X-ray

Medical X-rays have mostly converted from film, to computed radiography (CR) that used individual plates to record each X-ray digitally that then had to be uploaded into a PACS, to what is the standard-of-care today with digital radiography (DR). DR X-ray which allows immediate digital transfer of images into a PACS for immediate review. X-rays are used to diagnose fractures, bone abnormalities, lung pathologies and tumors, as well as monitor pediatric growth, plan for surgery and treat oncology patients during radiation therapy. More detailed anatomical imaging, especially soft tissue imaging, is usually sent for advanced imaging with CT or MRI. X-ray, especially mobile DR systems, are a primary use case for artificial intelligence (AI) integration. 

CE mark granted for AI-based MSK interpretation aid

A Danish healthtech company has been cleared for European sales of AI software aimed at helping trauma physicians detect and classify fractures.

Many clinicians flouting X-ray-first guidelines for ankle imaging

Established clinical guidelines hold that patients presenting with ankle issues should not receive advanced imaging ahead of standard radiography. New research shows a substantial proportion of ordering clinicians sending these patients straight to MRI anyway.

Radiologists best AI at diagnosing COVID on chest X-rays

AI can help humans inspect chest X-rays for COVID-19, but the technology is unfit to serve as a standalone diagnostic tool for that purpose. 

Potential $1.5B effort kicks off to study low-dose radiation risks

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have released a report estimating $100 million will be needed for each of the next 15 years to learn how exposure to low doses of radiation affect human health.

Crowdsourced X-rays suitable for training AI in orthopedic injuries

The Internet is an acceptable source of images for training algorithms to automatically triage patients with dislocated joints and similar orthopedic emergencies. 

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AI inspects endotracheal tube placement on chest X-rays

Radiology researchers have demonstrated the reliability of an AI system they developed to automatically check placement of endotracheal tubes on chest X-rays.

New x-ray technique for checking tube placement cuts radiation dose 80%

Radiologists have developed an abdominal x-ray protocol that quantifies patient “thickness” to yield images of high quality while reducing radiation dose by 80%.

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Radiology business owner convicted after bilking CMS of $2M

The owner of a portable x-ray business faces serious jail time for attempting to defraud Medicare and Medicaid of $3.7 million, forging signatures and making false statements to hide his tracks.

Around the web

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.