Image quality comparison of 1.5T and 3T prostate MRIs of the same post-hip arthroplasty patients: multi-rater assessments including PI-QUAL version 2.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the image quality of 1.5T and 3T prostate MRIs of the same post-hip arthroplasty patients, with a specific focus on the degree of susceptibility artifacts. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included post-hip arthroplasty patients who underwent 1.5T prostate MRIs between 2021 and 2023, as well as comparative 3T prostate MRIs. Three blinded abdominal radiologists retrospectively reviewed their diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI, 50 s/mm2), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE) to evaluate the image quality. The degree of susceptibility artifacts was categorized using a three-point scale, with 3 indicating the least artifact and 1 indicating the most. Image quality was also evaluated using Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) version 2. The median of the three raters' scores was compared between 1.5T and 3T prostate MRIs using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The inter-rater agreement was evaluated using the multi-rater generalized kappa. RESULTS: Twenty pairs of 1.5T and 3T prostate MRI examinations from 20 unique patients were included. The DWI susceptibility artifact score at 1.5T was significantly higher than at 3T (mean score ± standard deviation, 2.80 ± 0.41 vs. 2.35 ± 0.93, p = 0.014). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the susceptibility artifact scores in T2WI and DCE, or in the PI-QUAL score. The inter-reader agreement in the susceptibility artifact score was moderate (multi-rater generalized kappa: 0.60) in DWI, perfect in T2WI (not applicable), and substantial (0.65) in DCE. The inter-reader agreement was fair (0.27) in the PI-QUAL score. CONCLUSION: Using 1.5T scanners may be preferable to reduce susceptibility artifacts from hip prostheses in DWI.

Use of percutaneous imaging-guided biopsy for Liver Imaging and Reporting Data System (LI-RADS) observations: A retrospective study from two liver transplant centers.

Since the adoption of guidelines for the non-invasive imaging diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the need for sampling of a lesion in cirrhosis has decreased. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the use of percutaneous imaging-guided biopsy for LI-RADS observations in cirrhosis in two large liver transplant centers. A review of the pathology database in the two Institutions (Institution A, Institution B) was conducted to identify patients that underwent percutaneous imaging-guided biopsy for a liver lesion in the interval time 01/01/2015-12/312020. Liver observations on pre-procedure contrast-enhanced CT or MRI were classified according to LI-RADS v2018. Among the 728 patients who underwent imaging guided biopsy of a liver lesion in Institution A, and among the 749 patients who underwent imaging guided biopsy of a liver lesion in Institution B, respectively 50 (6.8 %) and 16 (2.1 %) were cirrhotic with available pre-procedural contrast-enhanced CT or MRI. A total of 67 lesions were biopsied. 30/67 (45 %) biopsied observations were classified as LR-M. 55/67 (82 %) biopsies were positive for malignancy at histopathology and among them 33 (60 %) were HCC. In conclusion, a small percentage of percutaneous, imaging-guided biopsies for liver lesions are performed in cirrhosis, and more frequently for LR-M observations.

The Effectiveness of Spaced Learning, Interleaving, and Retrieval Practice in Radiology Education: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Radiology is a highly complex field that requires mastery over an ever-expanding body of knowledge. Spaced learning, interleaving, and retrieval practice are evidence-based learning strategies that enhance long-term retention of information. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in the setting of radiology education. METHODS: The authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, ERIC, and forward and backward citations for studies published between database inception and February 19, 2023. Eligibility criteria for included studies were randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of spaced, interleaved, or retrieval practice on knowledge retention of medical trainees after education related to medical imaging as assessed by postinterventional examination scores. RESULTS: Of 1,316 records reviewed, 8 studies met eligibility criteria. Two studies investigated spaced learning, two studies interleaving, and six studies retrieval practice, including two trials that evaluated interventions incorporating both spaced learning and retrieval practice. Five of eight studies reported statistically significant differences between interventional and control groups on either immediate or delayed postinterventional examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite extensive evidence in support of spaced, interleaved, and retrieval practice within the broader literature, few studies have examined the effectiveness of these strategies in radiology education. Additional trials are required to evaluate the usefulness of incorporating these techniques into educational programs related to medical imaging.

Informed consent for biobanking: consensus-based guidelines for adequate comprehension.

PURPOSE: Federal regulations and best practice guidelines identify categories of information that should be communicated to prospective biobank participants during the informed consent process. However, uncertainty remains about which of this information participants must understand to provide valid consent. METHODS: We conducted a Delphi process to define "adequate comprehension" in the context of biobanking consent. The process involved an iterative series of three online surveys of a diverse panel of 51 experts, including genome scientists, biobank managers, ethics and policy experts, and community and participant representatives. We sought consensus (>70% agreement) concerning what specific details participants should know about 16 biobank consent topics. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 15 of the 16 consent topics. The exception was the comprehension needed regarding the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. CONCLUSION: Our Delphi process was successful in identifying a concise set of key points that prospective participants must grasp to provide valid consent for biobanking. Specifying the level of knowledge sufficient for individuals to make an informed choice provides a basis for improving consent forms and processes, as well as an absolute metric for assessing the effectiveness of other interventions to improve comprehension.Genet Med 17 3, 226-233.