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Teleradiology is the technology by which X-rays or other radiographic images can be taken at one place and transmitted immediately to another place. Images are scanned by laser and the information obtained is converted into digital information that can be transmitted, processed, and reconverted back into useful images by computer and communications systems. This technique can be particularly useful for quick diagnosis in emergencies and in areas that are far from a major medical center. It also improves the accuracy of diagnoses by increasing consultations among experts. The immediate availability of radiographic information can hasten treatment and improve prognoses. The successful use of teleradiology in the clinical setting depends upon a number of factors. These include improving the technology itself, acquiring and improving computer technology and communication systems, including other imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and a increasing the general acceptance of teleradiology in the clinical setting. A teleradiology system requires specific equipment, including a laser film digitizer to transform the image into digital bits which can be used and sent by a computer. In addition, a laser film printer is needed to produce an image from the laser digitization. The major problem in developing teleradiology systems is that the necessary equipment is very expensive. The future of this technology depends on the balance that is struck between the costs of the system and the benefits derived from using it. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Currently, images obtained from digital radiographic devices are stored and managed as analog film images. The filing of these film images is accomplished with a centralized departmental film library. As the number of digitally formatted examinations increases, practical image storage and image processing will have to be accomplished with computer-based digital networks.

Cox GG, Templeton AW, Anderson WH, Cook LT, Hensley KS, Dwyer SJ III. Estimating digital information throughput rates for radiology networks. Invest Radiol 1986;21:162–166.

This article describes a method for generating gray scale analog hard copy images on ordinary paper using a laser printer system. Operation of the computer-controlled laser printer is described. The cost of the laser printerpaper technology is estimated and compared with the cost of multiformat cameraconventional film systems. Results of an initial clinical evaluation of laser printed paper images are presented.

In our experience the mortality rate in 46 patients who underwent angioinfarction for renal cell carcinoma was 4 per cent. Fever, ileus and leukocytosis were noted in 86 to 90 per cent of our patients. The use of absolute ethanol as a medium for renal infarction was associated with a significant incidence of damage to other organs. A 30 per cent decrease in tumor volume following angioinfarction using absorbable gelatin sponge and Gianturco coils was noted in 75 per cent of the patients. There was no evidence of metastatic tumor reduction and we could not document any significant decrease in operative time or blood loss. It would appear that there is some increased survival rate in patients with metastasis who are given adjuvant immune ribonucleic acid therapy. However, the numbers in our series are not significant to draw any definite conclusion. It is apparent that patients treated with infarction, delayed nephrectomy and medroxyprogesterone acetate did not have any significant survival over those treated with palliative nephrectomy or chemotherapy. The macrophage maturation assay may be useful during clinical followup.