2009 July/August

Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems have proved their reliability in terms of sensitivity and specificity as a second reader for chest imaging, mammography and breast MRI in standalone studies assessing performance for a selected group. But before you can ask how CAD is impacting diagnosis and proving its value in everyday clinical practice, the interaction (or learning curve) between radiologist and the technology and the balancing act between sensitivity and specificity must be considered.

Recently, medical professionals and manufacturers have sought ways to reduce radiation exposure from coronary CT angiography (CCTA) exams. Today, it is possible to perform a CCTA study that delivers a lower radiation dose than the gold-standard nuclear stress test. However, education and training are integral to establishing uniform coronary CT angiography scanning standards.

Although much of the focus on advanced visualization in medical imaging has been on its use in diagnostic interpretation, one of the technologys strongest clinical roles may be its utilization by clinicians in planning interventional treatments. In addition to improving the quality of patient care, the applications foster even stronger collaboration between radiology services and surgical units.

Although breast MRI is an increasingly common complement to mammography because of its sensitivity in detecting suspicious lesions missed by mammography, two molecular imaging techniquespositron emission mammography (PEM) and breast specific gamma imaging (BSGI)are moving up the ranks due to greater physiological detail and spatial resolution both techniques offer.

As the adage goes, you cant manage what you dont measureand IT is keeping track as we quest to improve the quality of healthcare delivery while reducing its overall cost.