Dear AuntMinnie Member,
A new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that by adding a simple imaging sequence, low-dose CT screening for lung cancer can also be used to detect signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dutch researchers performing low-dose CT screens for lung cancer added a short sequence during the inspiratory and expiratory phases of breathing. The sequence only added a small amount of radiation to the exam, and it did not require any additional time to perform.
The protocol was effective in detecting signs of COPD, which can occur in many of the same populations who also have lung cancer -- such as smokers. Find out how well it worked by clicking here.
SIIM discusses Calif. radiation law
In other CT news, the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) held its first regional meeting on October 24 in San Francisco. At the top of the agenda was a discussion of California's recently passed law requiring imaging facilities to report radiation dose received by their patients.
Representatives from the state's Department of Public Health were on hand to explain how they plan to enforce the law, and they assuaged meeting attendees' concern that the agency would take a heavy hand.
Still, the legislation may require some adjustments on the part of imaging facilities, and many attendees were surprised to learn that the law's requirements might not even apply to nonradiologist physicians who operate their own imaging equipment.
Find out why by clicking here, or visit our CT Digital Community at ct.auntminnie.com.
