Radiologic Test Results Research Articles

Genetic aspects of ataxias in a cohort of Turkish patients

IntroductionAtaxia is one of the clinical findings of the movement disorder disease group. Although there are many underlying etiological reasons, genetic etiology has an increasing significance thanks to the recently developing technology. The aim of this study is to present the variants detected in WES analysis excluding non-genetic causes, in patients with ataxia.MethodsThirty-six patients who were referred to us with findings of ataxia and diagnosed through WES or other molecular genetic analysis methods were included in our study. At the same time, information such as the onset time of the complaints, consanguinity status between parents, and the presence of relatives with similar symptoms were evaluated. If available, the patient’s biochemical and radiological test results were presented.ResultsThirty-six patients were diagnosed through WES or CES. The rate of detected autosomal recessive inheritance disease was 80.5%, while that of autosomal dominant inheritance disease was 19.5%. Abnormal cerebellum was detected on brain MRI images in 26 patients, while polyneuropathy was detected on EMG in eleven of them. While the majority of the patients were compatible with similar cases reported in the literature, five patients had different/additional features (variants in MCM3AP, AGTPBP1, GDAP2, and SH3TC2 genes).ConclusionsThe diagnosis of ataxia patients with unknown etiology is made possible thanks to these clues. Consideration of a genetic approach is recommended in patients with ataxia of unknown etiology.

The Relationship of Comorbid Diseases and Empirical Antibiotic Usage with Superinfection in COVID-19 Patients.

To identify the microorganisms responsible for superinfections in patients admitted with COVID-19 and evaluate the impact of empirical antibiotic regimen and comorbid disease on superinfections comparing COVID-19 patients with and without secondary infection. A descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Microbiology, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkiye, from March to July 2020. This study was conducted with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease based on radiological or quantitative RT-PCR test results. Culture results, demographic characteristics, clinical variables, and therapeutic regimen were collected from medical records. Superinfection developed in 48 (26.96%) of 178 cultures (24 of 101 patients) followed up in the COVID-19 clinics. Infections were determined as 25 (52.08%) bloodstream, 11 (22.9%) urinary tract, 10 (20.8%) respiratory tract and 2 (4.16%) soft tissue infections, respectively. Secondary infectious agents were E.coli in 11 (22.9%), A.baumannii in 8 (16.7%), S.homminis in 7 (14.6%), S.epidermidis in 6 (12.5%), K.pneumoniae in 4 (8.3%), C.albicans in 2 (4.1%), and other bacterial and fungal agents in 10 (20.8%). The median range from admission to the hospital to detecting microorganism growth was the longest with piperacillin/tazobactam with moxifloxacin and azithromycin. Secondary microorganism detection was delayed, mostly due to the empirical use of moxifloxacin, azithromycin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Demographic characteristics, comorbidity and antibiotic use of patients were not directly related to secondary infections. In addition, the empirical use of azithromycin and moxifloxacin with piperacillin/tazobactam appeared to delay the development of superinfection. Superinfection, COVID-19, Comorbidity.

Evaluation of the Clinicoradiological Profile in Cases of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: An Original Research.

A complicated hypersensitive reaction to inhaled fungal antigens results in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), an immunologic pulmonary disease. ABPA complicates nearly 2% of instances of persistent asthma as well as nearly 10% of chronic cases of steroid-dependent asthma, and it occurs most frequently in immunocompetent patients. The purpose of the current research was to analyze the radiological and clinical features of the participants as well as the serological association of ABPA. From April 2020 to April 2021, a retrospective investigation was conducted. The study included patients based on the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology's criteria for ABPA confirmation. Analysis was done on the demographic information and pathological and radiological test results of the patients. The patients' pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spirometry was compared, and asthmatic control was estimated. A total of 50 patients were investigated at in this study. Demographic findings indicated young subjects and aa female predominance. Cough was the most prevalent symptom in 84% of patients. Asthma of the bronchi was a risk factor for all of the patients. The mean serum immunoglobulin E level and the mean absolute eosinophil count were 533 cells/L and 2269 UI/mL, respectively. Spirometry results from the study's participants indicated an obstructive pattern in about 80% of cases. The most typical radiological abnormality observed was bronchiectasis, followed by parenchymal opacities. In conclusion, when treating asthma that is challenging to control, the diagnosis of ABPA must be taken into account. Delay in diagnosis might result in declining lung function, worsening asthma control, possibly irreversible alterations, greater treatment costs, and declined quality of life.

Evaluation Of Serological, Biochemical And Imaging Findings With Hydatid Cyst Patients

Objective: Hydatid cyst is a serious disease caused. The liver (50-70%) and, less frequently, the lungs (18-35%), are affected most. Diagnosis is made by evaluating the patient's clinical history, imaging findings, and serologic and immunologic tests together. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used as imaging methods. Most classifications are made according to imaging findings. We aimed to present our experience by evaluating the relationship between age, sex, location and size of cysts, stage, indirect hemagglutination test, and laboratory and imaging findings in patients with hydatid cyst. Methods and Material: Retrospectively, We have evaluated the demographic data, laboratory examinations and imaging from 60 patient with diagnosis of hydatid cyst. These results were analyzed to assess and compared with each other. Results: The most commonly affected age group was 25-45 years. The most frequently involved lobe was the right lobe and segment 6. No caudate lobe involvement was detected. There was no elevation of eosinophil count in patients with extrahepatic involvement. Conclusions: The combination of clinical history, radiological and serological test results is valuable in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. In addition, the presence of multiple cysts should be investigated in patients with high eosinophil value. The possibility of multiple cysts in the liver should be kept in mind in hydatid cyst patients with elevated aspartate transaminase level.

Incidence, lethality, and post-stroke functional status in different Brazilian macro-regions: The SAMBA study (analysis of stroke in multiple Brazilian areas).

BackgroundStroke is the second leading cause of death in Brazil. The social and financial burden of stroke is remarkable; however, the epidemiological profile remains poorly understood.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to report the incidence, lethality, and functional status at 30 and 90 days post-stroke in the cities of different Brazilian macro-regions.MethodsThis is an observational, prospective, and population-based study, led in Canoas (South), Joinville (South, reference center), Sertãozinho (Southeast), and Sobral (Northeast) in Brazil. It was developed according to the three-step criteria recommended by the World Health Organization to conduct population-based studies on stroke. Using different sources, all hospitalized and ambulatory patients with stroke were identified and the same criteria were kept in all cities. All first events were included, regardless of sex, age, or type of stroke. Demographic and risk factor data were collected, followed by biochemical, electrocardiographic, and radiological test results. Functional status and lethality were obtained using the mRankin scale through telephonic interview (validated Brazilian version).ResultsIn 1 year, 932 stroke cases were registered (784 ischemic stroke, 105 hemorrhagic stroke, and 43 subarachnoid hemorrhage). The incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants, adjusted for the world population, were 63 in Canoas, 106 in Joinville, 72 in Sertãozinho, and 96 in Sobral. The majority (70.8%) were followed for 90 days. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that 90-day survival was different among cities. Sobral, which has the lowest socioeconomic indexes, revealed the worst results in terms of lethality and functional status.ConclusionThis study expands the knowledge of stroke epidemiology in Brazil, a middle-income country with enormous socioeconomic and cultural diversity. The discrepancy observed regarding the impact of stroke in patients from Joinville and Sobral highlights the need to improve the strategic allocation of resources to meet the health priorities in each location.

Labyrinthine lesions in presumed inner ear hemorrhage-related sudden deafness

PurposeInner ear hemorrhage (IEH) is a rare cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). This study aimed to evaluate the lesional patterns in patients with presumed IEH from morphological and functional aspects. MethodsSeventeen patients with SSNHL and presumed IEH who completed audio-vestibular tests were included. The main outcome measures included clinical characteristics, radiology, and functional test results. ResultsThe morphological findings and functional tests revealed differences in locations and lesional spectrums. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hyperintensity was likely to involve the vestibule (88.2%), the cochlea (76.5%), and the posterior and lateral semicircular canals (76.5% and 70.6%, respectively). Furthermore, 70.6% of cases showed abnormality in the entire labyrinth, and abnormalities in the vestibule/semicircular canals were observed in 17.6% of cases. Meanwhile, dysfunction was sequentially detected in the cochlea (100%), semicircular canals (94.1%), and vestibule (70.6%); 64.7% of cases showed combined deficit in the entire labyrinth, and 29.4% of cases showed combined deficit in the cochlea/semicircular canals. Although lesions in the labyrinth were frequently detected, the results of the radiological and functional tests did not always match and significantly differed in either cochlear or superior semicircular canal damage detection (p < 0.05 each). ConclusionsIn this cohort, IEH preferentially caused sudden audio-vestibular impairment, which was well demonstrated by a combination of MRI and functional tests. The specific lesional configurations revealed in this study may suggest a possible pathomechanism that could be further explored as a therapeutic target.

Clinical findings, laboratory, and imaging features of COVID-19 patients at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Academic Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 infection has triggered a global health crisis. Early detection of COVID-19 infection using hematology and radiology examination is the fastest method to detect the infection. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of sign and symptom, hematology, and radiology examination of COVID-19 patients at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Academic Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.Methods: This is a retrospective study with quantitative descriptive methods and uses a total sampling technique. This study was conducted at UGM Academic Hospital, with a total sample of 147 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Data were collected from medical records and were analyzed with Microsoft Excel for Windows.Results: This study showed that the most signs and symptoms of COVID-19 patients were cough (46.26%) and cold (37.41%), followed by hypertension (31.97%). Hematology examination showed that the leukocyte count of patients was mainly higher than the normal level (82.99%). The data showed that 22.45% of patients had increased C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and 2.72% of patients had increased procalcitonin. The result of thorax x-ray (16.33%) and CT-scan (28.57%) examination of the COVID-19 patients indicates pneumonia.Conclusions: This study illustrated that the symptoms of COVID-19 patients at UGM Academic Hospital, Yogyakarta were various. Respiratory problems such as cough and cold were the most common symptoms, followed by muscle fatigue and digestive disorders. Hematology and radiology test results of COVID-19 patients depend on the severity of the disease.

Association Between Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19

The chronic receipt of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been assumed to exacerbate complications associated with COVID-19 and produce worse clinical outcomes. To conduct an updated and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis comparing mortality and severe adverse events (AEs) associated with receipt vs nonreceipt of ACEIs or ARBs among patients with COVID-19. PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched from December 31, 2019, until September 1, 2020. The meta-analysis included any study design, with the exception of narrative reviews or opinion-based articles, in which COVID-19 was diagnosed through laboratory or radiological test results and in which clinical outcomes (unadjusted or adjusted) associated with COVID-19 were assessed among adult patients (≥18 years) receiving ACEIs or ARBs. Three authors independently extracted data on mortality and severe AEs associated with COVID-19. Severe AEs were defined as intensive care unit admission or the need for assisted ventilation. For each outcome, a random-effects model was used to compare the odds ratio (OR) between patients receiving ACEIs or ARBs vs those not receiving ACEIs or ARBs. Unadjusted and adjusted ORs for mortality and severe AEs associated with COVID-19. A total of 1788 records from the PubMed and Embase databases were identified; after removal of duplicates, 1664 records were screened, and 71 articles underwent full-text evaluation. Clinical data were pooled from 52 eligible studies (40 cohort studies, 6 case series, 4 case-control studies, 1 randomized clinical trial, and 1 cross-sectional study) enrolling 101 949 total patients, of whom 26 545 (26.0%) were receiving ACEIs or ARBs. When adjusted for covariates, significant reductions in the risk of death (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43-0.76; P < .001) and severe AEs (aOR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.88; P < .001) were found. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of a subgroup of patients with hypertension indicated decreases in the risk of death (unadjusted OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.49-0.91]; P = .01; aOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32-0.84]; P = .008) and severe AEs (unadjusted OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.54-0.91]; P = .007; aOR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.85]; P = .007). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, receipt of ACEIs or ARBs was not associated with a higher risk of multivariable-adjusted mortality and severe AEs among patients with COVID-19 who had either hypertension or multiple comorbidities, supporting the recommendations of medical societies. On the contrary, ACEIs and ARBs may be associated with protective benefits, particularly among patients with hypertension. Future randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish causality.

Synchronized Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation versus Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Prevention of Extubation Failure in Infants after Congenital Heart Surgery.

This study aimed to evaluate the application of synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (SNIPPV) in the respiratory weaning of infants after congenital heart surgery. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 63 infants who were extubated from mechanical ventilation after congenital heart surgery between January 2020 and September 2020. The data, including demographics, anatomic diagnosis, radiology and laboratory test results, and perioperative variables were recorded. The extubation failure rate within 48 h after extubation was significantly lower in the SNIPPV group than in the nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) group. The PaO2 level and PaO2/FiO2 ratio within 48 h after extubation were higher in the SNIPPV group than in the NCPAP group (P < .05). Meanwhile, the PaCO2 level within 48 h was significantly lower in the SNIPPV group (P < .05). Compared with the NCPAP group, the median duration of postoperative noninvasive support and the duration from extubation to hospital discharge were shorter in the SNIPPV group; the total hospital cost was lower in the SNIPPV group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning VAP, pneumothorax, feeding intolerance, sepsis, mortality, and other complications (P > .05). SNIPPV was shown to be superior to NCPAP in avoiding reintubation after congenital heart surgery in infants and significantly improved oxygenation and reduced PaCO2 retention after extubation. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of SNIPPV as a routine weaning strategy.

Role of Machine Learning Techniques to Tackle the COVID-19 Crisis: Systematic Review.

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, has caused havoc worldwide, with patients presenting a spectrum of complications that have pushed health care experts to explore new technological solutions and treatment plans. Artificial Intelligence (AI)–based technologies have played a substantial role in solving complex problems, and several organizations have been swift to adopt and customize these technologies in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the role of AI as a comprehensive and decisive technology to fight the COVID-19 crisis in the fields of epidemiology, diagnosis, and disease progression.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines to identify all potentially relevant studies published and made available online between December 1, 2019, and June 27, 2020. The search syntax was built using keywords specific to COVID-19 and AI.ResultsThe search strategy resulted in 419 articles published and made available online during the aforementioned period. Of these, 130 publications were selected for further analyses. These publications were classified into 3 themes based on AI applications employed to combat the COVID-19 crisis: Computational Epidemiology, Early Detection and Diagnosis, and Disease Progression. Of the 130 studies, 71 (54.6%) focused on predicting the COVID-19 outbreak, the impact of containment policies, and potential drug discoveries, which were classified under the Computational Epidemiology theme. Next, 40 of 130 (30.8%) studies that applied AI techniques to detect COVID-19 by using patients’ radiological images or laboratory test results were classified under the Early Detection and Diagnosis theme. Finally, 19 of the 130 studies (14.6%) that focused on predicting disease progression, outcomes (ie, recovery and mortality), length of hospital stay, and number of days spent in the intensive care unit for patients with COVID-19 were classified under the Disease Progression theme.ConclusionsIn this systematic review, we assembled studies in the current COVID-19 literature that utilized AI-based methods to provide insights into different COVID-19 themes. Our findings highlight important variables, data types, and available COVID-19 resources that can assist in facilitating clinical and translational research.

Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Tubercular Uveitis—Report 2: Guidelines for Initiating Antitubercular Therapy in Anterior Uveitis, Intermediate Uveitis, Panuveitis, and Retinal Vasculitis

The Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS), supported by the International Ocular Inflammation Society, International Uveitis Study Group, and Foster Ocular Immunological Society, set up an international, expert-led consensus project to develop evidence- and experience-based guidelines for the management of tubercular uveitis (TBU). The absence of international agreement on the use of antitubercular therapy (ATT) in patients with TBU contributes to a significant heterogeneity in the approach to the management of this condition. Consensus statements for the initiation of ATT in TBU were generated using a 2-step modified Delphi technique. In Delphi step 1, a smart web-based survey based on background evidence from published literature was prepared to collect the opinion of 81 international experts on the use of ATT in different clinical scenarios. The survey included 324 questions related to tubercular anterior uveitis (TAU), tubercular intermediate uveitis (TIU), tubercular panuveitis (TPU), and tubercular retinal vasculitis (TRV) administered by the experts, after which the COTS group met in November 2019 for a systematic and critical discussion of the statements in accordance with the second round of the modified Delphi process. Forty-four consensus statements on the initiation of ATT in TAU, TIU, TPU, and TRV were obtained, based on ocular phenotypes suggestive of TBU and corroborative evidence of tuberculosis, provided by several combinations of immunologic and radiologic test results. Experts agreed on initiating ATT in recurrent TAU, TIU, TPU, and active TRV depending on the TB endemicity. In the presence of positive results for any 1 of the immunologic tests along with radiologic features suggestive of past evidence of tuberculosis infection. In patients with a first episode of TAU, consensus to initiate ATT was reached only if both immunologic and radiologic test results were positive. The COTS consensus guidelines were generated based on the evidence from published literature, specialists' opinions, and logic construction to address the initiation of ATT in TBU. The guidelines also should inform public policy by adding specific types of TBU to the list of conditions that should be treated as tuberculosis.

Practical Considerations for Implementing Virtual Care in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: For the Pandemic and Beyond.

This article outlines a practical approach to quickly implementing virtual care for physiatrists. This skill is relevant not only during times of a pandemic, when face to face care is impossible, but is also valuable when caring for patients who have physical, financial, logistic, or other challenges to on-site care. Key themes covered in this article include selecting appropriate virtual care platforms, consenting patients for virtual care and conducting successful virtual visits. It also reviews strategies for performing virtual physical examinations and engaging learners in virtual care.

Safety considerations during return to work in the context of stable COVID-19 epidemic control: an analysis of health screening results of all returned staff from a hospital.

In March 2020, China had periodically controlled the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) epidemic. We reported the results of health screening for COVID-19 among returned staff of a hospital and conducted a summary analysis to provide valuable experience for curbing the COVID-19 epidemic and rebound. In total, 4729 returned staff from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China were examined for COVID-19, and the basic information, radiology and laboratory test results were obtained and systematically analysed. Among the 4729 employees, medical staff (62.93%) and rear-service personnel (30.73%) were the majority. The results of the first physical examination showed that 4557 (96.36%) were normal, 172 (3.64%) had abnormal radiological or laboratory test results. After reexamination and evaluation, four were at high risk (asymptomatic infections) and were scheduled to transfer to a designated hospital, and three were at low risk (infectivity could not be determined) and were scheduled for home isolation observation. Close contacts were tracked and managed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in China. Asymptomatic infections are a major risk factor for returning to work. Extensive health screening combined with multiple detection methods helps to identify asymptomatic infections early, which is an important guarantee in the process of returning to work.

La parole entre croyance et savoir, impasses subjectives en soins palliatifs

Based on a cross-disciplinary analysis — carried out by a medical doctor and a psychologist — as well as a psychoanalytical, philosophical, and ethnological reading of a clinical case encountered by both authors in a palliative care service, we identify and explore some of the issues related to speech and to the relationship of care in the particular context of the end-of-life period. Our reflections have led us to explore the following points. In some cases, serious and incurable diseases are diagnosed and announced to patients before they have experienced it in their own bodies. At this stage, the disease therefore only exists on the basis of an interpretation of biological and radiological test results, provided by a “knowing figure.” In this specific context, we question the stakes and effects of this person's discourse, which absolutely contradicts the patient's permanent and continuous bodily experience. Throughout the stages of a serious disease, physical pain can have a range of different effects. On a relational level, it can represent a kind of screen onto which the existential suffering of the patient is projected and communicated to others in complaints. Simultaneously, in terms of the patient's psychic economy, this pain sucks up all the available energy, like a black hole, and thus considerably impoverishes the subject's self. We propose to study pain during the end-of-life period in terms of the functions it could perform, in response to the subjective impasses with which palliative care patients may be confronted. Finally, an anthropological reading raises the question of “voodoo death” and of the doctor's shamanic position — particularly in palliative care —, which we found to be relevant theoretical illustrations of how some patients can heed and believe a knowing figure's words. Some acts, words, or attitudes towards the palliative care patient may be experienced by the subject or their loved ones as a prediction of their imminent death, leaving little room for the desire to participate in life and hindering the opportunity to project oneself into a possible future.

Imaging for Neuroprognostication After Cardiac Arrest: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Predicting neurological outcome in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest relies on clinical findings, radiological and neurophysiological test results. To evaluate the predictive accuracy of brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prognostication of neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. We searched MEDLINE (database inception to August 2018) and included all observational cohort studies or randomized controlled trials including adult (16 years or older) survivors of cardiac arrest which evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CT or MRI for predicting neurologic outcome or mortality. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. All review stages were conducted independently by 2 reviewers, and where possible data were pooled using bivariate meta-analysis. The main outcome was to evaluate the of accuracy of CT and MRI in neuroprognostication of patients after cardiac arrest. We included 44 studies that examined brain CT (n = 24) or MRI (n = 21) in 4008 (n per study, 9-398) patients. Decreased grey to white matter ratio on CT (20 studies) was useful for predicting poor neurological outcome (sensitivity 0.44, 95% CI 0.29-0.60; specificity 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-0.99; positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 13.8, 95% CI 6.9-27.7). Similarly, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on MRI (16 studies; sensitivity 0.77, 95% CI 0.65-0.85; specificity 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.96; LR+ 9.2, 95% CI 5.2-16.4) and DWI and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI (4 studies, sensitivity 0.70, 95% CI 0.43-0.88; specificity 0.95, 95% CI 0.79-0.99; LR+ 13.4, 95% CI 3.5-51.2) were useful for predicting poor neurological outcomes. We found marked heterogeneity in timing of radiological examinations and neurological assessments relative to the cardiac arrest. Decreased grey to white matter ratio on CT and DWI or DWI and FLAIR on MRI are useful adjuncts for predicting poor early neurological outcome after cardiac arrest.

Parents of Pediatric Radiology Patients Prefer Timely Reporting and Discussing Results with Referring Providers

With the introduction of new communication channels, such as encrypted messaging and online electronic medical record patient portals, there are ever-increasing ways for patients and their families to access their medical information. While patient preferences regarding how they receive the results of their radiology examinations have been assessed in the adult population, there is limited data on parent preferences for pediatric radiology patients. The aim of this study was to determine how the parents of pediatric radiology patients prefer to receive the results of their child's imaging studies. The study design was an institutional review board-approved anonymous voluntary survey distributed to parents in a pediatric radiology waiting room. Of the current possible ways to receive radiology results, most parents preferred to receive their child's radiology results from the referring doctor (65%). A minority of parents preferred to receive the results from a radiologist in-person (16%) or via the radiology report (16%). In multiple hypothetical scenarios, parents also preferred to receive radiology results from the referring doctor rather than the radiologist, with the single exception being when no subsequent appointment with the referring doctor was planned. When asked to prioritize the most important aspect of receiving radiology test results, most parents prefer having results available quickly (65%). This survey suggests that in the pediatric radiology realm, efforts toward timely reporting will likely have a greater impact on patient satisfaction than prioritizing more in-person radiologist-patient communication.

Small round cell lesions of the bone: Diagnostic approach, differential diagnoses and impact on treatment.

Small round cell lesions of the bone encompass a heterogeneous group of tumors and tumor-like lesions, including Ewing sarcoma, small cell osteosarcoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), "Ewing-like" undifferentiated round cell sarcomas, metastasizing small cell carcinoma, along with plasma cell dyscrasia and Langerhan's cell histiocytosis. At the same time, there are tumor mimics, for example, chronic osteomyelitis, which has overlapping radiologic features with Ewing sarcoma and a primary intraosseous NHL. An exact diagnosis necessitates integration of clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and ancillary test results, including immunohistochemical and molecular results. Currently, there are several immunohistochemical markers and specific molecular signatures, driving most of these tumors, available, for an exact diagnosis. This review focuses on a pragmatic approach towards uncovering specific small round cell lesions of the bone, emphasizing upon integration of traditional morphology with ancillary techniques, including immunohistochemical markers and molecular techniques, the latter, especially in cases of Ewing sarcoma, Ewing-like undifferentiated round cell sarcoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and neuroblastoma. Subsequent to the diagnostic approach, including an impact on treatment, individual intraosseous round cell lesions have been described in detail. The references include updated articles from PUBMED.

(Lack of) Measurable Clinical or Knowledge Gains From Resident Participation in Noon Conference

The objective of this study was to determine whether noon conference attendance by diagnostic radiology residents is predictive of measurable performance. This single-center retrospective Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant cross-sectional study was considered "not regulated" by the institutional review board. All diagnostic radiology residents who began residency training from 2008 to 2012 were included (N = 54). Metrics of clinical performance and knowledge were collected, including junior and senior precall test results, American Board of Radiology scores (z-score transformed), American College of Radiology in-training scores (years 1-3), on-call "great call" and minor and major discrepancy rates, on-call and daytime case volumes, and training rotation scores. Multivariate regression models were constructed to determine if conference attendance, match rank order, or starting year could predict these outcomes. Pearson bivariate correlations were calculated. Senior precall test results were moderately correlated with American Board of Radiology (r = 0.41) and American College of Radiology (r = 0.38-0.48) test results and mean rotation scores (r = 0.41), indicating moderate internal validity. However, conference attendance, match rank order, and year of training did not correlate with (r = -0.16-0.16) or predict (P > .05) measurable resident knowledge. On multivariate analysis, neither match rank order (P = .14-.96) nor conference attendance (P = .10-.88) predicted measurable clinical efficiency or accuracy. Year started training predicted greater cross-sectional case volume (P < .0001, β = 0.361-0.516) and less faculty-to-resident feedback (P < 0.0001, β = [-0.628]-[-0.733]). Residents with lower conference attendance are indistinguishable from those who attend more frequently in a wide range of clinical and knowledge-based performance assessments, suggesting that required attendance may not be necessary to gain certain measurable core competencies.

Communicating Radiology Test Results: Are Our Phone Calls Excessive, Just Right, or Not Enough?

This study aimed to determine the preferences of radiology and referring provider residents regarding direct communication of radiology test results. This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant quality improvement effort was exempt from institutional review board oversight. An anonymous survey was emailed to 44 radiology residents and 364 referring resident providers who routinely provide or receive direct communication of test results at our quaternary care medical center. The survey focused on the frequency, indication, clinical utility, and methods of direct communication of radiology results. Proportions were compared to chi-square or Fisher exact test. The response rates were 86% (37 of 43) (radiology) and 41% (151 of 364) (referring providers). Approximately half of radiology residents (49% [18 of 37]) thought the frequency of direct verbal communication was excessive, and none (0 of 37) thought more communication was needed. In contrast, only 1.3% (2 of 151; P < .001) of referring providers felt the frequency was excessive, and 24% (36 of 151; P < .001) desired more. The majority (66% [100 of 151]) of referring providers felt phone calls from radiologists often or always added value beyond a timely radiology report, and 59% (44 of 74) felt it is the radiologist's responsibility to call about abnormal findings. Furthermore, 83% (125 of 151) of referring providers preferred to receive a phone call about non-emergent unexpected findings, although preferences varied for various example abnormalities. For outpatients with non-emergent unexpected findings, most providers (90% [64 of 71]) prefer written communication rather than a phone call. Referring providers prefer direct communication of radiology results, even for non-urgent unexpected findings, whereas radiology residents prefer less direct communication and are more likely to consider radiologist-to-provider communication superfluous.

Assigning responsibility to close the loop on radiology test results.

Failure to follow-up on test results represents a serious breakdown point in the diagnostic process which can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses and patient harm. Amidst discussions to ensure fail-safe test result follow-up, an important, yet under-discussed question emerges: how do we determine who is ultimately responsible for initiating follow-up action on the tests that are ordered? This seemingly simple question belies its true complexity. Although many of these complexities are also applicable to other diagnostic specialities, the field of medical imaging provides an ideal context to discuss the challenges of attributing responsibility of test result follow-up. In this review, we summarize several key concepts and challenges in the context of critical results, wet reads, and incidental findings to stimulate further discussion on responsibility issues in radiology. These discussions could help establish reliable closed-loop communication to ensure that every test result is sent, received, acknowledged and acted upon without failure.