scholarly journals Knowledge of CT exposure parameters among Norwegian student radiographers

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sundaran Kada

Abstract Background Improvements in the competency levels of student radiographers in computed tomography examinations (CT) are important due to the increasing number of these examinations being undertaken in imaging departments. The present study assesses the knowledge of student radiographers regarding CT exposure parameters. Methods The level of knowledge related to CT exposure parameters was evaluated using a twenty-one-item questionnaire that was distributed to final-year student radiographers. The questionnaire consisted of questions around CT exposure parameters and either allowed respondents to answer “true,” or “false” or choose a response from a range of responses where only one answer was correct. Correct answers were given one mark, while no mark was given for an incorrect answer. The score out of possible 21 was converted to a percentage, with a higher percentage signifying greater knowledge. Results Seventy-two students completed and returned the questionnaire, resulting in a 71% response rate. The mean score was 53%. Only 33% of students correctly identified that kilovoltage peak (kVp) should be increased when patients have metallic implants, and milliampere seconds (mAs) should be increased as body part thickness increases. No one answered all the questions correctly. There was no significant knowledge difference between students who had CT facilities on campus and those that did not. Conclusion Overall, student radiographers’ knowledge of CT exposure parameters was reported to be satisfactory.

Author(s):  
Vicente Jesús León-Muñoz ◽  
Mirian López-López ◽  
Alonso José Lisón-Almagro ◽  
Francisco Martínez-Martínez ◽  
Fernando Santonja-Medina

AbstractPatient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been introduced to simplify and make total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery more precise, effective, and efficient. We performed this study to determine whether the postoperative coronal alignment is related to preoperative deformity when computed tomography (CT)-based PSI is used for TKA surgery, and how the PSI approach compares with deformity correction obtained with conventional instrumentation. We analyzed pre-and post-operative full length standing hip-knee-ankle (HKA) X-rays of the lower limb in both groups using a convention > 180 degrees for valgus alignment and < 180 degrees for varus alignment. For the PSI group, the mean (± SD) pre-operative HKA angle was 172.09 degrees varus (± 6.69 degrees) with a maximum varus alignment of 21.5 degrees (HKA 158.5) and a maximum valgus alignment of 14.0 degrees. The mean post-operative HKA was 179.43 degrees varus (± 2.32 degrees) with a maximum varus alignment of seven degrees and a maximum valgus alignment of six degrees. There has been a weak correlation among the values of the pre- and postoperative HKA angle. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of postoperative alignment outside the range of 180 ± 3 degrees was significantly higher with a preoperative varus misalignment of 15 degrees or more (aOR: 4.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.35–12.96; p = 0.013). In the control group (conventional instrumentation), this loss of accuracy occurs with preoperative misalignment of 10 degrees. Preoperative misalignment below 15 degrees appears to present minimal influence on postoperative alignment when a CT-based PSI system is used. The CT-based PSI tends to lose accuracy with preoperative varus misalignment over 15 degrees.


Author(s):  
Happiness Anulika Aweto ◽  
Oluwatoyosi Babatunde Owoeye ◽  
Korede Sunday Adegbite

Background: Highway sanitary workers are exposed to various health hazards in the course of duty. This study investigated the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among highway sanitary workers in Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos, Nigeria.Method: Two hundred fifty highway sanitary workers (46 males and 204 females) of LAWMA selected from four Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria completed a 26-item questionnaire that collected information on WMSDs.Results: The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among the workers was 24.8%. The most commonly affected body part was the lower back (22.0%). Thirty-seven (59.7%) of the respondents reported gradual onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) while 25 (40.3%) reported sudden onset. The mean years of working experience was 3.22 + 0.23 years with 111 (44.4%) of the respondents having worked for 4 years and 7 (2.8%) having worked for 1year. The three major job risk factors identified were: continuing to work when injured (87.2%), working in the same position for long periods (53.6%) and lifting heavy materials (52.4%). Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis showed that there were significant relationships between prevalence of WMSDs and age (r = 0.42, p = 0.001*) and years on the job (r = 0.17, p = 0.01*).Conclusion: There was a low prevalence of WMSDs among highway sanitary workers of LAWMA. The most commonly affected body part was the lower back. Increasing age and years of working experience are significant factors that can contribute to the development of WMSDs among these workers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Babatunde M. Duduyemi ◽  
Divine Lardey Agyemang ◽  
Ernest Adankwah ◽  
Hannah Nyarko ◽  
Derrick Andoh

Abstract Background Cancer is the leading cause of death with 7.6 million deaths worldwide annually. About 19% of bladder cancer cases are attributed to environmental and occupational factors. The knowledge of any disease is very vital in the control or prevention of such disease. This study examined the knowledge and perception of urinary bladder cancer among 104 local dye workers in Ghana (Kumasi, Koforidua and Somanya). Methods A well-structured questionnaire was used to measure participants’ knowledge and perception towards bladder cancer. Forty out of the 104 participants were recruited to provide their urine samples for cytomorphological study. Thin smears were prepared and stained with Papanicolaou stain. Respondents were selected based on clinical history and working experience. Result The response rate to the questionnaires was 100% of the 104 respondents interviewed. The respondents had a mean age of 26 years. Overall, about 10% of the respondents in this study had good knowledge levels on bladder cancer and 16% had good perception of the disease. There was a significant correlation between knowledge and educational level of the participants (p < 0.001). Report of the cytomorphological study indicates that none of the samples of the participants screened had cancerous cells. Conclusion The findings suggest that level of knowledge about bladder cancer among local dye workers in this study was low, while their level of perception was just above average.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S39-S44
Author(s):  
Michael Okoli ◽  
Kevin Lutsky ◽  
Michael Rivlin ◽  
Brian Katt ◽  
Pedro Beredjiklian

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study is to determine the radiographic dimensions of the finger metacarpals and to compare these measurements with headless compression screws commonly used for fracture fixation. Materials and Methods We analyzed computed tomography (CT) scans of the index, long, ring, and small metacarpal bones and measured the metacarpal length, distance from the isthmus to the metacarpal head, and intramedullary diameter of the isthmus. Metacarpals with previous fractures or hardware were excluded. We compared these dimensions with the size of several commercially available headless screws used for intramedullary fixation. Results A total of 223 metacarpals from 57 patients were analyzed. The index metacarpal was the longest, averaging 67.6 mm in length. The mean distance from the most distal aspect of the metacarpal head to the isthmus was 40.3, 39.5, 34.4, and 31 mm for the index, long, ring, and small metacarpals, respectively. The narrowest diameter of the isthmus was a mean of 2.6, 2.7, 2.3, and 3 mm for the index, long, ring, and small metacarpals, respectively. Of 33 commercially available screws, only 27% percent reached the isthmus of the index metacarpal followed by 42, 48, and 58% in the long, ring, and small metacarpals, respectively. Conclusion The index and long metacarpals are at a particular risk of screw mismatch given their relatively long lengths and narrow isthmus diameters.


Urolithiasis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Kingma ◽  
M. J. H. Voskamp ◽  
B. H. J. Doornweerd ◽  
I. J. de Jong ◽  
S. Roemeling

AbstractCone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides multiplanar cross-sectional imaging and three-dimensional reconstructions and can be used intraoperatively in a hybrid operating room. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using a CBCT-scanner for detecting residual stones during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Intraoperative CBCT-scans were made during PCNL procedures from November 2018 until March 2019 in a university hospital. At the point where the urologist would have otherwise ended the procedure, a CBCT-scan was made to image any residual fragments that could not be detected by either nephroscopy or conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. Residual fragments that were visualized on the CBCT-scan were attempted to be extracted additionally. To evaluate the effect of this additional extraction, each CBCT-scan was compared with a regular follow-up CT-scan that was made 4 weeks postoperatively. A total of 19 procedures were analyzed in this study. The mean duration of performing the CBCT-scan, including preparation and interpretation, was 8 min. Additional stone extraction, if applicable, had a mean duration of 11 min. The mean effective dose per CBCT-scan was 7.25 mSv. Additional extraction of residual fragments as imaged on the CBCT-scan occurred in nine procedures (47%). Of the follow-up CT-scans, 63% showed a stone-free status as compared to 47% of the intraoperative CBCT-scans. We conclude that the use of CBCT for the detection of residual stones in PCNL is meaningful, safe, and feasible.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1818.1-1818
Author(s):  
J. Razanamahery ◽  
S. Humbert ◽  
A. Malakhia ◽  
J. F. Emile ◽  
F. Cohen ◽  
...  

Background:Sclerosing Mesenteritis (SM) refers to an entire spectrum of digestive inflammatory disorders. Diagnosis is based on imaging showing an increase of fat attenuation displacing bowel loops and is in most cases non-symptomatic. Several conditions (abdominal trauma/surgery, neoplasia, infectious and inflammatory diseases) are responsible for SM (1). Among neoplasia, Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare clonal histiocytosis characterized by long bone involvement, peri-nephric fat infiltration and cardio-vascular involvement associated with compatible histology (2). Biopsy is mandatory to confirm tissue infiltration by histiocytes and detect somatic mutation. Almost 80% of ECDpatients harbor mutation in mitogen activated protein(MAP) kinase pathway especiallyBRAFV600Egene mutation in about 60% of cases(3). No series of patients presenting both pathologies has been reported. Furthermore, no correlation withBRAFmutation status has been described in patient harboring SM and ECD.Objectives:To describe the clinical, radiological and mutational status of patients harboring SM and ECD.Methods:We reviewed the database of patients with histiocytic disorders in Besancon University Hospital. Patient required one abdominal computed tomography showing sclerosing mesenteritis and clinical/histological features of ECD to fulfill the inclusion criteria. All biopsy samples were investigated for mutation ofMAPkinase pathway gene.Results:Four patients suffered from SM and ECD. The median age at the diagnosis of ECD was 68 years old (61-72). All patients described abdominal pain and the mean duration between first symptoms and diagnosis of ECD was 12 months (4-19). The mean CRP level at diagnosis was 40.75 mg/L (5-117). Two patients were found to have myeloid neoplasms (chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (#2) and essential thrombocythemia (#4)) concurrent with ECD diagnosis.Regarding abdominal computed tomography, all patients had a mesenteric mass associated with hyper-attenuated mesenteric fat and a “fat halo sign”. One patient (#2) had ascites and one had splenomegaly (#4) but no patient had enlarged lymph nodes. CT also demonstrated peri-nephric fat infiltration (“hairy kidney”) (4/4), vascular sheathing of aortic branches (3/4), adrenal hypertrophy (1/4) or ureter dilation (1/4). The mean SUVmaxof the mesentery was 7.5 (4.1-10.9) at diagnosis on (18F)- fluorodeoxyglucose-PET. Three patients underwent mesentery fat biopsy and all samples exhibited ECD histology. Regarding mutational status, 75% (3/4) patients hadBRAFV600Emutation.After initiation of therapies for ECD (targeted therapies for ¾ patients), all patients had improvement of digestive symptoms and decreased of SUVmaxon evaluation18FDG-PET during the follow up.Conclusion:ECD should be investigated in patient with symptomatic SM especially if it is associated with peri-nephric fat infiltration. This condition is rare and might be driven by BRAF gene.TABLE 2.Full term pregnancyMultiple gestationPreconception CZP exposureLabor complicationsMaternal infectionsNeonatal infections (< 6 m after birth)Congenital malformationsBreast-feedingNeonates, n/N15/152/155/150/151/150/150/156/15References:[1]Danford CJ, Lin SC, Wolf JL. Sclerosing Mesenteritis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 Jun;114(6):867–73.[2]Diamond EL, Dagna L, Hyman DM, Cavalli G, Janku F, Estrada-Veras J, et al. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and clinical management of Erdheim-Chester disease. Blood. 2014 Jul 24;124(4):483–92.[3]Haroche J, Cohen-Aubart F, Rollins BJ, Donadieu J, Charlotte F, Idbaih A, et al. Histiocytoses: emerging neoplasia behind inflammation. Lancet Oncol. 2017 Feb;18(2):e113–25.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596711879074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Spang ◽  
Daniel B. Haber ◽  
Brendin R. Beaulieu-Jones ◽  
Kristen L. Stupay ◽  
George Sanchez ◽  
...  

Background: Jones fractures result in subsequent dysfunction and remain an issue for athletes. Purpose: To (1) describe the epidemiology, treatment, and impact of Jones fractures identified at the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine on players’ early careers and (2) establish the value of computed tomography (CT) to determine bony healing after a fracture in prospective players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All players who attended the combine between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed to identify their history of Jones fractures. The playing position, treatment method, and number of missed collegiate games were recorded. The mean overall draft pick number, number of games started and played, snap percentage, and position-specific performance scores (fantasy score) over the first 2 years in the NFL were compared between players with fractures and controls. An imaging classification system was applied based on grading of each quadrant of the fifth metatarsal (plantar, dorsal, medial, lateral), with a score of 0 for not healed or 1 for healed. Results: Overall, the number of Jones fractures identified was 72 in 2285 athletes (3.2%), with all treated via intramedullary screw fixation. The mean overall draft pick number for players with fractures was 111.2 ± 67.9 compared with 99.0 ± 65.9 for controls ( P = .12). Performance scores for players with fractures were lower than those for controls across all positions, with a significant difference in running backs (2.6 vs 4.0, respectively; P < .001) and defensive linemen (1.4 vs 2.3, respectively; P = .02). The mean CT score was 2.5 ± 1.3. Of the 32 athletes who underwent imaging, 16 Jones fractures (50.0%) were healed or nearly healed, 12 (37.5%) were partially healed, and 4 (12.5%) showed little or no healing. The plantar cortex demonstrated the least healing (18/32; 56.3%), followed by the lateral cortex (15/32; 46.9%). Players with a mean score <1 were found to have fewer games started (2.7 ± 2.5) than those with 1 to 3 cortices healed (17.4 ± 10.4) or all cortices healed (8.7 ± 11.2). Conclusion: Based on CT, 50% of all players with a previous Jones fracture demonstrated incomplete healing. Moreover, position-specific performance scores over the first 2 years of a player’s career were lower across all positions for those with fractures compared with controls. Players with CT scores <1 were found to start fewer games and were drafted later than controls.


Author(s):  
Kelly Cline ◽  
Holly Zullo ◽  
David A Huckaby

Abstract Common student errors and misconceptions can be addressed through the method of classroom voting, in which the instructor presents a multiple-choice question to the class, and after a few minutes for consideration and small-group discussion, each student votes on the correct answer, using a clicker or a phone. If a large number of students have voted for one particular incorrect answer, the instructor can recognize and address the issue. In order to identify multiple-choice questions that are especially effective at provoking common errors and misconceptions, we recorded the percentages of students voting for each option on each question used in 25 sections of integral calculus, taught by 7 instructors, at 4 institutions, over the course of 12 years, on a collection of 172 questions. We restricted our analysis to the 115 questions which were voted on by at least 5 different classes. We present the six questions that caused the largest percentages of students to vote for a particular incorrect answer, discuss how we used these questions in the classroom, and examine the common features of these questions. Further, we look for correlations between question characteristics and the mean percentage of students voting for common errors on these questions, and we find that questions based on general cases have higher percentages of students voting for common errors.


2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110063
Author(s):  
Okan Dilek ◽  
Emin Demirel ◽  
Hüseyin Akkaya ◽  
Mehmet Cenk Belibagli ◽  
Gokhan Soker ◽  
...  

Background Computed tomography (CT) gives an idea about the prognosis in patients with COVID-19 lung infiltration. Purpose To evaluate the success rates of various scoring methods utilized in order to predict survival periods, on the basis of the imaging findings of COVID-19. Another purpose, on the other hand, was to evaluate the agreements among the evaluating radiologists. Material and Methods A total of 100 cases of known COVID-19 pneumonia, of which 50 were deceased and 50 were living, were included in the study. Pre-existing scoring systems, which were the Total Severity Score (TSS), Chest Computed Tomography Severity Score (CT-SS), and Total CT Score, were utilized, together with the Early Decision Severity Score (ED-SS), which was developed by our team, to evaluate the initial lung CT scans of the patients obtained at their initial admission to the hospital. The scans were evaluated retrospectively by two radiologists. Area under the curve (AUC) values were acquired for each scoring system, according to their performances in predicting survival times. Results The mean age of the patients was 61 ± 14.85 years (age range = 18–87 years). There was no difference in co-morbidities between the living and deceased patients. The survival predicted AUC values of ED-SS, CT-SS, TSS, and Total CT Score systems were 0.876, 0.823, 0.753, and 0.744, respectively. Conclusion Algorithms based on lung infiltration patterns of COVID-19 may be utilized for both survival prediction and therapy planning.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. López-Jarana ◽  
C. M. Díaz-Castro ◽  
A. Falcão ◽  
C. Falcão ◽  
J. V. Ríos-Santos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to measure two parameters involved in tri-dimensional implant planning: the position of the buccal and palatal bone wall and the palatal thickness. Methods Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (Planmeca ProMax 3D) of 403 teeth (208 upper teeth and 195 lower teeth) were obtained from 49 patients referred to the Dental School of Seville from January to December 2014. The height difference between the palatal and buccal walls was measured on the most coronal point of both walls. The thickness of the palatal wall was measured 2 mm from the most coronal point of the palatal wall. Results The mean values in the maxilla were 1.7 ± 0.9 mm for central and lateral incisors, 2.2 ± 1.7 mm for canines, 1.6 ± 0.9 mm for premolars and 1.9 ± 1.5 mm for molars. In the lower jaw, the mean values were 1.3 ± 0.8 mm for incisors, 1.7 ± 1.2 mm for canines, 2.3 ± 1.3 mm for premolars, and 2.6 ± 1.7 mm for molars. In the upper jaw, more than 55% of maxillary teeth (excluding second premolars and molars) presented mean height differences greater than 1 mm. In the mandible, more than 60% of incisors showed a buccal bone thickness of 1 mm from the apical to lingual aspect. All teeth except the second premolar presented a buccal wall located more than 1 mm more apically than the lingual bone wall. Conclusions The buccal bone wall is located more apically (greater than 1 mm) than the palatal or lingual table in most of the cases assessed. The thickness of the palatal or lingual table is also less than 2 mm in the maxilla and mandible, except in the upper canines and premolars and the lower molars.


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