Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Jun 2016
What is the viva experience of phase 2 Radiation Oncology examination candidates? Survey and advice for future candidates.
Medical speciality examination is a very stressful event in medical careers. We aimed to determine the subjective experience of Radiation Oncology Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) oral examination candidates. It was hoped the results would provide reassurance and advice for future candidates. ⋯ The majority of this select group of candidates indicated that the oral examination cases were very fair. Candidates rated the planning exam as least fair, indicating this may be the area that would benefit most from better preparation.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Apr 2016
CT angiography of the aorta using 80 kVp in combination with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction and automated tube current modulation: Effects on image quality and radiation dose.
The objective of this study was to evaluate image quality and radiation dose of a CT angiography (CTA) protocol using 80 kVp in combination with iterative reconstruction and automated tube current modulation. ⋯ Low-dose CTA of the aorta using 80 kVp with iterative reconstruction enables a significant dose reduction of up to 50% compared with a 100 kVp protocol in patients with a BMI below 32 kg/m(2) while diagnostic image quality is maintained.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Apr 2016
Using positron emission tomography (PET) response criteria in solid tumours (PERCIST) 1.0 for evaluation of 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose-PET/CT scans to predict survival early during treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The demand for early-response evaluation with 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography combined with whole body CT (PET/CT) is rapidly growing. This study was initiated to evaluate the applicability of the PET response criteria in solid tumours (PERCIST 1.0) for response evaluation. ⋯ PERCIST 1.0 is readily implementable and highly comparable with visual evaluation of response using early F-18-FDG-PET/CT scanning for locally advanced NSCLC patients. In spite of variations in parameters affecting F-18-FDG uptake, evaluation of F-18-FDG-PET/CT during treatment with PERCIST 1.0 is shown to separate non-responders from responders, each with statistically significant differences in both OS and PFS.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Apr 2016
Radiology in the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011: Challenges, interim processes and clinical priorities.
The Canterbury earthquake of 22 February 2011 initiated a mass casualty event for Christchurch Hospital, which suffered damage itself, and faced logistical difficulties in continued operation. Radiology was part of the hospital-wide response. This paper reviews the radiology department response and surveys opinions of emergency doctors to provide an overview of events of the day and thoughts regarding any potential future response. ⋯ Although resources were limited, a diagnostic radiology service remained operational. The Christchurch experience reinforces the need for disaster planning and rehearsal of plans.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Feb 2016
Audit of demand for after-hours CT scanning services in RANZCR-accredited training departments.
The aims of this study were to measure: (i) the growth in after-hours emergency department--referred CT (ED-CT) performed in accredited training departments between 2011 and 2013; (ii) the growth in ED CT relative to growth in ED presentations at the same hospitals; and (iii) trainee workload resulting from after-hours ED CT. ⋯ Growth in demand by EDs for after-hours CT services has implications for service provision and trainee workloads in Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists-accredited training departments.