Academic Neuroradiology: 2023 Update on Turn-Around Time, Financial Recruitment and Retention Strategies.

The ASNR Neuroradiology Division Chief Working Group's 2023 survey, with responses from 62 division chiefs, provides insights into turn-around times, faculty recruitment, moonlighting opportunities, and academic funds.In emergency cases, 61% aim for a turn-around time of less than 45-60 minutes, with two-thirds meeting this expectation more than 75% of the time. For inpatient CT and MRI scans, 54% achieve a turn-around time of 4-8 hours, with three quarters meeting this expectation at least 50% of the time. Outpatient scans have an expected turn-around time of 24-48 hours, which is met in 50% of cases.Faculty recruitment strategies included 35% offering sign-on bonuses, with a median of $30,000. Additionally, 23% provided bonuses to fellows during fellowship to retain them in the practice upon completion of their fellowship. Internal moonlighting opportunities for faculty were offered by 70% of divisions, with a median pay of $250 per hour.The median annual academic fund for a full-time neuroradiology faculty member was $6,000, typically excluding license fees but including ACR and ABR membership, leaving $4,000 for professional expenses.This survey calls for further dialogue on adapting and innovating academic institutions to meet evolving needs in neuroradiology.

Impact of Deep Learning Image Reconstruction Methods on MRI Throughput.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of implementing two distinct commercially available deep learning reconstruction (DLR) algorithms on the efficiency of MRI examinations conducted in real clinical practice within an outpatient setting at a large, multicenter institution. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 7346 examinations from 10 clinical MRI scanners analyzed during the pre- and postimplementation periods of DLR methods. Two different types of DLR methods, namely Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-based and k-space-based methods, were implemented in half of the scanners (three DICOM-based and two k-space-based), while the remaining five scanners had no DLR method implemented. Scan and room times of each examination type during the pre- and postimplementation periods were compared among the different DLR methods using the Wilcoxon test. Results The application of deep learning methods resulted in significant reductions in scan and room times for certain examination types. The DICOM-based method demonstrated up to a 53% reduction in scan times and a 41% reduction in room times for various study types. The k-space-based method demonstrated up to a 27% reduction in scan times but did not significantly reduce room times. Conclusion DLR methods were associated with reductions in scan and room times in a clinical setting, though the effects were heterogeneous depending on examination type. Thus, potential adopters should carefully evaluate their case mix to determine the impact of integrating these tools. Keywords: Deep Learning MRI Reconstruction, Reconstruction Algorithms, DICOM-based Reconstruction, k-Space-based Reconstruction © RSNA, 2024 See also the commentary by GharehMohammadi in this issue.

Automated assessment of ischemic core on non-contrast computed tomography: a multicenter comparative analysis with CT perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Application of machine learning (ML) algorithms has shown promising results in estimating ischemic core volumes using non-contrast CT (NCCT). OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of the e-Stroke Suite software (Brainomix) in assessing ischemic core volumes on NCCT compared with CT perfusion (CTP) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions who underwent pretreatment NCCT and CTP, successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerbral Infarction ≥2b), and post-treatment MRI, were included from three stroke centers. Automated calculation of ischemic core volumes was obtained on NCCT scans using ML algorithm deployed by e-Stroke Suite and from CTP using Olea software (Olea Medical). Comparative analysis was performed between estimated core volumes on NCCT and CTP and against MRI calculated final infarct volume (FIV). RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were included. Estimated ischemic core volumes (mean±SD, mL) were 20.4±19.0 on NCCT and 19.9±18.6 on CTP, not significantly different (P=0.82). There was moderate (r=0.40) and significant (P<0.001) correlation between estimated core on NCCT and CTP. The mean difference between FIV and estimated core volume on NCCT and CTP was 29.9±34.6 mL and 29.6±35.0 mL, respectively (P=0.94). Correlations between FIV and estimated core volume were similar for NCCT (r=0.30, P=0.001) and CTP (r=0.36, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results show that ML-based estimated ischemic core volumes on NCCT are comparable to those obtained from concurrent CTP in magnitude and in degree of correlation with MR-assessed FIV.

Impact of COVID-19 social distancing regulations on outpatient diagnostic imaging volumes and no-show rates.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted outpatient radiology practices, necessitating change in practice infrastructure and workflow. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the consequences of social distancing regulations on 1) outpatient imaging volume and 2) no-show rates per imaging modality. METHODS: Volume and no-show rates of a large, multicenter metropolitan healthcare system outpatient practice were retrospectively stratified by modality including radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasonography, PET, DEXA, and mammography from January 2 to July 21, 2020. Trends were assessed relative to timepoints of significant state and local social distancing regulatory changes. RESULTS: The decline in imaging volume and rise in no-show rates was first noted on March 10, 2020 following the declaration of a state of emergency in New York State (NYS). Total outpatient imaging volume declined 85% from baseline over the following 5 days. Decreases varied by modality: 88% for radiography, 75% for CT, 73% for MR, 61% for PET, 80% for ultrasonography, 90% for DEXA, and 85% for mammography. Imaging volume and no-show rate recovery preceded the mask mandate of April 15, 2020, and further trended along with New York City's reopening phases. No-show rates recovered within 2 months of the height of the pandemic, however, outpatient imaging volume has yet to recover to baseline after 3 months. CONCLUSION: The total outpatient imaging volume declined alongside an increase in the no-show rate following the declaration of a state of emergency in NYS. No-show rates recovered within 2 months of the height of the pandemic with imaging volume yet to recover after 3 months. CLINICAL IMPACT: Understanding the impact of social distancing regulations on outpatient imaging volume and no-show rates can potentially aid other outpatient radiology practices and healthcare systems in anticipating upcoming changes as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

Sources of Revenue Loss and Recovery in Radiology Practices During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to quantify the financial impact of COVID-19 on radiology departments, and to describe the structure of both volume and revenue recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiology studies from a large academic health system were retrospectively studied from the first 33 weeks of 2020. Volume and work relative value unit (wRVU) data were aggregated on a weekly basis for three periods: Presurge (weeks 1-9), surge (10-19), and recovery (20-33), and analyzed compared to the pre-COVID baseline stratified by modality, specialty, patient service location, and facility type. Mean and median wRVU per study were used as a surrogate for case complexity. RESULTS: During the pandemic surge, case volumes fell 57%, while wRVUs fell by 69% relative to the pre-COVID-19 baseline. Mean wRVU per study was 1.13 in the presurge period, 1.03 during the surge, and 1.19 in the recovery. Categories with the greatest mean complexity declines were radiography (-14.7%), cardiothoracic imaging (-16.2%), and community hospitals overall (-15.9%). Breast imaging (+6.5%), interventional (+5.5%), and outpatient (+12.1%) complexity increased. During the recovery, significant increases in complexity were seen in cardiothoracic (0.46 to 0.49), abdominal (1.80 to 1.91), and neuroradiology (2.46 to 2.56) at stand-alone outpatient centers with similar changes at community hospitals. At academic hospitals, only breast imaging complexity remained elevated (1.32 from 1.17) during the recovery. CONCLUSION: Reliance on volume alone underestimates the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as there was a disproportionate loss in high-RVU studies. However, increased complexity of outpatient cases has stabilized overall losses during the recovery.

Deep Learning Automates Measurement of Spinopelvic Parameters on Lateral Lumbar Radiographs.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional database study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop an algorithm for the automated measurement of spinopelvic parameters on lateral lumbar radiographs with comparable accuracy to surgeons. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Sagittal alignment measurements are important for the evaluation of spinal disorders. Manual measurement methods are time-consuming and subject to rater-dependent error. Thus, a need exists to develop automated methods for obtaining sagittal measurements. Previous studies of automated measurement have been limited in accuracy, inapplicable to common plain films, or unable to measure pelvic parameters. METHODS: Images from 816 patients receiving lateral lumbar radiographs were collected sequentially and used to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) segmentation algorithm. A total of 653 (80%) of these radiographs were used to train and validate the CNN. This CNN was combined with a computer vision algorithm to create a pipeline for the fully automated measurement of spinopelvic parameters from lateral lumbar radiographs. The remaining 163 (20%) of radiographs were used to test this pipeline. Forty radiographs were selected from the test set and manually measured by three surgeons for comparison. RESULTS: The CNN achieved an area under the receiver-operating curve of 0.956. Algorithm measurements of L1-S1 cobb angle, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope were not significantly different from surgeon measurement. In comparison to criterion standard measurement, the algorithm performed with a similar mean absolute difference to spine surgeons for L1-S1 Cobb angle (4.30°â€Š±â€Š4.14° vs. 4.99°â€Š±â€Š5.34°), pelvic tilt (2.14°â€Š±â€Š6.29° vs. 1.58°â€Š±â€Š5.97°), pelvic incidence (4.56°â€Š±â€Š5.40° vs. 3.74°â€Š±â€Š2.89°), and sacral slope (4.76°â€Š±â€Š6.93° vs. 4.75°â€Š±â€Š5.71°). CONCLUSION: This algorithm measures spinopelvic parameters on lateral lumbar radiographs with comparable accuracy to surgeons. The algorithm could be used to streamline clinical workflow or perform large scale studies of spinopelvic parameters.Level of Evidence: 3.

Neurovascular complications that can be seen in COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a clinical manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Hypercoagulable state has been described as one of the hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and has been reported to manifest as pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis of the abdominal small vessels. Here we present cases of arterial and venous thrombosis pertaining to the head and neck in COVID-19 patients.

Infundibulum at the origin of an accessory middle cerebral artery.

We present a case of an infundibular dilation at the origin of an accessory middle cerebral artery emanating from the distal A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery. There was also partial vessel wall enhancement along this infundibulum. To our knowledge, this is the first case report with such findings.

Multidisciplinary management of metastatic spine disease: initial symptom-directed management.

In the past 2 decades, a deeper understanding of the cancer molecular signature has resulted in longer longevity of cancer patients, hence a greater population, who potentially can develop metastatic disease. Spine metastases (SM) occur in up to 70% of cancer patients. Familiarizing ourselves with the key aspects of initial symptom-directed management is important to provide SM patients with the best patient-specific options. We will review key components of initial symptoms assessment such as pain, neurological symptoms, and spine stability. Radiographic evaluation of SM and its role in management will be reviewed. Nonsurgical treatment options are also presented and discussed, including percutaneous procedures, radiation, radiosurgery, and spine stereotactic body radiotherapy. The efforts of a multidisciplinary team will continue to ensure the best patient care as the landscape of cancer is constantly changing.

Spine Oncology: Imaging and Intervention.

Osseous metastases are the most common spine tumor and increasingly prevalent as advances in cancer treatments allow patients to live longer with their disease. Evidence-based algorithms derive the majority of their data from imaging studies and reports; the radiologist should understand the most current treatments and report in the language of the treatment team for efficient and effective communication and patient care. Advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI are increasingly used for diagnosis and problem solving. Radiologists have a growing role in treatment of patients with metastatic disease, performing cement augmentation and tumor ablation.

Estimation of Ischemic Core Volume Using Computed Tomographic Perfusion.

Background and Purpose- Estimation of infarction based on computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) has been challenging, mainly because of noise associated with CTP data. The Bayesian method is a robust probabilistic method that minimizes effects of oscillation, tracer delay, and noise during residue function estimation compared with other deconvolution methods. This study compares CTP-estimated ischemic core volume calculated by the Bayesian method and by the commonly used block-circulant singular value deconvolution technique. Methods- Patients were included if they had (1) anterior circulation ischemic stroke, (2) baseline CTP, (3) successful recanalization defined by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥IIb, and (4) minimum infarction volume of >5 mL on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CTP data were processed with circulant singular value deconvolution and Bayesian methods. Two established CTP methods for estimation of ischemic core volume were applied: cerebral blood flow (CBF) method (relative CBF, <30% within the region of delay >2 seconds) and cerebral blood volume method (<2 mL per 100 g within the region of relative mean transit time >145%). Final infarct volume was determined on MRI (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images). CTP and MRI-derived ischemic core volumes were compared by univariate and Bland-Altman analysis. Results- Among 35 patients included, the mean/median (mL) difference for CTP-estimated ischemic core volume against MRI was -4/-7 for Bayesian CBF ( P=0.770), 20/12 for Bayesian cerebral blood volume ( P=0.041), 21/10 for circulant singular value deconvolution CBF ( P=0.006), and 35/18 for circulant singular value deconvolution cerebral blood volume ( P<0.001). Among all methods, Bayesian CBF provided the narrowest limits of agreement (-28 to 19 mL) in comparison with MRI. Conclusions- Despite existing variabilities between CTP postprocessing methods, Bayesian postprocessing increases accuracy and limits variability in CTP estimation of ischemic core.

Interval Change in Diffusion and Perfusion MRI Parameters for the Assessment of Pseudoprogression in Cerebral Metastases Treated With Stereotactic Radiation.

OBJECTIVE: Apparent increases in the size of cerebral metastases after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be caused by pseudoprogression or true disease progression, which poses a diagnostic challenge at conventional MRI. The purpose of this study was to assess whether interval change in DWI and perfusion MRI parameters can differentiate pseudoprogression from progressive disease after treatment with SRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with apparent growth of cerebral metastases after SRS treatment who underwent pre- and post-SRS DWI, dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-MRI, and perfusion dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI were retrospectively evaluated. Final assignment of pseudoprogression or progressive disease was determined at 6-month follow-up imaging using the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases criteria. Mean values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), DCE-MRI-derived volume transfer constant (Ktrans), and DSC-MRI-derived relative cerebral blood volume (CBV) from pre- and post-SRS MRI scans were compared between groups using univariate and regression analysis. Fisher exact test was used to compare interval change of imaging biomarkers. RESULTS: Of 102 cerebral metastases evaluated, 32 lesions in 29 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.2 months (range, 6-14 months). Twenty-two lesions were determined as pseudoprogression, and 10 lesions were determined as progressive disease using the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases criteria at 6-month follow-up MRI. The interval change pattern of our imaging parameters matched the expected patterns of treatment response for ADC (23/32 lesions; 72%; p = 0.055; odds ratio, 5.1), Ktrans (24/32 lesions; 75%; p = 0.006; odds ratio, 19.2), and relative CBV (27/32 lesions; 84%; p = 0.001; odds ratio, 25.3). CONCLUSION: Pseudoprogression can be distinguished from disease progression in cerebral metastases treated with SRS via an interval decrease in relative CBV and Ktrans values.

Neuroimaging in Central Nervous System Infections.

Radiologic imaging is often employed to supplement clinical evaluation in cases of suspected central nervous system (CNS) infection. While computed tomography (CT) is superior for evaluating osseous integrity, demineralization, and erosive changes and may be more readily available at many institutions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significantly greater sensitivity for evaluating the cerebral parenchyma, cord, and marrow for early changes that have not yet reached the threshold for CT detection. For these reasons, MRI is generally superior to CT for characterizing bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections of the CNS. The typical imaging features of common and uncommon CNS infectious processes are reviewed.

Contrast-Enhanced Dixon Fat-Water Separation Imaging of the Spine: Added Value of Fat, In-Phase and Opposed-Phase Imaging in Marrow Lesion Detection.

OBJECTIVE: Beyond fat suppression (FS), the efficacy of (fat-water separation or Dixon [FWD]) Dixon imaging in gadolinium-enhanced spine imaging has yet to be validated. This study evaluated enhanced opposed-phase (OP) and fat-only (FO) images along with water-only (WO; FS) images against traditional unenhanced techniques and rated the incremental value of in-phase imaging in patients with presumed neoplastic focal spine lesions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 36 subjects with focal spine lesions imaged with FWD was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS: Enhanced OP, WO, and FO images were of significant value in detection of osseous lesions, surpassing the lesion conspicuity with conventional techniques both qualitatively and quantitatively, although the impact of in-phase imaging was limited. Water-only imaging performed well for FS. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced FO, WO, and OP outperform traditional techniques, providing reliable lesion characterization and highest conspicuity. In-phase imaging offered limited impact on the subjective assessment of enhancement. The added value and robustness of FWD, particularly the unique contrast provided by FO imaging, suggests consideration for routine use for postgadolinium spine imaging.

Tissue-Negative Transient Ischemic Attack: Is There a Role for Perfusion MRI?

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 60% of patients with a clinical transient ischemic attack (TIA) do not have DWI evidence of cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to assess the added diagnostic value of perfusion MRI in the evaluation of patients with TIA who have normal DWI findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inclusion criteria for this retrospective study were clinical presentation of TIA at admission with a discharge diagnosis of TIA confirmed by a stroke neurologist, MRI including both DWI and perfusion-weighted imaging within 48 hours of symptom onset, and no DWI lesion. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and time to maximum of the residue function (Tmax) maps were evaluated independently by two observers. Multivariate analysis was used to assess perfusion findings; clinical variables; age, blood pressure, clinical symptoms, diabetes (ABCD2) score; duration of TIA; and time between MRI and onset and resolution of symptoms. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (33 women, 19 men; age range, 20-95 years) met the inclusion criteria. A regional perfusion abnormality was identified on either Tmax or CBF maps of 12 of 52 (23%) patients. Seven (58%) of the patients with perfusion abnormalities had hypoperfused lesions best detected on Tmax maps; the other five had hyperperfusion best detected on CBF maps. In 11 of 12 (92%) patients with abnormal perfusion MRI findings, the regional perfusion deficit correlated with the initial neurologic deficits. Multivariable analysis revealed no significant difference in demographics, ABCD2 scores, or presentation characteristics between patients with and those without perfusion abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Perfusion MRI that includes Tmax and CBF parametric maps adds diagnostic value by depicting regions with delayed perfusion or postischemic hyperperfusion in approximately one-fourth of TIA patients who have normal DWI findings.

CT of Anatomic Variants of the Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity: Poor Correlation With Radiologically Significant Rhinosinusitis but Importance in Surgical Planning.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of sinonasal anatomic variants and to assess their relation to sinonasal mucosal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 192 sinus CT examinations of patients with a clinical history of rhinosinusitis was conducted. The CT scans were evaluated for the presence of several anatomic variants of the sinonasal cavities, and the prevalence of each variant was calculated. Prevalences of all sinonasal anatomic variants were compared between patients who had minimal to no apparent imaging evidence of rhinosinusitis and those who had radiologic evidence of clinically significant rhinosinusitis. RESULTS: The most common normal variants were nasal septal deviation, Agger nasi cells, and extension of the sphenoid sinuses into the posterior nasal septum. We found no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of any of the studied anatomic variants between patients with minimal and those with clinically significant paranasal sinus or nasal cavity disease. CONCLUSION: Analysis of every routine CT scan of the paranasal sinuses obtained for sinusitis or rhinitis for the presence of different anatomic variants is of questionable value unless surgery is planned.

An update to the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification of intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization.

BACKGROUND: The Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) is the standard for evaluating coiled aneurysms (Class I: complete obliteration; Class II: residual neck; Class III: residual aneurysm), but not all Class III aneurysms behave the same over time. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 370 patients with 390 intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization. A Modified Raymond-Roy Classification (MRRC), in which Class IIIa designates contrast within the coil interstices and Class IIIb contrast along the aneurysm wall, was applied retrospectively. RESULTS: Class IIIa aneurysms were more likely to improve to Class I or II than Class IIIb aneurysms (83.34% vs 14.89%, p<0.001) and were also more likely than Class II to improve to Class I (52.78% vs 16.90%, p<0.001). Class IIIb aneurysms were more likely to remain incompletely occluded than Class IIIa aneurysms (85.11% vs 16.67%, p<0.001). Class IIIb aneurysms were larger with wider necks while Class IIIa aneurysms had higher packing density. Class IIIb aneurysms had a higher retreatment rate (33.87% vs 6.54%, p<0.001) and a trend toward higher subsequent rupture rate (3.23% vs 0.00%, p=0.068). CONCLUSIONS: We propose the MRRC to further differentiate Class III aneurysms into those likely to progress to complete occlusion and those likely to remain incompletely occluded or to worsen. The MRRC has the potential to expand the definition of adequate coil embolization, possibly decrease procedural risk, and help endovascular neurosurgeons predict which patients need closer angiographic follow-up. These findings need to be validated in a prospective study with independent blinded angiographic grading.

Acute respiratory failure from Surgifoam expansion after anterior cervical surgery: case report.

A 65-year-old woman underwent an uneventful C3-4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for a large, symptomatic disc herniation. On postoperative Day 1 the patient suffered a sudden, acute respiratory compromise. Emergency fiberoptic intubation revealed significant anterior neck swelling with concern for physical obstruction of the airway. Computed tomography of the neck did not demonstrate an expanding hematoma. The patient was managed with surgical wound exploration and washout. Examination of the anterior neck after incision of the prior surgical site revealed a large volume of Surgifoam under high pressure, which was greater than the amount used during the initial surgery. Thorough washout of the surgical site did not reveal any swelling of the prevertebral soft tissues or hematoma, and the Hemovac drain did not appear to be occluded. The patient was extubated on the 2nd postoperative day and is symptom free 12 months after surgery. To the authors' knowledge, this report represents the first reported complication of acute respiratory failure from Surgifoam overexpansion after anterior cervical surgery.

Role of 3D CT in the evaluation of the temporal bone.

In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) multiplanar reformatted images from conventional cross-sectional computed tomographic (CT) data have been increasingly used to better demonstrate the anatomy and pathologic conditions of various organ systems. Three-dimensional volume-rendered (VR) CT images can aid in understanding the temporal bone, a region of complex anatomy containing multiple small structures within a relatively compact area, which makes evaluation of this region difficult. These images can be rotated in space and dissected in any plane, allowing assessment of the morphologic features of individual structures, including the small ossicles of the middle ear and the intricate components of the inner ear. The use of submillimeter two-dimensional reconstruction from CT data in addition to 3D reformation allows depiction of microanatomic structures such as the osseous spiral lamina and hamulus. Furthermore, 3D VR CT images can be used to evaluate various conditions of the temporal bone, including congenital malformations, vascular anomalies, inflammatory or neoplastic conditions, and trauma. The additional information provided by 3D reformatted images allows a better understanding of temporal bone anatomy and improves the ability to evaluate related disease, thereby helping to optimize surgical planning.