Neuroradiology and head & neck
Habitat Analysis for Differentiating Post-EVT Complications in Stroke
A retrospective study (187 patients) evaluated the diagnostic value of non-contrast CT habitat analysis for distinguishing hemorrhagic transformation from contrast extravasation in hyperdense areas (HDA) after EVT. A model based on k-means clustering (k=5) achieved an AUC of 0.89 in the training cohort and 0.82 in the validation cohort, outperforming standard radiomics (AUC 0.81 and 0.75). Integrating preoperative characteristics and clinical data did not improve model performance. The primary limitation is the retrospective nature of the study.
Why it matters. Differentiating between hemorrhagic transformation and contrast extravasation remains a challenge after EVT. Using habitat analysis on widely available non-contrast CT provides an objective tool for assessing lesion heterogeneity and guiding clinical decision-making.
Source: Huang Y et al. — European radiology experimental, 2026
Radiological Framework for Staging HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer per AJCC/UICC v9
The publication proposes a practical approach to staging HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma according to the 9th edition of the TNM system. The new classification introduces the assessment of imaging extranodal extension (iENE) into clinical N staging and refines the anatomical definitions for the T4 category. Radiologists play a key role in evaluating endophytic tumor spread, nodal status, and distant metastases using CT, MRI, and PET. An important limitation: the authors emphasize the need for cautious interpretation of iENE signs due to interobserver variability and a lack of data confirming its robust prognostic value as an N-category modifier.
Why it matters. Accurate staging according to the AJCC/UICC 9 directly dictates patient management, enabling the multidisciplinary team to make an evidence-based choice between surgical resection and conservative therapy.
Source: Rai P et al. — Radiology. Imaging cancer, 2026
Post-treatment brain tumor imaging: A structured approach
The review offers a practical framework for evaluating MRI in patients after surgical resection, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and systemic therapy (including immunotherapy). The authors systematize typical post-treatment imaging findings for gliomas and metastases, helping differentiate true progression from pseudoprogression, pseudoresponse, and radiation necrosis. Importantly, pseudoprogression is a context-dependent entity: its definition, timeline, and morphology vary depending on the treatment modality, so no single universal rule applies across all clinical scenarios.
Why it matters. Accurate interpretation of post-treatment changes is critical to avoiding patient mismanagement in neuro-oncology. The proposed structured approach helps radiologists integrate clinical context and treatment timelines to evaluate therapeutic response more precisely.
Source: Isaac MFG. — Insights into imaging, 2026
68Ga-DOTA-WL12 PET/CT in predicting response to chemoimmunotherapy in head and neck cancer
A prospective study of 34 patients compared 68Ga-DOTA-WL12 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results demonstrated that 68Ga-DOTA-WL12 SUVmax significantly correlates with PD-L1 expression (AUC 0.92 vs. 0.69 for FDG) and serves as an independent predictor of response to chemoimmunotherapy (p=0.006). 18F-FDG metrics showed no prognostic significance. A limitation of the study is the small patient sample size (n=34), warranting further validation.
Why it matters. The method enables visualization of the tumor immunophenotype and more accurate patient selection for chemoimmunotherapy, improving the efficacy of personalized treatment.
Source: Yao Y et al. — European radiology, 2026
A Harmonized 5-Point Tau-PET Visual Rating Scale for Alzheimer's Disease
The multicenter prospective HEAD study (n=681) developed a 5-point tau-PET visual rating scale. The method demonstrated high consistency across different radiopharmaceuticals and superior detection of early pathology compared to binary regulatory approaches. The study has a cross-sectional design.
Why it matters. A unified scale may improve patient stratification in clinical trials and standardize the diagnosis of tauopathies.
Source: JAMA neurology
Chest
Dose Reduction in Triple Rule-Out CT Angiography for Acute Chest Pain
A prospective study (104 patients) evaluated the performance of a high-pitch CT angiography protocol during free breathing compared with a standard breath-hold protocol on a third-generation dual-source CT system. The results demonstrated a reduction in effective radiation dose from 15.63 mSv to 1.81 mSv (by 88%) and a reduction in scan time from 6.83 to 0.48 s with comparable image quality of coronary, pulmonary, and aortic structures. The primary limitation of the method is the need for further evaluation in patients without heart rate control; however, for patients with a well-controlled heart rate, the technique is clinically effective.
Why it matters. This protocol enables a radical reduction in radiation exposure and accelerates diagnosis in critically ill patients, rendering the Triple Rule-Out procedure safer and technically feasible for patients unable to sustain prolonged breath-holding.
Source: Yu J et al. — Insights into imaging, 2026
PE: What Does an Iodine Map Add to a Visible Thrombus?
A retrospective study matched 31 patients with acute PE and pulmonary infarction with 31 controls without PE or infarction. In this specifically selected cohort, infarctions occurred only in segments with subsegmental emboli; their presence was associated with decreased peripheral iodine concentration. This is not a sample of all patients with PE, nor is it a rule allowing infarction to be ruled out by a single sign.
Why it matters. Spectral CT complements arterial evaluation with information on regional hypoperfusion. The practical interest lies in correlating thrombus, subpleural changes, and the iodine map.
Source: European radiology experimental · 2026-09-08
Sarcoidosis on CT: Which Differences Are Truly Linked to Progression?
In a retrospective cohort of 232 patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis, baseline CT scans and the clinical course over 36 months were evaluated. Interreader agreement was higher for distinguishing fibrotic from non-fibrotic changes (κ=0.79) than for individual phenotypes (κ=0.55). The fibrotic phenotype was associated with progression, but there were only 13 such patients. The progression rate for the nodular phenotype was close to that of the group with normal CT findings.
Why it matters. More granular description of CT patterns does not necessarily better reflect clinical course. This is a specialized center study; its rates cannot be automatically extrapolated to the general population.
Source: ERJ open research · 2026-09-14
Association Between Emphysema and Bone Loss in Men
A retrospective study (n=1109 in the longitudinal cohort) found that emphysematous changes on chest CT correlate with accelerated loss of spinal bone mineral density in men. No significant association was established in women. The findings are observational, do not prove causality, and require validation in other populations.
Why it matters. Chest CT may serve as an opportunistic source of data on osteoporotic risk.
Source: RSNA News
Association Between Bone Density and Cognitive Function
A secondary analysis of MESA cohort data (n=715) revealed a correlation between low trabecular bone mineral density of the spine and accelerated cognitive decline. Researchers note that the findings do not prove osteoporosis causes dementia, but rather suggest shared metabolic factors of aging.
Why it matters. CT data may indicate occult risk of neurological impairment.
Source: RSNA News
AI for survival risk stratification in lung cancer following TKI resistance
In a multicenter retrospective study of 525 patients, a CT-based deep learning model (2.5D ResNet-101) was developed to assess survival in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma after the emergence of EGFR-TKI resistance. The model demonstrated stable prognostic performance in training and external validation cohorts; however, the retrospective study design requires confirmation in prospective trials.
Why it matters. The method demonstrates potential for individualized risk stratification, but requires confirmation in prospective studies.
Source: iScience
Cardiovascular
Quantitative CMR Risk Score for Assessing MACE After STEMI
In a retrospective multicenter study of 568 patients with STEMI, the authors developed a prognostic model combining data on microvascular obstruction (MVO) and intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH). The study showed that the combination of MVO >1.06% of LV volume and IMH >0.47% of LV volume is the strongest independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 9.646). The risk score developed by the authors achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.853, surpassing the accuracy of the Eitel, Glasgow, and GRACE scores. The main limitation of the study is its retrospective design, requiring further validation of the proposed model in prospective studies.
Why it matters. The study provides radiologists and cardiologists with a quantitative tool to improve post-reperfusion risk stratification. Integrating MVO and IMH data into the CMR report allows for a more accurate prognosis regarding the development of cardiovascular events compared to standard scores.
Source: Gu XY et al. — Insights into imaging, 2026
Cardiac Amyloidosis: Why Late PET Acquisition May Miss Uptake?
In the prospective MoRBiDA study of 28 patients with AL amyloidosis, cardiac involvement was established in 25. 18F-florbetaben uptake at 15–50 minutes was present in all 25, but was absent at 110 minutes in four. The small sample size and absence of an ATTR group prevent this from being considered proof of amyloidosis type differentiation or reliably assessing specificity.
Why it matters. Acquisition timing is critical for interpreting uptake. The absence of very late retention cannot be automatically equated with the absence of cardiac involvement.
Source: JACC. Advances · 2026-09-08
Pericoronary adipose tissue and vulnerable plaque: what did photon-counting CT show?
In a single-center prospective cross-sectional study of 119 patients, pFAI was higher in the presence of high-risk plaque features: −90.1 vs −98.4 HU. The difference was more pronounced with two or more features; a single feature alone was not associated with a significant increase in pFAI. The study assessed the association of CT parameters rather than the risk of future myocardial infarction or the benefit of altering management.
Why it matters. An interesting way to correlate plaque with surrounding adipose tissue. For now, this is an association within a small cohort rather than a standalone clinical threshold.
Source: Journal of inflammation research · 2026-09-09
Standardization of CT-derived myocardial extracellular volume assessment
A EuroAIM systematic review analyzed current methods for evaluating myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) using CT. The study encompassed 113 papers, including applications of photon-counting CT. It revealed that high protocol heterogeneity and the lack of unified cut-off values hinder the comparability of study results. The review nature of the work limits the ability to formulate clinical recommendations.
Why it matters. The lack of standardized methods impedes the widespread clinical adoption of CT-derived ECV assessment.
Source: European radiology experimental
Breast
BI-RADS v2025: An Overview of Key Changes in Breast Imaging Standardization
This expert review highlights key updates in the BI-RADS v2025 guidelines, the first major revision since 2013. The authors systematically outline significant changes across mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and the newly introduced contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) section. Key updates include aligning tissue density terminology with Mammography Quality Standards Act requirements, removing the "developing asymmetry" descriptor, and introducing the concepts of "nonmass lesions" and elasticity in ultrasound. Terminology has been harmonized across modalities, and audit protocols have been updated. A limitation of this work is that it represents an expert review; radiologists must consult the full official guidelines for the detailed implementation of all regulatory requirements.
Why it matters. The BI-RADS v2025 update restructures reporting protocols and reporting principles, directly affecting report reproducibility and patient care quality. Understanding these changes is critical for ensuring compliance with current international clinical practice standards.
Source: Destounis S et al. — AJR. American journal of roentgenology, 2026
European Commission and ESR on the Role of AI in Mammography
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the potential of AI to improve breast cancer screening accuracy, emphasizing that technologies should assist clinicians rather than replace them. The ESR continues to support the development of risk-adapted screening strategies. This material is an informational release rather than the result of a clinical trial, and thus provides no direct evidence of impact on mortality rates in current practice.
Why it matters. Top EU leadership affirmed the importance of radiology and AI in improving cancer diagnosis.
Source: ESR News
Biopsy-proven DCIS: Which MRI features are associated with occult invasion?
In a study of 90 patients with confirmed DCIS and positive findings on DCE-MRI, an invasive component was detected at surgery in 35 (38.9%). Independent predictors were a combination of non-mass enhancement with a mass, delayed-phase enhancement characteristics, and hyperintensity on TIRM. This was a selected cohort with MRI findings: the 38.9% rate cannot be extrapolated to all DCIS patients.
Why it matters. A reason to more carefully correlate morphology, kinetics, and T2/TIRM signal. MRI helps assess the likelihood of underestimating invasion at biopsy, but does not replace pathological verification.
Source: Radiology and oncology · 2026-09-07
Normalisation of Lymph Nodes on Ultrasound After Neoadjuvant Therapy: Is It Enough?
In a single-centre retrospective cohort of 166 cN2 breast cancer cases after treatment, benign nodal morphology was restored in 61 cases. Pathologic complete response in the axilla was achieved in 53 of these 61 (86.9%); thus, a normal ultrasound appearance did not rule out residual tumour. The study discusses patient selection for less extensive surgical staging rather than omitting it.
Why it matters. For reporting, it is important to describe nodal response while maintaining the distinction between imaging and pathologic response. Observational data do not prove the safety of changing management for all cN2 cases.
Source: Cancers · 2026-09-05
Abdomen, pelvis and oncology
Expert consensus on prostate MRI protocols: contrast enhancement criteria and WB-MRI
The study presents the results of an expert Delphi consensus aimed at standardizing the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) in prostate cancer. Experts reached agreement on using GBCAs for PI-RADS 3 lesions (86%) and low PI-QUAL image quality (≤ 3; 91%), and on avoiding them with high image quality (PI-QUAL 4-5; 73%). For WB-MRI, consensus confirmed indications for stage T3a/T3b (93%), suspected metastases (91%), and the presence of high-risk features (PSA ≥ 20 ng/ml, Gleason score ≥ 8). A limitation of the study is the small number of experts in the final survey round (11 individuals in Round 3); however, the resulting criteria provide a framework to reduce interpretation variability and optimize clinical workflows.
Why it matters. Standardizing prostate MRI protocols reduces subjectivity in decision-making, minimizing unnecessary contrast administration and optimizing resource utilization during high-risk patient staging.
Source: Onwuharine EN et al. — Insights into imaging, 2026
Photon-Counting CT: Improving Bladder Cancer Staging Accuracy
A prospective study (n=110) evaluated the diagnostic performance of 40-keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) on PCD CT for detecting muscularis propria invasion in bladder cancer compared with conventional polychromatic images (T3D). Results demonstrated that 40-keV VMI yielded higher accuracy and specificity for diagnosing muscle invasion across all readers. Importantly, the study is based on data collected between August 2025 and March 2026, and findings in equivocal cases relied on an additional evaluation algorithm (including tumor size and inner-layer enhancement), which should be considered when implementing the technique into practice.
Why it matters. The use of 40-keV VMI on PCD CT substantially improves the specificity and overall accuracy of bladder cancer staging, aiding in distinguishing muscle-invasive from non-invasive disease, which is critical for surgical planning.
Source: Wang W et al. — AJR. American journal of roentgenology, 2026
Beyond size alone: what does CT lymph node attenuation reveal about metastases?
A retrospective single-center study analyzed 149 surgically treated patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The coefficient of variation of lymph node CT attenuation yielded an AUC of 0.829 for predicting metastatic involvement; ADC showed 0.666, and SUVmax showed 0.701. The sensitivity and specificity of the CT metric were around 73%. The finding requires independent prospective validation.
Why it matters. The study proposes a simple quantitative feature for lymph node assessment. It does not prove that CT overall outperforms MRI or PET/CT, nor does it establish a new staging standard.
Source: PloS one
Can an aggressive HCC subtype be identified preoperatively on MRI?
In a multicenter retrospective study of 607 patients with early HCC, LI-RADS features, radiomics, deep learning, and clinical metrics were combined. For identifying the macrotrabecular-massive subtype, the AUC was 0.858 in an external test cohort of 172 patients; in internal validation, it was 0.757. The model also stratified patients by recurrence-free survival. Overall survival was not assessed; heterogeneity of MRI protocols limits the generalizability of the findings.
Why it matters. The goal is to evaluate the biological aggressiveness of an already identified tumor. This is a research model, not a new LI-RADS category, and not evidence of a benefit from altering treatment.
Source: European radiology experimental
Musculoskeletal
Standardization of Meniscal MRI Terminology: SSR Consensus
The Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) has presented recommendations for standardizing knee meniscus MRI reporting. A panel of 12 radiologists and 2 orthopedic surgeons reviewed the literature and identified significant variability in terminology used for both anatomical variants and tear characteristics. The experts proposed shifting from ambiguous numerical scales and classifications to more reproducible descriptive anatomical language. Ten practical recommendations were developed, though their implementation requires validation to confirm whether they genuinely improve interdisciplinary communication and the quality of clinical research.
Why it matters. Standardization of terminology is essential to eliminate confusion in describing anatomical zones and tear types, enabling orthopedic surgeons and radiologists to communicate more effectively and improving data comparability in clinical trials.
Source: Nguyen JC et al. — Skeletal radiology, 2026
CT-diagnosed sarcopenia in colorectal cancer
In a retrospective analysis of 368 patients, CT-defined sarcopenia correlated significantly with survival. A comparison of 2D measurements (L3) and 3D segmentation demonstrated overlapping confidence intervals, which does not prove equivalence of the approaches. Limitation: external validation is required.
Why it matters. Automated CT-based sarcopenia measurements may serve as an informative biomarker for risk stratification in cancer patients.
Source: Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
Paediatric
Use of Ultrasound for Umbilical Venous Catheter Placement in Neonates
A systematic review of placement monitoring algorithms for umbilical venous catheters (UVC) in neonates confirms the role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). A protocol using three views and multiple probes helps visualize catheter tip position and detect migration. The work is based on a literature review (2005–2025), so the quality of evidence is limited by the lack of a formal risk-of-bias assessment in the original studies.
Why it matters. The ultrasound protocol enables visualization of UVC position and detection of migration; however, implementation requires standardized training to minimize artifacts.
Source: European journal of pediatrics
Validation of Bone-RADS and OT-RADS reporting systems in pediatric solid bone lesions on MRI
A study comparatively evaluated the Bone-RADS and OT-RADS systems using MRI in 80 pediatric patients with solid bone neoplasms. Five radiologists with varying levels of experience performed the evaluations. Results demonstrated moderate interobserver agreement for both systems (Fleiss Kappa k=0.470 for Bone-RADS and k=0.432 for OT-RADS). Bone-RADS accuracy ranged from moderate to good, whereas OT-RADS demonstrated moderate to excellent performance. The authors noted that Bone-RADS provided higher consistency in scoring due to its structured algorithm, while using OT-RADS required specific disease knowledge due to the lack of a comprehensive lexicon and a step-by-step algorithm. The retrospective nature of the study represents a limitation.
Why it matters. Using the standardized Bone-RADS and OT-RADS systems improves the reliability and accuracy of evaluating solid bone tumors in children. These findings help radiologists select the optimal tool for risk stratification, promoting a more consistent approach to patient management in pediatric practice.
Source: Sağlam D et al. — European radiology, 2026
Efficacy of Ultrasound Monitoring in the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Infants
A multicenter prospective study (44 hip joints in infants under 6 months) evaluated the use of the Coxaflex abduction orthosis. The use of serial ultrasound to monitor correction demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the alpha angle. The findings are limited by the exclusion of fixed or irreducible dislocations, precluding extrapolation to more complex pathologies.
Why it matters. Serial ultrasound during DDH treatment allows assessment of hip correction dynamics, but the results cannot be applied to irreducible dislocations.
Source: European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie
Ultrasound
Moving Beyond the 'Normal vs. Pathological' Dichotomy: A Critical Look at Cutoff Values in Quantitative Ultrasound
This review analyzes the use of single cutoff values in quantitative ultrasound, noting they are often grounded in historical methodological conventions rather than biological reality. The authors emphasize that a rigid division into 'normal' and 'abnormal' leads to data loss and classification errors, particularly in borderline zones. They propose shifting toward context-dependent strategies, such as using percentiles and multifactorial risk models. Importantly, this paper is not a systematic review and does not include a formal meta-analysis; therefore, the proposed approaches require adaptation to current clinical protocols.
Why it matters. Moving away from rigid 'cutoffs' toward probabilistic models enables radiologists to interpret ultrasound data more accurately while accounting for individual patient characteristics, enhancing diagnostic transparency and the quality of clinical decision-making.
Source: Schöpper I et al. — Insights into imaging, 2026
AI-Ultrasound Gestational Age Assessment Protocol
The protocol for the multicenter PEARLS study, aimed at validating an AI algorithm for automated gestational age assessment using handheld ultrasound scanners, has been presented. The study is planned to be conducted among 969 pregnant women in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Why it matters. Developing automated methods for gestational age estimation could improve the availability of prenatal screening.
Source: BMJ open
Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Severe Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
A systematic review of 56 studies (6979 participants) evaluated ultrasound features of viral hemorrhagic fevers. Pericardial effusion and other findings are associated with severe disease course. Limitations include high data heterogeneity, predominant inclusion of patients from major hospitals, and potential selection bias. The ultrasound plasma leakage score (UPS) concept is proposed for future research.
Why it matters. Ultrasound detects signs of plasma leakage, which may aid in bedside risk stratification for severe infections.
Source: PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Elastography in the diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis
A prospective study (26 patients and 40 controls) evaluated the utility of 2D shear wave elastography. Thyroid tissue stiffness was significantly higher in patients (127.25 kPa) compared to the control group (19.5 kPa), and stiffness values decreased during follow-up. The study is limited by a small sample size and requires further validation.
Why it matters. 2D shear wave elastography can serve as a quantitative biomarker to evaluate inflammatory activity and recovery dynamics.
Source: International journal of endocrinology
Nuclear medicine and hybrid imaging
Comparison of [18F]-mFBG PET/CT and [123I]-MIBG in Neuroblastoma Diagnosis: Meta-Analysis Results
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of five studies comprising 115 patients (1644 lesions) with neuroblastoma. The results showed that [18F]-mFBG PET/CT demonstrates higher sensitivity compared to [123I]-MIBG SPECT/CT: 97% versus 82% at the patient level and 99% versus 51.5% at the lesion level, with identical specificity (82%). Despite the superior diagnostic performance, the real-world impact of transitioning to [18F]-mFBG on patient management remains unclear. Further studies are required to assess the clinical significance of these changes and their impact on outcomes.
Why it matters. The study confirms the potential of [18F]-mFBG PET/CT as a more effective and faster alternative to conventional [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy, which is critical for improving staging and treatment response assessment in neuroblastoma.
Source: Albano D et al. — Pediatric radiology, 2026
Prognostic Role of PET/CT in Cervical Cancer
A retrospective study of 133 patients demonstrated that post-treatment PET/CT parameters (SUVmax, MTV, and TLG) are predictors of survival and recurrence. The authors note that volumetric parameters (MTV and TLG) are comparable to SUVmax in prognostic performance. Limitation: single-cohort retrospective design.
Why it matters. Quantitative PET parameters may facilitate more accurate risk stratification in patients with locally advanced cancer.
Source: BMC medical imaging
Imaging AI and technology
AI Improves Aneurysm Detection on CT Angiography
A prospective shadow study of 3856 CTA scans showed that using an AI algorithm in addition to radiologist evaluation identified 55 additional aneurysms (a 39% relative increase). However, 46 of the 101 AI-flagged cases were false positives. The study was conducted without influencing actual clinical decisions.
Why it matters. The findings indicate AI's potential as an adjunct to radiologists' workflow, but evaluating its impact on patient clinical outcomes remains necessary.
Source: ITN Online
Standardizing AI translation of radiology reports: a new quality assessment rubric
The study focuses on developing and validating a rubric to assess the safety and quality of radiology reports translated by AI into patient-friendly language. Based on expert panels and patient engagement, five key attributes were identified: clarity, content, certainty, tone, and verbosity. Report release safety decisions rely on a strict rule: an 'unsafe' rating in any of the first four attributes indicates the document must be withheld. Testing demonstrated high inter-rater reliability (α=0.87) among experts; however, broad field testing revealed moderate agreement with reference standards (κ=0.43), highlighting the need for further tool optimization to ensure consistently high quality.
Why it matters. This study provides a methodological foundation for quality control in automated medical translations. Using this rubric helps minimize the risks of delivering potentially incorrect reports to patients, enhancing the safety and quality of medical information in the AI era.
Source: Armstrong BA et al. — AJR. American journal of roentgenology, 2026
Photon-Counting CT in Head and Neck Imaging: Technological Breakthrough and Clinical Advantages
The review article evaluates the advantages of photon-counting CT (PCCT) compared with conventional energy-integrating detector CT. Key capabilities of the technology include improved spatial resolution for assessing small anatomical structures (auditory ossicles, vessels, cartilages), reduced noise and metal artifacts, as well as spectral capabilities such as iodine maps and virtual non-contrast reconstructions. PCCT enables reductions in radiation dose and contrast media volume. The limitation of the technique is the need to accumulate clinical experience and gather an evidence base to standardize protocols across a wide spectrum of pathologies.
Why it matters. For the radiologist, the implementation of PCCT enables more accurate evaluation of patients with metal implants, such as cochlear devices or dental hardware, alongside improved detail for surgical planning and follow-up, including in pediatric practice.
Source: Martín-Noguerol T et al. — European radiology, 2026
Standardization of MRI series via RadLex: an initiative to reduce data variability
The RSNA introduced a RadLex initiative to standardize MRI series names to reduce metadata variability across systems from different vendors. The initiative aims to improve workflows and automation, but current materials are descriptive and do not contain data on clinical implementation outcomes.
Why it matters. Standardized naming can facilitate automated image processing and improve data reproducibility across large networks.
Source: RSNA News
Interventional
Mechanical Protection of the Central Retinal Artery During Embolization of Periorbital AVMs
The authors evaluated the efficacy of a retinal circulation protection strategy in the management of periorbital, palpebral, and adjacent midfacial AVMs. The technique involves placing coils in the ophthalmic artery distal to the origin of the central retinal artery, creating a mechanical barrier to n-BCA embolic material during aggressive nidus treatment via other vascular approaches. The retrospective study included 10 patients with a median follow-up of 8.5 years. No vision loss-related complications were recorded; however, one patient required skin grafting due to skin necrosis. Limitations include the retrospective study design and small sample size.
Why it matters. This work presents an anatomically grounded protocol for radical embolization of periorbital AVMs. The use of distal coil protection enables interventional radiologists to minimize the risk of iatrogenic blindness, turning previously "untouchable" zones into candidates for curative treatment.
Source: Ishimaru H et al. — AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology, 2026
Adapting trauma care protocols
A literature review (2019–2025) on trauma in low- and middle-income countries highlights the need to adapt global protocols to local contexts. POCUS integration, staff training, and blood logistics were identified as significant factors, although the findings are limited by the narrative nature of the review and the lack of quantitative outcome data.
Why it matters. Adapting clinical guidelines to local resources may help improve the quality of trauma care.
Source: World journal of methodology
Guidelines and reviews
Hantavirus Infection: A Radiologist's Guide to Diagnosis and Biosafety
Amid recent hantavirus outbreaks, including cases reported by WHO in 2026, this review synthesizes current evidence on the clinical and radiological manifestations of the disease. The authors outline imaging protocols for confirming the diagnosis and identifying complications, emphasizing the critical need for strict adherence to infection control measures in radiology departments to protect staff and patients. An important limitation of the study is that biosafety recommendations depend on local clinical protocols and epidemiological conditions, requiring individualized institutional adaptation.
Why it matters. Understanding the imaging patterns of hantavirus infection is essential for early diagnosis, while implementing departmental precautions is vital to prevent nosocomial transmission of this dangerous zoonosis.
Source: Farrokhi M et al. — Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR, 2026
Updated ASNC 2026 Guidelines: Stress Testing Standards in SPECT and PET
The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) has published updated recommendations for performing cardiac stress testing in conjunction with myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using SPECT and PET. The guidelines cover aspects of patient selection, procedural preparation, stress modality selection (exercise or pharmacological agents), and safety protocols. Key focus is placed on individualizing approaches, the importance of adherence to preparation rules (including caffeine abstinence), and standardizing actions during adverse events. The document also addresses the specifics of PET imaging and the integration of new radiopharmaceuticals to optimize the diagnostic process.
Why it matters. Standardizing stress testing protocols helps clinicians minimize procedural risks, improve diagnostic accuracy, and ensure patient safety during MPI.
Source: Journal of Nuclear Cardiology · 2026