Jefferson Research Offers New Diagnostic Tool for Women Suffering from Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding and Severe Uterine and Pelvic
Pain
(Published 3-4-2009) New research from the Department of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital suggests sonohysterography
(SHG), a simple ultrasound technique commonly used to evaluate the uterine cavity, improves the diagnostic capability of transvaginal
ultrasound in detecting adenomyosis (a common benign condition of the uterus that causes dysmenorrhea, abnormal vaginal bleeding
and pelvic pain). The study – set to be published in the April issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology – reveals an
effective tool with a ‘new sign’ to diagnose adenomyosis; it is a safe alternative to immediate biopsy for women who present
with abnormal vaginal bleeding and severe uterine and pelvic pain.
Lower-dose Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Acoustic Neuromas Results in Better Hearing Preservation
(Published: 12-17-2008) Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that a lower dose of fractionated stereotactic
radiotherapy for acoustic neuromas results in better hearing preservation and has the same tumor local control rate as a higher
dose of therapy. The study appeared online in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
Jefferson Names First Endowed Chair in Radiology Department’s History
(Published 7-21-2008) Vijay M. Rao, M.D., F.A.C.R., professor and chair of the Department of Radiology at Jefferson Medical
College of Thomas Jefferson University, has been named to the first endowed chair in the department’s history. This endowment
honors the former chair of the department, David C. Levin, M.D., who led the department for 16 years. New York businessman,
Arthur S. Penn, bestowed a generous gift to Jefferson to create the chair honoring Dr. Levin.
Jefferson Study Evaluates “Triple Rule-Out” CT Scan for Acute Coronary Syndrome
(Published 7-18-2008) Chest pain is the second most common complaint when patients go to the emergency room, accounting for
six million visits annually. Determining the cause of patients’ symptoms whether it be a heart attack or some other life-threatening
entity like a blood clot in the lungs is challenging since the symptoms often overlap. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
is at the forefront of institutions evaluating a “triple rule-out” protocol with coronary computed tomographic angiography
(CCTA) for low-to-moderate risk patients presenting with symptoms suspicious for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The “triple
rule-out” CCTA provides a non-invasive, rapid and accurate approach for the proper diagnosis or exclusion of ACS.
Jefferson the First Hospital in Philadelphia to Use Next Generation Drug Eluting Stent since FDA Approval
(Published 7-15-2008) Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the first hospital in Philadelphia to offer the next generation
of drug eluting stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Recently approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration,
the XIENCE V Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System, has proven to be more effective in reducing adverse cardiac events
in recent clinical trials of patients with previous cases of CAD.
Jefferson Scientists See Breast Cancer Gene Activity from Outside the Body
(Published: 11-27-2007) Researchers at Jefferson Medical College and Jefferson’s Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia have
used PET imaging to see hyperactive cancer genes inside breast tumors in laboratory animals, marking the first time such gene
activity has been observed from outside the body. This technology might someday help physicians to detect and classify cancer,
enabling them to find cancerous breast tumors as early as possible, and determine the appropriate treatment.
Featured in the Media
A 3-D View of the Brain
(Published: 08-06-2007, Technology Review) Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, in Philadelphia, have developed
software that integrates data from multiple imaging technologies to create an interactive 3-D map of the brain. The enhanced
visualization gives neurosurgeons a much clearer picture of the spatial relationship of a patient's brain structures than
is possible with any single imaging methods. In doing so, it could serve as an advanced guide for surgical procedures, such
as brain-tumor removal and epilepsy surgery.
Media Coverage:
Technology Review
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Help Wanted- NOW!
(Published: 07-03-2007, Imaging Economics) The radiologist shortage continues, and it is not going to get better in the foreseeable
future. Professor Vijay Rao, MD, FACR, of Jefferson Medical College and other industry experts discuss the causes of the shortage
and what can be done to fill in the gaps and, with time, fill those empty slots.
Media Coverage:
Imaging Economics
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Race And Breast Cancer
(Published: 06-04-2007, CBS 3) A recent study has shown that African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer
than Caucasian women. The new study blames socio-economic difference because African American women have less access to health
care. "It was disheartening news, but not surprising," said Dr. Anita Wilkes, a radiologist at Thomas Jefferson University
Hospital.
Media Coverage:
CBS
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Helmet Boxing' Dominates Internet Video Sites
(Published: 05-23-2007, CBS3) There is a dangerous new trend gaining popularity among teens and internet video sites called
"helmet boxing." This new sport can be seen on video sites all over the internet, and parents are concerned.In helmet boxing,
kids wear any type of helmet they can get their hands on, and the only rule is to go for your opponents head. Doctors believe
that this activity could cause lifelong damage. "Going to the point of unconsciousness is particularly disturbing," said Dr.
Joseph Tracy of the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
Media Coverage:
CBS3
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Missing Mammograms
(Published: 05-14-2007, CBS3) A growing number of women are risking their lives by not getting screened for breast cancer.A
new study from the American Cancer Society found too many women are skipping the annual screening. Radiologist Dr. Annina
Wilkes of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital said while researchers aren't sure why women are skipping mammograms there
are a few theories.
Media Coverage:
CBS3
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And the Next Contestant Is..A Peek Inside Recruiting at TJU
(Published: 04-25-2007, Medical Imaging) Since 2002, 100% of all first-time diagnostic radiology candidates from Jefferson
Medical College passed the oral boards, conducted by the American Board of Radiology, on the first attempt. Earlier this year,
the hospital's radiology residency program also received a number one ranking, for the second year in a row. Only a handful
of hospitals in the country "and only one in Philadelphia" can make this claim.
Media Coverage:
Medical Imaging
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The Cream of the Crop
(Published: 4-19-2007, Medical Imaging) Readers of Medical Imaging honor six of Jefferson's best people in imaging in the
second-annual Medical Imaging Industry Top 10. Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as saying, "Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Being willing is not enough; we must do." No one embodies this adage better than medical professionals, whose knowledge is
judiciously incorporated into practice”improving the lives of countless people with modern-day miracles. The second annual
Medical Imaging Industry Top 10 honors the professionals and facilities that put this principle into action. In response to
an e-mail survey and an online poll, more than 600 readers cast ballots to recognize their hardworking colleagues in a range
of categories.
Media Coverage:
Medical Imaging
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TJU Puts 64-Slice CT in ED
(Published: 02/15/2007, Imaging Economics) Place a CT scanner in the emergency department (ED), and physicians will use it.
Research has shown that CT utilization increases when the equipment is available in the ED. In fact, a paper presented at
RSNA 2006 reported that growth in the utilization rate of CT in the ED outpaced that of patient volume. These presentations
had not been made when Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJU), Philadelphia, installed a Brilliance 64-slice CT from Philips
Medical Systems, Andover, Mass, in the ED in October 2006. But by December, the hospital had already seen immediate improvements.
"We have improved patient care, convenience, and throughput," says Vijay Rao, MD, FACR, professor of radiology and department
chair at TJU.
Media Coverage:
Imaging Economics
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Have a Heart
(Published: 03-07-2006, Medical Imaging) What a difference a few years can make! Rapid technological advances in systems responsible
for imaging the human heart have sent ripples throughout the world of cardiac care.
Improvements in CT scanning technology, ever-more-powerful magnets, and 3-D ultrasound lead the fight against coronary artery
disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States.
Currently, the gold standard for identifying stenosis in coronary arteries involves making an incision in the patient's groin
and snaking a thin tube through a main artery to the heart. But the reign of cardiac catheterizations as the first tool employed
in identifying coronary artery disease is drawing to a close.
"Coronary CTA evaluates for narrowing of the coronary arteries just like cardiac cath, and it also provides additional information
about plaque sitting in the artery wall. CTA demonstrates the plaque burden as well as specific characteristics of the plaque,
such as whether it is soft or calcified and whether it is smooth or ulcerated," says Ethan Halpern, MD, MS, professor of radiology
and director of cardiac CT at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU of Philadelphia). "In addition, CTA demonstrates cardiac function
to a much better degree than a cardiac cath does, allowing one to evaluate both left and right ventricular function and myocardium
as well as to evaluate the aortic and mitral valves."
Media Coverage:
Medical Imaging
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The End of the Slice Wars? Hardly!
(Published 03-07-2006, Medical Imaging) After the breakneck pace of advances in multi-slice CT, development has paused to
take a breath. But just one—new advances lie on the horizon, most aiming to solve the same clinical and technical challenges.
But the solution might not simply be more slices. Some advocate more coverage; others are focused on refining today's workflow.
Vijay M. Rao, MD, professor of radiology and department chair at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH of Philadelphia),
agrees that improvements are needed; however, she says they might not necessarily come from more detectors. Rao cites the
need to optimize images of the heart as a primary driver for development. "The heart is tricky because of its motion, so we
need optimal temporal and spatial resolutions," she says. "And we also want to highlight soft plaque."
Media Coverage:
Medical Imaging
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Best of the best
(Published: 01-06-2006, Medical Imaging) Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia has been ranked among the top
ten hospitals in the United States in the field of radiology by Medical Imaging, a leading national magazine.
The Medical Imaging Industry Top 10 also ranked six Jefferson University Hospital specialists--the only experts in Philadelphia
to be among the honorees. Jefferson University Hospital was ranked third in the nation for radiological services. In addition,
several of Jefferson’s experts were ranked number one in their categories.
Media Coverage:
Medical Imaging
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Heart Scan for Health
(Published: 01-06-2006, KWY) A high tech tool is being used to search out calcium plaque, a newly discovered bad boy in the
war against heart disease.
The CT scan produces something called a calcium score.
The specialized x-ray machine takes detailed pictures of the heart and blood vessels.
Dr. Ethan Halpern, a radiologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, said the fast improving technology is being used
in conjunction with traditional measures like blood pressure and cholesterol to determine someone’s risk.
“The calcium score adds additional information, above and beyond that which they would get from traditional risk factor evaluation,”
said Dr. Halpern.
Media Coverage:
KYW
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Coronary CT workups save time, money Appropriate patients can avoid hours-long procedures
(Published: 01-02-2006, News Journal (DE)) In 1998, Dr. Charles Wagner, a family physician in Milton, had a cardiac catheterization
exam that revealed minor heart disease. A month ago, he started having chest pains. With a family history of heart disease,
Wagner, 61, wasn't surprised. But he didn't have the time or energy to put himself through a stress test to determine the
extent of his condition.
Wagner also didn't want to undergo another invasive angiography, which would require a catheter to be inserted into his groin.
Instead, he opted for a new screening procedure using computed tomography to quickly assess his condition.
A coronary CT angiography also is useful in viewing the soft plaque that is most responsible for heart attacks, said Dr. Ethan
Halpern, professor of radiology and director of cardiac CT imaging at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
The plaque -- named because it is unstable and prone to breaking off into the bloodstream -- cannot be detected with stress
tests or an angiography.
Media Coverage:
News Journal (DE)
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Methodist Hospital Radiologist, Philly Native, Dr. Mark Cooper, Gets Own Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame
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Methodist Hospital Radiologist, Philly Native, Dr. Mark Cooper, Gets Own Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame
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Methodist Hospital Radiologist, Philly Native, Dr. Mark Cooper, Gets Own Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame
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Methodist Hospital Radiologist, Philly Native, Dr. Mark Cooper, Gets Own Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame
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Methodist Hospital Radiologist, Philly Native, Dr. Mark Cooper, Gets Own Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame
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Methodist Hospital Radiologist, Philly Native, Dr. Mark Cooper, Gets Own Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame
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. It features more than 50 games over a 100 year period from 1860 to 1960, and is on display through the end of the 2008
baseball season.
