Bilateral Persistent Sciatic Arteries.

Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Lung Cancer Recurrence Risk Prediction through Integrated Deep Learning Evaluation.

Background: Prognostic risk factors for completely resected stage IA non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) have advanced minimally over recent decades. Although several biomarkers have been found to be associated with cancer recurrence, their added value to TNM staging and tumor grade are unclear. Methods: Features of preoperative low-dose CT image and histologic findings of hematoxylin- and eosin-stained tissue sections of resected lung tumor specimens were extracted from 182 stage IA NSCLC patients in the National Lung Screening Trial. These features were combined to predict the risk of tumor recurrence or progression through integrated deep learning evaluation (IDLE). Added values of IDLE to TNM staging and tumor grade in progression risk prediction and risk stratification were evaluated. Results: The 5-year AUC of IDLE was 0.817 ± 0.037 as compared to the AUC = 0.561 ± 0.042 and 0.573 ± 0.044 from the TNM stage and tumor grade, respectively. The IDLE score was significantly associated with cancer recurrence (p < 0.0001) even after adjusting for TNM staging and tumor grade. Synergy between chest CT image markers and histological markers was the driving force of the deep learning algorithm to produce a stronger prognostic predictor. Conclusions: Integrating markers from preoperative CT images and pathologist's readings of resected lung specimens through deep learning can improve risk stratification of stage 1A NSCLC patients over TNM staging and tumor grade alone. Our study suggests that combining markers from nonoverlapping platforms can increase the cancer risk prediction accuracy.

Embolization of Large Internal Iliac Artery Pseudoaneurysm through a Retrograde Trans-Superior Gluteal Arterial Access.

The presence of osteal stenosis/occlusion or osteal exclusion by prior interventions poses a challenge to selective catheterization of the internal iliac artery. We describe a case where a retrograde access through the superior gluteal artery (SGA) was used to successfully treat an internal iliac artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) in a patient when an antegrade catheterization was not feasible due to internal iliac osteal exclusion by an endograft.

Incidence of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Renal-Competent COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Computed Chest Angiography.

PURPOSE: COVID-19 infection poses a significant risk of both renal injury and pulmonary embolism, producing a clinical challenge, as the criterion standard examination for pulmonary embolism, computed tomography angiography (CTA), requires the use of nephrotoxic iodinated contrast agents.Our investigation evaluated whether symptomatic COVID-19-positive patients without laboratory evidence of renal impairment are at increased risk for developing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). METHOD: All COVID-19-positive patients undergoing noncontrast chest computed tomography and CTA at an apex tertiary medical center between March 1 and December 10, 2020, were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 258 renal-competent (estimated glomerular filtration rate >30) patients with baseline and 48- to 72-hour postexamination creatinine measurements were identified and analyzed for incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) meeting the criteria for CA-AKI. RESULTS: Twenty-five of 191 patients undergoing CTA (13.1%) and 9 of the 67 undergoing noncontrast computed tomography (13.4%) experienced creatinine increases meeting the criteria for CA-AKI. Univariate and multivariate analyses accounting for known AKI risk factors revealed no correlation between iodinated contrast administration and the incidence AKI meeting the criteria for CA-AKI (univariable odds ratio, 0.97 [95% confidence interval, 0.43-2.20]; multivariable odds ratio, 0.97 [95% confidence interval, 0.40-2.36]). CONCLUSIONS: Renal-competent COVID-19 patients undergoing chest CTA may not have an increased risk of AKI. Additional studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding.

Vascular findings in CTA body and extremity of critically ill COVID-19 patients: commonly encountered vascular complications with review of literature.

The purpose of our review is to discuss the role of CT angiography (CTA) in evaluating a variety of vascular complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a worldwide health threat. While COVID-19 pneumonia is the most common and well-recognized presentation of COVID-19, severely ill hospitalized patients often present with extrapulmonary systemic findings. Vascular complications occur not only due to known viral-induced vasculopathy, coagulopathy, and related "cytokine storm," but also due to anticoagulation medication used during hospitalization. There is a paucity of articles describing extrapulmonary vascular findings, especially in critically ill COVID-19 patients. In our article, we discuss commonly encountered vascular imaging findings in the body (chest, abdomen, and pelvis) and extremities, the importance of early radiological detection, and the role of CTA in the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Ultrasound Studies of COVID-19-Positive Patients and Patient Under Investigation: Pandemic Experience of Body Imaging Division at a Tertiary Medical Center.

ABSTRACT: This retrospective study shares our departmental experience of screening of ultrasound (US) requests, triaging of studies, and abbreviated US protocols implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. For US studies requested in April and May 2020, the following data were collected: type of study, indication, COVID-19 status (positive or patient under investigation [PUI]), decision to perform study, US findings, and location of patient. A total of 196 US studies in 150 patients were included. The median age of patients was 60 years (female: 46.7% [70/150]). At the time of study request, 83 patients (55.3%) were COVID-19-positive and 67 (44.7%) were PUI, of which 8 (11.9%) tested positive after waiting for test result. The most frequently requested study was venous extremity Doppler (51%), followed by right upper quadrant (20.4%), renal (11.7%), and liver duplex (6.6%). After radiologist screening and triage of US requests, 156 studies were performed (79.6%), 15 were postponed until COVID test result (7.6%), and 40 were not performed after discussion with ordering provider (20.4%). Notably, 40.1% of studies performed on COVID-19-positive patients yielded pathological findings, most frequently deep venous thrombosis (18.1%), medical renal disease (7.6%), and gall bladder sludge (5.7%). Abbreviated US protocols were used in 29.4% of studies. In conclusion, US study screening and triage played an important role to optimize care of COVID-19 patients and PUIs.

CT angiography of abdomen and pelvis in critically ill COVID-19 patients: imaging findings and correlation with the CT chest score.

PURPOSE: To assess the spectrum of computed tomography angiogram (CTA) abdominal and pelvic findings in critically ill COVID-19 patients and investigate correlation with CT chest scores. METHODS: An IRB approved retrospective study of CTA of the chest, abdomen and pelvis between dates March 1st to September 15th, 2020 was performed in the hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients. CTA studies of solely the chest were excluded. Medical record review was performed to note patient demographics, CTA scan details and coagulation profile. CTA findings were reviewed to record vascular and non-vascular findings. CT chest was reviewed to calculate CT chest score. Logistic regression analyses were performed to correlate CT chest scores with odds of vascular and other abdomen-pelvis findings. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 45 consecutive hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients with 61 years mean age and M:F (2:1) gender ratio were evaluated, out of which majority 68.9% (n = 31) had CTA chest, abdomen and pelvis. The most common vascular findings were hematoma 46.7% (n = 21), active extravasation 24.4% (n = 11) and vascular occlusion 17.8% (n = 8). Higher CT chest scores were significantly associated with hematoma/extravasation (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.34, p < 0.01). The most common non-vascular abdomen-pelvis findings were seen in organs gallbladder 20% (n = 9), liver 20% (n = 9) followed by kidney 15.6% (n = 7). Higher CT chest scores were significantly associated with bowel findings (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.63, p < 0.05) and cholestasis (OR 13.3, 95% CI 1.28-138.9, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia have significantly higher rate of vascular complications in the abdomen and pelvis.

Perioperative CT angiography assessment of locally advanced distal pancreatic carcinoma to evaluate feasibility of the modified Appleby procedure.

PURPOSE: To study the perioperative CT angiography (CTA) findings of modified Appleby procedure candidates for the surgical feasibility in patients with locally advanced distal pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and to assess CTA performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated CTA of patients with distal LAPC who underwent modified Appleby procedure between March 2004 and October 2017. Preoperative CT scans performed within up to three months prior to the surgery and postoperative scans, at least one of which was within one month of surgery, were reviewed. Data was collected reporting tumor size, relation to vessels, changes from neoadjuvant chemoradiation, modifications to the surgery and complications. The CTA findings were correlated with operative notes and surgical pathology. Statistical analysis was performed using binary classification method to evaluate CTA performance. RESULTS: Consecutive 20 patients underwent modified Appleby procedure in the study period. In 18/20 patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation, mean pancreatic mass size significantly reduced from 4.58 + 1.17 cm to 3.55 + 0.84 cm (p = 0.002). The celiac axis (CA) was encased in all, whereas none of the patients had encasement of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or involvement of gastroduodenal artery (GDA). The CTA had 88.89% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 90% accuracy for evaluating the arterial involvement. CONCLUSION: Distal LAPC patients, in particular those who have significant size reduction after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, with encasement of CA and without encasement of SMA and GDA can undergo a technically successful modified Appleby procedure. CTA offers accurate and valuable perioperative assessment of the surgical candidates.

Early trends and predictors of renal function following computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation of a renal mass in patients with and without prior renal impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess trends and predictors of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after renal mass cryoablation in patients with and without history of renal impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 39 patients who underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation of a renal mass, divided into two groups: those with prior renal impairment (PRI+); and those without prior renal impairment (PRI-). The GFR trend and the chronic kidney disease stage were evaluated at baseline, as well as at 1, 6, and 12 months after cryoablation. Predictors of GFR at 1 and 6 months were modeled with linear regression. RESULTS: In both groups, the mean GFR at 1 month and 6 months was significantly lower than at baseline (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Although the GFR was lower across all time points in the PRI+ group (-26.1; p < 0.001), the overall trend was not statistically different from that observed in the PRI- group (p = 0.89). Univariate analysis showed that the decline in GFR at 1 and 6 months correlated with the baseline GFR (0.77 and 0.63; p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively) and with the size of the ablation zone (-7.6 and -12.84, respectively; p = 0.03 for both). However, in the multivariate model, baseline GFR was predictive only of GFR at 1 month (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The trend in GFR decline after cryoablation is similar for patients with and without a history of renal impairment. Baseline GFR predicts the mean GFR in the early post-cryoablation period.

OBJETIVO: Medir as tendências iniciais da função renal pela taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) em pacientes com e sem comprometimento renal prévio após crioablação renal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 39 pacientes submetidos a crioablação percutânea guiada por tomografia computadorizada de massa renal. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: com comprometimento renal prévio (CRP+) e sem comprometimento renal prévio (CRP-). As tendências da TFG foram avaliadas nos tempos 0, 1, 6 e 12 meses com o estadiamento de doença renal crônica. Preditores da TFG em 1 e 6 meses foram modelados usando regressão linear. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os grupos houve declínio da TFG média após 1 e 6 meses (p < 0,001 e p = 0,01, respectivamente). Apesar de o grupo CRP+ demonstrar média menor da TFG em cada um dos tempos (−26,1; p < 0,001), a tendência de forma geral não foi estatisticamente diferente do grupo CRP- (p = 0,89). Análise univariada mostrou correlação da TFG no tempo 0 (0,77 e 0,63; p < 0,001 e p = 0,03, respectivamente) e tamanho da ablação (−7,6 e −12,84; p = 0,03), com declínio em 1 e 6 meses. Porém, no modelo multivariado, apenas a TFG no tempo 0 foi preditiva da TFG em 1 mês (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A curva de tendência de declínio da TFG após crioablação foi similar entre os pacientes dos grupos CRP+ e CRP-, sem mudanças no estadiamento de função renal. A TFG no tempo 0 foi preditiva da TFG média no período de crioablação inicial.

Early trends and predictors of renal function following computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation of a renal mass in patients with and without prior renal impairment / Tendências iniciais e preditores de função renal após crioablação percutânea guiada por tomografia computadorizada de massa renal em pacientes com e sem comprometimento renal prévio

Abstract Objective: To assess trends and predictors of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after renal mass cryoablation in patients with and without history of renal impairment. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 39 patients who underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation of a renal mass, divided into two groups: those with prior renal impairment (PRI+); and those without prior renal impairment (PRI−). The GFR trend and the chronic kidney disease stage were evaluated at baseline, as well as at 1, 6, and 12 months after cryoablation. Predictors of GFR at 1 and 6 months were modeled with linear regression. Results: In both groups, the mean GFR at 1 month and 6 months was significantly lower than at baseline (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Although the GFR was lower across all time points in the PRI+ group (−26.1; p < 0.001), the overall trend was not statistically different from that observed in the PRI− group (p = 0.89). Univariate analysis showed that the decline in GFR at 1 and 6 months correlated with the baseline GFR (0.77 and 0.63; p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively) and with the size of the ablation zone (−7.6 and −12.84, respectively; p = 0.03 for both). However, in the multivariate model, baseline GFR was predictive only of GFR at 1 month (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The trend in GFR decline after cryoablation is similar for patients with and without a history of renal impairment. Baseline GFR predicts the mean GFR in the early post-cryoablation period.

Resumo Objetivo: Medir as tendências iniciais da função renal pela taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) em pacientes com e sem comprometimento renal prévio após crioablação renal. Materiais e Métodos: Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 39 pacientes submetidos a crioablação percutânea guiada por tomografia computadorizada de massa renal. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: com comprometimento renal prévio (CRP+) e sem comprometimento renal prévio (CRP-). As tendências da TFG foram avaliadas nos tempos 0, 1, 6 e 12 meses com o estadiamento de doença renal crônica. Preditores da TFG em 1 e 6 meses foram modelados usando regressão linear. Resultados: Em ambos os grupos houve declínio da TFG média após 1 e 6 meses (p < 0,001 e p = 0,01, respectivamente). Apesar de o grupo CRP+ demonstrar média menor da TFG em cada um dos tempos (−26,1; p < 0,001), a tendência de forma geral não foi estatisticamente diferente do grupo CRP- (p = 0,89). Análise univariada mostrou correlação da TFG no tempo 0 (0,77 e 0,63; p < 0,001 e p = 0,03, respectivamente) e tamanho da ablação (−7,6 e −12,84; p = 0,03), com declínio em 1 e 6 meses. Porém, no modelo multivariado, apenas a TFG no tempo 0 foi preditiva da TFG em 1 mês (p < 0,001). Conclusão: A curva de tendência de declínio da TFG após crioablação foi similar entre os pacientes dos grupos CRP+ e CRP-, sem mudanças no estadiamento de função renal. A TFG no tempo 0 foi preditiva da TFG média no período de crioablação inicial.

Duodenal emergencies: utility of multidetector CT with 2D multiplanar reconstructions for challenging but critical diagnoses.

Duodenal pathology is an infrequent cause of acute abdominal pain for which patients present to the emergency department. Critical pathology on multidetector CT (MDCT) may be overlooked if the radiologist does not carefully evaluate the duodenum as part of the search pattern. Optimal MDCT protocols include intravenous contrast with multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs). A variety of etiologies ranging from infection to malignancy can involve the duodenum, for which interrogation with MPRs is most helpful given the anatomy and complex relationship with surrounding structures. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the importance of CT acquisition with multiplanar reconstructions and review the spectrum of emergent duodenal pathology, with the goal of ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis to best guide patient management.

Image-Guided Percutaneous Omental and Mesenteric Biopsy: Assessment of Technical Success Rate and Diagnostic Yield.

PURPOSE: To assess biopsy technique, technical success rate, and diagnostic yield of image-guided percutaneous biopsy of omental and mesenteric lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 186 patients (89 men, 97 women; mean [SD] age, 63 [13.8] y) who underwent percutaneous image-guided biopsy of omentum and mesentery between March 2007 and August 2015. Biopsies were performed with computed tomography (CT) (n = 172) or ultrasound (US) (n = 14) guidance using coaxial technique yielding core and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. Biopsy results were classified as diagnostic (neoplastic or nonneoplastic) or nondiagnostic based on histopathology and cytology. Technical success rate and diagnostic yield of omental and mesenteric lesions were calculated. RESULTS: There were 186 image-guided percutaneous biopsies of omental (n = 95) and mesenteric (n = 91) lesions performed. Technical success rate was 99.5% for all biopsies, 100% for omental biopsies, and 98.9% for mesenteric biopsies. Overall sensitivity was 95.5%, specificity was 100%, negative predictive value was 78.3%, and positive predictive value was 100%, which was comparable for omental and mesenteric biopsies. Core biopsies had higher diagnostic yields compared with FNA: 98.4% versus 84% overall, 99% versus 88% for omental biopsies, and 97.7% versus 80% for mesenteric biopsies. Spearman rank correlation showed no correlation between lesion size and diagnostic yield (P = .14) and lesion depth and diagnostic yield (P = .29) for both groups. There were 5 complications. CONCLUSIONS: Image-guided percutaneous omental and mesenteric biopsies have high technical success rates and diagnostic yield regardless of lesion size or depth from the skin for both omental and mesenteric specimens.

High-Content Biopsies Facilitate Molecular Analyses and Do Not Increase Complication Rates in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: Precision oncology relies on frequent pathologic, molecular, and genomic assessments of tumor tissue to guide treatment selection, evaluate pharmacodynamic effects of novel agents, and determine drug resistance mechanisms. Newer forms of analyses such as drug screens in cell lines and patient-derived xenografts demand increasing amounts of tissue material. It remains unknown how the need for serial biopsies with large numbers of tumor cores relates to tissue yields and biopsy complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis of 199 focal liver biopsies performed in 143 patients in the setting of oncologic research protocols (research biopsy group) over a 4-year period at a single-intervention oncology service. Practice patterns and complication rates were compared with those related to 1,522 consecutive biopsies performed in 1,154 patients in whom two cores were obtained for standard clinical management of patients (standard biopsy). RESULTS: In the research biopsy group, 1,100 tissue cores (average, 5.5 cores per procedure) were harvested and distributed to trial sponsors, internal research laboratories, and pathology services. The complication rate in this cohort was 0.5% for major complications (one of 199) and 1.0% for minor complications managed conservatively (two of 199). In the standard biopsy control group, major complications were observed in 1.4% of procedures (22 of 1,522) and minor complications in 0.2% (three of 1,522). These complication rates were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Harvesting extra tissue cores through coaxial needles during focal liver biopsies does not increase complication rates and yields valuable tissue for additional experimental testing.

Clinical implementation of an emergency department coronary computed tomographic angiography protocol for triage of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of emergency department (ED) coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) during a 3-year clinical experience. METHODS: Single-center registry of coronary CTA in consecutive ED patients with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The primary outcome was efficiency of coronary CTA defined as the length of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints of safety were defined as the rate of downstream testing, normalcy rates of invasive coronary angiography (ICA), absence of missed ACS, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during follow-up, and index radiation exposure. RESULTS: One thousand twenty two consecutive patients were referred for clinical coronary CTA with suspicion of ACS. Overall, median time to discharge home was 10.5 (5.7-24.1) hours. Patient disposition was 42.7 % direct discharge from the ED, 43.2 % discharge from emergency unit, and 14.1 % hospital admission. ACS rate during index hospitalization was 9.1 %. One hundred ninety two patients underwent additional diagnostic imaging and 77 underwent ICA. The positive predictive value of CTA compared to ICA was 78.9 % (95 %-CI 68.1-87.5 %). Median CT radiation exposure was 4.0 (2.5-5.8) mSv. No ACS was missed; MACE at follow-up after negative CTA was 0.2 %. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary CTA in an experienced tertiary care setting allows for efficient and safe management of patients with suspicion for ACS. KEY POINTS: • ED Coronary CTA using advanced systems is associated with low radiation exposure. • Negative coronary CTA is associated with low rates of MACE. • CTA in ED patients enables short median time to discharge home. • CTA strategy is characterized by few downstream tests including unnecessary ICA.

Medical Registry Data Collection Efficiency: A Crossover Study Comparing Web-Based Electronic Data Capture and a Standard Spreadsheet.

BACKGROUND: Electronic medical records and electronic data capture (EDC) have changed data collection in clinical and translational research. However, spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel, are still used as data repository to record and organize patient data for research. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the efficiency of EDC as against a standard spreadsheet in regards to time to collect data and data accuracy, measured in number of errors after adjudication. METHODS: This was a crossover study comparing the time to collect data in minutes between EDC and a spreadsheet. The EDC tool used was Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), whereas the spreadsheet was Microsoft Excel. The data collected was part of a registry of patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography in the emergency setting. Two data collectors with the same experience went over the same patients and collected relevant data on a case report form identical to the one used in our Emergency Department (ED) registry. Data collection tool was switched after the patient that represented half the cohort. For this, the patient cohort was exactly 30 days of our ED coronary Computed Tomography Angiography registry and the point of crossover was determined beforehand to be 15 days. We measured the number of patients admitted, and time to collect data. Accuracy was defined as absence of blank fields and errors, and was assessed by comparing data between data collectors and counting every time the data differed. Statistical analysis was made using paired t -test. RESULTS: The study included 61 patients (122 observations) and 55 variables. The crossover occurred after the 30th patient. Mean time to collect data using EDC in minutes was 6.2±2.3, whereas using Excel was 8.0±2.0 (P <.001), a difference of 1.8 minutes between both means (22%). The cohort was evenly distributed with 3 admissions in the first half of the crossover and 4 in the second half. We saw 2 (<0.1%) continuous variable typos in the spreadsheet that a single data collector made. There were no blank fields. The data collection tools showed no differences in accuracy of data on comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Data collection for our registry with an EDC tool was faster than using a spreadsheet, which in turn allowed more efficient follow-up of cases.

Defining the optimal systolic phase targets using absolute delay time for reconstructions in dual-source coronary CT angiography.

To define the optimal systolic phase for dual-source computed tomography angiography using an absolute reconstruction delay time after the R-R interval based on the coronary artery motion, we analyzed images reconstructed between 200 and 420 miliseconds (ms) after the R wave at 20 ms increments in 21 patients. Based on the American Heart Association coronary segmentation guidelines, the origin of six coronary artery landmarks (RCA, AM1, PDA, LM, OM1, and D2) were selected to calculate the coronary artery motion velocity. The velocity of the given landmark was defined as the quotient of the route and the length of the time interval. The x, y and z-coordinates of the selected landmark were recorded, and were used for the calculation of the 3D route of coronary artery motion by using a specific equation. Differences in velocities were assessed by analysis of variance for repeated measures; Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for multiple pair wise comparisons. 1488 landmarks were measured (6 locations at 12 systolic time points) in 21 patients and were analyzed. The mean values of the minimum velocities were calculated separately for each heart rate group (i.e. <65; 65-80; and >80 bpm). The mean lowest coronary artery velocities in each segment occurred in the middle period of each time interval of the acquired systolic phase i.e. 280-340 ms. No differences were found in the minimal coronary artery velocities between the three HR groups, with the exception of the AM1 branch (p = 0.00495) between <65 and >80 bpm (p = 0.03), and at HRs of 65-80 versus >80 bpm (p = 0.006). During an absolute delay of 200-420 ms after the R-wave, the ideal reconstruction interval varies significantly among coronary artery segments. Decreased velocities occur between 280 to 340 ms. Therefore a narrow range of systolic intervals, rather than a single phase, should be acquired.

Effectiveness of second-opinion radiology consultations to reassess the cervical spine CT scans: a study on trauma patients referred to a tertiary-care hospital.

PURPOSE: A second opinion is a valuable resource in confirming proper medical diagnosis and treatment. This study evaluates the effectiveness of second-opinion radiology consultations to reassess the cervical spine computed tomography (CT) scans of the trauma patients referred to our hospital. METHODS: Cervical spine CT scans of 301 consecutive adult trauma patients, who were referred to our hospital from outside institutions, were analyzed. The emergency radiologists at our institution completed the over-read reports on the CT images obtained at the outside facilities. A single radiologist compared the outside- and over-read reports and determined the discrepancy of the radiologic reports. RESULTS: Based on the outside reports, 31% of the CT scans had cervical traumatic injury. In 92% of patients, the first-read and the over-read reports had consistent radiologic findings. About 90% of the positive, and 93% of the negative radiologic findings, were reported consistently in the over-read reports. Our analysis showed that the over-read reporting resulted in reassurance of negative findings in 63%; confirmation of positive findings in 29%; clearing a false diagnosis in 3%; and detection of a missed diagnosis in 5%. A rescan was done in 80% of patients with inconsistent and 20% of patients with consistent findings (P < 0.05). The most common missed radiologic findings in the first-reports were transverse and spinous process fractures and the most common misdiagnoses were dens fractures. CONCLUSION: For a service offering second-opinion consultations on cervical spine trauma, review of outside CT studies improves diagnosis and benefits patient care.

Coronary CTA using scout-based automated tube potential and current selection algorithm, with breast displacement results in lower radiation exposure in females compared to males.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of automatic tube potential selection and automatic exposure control combined with female breast displacement during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) on radiation exposure in women versus men of the same body size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive clinical exams between January 2012 and July 2013 at an academic medical center were retrospectively analyzed. All examinations were performed using ECG-gating, automated tube potential, and tube current selection algorithm (APS-AEC) with breast displacement in females. Cohorts were stratified by sex and standard World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) ranges. CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP) median effective dose (ED), and size specific dose estimate (SSDE) were recorded. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of gender on radiation exposure per BMI. RESULTS: A total of 726 exams were included, 343 (47%) were females; mean BMI was similar by gender (28.6±6.9 kg/m(2) females vs. 29.2±6.3 kg/m(2) males; P=0.168). Median ED was 2.3 mSv (1.4-5.2) for females and 3.6 (2.5-5.9) for males (P<0.001). Females were exposed to less radiation by a difference in median ED of -1.3 mSv, CTDIvol -4.1 mGy, and SSDE -6.8 mGy (all P<0.001). After adjusting for BMI, patient characteristics, and gating mode, females exposure was lower by a median ED of -0.7 mSv, CTDIvol -2.3 mGy, and SSDE -3.15 mGy, respectively (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a difference in radiation exposure to patients undergoing CCTA with the combined use of AEC-APS and breast displacement in female patients as compared to their BMI-matched male counterparts, with female patients receiving one third less exposure.