Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Clear Cell Likelihood Score Against Renal Mass Biopsy for Evaluating Small Renal Masses.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the cost-effectiveness of the clear cell likelihood score compared to renal mass biopsy (RMB) alone. METHODS: The clear cell likelihood score, a new grading system based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, has been proposed as a possible alternative to percutaneous RMB for identifying clear cell renal carcinoma in small renal masses and expediting treatment of high-risk patients. A decision analysis model was developed to compare a RMB strategy where all patients undergo biopsy and a clear cell likelihood score strategy where only patients that received an indeterminant score of 3 undergo biopsy. Effectiveness was assigned 1 for correct diagnoses and 0 for incorrect or indeterminant diagnoses. Costs were obtained from institutional fees and Medicare reimbursement rates. Probabilities were derived from literature estimates from radiologists trained in the clear cell likelihood score. RESULTS: In the base case model, the clear cell likelihood score was both more effective (0.77 vs 0.70) and less expensive than RMB ($1629 vs $1966). Sensitivity analysis found that the nondiagnostic rate of RMB and the sensitivity of the clear cell likelihood score had the greatest impact on the model. In threshold analyses, the clear cell likelihood score was the preferred strategy when its sensitivity was greater than 62.7% and when an MRI cost less than $5332. CONCLUSION: The clear cell likelihood score is a more cost-effective option than RMB alone for evaluating small renal masses for clear cell renal carcinoma.

Cost-effectiveness analysis: percutaneous microwave ablation vs robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for small renal masses.

PURPOSE: The majority of newly diagnosed renal tumors are masses < 4 cm in size with treatment options, including active surveillance, partial nephrectomy, and ablative therapies. The cost-effectiveness literature on the management of small renal masses (SRMs) does not account for recent advances in technology and improvements in technical expertise. We aim to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis for percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RA-PN) for the treatment of SRMs. METHODS: We created a decision analytic Markov model depicting management of the SRM incorporating costs, health utilities, and probabilities of complications and recurrence as model inputs using TreeAge. A willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000 and a lifetime horizon were used. Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Percutaneous MWA was the preferred treatment modality. MWA dominated RA-PN, meaning it resulted in more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a lower cost. Cost-effectiveness analysis revealed a negative Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER), indicating dominance of MWA. The model revealed MWA had a mean cost of $8,507 and 12.51 QALYs. RA-PN had a mean cost of $21,521 and 12.43 QALYs. Relative preference of MWA was robust to sensitivity analysis of all other variables. Patient starting age and cost of RA-PN had the most dramatic impact on ICER. CONCLUSION: MWA is more cost-effective for the treatment of SRM when compared with RA-PN and accounting for complication and recurrence risk.

A longitudinal cohort study of participation in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Winnipeg.

Introduction: Out-of-school or after-school programs are designed to support healthy behaviours, boost academic achievement and strengthen social skills. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg (BGCW) in Manitoba, Canada, have been offering out-of-school programs to children and adolescents in low-income neighbourhoods for more than 40 years. Many BGCW participants face considerable risk of poor health, social and educational outcomes due to challenges they experience at home, in school and in their communities. Objective: We examined whether BGCW participation among children and adolescents aged 5-18 is associated with improved school outcomes and lower risk of justice system encounters and adverse health outcomes. Methods: We linked de-identified data on BGCW participation for children and adolescents born 1987-2010 to administrative data from the healthcare system, education system, and social services in the Population Research Data Repository, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. The exposure group (n = 8,990) included children and adolescents who visited BGCW at least once from 2005-2016. The comparison group (n = 69,980) comprised children and adolescents matched on school year and neighbourhood who had never participated in BGCW. Results: Participation in BGCW was significantly associated with better scores in grade 3 numeracy and grade 7 student engagement assessments. The risk of justice system encounters among adolescents (aged 12-17) dropped as the frequency of BGCW participation increased, as did justice system encounters among young adults (aged 18-24) who had participated in BGCW as adolescents. The likelihood of teen pregnancy among female adolescents (aged 13-19) and sexually transmitted infections among adolescents (aged 13-19) also declined as the frequency of participation in BGCW increased. Conclusions: The findings suggest that participation in BGCW is associated with positive outcomes for children and adolescents in multiple domains and despite socioeconomic and family challenges faced by many in this population.

Trends in postgraduate year 2 pharmacy residencies.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the growth and trends in postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residencies. METHODS: Summaries of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Resident Matching Program from 2008 to 2021 were obtained. Only standalone PGY2 residencies were included in the analysis. Descriptive analyses were completed for data related to the programs and positions. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2021, the total number of ASHP-accredited PGY2 programs increased from 282 to 1,131 (301%) and the overall number of unfilled positions decreased from 22% (77 of 351) to 2% (34 of 1,492). The percentage of positions filled early increased from 23% (81 of 351) to 40% (594 of 1,492) during this time. In 2021, programs with a clinical focus accounted for 91.6% of total positions. The Ambulatory Care category accounted for the largest percentage of all PGY2 residency positions, at 19.2% (287 of 1,492) in 2021 compared to 12.8% (45 of 351) in 2008. The total share of PGY2 residency positions in the Critical Care category decreased from 22.8% (80 of 351) in 2008 to 13.7% (205 of 1,492) in 2021; however, the share of PGY2 residency positions in the Emergency Medicine category increased from 1.4% (5 of 351) to 5.9% (88 of 1,492). CONCLUSION: From 2008 to 2021 the total number of PGY2 residencies increased; however, this growth was uneven, as the share of positions within individual residency categories changed. It is important for pharmacy stakeholders to review the current state of postgraduate training and ensure it reflects the goals for future practice.

Does renal mass biopsy influence multidisciplinary treatment recommendations?

Purpose: To examine how a multidisciplinary team approach incorporating renal mass biopsy (RMB) into decision making changes the management strategy.Methods: A multidisciplinary team comprised of a radiology proceduralist, a pathologist and urologists convened monthly for renal mass conference with a structured presentation of patient demographics, co-mborbidities, tumor pathology, laboratory and radiographic features. Biopsy protocol was standardized to an 18-gauge core needle biopsy using a sheathed apparatus under renal ultrasound guidance. Biopsy diagnostic rate, and concordance with nephrectomy specimens were summarized. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate influence of RMB on management decisions.Results: A total of 83 patients with a ≤4 cm mass were discussed, and 66% of patients underwent RMB. Of those, 87% were diagnostic with 9% of core biopsies showing benign pathology. Active surveillance (AS) was recommended for 34% of patients with biopsy data as compared to 64% of those without biopsy. Ablation was recommended for 38% of the biopsy cohort compared to 7% without biopsy. Partial nephrectomy rates were similar for both cohorts, approximately 17% and 22%, respectively. Our complication rate was 1.5%, with only 1 Clavien-Dindo Grade 2 complication. Histology was concordant in 93% of patients that ultimately underwent partial nephrectomy after biopsy.Conclusions: Over half of our SRM patients underwent a RMB that provided a diagnosis in 85% of cases. RMB aided in shared decision making by providing insight into the biology of renal masses, which helps to guide multidisciplinary management and consideration of nephron sparing options.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Dysphagia.

This review summarizes the relevant literature for the initial imaging of patients with symptoms of dysphagia. For patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia who have an underlying attributable cause, a modified barium swallow is usually appropriate for initial imaging but for those who have unexplained dysphagia a fluoroscopic biphasic esophagram is usually appropriate. Fluoroscopic biphasic esophagram is usually appropriate for initial imaging in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients who have retrosternal dysphagia. For postoperative patients with dysphagia, fluoroscopic single-contrast esophagram and CT neck and chest with intravenous (IV) contrast are usually appropriate for oropharyngeal or retrosternal dysphagia occurring in the early postoperative period where water-soluble contrast is usually preferred rather than barium sulfate. In the later postoperative period (greater than 1 month), CT neck and chest with IV contrast and fluoroscopic single-contrast esophagram are usually appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Nonlocalized Abdominal Pain.

The range of pathology in adults that can produce abdominal pain is broad and necessitates an imaging approach to evaluate many different organ systems. Although localizing pain prompts directed imaging/management, clinical presentations may vary and result in nonlocalized symptoms. This review focuses on imaging the adult population with nonlocalized abdominal pain, including patients with fever, recent abdominal surgery, or neutropenia. Imaging of the entire abdomen and pelvis to evaluate for infectious or inflammatory processes of the abdominal viscera and solid organs, abdominal and pelvic neoplasms, and screen for ischemic or vascular etiologies is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Often the first-line modality, CT quickly evaluates the abdomen/pelvis, providing for accurate diagnoses and management of patients with abdominal pain. Ultrasound and tailored MRI protocols may be useful as first-line imaging studies, especially in pregnant patients. In the postoperative abdomen, fluoroscopy may help detect anastomotic leaks/abscesses. While often performed, abdominal radiographs may not alter management. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Lower Quadrant Pain-Suspected Appendicitis.

Appendicitis remains the most common surgical pathology responsible for right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain presenting to emergency departments in the United States, where the incidence continues to increase. Appropriate imaging in the diagnosis of appendicitis has resulted in decreased negative appendectomy rate from as high as 25% to approximately 1% to 3%. Contrast-enhanced CT remains the primary and most appropriate imaging modality to evaluate this patient population. MRI is approaching CT in sensitivity and specificity as this technology becomes more widely available and utilization increases. Unenhanced MRI and ultrasound remain the diagnostic procedures of choice in the pregnant patient. MRI and ultrasound continue to perform best in the hands of experts. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Imaging of Mesenteric Ischemia.

Mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon condition resulting from decreased blood flow to the small or large bowel in an acute or chronic setting. Acute ischemia is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality; however, it is difficult to diagnose clinically. Therefore, a high degree of suspicion and prompt imaging evaluation are necessary. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is less common and typically caused by atherosclerotic occlusion or severe stenosis of at least two of the main mesenteric vessels. While several imaging examination options are available for the initial evaluation of both acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia, CTA of the abdomen and pelvis is overall the most appropriate choice for both conditions. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Colorectal Cancer Screening.

This review summarizes the relevant literature regarding colorectal screening with imaging. For individuals at average or moderate risk for colorectal cancer, CT colonography is usually appropriate for colorectal cancer screening. After positive results on a fecal occult blood test or immunohistochemical test, CT colonography is usually appropriate for colorectal cancer detection. For individuals at high risk for colorectal cancer (eg, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn colitis), optical colonoscopy is preferred because of its ability to obtain biopsies to detect dysplasia. After incomplete colonoscopy, CT colonography is usually appropriate for colorectal cancer screening for individuals at average, moderate, or high risk. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Undisclosed conflicts of interest among biomedical textbook authors.

BACKGROUND: Textbooks are a formative resource for health care providers during their education and are also an enduring reference for pathophysiology and treatment. Unlike the primary literature and clinical guidelines, biomedical textbook authors do not typically disclose potential financial conflicts of interest (pCoIs). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the authors of textbooks used in the training of physicians, pharmacists, and dentists had appreciable undisclosed pCoIs in the form of patents or compensation received from pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. METHODS: The most recent editions of six medical textbooks, Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (HarPIM), Katzung and Trevor's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (KatBCP), the American Osteopathic Association's Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine (AOAFOM), Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (RemSPP), Koda-Kimble and Young's Applied Therapeutics (KKYAT), and Yagiela's Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Dentistry (YagPTD), were selected after consulting biomedical educators for evaluation. Author names (N = 1,152, 29.2% female) were submitted to databases to examine patents (Google Scholar) and compensation (ProPublica's Dollars for Docs [PDD]). RESULTS: Authors were listed as inventors on 677 patents (maximum/author = 23), with three-quarters (74.9%) to HarPIM authors. Females were significantly underrepresented among patent holders. The PDD 2009-2013 database revealed receipt of US$13.2 million, the majority to (83.9%) to HarPIM. The maximum compensation per author was $869,413. The PDD 2014 database identified receipt of $6.8 million, with 50.4% of eligible authors receiving compensation. The maximum compensation received by a single author was $560,021. Cardiovascular authors were most likely to have a PDD entry and neurologic disorders authors were least likely. CONCLUSION: An appreciable subset of biomedical authors have patents and have received remuneration from medical product companies and this information is not disclosed to readers. These findings indicate that full transparency of financial pCoI should become a standard practice among the authors of biomedical educational materials.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with mortality rates as high as 14%. This document addresses the indications for imaging UGIB that is nonvariceal and unrelated to portal hypertension. The four variants are derived with respect to upper endoscopy. For the first three, it is presumed that upper endoscopy has been performed, with three potential initial outcomes: endoscopy reveals arterial bleeding source, endoscopy confirms UGIB without a clear source, and negative endoscopy. The fourth variant, "postsurgical and traumatic causes of UGIB; endoscopy contraindicated" is considered separately because upper endoscopy is not performed. When endoscopy identifies the presence and location of bleeding but bleeding cannot be controlled endoscopically, catheter-based arteriography with treatment is an appropriate next study. CT angiography (CTA) is comparable with angiography as a diagnostic next step. If endoscopy demonstrates a bleed but the endoscopist cannot identify the bleeding source, angiography or CTA can be typically performed and both are considered appropriate. In the event of an obscure UGIB, angiography and CTA have been shown to be equivalent in identifying the bleeding source; CT enterography may be an alternative to CTA to find an intermittent bleeding source. In the postoperative or traumatic setting when endoscopy is contraindicated, primary angiography, CTA, and CT with intravenous contrast are considered appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Pretreatment Staging of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancers are common tumors in the United States and appropriate imaging is essential to direct appropriate care. Staging and treatment differs between tumors arising in the colon versus the rectum. Local staging for colon cancer is less integral to directing therapy given radical resection is often standard. Surgical options for rectal carcinoma are more varied and rely on accurate assessment of the sphincter, circumferential resection margins, and peritoneal reflection. These important anatomic landmarks are best appreciated on high-resolution imaging with transrectal ultrasound or MRI. When metastatic disease is suspected, imaging modalities that provide a global view of the body, such as CT with contrast or PET/CT may be indicated. Rectal cancer often metastasizes to the liver and so MRI of the liver with and without contrast provides accurate staging for liver metastases. This article focuses on local and distant staging and reviews the appropriateness of different imaging for both variants. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Prospective study of giant paraesophageal hernia repair with 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating giant paraesophageal hernia (GPEH) repair requires long-term follow-up. GPEH repair can have associated high recurrence rates, yet this incidence depends on how recurrence is defined. Our objective was to prospectively evaluate patients undergoing GPEH repair with 1-year follow-up. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective GPEH repair between 2011 and 2014 were enrolled prospectively. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated at 1 month and 1 year. Radiographic recurrence was evaluated by barium swallow and defined as a gastroesophageal junction located above the hiatus. Quality of life was evaluated pre- and postoperatively with the use of a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: One-hundred six patients were enrolled. The majority of GPEH repairs were performed laparoscopically (80.2%), and 7.5% were redo repairs. At 1-year follow-up, 63.4% of patients were symptom free, and radiographic recurrence was 32.7%. Recurrence rate was 18.8% with standard definition (>2 cm of stomach above the diaphragm). Quality of life scores at 1 year were significantly better after operative repair, even in patients with radiographic recurrence (7.0 vs 22.5 all patients, 13.0 vs 22.5 with recurrence; P < .001). Patients with small radiographic recurrences have similar satisfaction and symptom severity to patients with >2 cm recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: GPEH repair can be performed with low operative mortality and morbidity. The rate of recurrence at 1 year depends on the definition used. Patient satisfaction and symptom severity are similar between patients with radiographic and greater than 2 cm hernia recurrences. Longer follow-up and critical assessment of our results are needed to understand the true impact of this procedure and better inform perioperative decision making.

Peritoneal Insufflation Facilitates CT-Guided Percutaneous Jejunostomy Replacement.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to examine whether peritoneal insufflation can facilitate CT-guided percutaneous jejunostomy replacement. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal insufflation allowed clear differentiation of the adherent jejunum from adjacent bowel, permitting confident direct puncture into the adherent jejunum without the need for jejunopexy anchors.

Fluoroscopy-guided jejunal extension tube placement through existing gastrostomy tubes: analysis of 391 procedures.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopically placed jejunal extension tubes (J-arm) in patients with existing gastrostomy tubes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 391 J-arm placements performed in 174 patients. Indications for jejunal nutrition were aspiration risk (35%), pancreatitis (17%), gastroparesis (13%), gastric outlet obstruction (12%), and other (23%). Technical success, complications, malfunctions, and patency were assessed. Percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube location, J-arm course, and fluoroscopy time were correlated with success/failure. Failure was defined as inability to exit the stomach. Procedure-related complications were defined as adverse events related to tube placement occurring within seven days. Tube malfunctions and aspiration events were recorded and assessed. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 91.9% (95% CI, 86.7%-95.2%) of new tubes versus 94.2% (95% CI, 86.7%-95.2%) of replacements (P = 0.373). Periprocedural complications occurred in three patients (0.8%). Malfunctions occurred in 197 patients (50%). Median tube patency was 103 days (95% CI, 71-134 days). No association was found between successful J-arm placement and gastric PEG tube position (P = 0.677), indication for jejunal nutrition (P = 0.349), J-arm trajectory in the stomach and incidence of malfunction (P = 0.365), risk of tube migration and PEG tube position (P = 0.173), or J-arm length (P = 0.987). A fluoroscopy time of 21.3 min was identified as a threshold for failure. Malfunctions occurred more often in tubes replaced after 90 days than in tubes replaced before 90 days (P < 0.001). A total of 42 aspiration events occurred (OR 6.4, P < 0.001, compared with nonmalfunctioning tubes). CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopy-guided J-arm placement is safe for patients requiring jejunal nutrition. Tubes indwelling for longer than 90 days have higher rates of malfunction and aspiration.

A Quantitative Analysis of Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in Pharmacology Textbooks.

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest (CoI) is a standard practice for many biomedical journals but not for educational materials. The goal of this investigation was to determine whether the authors of pharmacology textbooks have undisclosed financial CoIs and to identify author characteristics associated with CoIs. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The presence of potential CoIs was evaluated by submitting author names (N = 403; 36.3% female) to a patent database (Google Scholar) as well as a database that reports on the compensation ($USD) received from 15 pharmaceutical companies (ProPublica's Dollars for Docs). All publications (N = 410) of the ten highest compensated authors from 2009 to 2013 and indexed in Pubmed were also examined for disclosure of additional companies that the authors received research support, consulted, or served on speaker's bureaus. A total of 134 patents had been awarded (Maximum = 18/author) to textbook authors. Relative to DiPiro's Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, contributors to Goodman and Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics and Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology were more frequently patent holders (OR = 6.45, P < .0005). Female authors were less likely than males to have > 1 patent (OR = 0.15, P < .0005). A total of $2,411,080 USD (28.3% for speaking, 27.0% for consulting, and 23.9% for research), was received by 53 authors (Range = $299 to $310,000/author). Highly compensated authors were from multiple fields including oncology, psychiatry, neurology, and urology. The maximum number of additional companies, not currently indexed in the Dollars for Docs database, for which an author had potential CoIs was 73. CONCLUSIONS: Financial CoIs are common among the authors of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy textbooks. Full transparency of potential CoIs, particularly patents, should become standard procedure for future editions of educational materials in pharmacology.

Handheld device review of abdominal CT for the evaluation of acute appendicitis.

Advances in handheld computing now allow review of DICOM datasets from remote locations. As the diagnostic ability of this tool is unproven, we evaluated the ability to diagnose acute appendicitis on abdominal CT using a mobile DICOM viewer. This HIPAA compliant study was IRB-approved. Twenty-five abdominal CT studies from patients with RLQ pain were interpreted on a handheld device (iPhone) using a DICOM viewer (OsiriX mobile) by five radiologists. All patients had surgical confirmation of acute appendicitis or follow-up confirming no acute appendicitis. Studies were evaluated for the ability to find the appendix, maximum appendiceal diameter, presence of an appendicolith, periappendiceal stranding and fluid, abscess, and an assessment of the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results were compared to PACS workstation. Fifteen cases of acute appendicitis were correctly identified on 98% of interpretations, with no false-positives. Eight appendicoliths were correctly identified on 88% of interpretations. Three abscesses were correctly identified by all readers. Handheld device measurement of appendiceal diameter had a mean 8.6% larger than PACS measurements (p = 0.035). Evaluation for acute appendicitis on abdominal CT studies using a portable device DICOM viewer can be performed with good concordance to reads performed on PACS workstations.