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Background Nowadays, radiology is considered one of the most important disciplines of medicine as it guides physicians to reach the proper diagnosis by using many types of medical imaging modalities, such as x-ray radiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These modalities are used to create dynamic images of different parts of the human body, which are being used to accurately diagnose and follow up on a variety of medical conditions. Moreover, in recent decades, radiology has experienced substantial growth and transformation, establishing itself not just in diagnostics but also in the domain of medical interventions, which includes the increasingly recognized discipline of interventional radiology. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) in Makkah from October 2022 to April 2023. The population size of medical students from the fourth to sixth year at Umm Al-Qura University is about 820 students. Results The total number of participants was 359, but two did not fill out properly. Hence, data was analyzed for (n=357), whereas more than half of them were female, 195 (54.6%). About 133 (37%) of the students were in their sixth year, while 106 (29%) were in their fourth year. Regarding their grade point average (GPA), 209 (58%) had >3.5, and 119 (33%) had 3.0-3.5. The maximum number of females 77 (57.9%) students were in the sixth year. Regarding knowledge, 291 (81.5%) had heard about interventional radiology before, while 66 (18.5%) had never heard about interventional radiology before. Moreover, 270 (75.6%) believe that the years in radiology residency are the same as other specialties. Regarding perceived knowledge about radiology, 183 (51.3%) said it is adequate. Conclusion This study showed that medical students at Umm Al-Qura University have a positive attitude towards radiology. However, the majority of the students do not have adequate knowledge regarding radiology as well as radiation hazards. We can improve this by increasing radiology experience in our institutions. Also, courses should be designed and incorporated into the curriculum to increase the knowledge of medical students about ionizing radiation.
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Background While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most efficient diagnostic methods used today, some patients may find an MRI examination to be a frightening experience. The proximity to the machine during screening and being in a confined space can cause a feeling of claustrophobia. Severe anxiety during MRI screening can cause the patient to move, which lowers the quality of the imaging and diagnostic test, and can result in the early termination of the MRI examination and the patient declining further testing. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate MRI examination-associated anxiety among Saudi Arabia's general population in the western region of the country. Methods Altogether, 465 participants who had undergone an MRI examination in the western region of Saudi Arabia were recruited for this cross-sectional study. We used the Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire (MRI-AQ) to collect data. Results Regarding anxiety symptoms, 82.8% of the participants believed that they had control over the event, 80.2% were concerned beforehand, 74% required more specific information, just 48% had difficulty breathing, and 51% were panicked. On the other hand, 57.4% felt safe, 56.8% were calm, and 49.2% were relaxed. The majority of the participants (55.9%, 260) reported moderate MRI-related anxiety. Conclusion More than half of our respondents had mild to moderate MRI-related anxiety. The majority needed more detailed information, panicked, and had breathing problems. Statistically, females showed a significantly higher level of anxiety compared with male participants.
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The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdomen. It then bifurcates giving the two common iliac arteries. Knowing the normal abdominal aorta diameter is a basis for diagnosing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and subsequently developing an optimal management plan. In order to diagnose AAA, one must have a reference for the normal abdominal aortic diameter that represents the anatomical variation in the population being studied. The aim of this research is to establish normal abdominal aortic diameters in the Saudi population.
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Anemia affects approximately a quarter of the global population, and improved detection may reduce the associated morbidity and mortality. This study investigated correlations between the results of laboratory hematological determinations of hemoglobin levels and attenuation values measured in the lumina of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) via unenhanced computed tomography (CT) with the aim of expanding diagnostic options for anemia. The data of 423 patients who underwent abdominal unenhanced CT examinations and laboratory examinations at a tertiary hospital were retrospectively evaluated. CT data were collected using a standard abdominal protocol without contrast. The 151 patients who met the inclusion criteria were categorized by hemoglobin values as follows: <8 (severe anemia), 8-10.9 (moderate anemia), 10.9-12 (mild anemia in females), 10.9-13 (mild anemia in males), and >13 g/dL (non-anemic). The mean CT attenuation values in the aorta and IVC were 37.7 and 36.1 Hounsfield units (HU), respectively. A regression analysis performed to evaluate the correlation and predictability of hemoglobin-based aortic and IVC density yielded a coefficient of determination, R2: 0.42 (F ratio: 149.23, p < 0.0001). The highest contribution in the dependent variable (hemoglobin) was reported to IVC density, showing a significant positive correlation between hemoglobin and IVC density. Our study results demonstrate significant correlations between the densities of the aorta, IVC, and hemoglobin value. Accordingly, radiologists and clinicians can use these readily available values to facilitate diagnosis and patient care.
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OBJECTIVES: Crohn's disease (CD) is a condition that can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, although usually forms in the colon and terminal ileum. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a beneficial modality in the evaluation of small bowel activity. This study reports on a systematic review and meta-analysis of magnetic resonance enterography for the prediction of CD activity and evaluation of outcomes and possible complications. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 25 low-risk studies on established CD were selected, based on a QUADAS-II score of ≥ 9. RESULTS: A sensitivity of 90% was revealed in a pooled analysis of the 19 studies, with heterogeneity of χ2 = 81.83 and I2 of 80.3%. Also, a specificity of 89% was calculated, with heterogeneity of χ2 = 65.12 and I2 of 70.0%. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that MRI provides an effective alternative to CT enterography in the detection of small bowel activity in CD patients under supervision of radiologist for assessment of disease activity and its complications. Its advantages include the avoidance of radiation exposure and good diagnostic accuracy.
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Objectives Gonadal vein thrombosis is an uncommon but serious condition that can be fatal if it goes unnoticed. Up to 80% of cases occur in patients after delivery, hysterectomy, or lymphadenectomy for gynecological neoplasms. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of gonadal vein thrombosis using computed tomography (CT) imaging at our center and to describe associated risk factors. Methods A retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected for all patients diagnosed with incidental gonadal-vein-thrombosis using contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis between January 2005 and December 2017. We included all patients with incidental findings of gonadal vein thrombosis and excluded those with incomplete data. Results In total, 58/68,268 (0.08%) patients were included. Fifty-seven patients were females, and only one was male. The mean age (years) of the patients was 50.0±15.0 (range 4-87). Thirty-four patients (59%) had right gonadal vein thrombosis, 20 (34%) had thrombosis on the left side, and four (7%) had bilateral thrombosis. Nineteen patients (33%) had undergone pelvic surgery previously. Forty-four patients (76%) had a malignancy at the time of diagnosis. Forty-two patients (72%) were treated with anticoagulants after the diagnosis. Conclusion Gonadal vein thrombosis is a rare clinical entity with vague clinical presentation. The incidence in the oncology population is similar to the reported incidence in the obstetric population. Initiation of anticoagulation therapy is important to treat this condition and limit complications.
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Pancreatoblastoma (PB), also known as infantile pancreatic carcinoma, is an exceedingly rare pancreatic tumor in childhood, which is considered a malignant exocrine pancreatic tumor. Some cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia. Although PB primarily presents during childhood, it may occur in adults too. PB tends to be less hostile in infants and children when compared to adults. Histologically, PB is characterized by distinguished acinar and squamoid cell differentiation. Most of these tumors develop in the head of the pancreas and increase alpha-fetoprotein in up to 68% of patients. Ultrasound and CT scan play a significant role in preoperative diagnosis, which is often quite difficult. The best treatment is surgical removal of the pancreas. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy is still under consideration due to a minor number of patients treated. Chemotherapy regimens consisting of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin have been used in the neoadjuvant setting with anecdotal benefit. It was found that a poorer prognosis was associated with patients who had metastasis, and patients who could not be operated on surgically.
