JOURNAL CLUB: Redefining the Radiology Curriculum in Medical School: Vertical Integration and Global Accessibility.

OBJECTIVE: Radiology interconnects medical disciplines given that a working understanding of imaging is essential to clinicians of every specialty. Using online education, we created a globally accessible, web-based undergraduate medical radiology curriculum modeled after the National Medical Student Curriculum in Radiology program of the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four radiology faculty-mentored video modules were produced, 50 of which were integrated into the 1st-year anatomy course. We administered tests to medical students before and after students saw the videos to assess the effectiveness of the modules. We surveyed students on their interests in pursuing radiology as a career before and after participating in this curriculum. RESULTS: On the preexamination questions, the mean score was 58.0%, which increased to 83.6% on the pair-matched imaging-related questions on the actual examination. Before participating in the new curriculum, 88% of students did not express an interest in radiology, and 9% were undecided about radiology as a future career. There was an increase in students who reported that they would definitely or most likely pursue a career in radiology (7%) after they had viewed the lectures. CONCLUSION: Radiology education is now available to a greater number of multidisciplinary learners worldwide. This project produced a comprehensive, globally accessible radiology curriculum in a self-paced, flexible learning format for new generations of physicians.

Learner Improvement From a Simulation-Enhanced Ultrasonography Curriculum for First-Year Medical Students.

OBJECTIVES: We describe a simulation-enhanced ultrasonography (US) curriculum for first-year medical students as part of a comprehensive curricular integration of US skills. Our goal was to assess student knowledge and performance of US and determine their satisfaction with the integrated curriculum. METHODS: A committee of basic science, clinical, and interinstitutional faculty developed 7 educational US modules integrated into existing anatomy and physiology courses. First-year students in years 2012 through 2014 were administered a demographic survey and a knowledge-based pretest at the outset of the US program and assessed with a posttest, satisfaction survey, and their image acquisition abilities in an objective structured clinical examination with standardized patients on completion of the program. RESULTS: Data from 390 students showed a significant increase in knowledge from the pretest to the posttest [t(389) = 58.027; P < .0001]. Students with higher spatial abilities or some previous US experience performed better on the posttest. The objective structured clinical examination results showed that about 83% of the students were able to capture acceptable or marginally acceptable images. Ninety-five percent of students indicated that the US educational experience enhanced their medical education. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results show that we were able to successfully develop, implement, and evaluate performance of first-year medical students on their fundamental knowledge and performance of basic US using a model that emphasized hands-on simulation-enhanced training. Furthermore, most students found the experience to be a beneficial component of their education and indicated a desire for more US training in the medical curricula.

Emergency imaging discrepancy rates at a level 1 trauma center: identifying the most common on-call resident "misses".

The focus of our research is to identify the most frequently reported on-call discrepancies at our hospital by modality and level of resident training. Our intent is to identify specific areas of concern that may be amenable to improvement through initiation of dedicated resident training in the field of emergency radiology. Our study included 648 significant discrepancies from 193,722 studies ordered through the emergency department over a 7-year period. The overall discrepancy rates were calculated for each resident level of training and modality type. Significance was determined using χ2 testing with α = 0.05. The most common types of discrepancies were identified. The overall rate of reported discrepancies was low for all levels of training (0.23-0.42 %) with a small, but statistically significant, decrease in rate for the senior residents. Common categories of discrepancies for all residents included fractures on radiographs (XR) and computed tomography (CT), masses and hemorrhage on CT, and lung nodules and pulmonary infiltrates on radiographs. Specific discrepancies reported more frequently for new call-takers included phalangeal fractures on XR as well as white matter disease, hepatic lacerations, pyelonephritis, peritoneal fluid, lymphadenopathy, and pneumothoraces on CT. It is our recommendation that radiology resident training programs ensure that the common discrepancies illustrated herein are specifically addressed as part of a dedicated emergency radiology course.

Evaluation of a point-of-care ultrasound curriculum and ocular phantom in residency training.

Specialized training in ocular ultrasound is not a focus for most emergency medicine residencies, despite the fact that it allows physicians to quickly and accurately identify ocular pathology and prioritize emergency ophthalmological consultations. Therefore, we tested the value of utilizing normal and pathologic ocular ultrasound phantoms as a training tool for residents. Twenty emergency medicine residents were given a pre-test including written and practical skills diagnosis of ocular phantom pathologies, a short video on common ocular pathologies, practice time with the phantoms and a post-test including written and scanning components. Residents were then asked to complete an overall evaluation of the learning activity. After didactic and hands-on training with phantoms, residents demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge, skills and preparedness for diagnosing real patients with ocular pathologies. Overall, the phantoms allowed residents an unrestricted opportunity to practice and refine their technique. This study provided a framework for teaching emergency medicine residents the basics of ocular US through a brief didactic and practical intervention using novel ocular pathology US phantoms. Our curriculum resulted in both objective and subjective improvement in residents' performance and understanding of ocular US.

Multifocal epithelioid hemangioma of the metacarpal bones: A case report.

Epithelioid hemangioma of bone is a rare, locally aggressive but benign vascular tumor that is now recognized as a distinct entity from other vascular neoplasms. It is often difficult to distinguish on imaging studies from other vascular tumors, including epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. We present the characteristic features and multimodality imaging findings in the case of a 24-year-old female with multifocal epithelioid hemangioma of the first and second metacarpal bones with extension into the surrounding soft tissue.

Perforated small bowel GIST in an immunocompromised male.

Gastrointestinal (GI) stromal tumor is a relatively rare tumor of the GI tract, with estimated prevalence of 2%, which arises from the interstitial cells of Cajal. Common presentations range from asymptomatic to abdominal pain, bloating, GI bleeding, and anemia. Less-common signs include obstruction and peritonitis. In this case, a young immunocompromised patient experienced a changing symptomatic spectrum with an enlarging abdominal mass, which ultimately perforated, leading to acute peritonitis.

Migration of innumerable chronically retained acupuncture needles.

We present a case of a 50-year-old female with a 2-day history of back and abdominal pain who was discovered to have innumerable chronically retained acupuncture needles, which had migrated throughout her abdomen and pelvis. Although many of these needles were in precarious positions, including the epidural space, renal parenchyma, small bowel, and vasculature, there was no evidence for acute injury. We also briefly discuss evidence for the magnetic resonance imaging compatibility of acupuncture needles. Although a rare complication, given the high frequency of acupuncture therapy in the United States, physicians must be aware of the potential for retained and migrated needles.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction: does CT angiography allow better selection of therapeutic modalities and better patient outcome?

PURPOSE: To determine whether preoperative helical CT angiography (CTA) with three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed images improves outcome in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) by identifying crossing vessels that may lead to surgical failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with UPJO underwent imaging with CTA to identify crossing vessels. Patients with crossing vessels or severe hydronephrosis underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. In the absence of crossing vessels, and with >25% renal function on MAG-3 scan, the patient underwent an endopyelotomy. Procedures were assessed as successful by resolution of patient symptoms as well as relief of obstruction on renal scintography. RESULTS: Twenty-seven procedures (14 laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties [9 in the setting of a crossing vessel], 11 ureteroscopic endopyelotomies, and two antegrade endopyelotomy procedures) were performed. Follow-up ranged from 2.4 to 40 months (mean 21.6 months). Twenty-three of the primary procedures (92.0%) were successful. Primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty was successful in 100% of patients, while primary endopyelotomy had a success rate of 83.3%. Both secondary procedures were successful rendering the patients unobstructed and pain free. No complications occurred. The sensitivity and specificity of CTA in determining crossing vessels was 78% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Helical CT angiography with 3D reconstructed images provides valuable preoperative information in patients with UPJO scheduled for surgical intervention. This study may be used in selecting patients for proper operative intervention according to the anatomy of crossing vessels to attain high treatment success rates.

Retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma with osteosarcomatous dedifferentiation.

We present a case of a dedifferentiated liposarcoma with osteosarcomatous degeneration in a 46-year-old male. The mass, palpated during a routine physical exam, was analyzed with dynamic, contrast-enhanced CT and CT-guided core-needle biopsy before surgical resection.

Renal functional outcomes after cryoablation of small renal masses.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal function outcomes after renal cryosurgery have not been widely scrutinized. We report 2-year renal function outcomes from a single-center cohort of patients who were treated with cryoablation for small renal masses. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our laparoscopic and percutaneous renal cryoablation experience between January 2003 and April 2007. Global renal function was assessed using measured serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (MDRD equation). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as a serum creatinine level >2.0 mg/dL or eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up was 30 months (range 13-63 mos). Mean tumor size was 2.33 cm (range 1-4.6 cm). Comorbid conditions were prevalent: 77% hypertension, 35% hyperlipidemia, 31% diabetes mellitus, 39% tobacco use, and 32% heart disease (coronary artery disease/congestive heart failure). Based on eGFR calculations, preoperative CKD was noted in 17 of 62 (27%) patients. De novo CKD was noted in 5 of 45 (11%) patients. Patients in whom de novo CKD developed had lower pretreatment eGFR (71.0 vs 98.4 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = 0.03) and larger tumor size (2.94 vs 2.19 cm, P = 0.04) compared with patients who were maintaining normal renal function. When CKD was defined as creatinine level >2.0 mg/dL, only one and six patients were identified with preoperative and de novo CKD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of renal cryosurgery patients who were characterized by highly prevalent medical comorbidities, renal function was generally well maintained, with a low rate of de novo CKD based on eGFR calculations. A serum creatinine level >2.0 mg/dL was a less sensitive measure of CKD.

Single center experience with percutaneous and laparoscopic cryoablation of small renal masses.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While partial nephrectomy remains the gold standard for the management of most small renal masses, increasing experience with renal cryoablation has suggested a viable alternative with a favorable morbidity profile and good efficacy. We report intermediate-term oncologic outcomes from a single-center experience with laparoscopic and percutaneous renal cryoablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our laparoscopic renal cryoablation (LRC) and percutaneous renal cryoablation (PRC) experience between January 2003 and April 2007. Patients with at least 12 months of follow-up were included in the analysis. Follow-up consisted of imaging and laboratory studies at regular intervals. Persistent mass enhancement or interval tumor growth was considered a treatment failure. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (44% women/56% men; 42% African-American/58% Caucasian/other; mean body mass index, 29.7) with 72 tumors underwent either LRC (n = 52) or PRC (n = 20) with a mean follow-up of 30 months (median 25.1 mos; range 13-63 mos). Average patient age was 66.5 years (range 34-82 yrs). Mean tumor size was 2.33 cm (range 1-4.6 cm). Comorbid conditions were prevalent: 76% hypertension, 36% hyperlipidemia, 24% chronic kidney disease, 29% diabetes mellitus, 36% tobacco use, and 32% heart disease. RESULTS of pretreatment biopsy were 62% renal-cell carcinoma and 38% benign or nondiagnostic. Overall cancer-specific and cancer-free survival were 100% and 97%, respectively. There were two treatment failures (3.8%) in the LRC group and five primary failures in the PRC group (25%) (P = 0.015), four of which were salvaged with repeated PRC with no evidence of recurrence at 6 to 36 months of follow-up. There has been no significant local or metastatic progression. CONCLUSIONS: LRC and PRC achieved good oncologic control with minimal morbidity at a mean follow-up of 30 months in a patient cohort characterized by numerous comorbid conditions. PRC had a significantly higher primary treatment failure rate than LRC, but re-treatment offered salvage oncologic control with no significant complications.