Ultrasound’s versatility is once again on display at RSNA 2024, with researchers showcasing the modality’s ability to be on par with CT and MRI for guiding diagnosis and treatment strategies in some clinical scenarios.
Studies to be presented in Chicago will explore ultrasound’s clinical applications in musculoskeletal, pediatric, abdominal, and women's imaging among other applications. This includes advancements such as the use of contrast media and elastography for assessing complex pathologies.
Furthermore, ultrasound's use as a supplemental tool will be explored, including for breast cancer detection and follow-up imaging. Research will also enlighten audience members on the modality’s utility as a risk-assessment tool for carotid plaque buildup, endometriosis, and other conditions.
Some studies also directly compare ultrasound’s performance to that of other imaging techniques such as CT and MRI in neuroimaging and emergency radiology settings. Expert insights and research results may answer questions such as “Should I use ultrasound for emergency pelvic imaging after a negative CT exam?” or “Can ultrasound be a suitable alternative to MRI for breast imaging?” Other studies explore the possibilities of combining imaging techniques for treatment purposes, such as MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery.
And let’s not forget about AI. Studies will also show how ultrasound-based deep-learning models can perform important tasks like predicting stroke risk and guiding prostate cancer biopsies. Other studies will explore the utility of automated ultrasound for tasks such as breast imaging and quality control.
Ultrasound proponents will have the opportunity to present and see the modality’s versatility in helping detect and diagnose pathologies such as liver cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. They can also highlight the resulting benefits that are possible, of course, without the ionizing radiation of some other imaging modalities.
RSNA 2024 attendees can also attend in-depth education sessions exploring the latest innovations and techniques in sonography, along with advances in scanning and image acquisition technology. These include case reports, updates in musculoskeletal imaging, pediatric and emergency medicine, ultrasound-guided interventional techniques and applications, AI and deep-learning models, contrast agent use, OB/GYN imaging, and more.
Keep reading for highlights in ultrasound coming from this year's meeting, and you can also view the complete 2024 scientific and educational program by visiting the RSNA 2024 program site.
Acoustic output can be upped for SWE in diagnosing liver fibrosis
Sunday, December 1 | 10:50 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | S2-SSGI02-3 | Room E352
In this session, attendees will find out whether it’s safe to go beyond regulatory limits for acoustic output of shear-wave elastography (SWE) in quantifying liver fibrosis.
Ultrasound boosts rheumatoid arthritis assessment
Sunday, December 1 | 1:20 p.m.-1:30 p.m. | S4-SSMK02-3 | Room E353B
Audience members will bear witness to how multimodal photoacoustic ultrasound imaging improves rheumatoid arthritis assessment.
Glucose loading in pregnant women affects color Doppler measurements
Sunday, December 1 | 3:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m. | S5-SSOB01-4 | Room E351
Here, attendees will learn about the effect of maternal glucose loading in pregnant women on color Doppler ultrasound parameters.
Ultrasound bests DBT in several areas for supplemental imaging
Monday, December 2 | 8:30 a.m.-8:40 a.m. | M1-SSBR03-4 | S404
Audience members in this session will find out how breast ultrasound compares to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in supplemental breast screening.
Deep learning-based ultrasound method predicts stroke risk
Monday, December 2 | 9:30 a.m.-9:40 a.m. | M3-SSNR03-1 | Room S402
Here, attendees learn about the performance of a deep learning-based ultrasound method that can predict stroke risk.
Ultrasound-based AI model grades sarcopenia severity
Monday, December 2 | 2:20 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | M6-SSMK03-6 | Room E450A
In this presentation, audience members will see the results of an ultrasound-based AI risk grading system for sarcopenia in older adults.
Breast masses on ultrasound mostly benign in child patients
Tuesday, December 3 | 8:30 a.m.-8:40 a.m. | T1-SSPD03-4 | Room E350
In this session, results will be shown on the prevalence and outcome of breast masses with ultrasound evaluation and biopsy in children.
Is ultrasound necessary after a negative emergency pelvic CT?
Tuesday, December 3 | 9:50 a.m.-10:00 a.m. | T3-SSER01-3 | Room N228
Attendees will find out whether pelvic ultrasound exams in emergency settings are necessary following negative pelvic CT exams in this session.
Ultrasound critical in imaging bomb blast victims
Tuesday, December 3 | 10:20 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | T3-SSER01-6 | Room N228
Here, audience members will learn about the critical role that ultrasound has in imaging victims of bomb blasts.
Ultrasound detects liver conditions for Fontan circulation patients
Wednesday, December 4 | 9:50 a.m.-10:00 a.m. | W3-SSGI12-3 | Room E352
Attendees in this session can see what researchers are calling the first study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for monitoring Fontan liver disease in an adult population.
TVUS aids in early detection of endometriosis
Wednesday, December 4 | 2:00 p.m.-2:10 p.m. | W6-SSOB03-4 | E351
In this session, audience members will learn about the role of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in detecting endometriosis early in women.