Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and eventually fatal condition of advancing age characterized by cognitive and behavioral changes. Scientific understanding of AD has advanced in the past few decades with important new information coming to light about the imaging of structural and functional changes of the brain. In order to help physicians more effectively diagnose and treat patients with AD, advancements in imaging techniques, specifically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), need to be disseminated appropriately. This article will provide updates on the guidelines for AD classification, the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative studies, and the use of PET and MRI as tools for the identification and monitoring patients with MCI and early stage AD.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Mammography is widely used in the screening and diagnosis of patients with breast cancer, but it is associated with a high false-positive rate and is less effective for identifying cancer in some patients. Molecular breast imaging uses nuclear medicine and other techniques to noninvasively visualize, characterize, and quantify biological processes in patients. This modality may make it possible to visualize breast cancer at an earlier stage before the appearance of structural breast lesions that are evident on routine mammograms or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article focuses on the tools and techniques in the molecular imaging of patients with breast cancer.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that occurs as a result of a decrease in bone density, causing bones to become weak and brittle. For patients at risk, a bone density examination can determine the status of the patient's bone structure so that the clinician can implement appropriate interventions. This article discusses the most commonly used examinations—dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography, and quantitative ultrasound—as well as the factors that can impact overall results and how to recognize the areas of bone affected by the disease process.
Historically, autopsies have been performed for various clinical and medicolegal reasons, however, in recent years, the number of autopsies actually performed has decreased by 50%. With the development of multislice computed tomography (CT) imaging, the ability to produce 2-dimensional (D) and 3D images, and the availability of a specialized pump that allows computed tomography angiography (CTA) to be performed on a cadaver, a viable alternative to the conventional autopsy is now possible. Recent studies have demonstrated that in some cases, postmortem CT (pmCT) and postmortem CTA (pmCTA) have greater value over conventional autopsy. This activity will discuss and evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of pmCT and pmCTA in various clinical and legal situations.
All CE content has been accredited by the ASRT for ARRT Category A credit. Selected articles are also accredited by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board for MDCB Credit.
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