Can smoking cause impotence? a radiological retrospective cohort study comparing internal pudendal artery calcification on CT in male smokers versus non-smokers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the degree of pelvic inflow and internal pudendal artery (IPA) calcification in male smokers versus non-smokers. As erectile dysfunction (ED) is strongly associated with IPA vascular, we wanted to investigate radiologically if there was a statistically significant difference in the degree of IPA calcification in smokers and potentially be a contributing factor in the cause of ED. METHODS: CT studies of 100 men aged between 40 and 60 years of age were blindly reviewed and assigned a calcium score of their vascular calcification levels. We compared scores of 50 smokers versus 50 non-smokers. The Mann Whitney U test statistic was used to test for a statistical difference in calcification score between the smoking and non-smoking groups. RESULTS: Results show a statistically significant association between smoking and pelvic inflow and IPA calcification. The Mann Whitney U test demonstrated a statistically significant higher calcium score in the smoking group (mean = 4.8, SD 3.7), versus the non-smoking group, (mean = 1.8, SD 1.9) (U = 701.5, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This research is the first of its kind based on an extensive literature review. The association between vascular calcification and smoking is well established, in addition to the direct relationship of IPA calcification and ED. This unique study has demonstrated an increased rate of IPA calcification in smokers with a potential inferred association with ED. Findings represent a novel and useful deterrent for health authorities to include in anti-smoking campaigns.

Safely increasing nephro-ureteric stent exchange intervals, resulting in significant cost savings for the interventional radiology suite, a 2-year experience in a tertiary referral centre.

AIM: To evaluate the nephro-ureteric stent (NUS) insertion and exchange practice in a tertiary referral cancer centre, and determine the safety and compliance with current guidelines. We also reviewed if increasing exchange time interval from 6 to 12 weeks was safe, and if this could be adopted into our local guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed covering 24 months from January 2017 to December 2018. All NUS insertions and exchanges performed in that period were analysed, including the number of exchanges the patient underwent, the time between subsequent exchanges, and the screening time. We also reviewed the indications for stent insertion, possible causes for failed stent exchange, and factors which led to significant delays in stent exchanges for some patients. A scatterplot of screening time versus time in situ was derived and correlation analysis performed using the Pearson coefficient. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent de novo NUS insertion during the period, and 102 NUS exchanges were performed. The interval between stent exchanges ranged from 1 to 40 weeks, with a mean of 12.3 weeks (SD = 8.96 weeks). Screening time ranged from 33 s to 17 min, with a mean of 3 min 50 s (SD = 3 min 35 s). There were 100 successful exchanges, and two failed exchanges, accounting for 1.9% of total exchanges. In both failed cases, the reason for failed exchange was due to a prolonged period between exchanges (6 months in both cases). The reason for delay for stent exchange was due to non-attendance for scheduled appointments. There was a weakly positive correlation coefficient of 0.06 (screening time versus time period between insertions); however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.81). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective review, we have demonstrated that the recommended 6-week period between stent exchanges is unnecessary in the vast majority of cases, and that a longer interval between NUS exchanges, e.g. 8-12 weeks, is safe for the patient, and reduces screening time. This reduction in procedures also provides a significant potential saving to the radiology department in both monetary expense and limited angiography suite time.

CT-determined sarcopenia as a predictor of post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy.

PURPOSE: Emergency laparotomy has a high reported thirty-day mortality, ranging from 11 to 15%. Current peri-operative risk assessment tools may poorly estimate the risk of perioperative mortality. We sought to determine if CT-determined sarcopenia may be a useful predictor of post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive adult patients who underwent an emergency laparotomy at our institution was performed. Post-operative mortality (90-day mortality), admission to HDU or ICU and APACHE-II scores were recorded for these patients. Sarcopenia was calculated by determining psoas area and density at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. The lowest quartile was determined to be sarcopenic. Univariate statistical analysis investigated associations between sarcopenia and these outcome measures. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included in the study following application of exclusion criteria. Thirty-eight were male. The 90-day mortality rate was 11%. Compared to their non-sarcopenic counterparts, sarcopenic patients were significantly more likely to have died by 90 days post-operatively (χ2 = 9.51, p = 0.002) and to require admission to either the HDU or ICU in the post-operative period (χ2 = 10.62, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CT determined sarcopenia is significantly associated with 90-day mortality and post-operative admission to HDU or ICU in patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy. The future development of a validated scoring tool incorporating sarcopenia could help to better select out those patients who will require higher levels of post-operative care as well as identifying those for whom surgery may not confer a survival benefit and be deemed futile.

The impact of the introduction of artificial intelligence in radiology and its potential legal implications in the UK and Ireland.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been defined as a branch of computer science dealing with the capability and simulation of a machine to imitate intelligent human behaviour. Diagnostic radiology, being a computer-based service, is unsurprisingly at the forefront of the discussion of the use of AI in medicine. There are however differing schools of thought regarding its use; namely, will AI eventually replace the radiologist? Or indeed will it ever be fully capable of replacing radiology as a speciality, but rather be used as an aid to the profession whereby a human's input will always be required? Furthermore, what will the legal implications of AI in radiology mean to the profession? Who will be liable for missed diagnoses? Is it possible that the introduction of AI to radiology will in fact make the profession busier?

Quantification of the impact of interventional radiology in the management of acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Interventional radiology plays a central role in the management of complicated acute pancreatitis, contributing to image-guided drainages, treating haemorrhagic complications and maintaining the patency of the biliary tree. In addition, many of these patients require long-term venous access for antibiotics or parenteral feeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and level of involvement of the interventional radiology in this sub-group of patients. METHODS: This was a single-centre retrospective review of all admissions for acute pancreatitis over a 5-year period. Each case was assessed to determine whether radiological intervention was utilised. RESULTS: Our review included 401 patients. A total of 18.7% (75/401) of patients required vascular access procedures and 18.4% (74/401) required image-guided drainage. A total of 1.2% (2/401) patients had embolisation procedures performed. The embolisation procedures were performed to treat a pseudoaneurysm that had formed. Overall, 20.9% (84/401) of patients were referred to the interventional radiology department for a procedure; a majority of these patients were referred for multiple procedures over the course of their admission. The patients in the 'severe pancreatitis' category had a total of 154 procedures performed, which was 65.5% of the total procedures. On average, the patients who underwent multiple interventional procedures tended to have a longer admission and more complex disease. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of complicated acute pancreatitis is heavily dependent on the interventional radiology department. A substantial proportion of patients with pancreatitis required radiological intervention as part of their management, the proportion of which increased significantly in complex disease.

Combined Vertebral Augmentation and Radiofrequency Ablation in the Management of Spinal Metastases: an Update.

OPINION STATEMENT: Spinal metastases are the most commonly encountered tumour of the spine, occurring in up to 40% of patients with cancer. Each year, approximately 5% of cancer patients will develop spinal metastases. This number is expected to increase as the life expectancy of cancer patients increases. Patients with spinal metastases experience severe and frequently debilitating pain, which often decreases their remaining quality of life. With a median survival of less than 1 year, the goals of treatment in spinal metastases are reducing pain, improving or maintaining level of function and providing mechanical stability. Currently, conventional treatment strategies involve a combination of analgesics, bisphosphonates, radiotherapy and/or relatively extensive surgery. Despite these measures, pain management in patients with spinal metastases is often suboptimal. In the last two decades, minimally invasive percutaneous interventional radiology techniques such as vertebral augmentation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have shown progressive success in reducing pain and improving function in many patients with symptomatic spinal metastases. Both vertebral augmentation and RFA are increasingly being recognised as excellent alternative to medical and surgical management in carefully selected patients with spinal metastases, namely those with severe refractory pain limiting daily activities and stable pathological vertebral compression fractures. In addition, for more complicated lesions such as spinal metastasis with soft tissue extension, combined treatments such as vertebral augmentation in conjunction with RFA may be helpful. While combined RFA and vertebral augmentation have theoretical benefits, comparative trials have not been performed to establish superiority of combined therapy. We believe that a multidisciplinary approach as well as careful pre-procedure evaluation and imaging will be necessary for effective and safe management of spinal metastases. RFA and vertebral augmentation should be considered during early stages of the disease so as to maintain the remaining quality of life in this patient population group.

Risk Stratification in Multinodular Goiter: A Retrospective Review of Sonographic Features, Histopathological Results, and Cancer Risk.

PURPOSE: In the management of thyroid nodules, although the potential for malignancy exists, there is also the potential for overtreatment of subclinical disease. Although the TI-RADS (Thyroid Imaging-Reporting and Data System) system outlines a risk stratification score based on suspicious ultrasound findings, it has not been universally accepted. Many TI-RADS 2 or 3 patients proceed to fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), potentially unnecessarily. The aim of the study was to identify whether lesions within a multinodular goiter (MNG) without suspicious features can be followed with ultrasound rather than biopsied as is recommended for single nodules. METHODS: Pathology records were retrospectively analysed for proven MNGs over a 5-year period. A total of 293 cases were identified. FNAB, prebiopsy ultrasound images, and reports were identified for each case. Images were reviewed and assessed for sonographically suspicious criteria guided by TI-RADS. Logistic regression was applied to determine if any sonographic features were associated with neoplasia. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Of 293 samples, 14 (4.7%) were neoplastic. Having no suspicious features conferred an average risk of 0.0339 (95% confidence interval: 0.02831-0.04087) of neoplasia. Risk of neoplasm significantly increased by having 1 and >1 suspicious feature (P < .001). Regarding cytological results, of 237 patients with Thy-2 cytology, 159 were followed up and 8 had a neoplasm. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can be used to estimate risk of neoplasia in MNG. In the absence of suspicious radiological findings, follow-up with ultrasound rather than FNAB may be appropriate in patients who have a low clinical suspicion for neoplasia.

The Management of the Symptomatic Patient With a Metal-on-Metal Hip Prosthesis.

Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants have gained popularity due to their greater stability and reduction in implant failure compare to metal-on-polyethylene prostheses. However, as well as carrying general risks of hip implantation, risks specifically associated with MoM implants have been well documented in recent years. Conditions such as pseudotumours or aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesions are specific to MoM hip implants. In this review we discuss the typical patient presentation, the investigations that should be performed, the typical findings on various imaging modalities, and the treatment options of symptomatic patients with MoM hip arthroplasties.

Imaging the Patient With Sacroiliac Pain.

Sacroiliac (SI) region pain is a common clinical presentation and is often due to pathology involving the SI joints, usually of inflammatory, infective, neoplastic, or post-traumatic etiology. The SI joints have a unique anatomic layout and composition and can be imaged with a variety of techniques including conventional radiographs, computed tomography, isotope bone scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging. This article reviews a range of common SI joint conditions, illustrated by multimodality imaging findings. We also discuss strategies for choosing the optimal imaging modality, pearls, and pitfalls of imaging and discuss an algorithm for approaching the patient with suspected inflammatory back pain.

Does obesity preclude lumbar puncture with a standard spinal needle? The use of computed tomography to measure the skin to lumbar subarachnoid space distance in the general hospital population.

OBJECTIVES: Failed lumbar puncture (LP) is a common indication for referral for radiologically guided LP. This study aims to evaluate what percentage of the hospital population would fail an LP using a standard 9-cm needle because of obesity and a skin to subarachnoid space distance greater than 9 cm. METHODS: Images of 402 consecutive patients undergoing computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis were reviewed. Skin to subarachnoid space distance was calculated using sagittal images. A survey was conducted among junior hospital doctors to assess their experience of performing lumbar puncture in obese patients. RESULTS: Four hundred patients were included. Fifty-five patients (13.8 %) had a skin to subarachnoid space distance greater than 9 cm. Intra-abdominal fat, subcutaneous fat and abdominal girth correlated with distance between the skin and subarachnoid space. Among junior doctors, 68.3 % (n = 41) reported LP failure on an obese patient; 78.4 % (n = 47) were unaware of the existence of a longer needle and 13.3 % (n = 8) had experience using a longer needle. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of the hospital population will fail LP with a standard length spinal needle. Selecting a longer needle may be sufficient to successfully complete LP in obese patients. KEY POINTS: • Lumbar puncture failure commonly leads to referral for an image-guided procedure • Standard lumbar puncture may fail in 13.8 % of patients due to obesity • 78.4 % of trainee doctors are unaware of the existence of longer spinal-needles • Using longer spinal needles may allow successful LP in obese patients.

Incidental cardiac findings on thoracic imaging.

The cardiac structures are well seen on nongated thoracic computed tomography studies in the investigation and follow-up of cardiopulmonary disease. A wide variety of findings can be incidentally picked up on careful evaluation of the pericardium, cardiac chambers, valves, and great vessels. Some of these findings may represent benign variants, whereas others may have more profound clinical importance. Furthermore, the expansion of interventional and surgical practice has led to the development and placement of new cardiac stents, implantable pacemaker devices, and prosthetic valves with which the practicing radiologist should be familiar. We present a collection of common incidental cardiac findings that can be readily identified on thoracic computed tomography studies and briefly discuss their clinical relevance.

Correlation between subcutaneous knee fat thickness and chondromalacia patellae on magnetic resonance imaging of the knee.

PURPOSE: Chondromalacia patellae is a common cause of anterior knee pain in young patients and can be detected noninvasively with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the correlation between subcutaneous fat thickness around the knee joint on axial MRIs as a surrogate marker of obesity, with the presence or absence of chondromalacia patellae. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of knee MRIs in 170 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Imaging was performed over a 12-month period on a 1.5T MRI system with a dedicated extremity coil. Two radiologists experienced in musculoskeletal imaging assessed each examination in consensus for the presence or absence of chondromalacia patellae and graded positive studies from 0 (absent) to 3 (full cartilage thickness defect). Measurement of subcutaneous knee fat thickness was obtained on the medial aspect of the knee. RESULTS: MRI findings of chondromalacia patellae were present in 33 patients (19.4%), of which, there were 11 grade 1 lesions (33.3%), 9 grade 2 lesions (27.3%), and 13 grade 3 lesions (39.4%). The mean subcutaneous knee fat thickness was significantly higher in the chondromalacia patellae group for all grades compared with the normal group (P < .001), and there was a significant correlation between subcutaneous knee fat thickness and grades of chondromalacia patellae (R = 0.48 [95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.68]; P < .001). Female patients had thicker subcutaneous knee fat and more severe grades of chondromalacia patellae. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous knee fat thickness as a surrogate marker of obesity was positively associated with the presence and severity of chondromalacia patellae on MRI.