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Radiology

All articles tagged with #radiology

Calvin Loken, Duluth Radiologist and Devoted Family Man, Dies at 86
obituaries15 days ago

Calvin Loken, Duluth Radiologist and Devoted Family Man, Dies at 86

Calvin Cardin Loken, 86, of Duluth, died August 9, 2026 after a battle with ALS. A North Dakota farm boy who became a radiologist at St. Luke’s Hospital, he cherished science, faith and family—wife Amy, children Christopher, Michelle and Peter, eight grandchildren, and his cat Fritz. Visitation August 28–29, 2026, with a Memorial Service August 29 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and burial with Military Honors at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to ELCA World Hunger, Safe Haven, Damiano Center, and Second Harvest Northland are appreciated.

Full-body MRI craze under fire: costly, inconclusive, and prone to false alarms
health24 days ago

Full-body MRI craze under fire: costly, inconclusive, and prone to false alarms

The piece examines neuroscientist Andrew Huberman’s endorsement of whole-body MRIs amid clinician pushback: while proponents say such scans can catch problems early, critics highlight high costs, a high rate of incidental findings, and limited evidence that these scans improve outcomes. Experts warn many findings are not actionable, risking overdiagnosis and resource strain, and that the tests are not a proven, evidence-based tool for asymptomatic individuals.

Orbital X-ray breakthrough: first diagnostic images captured in microgravity
space1 month ago

Orbital X-ray breakthrough: first diagnostic images captured in microgravity

Four first-time astronauts aboard SpaceX Fram2 used a portable X-ray unit with roughly four hours of training to capture diagnostic images in orbit; three radiologists on the ground judged the images clinically usable to identify fractures or foreign objects, marking the first in-space diagnostic X-rays and highlighting portable imaging as a key tool for future deep-space missions where hospital care is unreachable.

First In-Orbit X-Rays Spark a New Era in Space Medicine
science1 month ago

First In-Orbit X-Rays Spark a New Era in Space Medicine

Astronauts on a civilian mission performed diagnostic-quality X-ray imaging in orbit with a portable wireless system, capturing images of hands, forearms, chests, abdomen, and pelvis that radiologists on Earth deemed suitable for diagnosis. This marks the first in-space X-ray images and could enable rapid medical assessments and onboard hardware checks on future missions, though imaging time and keeping subjects still pose challenges. AI-assisted analysis and more rugged, compact systems are anticipated to expand use on Moon and Mars missions.

Orbiting X-Rays Break Ground in Space Medicine
science1 month ago

Orbiting X-Rays Break Ground in Space Medicine

SpaceX’s Fram2 mission conducted the first in-orbit medical X-ray scans with a portable X-ray device, capturing diagnostic-quality images of the hand, forearm, abdomen, pelvis, and chest that were reviewed by three radiologists. The inflight results show radiography can supplement ultrasound for astronaut health, diagnose injuries, and even assess equipment or space-suit integrity, marking a path toward more capable space diagnostics. Future work will aim to miniaturize and harden X-ray systems for vacuum and deep-space use, with real-time imaging guidance for astronauts on Moon missions.

Torso Muscle Density Linked to Lower Heart Attack Risk, AI Study Finds
health1 month ago

Torso Muscle Density Linked to Lower Heart Attack Risk, AI Study Finds

AI analysis of upper-body CT scans from 1,722 patients with chest pain found that higher chest and back muscle density (better-quality skeletal muscle) is associated with a 31% lower risk of heart attack and a 39% lower risk of death over 10 years. Muscle size did not predict risk, suggesting muscle composition matters. Findings, published in Radiology, could lead to routine scans flagging at-risk individuals who may benefit from more exercise or preventive treatments, though more research is needed.

When Doctors Didn’t Listen, She Read Her Own Scans and Found the Truth
health2 months ago

When Doctors Didn’t Listen, She Read Her Own Scans and Found the Truth

A HuffPost health feature recounts how Aly Worsham, frustrated by doctors who dismissed her abdominal pain, downloaded a DICOM viewer and taught herself to read medical images. She eventually identified adenomyosis and related pelvic issues, endured multiple surgeries, and uncovered a pituitary tumor after years of silence and misdiagnosis, including a life-threatening meningitis/sepsis scare. The piece argues that gender bias and the health system’s gaps force many women to become their own radiologists and advocates, urging patients to seek second opinions and read their records to push for proper care.

AI Screening Could Detect Breast Cancer Signs Up to Six Years Early, Massive Swedish Study Finds
health2 months ago

AI Screening Could Detect Breast Cancer Signs Up to Six Years Early, Massive Swedish Study Finds

A Swedish study of 88,963 mammograms from over 31,000 women shows AI-based screening can flag mammographic signs of breast cancer years before radiologists diagnose it, with higher AI scores in those later diagnosed. The three AI-CAD systems achieved about 90% specificity and identified cancers six years before diagnosis in ~20% of participants, four years prior in ~25%, and two years prior in ~40%, suggesting AI could enable earlier intervention.

Processed foods tied to knee arthritis risk via thigh fat
health4 months ago

Processed foods tied to knee arthritis risk via thigh fat

A UCSF-led study published in Radiology found that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods is linked to greater fat infiltration in thigh muscles and a higher risk of knee osteoarthritis, independent of total calories, weight, or exercise. Using data from 615 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative, researchers observed that those consuming about 41% of daily calories from ultraprocessed foods had more thigh fat and weaker muscle quality, which can stress the knee. The study does not prove causation and relied on self-reported diets, focusing on individuals already at higher risk for knee issues. Reducing ultraprocessed foods may help preserve muscle quality and knee health.

Apple Studio Display XDR Brings DICOM Imaging for Radiology
technology5 months ago

Apple Studio Display XDR Brings DICOM Imaging for Radiology

Apple's Studio Display XDR now supports DICOM medical imaging presets and a Medical Imaging Calibrator, enabling radiologists to view diagnostic radiology images on a high-end monitor; the calibrator is pending FDA clearance and should be available in the US soon. Pre-orders begin March 4 with a March 11 launch. The display features mini-LED backlighting, 2,304 local dimming zones, 2000 nits peak brightness, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate, with a starting price of $3,299, offering a more affordable option than many dedicated medical imaging monitors.

AI-aided mammograms cut risk of aggressive breast cancer in large Swedish trial
health7 months ago

AI-aided mammograms cut risk of aggressive breast cancer in large Swedish trial

A Swedish Lancet study of over 100,000 women found AI-assisted reading of mammograms increased cancer detection and reduced interval cancers by 12%, suggesting fewer aggressive cancers later and potential health-cost savings; the AI acted as a triage aid (low-risk cases read by one radiologist, high-risk by two). Limitations include single-center data and missing race/ethnicity info, with longer-term mortality and cost-effectiveness to be assessed.

AI Revolutionizes Brain Tumor Detection with Speed and Precision
health1 year ago

AI Revolutionizes Brain Tumor Detection with Speed and Precision

AI models using convolutional neural networks and transfer learning from tasks like camouflage detection have achieved 85.99% accuracy in distinguishing brain tumors from healthy tissue in MRI scans, nearing human performance. This study emphasizes explainability, allowing AI to highlight cancerous areas, fostering trust among radiologists and patients. While slightly less accurate than human detection, the method shows promise for AI as a transparent tool in clinical radiology.

"AI's Impact on Early Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment Outcomes"
healthtech2 years ago

"AI's Impact on Early Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment Outcomes"

Clinics are offering a new service where mammograms are read by both radiologists and artificial intelligence models, aiming to improve accuracy in detecting breast cancer. While experts are excited about the potential of AI tools, they have concerns about their effectiveness across diverse patient populations and their impact on breast cancer survival. AI analysis can identify patterns in mammograms that may indicate cancer, but there are also challenges in differentiating certain patterns from normal breast tissue.

"Ipswich Hospital's AI-Driven Lung Cancer Detection Research"
healthcaretechnology2 years ago

"Ipswich Hospital's AI-Driven Lung Cancer Detection Research"

Ipswich Hospital is participating in the LungIMPACT research study, using AI software to assist in detecting abnormalities on chest X-rays, with the aim of expediting diagnostic processes. The study, running until July 2024, will involve reviewing 9,000 GP-referred chest X-rays to assess the effectiveness of AI in prioritizing X-rays for review and potentially speeding up the time to diagnosis. Consultant radiologist Dr. James Hathorn emphasized the importance of properly researching and evidencing AI products for the future of healthcare, with final decisions remaining in the hands of clinicians.