Radiologist India

CAD and mammography

2008-01-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

CAD has earlier not been accepted by radologists and clinicians because radiologists have been able to identify abnormalities better than the computer. However, now this CAD system has evolved enough to be completely reproducible. Readb all about it at http://www.auntminnie.com/print/print.asp?sec=sup&sub=wom&pag=dis&ItemId=79567&printpage=true

MDCT for acute appendicitis

2008-01-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

Read this article for complete details on how to evaluate CT images for an accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568225_print

Imaging of diabetic patients

2008-01-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

REad this article about imaging of diabetic patients at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/567636_print

Breast Lympoma

2007-11-16T07:44:00.000-08:00

An article to describe the Imaging findings in breast lymphoma with inputs on XRay mammography, USG, MR and Pet CT. Read it at http://http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/245/3/692

CT Enteroclysis-- how to do it

2007-11-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

Read this very lucid article on CT enteroclysis using negative and positive oral contrast material. It's in the recent edition of Radiology-- full text can be viewed at IRIA HQ. The abstract is available at http://http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/245/3/661?etoc

Imaging & Pathology of Accessory Ossicles and Sesamoid Bones

2007-11-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

A lot of us may have forgotten all about accesory ossicles and sesamoid bones. here's a refresher course from Applied Radiology. Read the article at http://http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/564711

64 slice CTA in diagnosis of acute chest pain

2007-11-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

Read this article on d/d of acute chest pain . Read it at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551970_print

UAE for symptomatic adenomyosis

2007-11-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Read this state-of-the-art article on uterine artery embolization for symptomatic adenomyosis. Read all of it from the AJR at http://http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551971_print

From the streets of Italy to Nobel Prize

2007-11-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

Read this inspiring article about Mario Carpecchi's journey from the streets of Italy to win the Nobel prize for Medicine. Read it all at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/564215_print

Stroke Imaging

2007-08-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

This is cutting edge stuff on the use of modern imaging techniques in stroke. Check it out at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/560812_print

Alzheimer's Disease-- new diagnostic criteria

2007-07-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Check out this article if you are intersted in early diagnosis of AD. See it at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/559761?src=mp

Balo's concentric sclerosis

2007-07-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

A good descriptive case with pointers on how to distinguish it from MS. See it on: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/558577?src=mp

MRI contrast safety issues

2007-06-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

After 17 years and millions of patients being administered IV MR contrast the US FDA has issued a stern black-box warning on the contrast agents warning about the possible potential danger of developing NSF in renal compromised patients. Is this justified? Dr. Semelka writes a good critique of the situation at http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/6746_pnt

Medical radiation Exposure management

2007-06-05T01:24:00.000-07:00

Check out this article on managing patients who have had multiple diagnostic tests involving ionizing radiation on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/555093_print

Radiologist India: Musings on Cancer

2007-04-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

Radiologist India: Musings on Cancer
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/553795?src=sr

Musings on Cancer

2007-04-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

When somebody as evocative as Robert Chevrier of Medscape writes about dealing with dreaded cancer, the result brings tears to your eyes-- a poignant moment for Medscape. Please read this article- it may change your approach to cancer patients. read it at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/553795?src=sr

Mammography MR vs X-ray

2007-04-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

Read tis excelent review advocating the use of X-Ray mammography over MRI and the situations where the reverse is warranted. This review is by Dr. Subhash Ramani, Addl. Prof. of Radiology at Tata Memorial Hospital.

Read on:-

Hi Folks,

I have been reading the recent reports on Breast MRI better etc, etc in News paper to which I have send an appropriate letter!

I recently came across the write up in - Inner Spaces.

I would like to put things in correct perspective:

The American Cancer Society guidelines Published in the March/April 2007 available at CA: A Cancer Journal of Clinicians specifies that breast MRI screening should only be used with certain groups of high-risk women, such as BRCA mutation carriers and those with a family history of breast cancer. The guidelines do not recommend MR for women at average risk, those with very dense breasts, or those who already have had breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The ACS Breast Cancer Advisory Group said there is not enough evidence to support MR in this population because of the modality's tendency toward false-positive results.

The ACS also says that breast MRI should be used with conventional mammography as part of an annual screening regimen in certain groups of women. The other article published in the New England Journal of Medicine March 29, found that breast MRI had good sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value, and in some cases detected contra lateral breast cancer that was missed with mammography and clinical examination. In a related editorial, Dr. Robert A. Smith, from the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, comments that it may be argued that the added sensitivity of MRI of the contra lateral breast comes at high cost in terms of false-positive results and over diagnosis.

There is no organized breast cancer screening program in India . Screening mammography needs extensive quality assurance and controls at various levels, which is lacking in India. It is only since the last few years that AERB(India) has made it mandatory to have all mammography units to be prototype approved!

None of the professional organizations that advocate Screening mammography support sonography for screening like American College of Radiology, & FDA.

There are anecdotal reports of breast sonography picking up additional cancers not detected by mammography, and such statements/ claims about the effectiveness of breast sonography - breast screening - are not supported by the medical literature. While anecdotal evidence supports the effectiveness of finding additional cancers by breast sonography, clinical studies have failed to support such claims!

All alternative breast imaging modalities are insufficient for detecting cancer and are not a viable replacement for biopsy, according to a report(2006)released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). AHRQ is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Each of the four (non invasive) tests -- magnetic resonance imaging, ultra sonography, PET, and scinti mammography -- would miss a significant number of cases of cancer, for women who receive abnormal findings from a mammogram or physical exam.

All four tests would miss between 4% to 9% of cancers among women with an abnormal mammogram & biopsy remained the most effective technique for revealing any potential for cancer.

Regards

--
Dr Subhash K Ramani.
Additional Professor & Asst Radiologist.
(Resource Person Mammography)
Tata Memorial Hospital.
Dr E Borges Raod, Parel,
Mumbai 400012.India.
Tel: 24171761(Off).
Fax: 009122-24146937

CAD in Computed Mamography

2007-04-05T22:44:00.001-07:00

The use of computer aided detection software in interpretation of computed mammograms has received a body-blow from a study in the prestigious NEJM which points out the decreased sensitivity and large number of false positives using CAD. Read all about this on http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=adv&Pag=dis&ItemId=75304&wf=1798&d=1

CAD in Computed Mamography

2007-04-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

Restricting screening breast mammograms

2007-04-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

The American college of Physicians has recommended a case by case approach to screening mammography examination for women in their 40's. Read all about it on http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=wom&Pag=dis&ItemId=75260&wf=1792

MRI contrast and NSF

2007-03-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest literature on nephrogenic systemic fibrosis folowing MR contrast media administration. A review presented by Aunt Minnie at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=mri&Pag=dis&ItemId=75171&wf=1754

CT assessment of myocardial viability

2007-03-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Myocardial viability after MI may be best assessed by 64-slice CT-- the authors used CT done 24 minutes after CCTA to assess hyperenhancement of the myocardium and assess myocardial viability. Read it all on http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=mri&Pag=dis&ItemId=75049&wf=1737

Also read how 1.5T and 3T MRI are equivalent for assessing myocardial viability-- read about it on http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=car&Pag=dis&ItemId=75042&wf=1737

Biological hazards of Radiation revisited

2007-03-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Another CME summarizing and making sense of all the hoopla over radiation hazards from diagnostic ionizing radation. Read all about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/5063

Prenatal screening for Down's syndrome

2007-02-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

New guidelines for pre-natal screening for Down's syndrome recommend screening of all patient's for Down's syndrome-- this was earlier restricted by gynaecologists to only those mothers conceiving after the age of 35 years. Read about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/550256?sssdmh=dm1.245214&src=top10#

Non-invasive accurate diagnosis in Alzheimer's disease

2007-02-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

FDNNP-PET, FDG PET and MRI have shown that FDNNP PEt is the most accurate for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, binding to plaques and tangles. This is one of the most significant breakthroughs in neuro-imaging, because it enables us to evaluate AD non-invasively, whereas a confirmed diagnosis was earlier possible only using MRI as a screening tool with biopsy confirmation. Read all about it at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/549894?sssdmh=dm1.245214&src=top10#

Doppler in erectile dysfunction

2007-01-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

A long hard look at doppler evaluation in erectile dysfunction from the Journal of Impotence research-- state-of-the art stuff here, very good overview. Check it out on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/550323_print and http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/550324_print

Nephropathic effects of Gadolinium

2007-01-11T02:57:00.000-08:00

Bad news for those who thought CEMRI and MRA was safe in patients with renal failure. Gadolinium was found to be associated with patients developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis/nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NSF/NFD). Check out the details on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/550122?src=mp

The CT vs MR debate, advice for residents

2006-12-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

An interview with Dr. Semelka on the relative merits & demerits of CTVersus MRI-- one of the top articles of 2006. Check it out at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/530585?sssdmh=dm1.235597&src=top10#

Some interesting ultrasound cases

2006-12-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

For those with an interst in fetal diagnostic ultrasound here's a site with some interesting cases posted by many Indian Radiologists. http://drjoea.googlepages.com/obstetric-2

Fast ripples as epilepsy biomarker

2006-12-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

Read about this novel diagnostic technique-- a combination of fMRI and MEG that promises to be an accurate biomarker for epilepsy patients. Read about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/549299?src=mp

MR mammography in tumor recurrence

2006-12-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

MR mammography is being developed as a technique for evaluation of breast tumor recurrence. Read the latest about the technique on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/548273_print

CCTA unplugged

2006-12-18T22:13:00.000-08:00

A few words of caution for those who use advanced 3D and volume rendered images to report CT coronary angiogram images. You are advised to see the raw data to get the whole picture. Check it out on http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=car&Pag=dis&ItemId=74027&wf=1533&d=1

256 slice Coronary CT angiography

2006-12-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

So you thought R & D slept after development of the 5 beat 64 slice CT scanner. Wrong. The images from a 256 slice CT scanner are now being evaluated at Japan. The scanner acquires in a single heartbeat and does not require ECG gating. Take a look at the new revolution in CCTA at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=cto&Pag=dis&ItemId=73904&wf=1513

fMRI in conversion disorder

2006-12-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

fMRI was performed in women with hysteria (conversion disorder) with sensory impairment in a limb. fMRI showed absence of activity in sensory cortex area and high-lighting of the functional area controlling emotions. http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=mri&Pag=dis&ItemId=73950&wf=1520

Over-diagnosis of Lung Ca

2006-12-15T21:52:00.000-08:00

An introspective study which shows that 27% of lung tumours reported on screening CT's are over-diagnosed especially in women and the inter-observer variability in interpretation of these scans. Read all about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/548682

Call to serve where required

2006-12-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

This is a very poignant appeal to physicians to serve at least short term assignments in under-priviledged areas. This should be a wake-up call for our fraternity in India who should also be encouraged to serve in Rural areas where their services are required and much in need. Read this appeal at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/547955?src=mp

MRSI of Prostate

2006-12-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

Disappointing news for companies promoting MR spectroscopy of the prostate. In the largest multi-center trial on this topic presented at the RSNA 2006, results have shown no incremental benefit from MR Spectroscopy in detection or management of peripheral zone prostatic Ca. Tough luck for all those chaps who shelled out mega-bucks to purchase the endorectal coil and MRSI software for prostatic imaging. Read all about it at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/548599

The last hours of life

2006-12-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

Medscape brings us a much acclaimed CME for clinicians on how to tackle the terminally ill patient. It is the best training for clinicians and should give our Radiology colleagues also an insight into how complicated the management of the terminally ill patient can be. If you are looking after your terminally ill parents or significant other this article is a must-read: http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/5808_pnt

MR safety

2006-12-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

Another great safety article on the MRI suite and how to provide centralised source of medical gases in order to prevent anesthesis related complications. Read all about it on: http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=imc&Pag=dis&ItemId=73984&wf=1527

MRS after brain training

2006-12-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

Irish researchers used MR spectroscopy to document the effects of a memory enhancement exercise in a population of senior citizens ... with some surprising results. Catch the excitement on Aunt Minnie TV at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?sec=amtv&sub=29&ItemID=74014&wf=1531&d=1

MRI in Multiple sclerosis

2006-12-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

The most comprehensive article to date on the role of MRI in multiple sclerosis is available at medscape. Catch the latest on http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/6184_pnt

Meet the Robot Doctor

2006-10-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Dr. Aleksandr Kavokin is a moctor from Russia who has developed a computer programme using artificaial intelligence techniques to help diagnose disease from a remote location. He is also into blogging and runs some interesting sites. Meet him at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/545042?src=mp

MDCT-timing is vital

2006-09-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Read this study by Stanford University on how to achieve optimal contrast visualization by slowing down speed of acquisition of MDCT scans so that we don't out pace the contrast bolus on 16/64 slice CT scanners. Read all about it on http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=cto&Pag=dis&ItemId=72560&wf=1284

Eggplant as a low cost breast phantom

2006-09-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

So you thought you could only eat eggplant. Here's a group that has turned it into a low cost breast phantom to train residents for breast biopsy. I don't know if this will whet the residents' appetite for eggplant in the future. Check this out at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=res&Pag=dis&ItemId=72435&wf=1243

Knee MRI

2006-09-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

The definitive guide to knee MRI, check it out at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=mri&Pag=dis&ItemId=72269&wf=1218

Alzheimer's disease

2006-09-08T23:58:00.000-07:00

Read the latest on Alzheimer's disease, including imaging using a PET radio-ligand (PIB) and CSF bio-markers. Check this out on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543817_1

Pancreatic imaging-recent advances

2006-09-08T23:47:00.000-07:00

Read this detailed article on the use of advanced imaging technology for pancreatic disease. This includes the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT), contrast enhanced ultrasound, MDCT and MR spectroscopy in advanced evaluation of pancreatic disease. Check it out on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543067?src=mp

Stem Cell Research

2006-08-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

The latest in stem cell research talks about removing the blastomere, 2 days after IVF, so that killing of embryo does not take place. Read the New York Times article on http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/science/24stem.html?th&emc=th

Brain tumors and difusion tensor imaging

2006-08-22T23:09:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest concepts in delineation of spread of gliomas in the article : "Gliomas: Histopathologic Evaluation of Changes in Directionality and Magnitude of Water Diffusion at Diffusion-Tensor MR Imaging" by Andreas Stadlbauer et al in the latest edition of Radiology 2006;240 803-810, also available online at: http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/240/3/803?etoc
The article describes how fractional anisotropy is better than mean diffusivity for assessment and delineation of different degrees of pathologic changes (ie, tumor infiltration) in glioma.

Hepatic chemoembolizaton

2006-08-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

read the latest on "Intraarterial Gene Delivery in Rabbit Hepatic Tumors: Transfection with Nonviral Vector by Using Iodized Oil Emulsion" byYoung Il Kim, et al in Radiology 2006;240 771-777 also available online at:: http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/240/3/771?etoc
The article describes how the authors developed DNA carrier complexes, by using iodized oil and iopamidol, that may be used as modifiers for intraarterial gene delivery. Absolutely cutting edge and exciting stuff. Full article can be accessed at IRIA HQ.

MR safety after coronary revascularization

2006-08-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this article: "Acute Myocardial Infarction: Safety of Cardiac MR Imaging after Percutaneous Revascularization with Stents" by Manesh R. Patel, MD, et al ; reassuring as it tells us that MR imaging is safe in immediate post-stenting cases. read all about it in Radiology 2006;240 674-680 and access online at

http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/240/3/674?etoc

Diagnostic XRays causing cancer

2006-08-17T00:45:00.000-07:00

This is the latest in the debate over whether diagnostic X-Rays or Ct cause cancer-- a very lucid review by Dr. Brant-Zawadski who finds it improbable to believe that a cancer could be caused by patients undergoing diagnostic CT or X-Ray. Check it out at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542277?src=mp

Also read the latest editorial of Radiology "The ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) Concept in Pediatric Interventional and Fluoroscopic Imaging: Striving to Keep Radiation Doses as Low as Possible during Fluoroscopy of Pediatric PatientsA White Paper Executive Summary" byKeith J. Strauss and Sue C. Kaste inRadiology 2006;240 621-622. Check it out online at: http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/240/3/621?etoc
Full copy of this article is available at IRIA HQ.


A must read dialogue between Dr. Ronai & Dr. Semelka on radiation risk form diagnostic X-rays and CT discusses whether a risk of 1 in 1000 of developing cancer after a CT scan is realistic or alarmist. Read all about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542696?src=mp


The latest in the debate on radiation risk from MDCT, a radio-biologist gives his scientific analysis of the problem and virtually shrugs off the problem as causing insignificant risk of future cancer. Read all about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543008?src=sr


The doomsayer strikes back. Dr. Semelka counters the criticism from his peers and advises caution in CT studies. Read about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542555?src=sr
BZ replies again saying radiation is Godlike. Read about it on http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542317?src=sr

GBM therapy

2006-08-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

Cellular Signaling Molecules as Therapeutic Targets in Glioblastoma Multiforme.
Jay Jagannathan, M.D et al.
Another cutting edge article on latest state-of-the-art nanotechnology for treatment of GBM at the cellular level-- very exciting stuff-- catch all the action on medscape at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/540153_print

Overweight doctors

2006-08-10T00:32:00.000-07:00

Read this wonderful article on how and why doctors should control their weight through community policing, because it sets a bad example for the pathents whom we are counselling to reduce weight. Catch this article at medscape on: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/541443?src=mp

Thoracic Imaging

2006-07-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Pulmonary Circulation: Contrast-enhanced 3.0-T MR Angiography—Initial Results1 Kambiz Nael, MD et al.
An article that describes preliminary results using CEMRA for evaluation of pulmonary circulation. read more about it at http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/2403051076v1?papetoc

All full text articles on Radiology can be accessed at IRIA HQ at New Delhi for your reference needs.

History of Radiology

2006-07-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

A new editorial on Medscape showcases an essay by a 1st year medical student giving her take on the history of radiology and the dangers of radiation, which are coming back to haunt us in the current era of MSCT as well. Absolutely gripping stuff. Read it at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/536109?src=mp

Don't worry, be happy

2006-07-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

Read it to the very end .
A great note for all to read it will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared , is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."

Someone sent me this by email, so I can't acknowledge the author.

Neck pain: an unusual presentation of a common disease

2006-07-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

by A C Pankhania, MBChB, MRCS et al

Check out this article in the British journal of radiology, using the high wire press journal link on www.iria.in to get complete access. The complete article is at http://bjr.birjournals.org/cgi/content/full/79/942/537 I hope you won't miss the suspense if I tell you that this article describes the findings in Spinal Gout.

CCTA radiation dose

2006-07-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

A fresh look by Aunt Minnie on how to reduce the radiation dose in Coronary CT angiography performed on MSCT scanners. Good control of heart rate and use of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) radiation parameters is the key. Read all about it at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=car&Pag=dis&ItemId=71608&wf=1062

Screening for coronary/ carotid artery disease
Also read this article recommending mass screening of asymptomatic persons from 45-75 years age for CAD/ Carotid calcific plaques developed by the SHAPE (Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education) Task Force, a group of cardiologists and researchers organized by the Association for Eradication of Heart Attack. The article is available at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=car&Pag=dis&ItemId=71684&wf=1071&d=1

Radiology outsourcing

2006-07-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

The average American may adopt a "What me worry" attitude about Radiology outsourcing to India, but at heart they are a wirried lot, despite the fact that strict licencing requirements necessarily restrict the amount of work outsourced. Read about it in the New York Times on http://econblog.aplia.com/2006/04/why-dont-we-outsource-more-radiology.html

Original research

2006-06-23T01:12:00.000-07:00

Absolute cutting edge research in the latest (July 2006) edition of Radiology journal--M. Beth McCarville et al write about "Angiogenesis Inhibitors in a Murine Neuroblastoma Model: Quantitative Assessment of Intratumoral Blood Flow with Contrast-enhanced Gray-Scale US "

Their results support the hypothesis that gray-scale US measurements of microbubble contrast agent flow can be used to measure the functional consequences of antiangiogenic therapy in orthotopic tumors, and, at least to some degree, they reflect histologic changes in tumor vascularity. Radiology 2006 240: 73-81 (DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2401050709). Contrary to the previous use of US contrast with doppler/ power doppler images the authors have used grey scale US to assess tumors. Read about this at http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/240/1/73
The full text article is available at IRIA HQ and can be viewed only at IRIA house.

There is also an editorial about this research in the same issue: "Will Improved Assessment of Response to Antiangiogenic Therapies Be Achieved with Contrast-enhanced Gray-Scale US?" authored by Jonathan B. Kruskal

Evidence based imaging

2006-06-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this fantastic CME on medscape on the appropriateness of imaging modalities at http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/4462?src=sr

Also see this great CME on Imaging Screening and Wellness: What to Tell Patients and Referring Clinicians by Bruce J. Hillman, MD . The article talks about various screening strategies for patients in times of wellness and finds most of them to be cost-ineffective except for Calcium scoring for coronary artery disease, CT virtual colonoscopy for colon cancer and CT Chest for Lung Ca. Whole body CT screening is an absolute no-no. Read more about this on http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/5499_pnt

MR in spondylolisthesis

2006-06-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

Dynamic Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Diagnosis With Axial Loaded Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Posted 05/30/2006
Prakash Jayakumar, MBBS, BSc (Hons); Colin Nnadi, FRCS (Eng); Asif Saifuddin, MRCP, FRCR; Emer MacSweeney, FRCR; Adrian Casey, FRCS
Check out this article on a brand new technique of axial loaded MR to detect degenerative spondylolisthesis which can otherwise be detected on erect XRays but may get missed on a routine MRI without axial loading. Read about it on:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/532037?src=mp

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

2006-06-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

From Spine
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: Functional Improvement in Patients With Osteoporotic Compression Fractures
Posted 05/30/2006
Luis Álvarez, MD; María Alcaraz, MD; Antonio Pérez-Higueras, MD; Juan J. Granizo, MD; Ignacio de Miguel, MD; Roberto Rossi, E.; Diana Quiñones, MD

Check out this article at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/532038?src=mp

The article talks about how percutaneous vertebroplasty significantly improves functional quality of life in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures.

Cardiac CT us Vs. them

2006-06-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Check out a new artice on Medscape regarding cardiac CT using the link http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/533036?src=mp
It's interesting to see that physicians world-over are reluctant to prescribe CCTA because the patient may require a conventional catheter angio later and this may just add to his lifetime radiation exposure.

Also see an an interview on Cardiac MR--use it or lose it, on turf battles between cardiologists and radiologists on the use of Cardiac MR. Check it out at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/528832?src=sr

Another article on relative and absolute contraindications for CCTA is an absolute must-read for those who are interested in or performing CCTA. Read it at aunt minnie http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=car&Pag=dis&ItemId=71696&wf=1073&d=1

A comparison between MR and CT for assessment of coronary arteries gives CT a definitive edge. Check this out at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=cto&Pag=dis&ItemId=72438&wf=1243

aunt minnie

2006-05-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Read further about this on auntminnie.com

When MRI throughput means more than revenue 4/11/2006 Tobias Gilk writes that centers in Canada are overloaded with patients and have huge back-logs. His contention is that proper management of patient appointments and the MRI protocols could drastically reduce this back-log.

CT Radiation Update

2006-05-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

CCTA radiation dose
A fresh look by Aunt Minnie on how to reduce the radiation dose in Coronary CT angiography performed on MSCT scanners. Good control of heart rate and use of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) radiation parameters is the key. Read all about it at http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=car&Pag=dis&ItemId=71608&wf=1062

Radiation reference levels
A new article on dose reduction for routine CT scanning is a multicenter study that proposes reference levels of radiation dose and methods of dose reduction, albeit maintaining diagnostic confidence. See it before print in Radiology at http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/2403050993v1?papetoc

Radiology outsourcing

2006-05-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

Radiology outsourcing
The average American may adopt a "What me worry" attitude about Radiology outsourcing to India, but at heart they are a wirried lot, despite the fact that strict licencing requirements necessarily restrict the amount of work outsourced. Read about it in the New York Times on http://econblog.aplia.com/2006/04/why-dont-we-outsource-more-radiology.html

BJR abstract

2006-05-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

British Journal of Radiology (2006) 79, 285-294
Review article
What are the risks from medical X-rays and other low dose radiation? B F Wall, BSc, G M Kendall, PhD, A A Edwards, MSc, S Bouffler, PhD, C R Muirhead, PhD and J R Meara, FFPH
Health Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon. OX11 0RQ, UK
This article outlines the risks of long-term low dosage radiation. Check it out....
Full text on http://www.iria.in/ using High Wire Press Journals link-- free all over India

Journal Updates

2006-05-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

radiologist india
Check out this full article on http://www.iria.in/ using the High Wire Press Journals link

British Journal of Radiology (2006) 79, 368-371© 2006

Acute adverse reactions to magnetic resonance contrast media – gadolinium chelates A Li, MBChB, FRCR et al

This article reviews the adverse reactions to MR contrast media and finds them just as safe as previous studies have documented

Neck pain: an unusual presentation of a common disease
by A C Pankhania, MBChB, MRCS et al Check out this article in the British journal of radiology, using the high wire press journal link on http://www.iria.in/ to get complete access.
The complete article is at http://bjr.birjournals.org/cgi/content/full/79/942/537 I hope you won't miss the suspense if I tell you that this article describes the findings in Spinal Gout.

Indian Radiologist

2006-05-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

The Indian Radiological and Imaging Association is a National association of radiology and imaging professionals and has a membership of about 6000 members nation-wide.
We have created our web-site www.iria.in for the benefit of the Indian radiologist practicing or studying Radiology in India.
The site has been designed as a complete information portal with the History and Constitution of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association and links to various Radiology and Imaging sites for Radiology Education.
All the latest Radiology news and controversies are published in an online Newsmagazine. An interactive radiology quiz and CME are also published on this site.
There are links to the Indian Journal of Radiology & Imaging web-site and the web-site of Indian College of Radiology and Imaging is incorporated in the IRIA web-site.

For more details pls visit www.iria.in