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An ambulance-based mobile stroke unit created by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC). The vehicle has a small head CT scanner to enable imm edit imaging to confirm if a patient had a stroke and what type before they arrive at the hospital to enable faster door to repercussion times, or faster door to tPA administration times. The unit also has a telemedicine system so a neurologist can evaluate patients remotely.

Germany's ground-breaking use of CT scanners in ambulances to assess for possible stroke inspired one program in Houston to follow suit. Supporters predict it will transform care in the future.

Example of a RF burn from an MRI scan where a sedated patient's identification bracelet was touching their skin during an exam. Image courtesy of RSNA. https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.09090637

Battling Burns in MRI

While MRI is often considered one of the safer imaging modalities due to its lack of ionizing radiation, other dangers remain for patients, with thermal burns being a chief concern.

Capitalizing on the Cloud: Making the Most of CD Burners

As image exchange transitions to the cloud, PACS peripherals such as CD burners are incorporating this innovation into their designs.

Functional MRI (fMRI) image measuring the strength of connectivity in particular brain circuits before and after subjects were given either a 20-milligram oral dose of methylphenidate used to treat ADHD or a placebo. The scans showed that methylphenidate strengthened connectivity between several brain regions involved in regulating emotions and exerting control over behaviors. Image courtesy of Brookhaven, Stony Brook, and the National Institutes of Health.

Imaging Addiction: Could PET & MR End Cocaine Abuse?

Cocaine addiction can ruin a person physically and financially, and with an estimated 1.4 million cocaine users in the U.S., thousands will become trapped by their habit. While previous research on the drug and its addictive potential were observational and subjective, imaging is reshaping how we see addiction—and how it will be treated.

Northwest ImageShare: Linking Images, Clinicians & Care

Getting images via health information exchange represents a unique technical challenge—and opportunity for collaboration. Watch the video.

Imaging Utilization’s Wild Ride

Imaging faces ongoing measures aimed at reining in utilization. Smart practices have tapped into a variety of strategies to boost appropriate use.

Dollars & Cents: Rads Redefine Value

Thought leaders aim to re-invent performance evaluation and measure factors like collaboration and patient satisfaction. 

Radiologists need to stop using ther term "Clinically Correlate" and be more specific in reports. This term has become a joke among clinicians who see it as clinically meaningless.

If Clinically Indicated, Clinically Correlate

Radiologists are clinicians consultants. We direct clinical management based on our expert interpretation of patient images. Yet, in many cases, radiology reports may not reflect our clinical expertise. Common problems include overuse of vague terminology and omission of the impression. Addressing these flaws can go a long way toward meeting clinicians needs and improving patient care.

Cloud storage and computing is part of the Sectra enterprise imaging system at RSNA 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell #RSNA #RSNA23 #RSNA2023 #cloudstorage

Weathering the Storm: Cloud Technology & Disaster Recovery

More facilities have turned to virtualization and cloud data storage as part of the comprehensive disaster recovery plan.

Cloud data storage is enabling new efficiencies in healthcare and radiology.

The Next Frontier: Cloud Storage

Data are growing in size and scope. Radiology departments and imaging centers face unprecedented bandwidth challenges that stem from the need to store exponentially growing datasets. With bandwidth costs increasing and servers consuming valuable square footage, radiology is on the lookout for a new solution. Cloud storage may fit the bill.

CVIS, Cardiology PACS Widening Image Access

For cardiology PACS, the explosion of cardiac-related advances across imaging modalities has created demand for expanded capabilities beyond simple image storage and distribution, providing physicians with access to patient-specific information related to images and reports within the facility or externally. Meanwhile, with this increased volume of image data, cardiologists also need to have access to more extensive patient data, such as hemodynamic monitoring, EKG and electronic medical record (EMR) information to create structured reports.

CVIS: Getting the House in Order

Cardiovascular information systems (CVIS) are providing the means to integrate the business of cardiology with the practice of cardiology at the point of care—with great results for managers.