Dear AuntMinnie Member,
The COVID-19 pandemic this week claimed one of radiology's own: Walter Robb, who led GE's medical division in the 1970s and 1980s and was a key figure in the commercialization of several advanced imaging technologies. Robb died on March 23 after falling ill on Sunday. He was 92.
Robb was an engineer by training, and he started his career at GE in the company's nuclear power division. He was responsible for recruiting Jack Welch to join GE; Welch eventually went on to lead the entire company and named Robb to run the medical division, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Under Robb, GE achieved milestones in the development and commercialization of CT, MRI, and ultrasound -- the foundation of today's modern radiology practice. We extend our condolences to Robb's family, and to GE.
Ultrasound for novel coronavirus
In the early days of the novel coronavirus outbreak, CT was the go-to imaging modality for detecting signs of COVID-19. But now, ultrasound is emerging as a tool that's perhaps just as useful.
Unlike CT, ultrasound can be taken to a patient's bedside, reducing the need to transport potentially infected patients. And it's easier to disinfect an ultrasound probe than a CT scanner.
In fact, an emergency medicine physician in Spain, Dr. Yale Tung Chen, used point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose and track his own case of COVID-19. Fortunately, Dr. Chen's condition is improving; read about his story in our Ultrasound Community.
Also, Italian researchers have published a scanning technique they developed that includes four key acquisition protocols. Look for more coverage of ultrasound's role in COVID-19 in the coming weeks.
Controlling COVID-19
Meanwhile, radiology departments and imaging facilities are quickly learning how to optimize their operations during the COVID-19 crisis -- with a major focus on keeping radiology personnel safe.
Radiologists in China have shared the workflow and infection control protocols they developed, and you'll find an article on their advice in our CT Community. And U.S. radiologists this week shared guidance of their own in an article in Radiology.
In addition, the RSNA on March 25 published standardized reporting language for CT scans of patients suspected of having COVID-19.
Finally, our thoughts and prayers go out to all healthcare personnel on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those in New York City struggling with shortages of important supplies and equipment. You are the true heroes in this fight.
