AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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Recent technologic advances in MDCT have led to the introduction of dual-energy CT (DECT). The basic principle of DECT is to acquire images at two different energy levels simultaneously and to use the attenuation differences at these different energy levels for deriving additional information, such as virtual monochromatic images, artifact suppression, and material composition of various tissues. ⋯ A variety of image reconstruction and postprocessing techniques are available for better demonstration and characterization of pathologic abnormalities. DECT can provide both anatomic and functional information of different organ systems. This article focuses on the main applications of DECT in emergency radiology.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Apr 2014
Is the new ACR-SPR practice guideline for addition of oblique views of the ribs to the skeletal survey for child abuse justified?
The purpose of our study was to determine whether adding oblique bilateral rib radiography to the skeletal survey for child abuse significantly increases detection of the number of rib fractures. ⋯ Adding bilateral oblique rib radiographs to the skeletal survey results in increased rib fracture detection and increased confidence of readers.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Apr 2014
Diagnostic performance of algorithm for computer-assisted detection of significant coronary artery disease in patients with acute chest pain: comparison with invasive coronary angiography.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of an automated computer-assisted detection (CAD) algorithm to detect coronary artery stenosis on coronary CT angiography (CTA). ⋯ The CAD algorithm yields a high NPV in detecting stenosis of at least 50% on coronary CTA. As a second "reader," the CAD algorithm may help to exclude significant coronary stenosis in patients with acute chest pain at an emergency department.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Apr 2014
Improving imaging utilization through practice quality improvement (maintenance of certification part IV): a review of requirements and approach to implementation.
The purposes of this article are to review the American Board of Radiology requirements for practice quality improvement and to describe our approach to improving imaging utilization while offering a guide to implementing similar projects at other institutions, emphasizing the plan-do-study-act approach. ⋯ There is increased emphasis on improving quality in health care. Our institution has undertaken a multiphase practice quality improvement project addressing the appropriate utilization of screening cervical spinal CT in an emergency department.