AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2014
Importance of a personal history of breast cancer as a risk factor for the development of subsequent breast cancer: results from screening breast MRI.
The purposes of this study were to assess the importance of a personal history of breast cancer as a risk factor for patients referred for screening breast MRI and to evaluate the importance of this risk factor compared with family history. ⋯ A personal history of breast cancer is an important risk factor for the development of subsequent breast cancer. Given the results, consideration should be given to MRI screening of patients with a personal history of breast cancer.
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Metallic implants are currently a contraindication for volunteer subjects and patients referred for 7-T examinations because of concerns related to magnetic field interactions and MRI-related heating. Artifacts may also be problematic. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate these MRI issues for 28 implants and other objects in association with a 7-T MR system. ⋯ These findings show that certain implants and objects may be acceptable for human subjects undergoing MRI examinations at 7 T, whereas others may involve possible risks. This information has important implications for individuals referred for MRI examinations at 7 T.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2014
The Choosing Wisely initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation: what will its impact be on radiology practice?
OBJECTIVE. The Choosing Wisely initiative is a large-scale effort to reduce the use of unnecessary tests and procedures, many of which involve imaging. CONCLUSION. By identifying specific tests and procedures that are often overused, unnecessary, inappropriate, or ineffective, Choosing Wisely places the onus on physicians to reduce their use.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jan 2014
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction: cumulative effect of cost, radiation, and turnaround time on the patient and the health care system.
The purpose of this study was to reiterate the predominance of CT in evaluating ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction in terms of cost-effectiveness, reduction of radiation exposure, and turnaround time as the measurement parameters. ⋯ Shunt series radiography is a low-yield diagnostic imaging modality for identifying shunt malfunction and prolongs turnaround time, increases medical cost, and exposes patients to unnecessary radiation.
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Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) typically prompts a search for an underlying ruptured saccular aneurysm, which is the most common nontraumatic cause. Depending on the clinical presentation and pattern of SAH, the differential diagnosis may include a diverse group of causes other than aneurysm rupture. ⋯ For the purposes of this review, we classify SAH into three main patterns, defined by the distribution of blood on unenhanced CT: diffuse, perimesencephalic, and convexal. The epicenter of the hemorrhage further refines the differential diagnosis and guides subsequent imaging. Additionally, we review multiple clinical conditions that can simulate the appearance of SAH on CT or MRI, an imaging artifact known as pseudo-SAH.