Department Of Diagnostic Radiology Research Articles

What motivated medical students and residents to become radiation oncologists in Japan?-Questionnaire report by the radiotherapy promotion committee of JASTRO.

This study aimed to clarify the motivations and timing of the decision to become radiation oncologists. Materials and methods: We conducted an online survey for new members of the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology (JASTRO). Results: The response rate was 43.3%. Data of the 79 respondents who wanted to obtain a board-certification of JASTRO were analysed. We divided the respondents into two groups: Group A, those who entered a single radiation oncology department, and Group B, those who joined a radiology department in which the radiation oncology department and diagnostic radiology department were integrated. The most common period when respondents were most attracted to radiation oncology was “5th year of university” in Group A and “2nd year of junior residency” and “senior residency” in Group B. Furthermore, 79.5% of Group A and 40% of Group B chose periods before graduation from a university with a significant difference. The most common period when respondents made up their minds to become radiation oncologists was “2nd year of junior residency” in both groups. Internal medicine was the most common department to consider if they did not join the radiation oncology or radiology department. Conclusion: To increase the radiation oncologists, it is crucial to enhance clinical training in the fifth year of university for Group A and to continue an active approach to maintain interest in radiation oncology until the end of junior residency. In Group B facilities, it is desirable to provide undergraduates more opportunities to come in contact with radiation oncology.

Evaluation of International Endometrial Tumor Analysis Sonographic Criteria in diagnosis of Endometrial Carcinoma

Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding is a sign that should not be Ultrasound imaging has become an effective diagnostic tool of gynecological practice throughout the years. Endometrial diagnosis typically involves invasive investigational approaches. Today, however, with the advent of high-resolution transvaginal ultrasound and Doppler ultrasonography (non-invasive diagnostic tool), is an alternative candidate to replace invasive approaches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of the terms and definitions described by the IETA group when designing a malignancy model for better diagnosis of malignancy in cases with postmenopausal uterine bleeding. In the present study 120 patients with postmenopausal bleeding were included in the study. The study was conducted from April 2017 to April 2019 at Tanta University hospitals, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Diagnostic Radiology departments. Both patients were subjected to the following: full history taking, general examination, local examination, 2D transvaginal ultrasonography, Doppler study, hysteroscopy examination, endometrial biopsy. Symptomatic postmenopausal women with endometrial thickness > 5 mm have been chosen because women with a lower endometrial thickness have a very low incidence of cancer and a prospective evaluation.

The Efficacy of Periodic Complete Blood Count Tests in Evaluation of the Health Status of Radiation Workers in Iran: A Systematic Review

Periodic medical examinations of radiation workers are routinely conducted in many countries. Although low dose radiation (LDR) is not expected to cause a significant effect on blood count, the periodic examination usually includes reviewing the work history, general medical history, a physical examination and collecting a blood sample. Despite lymphocytes are the most sensitive cells to radiation, their counts do not show any significant change as long as the radiation level is less than a few hundreds of millisievert (mSv). In spite of this, in Iran, radiation workers, even those who work in diagnostic radiology departments, are regularly examined for blood count changes. After a detailed search in PubMed, ISI, Scopus, SID and Google Scholar, only 12 out of 650 articles matched our criteria. A review of these 12 reports was conducted. The full texts were fully reviewed by the authors. The complete blood count (CBC) test has a very low efficacy in evaluation of the adverse health effects of ionizing radiation in radiation workers. Therefore, finding alternative methods with a higher efficacy is recommended. CBC tests cannot be introduced as valid markers of potential radiation effects in most occupational exposures. Given this consideration, in periodic tests of radiation workers, cytogenetic tests can be the gold-standard method. In particular, due to its relatively low cost and good sensitivity and specificity, the dicentric assay can be promising. Moreover, the simple and rapid evaluation of micronuclei by fast automated scoring systems can be a good alternative for current low efficacy CBC tests.

Role of Microwave Ablation in Treatment of Lung Tumors

Abstract Background: Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation is a common excellent alternative option for treatment of non-operable primary and metastatic lung tumors. These techniques are based on heating effect on the tissue around a percutaneous applicator causing coagulative necrosis of the tumor cells. Microwave Ablation (MWA) is a commonly used locoregional interventional procedure in treatment of pulmonary tumors with satisfactory outcome. Aim of Study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of CT-guided microwave ablation of inoperable lung tumors. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out at Diagnostic & interventional Radiology Department, Goethe University Hospitals, Frankfurt, Germany during the period from April 2017 to March 2020, included 40 patients with 52 lung malignant lesions, underwent CT-guided microwave ablation. All patients were subjected to complete clinical examination, pre-procedural laboratory investigations & imaging evaluation. Post ablation follow-up by chest CT was done after 24 hours, three, six, nine months, one year and every 6 months onwards to determine treatment response. Patients were either adequately ablated (no residual tumor activity) or had local progression (residual tumor activity). Results: Forty-four malignant lesions (84.6%) showed complete response to treatment and 8 lesions (15.4%) had local progression (residual activity). The median time to local tumor progression was 8.3 months. The median survival was 32 months for patient underwent MWA according to the Kaplan-Meier test. The overall survival rate at 1, 2, and 3 years was 97.5%, 90%, and 82.5%, respectively. Successful tumor ablation was significantly more frequent for lesions with a maximal axial diameter of 3cm or smaller (p=.0001). There were no deaths during the procedure and the mortality rate within 6 months after ablation was 0%. Early postablation complications included pneumothorax (13.5%), pulmonary hemorrhage (9.6%) and postablation syndrome (3.85%), Pleural Effusion (3.85%), Hemoptysis (3.85%). Manual evac-uation was done in 3 cases out of 7 sessions complicated by pneumothorax. No significant long-term complications were detected.Conclusion: Percutaneous CT-guided microwave ablation therapy for management of pulmonary tumors is safe and effective minimally invasive option and can improve local tumor control and survival rate in patients who are not candi-date for surgical resection.

Porcelain Heart: A Case of Diffuse Myocardial Calcification.

The pathophysiology of myocardial calcifications is variable and may have potentially fatal consequences if undiagnosed and untreated.

VIRTOPSY FOR STUDYING THE SUDDEN DEATH OF AN ADOLESCENT

The article discusses the application of pre-autopsy computed tomography (Virtopsy) for studying the sudden death of an adolescent with undiagnosed Marfan syndrome.Aim. To identify the capabilities of the pre-autopsy computed tomography (CT) in determining the cause of the sudden death of an adolescent, as well as the extent of injuries, if present.Material and methods. A CT scan was obtained at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology of a district hospital using a modern multifunctional CT scanner Siemens SOMATOM Perspective (64-slice configuration, slice width of 1.5 mm).Results. The forensic medical examination revealed the following information about the corpse: asthenic body type, a height of 178 cm, long extremities, thin and long spider-like fingers, pectus excavatum, little fat beneath the skin and poor muscle development; blood in the pericardium, rupture of the dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta. The histological examination of the aorta revealed its dramatic thinning, fragmentation of the elastic fibres along with the alteration of the elastic framework, fragmentation and poor development of muscle fibres in the media. A CT scan showed the rupture of the dissecting aneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta with para-aortic haematoma and cardiac tamponade.Conclusion. The analysis of obtained data allowed us to diagnose a multisystemic disorder of connective tissue (Marfan syndrome) undiagnosed intra vitam. The sudden death was caused by the rupture of the dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta which is a complication of the congenital genetic pathology.Intravitam CT or MRI scans of children being at risk of the multisystemic disorder of connective tissue will help detect pathological changes in the aortic wall and perform cardiac surgery promptly which would significantly increase the length of life and improve its quality for such patients.

Bile Stained Vomiting in Neonates: Radiological and Surgical Correlation

Abstract Background: Bile stained vomiting in neonates is fre-quently encountered clinical symptom in pediatric practice. It is very important to examine them and exclude or confirm surgical condition. Aim of Study: This work is advocated to illustrate the spectrum of radiological findings in neonates with bile stained vomiting and correlate them with surgical data. Patients and Methods: All included neonates presented with bile stained vomiting were referred to Diagnostic Radi-ology Department at Sohag University Hospitals. Abdominal X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, Doppler and contrast imaging were done to identify the surgical causes of bilious vomiting with clinical and surgical correlation. The patients were treated surgically in Pediatric Surgery Unit at Sohag University Hospitals. Patients with bilious vomiting caused by non-surgical causes were excluded. Results: Our study included 31 bile stained vomiting neonates with age range from one day to 30 days and with male sex predominance (17 boys and 14 girls). Four patients were found to have necrotizing enterocolitis, 5 cases with mid-gut volvulus, 3 cases were found to have distal duodenal atresia, one case with duodenal stenosis, 5 cases with jejunal atresia, 4 cases with ileal atresia, 2 cases with congenital bands, 2 cases with complicated congenital inguinal hernias, 2 cases with meconium plug, 1 case with neonatal intussus-ception, 1 case with iatrogenic clamping of umbilical hernia and 1 case with anal stenosis. Imaging techniques were diagnostic in most of the cases and correlate with surgical findings. Conclusion: Bile stained vomiting in the newborn usually indicative of surgical conditions and needs surgical consulta-tion. Imaging studies are of utmost important to investigate and diagnose these cases before surgery.

ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF IONIZING RADIATION PROTECTION PROCEDURES AMONG EXPOSED HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Introduction: Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation is the result of exposure at work sites for diagnostic and therapeutic practices. Ionizing radiation is an energy type in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles. Radiographic imaging is extremely valuable as a diagnostic tool in medical fields leading to different health hazards to health care workers (HCWs) and to the surrounding environment if safety measures are not observed. Aim of work: To assess awareness and practice of ionizing radiation protection procedures among (HCWs) occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation at Zagazig University Hospitals. Materials and methods: All HCWs (technicians, nurses, physicians, and physicists) occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in diagnostic radiology (DR) department, Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine (CO&NM) department, and Nuclear Medicine (NM) unit who accepted to share in the study were included as study population (No=195). A cross-sectional study was carried out at the previous departments in Zagazig University Hospitals. A self-administered, structured questionnaire composed of three sections, A, B and C was the study tool. Section A comprised questions regarding demographic data, section B included questions about awareness of radiation protection procedures, and section C was composed of questions about safe practices of HCWs regarding ionizing radiation exposures. Results: The study revealed that satisfactory awareness of radiation protection procedures among HCWs in the three departments was (51.3 %) with no statistically significant difference between different radiation units. But HCWs had inadequate practice score (18%) regarding the use of safety measures of radiation exposure. Satisfactory awareness of radiation protection procedures of exposed workers was highly significantly associated with higher educational level (44.2%), years of experience ≥ 10 years (36.8 %), being a physician (73.7%) and getting training courses (61.1%). Also, adequate practice of radiation protection procedures among exposed workers was found to be highly significantly associated with higher educational level (74.3%), years of experience ≥ 10 years (68.6%), being a physician (80.0%) and getting training courses (71.4%). Conclusion: satisfactory awareness about radiation protection procedures among exposed HCWs was noted while inadequate practices of radiation protection procedures in the workplace were found.

Multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis and staging of renal trauma

Background In cases of renal trauma with stable general condition of the patient, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is preferred for examination. In addition to a rapid intervention, most of the important data related to parenchymal injury degree are provided with or without inclusion of pelvicalcyeal system (PCS) and injuries of renal blood vessels. Aim of the study This study focuses on the assessment of the impact of different multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) phases in the diagnosis and staging of renal trauma either of blunt or penetrating cause. Patients and methods This prospective study was carried out on 20 patients, ranging in age between 5 and 55 years, clinically suspected to have renal trauma, referred from the Urology Department and Outpatient Clinics to the Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Imaging Department in Tanta University Hospitals for MDCT examination. Results In terms of vascular injury, 17 patients (85%) had no vascular injury and 3 patients had vascular injury (15%). Nine patients (45%) had grade IV vascular injury and six patients had grade III vascular injury (30%), grade I and II vascular injury was present in two patients each (10%) and grade V vascular injury was present in only one patient (5%). Conclusion CECT is the most preferred method for assessment of renal trauma and other associated injuries; most of the important data related to parenchymal injury degree are provided with or without inclusion of PCS and injuries of renal blood vessels with a sensitivity of 90–100%.

Feasibility Study for the Development of an Application for Simulated Virtual Reality Radiation Therapy Experiences Using Android and iOS Devices

Using virtual reality (VR) technology such as head-mounted displays, users can be immersed in a virtual world and perceive it as reality. In radiation therapy departments, pretreatment patients and students rarely observe treatment rooms and treatment devices, making it difficult to understand the overall flow of radiation therapy. In this study, to facilitate the understanding and teaching of radiation therapy, we suggest the implementation of VR technology and develop software compatible with VR to enable a pertinent comprehension of radiation therapy. With versatility and accessibility in mind, the software is developed as an application for Android and iOS devices.Omnidirectional movies in treatment rooms were acquired from both the patient view and a third-person view using an omnidirectional camera. The Android/iOS devices used were AQUOS R (SHARP), iPhone 7 Plus (Apple), and iPad air (Apple). The software was developed using Unity 2018.4.7f (Unity Technologies). The main components of the software were as follows: (i) a home window featuring a user interface with which people can access arbitrarily rooms by tapping on floor maps or a list of treatment rooms, (ii) a snapshot mode providing 2D images of a treatment room as a slide show, and (iii) a movie mode displaying omnidirectional movies from the patient view or a third-person view. The virtual radiation therapy experience was executed by attaching the Android/iOS devices to 3D VR goggles (SAMONIC).The main components of the application operated in good conjunction on the Android/iOS devices, and live viewing in the virtual world ran smoothly with the VR technology. However, there were resolution limitations due to the specs of the camera and the devices. It will therefore be necessary to adjust the resolution and the frame rate according to the performance of the relevant devices. The application is instructive for both patients and students because the virtual radiation therapy experience is immersive when using the VR technology. In addition, the developed software can transfer data in a single package and has the ability to substitute images and omnidirectional movies with those appropriate for diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine departments. Therefore, the developed application is highly versatile.

Evaluation of Xerostomia in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Radiotherapy

Background: The sixth most prevalent cancer in the world is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In multiple combinations, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are used in HNC control. As radiation-induced salivary gland damage and xerostomia is one of the most usual and distressing impacts, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is a promising technique for the assessment of alterations due to radiation therapy. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of Chemoradiotherapy either concurrent or sequential/RTH on salivary glands using DW-MRI performed before and after chemoradiotherapy/RTH, correlation between DW-MRI changes and delivered radiation dose to salivary glands, study the acute toxicity of chemoradiotherapy/RTH on salivary glands and assess quality of life for patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 43 patients with Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy, sequential therapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy at Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department, MRI diffusion scans were done at Diagnostic Radiology Department Tanta University Hospitals throughout the period from May 2016 to May 2019. DW-MRI performed before and after RTH. For patients receiving CCRTH, DW sequence will be performed before starting RTH and 2 - 3 months post-RTH once at rest and then repeated continuously during salivary stimulation by ascorbic acid. In case of induction chemotherapy, DW-MRI was done before and after induction and 2 - 3 months post-RTH. Results: In all time periods, ADC values were lower for the PG than the SMG. ADC change of PGs was higher in hypopharyngeal carcinoma, while ADC change of SMGs were higher in oropharyngeal carcinoma. ADC change in PGs & SMGs was higher in advanced stage. Conclusion: To assess the radiation-induced xerostomia, DW-MRI can be used as non-invasive tool. Xerostomia questionnaire is helpful instrument for evaluating of quality of life for patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. There was a significant correlation between xerostomia and quality of life.

Radiographer knowledge and practice of paediatric radiation dose protocols in digital radiography in Gauteng

IntroductionDigital radiography (DR) poses the risk of unnoticed increases in patient dose, potentially resulting in the overexposure of paediatric patients. In some jurisdictions, there is a shortfall in the knowledge and application of safe paediatric radiation dose protocols. In such instances, radiographers can lack an understanding of the relationship between exposure index (EI) and the visual appearances of image noise, thereby resulting in under- or overexposure to the paediatric patient. MethodsA quantitative, descriptive research study was conducted at six purposively selected diagnostic radiology departments in Gauteng, South Africa. The study was based on a 29-item questionnaire seeking to quantify the radiographers' knowledge of paediatric radiation dose protocols and whether their knowledge translated into safe radiation dose practice. ResultsA 94% (61/65) response rate was achieved. Results show a low number of respondents (35, 57%) expressed a positive opinion of their knowledge of paediatric radiation dose protocols and EI; however, 41 (67%) participants were unaware of the function of EI. ConclusionThe study revealed that, in Gauteng, there is an increased demand for further training in paediatric radiation dose protocols and a need for radiographers to improve awareness of exposure factors. Implications for practiceImproving radiographers' lack of knowledge of paediatric radiation dose protocols in Gauteng is important. It is essential that radiographers receive continuous training and education highlighting the importance of justification and optimisation of radiological examinations.

Periodontal status and salivary flow rate among diagnostic radiology department workers

Background: diagnostic radiology field workers are at elevated risk level for systemic and oral diseases like periodontal diseases. This study was aimed to estimate the periodontal condition and salivary flow rate among diagnostic radiology workers. Material and method: The sample for this study consisted of a study group radiographers (forty subjects) working for 5 years at least and control group consisted of nurses and laboratory workers away from radiation (forty subjects) in Baghdad hospitals. All the 80 subjects aged 30-40 year-old and looking healthy without systemic diseases. Plaque, gingival, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss indices were used for recording the periodontal conditions. Under standardized conditions, collection of unstimulated salivary samples was done and salivary flow rate was measured. Results: Although not significant statistically (p>0.01), analysis of the present study data showed that plaque and gingival indices were higher among radiographers. While periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were higher among radiographers than control group with statistically highly significant difference (p<0.01). On the other hand salivary flow rate was lower among radiographers than control group with statistically highly significant difference (p<0.01). Conclusions: Ionizing radiation affects salivary flow rate and this in turn will affect periodontal status.

Comparison of TSVD, MTSVD, and Tikhonov unfolding methods for reconstruction of X-ray spectra

Unfolding X-ray spectrum is a powerful tool for quality control of X-ray tubes. Generally, the acquisition of the X-ray spectrum in diagnostic radiology departments is complicated and difficult due to high photon flux, and pulse pile up. Therefore, indirect methods, including Compton scattering, or flat panel-wedge techniques, are usually used to determine the X-ray spectrum in diagnostic energy range. The X-ray spectrum could be unfolded using radiation absorbing, or scattering materials, and proper detectors. In this study, three models were simulated using MCNP5 code, a) Compton scattering b) flat panel-wedge, c) CR-wedge. The primary spectrum was reconstructed using Tikhonov, TSVD, and MTSVD unfolding techniques. The results of this study indicate that the X-ray spectra for 40, and 50 kVp can be unfolded with good accuracy using the above methods. The unfolding accuracy of Tikhonov method was found to be better than the TSVD, and MTSVD methods.

Assessment of background radiation levels in selected diagnostic radiology department across Ondo State, Nigeria

The indoor and outdoor ionizing radiation exposure levels were measured in some randomly selected radiological laboratories of some hospitals across Ondo State, Nigeria using a Kindenoo PG - 15 Geiger Muller detector. Measurements were taken in each of the radiological laboratories of the hospitals in two phases: first, when the x-ray machines were energized and second, when the x-ray machines were not energized. The mean indoor and outdoor annual effective doses varied from 20.53±1.07 to 39.12±0.09 and 0.63±0.32 to 1.17±0.45 mSv/y respectively for the first phase in the radiological laboratories and from 1.68±0.04 to 2.26±0.07 and 0.28±0.02 to 0.42±0.02 mSv/y respectively for the second phase. Using statistical tools, a post-hoc test was carried out to test for the statistical significant difference between the indoor and outdoor annual effective dose in the study area. The test showed a significant difference between the indoor and outdoor annual effective dose at the radiological laboratories when the x-ray machine was energized and when the x-ray machine was not energized. Keywords: Indoor radiation exposure, Outdoor radiation exposure, X-ray, Annual effective dose

Periodontal status and salivary flow rate among diagnostic radiology department workers

Background: diagnostic radiology field workers are at elevated risk level for systemic and oral diseases like periodontal diseases. This study was aimed to estimate the periodontal condition and salivary flow rate among diagnostic radiology workers. Material and method: The sample for this study consisted of a study group radiographers (forty subjects) working for 5 years at least and control group consisted of nurses and laboratory workers away from radiation (forty subjects) in Baghdad hospitals. All the 80 subjects aged 30-40 year-old and looking healthy without systemic diseases. Plaque, gingival, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss indices were used for recording the periodontal conditions. Under standardized conditions, collection of unstimulated salivary samples was done and salivary flow rate was measured. Results: Although not significant statistically (p>0.01), analysis of the present study data showed that plaque and gingival indices were higher among radiographers. While periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were higher among radiographers than control group with statistically highly significant difference (p<0.01). On the other hand salivary flow rate was lower among radiographers than control group with statistically highly significant difference (p<0.01). Conclusions: Ionizing radiation affects salivary flow rate and this in turn will affect periodontal status.

Evaluation of the Patient Request Process for Radiology Imaging in U.S. Hospitals.

Background In the United States, patients have the right to access their protected health information. However, to the knowledge of the authors, no study has evaluated the patient request process and the barriers to patient access of their radiology images. Purpose To assess U.S. hospital compliance with federal regulations and patient ease of access to imaging studies. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted from June 6 to December 3, 2018, 80 U.S. hospitals were contacted by telephone to determine their patient request process for imaging studies. A scripted interview was used to simulate the patient experience in requesting imaging studies. Hospitals were compared in terms of formats of release (compact disc [CD] via pick up, CD via mail, e-mail, online patient portal, or other online access), departments from which cine files can be requested, fees, and processing times. Results All 80 hospitals stated that they could provide imaging studies on CDs. Only six (8%) hospitals provided imaging studies via e-mail and three (4%) via an online patient portal. Requests for cine files were fulfilled by a department separate from diagnostic radiology in 47 of 80 (59%) hospitals. Patient charges ranged from $0 to $75 for a single CD, no charge to $6 via e-mail, and no charge via an online patient portal. Fifty-nine (74%) hospitals stated that they could release copies within 24 hours, 10 (13%) within 2-5 days, eight (10%) within 5-10 days, and three (4%) within 10-30 days from request date. Imaging studies from outside of the diagnostic radiology department may need to be requested through the departments that performed the study. Conclusion This study demonstrated that although fees and processing times are compliant with federal regulations, patient access to imaging studies is limited primarily to compact disc format. The request process is also complicated for patients because of dispersion of imaging studies across departments. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

ACOUSTIC NEUROMA;

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of acoustic neuroma taking histopathology as gold standard. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: This study was carried out at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Duration of Study with Dates: Study was completed in six months after approval of synopsis from 14-07-2009 to 14-01-2010. Subjects & Methods: This study comprised of 55 patients with clinical suspicion acoustic neuroma. Magnetic resonance imaging on a 1.5-T Philips whole body magnetic resonance system was performed. The cases were operated and histopathological results were recorded. The results of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology were compared taking histopathology as gold standard. Results: Out of 55 patients, 43 patients (78.2%) had acoustic neuroma on magnetic resonance imaging. After comparison of results of magnetic resonance imaging with histopathology, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging were 97.7%, 91.7%, 97.7%, 91.7% and 96.4% respectively. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is a highly accurate, non-invasive, safe and convenient imaging modality for the evaluation of acoustic neuromas and is valuable for guiding surgical biopsies thereby decreasing unnecessary intervention. It allows detection of small tumours which is very useful in tumour characterization and plays an integral role in early detection, planning management and estimating patient’s prognosis.

PhD defence about the ultrasound technique Vector Flow Imaging

Thor Bechsgaard, MD, defended the PhD thesis “In Vivo Vector Flow Imaging of Venous Flow in the Lower Extremities of healthy Volunteers and Patients with Chronic Venous Disease” on the 17th of December. The work leading to the thesis was a collaboration between the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at University Hospital Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet and Technical University of Denmark. The PhD thesis compared the relatively new ultrasound technique with the conventional technique spectral Doppler ultrasound in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic venous disease. The technical thesis found comparable precision of the relatively new technique in all three published journal paper: “Vector and Doppler Ultrasound Velocities Evaluated in a Flow Phantom and the Femoropopliteal Vein”, “Evaluation of Peak Reflux Velocities with Vector Flow Imaging and Spectral Doppler Ultrasound in Varicose Veins”, and “Respiratory Variability of Peak Velocities in the Common Femoral Vein Estimated with Vector Flow Imaging and Doppler Ultrasound”. The thesis is available on Researchgate.com: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330 370 583_PhD-thesis_In_Vivo_Vector_Flow_Imaging_of_Venous_Flow_in_the_Lower_Extremities_of_Healthy_Volunteers_and_Patients_with_Chronic_Venous_Diseases .

STATUS STUDY OF PROFESSIONAL PROTECTION FROM IONIZING RADIATION HAZARDS AMONG RADIATION WORKERS IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENTS AT BENGHAZI HOSPITALS-LIBYA

Radiation is the emission of energy in the form of particles and electromagnetic waves. So all forms of ionizing radiation are dangerous factors that produce some kind of irreversible physical and genetic effects. Therefore, awareness and application of special guidance to protect against ionizing radiation exposure plays an important role in the health of workers in diagnostic radiology departments by applying the basic rules of radiation protection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the status of the workers in the diagnostic radiology departments in relation to the occupational radiation protection of the ionizing radiation hazards in the Benghazi hospitals – Libya. Consequently, the questionnaire was distributed to the staff of radiology departments (Radiographer only) in four hospitals in Benghazi city. The study sample included 61 workers selected randomly from 109 workers in radiology departments. The data was collected and analyzed by SPSS program. The results of the demographic variables of the research sample indicated that the average age of the sample was 35.2 years and the majority holding diploma certificate (77.4%). However, primitive and periodic medical examinations were not conducted regularly despite their importance. The vast majority was not equipped with radiation exposure devices, working hours exceeded 40 hours a week. Non-calibration of equipment and conducting radiation survey of the workplace for absence of radiation protection employee in the four hospitals selected in this research The results of the study show that most workers (radiographers) in the diagnostic radiology departments in the four visited hospitals did not have sufficient awareness and knowledge about the international recommendations for radiation protection. Furthermore, the lack of primitive and periodic examinations and the reason for the failure to these tests are due to the lack of equipment for measuring the amount of radiation exposure doses, non-limitation of working hours and the absence of compulsory breaks, besides the absence of a responsible employee for radiation protection, which can regulate all the above works.