Academic radiology
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Comparative Study
MR imaging findings in colloid cysts of the sellar region: comparison with colloid cysts of the third ventricle and Rathke's cleft cysts.
To identify magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics allowing specific preoperative discrimination between colloid cysts (CCs) of the sellar region and third ventricle (CC3rdv) versus Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs). ⋯ Cyst wall enhancement was found in all RCCs but in none of the CCs, making this feature a reliable discriminator between the two. Complementary, suprasellar extension was more frequent in RCCs, whereas signal hypointensity on T2w was more common in colloid cysts.
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With the impending integration of clinically relevant physics into the new American Board of Radiology Core exam, diagnostic radiology residency programs are faced with the challenge of how best to adapt the teaching of radiologic physics to residents. We present a novel resident-led physics curriculum that replaces the traditional didactic structure used in previous years. The hypothesis is that a self-teaching curriculum will facilitate greater retention of core physics concepts and foster a mentality of independent learning. We present both the implementation of this new curriculum and the initial outcomes. ⋯ Compared to our prior lecture-based physics curriculum, the change to a resident-led physics curriculum, to teach clinically relevant physics concepts to radiology residents, has been both effective and well received.
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To evaluate appropriate utilization rates for computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in a tertiary center emergency department (ED), before and after a health care provider educational intervention. ⋯ A single educational intervention had no effect on appropriate utilization rates for CTPA. Repeated and sustained educational interventions may help improve imaging ordering pathways through the ED and other departments.
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Comparative Study
CT of urolithiasis: comparison of image quality and diagnostic confidence using filtered back projection and iterative reconstruction techniques.
To compare the image quality and diagnostic confidence of low-dose computed tomography (CT) of urololithiasis using filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction techniques (IRT). ⋯ In a phantom study for CT of urolithiasis, IRT improves objective image quality compared to FBP above a certain dose threshold. However, this does not translate into improved subjective image quality or a higher degree of confidence for the diagnosis of high-contrast urinary stones.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of iodine delivery rate with varying flow rates on image quality in dual-energy CT of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
To prospectively compare four contrast material injection protocols for dual-energy computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (DE-CTPA) in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). ⋯ Despite increased artifacts on iodine perfusion maps, highly concentrated iodinated contrast material combined with high flow rates provides improved diagnostic image quality and has the highest target-tract attenuation for DE-CTPA protocols.