Imaging and Demographic Risk Factors in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The patient described in this case received a diagnosis of severe head trauma that resulted in death. Imaging findings, along with discrepancies in the parental explanation of the incident, aided the forensic investigators to identify the case as nonaccidental trauma (NAT). DISCUSSION: Identifying demographic risk factors and performing proper clinical evaluations can serve an important role in the diagnosis of pediatric NAT. Imaging modalities such as radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can help determine the extent of trauma. CONCLUSION: Abuse is frequent in the pediatric population. To help prevent future cases of abuse, medical professionals should be fluent in identifying differences between accidental and NAT. Using multiple imaging modalities, NAT in pediatric patients can be identified and treated adequately.

Radiologic Sciences Student Perceptions of Advisement.

PURPOSE: To investigate student perceptions of a structured advisement program. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, 24 radiologic sciences students were surveyed in the initial and final semesters of the program to capture their perceptions of advisement practices. Quantitative data were analyzed for percentages and descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were analyzed for emergent themes. RESULTS: Qualitative data analyses identified 3 themes: building relationships, strengthening student performance, and determining best practices for advisement. Quantitative data demonstrated that students appreciated the advisement process and acknowledged improvements in communication skills and the feedback loop. DISCUSSION: Advisement sessions can serve an important role in identifying areas where students can improve their performance. To grow and develop, students must understand their own strengths and weaknesses. Structured forms of advisement can serve as important tools to guide advisement conversations toward specific topics. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that student advising is a vital component of radiologic sciences programs. Participants indicated that the advisement process helped them build relationships with faculty members and improved their overall performance.

Imaging Advancements in Nuclear Medicine: Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Localization and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: This case report details a 57-year-old African American man with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The patient underwent positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using gallium Ga 68 dotatate, which localized the tumors. Selected tumors were treated with 4 doses of 200 mCi of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate during a period of 8 months. At the conclusion of treatment, the patient demonstrated improvement, progressing from bedbound and confused to ambulatory and coherent. In addition, the patient stated he felt no adverse effects. DISCUSSION: Pancreatic NETs are rare tumors affecting 0.001% of the population. These tumors are associated with various symptoms and are classified as functional or nonfunctional. Imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and gallium Ga 68-labeled PET, are essential in detecting and evaluating pancreatic NETs. For patients with localized NETs, the primary treatment is surgery; however, the radiopharmaceuticals yttrium Y 90 microspheres and lutetium Lu 177 dotatate are used as therapy to treat nonresectable tumors. CONCLUSION: Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate is used in NET cases that are deemed inoperable and for patients who are not responding to treatment. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining imaging with Ga 68-labeled PET and treatment with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate. This treatment is not a cure but has been shown to improve a patient's quality of life.

Rare Orbital Metastasis Originating From a Neuroendocrine Tumor.

BACKGROUND: This case study details a rare orbital metastasis originating from the gastrointestinal tract. A patient presented with proptosis of the right eye precipitated by a slow-growing orbital tumor. A biopsy confirmed a low-grade neuroendocrine tumor. Imaging studies were completed, with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the orbits providing the most detailed images of the mass. Fusion software images were created from the MR images and indium In 111 pentetreotide (octreoscan) studies, which confirmed the presence of the neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor. DISCUSSION: Orbital metastases are a rare condition associated with various symptoms, most commonly proptosis and diplopia. Imaging modalities, such as MR, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine technology, are instrumental in detecting and assessing these masses. Fusion imaging software can provide additional opportunities for facilities without hybrid scanners. The treatment of choice for orbital metastases is octreotide therapy; however, radiation therapy, partial or complete surgical removal of the tumor, and chemotherapy also are used. CONCLUSION: Traditional imaging techniques and fusion imaging techniques are essential for diagnosing and treating orbital metastases.