Computed Tomography Reports Research Articles

Incidental findings on computed tomography for preoperative assessment before transcatheter aortic valve implantation in japanese patients

Abstract Background Extra-cardiovascular incidental findings (IFs) on preoperative computed tomography (CT) are frequently observed in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) candidates. However, the backgrounds of TAVI candidates and comorbidities differ based on the race and/or country, and data on IFs in a specific population are not always applicable to another. Objective To assess the prevalence, type, and clinical impact of IFs in Japanese TAVI candidates. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study. CT reports of 257 TAVI candidates were reviewed, and IFs were classified as (a) insignificant: findings that did not require further investigation, treatment, or follow-up; (b) intermediate: findings that needed to be followed up or were considered for further investigation but did not affect the planning of TAVI; and (c) significant: findings that required further investigation immediately or affected the planning of TAVI. Results At least one IF was found in 254 patients (98.8%). Insignificant, intermediate, and significant IFs were found in 253 (98.4%), 153 (59.5%), and 34 (13.2%) patients, respectively. Newly indicated significant IFs were found in 19 patients (7.4%). In 2 patients (0.8%), TAVI was canceled because of significant IFs. In patients who consequently underwent TAVI, the presence of significant IFs was not associated with the duration from CT performance to TAVI [28 (19–40) days vs. 27 (19–43) days, p=0.74] and all-cause mortality during the median follow-up period of 413 (223–805) days (p=0.44). Conclusion Almost all Japanese TAVI candidates had at least one IF, and the prevalence of significant IFs was not negligible. Although the presence of significant IFs was not associated with mid-term mortality, appropriate management of IFs was considered important. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

COVID‑19 pathology imaging: A one-year perspective.

The first cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) were reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Five months later, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a pandemic. The symptoms are nonspecific, and include breathing difficulties, cough, fever, and the loss of smell and taste. The diagnosis is confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Medical imaging has been mainly used to estimate the range of disease or potential complications.The aim of this study was to present the radiographic features of COVID‑19 reported in published papers. This investigation includes the scientific work concerning chest radiography (chest X-ray - CXR) and computed tomography (CT) in COVID‑19 patients. The most common pathologies are described, and the classification of COVID‑19 appearance in CT and other radiology reports is summarized. The usage of lung ultrasound (LUS) was taken into consideration. This study emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the COVID‑19 pandemic. The algorithms developed to detect the disease are discussed. The role of medical imaging is not limited to the respiratory system; it can also be used in searching for and monitoring complications (cardiac, vascular or brain damage). Due to the significant role of radiology in the current pandemic, a review of the latest medical literature was performed to help clarify the upcoming data.

Magnetic resonance imaging cervical spine in trauma: A retrospective single-centre audit of patient outcomes.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used in practice to investigate for cord or discoligamentous injury following blunt trauma and a normal computed tomography (CT). This study investigates the MRI findings and surgical outcomes of patients in this cohort. Retrospective analysis of patients following trauma with suspected cervical spine injury from 2016 to 2019. Inclusion criteria included patients receiving a normal CT of the cervical spine and subsequent MRI due to cervical spine injury symptomatology (persistent tenderness and/or neurology). Inclusion criteria included: age ≥16 years, alert and <72 h from CT to MRI. Mann-Whitney and χ2 statistical analysis techniques were employed. Two hundred and twenty-eight patients with persistent midline tenderness and/or persistent neurology following blunt trauma and negative CT report were included. One hundred and eighty-one patients received an MRI for persistent tenderness of which 35 revealed abnormal MRI findings. Twenty-one cases required no treatment, 14 cases were treated with a rigid collar with no patients requiring operative management. Forty-seven patients received an MRI for neurological symptoms following blunt trauma and negative CT, with 11 abnormal MRI findings. Management included no treatment (three cases), application of rigid collar (six cases) and operative management (two cases). No alert neurologically intact patient with 'persistent tenderness only' received operative management following a normal CT examination. While MRI is sensitive for detecting soft tissue injuries, the prevalence for detecting clinically significant cervical spine injury in blunt trauma patients in the absence of neurology is low. The utility of MRI in this cohort is questionable considering prolonged spinal immobilisation is not without harm.

Radiographic Optic Nerve Findings and Their Clinical Implications in the Setting of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma

Purpose: Computed tomography (CT) scans obtained in the setting of facial trauma often report aberrations in neural anatomy, such as optic nerve stretching. While these findings have not yet been correlated with clinical findings, they raise concern for traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). This study aims to correlate radiographic optic nerve abnormalities with clinical findings in the setting of craniomaxillofacial trauma. Methods: Patient charts were queried based on ICD-9 codes for the presence of an orbital fracture. Patients were included if the CT report mentioned an anatomic abnormality of the optic nerve. Patients who expired within 24 hours of arrival, had an open globe injury, or who were not able to participate in a visual exam were excluded. An additional matched cohort of patients with orbital fractures and without optic nerve abnormalities was selected. The primary endpoint was a clinical diagnosis of TON, and secondary endpoints included the need for ophthalmologic intervention and the presence of abnormal visual acuity. Results: One-hundred and eight patients were included in the study (54 per group). Radiographic optic nerve stretching was not associated with an increased risk of TON (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 0.71-7.02); however, it was associated with increased risk for abnormal visual acuity (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.01-4.99). There was no increased need for any ophthalmologic intervention (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 0.86-4.31). Conclusions: Alterations in orbital anatomy on CT are common after orbital fracture and may inappropriately raise concern for TON. This in turn may prompt interfacility transfer and/or emergent ophthalmology consultation. This study demonstrates that radiographic stretching of the optic nerve does not increase the odds for TON in the setting of orbital fractures. While patients with abnormal optic nerve findings did have a higher rate of abnormal visual acuity, this is a common, multifactorial finding in this setting.

Diagnostic Performance and Reliability of the Standardized Computed Tomography Reporting System for Acute Appendicitis: Experience in a Tertiary Care Academic Center

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is generally accepted as a modality of choice for imaging workup in patients with suspected appendicitis. A standardized CT reporting system, CT certainty score, has been proposed to improve diagnostic accuracy and to reduce ambiguous CT reports. Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance and the reliability of the standardized CT reporting system for acute appendicitis in Thai adults. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective data review of 421 adult patients who had CT scans of the appendix between January 2016 and December 2017. The clinical and imaging data were extracted and analyzed. The pathological result was used as a standard of reference. The diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement of the standardized CT reporting system were estimated. Results: One hundred sixty-three patients, with a mean age of 41.7 years, had clinical diagnoses of acute appendicitis. Using standardized CT report, radiologists were highly accurate at diagnosing appendicitis [area under curve (AUC) 0.988 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.00); p&lt;0.001]. The estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 95.1% (95% CI 90.6 to 97.9), 95.7% (95% CI 92.5 to 97.9), 93.4% (95% CI 88.7 to 96.2), 96.9% (95% CI 93.0 to 97.2), 95.5% (95% CI 93.0 to 97.3), respectively. The interobserver agreement was greater than 80% for all binary objective findings and more than 90% agreement on the presence or absence of greater-than-3-mm wall thickness, appendicolith, periappendiceal air, and right lower quadrant fluid collection. The use of CT certainty score had interobserver agreement of 78% (κ=0.69; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.77). Conclusion: Using a standardized CT reporting system yielded a high diagnostic accuracy and high reproducibility of supportive CT findings for appendicitis in at-risk patients. The standardized CT reporting system can improve diagnostic certainty, accuracy, and guide patient management. Keywords: Appendicitis; Certainty score; Computed tomography; Standardized reporting system

Appropriateness of Computed Tomography Scanning in the Diagnosis of Craniosynostosis.

Although physicians from a variety of specialties encounter infants with possible craniosynostosis, judicious use of computed tomography (CT) imaging is important to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure and healthcare expense. The present study seeks to determine whether differences in specialty of ordering physician affects frequency of resulting diagnostic confirmations requiring operative intervention. Radiology databases from 2 institutions were queried for CT reports or indications that included "craniosynostosis" or "plagiocephaly." Patient demographics, specialty of ordering physician, confirmed diagnosis, and operative interventions were recorded. Cost analysis was performed using the fixed unit cost for a head CT to calculate the expense before 1 study led to operative intervention. Three hundred eighty-two patients were included. 184 (48.2%) CT scans were ordered by craniofacial surgeons, 71 (18.6%) were ordered by neurosurgeons, and 127 (33.3%) were ordered by pediatricians. One hundred four (27.2%) patients received a diagnosis of craniosynostosis requiring operative intervention. Craniofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons were more likely than pediatricians to order CT scans that resulted in a diagnosis of craniosynostosis requiring operative intervention (P < 0.001), with no difference between craniofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons (P = 1.0). The estimated cost of obtaining an impact CT scan when ordered by neurosurgeons or craniofacial surgeons as compared to pediatricians was $2369.69 versus $13,493.75. Clinicians who more frequently encounter craniosynostosis (craniofacial and neurosurgeons) had a higher likelihood of ordering CT images that resulted in a diagnosis of craniosynostosis requiring operative intervention. This study should prompt multi-disciplinary interventions aimed at improving evaluation of pretest probability before CT imaging.

The diagnostic role of endoscopic ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the assessment of pancreatic cystic lesions

Aim: To reveal the malignancy rates of pancreatic cyctic lesions and success rates of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in differentiating between malignant vs non-malignant cystic lesions of the pancreas. Methods: In this study, 138 patients were included. CT, MRI, EUS and pathology reports of the related patients were scrutinised and descriptive statistical methods were used. Sensitivity and specificity values of CT, MRI and EUS were calculated by taking the postoperative histopathology results as the gold standard. Results: In assessment the data of patients with neoplastic or non-neoplastic pancreatic cysts, the highest sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy in the malignant-benign distinction of the lesions was determined in CT. Although EUS had similar sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy rates as CT, its specificity was considered to be lower than CT. MRI had lower sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy rates compared to both of modalities (EUS and CT). The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of EUS guided FNA biopsies were found to be quite low than other diagnostic modalities. Conclusion: While CT and EUS showed high correlation with each other in terms of overall diagnostic compliance, there was a moderate correlation between MRI and EUS.

The detection of mild traumatic brain injury in paediatrics using artificial neural networks

Head computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard in emergency departments (EDs) to evaluate mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients, especially for paediatrics. Data-driven models for successfully classifying head CT scans that have mTBI will be valuable in terms of timeliness and cost-effectiveness for TBI diagnosis. This study applied two different machine learning (ML) models to diagnose mTBI in a paediatric population collected as part of the paediatric emergency care applied research network (PECARN) study between 2004 and 2006. The models were conducted using 15,271 patients under the age of 18 years with mTBI and had a head CT report. In the conventional model, random forest (RF) ranked the features to reduce data dimensionality and the top ranked features were used to train a shallow artificial neural network (ANN) model. In the second model, a deep ANN applied to classify positive and negative mTBI patients using the entirety of the features available. The dataset was divided into two subsets: 80% for training and 20% for testing using five-fold cross-validation. Accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and specificity were calculated by comparing the model's prediction outcome to the actual diagnosis for each patient. RF ranked ten clinical demographic features and twelve CT-findings; the hybrid RF-ANN model achieved an average specificity of 99.96%, sensitivity of 95.98%, precision of 99.25%, and accuracy of 99.74% in identifying positive mTBI from negative mTBI subjects. The deep ANN proved its ability to carry out the task efficiently with an average specificity of 99.9%, sensitivity of 99.2%, precision of 99.9%, and accuracy of 99.9%. The performance of the two proposed models demonstrated the feasibility of using ANN to diagnose mTBI in a paediatric population. This is the first study to investigate deep ANN in a paediatric cohort with mTBI using clinical and non-imaging data and diagnose mTBI with balanced sensitivity and specificity using shallow and deep ML models. This method, if validated, would have the potential to reduce the burden of TBI evaluation in EDs and aide clinicians in the decision-making process.

Radiology report language positively influences adrenal incidentaloma guideline adherence

BackgroundAdrenal incidentalomas are common radiographic findings. Guidelines recommend biochemical and radiographic surveillance of adrenal incidentalomas. We investigated if patients were appropriately referred for outpatient evaluation. MethodsRetrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with adrenal masses on imaging between November 7, 2016 and November 7, 2017. Demographic information, medical history, and outpatient referral information was collected. Results11,723 computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and/or abdomen/pelvis were performed. 246 patients were noted to have adrenal incidentalomas and met inclusion criteria. The CT report recommended follow-up in 63/246 cases (25.6%). 38/246 (15.4%) patients were referred for evaluation. Age, adrenal nodule size, and type of evaluating provider did not affect referral. A radiology report recommending follow-up was associated with increased referral rate (OR 5.441, 95% CI: 2.491–11.887). ConclusionThere was low outpatient referral for adrenal incidentalomas. Language in the radiology report significantly influenced referral rates and may be an important resource for improving guideline adherence.

BRAIN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF STROKE PATIENTS IN MAIDUGURI, NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Background: Stroke is a major neurological condition with high disability and mortality rates in developing countries including Nigeria. Computed tomography (CT) scan is an important imaging modality in confirming the diagnosis of stroke, classifying stroke subtypes and ruling out stroke mimics. Objectives: To determine the CT findings of patients with stroke in Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria. Methodology: A retrospective hospital-based study conducted at the Department of Radiology, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria over four-year period from January 2015 to December 2018. All patients were clinically diagnosed with stroke and referred to the department for a brain CT scan. The request forms and CT reports were retrieved from the Archive and analysed. All patients were examined with a 16-slice General Electric CT scanner. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical software version 23. Results: There were 138 patients and out of which, 83 (60%) were males and 55 (40%) females with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The mean age was 51.6 ± 16.6 years with an age range of 5-85 years and the majority of the patients were middle-aged group. The CT findings showed 88 (64%) were confirmed stroke cases and the remaining 50 (36%) were misdiagnoses of stroke, with normal finding in 23% and stroke mimics in the remaining 13%. Brain infarction was the most common stroke subtype accounting for 64% of the patients, followed by intracerebral haemorrhage of 33% and 3% had subarachnoid haemorrhage. The left cerebral hemisphere was the most commonly involved. Cerebral atrophy and brain tumours were the two most common stroke mimics in this study and they were mostly seen in females than males. Conclusion: In this study, the accuracy rate of clinical diagnosis of stroke was low. Therefore, CT scan is the 'gold standard’ in the diagnosis of stroke and it is strongly recommended in the management of all stroke patients.

Incidental findings on computed tomography for preoperative assessment before transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Japanese patients.

Extra-cardiovascular incidental findings (IFs) on preoperative computed tomography (CT) are frequently observed in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) candidates. However, the backgrounds of TAVI candidates and comorbidities differ based on the race and/or country, and data on IFs in a specific population are not always applicable to another. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, type, and clinical impact of IFs in Japanese TAVI candidates. This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study. CT reports of 257 TAVI candidates were reviewed, and IFs were classified as (a) insignificant: findings that did not require further investigation, treatment, or follow-up; (b) intermediate: findings that needed to be followed up or were considered for further investigation but did not affect the planning of TAVI; and (c) significant: findings that required further investigation immediately or affected the planning of TAVI. At least one IF was found in 254 patients (98.8%). Insignificant, intermediate, and significant IFs were found in 253 (98.4%), 153 (59.5%), and 34 (13.2%) patients, respectively. Newly indicated significant IFs were found in 19 patients (7.4%). In 2 patients (0.8%), TAVI was canceled because of significant IFs. In patients who consequently underwent TAVI, the presence of significant IFs was not associated with the duration from CT performance to TAVI [28 (19-40) days vs. 27 (19-43) days, p = 0.74] and all-cause mortality during the median follow-up period of 413 (223-805) days (p = 0.44). Almost all Japanese TAVI candidates had at least one IF, and the prevalence of significant IFs was not negligible. Although the presence of significant IFs was not associated with mid-term mortality, appropriate management of IFs was considered important.

BRAIN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF STROKE PATIENTS IN MAIDUGURI, NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA.

Background: Stroke is a major neurological condition with high disability and mortality rates in developing countries including Nigeria. Computed tomography (CT) scan is an important imaging modality in confirming the diagnosis of stroke, classifying stroke subtypes and ruling out stroke mimics. Objectives: To determine the CT findings of patients with stroke in Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria. Methodology: A retrospective hospital-based study conducted at the Department of Radiology, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria over four-year period from January 2015 to December 2018. All patients were clinically diagnosed with stroke and referred to the department for a brain CT scan. The request forms and CT reports were retrieved from the Archive and analysed. All patients were examined with a 16-slice General Electric CT scanner. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical software version 23. Results: There were 138 patients and out of which, 83 (60%) were males and 55 (40%) females with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The mean age was 51.6 ± 16.6 years with an age range of 5-85 years and the majority of the patients were middle-aged group. The CT findings showed 88 (64%) were confirmed stroke cases and the remaining 50 (36%) were misdiagnoses of stroke, with normal finding in 23% and stroke mimics in the remaining 13%. Brain infarction was the most common stroke subtype accounting for 64% of the patients, followed by intracerebral haemorrhage of 33% and 3% had subarachnoid haemorrhage. The left cerebral hemisphere was the most commonly involved. Cerebral atrophy and brain tumours were the two most common stroke mimics in this study and they were mostly seen in females than males. Conclusion: In this study, the accuracy rate of clinical diagnosis of stroke was low. Therefore, CT scan is the 'gold standard’ in the diagnosis of stroke and it is strongly recommended in the management of all stroke patients.

Pediatric Orbital Entrapment: Radiographic Findings and Their Predictive Values.

Although orbital fractures are less common in children than adults, the literature suggests that orbital entrapment occurs more frequently in the pediatric population. Orbital entrapment is an emergency, and early diagnosis and prompt management are critical. Specific radiographic manifestations such as herniation of extraocular muscles (EOMs) through orbital fractures have led to increased suspicion and overdiagnosis of orbital entrapment. This study evaluated the value of specific radiographic findings in predicting clinical findings after pediatric orbital floor fractures. A retrospective review at a pediatric level 1 trauma center was performed. ICD-9 and ICD-10, codes identified patients with orbital fractures. Computed tomography (CT) reports were queried for the following terms: "herniation," "herniated," "entrapped," and "entrapment." Patients 16 years and older were excluded, as were all patients who were unable to undergo EOM evaluation on presentation. Electronic medical records were reviewed for fracture type, mechanism of injury, clinical and radiographic findings, surgical interventions, and demographic information. Medical diagnosis tests, including positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, as well as specificity, were calculated to identify the relationship between radiographic findings and specific symptomology. One hundred fifty-three patients with 265 orbital fractures were included. "Entrapment" was mentioned in 34.6% of CT reports, whereas the incidence of clinical entrapment was 12.4% (19/153). Radiographic fat herniation, EOM herniation, and EOM irregularity had positive predictive values of 25%, 31%, and 10%, respectively, for clinical entrapment diagnosis at the initial examination. Overall, 32.7% (50/153) of patients with orbital fractures required surgery. Although the radiographic description of soft tissue herniation has become interchangeable with entrapment, these CT findings alone are poorly predictive. Orbital entrapment should be diagnosed preoperatively by physical examination, with radiographs as an adjunct only. Radiographic statements without clinical correlation may lead to the improper management of pediatric facial trauma patients.

Deep-Learning-Based Diagnosis of Bedside Chest X-ray in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine.

Validation of deep learning models should separately consider bedside chest radiographs (CXRs) as they are the most challenging to interpret, while at the same time the resulting diagnoses are important for managing critically ill patients. Therefore, we aimed to develop and evaluate deep learning models for the identification of clinically relevant abnormalities in bedside CXRs, using reference standards established by computed tomography (CT) and multiple radiologists. In this retrospective study, a dataset consisting of 18,361 bedside CXRs of patients treated at a level 1 medical center between January 2009 and March 2019 was used. All included CXRs occurred within 24 hours before or after a chest CT. A deep learning algorithm was developed to identify 8 findings on bedside CXRs (cardiac congestion, pleural effusion, air-space opacification, pneumothorax, central venous catheter, thoracic drain, gastric tube, and tracheal tube/cannula). For the training dataset, 17,275 combined labels were extracted from the CXR and CT reports by a deep learning natural language processing (NLP) tool. In case of a disagreement between CXR and CT, human-in-the-loop annotations were used. The test dataset consisted of 583 images, evaluated by 4 radiologists. Performance was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for cardiac congestion, pleural effusion, air-space opacification, pneumothorax, central venous catheter, thoracic drain, gastric tube, and tracheal tube/cannula were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.93; 3 radiologists on the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve), 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93-0.96; 3 radiologists on the ROC curve), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82-0.89; 1 radiologist on the ROC curve), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89-0.95; 1 radiologist on the ROC curve), 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-0.99), 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-0.99), 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97-0.99), and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00), respectively. A deep learning model used specifically for bedside CXRs showed similar performance to expert radiologists. It could therefore be used to detect clinically relevant findings during after-hours and help emergency and intensive care physicians to focus on patient care.

Radiology Reporting Errors: Learning from Report Addenda.

Background The addition of new information to a completed radiology report in the form of an “addendum” conveys a variety of information, ranging from less significant typographical errors to serious omissions and misinterpretations. Understanding the reasons for errors and their clinical implications will lead to better clinical governance and radiology practice. Aims This article assesses the common reasons which lead to addenda generation to completed reports and their clinical implications. Subjects and Methods Retrospective study was conducted by reviewing addenda to computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging reports between January 2018 to June 2018, to note the frequency and classification of report addenda. Results Rate of addenda generation was 1.1% ( n = 1,076) among the 97,003 approved cross-sectional radiology reports. Errors contributed to 71.2% ( n = 767) of addenda, most commonly communication (29.3%, n = 316) and observational errors (20.8%, n = 224), and 28.7% were nonerrors aimed at providing additional clinically relevant information. Majority of the addenda (82.3%, n = 886) did not have a significant clinical impact. CT and ultrasound reports accounted for 36.9% ( n = 398) and 35.2% ( n = 379) share, respectively. A time gap of 1 to 7 days was noted for 46.8% ( n = 504) addenda and 37.6% ( n = 405) were issued in less than a day. Radiologists with more than 6-year experience created majority (1.5%, n = 456) of addenda. Those which were added to reports generated during emergency hours contributed to 23.2% ( n = 250) of the addenda. Conclusion The study has identified the prevalence of report addenda in a radiology practice involving picture archiving and communication system in a tertiary care center in India. The etiology included both errors and non-errors. Results of this audit were used to generate a checklist and put protocols that will help decrease serious radiology misses and common errors.

The Use of Clinical Parameters as Adjuncts to Endoscopic Evaluation of Mural Thickening on Conventional Computed Tomography in Diagnosing Malignancy

Background: Mural thickening (MT) on computed tomography (CT) poses a diagnostic dilemma in the absence of clear reporting guidelines. The aim of this study was to analyse CT reports, identifying patients in whom gastrointestinal wall MT was observed, and to correlate these reports with subsequent endoscopic evaluation. Methods: Patients with MT who had follow-up endoscopy were included in the study (n = 308). The cohort was subdivided into upper gastrointestinal mural thickening (UGIMT) & lower gastrointestinal mural thickening (LGIMT). Results: In total, 55.71% (n = 122) of colonoscopies and 61.8% (n = 55) of gastroscopies were found to be normal. Haemoglobin (HB) level in combination with MT was a predictor of neoplasia in both arms (p = 0.04 UGIMT cohort, p < 0.001 LGIMT cohort). In addition to this, age was a significant correlative parameter in both UGIMT and LGIMT cohorts (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 respectively). Dysphagia and weight loss were associated with UGI malignancies (38 and 63% respectively) and rectal bleeding was correlative in 20% of patients with LGI malignancies. Conclusion: HB, advancing age, and red flag symptoms are potentially useful adjuncts to MT in predicting upper and lower gastrointestinal malignancies. We propose the adoption of a streamlined pathway to delineate patients who should undergo endoscopic investigation following CT identification of MT.

Radiological Surveillance Post-Curative Colorectal Cancer Resection: Is There a Need for a Targeted Protocol?

BackgroundThe frequency of radiological surveillance after curative colorectal cancer resection has long been a controversial issue with the need to balance potential harm from ionizing radiation and the financial burden of intense surveillance against advantages of early detection of recurrent disease. NICE guidelines issued in 2018 suggested having two surveillance computed tomography (CT) scans within three years of surgery without specifying the timing or the interval.AimTo examine whether an evidence-based flexible approach based on individual patients’ risk factors can add value to surveillance protocols. Reaching a targeted protocol that can maximize early detection of metastasis without consumption of resources and most important without compromising patient safety.MethodologyA retrospective study involving five years of data of patients who underwent curative colorectal cancer resections. Data extracted after patients completed their three-year surveillance CT scans, CT reports retrieved together with post-operative histology reports, and a detailed database was constructed.ResultsOf 179 patients included, 66 developed recurrence (7 local and 59 distant). Recurrence increased from 23.5% in T1 to 66% in T4 (P=0.0001). The median time to recurrence 23 months in T4 disease compared to 36, 42 and 43 months for stages T1, T2 and T3, respectively (P=0.0001). A similar incremental increase in recurrence noted from 22% in the N0 stage to 73.5% in the N2 stage (P=0.0001); the median time to recurrence of 14 months in N2 patients compared to 45 and 33 months for stages N0 and N1, respectively (P=0.0001). Recurrence correlated well with positive extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) status, (71.7% versus 19.3% P=0.0001) being detected significantly earlier in EMVI positive group at 17 versus 45 months (P=0.0001).ConclusionFlexible protocol for radiological surveillance after curative resection of colorectal cancer, based on known pathological prognostic factors, is likely to be more effective in maximizing resource utilization as well as improving patient outcomes.

Computed-Tomography-Structured Reporting in Middle Ear Opacification: Surgical Results and Clinical Considerations From a Large Retrospective Analysis.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to compare the accuracy of unstructured preoperative Computed Tomography (CT) reports from non-tertiary diagnostic centers with intraoperative findings in a large cohort of patients with Chronic Otitis Media (COM) undergone surgery.Methods: From 2012 to 2019, a total number of 301 patients were considered for our purposes. All patients with clinical evidence of COM had preoperative non-contrast high resolution CT scan of the temporal bone in non-tertiary diagnostic centers, performed within 3 months before surgery.Results: The accuracy of CT reports was analyzed in terms of nature, anatomical site, disease extension, bony erosion, vascular structures abnormalities relevant to surgical planning, and Eustachian tube patency. Compared to post-surgical findings, CT reporting critical analysis revealed a tendency to overestimation of bony erosion, coupled to underestimated description of facial canal/lateral semi-circular canal, vascular structures, and Eustachian tube.Conclusion: Discrepancies between CT reports and surgical findings in middle ear opacification can be at least in part due to limited expertise of general radiologists in ENT neuroimaging. To limit this lack of information and the limited accuracy of middle ear structures depiction, here we propose a structured checklist to adopt in the case of a temporal bone CT scan for COM, in order to optimize the communication with surgeons and provide all the crucial information for an accurate surgical planning.

Emergency Computed Tomography: How Misinterpretations Vary According to the Periods of the Nightshift?

To evaluate the accuracy of initial computed tomography (CT) interpretations made by radiology residents during nightshifts in the emergency department. Preliminary CT reports performed by radiology residents during 120 consecutive nightshifts (08:30 pm to 08:30 am) were reviewed, attendings' final interpretation being the reference standard. Nightshifts were divided into four consecutive periods of 3 hours. Major misinterpretations were related to potentially life-threatening conditions if not treated immediately after CT. The rate of misinterpretations was calculated for all CT examinations, separately for nightshift's periods and for residents' training years. Misinterpretations were recorded in 155 (7.4%) of 2102 CT examinations, 0.6% (13/2102) were major. There were 2.2% (4/186) major misinterpretations that occurred during the last period of the nightshift versus 0.4% (9/1916) during the first periods of the night (P < 0.05). Of all misinterpretations, 8.5% (130/1526) were made by third- and fourth-year residents and 4.3% (25/576) by fifth-year residents (P < 0.005). Major misinterpretations occur at the end of the nightshift, which may be explained by the fatigue effect. The rate of misinterpretations is lower among fifth-year residents, which may be related to their prior experience in reading emergency cases.

Audit of Computed Tomography (Brain) Referrals from the Accident and Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Non-contrast Computerised Tomography (NCCT) Brain is a common referral made from the Accident and Emergency (A&amp;E) department both for traumatic and non traumatic causes. Aim: To evaluate the veracity of the referrals made by the Accident and Emergency Department clinicians for non-contrast computed tomography Head. Materials and Methods: This was the Retrospective evaluation of diagnostic yield of head Computed Tomography (CT) referrals made from A&amp;E Department of a tertiary care hospital located in northern-central India over three year period between January 2015 to December 2017. CT reports were first grouped into two major group’s trauma and non trauma referrals with further subdivision into positive and negative scan on the basis of presence of abnormality. Subsequently, the positive trauma reports were classified into Major findings (three subgroups extra-axial haemorrhage, brain contusions and other miscellaneous findings) and minor findings like undisplaced fractures of the skull or facial bones with or without subgaleal haematoma. Distribution of trauma cases as per National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) criteria was then tabulated. Non-trauma reports were also further classified in to the two major clinically important findings of haemorrhage and infarct as well as non-specific minor findings. Results: Of the total data of 2185 head CT (980 trauma cases and 1205 in non trauma cases) referrals done by A&amp;E Department during the study period. The 144 (58.5%) out of trauma cases and 328 (27.2%) out of non trauma cases were with major findings. 788 (80.4%) of trauma cases and 965 (80.1%) out of non trauma cases were referred by Medical Officer (MO)/ Resident as revealed from the audit. Positivity percentages for traumatic and non traumatic causes were 25.1% and 27.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to non adherence to existing guidelines or due to poor clinical knowledge, there is poor diagnostic yield of CT referrals made from A&amp;E department. Thus clinical Audit is essential at Department of Radiodiagnosis to streamline the referring protocols and improves the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.