Diagnostic Reading #37: Five “Must Read” Articles on Medical Imaging

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In the news: capturing images of cells at work inside our lungs.

This week’s articles in Diagnostic Reading include radiology research funding surges; how to capture ‘real-time’ immune cell images; radiation-absorbing pad greatly reduces exposure; focused ultrasound helps cancer patients; and a clinical comparison of modalities for diagnosing foot and ankle injuries.

Radiology funding swells over two decades – Diagnostic Imaging

Almost half of radiology research published in major journals now have declared funding, a significant leap since 2001, according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The majority of the funding was from public sources; most funded studies secured financial backing from federal sponsors or non-profit organizations, and fewer received support from private industry, stated the lead study author. The team also discovered that studies published in the journal Radiology were significantly more likely to received funding.

Capturing images of cells at work inside our lungs – Axis Imaging News

Scientists have discovered how to capture “live” images of immune cells inside the lungs. The group is the first in the world to find a way to record, in real time, how the immune system battles bacteria impacting the alveoli (air sacs). The discovery already provides new insights about the immune systems’ cleaners, called alveolar macrophages. “We know when someone is battling a serious infection, especially a respiratory virus like flu or COVID-19, they often develop a secondary infection which can lead to death. With this new imaging technique, we were able to see what’s happening with the macrophages during this process,” said a researcher.

Reusable radiation-absorbing pad slashes exposure  – Health Imaging

Adding a reusable radiation-absorbing pad to interventional radiologists’ standard protection equipment can significantly reduce dose exposure, according to research in the European Journal of Radiology. When experts tested the tool in simulated clinical angiography scenarios, the pad reduced up to 80% of radiation exposure, particularly in upper body parts such as the lungs and brain. Along with conventional equipment such as aprons, collars, shields and caps, reusable pads should be commonplace for these medical staffers, the authors stated.

High-intensity focused ultrasound helps avoid radical prostate treatment – Radiology Business

Utilizing high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation helps the majority of prostate cancer patients avoid radical treatments such as radiation and surgery, according to a recently published article in the Journal of Urology. Such radical interventions are standard for patients with the disease, but they can often result in severe side effects. Focused ultrasound offers an alternative, allowing providers to target the prostate, raising the temperature to destroy cancerous tissue in the organ.

Why weight-bearing CT for orthopaedic diagnosis? – Everything Rad

The choice of imaging modality to diagnose disorders of the foot and ankle depends on several factors including reliability, safety, cost, and imaging quality. In his blog, Jarrett D. Cain, DPM, MSc., FACFAS, does a clinical comparison of modalities.

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