Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Jun 2009
Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of skeletal metastases in patients with prostate cancer.
Whole-body MRI is an effective method for evaluating the entire skeletal system in patients with metastatic disease. This study aimed to compare whole-body MRI and radionuclide bone scintigraph in the detection of skeletal metastases in patients with prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer at high risk of skeletal metastasis with (i) prostate-specific antigen of > or =50 ng/mL; (ii) composite Gleason score of > or =8 with prostate-specific antigen of >20 ng/mL; or (iii) node-positive disease were enrolled in this prospective study before systemic treatment was initiated. ⋯ Only eight lesions were positive on both. Bone scans detected more rib metastases, while MRI identified more metastatic lesions in the spine. Whole-body MRI and radionuclide bone scintigraphy have similar specificity and sensitivity and may be used as complementary investigations to detect skeletal metastases from prostate cancer.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Jun 2009
ReviewAtrial septal defects: magnetic resonance and computed tomography appearances.
Atrial septal defects are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality, but MR and CT imaging can provide complimentary information, especially for the detection of associated anomalies and for assessing changes in the pulmonary vasculature. The aim of this pictorial essay is to review the spectrum of atrial septal defects, with particular reference to their cross-sectional imaging appearances and issues pertaining to management.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Apr 2009
Comparative StudyWork stress, satisfaction and burnout in New Zealand radiologists: comparison of public hospital and private practice in New Zealand.
Different aspects of work stress, job satisfaction, level of burnout and psychiatric morbidity were evaluated in New Zealand radiologists. The present study aims to identify differences in radiologists' work stress, job satisfaction and professional burnout between public hospital and private practice work environments. A questionnaire consisting of various aspects of radiology-specific work stress and job satisfaction was sent to all radiologists in New Zealand. ⋯ Radiologists in the public hospital environment experience more work stress, a lower level of job satisfaction and higher rates of burnout compared to private practice. The present study highlights the various aspects of work stress important to radiologists, so that they can be addressed to improve their mental health. Additionally, the results of this study may have implications for workforce planning, recruitment and retention of radiologists in the public health system.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Apr 2009
ReviewDifferential diagnosis of T2 hyperintense spinal cord lesions: part B.
Hyperintense spinal cord signal on T2-weighted images is seen in a wide-ranging variety of spinal cord processes. Causes including simple MR artefacts, trauma, primary and secondary tumours, radiation myelitis and diastematomyelia were discussed in Part A. ⋯ Characterization of the abnormal areas of T2 signal as well as their appearance on other MR imaging sequences, when combined with clinical context and laboratory investigations, will often allow a unique diagnosis, or at least aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis. A wide range of instructive cases is discussed here, with review of the published reports focusing on pertinent MR features to aid in diagnosis.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Feb 2009
Initial experience in 115 patients with the retrievable Cook Celect vena cava filter.
The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with the retrievable Cook Celect inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (William Cook, Europe) with regard to insertion, efficiency, ease of retrieval, and any associated complications. A retrospective review was performed of 115 patients (41 female, 74 male, mean age 47.97 years) who underwent Cook Celect IVC filter insertion between December 2005 and October 2007. Filter insertion was successful in all patients. ⋯ Failed retrieval secondary to hook endothelialisation continues to be an issue with this filter. We recognize that a limitation of our study was the lack of systematic follow-up for clinically silent complications. Further studies to evaluate longer term outcomes and effectiveness of this filter are warranted.