Advances in medical imaging

Article Abstract:

The development of new digital and communication technologies has contributed to the growth of the medical imaging field. The new imaging methods, which are capable of showing greater anatomical detail, include: ultrasonography, the use of sound waves to visualize internal structures; computed tomography (CT), an X-ray method that shows detailed images of structures in a selected plane of tissue by blurring images of structures in all other planes; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the use of electromagnetic energy to provide images of the heart, large blood vessels, brain, and soft tissues. The imaging of blood vessels with ultrasound, high-resolution CT of the thorax or chest area, and applications, or uses, of MRI are discussed. Modifications of ultrasonography and CT are also described. The use of MRI at all body sites is currently under investigation; this technique is replacing older X-ray methods that specifically examine certain tissues, such as bone marrow, blood vessels, and joints. In addition, images can now be analyzed and organized by use of picture archiving and communications systems. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Magnetic resonance imaging, Tomography, Diagnostic imaging

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Identification of K-ras mutations in pancreatic juice in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Article Abstract:

Testing pancreatic juices for mutations in the K-ras gene may be a helpful supplemental tool in distinguishing pancreatic cancer from other diseases of the pancreas. K-ras is an oncogene, which is a normal gene that can cause cancer if it is damaged by a mutation. Researchers analyzed pancreatic cells from 22 patients with pancreatic tumors, 29 patients with other pancreatic diseases, and 24 patients with no pancreatic disease. Seventeen of the 22 patients (77%) with pancreatic tumors had a K-ras mutation. All of the rest of the patients had a normal K-ras gene. Researchers initially found no evidence of pancreatic cancer in 2 patients with K-ras mutations. Pancreatic tumors later developed in both of these patients.

Abnormalities, Pancreas, Ras genes, Pancreatic secretions

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Fine-needle biopsy of pancreatic masses

Article Abstract:

Doctors can use endoscopic ultrasound to guide them when using fine-needle biopsy to diagnose pancreatic cancer, according to a study of 102 patients. Endoscopic ultrasound is done by inserting a tube with an ultrasound probe at the end into the patient's stomach.

Endoscopy, Biopsy, Needle, Needle biopsy

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