Department Of Diagnostic Radiology Research Articles

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.

A study of student awareness of radiation protection skills at jazan university

Objectives: To evaluate radiology students’ awareness of ionising radiation exposure and its related risks during common diagnostic imaging procedures, to evaluate students’ radiation protection knowledge for assessment of educational processes and clinical training. Materials & Methods: A total of 200 senior students at the Diagnostic Radiology Department were requested to complete a questionnaire consisting of 26 questions. The data were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS). Results: The response rate was 90.5% (181 students). Awareness level depended on student grade point average (GPA), age, and relevant courses attended in radiation. Gender and marital status did not predict awareness of radiation protection standards. Conclusion: Our results showed a general lack of knowledge regarding radiation protection for fourth level students, which slightly improved in the subsequent levels. Including specific courses of radiation protection for medical and dental students is highly recommended. Such courses will improve skills specific to professional handling of radioactivity as well as radiation awareness.

Role of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis according to the revised Atlanta classification

Objective The aim of this study was to detect the role of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis according to the revised Atlanta classification. Background Imaging plays a very important role in the management of pancreatitis. It assists diagnosis and in differentiation of the severity of pancreatitis. Besides, it helps to detect and manage the associated complications through image-guided drainage and aspiration. Contrast-enhanced CT is the most clinically useful study. In 1992, morphological stages of acute pancreatitis were made. Between interstitial pancreatitis and sterile or infected necrosis Atlanta classification was made whereas in the revised Atlanta classification focuses heavily on the morphologic criteria for defining the various manifestations by means of CT. Materials and methods This prospective study was performed on 60 patients. The study was carried out at the Diagnostic Radiology Departments of Menoufia University Hospital and the National Liver Institute. The patients were presenting with acute abdominal pain, mainly epigastric, radiating to the back and the lesions were classified according to the Atlanta classification. Results Forty-two patients were with interstitial pancreatitis, 32 patients were with acute peripancreatic collection and 10 patients were with pseudocysts and 18 patients were with necrotizing pancreatitis, nine patients with acute necrotic collection and nine patients were with walled-off necrosis with statistically significant difference of age between groups (P = 0.014). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced CT is a perfect diagnostic modality to stage the severity of inflammatory process, identify the pancreatic necrosis and describe local complications and grading of severity of acute pancreatitis. Revised Atlanta classification is more accurate for assessing patient mortality and organ failure.

Unfolding X-ray spectrum in the diagnostic range using the Monte Carlo Code MCNP5

Introduction: 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. Measurement of x ray spectra using radiation detectors could not be performed accurately, because of the pulse pile up. Therefore, indirect methods, including Compton spectrometry, are usually used to determine the X-ray spectrum in diagnostic energy range. The x-ray spectrum could be unfolded using radiation absorbing materials, proper detectors. Materials and Methods: The Compton scattering procedure was simulated using MCNP5 Monte Carlo code. The pulse height distributions (PHD) recorded by HPGe detector were simulated for different primary beam spectra. Then the primary spectrum was reconstructed using Tikhonov unfolding technique. Results: The results of this study indicate that this study, the x-ray spectra for 40, 50, 80, and 100kVp were unfolded with good accuracy. Conclusion: Tikhonov method may be effectively used in unfolding x ray spectra using Compton spectroscopy.

BILIARY ATRESIA

Objectives: To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing biliary atresiataking histopathology as gold standard. Design: Cross Sectional Study. Settings: Departmentof Diagnostic Radiology and Gastroenterology at Children’s Hospital and Institute of ChildHealth, Lahore. Period: Over 1 year from 13-01-2015 to 12-02-2016. Material and Methods:This study involved 210 infants aged between 2-6 weeks referred from outpatient departmentand emergency of gastroenterology department with suspicion of biliary atresia. Ultrasoundof all these cases was carried out and biliary atresia was labeled on a positive triangular cordsign. Core needle biopsy sample was taken from the liver adjacent to the porta hepatis andhistopathological examination was done. Results of histopathology were taken as gold standardand results of ultrasonography were judged accordingly as true positive or false positive. Awritten informed consent was taken from each patient. A predesigned proforma was used torecord patient’s demographic details along with ultrasound and histopathological diagnosis.Results: The mean age of the patients was 4.31±1.22 weeks. There were 109 (51.9%) maleand 101 (48.1%) female patients with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Ultrasound was found97.5% sensitive, 87.7% specific and 95.2% accurate with positive and negative predictive valueof 96.31% and 91.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound was found extremely sensitive toolfor the diagnosis of biliary atresia. Its non-invasive nature and lack of radiation exposure furthermake it ideal for pre-operative diagnosis in suspected cases in future practice.

Role of MRI in Diagnosis of Medulloblastoma

Background: Brain tumors represent the most common solid neoplasm in children and second most common pediatric malignancy overall. The majority of primary childhood brain tumors occurs in the infratentorial compartment and includes: medulloblastoma, juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), ependymoma, brainstem/pontine glioma, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) which is an additional rare but important primary brain tumor of early childhood. Objective: This study aims to provide an overview of the imaging features and appearances of the most common primary posterior fossa brain tumors in children and the diagnosis of medulloblastoma. Patients and Methods: The pool of our study was 25 patients (12 males and 13 females) who presented to diagnostic radiology departments at EL Demerdash Teaching Hospital and National Cancer Institute. They had been diagnosed to have posterior fossa lesions. Patients’ age ranged from 1 to 17 year with mean age of 4.73 years.Results: statistically significant difference between medulloblastoma and other posterior fossa tumors according to location and diffusion. Medulloblastoma is 4th ventricular in location and shows restriction in diffusion weighted images. Conclusion: Medulloblastoma is predominately 4th ventricular in location, Medulloblastoma is restricted in diffusion weighted images.

Role of MRI in Diagnosis of Medulloblastoma

Background: Brain tumors represent the most common solid neoplasm in children and second most common pediatric malignancy overall. The majority of primary childhood brain tumors occurs in the infratentorial compartment and includes: medulloblastoma, juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), ependymoma, brainstem/pontine glioma, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) which is an additional rare but important primary brain tumor of early childhood. Objective: This study aims to provide an overview of the imaging features and appearances of the most common primary posterior fossa brain tumors in children and the diagnosis of medulloblastoma. Patients and Methods: The pool of our study was 25 patients (12 males and 13 females) who presented to diagnostic radiology departments at EL Demerdash Teaching Hospital and National Cancer Institute. They had been diagnosed to have posterior fossa lesions. Patients’ age ranged from 1 to 17 year with mean age of 4.73 years.Results: statistically significant difference between medulloblastoma and other posterior fossa tumors according to location and diffusion. Medulloblastoma is 4th ventricular in location and shows restriction in diffusion weighted images. Conclusion: Medulloblastoma is predominately 4th ventricular in location, Medulloblastoma is restricted in diffusion weighted images.

Role of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Laryngeal Tumors

AbstractBackground: Imaging of laryngeal tumors is crucial for evaluation, preparing, treatment and for ensuring proper follow-up. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the main imaging tools. Each modality showed its own advantages for assessment of local, regional or distant staging.Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of multi slice computed tomography and magnetic reso-nance imaging in diagnosis of laryngeal tumors.Material and Methods: This prospective study included (30) patients in different age groups who were highly suspected with laryngeal tumors or known to be having laryngeal tumor. Patients were referred by Oto Rhino Laryngology (ORL) Department of Tanta University Hospital to the CT Unit & MRI Units of the Diagnostic Radiology & Medical Imaging Department, Tanta University Hospitals. All cases were sub-jected to full history, complete physical examination, radio-logical & medical imaging examination at which all cases were exposed to CT scanning of the neck while only 22 cases of them performed additional MRI examination of the neck. Further endoscopic examination and histopathological corre-lation were done. Data was analyzed by using SPSS.Results: MRI showed higher accuracy than CT as regards to pathological T staging of laryngeal tumors 244 that showed 86.4% for MRI while 66.7% for CT. Both CT and MRI were equal in evaluation of certain areas as anterior commissure and pyriform sinus while MRI showed higher accuracy in evaluation of other laryngeal subsites namely preepiglottic, paraglottic spaces, posterior commissure, epiglottis, vocal cords, thyroid cartilage extralaryngeal spread.and metastatic lymphadenopathy with the total accuracy higher in MRI than in CT.Conclusion: MRI could be considered a helpful diagnostic method for pre and post-therapeutic staging of laryngeal tumors specially early glottic lesions and the combined utility of CT and MRI could help to overcome the disadvantages and improve the accuracy specially about thyroid cartilage assessment and T staging of laryngeal carcinomas.

VALUE OF MULTI-DETECTOR CT ANGIOGRAPHY IN CHRONIC ISCHEMIA OF LOWER LIMBS IN COMPARISON WITH THE DOPPLER ULTRASOUND

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in developed countries and is an emerging problem in developing countries. Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) has been used as the initial imaging modality in mild symptomatic PAD. Multi-slice helical CT angiography of arteries of the thigh represents a reliable means for the detection of relevant stenoses in patients with peripheral occlusive artery disease. Objective: To assess value of multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) and to compare it with DUS to diagnose chronic ischemia of lower limbs. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 30 patients with chronic lower limbs ischemia of both limbs during the period from September 2015 to September 2016 at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology of Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. DUS was done for all the patients and then MDCTA was done. Results: Thirty patients (20 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 57.1 ± 8.5 (range: 33 –80) years were included in this study. MDCTA detects 69 lesions (41 occluded segments and 28 stenotic segments) and DUS detects 58 lesions (35 occluded segments and 43 stenotic segments). In MDCTA, 8 patients (26.7%) had lesion in only one arterial segment, 13 patients (43.3%) had two segment lesions, 3 patients (10%) had three segment lesions, 4 patients (13.3%) with four lesions and only two patients (6.7%) had lesions in five arterial segments. Regarding the findings of the DUS one segment lesion was detected in 13 patients (43.3%), two segment lesions in 11 (36.7%), three segment lesions in 2 (6.7%), four segment lesions in 3 (10.0%) and only five segment lesions in only one patient (3.3). Furthermore, the measure of agreement between both MDCTA and DUS in the number of lesions detected revealed a good agreement between both tests, (Kappa = 0.81) with a percent agreement of (86.6%). Conclusion: Multi-detector CT angiography is a fast, accurate, safe and a minimally-invasive imaging modality which may be used in cases of PAD for diagnosis, grading and for preoperative assessment of lower limb arterial disease. Keywords: Multi-detector CT Angiography, chronic ischemia of lower limbs, doppler ultrasound Citation: Kadhim MA, Eisa YA, Mohammed SJ. Value of multi-detector CT angiography in chronic ischemia of lower limbs in comparison with the doppler ultrasound. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(2): 144-151. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.2.5

CT evaluation of pterygoid process pneumatization and the anatomic variations of related neural structures

ObjectiveThis topic is concerned with the clarification of the radiological findings that should be reported as regard the anatomic variations of the neural structures related to the pterygoid process in patients listed for endoscopic sinus surgery. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included 164 patients who underwent multislice CT scan on paranasal sinuses in the Diagnostic Radiology Department in the period from February 2017 to December 2017. The pattern of pterygoid process pneumatization was evaluated. The anatomic variations of related neural structures were recorded. ResultsThe study included 164 patients with 328 pterygoid processes. The process was unpneumatized in 38.4% and pneumatized in 61.6%. Vidian canal type 1 was found in 7.3%, type 2 in 61.6% and type 3 in 31.1%. The incidence of foramen rotundum protrusion was higher with pneumatized processes, yet no statistically significant association was found. ConclusionThe neural structures related to the pterygoid process are the seat of many anatomic variations that need to be identified by preoperative CT.

Effects of Occupational Exposure on Blood Cells of Radiographers Working in Diagnostic Radiology Department of Khuzestan Province

Introduction: Because radiology technologists are exposed to protracted low-dose ionizing radiation and considering the possible effects of low-dose radiation on blood factors, we aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposure on blood factors of radiographers working in radiology departments of Khuzestan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Khuzestan Province, Iran, during 2015. Blood samples were obtained from 95 radiology technologists and 85 matched, nonradiated controls. The participants were chosen using the cluster sampling method.The data were collected by performing complete blood count (CBC) assay with aSysmexcell counter. To analyze the data, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were run in SPSS, version 16. Results: T-test demonstrated that the mean values of blood factors were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (radiographer and non-radiographer) by gender Conclusion: In this study, occupational exposure did not have any deleterious effects on radiographers’ blood factor levels,but with increasing age and work experience in radiographers, number of white blood cell decreased. uction: Because radiologyIntroduction: Because radiology technologists are exposed to protracted low-dose ionizing radiation and considering the possible effects of low-dose radiation on blood factors, we aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposure on blood factors of radiographers working in radiology departments of Khuzestan Province, Iran.Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Khuzestan Province, Iran, during 2015. Blood samples were obtained from 95 radiology technologists and 85 matched, nonradiated controls. The participants were chosen using the cluster sampling method. The data were collected by performing complete blood count (CBC) assay with a Sysmex cell counter. To analyze the data, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were run in SPSS, version 16.Results: T-test demonstrated that the mean values of blood factors were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (radiographer and non-radiographer) by genderConclusion: In this study, occupational exposure did not have any deleterious effects on radiographers’ blood factor levels, but with increasing age and work experience in radiographers, number of white blood cell decreased. technologists are exposed to protracted low-dose ionizing radiation and considering the possible effects of low-dose radiation on blood factors, we aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposure on blood factors of radiographers working in radiology departments of Khuzestan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Khuzestan Province, Iran, during 2015. Blood samples were obtained from 95 radiology technologists and 85 matched, nonradiated controls. The participants were chosen using the cluster sampling method.The data were collected by performing complete blood count (CBC) assay with aSysmexcell counter. To analyze the data, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were run in SPSS, version 16. Results: T-test demonstrated that the mean values of blood factors were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (radiographer and non-radiographer) by gender Conclusion: In this study, occupational exposure did not have any deleterious effects on radiographers’ blood factor levels,but with increasing age and work experience in radiographers, number of white blood cell decreased.

Attitudes of Radiology Program Directors Toward MD-PhD Trainees, Resident Research Productivity, and Dedicated Research Time

The percentage of clinical scientists in radiology has historically been low. Increasing the pipeline of trainees interested in research could occur by recruiting MD-PhD trainees and providing protected research time during residency. The purpose of this work is to assess the attitudes of radiology program directors toward MD-PhD trainees, resident research productivity, and dedicated research time. An online survey was sent to residency program directors of all diagnostic radiology departments that received National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards in 2014 (n = 63). Survey questions included program size; perception of overall performance, clinical performance, and research productivity of MD-PhD residents compared to non-PhD residents; and presence of dedicated research time. Responses comparing MD-PhD residents to non-PhD residents were reported as a five-point Likert scale. Student t test was used to assess for significance (alpha = 0.05). Response rate was 37%. Clinical performance of MD-PhD residents was judged inferior (P < .05) to non-PhD residents, although that of all residents engaged in research trended toward superiority compared to those not involved in research. Dedicated research time is offered by 61% of programs in years R1-R3 and all programs in year R4. Research productivity during residency was judged to be similar (P = .5) between MD-PhD and non-PhD residents. Survey results suggest that clinical performance during residency and research involvement is often individually based and difficult to generalize based on prior PhD training. All programs offered dedicated research time, and the vast majority of residents were reported to engage in research during residency, which may increase the pipeline of trainees interested in an academic career.

Endovascular management of pancreatitis-related pseudoaneurysms: A review of techniques.

ObjectivesTo present the various techniques used in the management of pancreatitis-related pseudoaneurysms of visceral vessels.MethodsThe retrospective clinical study was carried out at the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Poznan University of Medical Sciences from 2011 to 2016. The fifteen patients included in the study were diagnosed with pseudoaneurysms of visceral arteries, as a complication of chronic pancreatitis. The diagnosis was made using contrast-enhanced computed tomography, followed by angiography. On admission, all patients were symptomatic, with varying degrees of abdominal pain. One patient was haemodynamically unstable. Treatments with endovascular techniques were analysed, along with their efficacy and outcomes. Coil embolisation was performed in 5 patients. Stent graft was used in 1 patient. Liquid embolic agents were used in 7 cases, of which 5 patients were treated with thrombin injection and 2 with Squid. A combination of techniques was used in 2 patients.ResultsThe most common artery affected by pseudoaneurysm formation was the splenic artery (7/15; 46.7%), and the size of the pseudoaneurysms ranged from 27 mm to 85 mm. Primary technical success was achieved in 14 out of 15 patients (93.3%). One patient required reintervention. Two patients required splenectomy after embolisation due to splenic ischemia. No recanalisation was present at the follow-up computed tomography performed after 1 to 3 weeks, and no mortality was observed within 30 days.ConclusionVascular complications of pancreatitis require accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment. Endovascular intervention is highly effective and is the preferred treatment option. The technique used is determined based on vascular anatomy and the patient’s haemodynamic status.

Prevalence of repetitive stress injuries among radiological technologists in United Arab Emirates

Abstract Introduction: Radiological technologists in diagnostic imaging are exposed to various working environment, which makes them susceptible to numerous injuries particularly repetitive stress injuries. Adoption of improper position for a long time is an essential factor for the occurrence of repetitive stress injuries. Dealing with patients and equipment handling might lead to various stress symptoms. Purpose: The study aimed to provide current estimates of the prevalence and trends of repetitive stress injuries among radiological technologists working in diagnostic radiology departments in the UAE. Methods: Cross section study was conducted in 2017 using a structured questionnaire to assess the prevalence of repetitive stress injuries. The questionnaire was derived from previous studies, and a pilot study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability. Data was collected after granting ethical approval from the institution. Data were coded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Eighty responses were received, and results demonstrate that back pain and neck pain are the most developed stress injuries symptoms after working in the diagnostic radiology department. Moreover, most of the radiological technologists perform portable x-ray reported developing muscle spasm (26%) followed by neck pain (26%). Conclusion: The study revealed that radiological technologists working in the radiology department are at high risk of repetitive stress injuries. Lack of attention to proper body mechanics might increase the chance to develop repetitive stress injuries, which may lead to a decrease in productivity. Training programs, workshops, and appropriate measures are recommended to improve practice and reduce the prevalence of repetitive stress injuries.

Interdisciplinary investigation of occurrence of diverticular disease among patients referred for barium enema and colonoscopy studies at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa

Background: Diverticular disease (DD) is believed to be a disease which is prevalent in developed countries. Contrary to this belief, DD has been reported with an increasing trend in prevalence in Africa for the past four decades. Objectives: The objective of this study was to highlight the increasing trend of DD and to corroborate barium enema findings obtained from Diagnostic Radiology Department, with colonoscopy results from the Surgery Department at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital. Methods: Results for barium enema and colonoscopy investigations of all the patients referred over a 1-year period were retrospectively reviewed by two independent research groups; each of these groups was unaware of the research carried out in the Departments of Diagnostic Radiology and Surgery. Data from the records were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS, version 22.0), New York, USA, version 22.0. Results: Barium enema results of 166 patients were evaluated for DD, and out of these, 129 patients (77.7%) were negative, while 37 patients (22.3%) (95% confidence interval = 19.07–25.50) were positive. A review of 384 colonoscopy results also revealed positive evidence for 47 patients (13.5%) (95% confidence interval = 10.30–17.50) for DD and 337 patients (86.5%) were negative. The findings of barium enema and colonoscopy investigative studies were similar for female preponderance, diffuse pattern of distribution of DD and the mean age of patients. Conclusion: The two studies corroborate each other and have produced the highest number of diagnostic yield for DD in one year, in Africa.

Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kumamoto University Hospital

Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kumamoto University Hospital