AIUM Meeting Sharpens the Focus on Ultrasound As a Premier Imaging Option

by Barbara Kram, Editor | April 08, 2009

"We need more uniformity in diagnosing and recording following exams and/or biopsies," Dr. Kurtz said.

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Developing nations are in need of ultrasound for its affordability as well as versatility. Dr. Kurtz said the technology is low-cost, portable and durable but suffers from limited global access to equipment and training. Government bureaucracies remain obstacles to adoption even though the World Health Organization has favorably labeled ultrasound as "sustainable."

Inconsistency in education and training is a problem and a global ultrasound curriculum is being developed for web-based delivery. Another eminent physician in the field, Dr. Barry B. Goldberg of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia has undertaken a teach the teachers program in the Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute to expand training of certified technologists and clinicians worldwide.

On the international equipment end, major OEMs including GE, Siemens and Philips have donated hundreds of machines.

In terms of technologies for the future Dr. Kurtz envisioned more auto image optimization, improved microcalcification imaging of the thyroid, CAD, the use of new agents and fusion of modalities such as CT and ultrasound in order to localize and characterize tumors for biopsy. Other trends include volume acquisition for increased speed and offline evaluation.

Watch DOTmed for ongoing coverage of this important modality, including an industry sector report in the May 2009 edition of DOTmed Business News.

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