MRI Unit Research Articles

Diagnostic Technology: Trends of Use and Availability in a 10-Year Period (2011-2020) among Sixteen OECD Countries.

Overuse of imaging results in cost increases, with little to no benefit to patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate imaging tests and radiology equipment over a ten-year period in 16 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Twelve countries were included in a time-trend analysis based on OECD indicators on diagnostic imaging (computer tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and positron emission tomography [PET]). These annual indicators included the number of exams per 1000 population, the number of devices per million population, and the number of exams per device. Average annual percent change was used to measure country-specific trends. Most countries saw a rise in the exam-to-scanner ratio for CT, MRI, and PET, demonstrating a faster increase in exam volume than device volume. Italy exhibited an increase in CT, MRI, and PET equipment units during the same period, but not in exams, most likely due to a reduction in medical procedures during the pandemic. Only in Luxemburg, CT and PET examinations increased despite a reduction in scanners. Considering the expected increasing demand for diagnostics due to the evolving needs of the population, proper governance and resource allocation are necessary requirements for cost-efficient health systems.

Assessment of articular cartilage of ankle joint in stable and unstable unilateral weber type-B/SER-type ankle fractures shortly after trauma using T2 relaxation time.

Early detection of post-traumatic cartilage damage in the ankle joint in magnetic resonance images can be difficult due to disturbances to structures usually appearing over time. To study the articular cartilage of unilateral Weber type-B/SER-type ankle fractures shortly post-trauma using T2 relaxation time. Fifty one fractured ankles were gathered from consecutively screened patients, compiled initially for RCT studies, and treated at Oulu University Hospital and classified as stable (n = 28) and unstable fractures (n = 23) based on external-rotation stress test: medial clear space of ≥5mm was interpreted as unstable. A control group of healthy young individuals (n = 19) was also gathered. All ankles were imaged on average 9 (range: 1 to 25) days after injury on a 3.0T MRI unit for T2 relaxation time assessment, and the cartilage was divided into sub-regions for comparison. Control group displayed significantly higher T2 values in tibial cartilage compared to stable (six out of nine regions, p-values = .003-.043) and unstable (six out of nine regions, p-values = .001-.037) ankle fractures. No differences were detected in talar cartilage. Also, no differences were observed between stable and unstable fractures in tibial or talar cartilage. Lower T2 relaxation times of tibial cartilage in fractured ankles suggest intact extra cellular matrix (ECM) of the cartilage. Severity of the ankle fracture, measured by ankle stability, does not seem to increase ECM degradation immediately after trauma.

Ecodesign and Operational Strategies to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of MRI for Energy Cost Savings.

Background Radiology is a major contributor to health care's climate footprint due to energy-intensive devices, particularly MRI, which uses the most energy. Purpose To determine the energy, cost, and carbon savings that could be achieved through different scanner power management strategies. Materials and Methods In this retrospective evaluation, four outpatient MRI scanners from three vendors were individually equipped with power meters (1-Hz sampling rate). Power measurement logs were extracted for 39 days. Data were segmented into off, idle, prepared-to-scan, scan, or power-save modes for each scanner. Energy, cost (assuming a mean cost of $0.14 per kilowatt hour), and carbon savings were calculated for the lowest scanner activity modes. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and 95% CIs. Results Projected annual energy consumption per scanner ranged from 82.7 to 171.1 MW-hours, with 72%-91% defined as nonproductive. Power draws for each mode were measured as 6.4 kW ± 0.1 (SD; power-save mode), 7.3 kW ± 0.6 to 9.7 kW ± 0.2 (off), 9.5 kW ± 0.9 to 14.5 kW ± 0.5 (idle), 17.3 kW ± 0.5 to 25.6 kW ± 0.6 (prepared-to-scan mode), and 28.6 kW ± 8.6 to 48.3 kW ± 11.8 (scan mode). Switching MRI units from idle to off mode for 12 hours overnight reduced power consumption by 25%-33%, translating to a potential annual savings of 12.3-21.0 MW-hours, $1717-$2943, and 8.7-14.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (MTCO2eq). The power-save mode further reduced consumption by 22%-28% compared with off mode, potentially saving an additional 8.8-11.4 MW-hours, $1226-$1594, and 6.2-8.1 MTCO2eq per year for 12 hours overnight. Implementation of a power-save mode for 12 hours overnight in all outpatient MRI units in the United States could save U.S. health care 58 863.2-76 288.2 MW-hours, $8.2-$10.7 million, and 41 606.4-54 088.3 MTCO2eq. Conclusion Powering down MRI units made radiology departments more energy efficient and showed substantial sustainability and cost benefits. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the article by Vosshenrich and Heye in this issue.

Implementation of a Point of Care MRI Program to Improve Hospital Outcomes in the Inpatient Neurology Setting (S49.002)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Our objective is to implement a point of care MRI program into a hospital system utilizing a portable MRI machine for the purpose of brain MRI. <h3>Background:</h3> Portable MRI is an innovative technology which allows imaging at bedside in the hospital setting. We refer to this process as ‘Point of Care MRI.’ In this regard, a portable MRI unit can be safely and easily be mobilized into a patient’s room. This also expands access to MRI scans where the patient cannot safely be transported or is unable to tolerate a traditional MRI. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A pilot study was implemented at a single hospital with primary stroke center certification and level 2 trauma certification. This study, which is the first resident-run point of care MRI program in the United States. We performed a sample of point of care MRI studies on patients who were scheduled for a routine study. The patients in the study group were patients who were admitted to the neuroscience floor or emergency department. <h3>Results:</h3> MRI studies performed were deemed to be of diagnostic value and either influenced a change in medical care or confirmed continuation of current medical care. The percentage of Point of Care patients that were able to be discharged on the day of the study in the emergency department and on the neurology inpatient floor was 100% and 33% respectively. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Point of care MRI is an important diagnostic study that is effective for diagnostic determinations. It can also decrease length of stay and prevent unnecessary admissions from the ED to the hospital floor. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Medina has nothing to disclose. Dr. Knopp has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Hyperfine. Dr. Knopp has stock in Hyperfine. Amy Wen, MA has nothing to disclose. Mr. Willey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wright has nothing to disclose.

Heterogeneous breast phantom for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

In this article, a heterogeneous multimodal anthropomorphic breast phantom with carcinoma is introduced to meet the response of the natural breast tissue when imaged using ionizing and non-ionizing machines. The skin, adipose, fibroglandular, pectoral muscle, and carcinoma tissue were mimicked. A T1-weighted breast magnetic resonance image with BI-RADS I tissue segmentation was used for molds creation. The tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) were tailored in terms of their elemental composition weight fractions and their response to ionization radiation parameters. These are the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), electron density (ne) and effective atomic number (Zeff). The behaviour of the TMMs, when exposed to a wide range of ionization radiation energy, was investigated analytically and numerically using X-COM. The achieved results showed an excellent agreement with the corresponding properties of the natural breast elemental compositions as reported by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU). The MAC of the TMMs and the ICRU-based breast tissue were found to be consistent. The maximum percentage of error in ne and Zeff amounts to only 2.93% and 5.76%, respectively. For non-ionizing imaging, the TMMs were characterized in term of T1 and T2 relaxation times. Using our preclinical MRI unit, the TMMs relaxation times were measured and compared to the natural tissue. The fabricated phantom was validated experimentally using CT, MRI, and Mammographic machines. The achieved images of the TMMs were in alignment with the real tissue in terms of CT HU values and grayscale colors. T1W and T2W images on MRI revealed the expected contrast between TMMs as in natural tissue.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Ulnar Neuropathy Caused by an Accessory Anconeus Muscle.

HomeRadiologyRecently Published PreviousNext Reviews and CommentaryFree AccessImages in RadiologyDiffusion Tensor Imaging of Ulnar Neuropathy Caused by an Accessory Anconeus MuscleTeodoro Martín-Noguerol , Antonio LunaTeodoro Martín-Noguerol , Antonio LunaAuthor AffiliationsFrom the Department of Radiology, MRI Unit, HT Médica, Clínica Las Nieves, Calle Carmelo Torres 2, 23007 Jaén, Spain.Address correspondence to T.M.N. (email: [email protected]).Teodoro Martín-Noguerol Antonio LunaPublished Online:Mar 21 2023https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.221854MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In A 29-year-old woman presented with complaints of progressive numbness in the left ulnar nerve territory. Physical examination demonstrated left ring and little finger weakness and hypoesthesia with positive flexion elbow test. MRI of the elbow with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) neurography was performed and revealed extrinsic compression of the ulnar nerve by an accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle (Figure). DTI neurography scan showed deformity of the ulnar nerve with corresponding focal decrease in fractional anisotropy (FA) values at the compression site (0.3). FA values were also slightly decreased distally to the compression level (0.41), with normal appearance of the rest of the ulnar nerve (1).MRI scans show the left elbow in a 29-year-old woman with progressive numbness in the left ulnar nerve distribution. (A, B) Axial proton density–weighted images with spectral fat suppression show an accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle (arrow) with entrapment of the ulnar nerve (arrowhead). (C) Three-dimensional neurography reconstruction of diffusion tensor imaging with use of directional encoding color fused with proton density with spectral fat suppression shows deformity of the ulnar nerve at the site of extrinsic compression (arrowhead). A focal decrease in the fractional anisotropy values of the ulnar nerve (black arrow) is seen below the level of compression by the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle (white arrow).Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer The anconeus epitrochlearis muscle is an accessory muscle located at the medial aspect of the elbow, originated at the inferior surface of medial epicondyle, and inserted at the medial cortex of the olecranon (2). The relationship between the accessory anconeus muscle and prevalence of ulnar neuropathy remains unknown (3). By providing quantitative information, DTI neurography allows detection of subtle changes in ulnar nerve morphologic conditions (4) and may prove helpful in diagnosis and treatment monitoring in ulnar neuropathy caused by accessory anconeus muscle. In the presented case, the patient was treated conservatively with a favorable clinical outcome.Disclosures of conflicts of interest: T.M.N. No relevant relationships. A.L. Royalties or licenses from Springer; fee to institution as lecturer from GE; Digital Oncology board member for Siemens Healthineers.

Safety Survey on Lone Working Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Saudi Arabia

The American College of Radiology (ACR) requires MR personnel not to work alone due to the increased risk of safety issues such as projectiles, aggressive patients, and technologist fatigue. As a result, we intend to assess the current safety of lone-working MRI technologists in MRI departments in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study using a self-report questionnaire was conducted in 88 Saudi hospitals. A response rate of 64% (174/270) was obtained among the 270 MRI technologists which were identified. The study discovered that 86% of MRI technologists had prior experience working alone. In terms of MRI safety training, 63% of MRI technologists received such training. A question about lone MRI workers' awareness of the ACR's recommendations revealed that 38% were unaware of such recommendations. Furthermore, 22% were misinformed, believing that working alone in an MRI unit is optional or depends on the individual's desire to work alone. Working alone has the primary consequence of being statistically significantly associated with projectile/object-related accidents/mistakes (p = 0.03). Saudi Arabian MRI technologists have extensive experience working alone without supervision. Most MRI technologists are unaware of lone working regulations, which has raised concerns about accidents/mistakes. There is a need for MRI safety training and adequate practical experience to raise awareness of MRI safety regulations and policies related to lone working among departments and MRI workers.

The road to breast cancer screening with diffusion MRI.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women with a huge medical, social and economic impact. Mammography (MMG) has been the gold standard method until now because it is relatively inexpensive and widely available. However, MMG suffers from certain limitations, such as exposure to X-rays and difficulty of interpretation in dense breasts. Among other imaging methods, MRI has clearly the highest sensitivity and specificity, and breast MRI is the gold standard for the investigation and management of suspicious lesions revealed by MMG. Despite this performance, MRI, which does not rely on X-rays, is not used for screening except for a well-defined category of women at risk, because of its high cost and limited availability. In addition, the standard approach to breast MRI relies on Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI with the injection of Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCA), which have their own contraindications and can lead to deposit of gadolinium in tissues, including the brain, when examinations are repeated. On the other hand, diffusion MRI of breast, which provides information on tissue microstructure and tumor perfusion without the use of contrast agents, has been shown to offer higher specificity than DCE MRI with similar sensitivity, superior to MMG. Diffusion MRI thus appears to be a promising alternative approach to breast cancer screening, with the primary goal of eliminating with a very high probability the existence of a life-threatening lesion. To achieve this goal, it is first necessary to standardize the protocols for acquisition and analysis of diffusion MRI data, which have been found to vary largely in the literature. Second, the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of MRI examinations must be significantly improved, which may become possible with the development of dedicated low-field MRI units for breast cancer screening. In this article, we will first review the principles and current status of diffusion MRI, comparing its clinical performance with MMG and DCE MRI. We will then look at how breast diffusion MRI could be implemented and standardized to optimize accuracy of results. Finally, we will discuss how a dedicated, low-cost prototype of breast MRI system could be implemented and introduced to the healthcare market.

Assessment of MRI Safety Practices in Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study is to investigate the safety practices used by MRI departments in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study across 113 private and public hospitals was conducted in Saudi Arabia. A survey questionnaire was designed and sent to 113 MRI units. The questionnaire consisted of 43 items under 14 sections for the assessment of MRI safety practices. These 14 sections are related to (i) MRI and its safety, (ii) MRI usage and its safety, and (iii) safety of the MRI technologists and reporting of adverse effects during the usage. The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidance document on MRI safety practices was used as a template for this survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistical software for Windows version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Of the 43 items assessed, only 3 items' binary responses (Yes & No) did not differ much. A greater proportion of positive responses for 40 items (93%) regarding MRI safety practices. More than 50% of the participants claimed that their departments lacked a Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). Regarding regular safety training programs, less than 50% received training in MRI safety. Handheld metal detectors were found in only 39% of the MRI units. The majority of MRI units in Saudi Arabia have demonstrated compliance with majority of ACR MRI safety recommendations; nonetheless, there are two main items for which the guidelines may not be attained: MRSO and regular MRI safety training programs. By taking into account the limitations of this study, it is strongly recommended to assign MRSO and implement annual MRI safety training to improve MRI safety practices for both patients and healthcare workers.

The effect of playing music and mother's voice to children on sedation level and requirement during pediatric magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging examinations frequently cause anxiety and fear in children. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to music sound, the mother's voice, and sound isolation on the depth of sedation and need for sedatives in pediatric patients who would undergo MRI. MethodsNinety pediatric patients aged 3 to 12 years who were planned for imaging in the MRI unit were randomly assigned to isolation group (Group I), musical sound group (Group II), and mother's voice group (Group III). We evaluated patients' anxiety and sedation levels via the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) ResultsHeart rate, oxygen saturation, OAA/S, and Ramsey scores during the procedure were not significantly different among the groups (p>0.05). The mean amount of propofol and total propofol consumption was statistically lower in the mother's voice group than in the isolation and music sound groups (p<0.001). Mean propofol amount and total propofol consumption were not significantly different in isolation and music sound groups (p>0.05). No difference was found between the groups regarding the time it took for the patients' Modified Aldrete score to reach 9 (p>0.05). ConclusionsIn pediatric patients, listening to the mother's voice during MRI decreased the total sedative requirement consumed without increasing the depth of sedation.

Compliance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Examination Requests at the Diagnostic Center of the National Social Security Fund of Conakry

Introduction: MRI is a rapidly growing technique with more and more indica-tions and requests in the Republic of Guinea. Its correct prescription is a guar-antee for the satisfaction of the actors, both prescribers, radiologists and pa-tients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the compliance of MRI examination requests at the Diagnostic Center of the National Social Se-curity Fund (CNSS) in Conakry. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of MRI prescription forms sent to the MRI unit of the CNSS Diagnostic Center from February 1 to May 1, 2021. The 8 compliance criteria established by the French High Authority for Health were used to evaluate the compliance of the examination requests. Results: A total of 7003 examination forms were sent to the facility, including 7% (n = 468) of MRIs. 56.2% of MRI requests were performed by specialists. We observed an overall compliance of 10%. Administrative and clinical compliance were missing in 24% and 38%, respectively. More specifically, the purpose of the examination was not mentioned in 60%, followed by the requesting department in 48.1% and the patient’s age in 35.1%. Conclusion: This study allowed us to highlight the gaps in establishing MRI requests. It would be important to organize an awareness campaign for prescribers on the usefulness of correctly filling an MRI request and to design templates to be filled out by prescribers.

Role of MRI modalities in assessment of cystic brain Lesions: a prospective study

Background. Intracranial cystic lesions are unnatural cavities in which the continuity of the brain parenchyma is disrupted because of different pathologies such as infections and tumors containing proteinaceous fluid and/or cellular/necrotic materials.&#x0D; Purpose – to investigate the value of some MRI modalities, mostly DWI and MR spectroscopy, in differentiation of the common intracranial intra-axial cystic brain lesions to help these patients benefit from the best medical management and treatment.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. This is a prospective study, conducted from April 2019 till April 2021. It involved forty adult patients of both sexes with a cystic/necrotic intra-axial brain lesion with variable perifocal edema and rim enhancement on post-contrast study at MRI unit, radiology department, Ain Shams University (ASU) Hospital. All examinations were carried out after signing of the informed consent by the patients themselves or their guardian if the patient was incapacitated by any means.&#x0D; Results. The ADC values in the center of lesions were not uniform. We found the lowest ADC value in the center of the lesion at the abscess 0.4x10–3 mm2 /s, and the highest ADC value 3.2x10–3 mm2 /s was in cystic neoplastic lesion. There was a significant difference in the ADC values in the center of neoplastic necrotic lesions; mean ADC value was (1.95±1.08) x10–3 mm2 /s and (1.15±0.65) x10–3 mm2 /s in abscess lesions, with a cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy value of: 1.55%, 92.9%, 91.7%, 96.3%, 84.6% and 92.5% respectively. MRS was performed in 40 cases, and the Cho/Cr, Cho/NAA and NAA/Cr mean ratios were calculated. These ratios were compared between the different categories. Statistically significant differences were found in the Cho/Cr, Cho/NAA ratios between both groups (p values&lt;0.001**), while no statistically significant difference was found in the NAA/Cr ratio.&#x0D; Conclusion. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are useful as additional diagnostic modalities for differentiating brain abscesses from cystic or necrotic brain tumors. Furthermore, the following MR techniques may be helpful for discriminating brain abscess from cystic or necrotic tumors: diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), perfusion weighted imaging as well as positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT). This will help to improve the accuracy of MR in differentiating brain abscess from cystic or necrotic tumors.

Structural analysis of experimentally fabricated glass fiber reinforced (GFRP) composites

Engineering materials play major role in the production system with wide applications since ancient periods till today. Engineering materials like metals, non-metals, ceramics, plastics and composites are selected based on their properties suitable in the field of applications. GFRP are compared to the fiber glass material, GFRP wide real time applications as in case of research laboratories,MRI units, manufacturing critical impact parts, home build equipments like interior works, high fatigue purposes and high compressive structural equipment designs. Composite materials have wide range of structural applications in engineering fields also. In this work, glass fiber reinforced composite material (GFRP) with different layers of laminates is prepared as per the required dimensions and experiments are conducted for structural analysis of GFRP composite material. The present research work the Mechanical structural analysis conducted. The experimental results also reveal that plays a significant role in the enhancement of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, failure strain, and hardness. Again the experimental properties obtained for GFRP material from statistical tests are compared with its theoretical properties. Also the properties of GFRP are compared with the other composite materials to have real time applications of fiber glass material. The experimental results indicated an outstanding improvement in the tensile, impact, and flexural properties of hybrid composite materials. The results showed Young’s modulus of 25.42 GPa, and maximum bending deflection attained at yield stress of 133 MPa with ultimate tensile stress of 533 MPa.

Association of Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence With Sociodemographic, Health Systems, and Lifestyle Factors on a National and Regional Level.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence varies widely by country and world region, variation that is often attributed to latitude and its association with vitamin D exposure. Given that increasing latitude is also associated with higher national wealth, this study investigated associations between MS prevalence and other factors driving regional differences, with a focus on sociodemographic, health systems, and lifestyle factors on a national and regional level. Using data from multilateral organizations and scientific literature, an ecological study was conducted to evaluate associations between age- and sex-adjusted MS prevalence and prespecified sociodemographic (gross domestic product [GDP] per capita and gross national income [GNI] per capita), health systems (current health expenditure per capita and by percentage of GDP, universal health coverage [UHC] index, and medical doctors per capita), neurology-specific (MRI unit density and neurologists per capita), and lifestyle (obesity and tobacco use) factors. National, regional, and income-stratified data were aggregated and employed in relevant univariable and multivariable regression models. Stepwise variable selection techniques identified independent predictors of MS prevalence. Univariable regression analyses showed significant associations at the national level for all investigated factors, except obesity prevalence and tobacco use. Latitude was significantly associated with MS prevalence in all world regions (β = 0.16-2.16), whereas the UHC index was significantly associated in 5 of 6 world regions (β = 0.18-3.17). MS prevalence was significantly associated with all factors except lifestyle factors and MRI unit density in high-income countries, but no associations were observed in low-income countries. Latitude was associated with MS prevalence for all income strata except low-income countries (β = 0.55-1.62). In multivariable analyses, current health expenditure per capita (β = 0.083, 95% CI 0.048-0.12, p < 0.01) and latitude (β = 1.05, 95% CI 0.63-1.47, p < 0.01) remained significantly associated with MS prevalence. Health expenditure per capita is strongly associated with national MS prevalence, suggesting that theories that attribute variations in MS prevalence primarily to latitude effects on vitamin D are incomplete. Health care access significantly contributes to the global variations in MS prevalence, especially since national wealth rises with latitude and likely results in significant underestimation of MS prevalence in countries with lower health expenditure.

Added value of dynamic 3T-MRI to conventional static MRI in evaluation of internal derangement of tempromandibular joint

PurposeThis prospective study aimed at comparing dynamic T1W fast field echo sequence to the standard static sequences in the evaluation of TMJ disorders using 3T MRI. Methods8 patients, 14 with bilateral symptomatic internal derangement of TMJ and 4 with unilateral symptoms (32 TMJs) were examined, including 17 females and one male. Static T1W, T2W and PD turbo spin-echo sequences in closed and open mouth positions as well as dynamic T1W-FFE sequence were acquired on 3T MRI unit and images were assessed for the articular disc position, morphological disc changes, condylar morphology and translation. Marginal homogeneity test was used to analyze difference between dynamic and static imaging findings and significant results were considered at p ≤ 0.05. ResultsThe study shows statistically significant difference between static and dynamic MRI in the evaluation of condylar position (p < 0.005). Out of the examined 32 joints, 28 joints (87.5%) had normal condylar position and 4 joints (12.5%) had a subluxated condyle. Dynamic MRI showed 24 joints (75%) had normal condylar position and 8 joints (25%) had a subluxated condyle. Regarding disc morphology and position, dynamic MRI added no significant superior information compared to standard static images. ConclusionStatic MRI of TMJ provides proper accurate assessment of pathological changes in TMJ disorders and considered the gold standard. Dynamic MRI added superior information regarding joint biomechanics even in normal static MRI cases and valuable findings regarding the movement patterns of the condyle and disc in different types of TMJ internal derangement.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Low Back Pains and its Associations with Demographic Variables and Body Mass Index in Onitsha Nigeria

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is arguably the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition found among both developed and developing nations. This study was designed to evaluate the MRI findings in patients with LBP and its association with the patients' age, gender, and anthropometric variables in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out from June 2021 to August 2021 at the MRI unit of the radiology department of a private diagnostic center in Onitsha Anambra state, Nigeria. A total of 76 MRI reports were selected based on the inclusion criteria of this study, which include reports with LBP clinical indication, radiological findings, and complete patient demographic (age and gender) and anthropometry (weight and height) variables. Results: The majority 42 (53.3%), were males when compared with their female counterparts 34 (44.7%). A greater number, 22(28.9%) of the patients were within the age bracket of 51-60 years, and the least 2(2.6%) were within the age group of 21-30 years. Most 29(38.12%) of the patients had degenerative disc disease, and the least 2(2.63%) had osteoporosis. Conclusion: Male preponderance was noted in this study and majority of the case was seen in people within the sixth decade of life. Degenerative disc disease was the most common pathological entity identified in those presented for MRI due to LBP in our setting. There was a statistically significant mean difference in the MRI findings by age. There was no statistically significant mean difference in the MRI findings by gender.

Evaluation of Advanced Medical Imaging Services at Government Hospitals-West Bank

Background: Medical imaging services provided to patients in the CT and MRI unit are essential to reach the best results for assessing their health conditions. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the client’s satisfaction and medical services of the CT and MRI at private centres and hospitals in the West Bank- Palestine. Methods: The study was based on triangulated design; checklist, interview and questionnaire. The checklist is made by researchers to evaluate CT and MRI units’ design. The researchers interviewed 100 patients who were imaged in CT and MRI units to assess their satisfaction with the provided medical service. The questionnaire was distributed to 28 radiologic technologists (RTs) to know their characteristics and to assess the extent of the RTs commitment to the medical services. Results: Findings revealed that from the client’s perspective: Inferential analysis shows that there was a statistically significant difference at the level of significant α≤0.05 in reception and waiting with respect to the residence. While there is no statistically significant difference at (α≤0.05) in the evaluating of reception and communication in the radiology department with respect to gender and employment status. Meanwhile, the results showed there is a relationship between satisfaction and the monthly income of participants. The study showed MRI units track the international standard system in structures and occupational safety while about 87.5% of CT units follow occupational safety and about 65% of the structures. Conclusion: Through the study, the shortage in the CT and MRI units, and RTs compared to other countries became clear. The deficiency was observed in radiological protection techniques presented to patients and RTs

Perceived safety of MRI units in the two public hospitals within the central region of South Africa: A pilot study among four MR staff.

Magnetic resonance scanners are considered safe but comes with substantive safety risks to patients seeking radiological diagnostics and health care professionals. This pilot study aimed to assess the safety compliance of MRI units commonly used in the clinical diagnostic imaging of two public hospitals in South Africa. Structured interviews were conducted with four MRI staff assigned to work in the 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI units. Their responses were benchmarked with ACR MR Safety guideline of 2019 to assess any safety compliance deviations. Thematic analysis was conducted by evaluating responses per themes and further expanding on comments provided on Yes or No options. There were few major shortfalls identified that include outdated safety policies, inadequate screening, nonexistence of demarcations and lack of training of MR and non-MR personnel of MRI safety. These challenges could be eliminated by introducing a comprehensive occupational health and safety program, specific to the MRI units.

MRI with diffusion-weighted image in assessment of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis

Background FibroScan and diffusion MRI have been recommended for staging and noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. Aim To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging in diagnosis and staging of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. Patients and methods This research was conducted on 30 patients proven to have hepatic fibrosis or steatosis based on clinical, laboratory, and/or ultrasonographic criteria. Both sexes were included. Their age ranged from 20 to 60 years. The participants were sent to the MRI Unit in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tanta University Hospitals, over a period of 12 months from March 2021 till March 2022. Results There was a significant difference between apparent diffusion coefficient values of F0 and F1, F3, and F4 (P=0.010, 0.041, and 0.019, respectively); however, no significant difference was observed among the other various fibrosis stages. Conclusions FibroScan is a good noninvasive route for detection of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. It can differentiate among various phases of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. MRI can differentiate between fibrotic and nonfibrotic liver and also steatotic from nonsteatotic liver. However, it cannot differentiate between various phases of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis, especially the intermediate stages.

An Observational Study of Pseudodefect of Tibial Plafond (Incidence, Characteristics and Different Parametric Correlations)

Background: The notch of Harty is a normal variant radiologically and incidentally diagnosed finding but can be mistaken as pathology. Objective: To identify the incidence and characteristic findings of the notch of Harty.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 121 patients referred to the Radiology department, MRI unit, to undergo ankle MRI through a one-year period (January to December 2020). Cases with significant ankle lesions were excluded. All MRI studies were performed on 1.5 T MR scanners (Aera, Siemens, Arlington).Results: The notch of Harty was present in 35.5% patients; their age ranged from 5-83 years with a mean age of 38.20 years. The average width of the notch was 5.65mm while the mean depth was 1.04 mm. There was no significant correlation between the presence of the notch of Harty and findings such as rheumatic arthritis, minor trauma, chondral thinning. However, there was significant correlation between the presence of the notch of Harty and subjacent subchondral sclerosis. Conclusion: The notch of Harty was present among a considerable number of cases with no sex predominance. The notch might be misinterpreted by radiologists as true osteochondral lesions, thus, familiarity with location and appearance of these pseudodefects will avoid their misinterpretation. Keywords: The notch of Harty, pseudodefects, MRI, tibial plafond, osteochondral lesions