Gadolinium Deposition and Toxicity: A Global Concern
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been used since 1988 for magnetic resonance imaging. These agents were considered very safe and, excluding nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with renal failure, no clinical entities were associated with its administration. Our purpose is to summarize gadolinium induced toxicity by reviewing the most recent literature in this subject.Recent FindingsIt was believed that GBCAs distribute rapidly in the extracellular volume after intravenous administration and eliminate rapidly, almost completely, via renal excretion. Currently, we know that this is...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 14, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Strategies to Lessen the Radiation Risk from CT: A Multination Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWith the substantial rise in utilization of medical imaging, particularly CT, and concerns about radiation risk, further dose reduction has become an essential target for the radiological community represented by radiological societies, radiologists, physicists, and technologists.Recent FindingsThis review paper discusses the increase in demand for radiological imaging and the effect of radiation at low doses, in addition to providing several strategies that can be applied to reduce radiation dose from CT with special emphasis on newer technologies and solutions.SummaryThe strategies discussed in t...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 13, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Imaging of Pediatric Infection Within the Central Nervous System
AbstractPurpose of ReviewContinued evolution of infectious pathogens creates constant monitoring for new infectious diseases and recurrent diseases once presumed to be eradicated. In particular, central nervous system infection in the pediatric population commonly presents in clinical practice and quick diagnosis can result in timely and appropriate treatment.Recent FindingsDeclining immunizations have rejuvenated diseases in the pediatric population and multi-resistant organisms have created challenges, not only in treatment, but also in diagnosis. CNS infections require quick diagnosis and treatment to prevent life threa...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 31, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

A Comparison of Academic Output Amongst Nations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough global biomedical research output is steadily increasing over time, individual nations vary in their rates and directions of research growth. The purpose of this article is to review the existing bibliometric literature within radiology to characterize differences in national research output.Recent FindingsThe United States has historically and continues to publish the largest absolute number of radiologic research articles amongst all nations. However, many European and Asian nations produce more research per capita, per radiologist, and per share of GDP spent on research.SummaryWhile the...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 21, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

The Role of PET/CT in the Assessment of Primary Bone Tumors
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe purpose of this article is to provide an overview of primary bone malignancies and the role of PET/CT in their diagnosis, staging, and follow-up.Recent findingsPET/CT provides both anatomic and metabolic data; for this reason, the technique has been increasingly used to characterize, stage, and follow up bone lesions.SummaryPET/CT can be performed using different radiotracers and different techniques. Here, the application of single whole-body 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET as well as the acquisition methods for characterizing bone tumors is reviewed. (Source: Current Radiology Reports)
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 17, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Emergency Abdominal Applications of DECT
AbstractPurpose of reviewThis review article aims to give radiologists the most up to date evidence regarding the use of dual energy CT (DECT) in the assessment of patients with acute abdominal symptoms.Recent findingsThere is a growing body of evidence that DECT has an important clinical role in assessment of acute abdominal pathologies such as mesenteric ischemia, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, colonic adenocarcinoma, acute bowel hemorrhage, abdominal abscess, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, nephrolithiasis and incidental lesion characterization. DECT evaluation of the acute abdomen utilizes iodine concentration, iodin...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 17, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

CT and MR Update of Pericardial Diseases: A Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of reviewPericardial pathology represent a spectrum of entities that should be properly recognized and treated when necessary. To reach an accurate diagnosis, clinicians have at their disposal an ample armamentarium that includes invasive and non-invasive methods, including echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR).Recent findingsCT and MR can be performed as complementary methods when echocardiographic results are inconclusive. These modalities can give not only detailed information on cardiac and pericardial anatomy but also can evaluate physiologic changes. To the extent that...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 11, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Elbow Ultrasound
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewWith high resolution real-time and dynamic imaging capabilities, ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality for the evaluation of the elbow. With the foundational understanding of elbow anatomy and pathology, ultrasound of the elbow can positively impact clinical care with both diagnostic examination and image-guided injections and treatments.Recent FindingsAlthough there is a learning curve and image quality is operator dependent, knowledge of proper patient positioning, ultrasound technique, and tips for eliminating common pitfalls will significantly make an impact on performing and interpre...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 11, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Ultrasound Techniques in Rheumatoid Arthritis
This article looks at the typical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis on ultrasound, and why ultrasound is a useful tool in evaluating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. < /p > < /span > < span class= " a-plus-plus abstract-section id-a-sec2 " > < h3 class= " a-plus-plus " > Recent Findings < /h3 > < p class= " a-plus-plus " > The sonographic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis are seen much earlier than those on radiographs. Recent scoring systems by the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism have provided a standardized system of grading and diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis base...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 25, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

CT and MRI of Aortic Valve Disease: Clinical Update
< h3 class= " a-plus-plus " > Abstract < /h3 > < span class= " a-plus-plus abstract-section id-a-sec1 " > < h3 class= " a-plus-plus " > Purpose of Review < /h3 > < p class= " a-plus-plus " > Imaging of the aortic valve and associated aortic root pathology has historically been primarily imaged by echocardiography. Recent advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging hardware and software have made routine, high-resolution CT/MR assessment of morphology of the aortic root and aortic valve practical and robust. < /p > < /span > < span class= " a-plus-plus abstract-section id-a-sec2 " > < h3 class= ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 24, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

RECIST 1.1, irRECIST 1.1, and mRECIST: How to Do
< h3 class= " a-plus-plus " > Abstract < /h3 > < span class= " a-plus-plus abstract-section id-a-sec1 " > < h3 class= " a-plus-plus " > Purpose of Review < /h3 > < p class= " a-plus-plus " > This review aims to give a brief update how to do RECIST 1.1, irRECIST 1.1, and mRECIST. < /p > < /span > < span class= " a-plus-plus abstract-section id-a-sec2 " > < h3 class= " a-plus-plus " > Recent Findings < /h3 > < p class= " a-plus-plus " > The revised Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) are currently representing the most commonly used and validated response criteria for objective treatment monitoring of c...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 21, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Positron Emission Tomography with 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Imaging Patterns in Autoimmune Encephalitis
Abstract Purpose of Review Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an underrecognized and potentially curable disease, which has been the focus of intense neurologic research. In the present manuscript, we review recent updates and the current role of brain positron emission tomography imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) in the detection of AE. We appraise the many metabolic imaging manifestations described in this disease, the role of PET-FDG in its diagnosis and follow-up, and the possible relationship between some patterns and specific autoantibodies. We...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 15, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Coronary CT Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve
Abstract Purpose of Review Coronary CT angiography has been shown to be highly diagnostically accurate as compared with invasive coronary angiography and help clinical decision making that affords improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, routine coronary CTA does not allow for the discrimination of the hemodynamic significance of stenosis. Recently, through the integration of computational fluid dynamics, Fractional Flow Reserve CT (FFRct) has been developed which allows for the determination of the hemodynamic significance of specific lesions from a restin...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 29, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

State-of-the-Art CT Imaging of the Left Atrium
Abstract Purpose of the Review Cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography with its high spatial and temporal resolution is a robust anatomical imaging tool. Beyond coronary artery examination in suspected coronary artery disease, cardiac CT is a helpful modality to depict cardiac morphology in surgical and percutaneous structural interventions planning. Conditions related to the left atrium are diverse; therefore, the importance of CT imaging is becoming more frequent. Recent Findings ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 23, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Economics of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Abstract Purpose of review Healthcare costs have exploded in the past 30 years and they are a major concern for governments worldwide. Care management of musculoskeletal disorders and advanced imaging account for a large part of this socioeconomic burden. Recent findings Musculoskeletal ultrasound is now performed primarily by nonradiologists. Both musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI total utilization rates continue to increase. Despite the existence of evidence-based diagno...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 19, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research