Evaluation of the value of abdominopelvic acquisition without contrast injection when performing a whole body CT scan in a patient who may have multiple trauma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of non-contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic acquisition when performing a whole body CT scan in a patient who may have multiple trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a single centre, retrospective study over 1year, we included 84 patients suspected of having multiple trauma who indeed presented an abdominal or pelvic lesion during the initial CT scan. Two readers independently reread the acquisitions without injection, then those with injection, then all the acquisitions, and scored the presence or absence of abdominopelvic lesions. Statistical analysis focused on intra- and inter-observer agreement, and on the sensitivity and specificity of the different acquisitions in relation to consensus rereading. RESULTS: This study did not reveal any significant difference, particularly concerning improvement in sensitivity, between interpretation of the acquisitions with contrast injection and interpretation of all the acquisitions with or without injection. Inter-observer agreement was substantial to almost perfect. Non-contrast-enhanced thoraco-abdominopelvic acquisition represented 20% to 25% of the effective dose for the entire examination. CONCLUSION: Abdominopelvic acquisition without contrast injection in addition to acquisition with contrast injection in a patient suspected of having multiple trauma does not improve detection of traumatic lesions of the liver, spleen, kidneys or adrenal glands, nor of intra- or retroperitoneal effusion, but increases the dose and should be abandoned.

[MDCT in the lateral decubitus position with Valsalva maneuver in the evaluation of abdominal wall hernias]. / Scanner multicoupe en latérocubitus avec manoeuvre de Valsalva dans l'étude des hernies de la paroi abdominale.

MDCT in the lateral decubitus position during Valsalva is sensitive in the detection of abdominal wall hernias and may increase the hernia size and possibly change its contents.

Factors influencing the selection of dental hygiene as a profession.

Since the mid-1970s, the dental hygiene profession has experienced a decline in the number of applicants. Reasons cited for this decline are fewer traditional college-age students, an increase in the career opportunities available to women, and a decrease in student financial aid. Four-year dental hygiene programs have experienced applicant decline faster than two-year programs. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that influenced university freshmen to designate dental hygiene as a career choice. Factors examined included reasons for choosing or not choosing a career in dental hygiene, and retention in the college major chosen. A questionnaire was mailed to three groups of students who entered the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as freshmen from 1985 through 1987: (1) all students who designated dental hygiene as a major on their entrance application; (2) a random sample who did not; and (3) all the freshman during that time period who subsequently matriculated into the dental hygiene program. The overall response rate was 78% (n = 80). Subjects began to explore career opportunities at a mean age of 16. Having a family member/friend in the selected field was found to be the most influential factor in career selection. Among dental hygiene students, contact with a dental hygienist was perceived to be influential in their career choice. Entering college freshmen exhibited a lack of knowledge about the dental hygiene profession, and most had not received any information about dental hygiene in high school. These findings can be used to develop recruitment strategies.