Journal of thoracic imaging
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Comparative Study
Automated Quantitative Computed Tomography Versus Visual Computed Tomography Scoring in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Validation Against Pulmonary Function.
The aim of the study was to determine whether a novel computed tomography (CT) postprocessing software technique (CALIPER) is superior to visual CT scoring as judged by functional correlations in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ⋯ CALIPER was superior to visual scoring as validated by functional correlations with PFTs. The pulmonary vessel volume, a novel CALIPER CT parameter with no visual scoring equivalent, has the potential to be a CT feature in the assessment of patients with IPF and requires further exploration.
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Chest radiographs are sometimes taken before surgeries and interventional procedures on hospital admissions and outpatients. This manuscript summarizes the American College of Radiology review of the literature and recommendations on routinely performed chest radiographies in these settings. ⋯ The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). In a minority of patients the ILD may be the presenting (or only) manifestation of an underlying CTD. ⋯ Moreover, many patients with ILD are suspected of having an underlying CTD but do not meet all of the necessary criteria for a specific disorder. This article provides a pattern-based approach to the imaging of CTD-related ILD and also reviews relevant clinical, pathologic, and serologic data that radiologists should be familiar with as part of a multidisciplinary team.
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Computed tomography (CT) is an indispensable part of diagnostic imaging and contributes significantly to patient care. With increasing use of CT, there have been growing concerns regarding risks from radiation exposure. This has prompted efforts to introduce measures to optimize the radiation dose used in CT imaging. ⋯ It affords an opportunity for institutions to compare and tailor their CT protocols against existing national averages. In this article, we review the history, mechanism, and major elements of the DIR. We also briefly discuss similar radiation dose registries in other countries.