Dear AuntMinnieEurope Member,
Molecular techniques promise to increase the diagnostic sensitivity of conventional imaging modalities by enabling visualization of metabolic functions using biomarkers. Around 1,500 molecular agents are currently being developed, suggesting that exciting times lie ahead.
Eventually, molecular imaging seems likely to have a major impact on radiology's well-defined practice areas, but progress so far in the clinical arena has been relatively slow. We invited two nuclear medicine experts to explain why. You can read their analysis by visiting our newly expanded Molecular Imaging Digital Community, or clicking here.
The breast implant scandal shows no sign of ending, and Guido Rasi, the new boss at the European Medicines Agency, has now intervened. Rasi favors more rigorous testing of medical devices before they enter routine use, and this could lead to significant regulatory changes. To learn more, click here.
The precise role of CT in pediatric oncology remains hotly contested. The need to minimize radiation dose must be a key priority, but this shouldn't prevent the appropriate use of CT. The European Journal of Radiology has published a comprehensive review of this topic, and you can read about it here in our CT Digital Community.
Dutch researchers have found that computer-aided detection (CAD) software can identify many normal images in a tuberculosis screening setting at high sensitivity, and can be used for triage purposes. They presented their findings at the recent RSNA meeting. Click here for details.
Nuclear medicine radiographers did not fare well in a survey of emotional intelligence (EI). The authors think EI can be a useful attribute in many professions, including medicine, dentistry, and nursing, and they have studied nearly 2,000 radiographers. Get the story here.
Finally, take a look at this week's case report, which involves a 30-year-old woman who presented with a tender mass in her antecubital fossa. This is the only part of our site that requires you to sign in, but it's well worth taking the trouble to do so.
