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Imaging Predicts Disease, Intentional Screening, and Malpractice Risk
May 7, 2026
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Together with
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“Screening only those in the hospital means targeting people who are likely already sick. To shift from ‘sick-care’ to proactive health, we must screen patients before the horse leaves the barn.”
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Daniel Durand, MD, MBA, chief medical officer of Prenuvo.
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Radiology is moving far beyond just diagnosing disease and toward preventive medicine – but how far is too far?
Our lead story shows how imaging-based measurements of physical characteristics like muscle quality can predict future health risk. Such measurements can be incorporated into opportunistic screening programs to detect disease before symptoms occur.
But does that mean it’s a good idea to start scanning healthy people, such as with whole-body MRI? That debate broke out into the open this week with dueling essays that saw the application of a relatively new term – intentional screening – to describe whole-body MRI.
Enjoy the issue! – Brian Casey, Managing Editor
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Two new studies published this week highlight the exciting potential of medical imaging scans to guide preventive health by analyzing the composition of tissues like muscle and fat. The research suggests that imaging can predict a person’s risk of serious disease years before symptoms occur.
Previous research has shown that the composition of various types of body tissue can serve as biomarkers for future health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease and metabolic issues like diabetes.
- Advances in AI analysis are driving much of the new understanding, as increasingly powerful deep learning algorithms are emerging that can analyze massive quantities of imaging data and compare tissue composition to databases of normal scans.
The new studies – both published in Radiology – test this concept on a large scale. In the first, researchers in Germany reviewed MRI data from over 66k people who got whole-body MRI scans as part of large population health studies (UK Biobank and German National Cohort, or NAKO).
- They used deep learning algorithms to create z-scores of tissue composition metrics and correlated those measurements to the risk of developing conditions like diabetes and cardiac events, as well as all-cause mortality.
Researchers found…
- High visceral adipose tissue indicated higher risk of incident diabetes (HR = 2.26).
- High intramuscular adipose tissue was connected to major adverse cardiovascular events (HR = 1.54).
- Low skeletal muscle was linked to all-cause mortality (HR = 1.44).
In the second study, researchers focused on 11.3k participants in the NAKO study who got whole-body 3T MRI scans.
- Researchers used software to analyze two tissue composition metrics, paraspinal intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and lean muscle mass (LMM), which only recently have been connected to metabolic dysfunction.
The authors found…
- Increased IMAT was associated with higher risk of hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidemia, a lipid imbalance associated with metabolic dysfunction and diabetes risk (HR = 1.67 and 1.82, respectively).
- Higher LMM was a marker for better health in men, and was linked to lower odds of hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidemia (HR = 0.34 and 0.49, respectively).
The Takeaway
The new studies build on previous research to show how the combination of imaging-derived biomarkers and AI-based analysis can pinpoint currently healthy people who might be at higher risk of future disease. The implications are exciting for anyone who believes radiology can play a greater role in guiding population health.
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How Cloud-Based Enterprise Imaging Accelerates Insights
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A Radiology Question Bank with Analytics
Medality’s new DXIT/Core Radiology SmartBank powered by TrueLearn includes over 800 practice questions aligned to the Diagnostic Radiology In-Training and ABR Qualifying (Core) Exam Domain Blueprints. Assess your readiness for test day now.
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- JAMA Editorial Cautions Against MRI Screening: A new JAMA editorial raised pointed questions about the rise of MRI-based whole-body screening. Written by two radiologists who didn’t pull any punches, the article notes that whole-body screening of healthy people isn’t supported by medical evidence, and that screening can lead to harms like unnecessary biopsies and other complications. It also cites research studies showing that, in some cases, large-scale studies of screening exams that lack clinical evidence – like ultrasound for thyroid cancer – haven’t produced a mortality benefit.
- Opportunistic vs. Intentional Screening: Taking the other position is Daniel Durand, MD, MBA, chief medical officer of whole-body MRI company Prenuvo, who penned a thought-provoking essay this week implying that opportunistic screening and whole-body MRI aren’t so different after all. Characterizing whole-body MRI as “intentional screening,” Durand noted its advantages, as it targets people before they are sick and is performed with their active participation and consent rather than running in the background. Only intentional screening “actually moves the needle on population health.”
- Kim Kardashian Drives Interest in Whole-Body MRI: While clinicians debate whole-body screening, how does the public feel? Researchers in Clinical Imaging assessed their opinions by analyzing Reddit posts for whole-body screening-related terms. They found 3.7k posts from 1.9k unique users from 2013 to 2024, with posts peaking in August 2023 after Kim Kardashian shared her experience with Prenuvo. Some 89% of users were from the general public, with 2% radiologists, and overall 47% opposed the exams, 25% were in favor, and the rest were neutral or had mixed opinions.
- SimonMed Extends AI Analysis: Meanwhile, imaging services provider SimonMed took a big step forward into opportunistic screening by giving patients the option of adding additional AI analysis. For an extra $50-$80, patients getting non-contrast CT scans for other conditions like lung cancer screening can also receive AI-generated calcium and bone density scores, while those undergoing lumbar MRI can also receive quantitative AI analysis of lower back abnormalities. SimonMed has partnered with AI algorithm developers to offer the service, which complements its SimonMed Longevity preventive imaging division.
- Biograph Launches Executive Physical: Biograph this week expanded its longevity services into executive health with Executive Physical, a package of imaging exams and biomarker tests that include whole-body MRI and CT. The program includes over 30 evaluations for assessing cardiovascular, cancer, brain, and metabolic health, and a single evaluation can take up to six hours. The company is offering the program at its facilities in New York City and San Francisco.
- Bayer Gets Expanded MRI Injector Clearance: Bayer received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market expanded capabilities on its Medrad MRXperion contrast injector system for MRI scans. MRXperion can now be used with MRI scanners up to 7T field strength, giving radiology departments more flexibility. The clearance also covers the injector’s Imaging Scanner Interface 2, which streamlines exams by supporting communication between the injector and scanner.
- Malpractice Risk of Radiologists: Radiologists were among the medical specialists at higher risk of being sued for malpractice in a new AMA survey. Among 26 specialties, radiology ranked eighth, with 38% of radiologists saying they had ever been sued in their career (ob/gyn doctors were at the top at 60%). What’s more, 3.9% of radiologists said they had been sued in the previous year, also toward the high end. On the positive side, the proportion of physicians reporting malpractice claims fell in 2024 compared to 2016 (29% vs. 34%).
- Medical Liability Premiums Rise: Perhaps not surprisingly, medical liability premiums continued to rise in another AMA survey on medical malpractice. The proportion of premiums that rose in 2025 was up sharply compared to 2018 (40% vs. 14%), and premiums rose for the past seven years, a trend not seen since the medical malpractice crisis of the early 2000s. Premiums tended to be lower in states that have caps on non-economic damages. The report stated that further premium increases could limit patient access to care.
- Fewer Doctors Planning to Quit: In another sign of the easing healthcare burnout crisis, a new survey found that fewer physicians are planning to quit their current practice compared to a few years ago. In a new study in JAMA Network Open, researchers surveyed 37.1k U.S. physicians, finding that the percentage who intended to leave fell in 2024 compared to 2022 (15% vs. 20%), and the percentage who wanted to reduce their hours also dropped (23% vs. 26%).
- AI Predicts Breast Cancer Risk: Another study points to the value of AI-generated predictions of breast cancer risk. In JAMA Network Open, researchers compared the MGH-developed Mirai algorithm to risk predictions derived from standard breast density calculations made by radiologists using BI-RADS. Across mammograms from 67k women, Mirai had higher accuracy in predicting future breast cancer over five years (AUROC = 0.71 vs. 0.53). Authors suggest AI tools like Mirai could replace density-based predictions in directing higher-risk women to supplemental imaging.
- Could AI Enable Same-Day Mammo Recalls? Same-day mammography screening and diagnostic recalls could become a reality thanks to AI. Researchers in JACR used commercially available AI algorithms from Lunit and iCAD (now part of DeepHealth) to analyze 3.5k screening DBT mammograms acquired via mobile mammography. The algorithms performed similarly for detecting cancer, and mammograms with risk scores in the top 2% accounted for 50% of all screen-detected cancers. Using AI to immediately triage high-risk cases could enable providers to perform diagnostic work-up on the same day as initial screening exams.
- SIIM, ACR Publish AI Adoption Guide: At this week’s ACR 2026 meeting, the organization joined with SIIM in publishing ACR-SIIM Practice Parameter for Imaging Artificial Intelligence, a set of guidelines for imaging facilities looking to adopt AI responsibly. The guidelines cover various steps in AI adoption, including algorithm selection, monitoring, and continuous quality improvement, and detail how practices can achieve ARCH-AI certification. ACR and SIIM are also recommending imaging facilities review a recent JACR article on the Assess-AI quality registry and data service.
- AI for Brain Vessel Occlusion: Aidoc’s AI algorithm for detecting vessel occlusion on brain CT exams turned in standalone performance similar to radiologists in a new study in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence. Swedish researchers tested the algorithm in 3k CT angiography exams, finding that on its own it had comparable accuracy to radiologists in sensitivity (82% vs. 81%) and specificity (99.6% vs. 99.3%). It also detected vessel occlusions that radiologists missed in 42 exams for a 19% enhanced detection rate.
- AI Detects Early Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, as it’s often detected in late stages. A new AI algorithm from Mayo Clinic called REDMOD could help by assisting radiologists in detecting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma earlier on CT scans. In a paper in Gut, REDMOD analyzed CT scans of 493 patients, achieving nearly 3X the sensitivity of radiologists 24 months prior to diagnosis (68% vs. 23%). REDMOD can also be used in an opportunistic mode to analyze CT scans acquired for other conditions.
- Siemens Shuffles Executive Suite: Siemens Healthineers made several changes to its upper management this week. Taking over as head of Siemens’ Diagnostic Imaging business is Andreas Schneck, replacing André Hartung, who is leaving the company after 25 years to pursue other business opportunities. In addition, Philipp Fischer was named head of Advanced Therapies, succeeding Carsten Bertram, while Danaher’s Martin Stumpe was named chief technology officer. Finally, Sonja Wehsely will take over as head of Siemens’ EMEA region from Bernd Ohnesorge.
- Mach7 Taps Wehrle As CTO: Mach7 Technologies turned to healthcare IT veteran Brian Wehrle as its new chief technology officer. Wehrle has served in a variety of roles at medical imaging and healthcare IT companies, most recently as vice president of software engineering for medical imaging at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Clario business. He also held executive roles at Asure Software and GE Healthcare.
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- Meet Merge at SIIM 2026: Built with clinical and technical expertise, guided by customer insights, and personalized to your needs, Merge imaging solutions deliver reliable imaging, less complexity, and better care. Learn more by booking a meeting at SIIM 2026, or stop by booth #204-206.
- Radiology Case Report: A female in her 40s without symptoms presented for screening mammography. Discover how information from contrast-enhanced MRI led to a finding of carcinoma.
- Building Bridges Across Imaging Informatics: Visit Medicom at booth #615 at SIIM 2026 to see how their automated workflows move every image to where it needs to go, connecting patients, providers, EHRs, and research teams without manual workarounds. Book your demo today.
- Unify Image Visualization Across Your Organization: eUnity from Mach7 Technologies is radiology’s leading zero-footprint viewing and vendor-independent integration platform, giving clinicians fast, uninterrupted access to diagnostic images from disparate or proprietary systems. Schedule a demo today.
- Experience Dynamic Simplicity in Fluoroscopy: Introducing LUMINOS Q.namix R and LUMINOS Q.namix T from Siemens Healthineers – truly multifunctional imaging systems designed to simplify your daily work routines and amplify your capabilities. Learn from your peers what makes LUMINOS Q.namix systems so special.
- Low Dose, Remarkably Open Design: The Scenaria View CT scanner from Fujifilm Healthcare Americas is a powerful premium CT solution that provides dependable routine application capabilities, including coronary artery imaging with the Focus Edition’s optional Cardio StillShot 3D motion correction technology.
- The Workstation of the Future: A dedicated team of radiologists shapes every aspect of the functionality and design of MosaicOS from Mosaic Clinical Technologies. Learn how every feature was built to eliminate distractions, amplify focus, and enhance the radiologist experience.
- A New Solution for Radiology Reporting: Sectra Reporting delivers a fully built-in, AI-enhanced reporting experience that seamlessly connects PACS imaging data and measurements through intuitive templates. Discover how it can meet your needs today.
- Visit Visage at SIIM 2026: At this year’s SIIM 2026, Visage Imaging will demonstrate its Visage 7 solution operating across the entire Apple ecosystem, including on Apple Silicon-powered workstations with multiple Studio Display XDRs. Book a priority demo today or drop by booth #404-408.
- Rapid AI Deployment in Emergency Care: University Hospitals used CARPL to deploy AZmed’s fracture detection tool directly in the emergency department, reducing interpretation time by 30% without disrupting workflows. Learn how UH accelerated AI deployment.
- Power at the Point of Care: The uDR 380i Pro from United Imaging is a high-performing and agile mobile X-ray system with an ultra-narrow body design, a high-voltage generator, and the uVision Remote Console that redefines the workflow for point of care imaging.
- 5 Data Migration Myths You May Still Believe: Many healthcare organizations fall victim to data migration myths that derail their efforts, waste valuable resources, and put their business at risk. Learn about five common myths and how they cost you in this article from Laitek, an Enlitic portfolio company.
- AI-Centric Radiology Reporting: KailoAir is a new AI-centric radiology reporting solution from Kailo Medical that combines real-time voice dictation, AI-powered prior study analysis, and structured reporting in a seamless browser-based workspace. No installation and no compromise.
- Driving Advances in Lung Health Through Early Detection: Earlier detection of chest conditions leads to more effective treatments and patient outcomes. Learn more about lung diseases, the impact of early detection, and tools from Riverain Technologies to improve detection accuracy and efficiency.
- A Next-Generation Oncology Ecosystem: Quibim has launched their next-generation oncology ecosystem platform. Find out how QP-Prostate provides a comprehensive, end-to-end management workflow for prostate cancer care, supporting clinicians from the earliest stages of image acquisition through diagnosis, patient management, and follow-up.
- Rethinking the Radiology Impression: New research in npj Digital Medicine highlights how AI can generate high-quality radiology impressions, reshaping one of the most critical parts of the report. See how Rad AI brings this into your everyday workflow. Book a demo.
- A New Solution for Detecting Cardiac Amyloidosis: Us2.ai’s latest AI echo copilot software now includes a feature for detecting cardiac amyloidosis. This new capability has received FDA clearance and the CE Mark in Europe, officially authorizing its clinical use in hospitals and healthcare settings worldwide.
- Unlock Next-Level Diagnostic Possibilities: Photonova Spectra from GE HealthCare is designed to realize the full potential of photon-counting CT in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and more. Learn more about the difference its Deep Silicon technology makes on this page.
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