Womens Imaging

Women’s imaging encompasses many radiology procedures related to women and the diseases that are most prevalent to women such as breast cancer or gynecological issues. Mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and breast biopsy are the most commonly used procedures.

Comparison of a 2D digital mammogram and breast tomosynthesis 3D mammography showing ability to better evaluate details in areas of dense breast tissue. Photo from UCSF.

Radiologist performance has improved since the introduction of DBT for breast cancer screening

Since being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011, DBT has become the most common method for breast cancer screening, and as of September 2022, 84% of all U.S. mammography screening facilities housed DBT units. 

April 11, 2023
Example of the four types of breast tissue density. The density of fibroglandular tissue inside the breast impacts the ability to easily see cancers. Cancers are very easy to spot in fatty breasts, but are almost impossible to find in extremely dense breasts. These examples show craniocaudal mammogram findings characterized as almost entirely fatty (far left), scattered areas of fibroglandular density (second from left), heterogeneously dense (second from right), and extremely dense (far right). RSNA

Experts developed a deep learning model that can estimate breast density

When tested, the model achieved a performance comparable to that of human experts.

April 10, 2023
COVID_Vaccine_Lymph_adenopathy_Breast_Ultrasound.jpeg

Is scanning the axilla during diagnostic breast ultrasound necessary?

Experts recently questioned the necessity of scanning the axilla region during diagnostic breast ultrasound, as new data indicate that it is minimally beneficial for cancer detection. 

April 6, 2023

Follow-up adherence affected by how and when imaging orders are placed

These are factors that healthcare systems can and should control, experts recently suggested in a new JACR paper.

April 5, 2023
A team of cardiologists from Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University recently tested ChatGPT, the popular artificial intelligence (AI) model, to see if it could accurately answer questions about preventive cardiology and cardiovascular disease. The model performed well, only missing a handful of questions, and the researchers concluded that ChatGPT showed considerable potential. Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Ashish Sarraju, MD, was the lead author of that study. #ChartGPTChat GPT

ChatGPT offers 'pretty amazing' recommendations on breast cancer screening, but oversight remains critical

A team of experts with the University of Maryland School of Medicine recently presented ChatGPT with a set of questions relative to breast cancer screening recommendations to determine whether the program could reliably offer appropriate guidance.

April 4, 2023
Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) allows for reproducible breast imaging without variation based on which sonographer performs the exam. It also can help centers were they are short on qualified breast sonographers.  Breast ultrasound can help identify cancers, or benign cysts, even in women with very dense breast tissue. At the GE Healthcare booth at RSNA.

Automated ultrasound excels for women with dense breasts

Could automated breast ultrasound replace handheld ultrasound?

March 31, 2023
Example of the four types of breast tissue density. The density of fibroglandular tissue inside the breast impacts the ability to easily see cancers. Cancers are very easy to spot in fatty breasts, but are almost impossible to find in extremely dense breasts. These examples show craniocaudal mammogram findings characterized as almost entirely fatty (far left), scattered areas of fibroglandular density (second from left), heterogeneously dense (second from right), and extremely dense (far right). RSNA

Breast density notification laws: How will the FDA's updates affect radiologists and referring providers?

The FDA will soon require mammography providers to inform all patients of their breast density status. To anticipate how the update might affect key stakeholders, it’s important to understand exactly what has changed. 

March 30, 2023
axillary lymphadenopathy after COVID booster

Follow-up imaging for reactive adenopathy s/p COVID booster might not be necessary

Experts recently gained a better understanding of how axillary lymphadenopathy presents on breast MRI following COVID boosters.

March 23, 2023

Around the web

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

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