Academic radiology
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for indicating the extent of true tissue necrosis of the liver after radiofrequency (RF) ablation in comparison with histopathologic findings in dog models and an autopsy case. ⋯ MR imaging using the FLASH sequence can accurately determine the extent of the necrotic area after RF ablation.
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Subject motion is well recognized as a significant impediment to resolution and sensitivity in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A parallel confounder to fMRI data quality is geometric image distortion, particularly at high field strengths, due to susceptibility-induced magnetic field inhomogeneity. Consequently, many high-field echo-planar imaging methods incorporate a post-processing distortion correction by acquiring a field map of the sample prior to the fMRI measurement. However, field mapping methods impose a spatial mask on the data, since field information is only obtainable from regions with adequate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This masking, when applied to subsequent images in the fMRI time series, can clip the effects of motion, resulting in inaccurate estimation and correction of motion-based changes in the images. ⋯ It is preferable to perform motion realignment prior to correcting for geometric distortion.
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Comparative Study
Blended learning in medical education: use of an integrated approach with web-based small group modules and didactic instruction for teaching radiologic anatomy.
To describe the development of and assess student satisfaction with a blended learning method for teaching radiologic anatomy that integrates web-based instruction with small group and didactic teaching. ⋯ An integration of computers with small and large group didactic instruction allow optimal use of faculty, conform to accepted theories of adult learning, and are well-accepted by students.
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Opportunities for funded radiologic research are greater than ever, and the amount of federal funding coming to academic radiology departments is increasing. Even so, many medical school-based radiology departments have little or no research funding. ⋯ The consensus panel included radiologists who have leadership roles in some of the best-funded research departments, radiologists who direct other funded research programs, and radiologists with related expertise. The goals of the consensus panel were to identify the attributes associated with successful research programs and to develop an action plan for radiology research based on these characteristics.
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Comparative Study
MR imaging of the prostate at 3 Tesla: comparison of an external phased-array coil to imaging with an endorectal coil at 1.5 Tesla.
To qualitatively compare the image quality of torso phased-array 3-Tesla (3T) imaging of the prostate with that of endorectal 1.5-Tesla imaging. ⋯ Prostate image quality at 3T with a torso phased-array coil can be comparable with that of endorectal 1.5-T imaging. These findings suggest that additional options are now available for magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate gland.