The challenges of todays healthcare economic climate are such that practices can no longer afford to conduct business in the same manner as they have in the past. One of the ways in which a radiology group can meet these challenges is to tune its digital workflow for maximum efficiency.

Using MRI before surgery to assess the extent of early breast cancer has not been shown to improve surgical planning, reduce follow-up surgery or reduce the risk of local recurrences. A review, appearing Aug. 13 online in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, says evidence shows that MRI utilization increases the chances of more extensive surgery over conservative approaches, with no evidence that it improves surgical care or prognosis.

InVivo has introduced an MR prostate solution for analysis, planning and interventional biopsy.

Emory University in Atlanta has been a major beneficiary of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Areas of brain damage, indicated through white matter hyperintensity volume and infarcts seen on brain MRI, which originally thought to be related to stroke, may help doctors predict a person's risk of memory problems in old age, according to research published in today's issue of Neurology.

GE Healthcare has received FDA clearance for its Optima MR450w, a new 70-cm bore, 1.5T MRI system. The larger-bore platform is commonly touted for patients who are obese or claustrophobic.

Health IT developer Merge Healthcare has entered a definitive agreement to acquire MRI computer-aided detection (CAD) application developer Confirma in an all-stock transaction.

Marylands Health Services Cost Review Commission has approved up to $10 million in startup funding to build a statewide health information exchange (HIE), with the hope more funding will be available later this year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.