The routine use of radiography, MRI or CT scans in patients with low-back pain with no indication of a serious underlying condition does not improve clinical outcomesmeaning doctors should refrain from routine, immediate scanning unless they observe features of a serious underlying condition, according to a study published in the February issue of the Lancet.

To contain imaging growth, combat misuse of technology and educate referring physicians about appropriate ordering of exams, David P. Friedman, MD, and colleagues have initiated a utilization management (UM) programan alternate to pre-certificationdirected by a radiology benefit management program, according to a study in the February issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Contrast-enhanced 3D sonography is an alternative method for visualization of the characteristic vascularity of focal liver tumors and may significantly contribute to the diagnosis, monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness and to follow-up after treatment, according to a multinational team of researchers. Their work, published this month in the American Journal of Roentgenology, suggests that 3D sonography can contribute to the visualization of tumor vascularity.

MRI scans that detect shrinkage in specific regions of the mid-brain attacked by Alzheimer's disease accurately diagnose the neurodegenerative disease, even before symptoms interfere with daily function, according to a study results published this month in Neurology.

GE Healthcare on Tuesday commercially released three imaging solutions: the low-dose Discovery CT750 HD, the Discovery MR750 and MR and CT fusion technology for the Logiq E9 ultrasound system.

Last week, the Maryland Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on whether it should uphold or reverse a trial judges 2007 ruling that the state medical board properly interpreted the contentious physician self-referral law.

The University of Missouri (MU) department of psychological sciences has opened the Brain Imaging Center (BIC), which will allow researchers to conduct behavioral research on diseases, such as Parkinson's, autism, schizophrenia and other neurocognitive disorders using MRI technology.

Royal Philips Electronics and Celsion have signed a research agreement to combine Philips ultrasound technology with Celsions drug delivery solution to target tumors with high concentrations of a cancer-fighting drug.