American Society Of Emergency Radiology Research Articles

Improved chest wall trauma taxonomy: an interdisciplinary CWIS and ASER collaboration.

Chest wall injury taxonomy and nomenclature are important components of chest wall injury classification and can be helpful in communicating between providers for treatment planning. Despite the common nature of these injuries, there remains a lack of consensus regarding injury description. The Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS) developed a taxonomy among surgeons in the field; however, it lacked consensus and clarity in critical areas and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners. We believe an interdisciplinary collaboration between CWIS and American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) will improve existing chest wall injury nomenclature and help further research on this topic. A collaboration between CWIS and ASER gathered feedback on the consensus recommendations. The workgroup held a series of meetings reviewing each consensus statement, refining the terminology, and contributing additional clarifications from a multidisciplinary lens. After identifying incomplete definitions in the CWIS survey, the workgroup expanded on and clarified the language proposed by the survey. More precise definitions related to rib and costal cartilage fracture quality and location were developed. Proposed changes include more accurate characterization of rib fracture displacement and consistent description of costal cartilage fractures. The 2019 consensus survey from CWIS provides a framework to discuss chest wall injuries, but several concepts remained unclear. Creating a universally accepted taxonomy and nomenclature, utilizing the CWIS survey and this article as a scaffolding, may help providers communicate the severity of chest wall injury accurately, allow for better operative planning, and provide a common language for researchers in the future.

A survey of ASER members on artificial intelligence in emergency radiology: trends, perceptions, and expectations.

There is a growing body of diagnostic performance studies for emergency radiology-related artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) tools; however, little is known about user preferences, concerns, experiences, expectations, and the degree of penetration of AI tools in emergency radiology. Our aim is to conduct a survey of the current trends, perceptions, and expectations regarding AI among American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) members. An anonymous and voluntary online survey questionnaire was e-mailed to all ASER members, followed by two reminder e-mails. A descriptive analysis of the data was conducted, and results summarized. A total of 113 members responded (response rate 12%). The majority were attending radiologists (90%) with greater than 10years' experience (80%) and from an academic practice (65%). Most (55%) reported use of commercial AI CAD tools in their practice. Workflow prioritization based on pathology detection, injury or disease severity grading and classification, quantitative visualization, and auto-population of structured reports were identified as high-value tasks. Respondents overwhelmingly indicated a need for explainable and verifiable tools (87%) and the need for transparency in the development process (80%). Most respondents did not feel that AI would reduce the need for emergency radiologists in the next two decades (72%) or diminish interest in fellowship programs (58%). Negative perceptions pertained to potential for automation bias (23%), over-diagnosis (16%), poor generalizability (15%), negative impact on training (11%), and impediments to workflow (10%). ASER member respondents are in general optimistic about the impact of AI in the practice of emergency radiology and its impact on the popularity of emergency radiology as a subspecialty. The majority expect to see transparent and explainable AI models with the radiologist as the decision-maker.

American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) social media committee workgroup: best practices for the use of social media in emergency radiology.

Social media has become integrated within the profession of medicine, and emergency radiology has inevitably felt the impact of its presence. Emergency radiologists are encouraged to consider the advantages of embracing the digital era and the benefits it may bring to our careers. We aim to present the best practice guidelines for emergency radiologists and radiology departments. This paper is a product of the American Society of Emergency Radiology Social Media (ASER) Committee workgroup and represents the best practices of the society.

Emergency radiology training in Germany: current status and future directions.

Emergency radiology (ER) is an important part of radiology. But what exactly is ER? How can the required competencies be acquired in agood and feasible way? Who should be in charge of this? Discussion of ER contents and suggestions for the improvement of the acquisition of respective competencies during radiology training. General literature review, in particular the current German blueprint for medical specialist training regulations (Weiterbildungsordnung, WBO 2020), publications by the German Radiological Society (DRG), the European Society of Radiology (ESR), the European Society of Emergency Radiology (ESER) and the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER). As proof of competence in ER in Germany, confirmation from the authorised residency training supervisor as to whether there is 'competence to act' either 'independently' or 'under supervision' in the case of 'radiology in an emergency situation…, e.g. in the case of polytrauma, stroke, intensive care patients' is sufficient. The ESER refers to all acute emergencies with clinical constellations requiring an immediate diagnosis 24/7 and, if necessary, acute therapy. The ESER and ASER offer, among other things, practical fellowships in specialised institutions, while the ESER complements this with aEuropean Diploma in Emergency Radiology (EDER). On anational level, it would be advisable to use existing definitions, offers and concepts, from the ESR, ESER and ASER. Specialised institutions could support the acquisition of ER competencies with fellowships. For Germany, it seems sensible to set up aseparate working group (Arbeitsgemeinschaft, AG) on ER within the DRG in order to drive the corresponding further ER development.

CT Imaging and Management of Blunt Splenic Trauma: Lessons for Today and Tomorrow

CT Imaging and Management of Blunt Splenic Trauma: Lessons for Today and Tomorrow

Impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on healthcare workers: A nationwide survey of United States radiologists

BackgroundEfforts to reduce nosocomial spread of COVID-19 have resulted in unprecedented disruptions in clinical workflows and numerous unexpected stressors for imaging departments across the country. Our purpose was to more precisely evaluate these impacts on radiologists through a nationwide survey. MethodsA 43-item anonymous questionnaire was adapted from the AO Spine Foundation's survey and distributed to 1521 unique email addresses using REDCap™ (Research Electronic Data Capture). Additional invitations were sent out to American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) and Association of University Radiologists (AUR) members. Responses were collected over a period of 8 days. Descriptive analyses and multivariate modeling were performed using SAS v9.4 software. ResultsA total of 689 responses from radiologists across 44 different states met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. As many as 61% of respondents rated their level of anxiety with regard to COVID-19 to be a 7 out of 10 or greater, and higher scores were positively correlated the standardized number of COVID-19 cases in a respondent's state (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.21, p = 0.01). Citing the stressor of “personal health” was a strong predictor of higher anxiety scores (RR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.13–1.34, p < 0.01). By contrast, participants who reported needing no coping methods were more likely to self-report lower anxiety scores (RR 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.53, p < 0.01). ConclusionCOVID-19 has had a significant impact on radiologists across the nation. As these unique stressors continue to evolve, further attention must be paid to the ways in which we may continue to support radiologists working in drastically altered practice environments and in remote settings.

An international survey to assess use of oral and rectal contrast in CT protocols for penetrating torso trauma.

There is controversy regarding the administration of oral and rectal contrast for CT performed to detect bowel injury in the context of penetrating torso trauma. Given the lack of published societal guidelines, our goal was to survey radiologists from the American Society of Emergency Radiology membership database to determine consensus on CT protocols for penetrating trauma. With ethics board approval, an anonymous ten-question online survey was distributed via email to 589 radiologists in the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) member database. The survey was open for a 4-week period in February 2018. A commercially available website that allows subscribers to create and analyze survey results was used for analysis. We received 124 responses (21% response rate) with a majority from U.S. institutions (82%). Seventy-four percent of respondents indicated they do not routinely administer oral contrast in penetrating trauma, 68% do not administer rectal contrast, and 90% do not use commercially available software to assess penetrating injury trajectory. Results from U.S. and non-U.S. practices were comparable. The decision to administer intraluminal contrast is made by the referring physician at 52% of institutions. There is in-house attending level radiology coverage at 54% of institutions and when asked if trauma scans are reviewed before removing the patient from the table, 41% of respondents answered "No." Enteric contrast is used in a minority of respondents' centers for penetrating trauma cases, which is likely driven by a perceived lack of added benefit and delays in patient care.

Diagnostic radiology resident perspectives on fellowship training and career interest in emergency radiology.

(1) Evaluate radiology resident perception of emergency radiology (ER). (2) Identify potential barriers to pursuing fellowship training or a career in ER among radiology residents. A 9-question digital survey was designed using Qualtrics Experience Management software (Qualtrics Inc., Provo, UT) and distributed to all US radiology residents via a multi-pronged distribution approach. Four hundred fifty-one residents responded out of an estimated national total of 4432 residents (10.2%). Gender proportion was nationally representative (female = 24.5%; p = 0.57), with a slight R1 predominance (p = 0.034). Of the residents, 88.8% were aware that an ER subspecialty exists, 82.0% were aware that ER fellowships exist, but only 51.7% were aware that the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) exists. Nearly a quarter reported no ER division or ER resident rotation. Residents in a program without an ER division or rotation were nearly twice as likely to be unaware of the existence of ER subspecialty, ER fellowships, and ASER compared to others (p = 0.017). The presence of an ER division and rotation significantly increases the knowledge of ASER (65.5% vs. 40.7%, p < 0.001) and increases residents' ratings of their ER training (p < 0.001). The following factors were ranked as the most important for fellowship choice: (1) personal interest, (2) intellectually stimulating, and (3) work hours. When asked if ER had an appealing work schedule, the mean response was 56 out of 100 (0 = disagree, 100 = agree). US radiology residents with the greatest exposure to ER during residency are more familiar with ER training, ER career opportunities, and ASER and had a more favorable perception of the field. Subspecialty leaders should focus on ER's inherent intellectual appeal and reframe its nontraditional schedule as positive (flexible).

Highlights from the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the ASER 2017 annual scientific meeting and postgraduate course.

The annual meeting of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) took place in Toronto, Canada, on September 6 through September 9, 2017. Attendees represented the USA as well as international emergency radiology communities, including those from academic, private practice, and teleradiology settings. There were several "members in training" in attendance as well. The meeting again featured the "Trauma Head to Toe" 2-day didactic course, highlighting various important topics on imaging of traumatic injuries. Scattered throughout the 4days were several poster and case of the day presentations, scientific sessions, and self-assessment modules. The following is a summary of the educational posters and scientific papers.

ASER core curriculum illustration project: aortic intramural hematoma (IMH).

This is the 23rd installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm .

Highlights from the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the ASER 2015 annual scientific meeting and postgraduate course.

The American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) 2015 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course offered dedicated learning sessions, oral presentations, and digital exhibits on a broad spectrum of topics in emergency radiology, including traumatic and non-traumatic emergencies, quality, communication, education, technological innovations, and the evolving identity of the emergency radiology subspecialty. This article highlights the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the meeting.

Emergency Radiology goes international

With this issue of Emergency Radiology, we introduce an important new relationship for our journal. We announce that, in addition to our sponsoring organization, the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER), Emergency Radiology is now the official journal of the Society for Emergency Radiology-India. This is an exciting affiliation for our journal. As international collaborations have increased, our journal will benefit from a more global exposure and from additional subscribers. The Society for Emergency Radiology-India is a relatively new society with approximately 200 members, with plans to grow to a membership over 1000. This affiliation has come to fruition from the support of the leadership of our journal, ASER, and from Dr. Anjali Agrawal, an organizingmember of the Society for Emergency Radiology-India, an ASER member, and a member of our Editorial Board. This affiliation will increase Emergency Radiology’s influence in India where expertise and research in radiology is burgeoning. This is a geographic area of rapid growth in the subspecialty practice of emergency radiology. This affiliation will lead to increased number and diversity of submissions and thus improve the significance of our journal. This will increase our understanding of medical journalism and emergency radiology issues in this important part of the world. In addition to our new journal cover, there will be some journal enhancements related to this affiliation. With upcoming issues, the following changes will take place:

Highlights from the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the ASER 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course.

The American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course offered dedicated learning sessions, oral presentations, and digital exhibits on a broad spectrum of topics in emergency radiology, including traumatic and nontraumatic emergencies, quality, communication, education, and technology. This article highlights the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the meeting (Emerg Radiol 21:431-471, 2014).

ASER Core Curriculum Illustration Project: coronal femoral condyle (Hoffa) fracture

This is the 13th installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for study online at http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm.

Highlights from the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the ASER 2013 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course

The American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) 2013 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course offered dedicated learning sessions, oral presentations, and digital exhibits on a broad spectrum of topics in emergency radiology, including traumatic and nontraumatic emergencies, quality, communication, education, and technology. This article highlights the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the meeting.

Core curriculum illustration: testicular torsion

This is the 7th installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm .

Core curriculum illustration: infectious aortitis

This is the sixth installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at: http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm .

Looking back, moving forward: 1988–2013. The first 25 years of the American Society of Emergency Radiology

The American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) was founded in 1988 and is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. ASER is thriving and emergency radiology has never enjoyed greater popularity than at present. This history describes the genesis of the Society, its growth and current state of affairs. It is based on the recollections and personal files of the authors, one Founder and both former ASER Presidents and Gold Medalists, the ASER archives, and interviews and correspondence with many ASER members. It is hoped that this brief review will be interesting to the reader, provide some insight into ASER evolution over the years, and hold some lessons moving forward.

Core curriculum illustration: pneumothorax

This is the fourth installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm .

Highlights from the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the ASER 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course

The American Society of Emergency Radiology 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting and Post-Graduate Course encompassed a wide range of topics: traumatic and non-traumatic emergencies, radiation dose management, technical innovations and advancements, emergency preparedness, mass casualties, and teleradiology. This article highlights the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the meeting.