2012 in Review: Top Advances & Research in Radiology & Biomedical Imaging
As 2013 approaches, take some time to re-read some of the most important blog posts from the year. 2012 marked a year of significant achievement for both the UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging and the field of radiology as a whole, in terms of policies, research and technological advancements. We’ve selected twelve must-read articles with topics ranging from lung and breast cancer screening to neuroimaging and muskoskeletal imaging.
Controversies in Breast Cancer Screening
Dr. Joe discusses the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection, following a symposium in Utah, a state with one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the nation with one of the lowest screening rates.
UCSF: Committed to Image Wisely and Image Gently Campaigns
The UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging is proud to say that it’s been monitoring patient dose levels for nearly five years in response to the Image Wisely and Image Gently campaigns.
Restoring Reality Monitoring Behavior and Brain Activation in Schizophrenia
A ground-breaking new study, published in Neuron, finds that a specific type of computerized cognitive training can lead to significant neural and behavioral improvements in individuals with schizophrenia.
Exploring the Brain: Is CT or MRI Better for Brain Imaging?
The complexity of the organ that determines how a person thinks, moves, feels, and remembers is overshadowed only by its unique vulnerability. This article discusses differences in brain imaging modalities.
Ultrasound in the Evaluation and Management of Twin Pregnancies
A program dedicated to the care of twin pregnancies will open at the UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay in 2013. Ultrasound is key in the detection of twins and in the evaluation and management of these pregnancies.
New MRI Technique May Predict Progress of Alzheimer
Dr. Weiner discusses a study on a new technique that may be able to predict the physical path of Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative brain diseases.
The Truth about the Benefits and Risks of Annual Screening Mammograms
A recent study assessed the benefits and harms of screening mammography – the authors’ definitions of ‘benefit’ and ‘harm’. However, the authors fail to refute two critical points.
Brain Tumor Imaging at UCSF: On the Cutting- Edge
UCSF neuroradiologists have pioneered the use of MRI to better evaluate not only physical appearance, but functional and biological characteristics of a variety of brain tumors.
In What Setting is Lung Cancer Screening Most Effective?
The National Lung Screening Trial showed a substantial benefit for heavy smokers aged 55-74 who were screened for lung cancer using low-dose CT scans. Richard Barg discusses the risks and benefits and gives key recommendations
On the Cutting Edge: UCSF and the Use of 7T MRI
The UCSF Department of Radiology is home to not one, but two 7T MRI scanners, a state of the art imaging machine that offers researchers a more in-depth look into the details of the brain.
UCSF Study Confirms Benefit of Semiannual Surveillance following Breast-Conserving Therapy
A UCSF study published in Radiology confirms the benefit of undergoing semiannual surveillance mammography following breast-conserving therapy, as opposed to the existing guide-lines which recommend annual mammography screening.
UCSF Research: High & Low Levels of Activity Accelerate Knee Cartilage Degeneration
A new study conducted at UCSF and presented at the annual RSNA meeting confirms that both too much and too little physical activity can accelerate the degeneration of knee cartilage in middle-aged adults.