PET/CT and Bone Scintigraphy: Metabolic Results in Musculoskeletal Lesions
AbstractPurposeThis review aimed to provide an overview on findings from metabolic imaging modalities such as bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography –computed tomography (PET/CT) in musculoskeletal lesions. It is conceivable that methods assessing metabolism of bone tumors, combined with the morphological assessment, could enhance the possibility for a personalized therapy with particular emphasis to malignant neoplasms.Recent FindingsThe assessment of bone tumors by conventional scintigaphic and morphological imaging has been recently integrated with the morpho-metabolic appraisal obtained by PET/CT systems....
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Peer Review to Peer Learning in Radiology: Where Have We Been, What Have We Learned and Where Are We Headed?
AbstractPurpose of reviewTo review and contrast varying methods of peer assessment driven practice quality improvement programs in radiology with an emphasis on peer review and peer learning.Recent findingsReview of the literature revealed that the current consensus is that a shift away from the original peer review system toward a peer learning process has the most beneficial effects for organizations seeking to maximally improve performance. This requires altering perceptions towards the peer review process itself, and significant time, effort, and resources.SummaryThe transition to a peer learning process is a necessity...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Vertebroplasty in Elderly Patients: A Clinical Effectiveness Analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMinimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures (VAP) have been first introduced to provide pain relief in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VF). However, in the last decade scientific literature revealed to be quite controversial about their efficacy. The aim of this review was to analyze clinical evidences from current literature, supported by our own experience.Recent FindingsCompared to conservative therapies, VAP represent an effective treatment for recent VF and, in elderly patients, reduce mortality and morbidity. Advances in technology have widened the fields of applicati...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
The Emerging Role of 7 Tesla MRI in Musculoskeletal Imaging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo describe the emergent role of ultra-high field (UHF) MR with respect to musculoskeletal MRI applications.Recent FindingsWith the recent US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) approval of ultra-high field (UHF) MRI below 8T for clinical use, and the availability of clinical 7T MRI systems, there is a rising interest in the potential clinical and research applications in musculoskeletal MRI.SummaryWith increases in field strength and SNR gains resulting in sharper and higher spatial resolution MRI images, there is increasing interest in UHF MRI. Although there are challenges ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
CT Imaging of Cardiac Trauma
This article reviews the direct and indirect CT findings of cardiac injury. (Source: Current Radiology Reports)
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
MRI of Acute Abdominal and Pelvic Non-obstetric Conditions in Pregnancy
This article will focus on the role of MR imaging and its applications in a variety of acute abdomen and pelvic non-obstetric conditions potentially affecting the pregnant patient.Recent FindingsNon-contrast MR imaging is routinely employed in the presence of an initial equivocal ultrasound. However, MR is playing an increasingly more important role in the imaging of the pregnant patient, potentially surpassing the utility of conventional imaging techniques.SummaryAs radiologists become more comfortable interpretating abdominal and pelvic MRI, MR will play a bigger role in imaging the pregnant patient in the emergency room...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
3D MRI in Musculoskeletal Imaging: Current and Future Applications
This article addresses current clinical applications, recent literature, and potential future applications of 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI) for musculoskeletal (MSK) applications.Recent FindingsThe main advantage of 3D MRI over standard 2-dimensional MRI is its ability to reduce partial volume averaging artifacts and create multiplanar reconstruction (MPRs) in any plane with any slice thickness from a single high-resolution isotropic acquisition. 3D MRI acquisitions are particularly useful for the evaluation of articular cartilage, which is prone to volume averaging artifacts, and for the assessment of ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
MR Imaging of Chondrogenic Tumors: Update on Select Imaging Challenges
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review article discusses the updated World Health Classification of chondrogenic skeletal tumors and the role of conventional and advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of chondrogenic skeletal lesions with emphasis on select diagnostic dilemmas.Recent FindingsThe majority of benign chondrogenic skeletal lesions have typical radiographic and MR features. Conventional MR imaging sequences can be helpful in the distinction of tumor-like lesions from chondrogenic tumors, and the evaluation of anatomic extent, particularly with regard to the detection of soft tissue masses asso...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
The Emerging Role of 7 Tesla MRI in Musculoskeletal Imaging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo describe the emergent role of ultra-high field (UHF) MR with respect to musculoskeletal MRI applications.Recent FindingsWith the recent US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) approval of ultra-high field (UHF) MRI below 8T for clinical use, and the availability of clinical 7T MRI systems, there is a rising interest in the potential clinical and research applications in musculoskeletal MRI.SummaryWith increases in field strength and SNR gains resulting in sharper and higher spatial resolution MRI images, there is increasing interest in UHF MRI. Although there are challenges ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
CT Imaging of Cardiac Trauma
This article reviews the direct and indirect CT findings of cardiac injury. (Source: Current Radiology Reports)
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Emerging Trends in Emergent Stroke Neuroimaging
This article reviews recent updates in emergent stroke neuroimaging.Recent FindingsMultiple recent randomized trials showing benefit of endovascular therapy in strokes with confirmed large-vessel occlusion emphasize need for vessel imaging, typically CTA, in addition to unenhanced head CT. In addition, because recent trials published in 2018 showed efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy at up to 24 h from symptom onset in stroke patients with favorable ischemic core and/or penumbra assessments, imaging techniques to define viable and infarcted tissue, such as DWI or CT/MR perfusion imaging, have an increasing role in emerge...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Hip Fractures: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize relevant anatomy, imaging, and treatment of hip fractures, and to synthesize a treatment-based approach for description and classification of hip fractures.Recent FindingsHip fractures are predominantly seen in the elderly, where they are increasing in incidence, and can substantially reduce healthy life-years. The osseous and vascular anatomy of the proximal femur can help to understand the clinical implications of various types of hip fracture. Radiographs are the principal imaging modality for assessment of hip fracture, although there is a clear role for CT and MRI for assessment o...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Insufficiency Fractures After Radiation Therapy: An Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRadio therapy, alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy, is commonly used to treat a variety of neoplasms, resulting in effective local tumor control. Unfortunately radiation therapy can also change the structure of the skeletal system, leading to edema, vascular congestion, areas of hemorrhage, loss of cellularity, focal bone marrow changes, fatty transformation, osteitis, hematopoietic marrow regeneration, osteolysis of symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joints, avascular necrosis, insufficiency fractures, osteoradionecrosis, and radiation-induced neoplasms.Recent FindingsThe various r...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Blunt Chest Trauma: A Radiologic Approach and Review
AbstractBlunt chest trauma, a frequent component of trauma admissions, is the second leading cause of death in motor-vehicle accidents. Additionally, it may be associated with significant morbidity in those who survive. Radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) have a widespread role in evaluating blunt chest trauma, importantly aiding in the diagnosis and management of injury. Herein, we discuss the most common salient injuries, imaging protocol considerations and imaging findings associated with acute blunt chest trauma. (Source: Current Radiology Reports)
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Imaging of Acute Traumatic Aortic Injury
This article aims to review the key aspects of the imaging evaluation of acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) with an emphasis on factors that affect management of these patients.Recent FindingsIn the setting of trauma, the chest radiograph typically serves as the initial imaging evaluation and can be useful in detecting signs of mediastinal hematoma. In the current era, definitive diagnosis of ATAI is made with computed tomography (CT), where indirect and direct findings of ATAI can enable a confident diagnosis. Knowledge of potential technical and anatomic CT imaging pitfalls can prevent misdiagnosis of ATAI.SummaryDiagn...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - April 18, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
