|
Next-Generation Brain PET | AI Training for Residents
August 5, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
Together with
|
|
|
|
Images from NeuroEXPLORER (NX) dedicated brain PET/CT scanner (top row) compared to High Resolution Research Tomography (bottom row). |
|
|
A new paper in JNM includes the first human images acquired with a next-generation dedicated brain PET/CT scanner that could create a new standard for neurological research. United Imaging’s NeuroEXPLORER scanner has sensitivity and spatial resolution “an order of magnitude” better than existing technology.
In addition to its value as a clinical tool, PET has carved out a research role for investigating some of the most fundamental questions about brain function and pathology.
- Commercial whole-body scanners can be used for research, but dedicated brain systems like the High Resolution Research Tomograph (HRRT) offer even higher resolution for imaging tiny structures in the brain.
NeuroEXPLORER was developed by a consortium that includes United Imaging, UC Davis, and Yale University to adapt for dedicated brain imaging the long-axis PET technology found in United’s uEXPLORER total-body PET/CT system.
- NeuroEXPLORER was a highlight at the recent SNMMI 2024 conference, and images acquired with the system won the show’s coveted Image of the Year honors.
In the new study, researchers go into more detail about NeuroEXPLORER’s specifications, which include …
- An extended axial field of view (FOV) of 49.5cm for higher sensitivity
- Transverse spatial resolution ranging from 1.64-2.51mm at full-width half-maximum
- Average time-of-flight resolution of 236 picoseconds
- NEMA sensitivities of 46.0 and 47.6 kcps/MBq at center and 10cm offset, and absolute sensitivity of 11.8% at the center of the FOV
Such high sensitivity and spatial resolution enables tasks “previously considered difficult or impossible,” like imaging focal tracer uptake of small subcortical regions or low-density binding sites like cortical dopamine receptors.
- What’s more, NeuroEXPLORER’s long axial length enables high-quality imaging of the spinal cord and carotid arteries.
Now for the disclaimer: United Imaging notes that NeuroEXPLORER has not been submitted to the FDA for clearance and at present is only for research use; the company’s uEXPLORER scanner does have clearance and is in operation at several commercial sites.
The Takeaway
Publication in a journal of the first human images from NeuroEXPLORER are an exciting development and underscore the potential of dedicated brain PET to advance research into neurological function and pathology. Whether the scanner develops into a clinical tool remains to be seen.
|
|
|
Fully Automated AI Echo vs. 3D and Human Readers
While 3D echo is becoming more accurate, 2D still dominates clinical care. A new study evaluates agreement in measures of LV volume and function between human readers, echo AI from Us2.ai, and the 3D Heart Model.
|
|
What is Cloud Computing?
What do you know about cloud computing and its role in healthcare? Check out this article by Sham Sokka, PhD, of DeepHealth to learn how cloud computing is helping hospitals adopt new AI technologies that enhance patient care.
|
|
Preparing for the Future of Enterprise Imaging
Check out this white paper from Optum to learn what you need to know when moving your enterprise imaging to the cloud. Learn how to assess the various approaches and develop a strategy that works for you.
|
|
- AI Training for Residents: Artificial intelligence is the future of radiology, but what’s being done to help future radiologists make the most of AI? In a new paper in JACR, a team from UT Southwestern Medical Center described how they integrated an AI curriculum into their resident training program. The program started in 2021 with monthly lectures based on ABR content as well as new topics like structured reporting, enterprise imaging, and generative AI; hands-on workshops in AI algorithm development and data manipulation have also been added.
- Annalise Gets NTAP for Hydrocephalus: Annalise.ai reported that CMS has created a New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) code for use of its Critical Care AI solution for triaging obstructive hydrocephalus on non-contrast brain CT scans. The move means the algorithm is eligible for a separate, additional Medicare hospital payment to help detect hydrocephalus, a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that can be fatal if undetected.
- Mayo Most AI-Ready Hospital: Mayo Clinic was named the U.S. hospital most ready for broad implementation of healthcare AI. CB Insights’ Hospital AI Readiness Index ranks hospitals’ readiness using two key metrics: innovation, based on their track record of developing or acquiring novel AI capabilities, and execution, measured by their ability to bring AI into clinical practice. Other top health systems included Intermountain Health, Cleveland Clinic, and Kaiser Permanente. Get the rest of the details on our sister site Digital Health Wire.
- Us2.ai Lands Australian Partner: Us2.ai is partnering with Australian cardiac healthcare provider Advara HeartCare on technology integration to improve heart disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Advara is Australia’s largest cardiology provider, with 1.5M patient interactions annually delivered by over 100 cardiologists across 70 centers. Us2.ai will integrate its automated echo AI solution into Advara’s TickerCardiology echo PACS software to help cardiologists analyze echo exams with greater precision while reducing time needed for image analysis. Us2.ai and Advara also plan to collaborate on cardiology research.
- Low Lung Screening Awareness: World Lung Cancer Day was August 1, and a survey released by the American Lung Association found low awareness of CT lung cancer screening. Among 4k men and women surveyed, only 38% were familiar with the availability of lung screening for high-risk people, and 73% had not discussed their lung cancer risk with a doctor. The findings underscore the challenge in boosting low lung screening compliance rates, which the ALA said were just 7.7% of eligible individuals in 2023.
- Sub-mSV Photon-Counting CT: How low can radiation dose go with photon-counting CT? German researchers achieved ultra-low radiation doses – below 1 mSv – for detecting kidney stones while maintaining image quality comparable to conventional CT with energy-integrating detectors. In a new study in Radiology, they scanned 507 patients with Siemens Healthineers’ Naeotom Alpha photon-counting CT scanner using a tin filtration spectral-shaping protocol, achieving 39% lower dose than conventional CT (0.79 vs. 1.30 mSv). Signal-to-noise ratios were also better.
- RevealDx Raises $4.3M: Add RevealDx to the list of imaging AI companies benefiting from an improving fundraising environment. The company raised $4.3M in a new funding round that it plans to use to further develop its AI solution for analyzing lung nodules on chest CT scans. RevealDx had been known as Mindshare Medical until acquired in 2021 by Precision Medical Ventures. RevealDx CEO Chris Wood told GeekWire that the company has four customers in Europe and is working on regulatory clearances in the U.S.
- MR Linacs – Hope or Hype? The collapse of MR-guided linear accelerator manufacturer ViewRay last year prompted anguish among fans (and customers) of the high-end radiation therapy technology. But it’s also led to soul-searching about whether MR linacs are ahead of their time. A new commentary in JAMA Oncology tackles MRI-guided radiation therapy’s challenges, such as machine downtime, high staffing costs, and lack of reimbursement, as well as a lack of supporting clinical data. The conclusion? The hype around MR linacs is greater than the evidence.
- Accelerating Academic Innovation: What’s the best way to foster innovation at academic radiology departments – in particular of technologies that can be commercialized? In a new paper in JACR, MGH authors explain how they created the role of associate chair of innovation and commercialization (ACIC) to spearhead innovation by coordinating programs, mentoring faculty and trainees, and setting goals around intellectual property, among other tasks. Given MGH’s reputation for cutting-edge innovation in AI and imaging IT, the ACIC model could be worth emulating at both academic departments and private radiology groups.
- New HHS Image Exchange Rules: HHS is proposing new rules on healthcare data exchange and how EHRs link to medical images. The ACR has broken down the proposal, which would modify three certification criteria supporting electronic image exchange functions, with the goal of including imaging links in certified EHRs by January 2028 that enable the viewing and retrieval over a network of medical images, both diagnostic and low-quality. ACR notes the DICOMweb standard will probably be one of the most widely used standards for supporting the links.
- Echo AI Outcomes: There’s plenty of studies highlighting echo AI’s accuracy and efficiency, but a JASE study tied echo AI’s findings to patient outcomes for the first time. Mayo Clinic researchers applied Ultromics’ EchoGo solution to 1.3k patients with and without HFpEF and followed them for a median of 3.4 years. AI achieved 89.8% sensitivity and 86.3% specificity, outperforming clinical scores, while patients who were flagged by AI had far higher risks of heart failure hospitalization (HR=3.76) and cardiac mortality (HR=5.55).
- CorTechs Gets NIH Grant: AI developer Cortechs.ai has received a three-year multimillion-dollar NIH grant to develop analysis software to detect and quantify amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Tracking ARIAs has become a key element for monitoring treatment with new amyloid-targeting drugs like Leqembi. Cortechs already offers its NeuroQuant software for volumetric analysis of neurological disorders, and a 510(k)-pending update supports identification of and evaluation of cerebral microhemorrhages and vasogenic edema in patients with ARIA.
- Ferrum Adds Paxera to AI Platform: Ferrum Health is adding imaging IT applications from PaxeraHealth to its enterprise AI platform under a new partnership between the firms. Paxera will also integrate the Ferrum platform into its enterprise imaging suite with the goal of helping users deploy AI within existing workflows. Ferrum Health has been signing on new partners of late and now offers 53 AI algorithms.
|
|
Imaging Workflows that Actually Work
Not a fan of medical image exchange on discs? Then check out Clearpath and find out how it’s removing obstacles to better radiology workflow. Request a demo today.
|
|
Visit CARPL at AHRA 2024
If you’re attending AHRA 2024 this week, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the team from CARPL.ai and learn how they can help you achieve improved healthcare outcomes by leveraging the value of an entire AI ecosystem. Schedule a meeting today.
|
|
Visit Siemens Healthineers at AHRA 2024
Imagine your team working smarter to efficiently and effectively cut through the workload. Visit Siemens Healthineers at AHRA 2024 to learn how they’re reimagining radiology with a digital makeover and some game-changing staffing solutions.
|
|
- Visit SpinTech at AHRA 2024: If you’re attending AHRA 2024, be sure to visit SpinTech at booth #431 to learn about their STAGE software for accelerating your MRI scans and creating revenue for your institution.
- A New Solution for Cardiac Imaging: Intelerad is making advanced cardiac solutions available whenever you want them. Learn more about the company’s new InteleHeart solution, which elevates cardiac CT, MR, and echo care with advanced diagnostic precision and effortless sharing capabilities.
- BoneView vs. ChatGPT for Wrist Fractures: Learn how Gleamer’s BoneView AI solution demonstrated expert-level performance for detecting distal radius fractures on wrist radiographs in a new clinical study, significantly outperforming ChatGPT 4 in sensitivity.
- Visit Calantic by Bayer at AHRA 2024: Going to AHRA 2024 in Orlando? Be sure to visit booth #819 to learn how orchestrated AI solutions from Calantic Digital Solutions by Bayer can help your radiology practice. Schedule your meeting today.
- Imaging in the Cloud: The healthcare imaging market in the US is moving to the cloud. In this new report from KLAS Research, find out why companies like Merge by Merative are instilling confidence in customers thanks to their cloud approach.
- Next-Generation Radiology Reporting: Join the conversation in this webinar recording and hear from PACS administrator Griff R. Van Dusen of Memorial Health System how Nuance PowerScribe One’s next-generation reporting experience helps streamline workflow and improve report quality so radiologists can get more done in less time.
- Visit United Imaging at AHRA 2024: You won’t need to know their booth number to find United Imaging at AHRA 2024. Stop by United’s booth in the middle of the exhibit hall to learn how their mission of Equal Healthcare for All and brand promise of Passion for Change are part of every decision they make.
- White Paper on Structural Heart Imaging: How can AI help improve care for patients with structural heart issues? Learn more about new enhancements for procedures like TAVR and TMVR, as well as LAA closure, in this downloadable white paper from TeraRecon.
- MRI of the Pelvis and Lower Extremities: Join Donald Resnick, MD, and guest faculty in this Virtual Conference series on MRI of the pelvis and lower extremities, hosted by Medality from September 30-October 4. Register your team and save on your group enrollment.
- Simplifying Complex Image Exchange Workflows: Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and Methodist Hospital implemented a PocketHealth Community Gateway that saved over 1,700 staff hours. Read how they streamlined bidirectional image exchange, created operational efficiencies, and improved continuity of care for patients.
- The Journey to Cloud-Based PACS: Radiology is looking closely at cloud-based PACS as an alternative to on-premises digital image management. We discuss this emerging trend with key opinion leaders who have made the switch with Visage Imaging in The Imaging Wire Show.
- Improving Your Mammography Workflow: Want to learn how AI can relieve pressure in your mammography department? Watch this on-demand webinar hosted by Blackford featuring a panel discussing the importance of assessing breast density, image quality reporting, and prioritizing studies.
- Clearly Superior Chest X-Ray Imaging: Chest X-rays can help identify many abnormalities, but interpretation is often difficult due to obstructing bone, patient positioning, and image quality. Book a demo to see how Riverain’s ClearRead Xray with Clear Visual Intelligence provides a clearly superior view of the chest.
- Data Standardization and Patient Care: Standardization of patient data is a crucial aspect of healthcare. It helps make practices more efficient, but it also benefits patients by improving outcomes and patient satisfaction. Learn how data standardization can help improve your practice in this article from Enlitic.
- Smart Bytes on Cardiology Workflows: Check out Smart Bytes, a new series of webcasts giving you bite-sized insights for smarter imaging from AGFA HealthCare. At 12:30 ET on August 15 learn about improved cardiology workflows using cutting-edge AI technology.
|
|
|
|
|
