Interpretation Of Radiographic Images Research Articles

Accuracy of appendicular radiographic image interpretation by radiographers and junior doctors in Ghana: Can this be improved by training?

IntroductionAccess to image interpretation in Ghana remains a challenge with the limited number of radiologists. Radiographers with the right skills and knowledge in image interpretation could help address this challenge. The aims of the study were to determine and compare the ability (accuracy, sensitivity and specificity) of radiographers and junior doctors in interpreting appendicular trauma radiographs both before and after training. MethodsAn action research study involving a pre and post training test was carried out to determine the level of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in abnormality detection by radiographers after undergoing training when compared to junior doctors. Eight radiographers and twelve junior doctors were invited to interpret an image bank of 30 skeletal radiographs, both before and upon completion of an educational program. The participants’ tests were scored against a reference standard provided by an experienced radiologist. Pre and post-test analysis were carried out for comparison. ResultsPost training mean accuracy (radiographers 83.3% vs 68.8%, p = 0.017; doctors 81.9% vs 71.6%, p = 0.003), sensitivity (radiographers 83.3% vs 69.2%, p = 0.042; doctors 77.2% vs 67.8% p = 0.025) and specificity (radiographers 83.3% vs 68.3%, p = 0.011; doctors 86.7% vs 75.6% p = 0.005) of both groups significantly improved. No significant differences were recorded between the radiographers and doctors after the training event. ConclusionThe study revealed that, with a well-structured training program, radiographers and junior doctors could improve on their accuracies in radiographic abnormality detection and commenting on trauma radiographs.

Medical Application of Artificial Intelligence/Deep Learning

Deep learning is a subset of the medical application of artificial intelligence. Its significant results are garnering attention, particularly in radiographic image interpretation, pathological diagnosis, gene analysis, and prediction of cancer recurrence. In this study, we summarize the concept of deep learning. The human body structure, from the molecule to physical functions, is a complex system. Deep learning is a new way to analyze its complex systems. An essential point of the analysis is the categorization of obstacles. To a certain extent, deep learning approximates a doctor's cognition.

Application of quantitative imaging technique in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor, and the clinical manifestations are not characteristic, so it is difficult to diagnose at an early stage, and it has a poor prognosis.Image technology has been widely used in clinical, with mature technology, and the application of image technology not only confined to the image display, but also has become a hot spot of research, including dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), CT perfusion imaging, which could analyze quantitatively the permeability and microvascular of lesions, to improve the sensitivity of diagnosis, and to assess quantitatively the effect of drugs, radiation and chemotherapy. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Radiographic image interpretation, computer-assisted; Magnetic resonance imaging; Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM); Perfusion imaging; Review

Prevalence and presentation of hyperdontia in a non-syndromic, mixed Nigerian population.

BackgroundAlthough there have been studies on the prevalence and pattern of hyperdontia in sub-Saharan African subjects with similar cultural backgrounds, based on our search, none have been able to consider these epidemiological parameters in a multiethnic black population, which is expected to add substantial knowledge to what is available.Material and MethodsThis is a retrospective study on the panoramic radiographs of subjects who presented at two dental centres in Abuja, Nigeria between June 2013 and June 2018. Radiographic interpretations were carried out by three independent observers, trained on computer assisted radiographic image interpretation. Data were collected and analyzed using Statistical package for the Social sciences (SPSS) version 22 (IBM Corp, Armonk, USA).ResultsOne thousand eight hundred and thirty seven (1837) panoramic radiographs were studied. Subject comprised males and females between ages 12 – 95 years with an average of 35.0 years. The prevalence of unilateral hyperdontia was 1.47% while an occurrence rate of 0.27 was observed for bilateral and multiple hyperdontia. For maxillary hyperdontia, a prevalence of 1.09% was recorded which was significantly more common than the mandibular type (0.65). Of note is that all the supernumerary teeth types were commonly observed in the maxilla except the parapremolar type, with a mandibular occurrence rate of 76.9%.ConclusionsFrom this study, we can conclude that the prevalence of hyperdontia (across different black ethnicities) is low. Although, follicular epithelium around the tooth and root resorption of the enlargement around the adjacent teeth was observed, most were asymptomatic (87.0%) and required no intervention. Key words:Hyperdontia, panoramic radiographs, Sub-Saharan Africa, supernumerary teeth.

Reliability of diagnosing acute ischemic cerebrovascular on magnetic resonance imaging disorders using iPads.

The use of tablet terminals has been explored in various medical settings; however, caution should be exercised when performing image diagnosis using this technology. The present study examined the characteristics of an iPad Air™ monitor and assessed radiographic image interpretations to verify the reliability of the telediagnosis of acute cerebral infarction based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a tablet terminal. The luminance of the iPad Air™ was measured using a UA-10 analyzer, and radiographic image interpretation experiments were performed in 100 patients who underwent MRI within 6h of symptom onset. Ten physicians viewed the images on the iPad Air™ and a medical monitor, with an interval of 2months between each interpretation. When the iPad Air™ screen was pure white, the contour lines revealed nonuniform luminance distribution. In the reading experiment, the areas under the curve of the medical monitor and the iPad Air™ were 0.9311 and 0.9431, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the medical monitor and the iPad Air™ (p = 0.113). The results of the observer performance studies for detecting acute ischemic cerebrovascular disorders on an iPad Air™ were found to be similar to those on a medical monitor.

USE OF TELEHEALTH (TH) IN A PEDIATRIC AMBULATORY SETTING: A PATIENT SURVEY

USE OF TELEHEALTH (TH) IN A PEDIATRIC AMBULATORY SETTING: A PATIENT SURVEY

Plain radiographic evaluation of the patellofemoral joint: technique and image interpretation

Patellofemoral problems are among the most common knee problems in orthopaedics and yet are the most poorly understood and poorly treated. There is no well-defined or standardized classification pertaining to this pathologic process. Diagnostic imaging is a critical component of the evaluation and treatment decision process. A variety of radiographic measurements have been described as indicators of structural disease, but comprehensive information recommending radiographic interpretation of patellofemoral dysfunction is lacking. This paper summarizes our recommendations regarding the most important aspects of radiographic technique and image interpretation to adequately evaluate the patellofemoral joint in patients with anterior knee pain or instability.

Basic principles of interpretation in Dental imaging

Radiologic images in dentistry are essential to perform the diagnosis, treatment, and tracking process of prognosis, thus the ability of accurate evaluation in the diagnostic images is requested for dental clinician. Radiologic interpretation means recognition of a normality and an abnormality and to report the possible diagnosis and differential diagnosis list. Therefore, dental clinicians should be familiar with the basic principle of interpretation of intraoral and extraoral radiographic images primarily used in dental clinics. Recently, dental cone beam CT is widely used for diagnositc process, thus understanding the three dimensional images is requested. The objective of this manuscript is to help the dental clinicians to interpret accurately the diagnostic images by introducing the basic principles of the step by step analytic process in the appearance of a lesion.

Iranian Dental Students’ Level of Knowledge Regarding the Interpretation of Radiographic Images of Oral Lesions: Is the Standard Training Sufficient?

Iranian Dental Students’ Level of Knowledge Regarding the Interpretation of Radiographic Images of Oral Lesions: Is the Standard Training Sufficient?

Does Implant Connection Design Affect Interpretation of Radiographic Images

Aims: Detection of marginal gaps at the implant-impression coping interface before impression-making is a common clinical task in prosthodontic treatment. Dental radiography is the most commonly used method for intraoral detection of gaps. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of implant connection design on the detection of experimentally-created marginal gaps at the implant-impression coping interface at various tube angulations. Methods: The impression coping with a 0.5 mm space was screwed onto three implant systems (Branemark (B), Nobel Replace (NR) and Nobel Active (NA)). Overall, 54 digital X-rays were taken with vertical and horizontal inclines of -20°, -10°, 0°, 10° and 20°. Ten prosthodontists examined the radiographs without using magnification. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. A two-way random model and absolute agreement was used to evaluate the intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) (p-value<0.05). Results: The mean specificity was 0.7 in system B, 0.9 in system NA and 0.5 in system NR. The mean sensitivity was 0.9 in B, 0.3 in NA and 0.7 in NR systems. Youden’s statistic value was 0.6 for B, 0.1 for NA and 0.3 for NR. Conclusions: Radiography is a reliable diagnostic test for system B but not for systems NA or NR. Positive or negative angulation direction had no effect on the resolution of radiographs in the three connection types. Moreover, vertical radiation angulation in the absence of a gap and horizontal angulation in the presence of a gap affects radiograph resolution and the clinicians’ diagnosis.

Radiographic Measurement of Internal Organs in Gyr Falcons (Falco rusticolus) and Gyr Peregrine Hybrids (Falco rusticolus × Falco peregrinus)

Falconry in the Middle East is an increasingly popular tradition favoring the hunting skills of large falcons including the Gyr falcon (Falco rusticolus) and Gyr peregrine hybrids, particularly Falco rusticolus × Falco peregrinus. Radiography allows investigation of avian skeletal disease as well as evaluation of organs of the coelomic cavity. To objectively interpret radiographic images of the avian coelomic cavity, one must master normal radiographic anatomic size and position of internal organs in healthy birds of the same species. This study provides standardized radiographic measurements of Gyr falcons and Gyr peregrine hybrids. These measurements would serve to aid veterinarians in the interpretation of radiographic images of not only Gyr falcons and Gyr falcon hybrids but also other raptor species of similar size. Radiographic measurements of the heart (HW), liver (LW), cardiohepatic waist, kidneys, spleen, proventriculus (PW), thoracic width (TW), and keel of the sternum (HK) were obtained under standardized conditions in clinically healthy Gyr falcons (40 females and 15 males) and Gyr peregrine hybrids (40 females and 15 males). Ratios were determined for the proventricular diameter to keel height (PW:HK), the width of the heart to the width of the thorax (HW:TW), and for the cardiohepatic ratio to the LW (HW:LW). Significant organ differences (P < 0.001) were found between sexes, with females of both the Gyr falcon and Gyr peregrine hybrids having larger organs than the males of each respective group. Gyr females had significantly (P < 0.001) larger HW, TW, and HK than female hybrids.

Guidelines to enhance the interpretation of two-dimensional periapical radiographic images in endodontics

AbstractRadiology is an indispensable tool in the clinical practice of endodontics because most structures that harbor diseases are invisible to the naked eye. As a result, the use of periapical radiographs before, during, and after root canal treatment is essential in order that anatomical details, canal length, obturation quality, and tooth and bone pathology can be identified and monitored. The purpose of this article is to discuss the guidelines that should be followed to enhance the interpretation of periapical radiographic images in endodontics and to facilitate the identification of root and root morphology, relationship of the teeth to the surrounding anatomical structures and pathological changes in the radicular and peri-radicular areas.

Comparison of radiographic and computed tomographic images of the lungs in healthy neonatal foals

To compare CT and radiographic images of the lungs in sedated healthy foals positioned in sternal recumbency and to investigate whether a relationship exists between CT-derived measurements of lung attenuation and Paco2 and Pao2. 6 healthy Standardbred foals < 14 days of age. Thoracic CT images were acquired followed by radiographic views with each foal sedated and positioned in sternal recumbency. For each foal, both CT and radiographic images were evaluated for severity and extent of changes by lung regions on the basis of a subjective scoring system by 3 investigators. Quantitative analysis of CT images was also performed. Assessments of Pao2 and Paco2 were performed before sedation, following sedation prior to CT, and after CT prior to radiography. Interobserver agreement for CT and radiographic image scoring was strong (0.73) and fair (0.65), respectively; intraobserver agreement was near perfect for CT (0.97) and radiographic (0.94) image scoring. Increased CT attenuation and radiographic changes were identified for all foals and were preferentially distributed in the caudoventral portion of the lungs. Radiographic scores were significantly lower than CT image scores. A positive correlation (r = 0.872) between lung attenuation and CT image score was identified. A significant increase in Paco2 was not considered clinically relevant. Significant changes in Pao2 were not observed. Results suggested that interpretation of CT images may be less subjective, compared with interpretation of radiographic images. These findings may aid in the evaluation of CT and radiographic images of neonatal foals with respiratory tract disease.

Arterial Variations of the Subclavian-Axillary Arterial Tree: Its Association with the Supply of the Rotator Cuff Muscles

** * * * SUMMARY: The subclavian-axillary arterial tree is responsible for the arterial supply to the rotator cuff muscles as well as other shoulder muscles. This study comprised the bilateral dissection of the shoulder and upper arm region in thirty-one adult and ni neteen fetal cadaveric specimens. The variable origins and branching patterns of the axillary, subscapular, circumflex scapular, thoracodors al, posterior circumflex humeral and suprascapular arteries identified in this study corroborated the findings of previous studies. In additi on, unique variations that are unreported in the literature were also observed. The precise anatomy of the arterial distribution to the ro tator cuff muscles is important to the surgeon and radiologist. It will aid proper interpretation of radiographic images and avoid injury to this area during surgical procedures.

Learner-Centered Educational Technology to Advance Head CT Scan Interpretation by Emergency Medicine Residents

Asynchronous, Web-based learning is becoming more common in graduate medical education. It may be an attractive pedagogical strategy where the objective is knowledge transfer of a discreet amount of content with a high visual component of learning. Teaching interpretation of radiographic images is one such potential use.

Quantitative Measurement Method for Possible Rib Fractures in Chest Radiographs

ObjectivesThis paper proposes a measurement method to quantify the abnormal characteristics of the broken parts of ribs using local texture and shape features in chest radiographs.MethodsOur measurement method comprises two steps: a measurement area assignment and sampling step using a spline curve and sampling lines orthogonal to the spline curve, and a fracture-ness measurement step with three measures, asymmetry and gray-level co-occurrence matrix based measures (contrast and homogeneity). They were designed to quantify the regional shape and texture features of ribs along the centerline. The discriminating ability of our method was evaluated through region of interest (ROI) analysis and rib fracture classification test using support vector machine.ResultsThe statistically significant difference was found between the measured values from fracture and normal ROIs; asymmetry (p < 0.0001), contrast (p < 0.001), and homogeneity (p = 0.022). The rib fracture classifier, trained with the measured values in ROI analysis, detected every rib fracture from chest radiographs used for ROI analysis, but it also classified some unbroken parts of ribs as abnormal parts (8 to 17 line sets; length of each line set, 2.998 ± 2.652 mm; length of centerlines, 131.067 ± 29.460 mm).ConclusionsOur measurement method, which includes a flexible measurement technique for the curved shape of ribs and the proposed shape and texture measures, could discriminate the suspicious regions of ribs for possible rib fractures in chest radiographs.

The diagnostic challenge of vertical root fracture in endodontically treated teeth: a case report

PURPOSE: To present the diagnostic challenge of a clinical case of vertical root fracture (VRF) in an endodontically treated mandibular left lateral incisor and discuss the diagnostic methods employed to achieve the conclusive diagnosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: At 16 months after endodontic treatment, a 60-year-old female patient reported pain during mastication. Clinically, she presented with an active distolingual fistula and a probing depth of 9 mm on the distal aspect of tooth 32. A radiographic examination indicated pear-shaped distal bone loss. The fistula was mapped, which confirmed that the lesion had a periodontal origin. A diagnostic hypothesis of a VRF was established. Exploratory surgery revealed the VRF on the distolingual aspect of the root without separation of the root fragments. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the diagnostic aspects and the correct interpretation of radiographic images was enough to establish the diagnostic hypothesis of a VRF. However, the conclusive diagnosis was only confirmed during exploratory surgery.

Crack detection using image processing techniques for radiographic inspection of aircraft wing spar

Radiographic inspection is one of the most important non-destructive inspection methods for aircraft wing spar inspection. Traditionally, radiographic inspection is time and manpower consuming. In addition, human inspection of cracks and damage based on film radiography is very subjective, inconsistent and sometimes biased. To improve the speed and efficiency of radiographic inspection, digital X-ray systems are gaining popularity over traditional film-based X-ray. Digital radiography has emerged as a leading technology for aircraft inspection. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a computer-aided system to assist in the interpretation of digital radiographic images to increase the objectivity, accuracy and efficiency of radiographic interpretation. In this paper, a crack detection algorithm using region of interest (ROI) minimisation, thresholding and edge detection techniques is developed for radiographic inspection of an aircraft wing spar.

Automated Crack Detection for Digital Radiography Aircraft Wing Inspection

Radiography testing is one of the most important nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques for aircraft wing inspection. Traditionally, radiography inspection is time and manpower consuming work. In addition, human inspection of cracks and damage based on film radiography is very subjective, inconsistent, and sometimes biased. Digital radiography allows all the benefits of producing significant increases in magnification and image clarity, as well as efficient management of digital images. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a computer aided system to assist interpretation of radiographic images to increase the objectivity, accuracy, and efficiency of radiographic inspection. In this article, an automated crack detection algorithm using region of interest (ROI) minimization and improved Canny edge detection techniques is developed for aircraft wing inspection. Cracks of up to 2 mm long on the aircraft wing around the fastener holes are detected automatically.

Application of phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron radiation hard X-ray in repair of traumatic femoral defect

Objective To compare the effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC)and autologous mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) for the repair of femoral defect in a rabbit model with femoral defect under the monitoring of the synchrotron radiation hard X-ray. Methods The rabbit models of traumatic bone defect were established and completely randomized into three groups. The femoral defects filled with nothing were used as control group (Group A) , the femoral defects filled with nHAC as Group B and the femoral defects filled with nHAC + AMSCs as Group C. Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron radiation hard X-ray was applied to detect the degradation and repair process of each group at postoperative weeks 4, 8 and 12, respectively. Results Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron radiation hard X-ray could display the reparative process. Four weeks after operation, there was collapse in some defect areas in Group A, and the degradation of nHAC and new bone formation were observed in Groups B and C. Eight weeks after operation, fibrous tissues were observed in the defect area in Group A, while osteogenesis and nHAC degradation were more obvious in Groups B and C. Twelve weeks after operation, the defect areas were still unhealed and were substituted by fibrous tissues in Group A, tissue densities of defect areas in Group C were identical with periphery areas, and trabecular bones were formed in Group C. There were statistical differences in the osteogenesis between Group A and Groups B and C,with Group C the best. Conclusion Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron X-ray can detect the reparative process at a micro-level and plays an important role in the development of tissue engineering. Key words: Femur head; Radiographic image interpretation, computer-assisted; Synchrotrors