Scan With Me (SWiM): A train-the-trainer program to upskill MRI personnel in low- and middle- income countries.

PURPOSE: Access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) remains among the poorest in the world. The lack of skilled MRI personnel exacerbates access gaps, reinforcing longstanding health disparities. The SWiM Program aims to sustainably create a network of highly skilled MRI technologists in LMICs who will facilitate the transfer of MRI knowledge and skills to their peers and contribute to implementation of highly valuable imaging protocols for impactful clinical and research use. METHODS: The program introduces a case-based curriculum designed using a novel train-the-trainer approach, integrated with peer collaborative learning to upskill practicing MRI technologists in LMICs. The six-week curriculum uses the Teach-Try-Use approach, which combines self-paced didactic lectures covering the basics of MR image acquisition (teach) with hands-on expert-guided scanning experience (try), and implementation of protocols tailored to provide the best possible images on their infrastructures (use). Each program includes research translation skills training using an established advanced MRI technique relevant to LMICs. A pilot program focused on cardiac MRI (CMR) was conducted to assess the program's curriculum, delivery, and evaluation methods. RESULTS: Forty-three MRI technologists from 16 LMICs participated in the pilot CMR program and over the course of the training, implemented optimized CMR protocols that reduced acquisition times while improving image quality. The training resources and scanner-specific standardized protocols are published openly for public use on an online repository. In general, at the end of the program, learners reported considerable improvements in CMR knowledge and skills. All respondents to the program evaluation survey agreed to recommend the program to their colleagues, while 87% indicated interest in returning to help train others. DISCUSSION: The SWiM Program is the first masterclass in MRI acquisition for practicing imaging technologists in LMICS. The program holds the potential to help reduce disparities in MRI expertise and access. The support of the MRI community, imaging societies, and funding agencies will increase its reach and further its impact in democratizing MRI.

A case report of a young woman with pulmonary emboli and a right coronary artery-to-coronary sinus fistula.

Background: Coronary artery fistulae are rare cardiovascular anomalies that can present with atypical symptomatology and therefore pose diagnostic challenges, especially in young patients. Case summary: A 34-year-old woman presented with left-sided pleuritic chest pain, haemoptysis, and flu-like symptoms. Initial evaluation revealed multiple left-sided pulmonary emboli, and her transthoracic echocardiography showed turbulent flow in a dilated coronary sinus. A right coronary artery (RCA) to coronary sinus fistula was confirmed by computed tomography coronary angiogram. The patient was treated with lifelong anticoagulation, and a subsequent stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging did not show inducible myocardial ischaemia. As such, the patient was managed conservatively. Discussion: Utilization of multi-modality imaging is of utmost importance for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in coronary artery fistulae. In this case report, our patient presented with unprovoked pulmonary emboli, which could be caused by the turbulent flow and stasis, due to the RCA-to-coronary sinus fistula.

An Unusual and Rare Metachronous Ipsilateral Ureteric Stump Metastasis Post Radical Nephrectomy.

We report a case of recurrence of chromophobe renal cell cancer in the ipsilateral ureteric stump eight years later after the primary tumor was excised successfully. Before this detection of the recurrence, the patient had presented with recurrent episodes of hematuria four years after the radical nephrectomy was performed and the investigations were inconclusive. Eventually, the lesion was detected on flexible cystoscopy in the area of the right ureteric orifice protruding in the bladder. Transurethral resection of the tumor surprisingly revealed a chromophobe renal cancer with similar features seen in the primary tumor specimen. The patient underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision of the ureteric stump with a cuff of the bladder and has been recurrence-free for five years on regular surveillance scans.

Thinking beyond hernia: a review of non-hernia groin lumps.

With increasing reliance on imaging, a large number of patients presenting with a groin lump are being referred to radiology to confirm the diagnosis of hernia, usually with an ultrasound in the first instance (occasionally MRI or CT). However, when imaging of the groin was performed, we have encountered many different kinds of non-hernia lesions in our practice. Such lesions can be categorized based on their tissue of origin and pathology. A specific diagnosis can often be reached using ultrasonography, MRI or a combination of imaging modalities. This review article will help general, musculoskeletal and abdominal radiologists to understand the anatomy of the groin, diagnose and characterise soft tissue lesions that may present as a groin lump, provide guidance for further imaging and insight into imaging features which may need specific investigations like core biopsy, tertiary referral and review at multidisciplinary meetings.

Non-small cell lung carcinoma metastasis to the anus.

A 70-year-old man presenting with a lung mass was investigated and treated with pneumonectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung. He re-presented 3 months later with a large perianal abscess and mass. Subsequent investigations and biopsies showed disseminated metastases from the lung primary. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the nature of the anal metastasis from the lung adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer is notorious for metastases, hence it is important to be aware of the uncommon modes of spread, which will help obtain early diagnosis and optimise treatment.

Colorectal cancer mimics: a review of the usual suspects with pathology correlation.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Initial diagnosis of colorectal malignancy is generally made on colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or digital rectal examination; however, with increased use of CT as primary investigation in patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms, the diagnosis of colon cancer is often first apparent to a radiologist prior to more invasive tests. CT can demonstrate a discrete soft-tissue mass that narrows the colonic lumen or focal nodular wall thickening/stricture and a variety of pericolonic changes. Pattern of wall thickening has been described as an aid to differential diagnosis; however, significant overlap remains between primary colonic tumor and non-colonic tumors or benign conditions. Imaging is non-specific, and appropriate clinical history, direct inspection, histological analysis, and sometimes discussion at MDT are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. In this article, we will review the imaging features of some of these benign and malignant mimics of colorectal cancer, with accompanying histology slides where appropriate.