To help identify trends and find out what topics Imaging Technology News (ITN) readers are interested in, our editorial team makes note of what the audience is viewing online at itnonline.com. In 2013, the topic of women’s breast health — specifically, breast density — dominated half of this list. Perhaps 2014 will be the year that standardized breast density reporting will become law in all states; 2013 got this off to a good start, helping to spread awareness. Other hot topics included healthcare reform and the role it could play in the radiology field, and of course breaking new technology.
ITN’s mission is to serve as a time-saving, go-to source for information on the latest in imaging technology and help readers keep up-to-date on trends in the market. This year’s list is a reflection of that goal and what readers considered important this past year.
1. FDA to Consider Regulatory Amendment for National Breast Density Notification
In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added consideration of a regulatory amendment to address breast density reporting, and could mean standardized nationwide notification in the lay letter for abnormal findings that women receive after their mammograms.
2. Breast Density Inform: 2013 and Beyond
The time has come for national standardized breast density notification — 2013 marked the start of this important movement.
3. Sugar Makes Cancer Light up in MRI Scanners
A new technique for detecting cancer by
imaging the consumption of sugar with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was unveiled by University College London scientists. The breakthrough could provide a safer and simpler alternative to standard radioactive techniques and enable radiologists to image tumors in greater detail.
4. Mammographic Breast Density — What It Means
Knowledge of one’s breast density is important; high breast density increases the risk of cancer and decreases the accuracy of mammograms.
5. A Glance at Recent Trends in Ultrasound
Technological advances are making way for smaller and more dynamic systems, a trend that continues into 2014.
6. Tennessee and Alabama Pass Breast Density Inform Legislation
Thirty-six percent of American women now live in states with mandatory Breast Density Inform —advocates are fighting to see this number increase in 2014.
7. Obama Administration’s 2014 Budget Would Restrict Self-referral of Imaging, Radiation Therapy
In April, the Obama administration released the long-anticipated budget proposal for FY 2014.
8. Radiologist Assistant Reimbursement Bill Introduced in Congress
The bill aims to amend the Social Security Act to recognize RA state laws and allow Medicare reimbursement.
9. Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI) to Reduce Breast MRI False Positives
Incorporating DWI into conventional breast MRI exams may decrease false positive findings in breast MRI and reduce preventable biopsies.
10. New Trends and Technology in Radiology
Trends and insights from RSNA 2012, released in early 2013.
April 24, 2024 
