Artificial intelligence in radiology: Are Saudi residents ready, prepared, and knowledgeable?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and perception of artificial intelligence (AI) among radiology residents across Saudi Arabia and assess their interest in learning about AI. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study carried out among radiology residents enrolled in the Saudi Board of Radiology, Saudi Arabia. An anonymized, self-administered questionnaire was distributed in April 2020 and responses were collected until July 2020. RESULTS: A total of 154 residents filled the questionnaire. The top 3 aspects of AI participants wanted to learn were: clinical use of AI applications, advantages and limitations of AI applications, and technical methods. Approximately 43.5% of participants did not expect AI to affect job positions, while 42% anticipated that job positions will decrease. Approximately 53% expected a reduction in reporting workload, while 28% expected an increase in workload. CONCLUSION: Currently, the exposure of radiologists to the use of AI is inadequate. It is imperative that AI is introduced to radiology trainees and that radiologists stay updated with advances in AI to be more knowledgeable on how to benefit from it.

The Outcome of Pediatric Esophageal Strictures Managed with Endoscopic Balloon Dilation in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Esophageal strictures can affect nutrition of infants and children impairing their weight gain. To our knowledge, this is the first article evaluating and comparing between the two methods of dilation in terms of outcome and one of few, if any, to assess both weight and height to evaluate the nutritional outcomes following dilation. To determine the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of endoscopic dilation in managing pediatric esophageal strictures by assessing the clinical and nutritional outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of 137 patients with esophageal strictures who underwent either endoscopic balloon dilatation or Savary dilatation, or both. Outcome parameters measured include the number of dilatations, nutritional status, and if symptoms had been relieved. Results: The most frequent cause of esophageal strictures was post-tracheoesophageal fistula repair (n = 51, 37.2%), and the majority were lower third strictures (n = 47, 34.3%). However, 8 cases (5.8%) had failed the dilation procedure. Savary dilatation had the highest number of complications. Overall, success rate was 79.6%. Higher success rate was for cases dilated by endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) (n = 47, 90.4%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the success rate and the method of dilatation (P = .042). Statistically significant increment of weight was recorded for lower strictures (P = .001). Conclusion: EBD was associated with the highest success rate. Endoscopic dilatations are safe and efficient in managing pediatric esophageal strictures with improvement in both clinical and nutritional outcomes.

Negative Appendectomy Rate and Risk Factors That Influence Improper Diagnosis at King Abdulaziz University Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Acute Appendicitis is the most common emergent abdominal surgery worldwide. diagnosis based on clinical assessment, laboratory and radiological investigations and appendectomy is the treatment of choice. Removing a normal appendix is a relatively common surgical issue, defined as negative appendectomy (NA). Multiple risk factors contribute to NA; female gender, normal WBC, normal CRP count, and CT scan unavailability. However, recently NA is decreasing in incidence after CT scan and Alvarado scoring. AIM: We aimed to estimate the rate of negative appendectomy, and determine possible risk factors among King Abdulaziz University Hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Article has a retrospective character and included non-incidental 441 patients who undergo an appendectomy, during period 2008 to 2018. RESULTS: Negative Appendectomy incidence (9.5%) was higher among females at (64.3%). Gynecological complaints were seen in (22.2%) of cases with a sign for Negative Appendectomy. Surgery reports documented (29.6%) of female ovarian cyst diseases. Alvarado scoring at presentation was less than 7 in (69%) of cases with statistical significance value. Normal WBC count (50%), for automated neutrophil (45.2%) was high, and same number were recorded with the normal neutrophil count, all of them have statically significant relation with NA. CONCLUSION: Proper clinical evaluation involves documenting Alvarado score, using CRP, efficient radiological utilization. Also, considering more referrals to gynecological specialists of similar presentation especially females at reproductive age. Investing in time and equipment for proper clinical assessment can avoid the unnecessary burden and save our resources for better use.