AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2016
Potentially Important Extracolonic Findings at Screening CT Colonography: Incidence and Outcomes Data From a Clinical Screening Program.
The effect of detection of extracolonic findings at screening CT colonography (CTC) remains controversial. Our objective is to analyze the incidence and outcomes of unsuspected potentially significant (CT Colonography Reporting and Data System [C-RADS] extracolonic category E4) findings in a population undergoing clinical CTC screening. ⋯ Potentially significant extracolonic findings in asymptomatic adults at screening CTC are uncommon (2-3% of cases). However, most of these findings (68%) will prove to be clinically significant, including a number of malignancies and aneurysms requiring treatment or surveillance.
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The goals of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) can be summed up by the Triple Aim, as defined by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement: Improve population health, optimize the patient experience, and reduce the costs of care. ⋯ Despite recent reimbursement reductions, radiologists have increasing opportunities to participate in value-based payment programs and should leverage those opportunities.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2016
ReviewHow to Manage Allergic Reactions to Contrast Agent in Pregnant Patients.
This article reviews optimal treatment of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast material in pregnant patients. Initial evaluation and treatment of a pregnant patient is similar to that for a nonpregnant patient. However, additional steps, including assessment for uterine cramping, using left uterine displacement to improve venous return, and maintaining blood pressure to ensure placental perfusion, may be required. ⋯ Adequate preparation and a team approach will provide optimal care for a pregnant patient who has an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2016
Reducing Patient Radiation Exposure From CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Lumbar Spine Pain Injections by Targeting the Planning CT.
CT fluoroscopy-guided lumbar spine pain injections typically include a preprocedural planning CT that contributes considerably to patient dose. The purpose of this study was to quantify the degree of radiation exposure reduction achieved by modifying only the planning CT component of the examination. ⋯ A nearly fivefold reduction in radiation exposure can be achieved in CT fluoroscopy-guided lumbar spine pain injections through modifications to the planning CT alone.
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The purpose of this study was to characterize trends related to retracted publications within radiology journals. ⋯ Retraction represents an uncommon, yet potentially increasing, issue within radiology journals that publishers have inconsistently and insufficiently addressed. Greater awareness and training in proper biomedical research conduct, as well as establishment and enforcement of standardized publishers' policies, are warranted.