose efficient computed tomography (CT) scanner. The Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash can image ten times as fast as other clinical units, with an up to 90% dose reduction in radiation compared to conventional imaging. The scanner's dual source technology allows NYU Langone Medical Center to provide new levels of patient care, especially for trauma, pediatric, cancer and cardiac patients.
"The new CT scanner allows us to produce high quality diagnostic images in the least amount of time and with the least amount of radiation," said Michael Recht, MD, the Louis Marx Professor of Radiology and chair of the Department of Radiology at NYU Langone Medical Center. "NYU Langone Medical Center already offers advanced low-dose technology, but now with Flash CT, we are thrilled to be able to offer our patients some of the most advanced technology in the world, combined with the unmatched expertise of our radiologists."
source: Medical News Today
"The new CT scanner allows us to produce high quality diagnostic images in the least amount of time and with the least amount of radiation," said Michael Recht, MD, the Louis Marx Professor of Radiology and chair of the Department of Radiology at NYU Langone Medical Center. "NYU Langone Medical Center already offers advanced low-dose technology, but now with Flash CT, we are thrilled to be able to offer our patients some of the most advanced technology in the world, combined with the unmatched expertise of our radiologists."
source: Medical News Today
11.14.2009
Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash CT Wins Best New Radiology Device Award
Malvern, Pa., Nov. 13, 2009 – Siemens Heathcare’s SOMATOM Definition Flash CT scanner has recently been honored by AuntMinnie.com with the 2009 “Best New Radiology Device” Minnie Award. Now in its 10th year, the Minnies is an annual event recognizing excellence in radiology and hosted by AuntMinnie.com. Minnies candidates were nominated by AuntMinnie.com members in September. Semifinalists and finalists are then selected through a vote by AuntMinnie’s expert panel of radiology professionals.
With the SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Healthcare introduced a CT scanner that will set new standards regarding speed and dose reduction. This system requires only a fraction of the radiation dose that systems previously required to scan even the tiniest anatomical details faster than ever before. The SOMATOM Definition Flash is a dual-source CT from Siemens, featuring two X-ray tubes that simultaneously revolve around the patient’s body. The fastest scanning speed in CT (i.e., 43 cm/s) and a temporal resolution of 75 ms, enable, for example, complete scans of the entire chest region in just 0.6 seconds. Thus, patients are no longer required to hold their breath during the exam the way they had in the past. It also eliminates the need for sedation in pediatric imaging.
At the same time, the scanner operates at an extremely reduced radiation dose. For example, a spiral heart scan can be performed with less than 1 millisievert (mSv), whereas the average effective dose required for this purpose usually ranges from 8 mSv to 40 mSv.
source: Siemens Healthcare
With the SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Healthcare introduced a CT scanner that will set new standards regarding speed and dose reduction. This system requires only a fraction of the radiation dose that systems previously required to scan even the tiniest anatomical details faster than ever before. The SOMATOM Definition Flash is a dual-source CT from Siemens, featuring two X-ray tubes that simultaneously revolve around the patient’s body. The fastest scanning speed in CT (i.e., 43 cm/s) and a temporal resolution of 75 ms, enable, for example, complete scans of the entire chest region in just 0.6 seconds. Thus, patients are no longer required to hold their breath during the exam the way they had in the past. It also eliminates the need for sedation in pediatric imaging.
At the same time, the scanner operates at an extremely reduced radiation dose. For example, a spiral heart scan can be performed with less than 1 millisievert (mSv), whereas the average effective dose required for this purpose usually ranges from 8 mSv to 40 mSv.
source: Siemens Healthcare
11.13.2009
Cedars-Sinai finds more patients exposed to excess radiation
Nicole Santa Cruz
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center officials said Monday that 260 patients had been exposed to high doses of radiation during CT brain scans during an 18-month period, up from the hospital's original estimate of 206 in September.
A review by the hospital also found that about 20% of the patients received exposure directly to the lenses of their eyes, which puts them at a higher risk for cataracts, said Simi Singer, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles hospital.
Of the newly identified cases, 47 patients had died by the time the hospital began contacting victims -- a reflection, officials said, of their serious illnesses, not the radiation exposure. Seven more patients were identified as a result of the ongoing investigation.
Hospital officials said the lens exposure problem was discovered after a review of patients' scans.
source: LA Times
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center officials said Monday that 260 patients had been exposed to high doses of radiation during CT brain scans during an 18-month period, up from the hospital's original estimate of 206 in September.
A review by the hospital also found that about 20% of the patients received exposure directly to the lenses of their eyes, which puts them at a higher risk for cataracts, said Simi Singer, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles hospital.
Of the newly identified cases, 47 patients had died by the time the hospital began contacting victims -- a reflection, officials said, of their serious illnesses, not the radiation exposure. Seven more patients were identified as a result of the ongoing investigation.
Hospital officials said the lens exposure problem was discovered after a review of patients' scans.
source: LA Times
11.09.2009
Covidien Submits Label Change for Optimark(TM) Contrast Agent
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2009-- Covidien (NYSE:COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that it will voluntarily contraindicate the use of its Optimark™ gadoversetamide injection, a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures involving patients with severe renal impairment. The Company is modifying the product’s label to reflect a contraindication for this small patient population, which constitutes less than 0.5 percent of the U.S. population.
Mallinckrodt Inc., a Covidien company, has submitted this label change to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is implementing the new label in the U.S. effective immediately. The revised label contraindicates the product’s use in patients with acute or chronic severe renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min/1.73m2) or acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to hepato-renal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplant period.
The Company is implementing this label change in all other countries where Optimark contrast agent has been approved for sale, in accordance with local regulatory requirements. Covidien also will update its educational materials to help physicians make informed decisions regarding the appropriate use of this product.
GBCAs are important tools to aid physicians seeking to diagnose and treat patients. In 2008, more than 9.5 million patients in the U.S. were given GBCAs to help improve the diagnostic quality of MRI scans.
When used as directed in appropriately-screened patients, GBCAs have a favorable safety profile, with the majority of any adverse reactions in this class being mild and usually transitory. A possible relationship, however, has been asserted between the use of GBCAs and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with severe renal impairment. This subset of patients can be easily identified by obtaining patient history and/or laboratory tests.
source: Covidien
Mallinckrodt Inc., a Covidien company, has submitted this label change to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is implementing the new label in the U.S. effective immediately. The revised label contraindicates the product’s use in patients with acute or chronic severe renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min/1.73m2) or acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to hepato-renal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplant period.
The Company is implementing this label change in all other countries where Optimark contrast agent has been approved for sale, in accordance with local regulatory requirements. Covidien also will update its educational materials to help physicians make informed decisions regarding the appropriate use of this product.
GBCAs are important tools to aid physicians seeking to diagnose and treat patients. In 2008, more than 9.5 million patients in the U.S. were given GBCAs to help improve the diagnostic quality of MRI scans.
When used as directed in appropriately-screened patients, GBCAs have a favorable safety profile, with the majority of any adverse reactions in this class being mild and usually transitory. A possible relationship, however, has been asserted between the use of GBCAs and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with severe renal impairment. This subset of patients can be easily identified by obtaining patient history and/or laboratory tests.
source: Covidien
11.08.2009
PET Imaging Response A Prognostic Factor After Thoracic Radiation Therapy For Lung Cancer
ScienceDaily (Nov. 6, 2009) — A rapid decline in metabolic activity on a PET scan after radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer is correlated with good local tumor control, according to a study presented by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital at the 51st ASTRO Annual Meeting.
In addition, the researchers also found that the higher the metabolic activity and tumor size on a PET scan before treatment, the more likely a patient is to die from lung cancer.
"PET scanning is an emerging tool of molecular imaging in lung cancer, in contrast to CT scans and MRI scans which are anatomic imaging," said Maria Werner-Wasik, associate professor of Radiation Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, and the study's lead author. "It has become an important tool in the evaluation of lung cancer staging and evaluation of treatment response."
source: Science Daily (release)
In addition, the researchers also found that the higher the metabolic activity and tumor size on a PET scan before treatment, the more likely a patient is to die from lung cancer.
"PET scanning is an emerging tool of molecular imaging in lung cancer, in contrast to CT scans and MRI scans which are anatomic imaging," said Maria Werner-Wasik, associate professor of Radiation Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, and the study's lead author. "It has become an important tool in the evaluation of lung cancer staging and evaluation of treatment response."
source: Science Daily (release)
11.05.2009
Merge Healthcare Continues to Advance MRI by Supporting Excellence in Education at RSNA 2009
Milwaukee, WI, November 5, 2009 – As a part of its commitment to MRI education, Merge Healthcare (NASDAQ: MRGE), a health IT solutions leader, will be supporting broad-based MRI workshops at RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) 2009. Merge will host 13 CADstream® MRI-CAD hands-on workshops at this year’s annual meeting. Workshops will teach RSNA registrants the principles of interpretation and interventional planning in breast MRI, and interpretation of prostate and liver MRI studies. Additionally, Merge will showcase the CADstream liver application, the first MRI-CAD for liver.
Over 300 RSNA registrants are scheduled to attend CADstream MRI-CAD hands-on workshops. Although the workshops are currently sold out through RSNA, a limited number of tickets are available through www.merge.com/CAD. Workshop faculty includes Jeffrey Maki, MD, PhD, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Joy Darrah, MD, First Hill Diagnostic Imaging, Seattle, WA; Ian Gardiner, MD, Canada Diagnostic Center, Vancouver, BC; Daniel Margolis, MD, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA and David Russell, MD, Inland Imaging, Spokane, WA.
“We are thrilled to have such a strong response to our educational sessions at RSNA,” says Paul Budak, President, Merge CAD. “CADstream is a dedicated MRI-CAD system designed to dramatically improve workflow by automating the analysis, reporting and monitoring of studies. Thousands of clinicians worldwide use CADstream for breast and prostate analysis. Our commitment to training sessions like these helps further adoption, as well as educates radiologists on new applications like liver.”
source: Merge Healthcare
Over 300 RSNA registrants are scheduled to attend CADstream MRI-CAD hands-on workshops. Although the workshops are currently sold out through RSNA, a limited number of tickets are available through www.merge.com/CAD. Workshop faculty includes Jeffrey Maki, MD, PhD, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Joy Darrah, MD, First Hill Diagnostic Imaging, Seattle, WA; Ian Gardiner, MD, Canada Diagnostic Center, Vancouver, BC; Daniel Margolis, MD, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA and David Russell, MD, Inland Imaging, Spokane, WA.
“We are thrilled to have such a strong response to our educational sessions at RSNA,” says Paul Budak, President, Merge CAD. “CADstream is a dedicated MRI-CAD system designed to dramatically improve workflow by automating the analysis, reporting and monitoring of studies. Thousands of clinicians worldwide use CADstream for breast and prostate analysis. Our commitment to training sessions like these helps further adoption, as well as educates radiologists on new applications like liver.”
source: Merge Healthcare
11.02.2009
Unlocking Mysteries of the Brain with PET
Reston, Va.—Inflammatory response of brain cells—as indicated by a molecular imaging technique—could tell researchers more about why certain neurologic disorders, such as migraine headaches and psychosis in schizophrenic patients, occur and provide insight into how to best treat them, according to two studies published in the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
By using positron emission tomography (PET)—a noninvasive molecular imaging technique—researchers were to able to identify neuroinflammation, which is marked by activated microglia cells (brain cells that are responsive to injury or infection of brain tissue) in patients with schizophrenia and in animal models with migraines. Although neuroinflammation has been shown to play a major role in many neurodegenerative disorders––such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease––only limited data exists about the role of neuroinflammation in schizophrenia and migraines. The two studies in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine are the first to identify neuroinflammation in specific regions of the brain—a development which could be used to effectively evaluate the treatment response to anti-inflammatory drugs and become transformative for diagnosis and care.
“This study shows that molecular imaging can play an important role in better understanding the processes involving psychiatric and other neurological disorders,” said Janine Doorduin, M.Sc., a researcher at the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands and lead author of “Neuroinflammation in Schizophrenia-Related Psychosis: A PET Study.” Doorduin added: “Without molecular imaging, the only way to look at inflammation in the brain, as well as other molecular processes, would be to use post-mortem brains.”
source: Society of Nuclear Medicine
By using positron emission tomography (PET)—a noninvasive molecular imaging technique—researchers were to able to identify neuroinflammation, which is marked by activated microglia cells (brain cells that are responsive to injury or infection of brain tissue) in patients with schizophrenia and in animal models with migraines. Although neuroinflammation has been shown to play a major role in many neurodegenerative disorders––such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease––only limited data exists about the role of neuroinflammation in schizophrenia and migraines. The two studies in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine are the first to identify neuroinflammation in specific regions of the brain—a development which could be used to effectively evaluate the treatment response to anti-inflammatory drugs and become transformative for diagnosis and care.
“This study shows that molecular imaging can play an important role in better understanding the processes involving psychiatric and other neurological disorders,” said Janine Doorduin, M.Sc., a researcher at the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands and lead author of “Neuroinflammation in Schizophrenia-Related Psychosis: A PET Study.” Doorduin added: “Without molecular imaging, the only way to look at inflammation in the brain, as well as other molecular processes, would be to use post-mortem brains.”
source: Society of Nuclear Medicine
10.30.2009
Philips led HYPERImage project advances research on hybrid PET/MR scanner
Orlando, USA – As leader of the European Union funded HYPERImage research project, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced that the project has achieved a major milestone in its ambitious plan to create a new medical imaging technique called hybrid PET/MR. This new technique is based on the simultaneous acquisition of time-of-flight Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) images.
The project involves eight partners from six European countries and has a total budget of around EUR 7 million. The ultimate goals of the project are to advance the accuracy of diagnostic imaging in cardiology and oncology and open up new fields in therapy planning, guidance and response monitoring.
A hybrid PET/MR scanner could simultaneously deliver the anatomical and functional information achievable using state-of-the-art MR scanners (e.g. soft tissue contrast and physiological processes in blood vessels) and the molecular imaging information provided by PET. As a result, it would combine the best of both worlds, which could ultimately help to pinpoint and characterize disease sites within the body more accurately than is currently possible.
source: Philips Medical
The project involves eight partners from six European countries and has a total budget of around EUR 7 million. The ultimate goals of the project are to advance the accuracy of diagnostic imaging in cardiology and oncology and open up new fields in therapy planning, guidance and response monitoring.
A hybrid PET/MR scanner could simultaneously deliver the anatomical and functional information achievable using state-of-the-art MR scanners (e.g. soft tissue contrast and physiological processes in blood vessels) and the molecular imaging information provided by PET. As a result, it would combine the best of both worlds, which could ultimately help to pinpoint and characterize disease sites within the body more accurately than is currently possible.
source: Philips Medical
10.28.2009
Siemens Powerful Biograph mCT PET•CT System Offers Advanced Tumor Detection and Workflow Solutions
Barcelona, Spain, October 13, 2009 – Siemens Healthcare reported today at the annual meeting of the European Association of Nuclear medicine (EANM) in Barcelona, Spain, that leading hospitals in England, France, Germany and Monaco have shown strong interest and adoption of the Biograph mCT, the worlds first molecular CT, to fuel advanced diagnostic capabilities and to drive greater workflow efficiencies.
The Biograph mCT combines the abilities of a high-resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) system with those of a premium diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) system. This unique combination of technologies results in improved image quality reduced scan times and increased patient comfort.
First introduced at EANM in 2008, the Biograph mCT has achieved widespread global adoption due to its game-changing features and benefits. A uniform 2mm image resolution throughout the entire field of view can significantly improve image quality and offer clinicians increased confidence in diagnosis. The ability for five-minute, whole-body PET scanning, combined with a large bore and short tunnel, offers a more flexible solution for demanding workflows, as well as a more comfortable environment for the patient.
The Biograph mCT is unique in that it can serve as a PET•CT system for molecular imaging, and at the same time, it is powerful enough to serve as a dedicated CT. Among the first to work with the new system is Dr. Andreas Bockisch, director of the Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Clinic in Essen, Germany, and president of the German Society for Nuclear Medicine.
source: Siemens Medical
The Biograph mCT combines the abilities of a high-resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) system with those of a premium diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) system. This unique combination of technologies results in improved image quality reduced scan times and increased patient comfort.
First introduced at EANM in 2008, the Biograph mCT has achieved widespread global adoption due to its game-changing features and benefits. A uniform 2mm image resolution throughout the entire field of view can significantly improve image quality and offer clinicians increased confidence in diagnosis. The ability for five-minute, whole-body PET scanning, combined with a large bore and short tunnel, offers a more flexible solution for demanding workflows, as well as a more comfortable environment for the patient.
The Biograph mCT is unique in that it can serve as a PET•CT system for molecular imaging, and at the same time, it is powerful enough to serve as a dedicated CT. Among the first to work with the new system is Dr. Andreas Bockisch, director of the Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Clinic in Essen, Germany, and president of the German Society for Nuclear Medicine.
source: Siemens Medical
10.27.2009
The Montreal Children’s Hospital unveils cutting edge intraoperative MRI
Montreal – October 26, 2009: On any ordinary day, six year old Emilie Gagnon gets up and heads off to grade one at her elementary school in Beauce. But October 19 was no ordinary day. Instead of taking the bus to school Emilie was wheeled in to a new operating room at The Montreal Children’s Hospital where she underwent brain surgery.
Emilie suffers from epilepsy caused by a tumour located on her occipital lobe, the rear most portion of the brain which houses the visual cortex, the part of the brain that interprets what our eyes see. Emilie’s tumour was the size of a large egg. The roots of the tumour penetrated deep into her brain. These roots bear a striking resemblance to grey matter making it difficult for surgeons to detect the direction they are growing and where they end.
Emilie was the first child to undergo brain surgery in The Montreal Children’s Hospital of the MUHC’s new Pediatric Interventional Brain Suite, home to the first intraoperative magnetic resonance (MRI) in a Canadian pediatric hospital.
"We're incredibly pleased to be the first pediatric hospital in the country to able to offer our patients the benefit of this remarkable new technology," says Dr. Harvey Guyda, Associate Executive Director of The Montreal Children's Hospital. "Equipment like this is helping us transform how we care for our patients-- a transformation that will take another major step forward when shovels hit the ground later this year for the new Montreal Children's Hospital at the Glen Campus."
This new technology gives the three neurosurgeons at The Montreal Children’s Hospital unprecedented views of the brain before and during surgery thus improving the accuracy of procedures.
“The new intraoperative MRI gives us a tremendous advantage as we navigate through the brain to remove tumours,” says Dr. Jean-Pierre Farmer, Chief-of-surgery and a member of the neurosurgery team.
source: Montreal Childrens Hospital
Emilie suffers from epilepsy caused by a tumour located on her occipital lobe, the rear most portion of the brain which houses the visual cortex, the part of the brain that interprets what our eyes see. Emilie’s tumour was the size of a large egg. The roots of the tumour penetrated deep into her brain. These roots bear a striking resemblance to grey matter making it difficult for surgeons to detect the direction they are growing and where they end.
Emilie was the first child to undergo brain surgery in The Montreal Children’s Hospital of the MUHC’s new Pediatric Interventional Brain Suite, home to the first intraoperative magnetic resonance (MRI) in a Canadian pediatric hospital.
"We're incredibly pleased to be the first pediatric hospital in the country to able to offer our patients the benefit of this remarkable new technology," says Dr. Harvey Guyda, Associate Executive Director of The Montreal Children's Hospital. "Equipment like this is helping us transform how we care for our patients-- a transformation that will take another major step forward when shovels hit the ground later this year for the new Montreal Children's Hospital at the Glen Campus."
This new technology gives the three neurosurgeons at The Montreal Children’s Hospital unprecedented views of the brain before and during surgery thus improving the accuracy of procedures.
“The new intraoperative MRI gives us a tremendous advantage as we navigate through the brain to remove tumours,” says Dr. Jean-Pierre Farmer, Chief-of-surgery and a member of the neurosurgery team.
source: Montreal Childrens Hospital
10.22.2009
GE Healthcare to Purchase Assets of ONI Medical Systems, Inc., Provider of World’s Only High-Field Dedicated Extremity MRI Scanners
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Healthcare, the US$ 17 billion healthcare business of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase certain assets of ONI Medical Systems, Inc., a privately held company headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA. In line with GE’s healthymagination vision, ONI’s innovative products will expand GE Healthcare’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capabilities, offering healthcare professionals a broader range of MRI products to enable more cost-effective imaging procedures in a variety of patient care settings. Financial terms were not disclosed.
ONI Medical Systems is a provider of high performance, low-cost, dedicated purpose MRI systems. This includes the MSK ExtremeTM 1.0T and the MSK ExtremeTM 1.5T, the world’s only compact designed, high-field, truly open configuration extremity MRI systems available in the medical marketplace. ONI’s scanners are designed specifically for imaging of the extremities - only the joint being imaged is inside of the scanner. ONI’s products also have a small footprint for convenient siting in limited spaces and premium image quality, allowing clinicians’ the same diagnostic confidence for extremity imaging at a lower cost when compared to a whole body MRI unit.
“One of the cornerstones of GE’s healthymagination vision is to develop and invest in technologies that increase quality, improve access and decrease costs. In line with this vision, the addition of ONI’s products enhances our Magnetic Resonance business. It gives us an opportunity to explore technologies that will increase patient access for claustrophobic patients, products with a smaller footprint and premium image quality, and specialty systems that provide advanced, cost-effective MR patient imaging,” said Jim Davis, vice president and general manager of GE Healthcare’s global MR business.
Both MSK ExtremeTM 1.0T and MSK ExtremeTM 1.5T scanners are applicable to healthcare providers in hospitals, imaging centers and orthopedic/sports medicine practices where there is a need for an anatomy-specific MRI system that provides a quiet, comfortable, non-claustrophobic experience for patients. The current installed base of these two products is more than 175 units worldwide, including some of the top academic hospitals in the world.
source: GE News
ONI Medical Systems is a provider of high performance, low-cost, dedicated purpose MRI systems. This includes the MSK ExtremeTM 1.0T and the MSK ExtremeTM 1.5T, the world’s only compact designed, high-field, truly open configuration extremity MRI systems available in the medical marketplace. ONI’s scanners are designed specifically for imaging of the extremities - only the joint being imaged is inside of the scanner. ONI’s products also have a small footprint for convenient siting in limited spaces and premium image quality, allowing clinicians’ the same diagnostic confidence for extremity imaging at a lower cost when compared to a whole body MRI unit.
“One of the cornerstones of GE’s healthymagination vision is to develop and invest in technologies that increase quality, improve access and decrease costs. In line with this vision, the addition of ONI’s products enhances our Magnetic Resonance business. It gives us an opportunity to explore technologies that will increase patient access for claustrophobic patients, products with a smaller footprint and premium image quality, and specialty systems that provide advanced, cost-effective MR patient imaging,” said Jim Davis, vice president and general manager of GE Healthcare’s global MR business.
Both MSK ExtremeTM 1.0T and MSK ExtremeTM 1.5T scanners are applicable to healthcare providers in hospitals, imaging centers and orthopedic/sports medicine practices where there is a need for an anatomy-specific MRI system that provides a quiet, comfortable, non-claustrophobic experience for patients. The current installed base of these two products is more than 175 units worldwide, including some of the top academic hospitals in the world.
source: GE News
10.21.2009
Lung Scintigraphy More Reliable Than CTA in Excluding Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnant Patients
A medical imaging procedure known as lung scintigraphy may be more reliable than pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) for identifying or excluding pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant patients, according to a study published in the November issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.
PE, a blood clot lodged in an artery supplying the lungs, is the leading cause of maternal death in pregnancy. CTA is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of PE, however lung scintigraphy, a form of radionuclide imaging that produces two-dimensional images, has shown to produce better diagnostic quality images more often than CTA in pregnant patients.
“Our study analyzed 28 CTA studies and 25 lung scintigraphy studies performed on a group of 50 patients,” said Carole A. Ridge, M.D., lead author of the study. “The results showed that lung scintigraphy is more reliable than CTA for the diagnosis of PE. Only one out of 25 lung scintigraphic studies was inadequate for diagnosis; compared to ten out of 28 CTA examinations that were found to be inadequate for diagnosis,” she said. Examinations were considered inadequate when poor image quality prohibited a diagnosis.
source: ARRS
PE, a blood clot lodged in an artery supplying the lungs, is the leading cause of maternal death in pregnancy. CTA is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of PE, however lung scintigraphy, a form of radionuclide imaging that produces two-dimensional images, has shown to produce better diagnostic quality images more often than CTA in pregnant patients.
“Our study analyzed 28 CTA studies and 25 lung scintigraphy studies performed on a group of 50 patients,” said Carole A. Ridge, M.D., lead author of the study. “The results showed that lung scintigraphy is more reliable than CTA for the diagnosis of PE. Only one out of 25 lung scintigraphic studies was inadequate for diagnosis; compared to ten out of 28 CTA examinations that were found to be inadequate for diagnosis,” she said. Examinations were considered inadequate when poor image quality prohibited a diagnosis.
source: ARRS
10.20.2009
Repligen Announces Completion of Patient Treatment in Phase 3 Clinical Trial of RG1068 in MRI Imaging of the Pancreas
WALTHAM, MA - October 19, 2009 - Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ: RGEN) reported today that it has completed patient treatment in its Phase 3 clinical trial of RG1068, synthetic human secretin, in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pancreas. The study is designed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of RG1068 in conjunction with MRI for the detection of pancreatic duct abnormalities compared to MRI alone. Additional assessments include safety, physician confidence in the identification of structural abnormalities, the number of pancreatic duct segments visualized and the improvement in the quality of the MRI images. The study enrolled 258 patients at 23 clinical sites within the U.S. and Canada. Detailed visual assessment of the pancreatic ducts is important in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Structural abnormalities of the pancreatic ducts were assessed by RG1068 used in conjunction with MRI and independently by endoscopy, a commonly used invasive procedure. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with the RG1068/MRI procedure compared to 68 patients with an SAE associated with endoscopy. The most commonly reported SAE following endoscopy was acute pancreatitis requiring hospitalization.
source: Repligen Corporation
Structural abnormalities of the pancreatic ducts were assessed by RG1068 used in conjunction with MRI and independently by endoscopy, a commonly used invasive procedure. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with the RG1068/MRI procedure compared to 68 patients with an SAE associated with endoscopy. The most commonly reported SAE following endoscopy was acute pancreatitis requiring hospitalization.
source: Repligen Corporation
10.17.2009
CT Scans Show Patients With Severe Cases of H1N1 Are at Risk for Developing Acute Pulmonary Emboli
Researchers utilizing computed tomography (CT) scans have found that patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications, including pulmonary emboli (PE), according to a study to be published online Oct. 14, 2009, in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The study will be published in the December issue of the AJR.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked. The condition can be life-threatening. However, if treated aggressively, anti-coagulants (blood thinners) can reduce the risk of death.
The study, performed at the University of Michigan Health Service, included 66 patients diagnosed with the H1N1 flu. Two study groups were formed. Group one consisted of 14 patients who were severely ill and required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Group two consisted of 52 patients who were not severely ill and did not require ICU admission.
All 66 patients underwent chest X-rays for the detection of H1N1 abnormalities. Ten patients from the ICU group and five patients from the largely outpatient group, underwent CT scans. “Pulmonary Emboli were seen on CT in five of 14 ICU patients,” said Prachi P. Agarwal, M.D., lead author of the study.
“Our study suggests that patients who are severely ill with H1N1 are also at risk for developing PE, which should be carefully sought for on contrast-enhanced CT scans,” she said.
source: ARRS
A pulmonary embolism occurs when one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked. The condition can be life-threatening. However, if treated aggressively, anti-coagulants (blood thinners) can reduce the risk of death.
The study, performed at the University of Michigan Health Service, included 66 patients diagnosed with the H1N1 flu. Two study groups were formed. Group one consisted of 14 patients who were severely ill and required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Group two consisted of 52 patients who were not severely ill and did not require ICU admission.
All 66 patients underwent chest X-rays for the detection of H1N1 abnormalities. Ten patients from the ICU group and five patients from the largely outpatient group, underwent CT scans. “Pulmonary Emboli were seen on CT in five of 14 ICU patients,” said Prachi P. Agarwal, M.D., lead author of the study.
“Our study suggests that patients who are severely ill with H1N1 are also at risk for developing PE, which should be carefully sought for on contrast-enhanced CT scans,” she said.
source: ARRS
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