The Society for Pediatric Radiology Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees' consensus protocol recommendation for rapid MRI for evaluating suspected appendicitis in children.

The imaging evaluation of acute abdominal pain in children with suspected appendicitis has evolved to include rapid abdominopelvic MRI (rMRI) over recent years. Through a collaborative effort between the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), we conducted a survey on the utilization of rMRI to assess practice specifics and protocols. Subsequently, we present a proposed consensus rMRI protocol derived from the survey results, literature review, and discussion and consensus between committee members.

'It's a 24/7 Deal': Parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discuss natural supports.

BACKGROUND: Natural supports are widely used by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study adds to the literature by examining the role of parents as natural supporters, other members of the natural support network, challenges families face as they secure natural supports, and advice parents have for other families. METHOD: Twenty-three parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities were interviewed. Data was analyzed using a constant comparative approach. RESULTS: Family members and friends were key natural supporters. However, parents provided the bulk of support. A hesitation with asking others for support was a common barrier to building natural support networks. Parents encouraged others to connect with families with similar circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure proper care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must develop supports that meet family members' needs and identify ways to strengthen natural support networks.

Imaging Evaluation for Thoracic Spine Fractures in Pediatric Trauma Patients: A Single-Center Experience at an Academic Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Imaging workup for evaluating thoracic spine fracture (TSF) in pediatric blunt trauma is variable. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the number of TSFs missed by radiography and identified on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that required intervention or resulted in a change in management. METHODS: A retrospective review of children with TSFs was performed. Diagnostic images and reports for these patients were reviewed. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were extracted from institutional electronic medical records. Use of radiographs, CT, and MRI for evaluation of TSF was quantified. Incidence of TSFs was calculated and stratified by mechanism. The number of TSFs and complicating factors missed on radiography but identified on subsequent CT or MRI were quantified. RESULTS: Three thousand two hundred sixty-five trauma patients 18 years or younger were reviewed. Of these, 3.3% (90/3265) had TSFs (36 females, 54 males; mean age, 10.80 ± 4.4 years). The most common mechanism of injury was fall (43% [39/90]) followed by motor vehicle collisions (30% [27/90]). The most common fracture was simple compression fracture 64%, which occurred most frequently in the mid thoracic spine, followed by transverse process fractures 19% and spinous process fractures 7%. Almost half of all TSFs diagnosed on CT and/or MRI were missed on initial radiographs. While all fractures that required operative management were identified on radiographs, 13 of the 19 fractures that required nonoperative intervention were missed. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 50% of TSFs diagnosed on CT or MRI were not identified on preceding radiographs. This is similar to studies in adult populations that show poor sensitivity of radiographs.

The use of a pediatric appendicitis pathway in a large integrated health system reduced computed tomography imaging in the ED.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute surgical abdomen in children. Diagnosis is often challenging as few pediatric patients present with classic symptoms. Clinicians are thus dependent on imaging to reach an accurate diagnosis. Although computerized tomography (CT) has high sensitivity and specificity, it has the disadvantage of imparting ionizing radiation. Ultrasound (US) is readily available and has comparable accuracy to CT when performed by experienced sonographers. We sought to examine the impact of a system-wide process improvement plan on CT use and other metrics in pediatric patients who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with suspected appendicitis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the impact of a Pediatric Appendicitis Pathway (PAP) within a large integrated hospital system with 12 EDs including 3 designated hub EDs. Patients were placed in an initial risk category utilizing the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), and received US of the appendix at a hub ED if indicated by the PAS. Patients presenting to community EDs who required US appendix were transferred to hub EDs for imaging. Patients presenting in the 6-month pre-implementation period were compared to patients presenting in a 14-month post-implementation period on CT and US utilization, negative and missed appendectomy rates, and ED length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: 1874 patients (401 pre-PAP and 1473 post-PAP) were included in the study. At the hub EDs the rate of CT imaging for suspected appendicitis was reduced from 31% to 17% with a resultant increase in US utilization from 83% (333/401) to 90% (1331/1473) (p < 0.001). At community general EDs (404 pre-PAP and 449 post-PAP), the rate of CT was decreased from 45% (181/404) to 32%(144/449) (p < 0.001)) There was no significant change in the negative appendectomy rate pre-PAP (1/59 = 1.7%) and post-PAP (4/168 = 2.4%) (p = 0.99) at the hub EDs. There were no missed appendicitis cases after PAP implementation compared to 1 case in the pre-PAP period. Overall LOS was similar pre and post-PAP, however LOS was longer in patients that required transfer from community general EDs to hub EDs (median 264 vs 342 min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A PAP that stratified patients into risk groups using the PAS and encouraged the use of US as a first line imaging modality, reduced the number of CT performed in a large integrated health system without significant changes to clinical outcomes. Furthermore, transferring select patients for an US as opposed to obtaining an initial CT in community general EDs was feasible and reduced CT use in the pediatric population.

After-hours radiology coverage in children's hospitals: a multi-center survey.

BACKGROUND: Although the provision of pediatric emergency and trauma radiology has become increasingly prevalent in North America over the last few years, many hospitals differ in their models of providing after-hours coverage. OBJECTIVE: To describe the scope of after-hours radiology services provided in children's hospitals in North America, and the means by which different radiology departments deliver this coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Society for Pediatric Radiology Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committee developed a survey that we electronically distributed to a single representative from each of the 79 hospitals represented in the Society of Chiefs of Radiology at Children's Hospitals (SCORCH). RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were submitted between Aug. 2, 2017, and Sept. 29, 2017, by 44/79 (56%) SCORCH representatives. Contemporaneous after-hours interpretation of radiographs (81%), ultrasounds (81%), body CT (79%) and neurologic CT (75%) with preliminary or final reports was common. Coverage was accomplished most commonly by a combination of evening and overnight shifts 17/44 (39%). Eleven of 44 (25%) hospitals used a model in which radiologists rotate working blocks of overnight service followed by blocks off service. Only 2/44 (5%) hospitals exclusively provided pager coverage after hours. Attending pediatric radiologists were assigned to the majority of after-hours shifts 110/175 (63%), but radiology trainees provided interpretations independently for varying periods of time at 19/44 (43%) surveyed hospitals. Incentives to work after hours included the option to work remotely, as well as additional income, time off, and academic time. CONCLUSION: The model for delivering after-hours pediatric radiology coverage varies. Most hospitals, however, provide contemporaneous interpretations of radiographs, US, body CT and neurologic CT. Most institutions use evening shifts to extend coverage later, with many providing subsequent overnight coverage. Although most shifts are staffed by attending pediatric radiologists, radiology trainees commonly interpret studies independently for varying durations of time after hours.

CT and MRI findings in pancreatic trauma in children and correlation with outcome.

BACKGROUND: There are limited published data on pancreatic trauma imaging in children. OBJECTIVE: To present our experience using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of pancreatic trauma in children and to correlate the imaging grade of pancreatic injury with management and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children with pancreatic injury presenting between Jan. 1, 2000, and Dec. 31, 2016, was performed. Patient charts were reviewed to note demographics, the mechanism of injury, associated abdominal injuries, management and outcome. All imaging was rereviewed by two radiologists blinded to clinical and laboratory information, and pancreatic injuries were graded according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST). RESULTS: Of 3,265 patients presented as trauma team activations during the study period, only 28 (0.86%) children (19 boys, 9 girls; mean age: 7.14 years; age range: 1-15 years) had pancreatic injury. Of the available 27 CTs of the abdomen, 26 were performed on the day of trauma. Associated injuries were seen in 25/27 children, most frequently in the liver and lung, 16 (59.2%) each. There were 5 (19%) Grade I, 9 (33%) Grade II, 8 (30%) Grade III and 3 (11%) Grade IV. No patients had Grade V injury. No pancreatic parenchymal injury was identified in 2 (7%) patients with isolated fluid around the pancreas and mesentery. The pancreatic duct was visible in all 10 children (days: 0-330, median days: 41 post-trauma) who had MRI. Eight of these children, who had Grade III/IV injuries on CT and confirmed pancreatic duct injury on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgery, showed either signal intensity difference in pancreatic parenchyma and/or caliber difference in the pancreatic duct proximal and distal to the injury site. Two patients died because of multiorgan injuries, 9 patients (mainly with Grade III and IV injuries) underwent surgery and/or ERCP, and 16 patients were managed conservatively. AAST grading of pancreatic injury on CT correlated with type of management (P=0.0001) with most of the Grade III and IV injuries treated with intervention and/or surgery while all of the Grade I and II injuries were treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic injury is rare in children but often associated with other organ injuries most frequently involving the liver and lung. CT grading of injury correlates with management and guides intervention and/or surgery versus conservative treatment. MRI is useful for assessing pancreatic duct injury by demonstrating the pancreatic duct directly and/or secondary changes like signal intensity difference in pancreatic parenchyma and caliber difference in the pancreatic duct.

Análise dos efeitos dos exercícios aquáticos na qualidade de vida de indivíduos com doença venosa crônica / Analysis of the effects of aquatic exercise on the quality of life of people with chronic venous disease

CONTEXTO: O uso dos exercícios aquáticos se tornou uma modalidade terapêutica muito importante na doença venosa crônica (DVC). Tais exercícios têm sido apontados pela literatura como um mecanismo favorável ao retorno venoso, sendo importantes na reeducação vascular. Também contribuem para a diminuição da hipertensão venosa ocasionada pela doença, melhorando a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos acometidos. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os efeitos dos exercícios aquáticos na qualidade de vida de pacientes com DVC. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo-piloto, interventivo prospectivo longitudinal, composto por 16 indivíduos com DVC classificados de C1 a C5. Os participantes foram avaliados através de um formulário de coleta de dados e instruídos a responder dois questionários sobre qualidade de vida: SF-36 (Geral) e AVVQ-Brasil (específico para DVC), além da Escala Visual Analógica da dor (EVA). Em seguida, foram submetidos a 10 sessões de exercícios aquáticos, três vezes por semana, tendo respondido novamente aos questionários de qualidade de vida e EVA após o termino de todas as sessões. RESULTADOS: Os dados coletados foram tratados estatisticamente, com nível de significância de p < 0,05. Os pacientes apresentaram melhora na qualidade de vida medida pelo SF-36 nos domínios capacidade funcional, limitação e dor (p < 0,05). O nível de dor nos pacientes tratados reduziu segundo a EVA (p = 0,007). Em relação ao questionário AVVQ-Brasil, apenas o domínio Dor e Disfunção apresentou melhora significativa (p = 0,013). CONCLUSÃO: Os exercícios aquáticos foram capazes de melhorar aspectos da qualidade de vida e de reduzir a dor, demonstrando trazer benefícios para pacientes com DVC.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic exercises have become a very important therapeutic option for chronic venous disease (CVD). There is evidence in the literature showing that this type of exercise is a mechanism that improves venous return and is important in vascular reeducation. These exercises also help to reduce the venous hypertension caused by CVD, improving patients’ quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of aquatic exercises on the quality of life of patients with CVD. METHODS: This was a longitudinal, prospective, interventional pilot study conducted with 16 people with CVD classified from C1 to C5. Participants were assessed at baseline using a data collection form and administration of two quality of life questionnaires, the SF-36 (Generic) and the AVVQ-Brazil (CVD-specific), and an Analog Visual Pain Scale (AVPS). They then undertook a program of 10 sessions of aquatic exercises, three times per week. The quality of life questionnaires and the AVPS were administered once more after all sessions had been conducted. RESULTS: The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis to a significance level of p < 0.05. Patients exhibited improved quality of life as measured by the SF-36 in the domains Physical functioning, Physical role limitation and Pain (p < 0.05). The patient's pain levels reduced after treatment according to the AVPS (p = 0.007). Only scores for the Pain and dysfunction domain of the AVVQ-Brazil questionnaire exhibited significant improvement (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic exercises were capable of improving aspects of quality of life and of reducing pain, demonstrating that they benefit patients with CVD.

Whole-body MRI of juvenile spondyloarthritis: protocols and pictorial review of characteristic patterns.

Spondyloarthritides are a group of inflammatory rheumatological diseases that cause arthritis with a predilection for spinal or sacroiliac involvement in addition to a high association with HLA-B27. Juvenile spondyloarthritis is distinct from adult spondyloarthritis and manifests more frequently as peripheral arthritis and enthesitis. Consequently juvenile spondyloarthritis is often referred to as enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) subtype under the juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) classification criteria. The American College of Rheumatology Treatment Recommendations for JIA, including ERA, are based on the following clinical parameters: current treatment, disease activity and the presence of poor prognostic features. The MRI features of juvenile spondyloarthritis include marrow edema, peri-enthesal soft-tissue swelling and edema, synovitis and joint or bursal fluid. Marrow edema is nonspecific and can be seen with other pathologies as well as in healthy subjects, and this is an important pitfall to consider. With further longitudinal study and validation, however, whole-body MRI with dedicated images of the more commonly affected areas such as the spine, sacroiliac joints, hips, knees, ankles and feet can serve as a more objective tool compared to clinical exam for early detection and monitoring of disease activity and ultimately direct therapeutic management.

Segmental testicular infarction: sonographic findings and pathologic correlation.

Segmental testicular infarction can mimic testicular carcinoma on sonography and can lead to unnecessary orchiectomy. This case series describes and correlates sonographic and histologic findings of 7 pathologically proven segmental testicular infarction cases. Segmental testicular infarction should be suspected on sonography when a geographic lesion with low or mixed echogenicity has absent or near-absent flow in a patient with scrotal pain. A hyperechoic rim and peripheral hyperemia correspond to interstitial hemorrhage and inflammatory changes. As an infarct evolves, it becomes more discrete and hypoechoic as ghost outlines replace seminiferous tubules. Follow-up or contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or sonography can increase diagnostic confidence in suspected cases and prevent unnecessary orchiectomy.

Stability and Morphology of Gold Nanoisland Arrays Generated from Layer-by-Layer Assembled Nanoparticle Multilayer Films: Effects of Heating Temperature and Particle Size.

This article reports the effects of heating temperature and composition of nanoparticle multilayer films on the morphology, stability, and optical property of gold nanoisland films prepared by nanoparticle self-assembly/heating method. First, nanoparticle-polymer multilayer films are prepared by the layer-by-layer assembly. Nanoparticle multilayer films are then heated at temperature ranging from 500 °C to 625 °C in air to induce an evaporation of organic matters from the films. During the heating process, the nanoparticles on the solid surface undergo coalescence, resulting in the formation of nanostructured gold island arrays. Characterization of nanoisland films using atomic force microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy suggests that the morphology and stability of gold island films change when different heating temperatures are applied. Stable gold nanoisland thin film arrays can only be obtained after heat treatments at or above 575 °C. In addition, the results show that the use of nanoparticles with different sizes produces nanoisland films with different morphologies. Multilayer films containing smaller gold nanoparticles tend to produce more monodisperse and smaller island nanostructures. Other variables such as capping ligands around nanoparticles and molecular weight of polymer linkers are found to have only minimal effects on the structure of island films. The adsorption of streptavidin on the biotin-functionalized nanoisland films is studied for examining the biosensing capability of nanoisland arrays.

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma with metastatic encasement of the abdominal aorta.

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare but aggressive malignancy in children and adolescents. Prognosis is related to initial tumor resectability as well as staging of the disease based on tumor invasiveness, tumor bulk, nodal disease and metastases. We report the unusual presentation of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma with metastatic extension through the inguinal canal and encasement of the abdominal aorta. These features portend a poor prognosis given their association with a greater stage of disease and unresectable nature at presentation. Delayed surgical resection follows a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in such cases of extensive disease. Encasement of the abdominal aorta has been shown to increase presurgical risk for intraoperative vascular injury when related to other malignancies, but its role in relation to metastatic paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma has not been investigated. Also, rhabdomyosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnoses of tumors that demonstrate encasement of the abdominal aorta.

Extracorporeal life support for pandemic influenza: the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pandemic management.

The recent global threat of a severe pandemic influenza outbreak has suggested that extracorporeal life support will begin to play an evolving role in the care of critically ill influenza stricken patients. The highly communicable attributes of influenza could result in widespread infection and an associated increased need for advanced life support. Supply and demand equilibrium may be abruptly disrupted, and ethical decisions regarding the allocation of life saving resources will inevitably need to be made. Protocol oriented planning, research analysis, and advanced technologies are critical factors in averting catastrophe. This review article details the epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, and interventions for the influenza A virus, including H1N1.

Patient contact recall after SARS exposure.

We reinterviewed healthcare workers who had been exposed to a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in an intensive care unit to evaluate the effect of time on recall reliability and willingness to report contact activities and infection control precautions. Healthcare workers reliably recalled events 6 months after exposure.

Protective behavior survey, West Nile virus, British Columbia.

We investigated personal protective behaviors against West Nile virus infection. Barriers to adopting these behaviors were identified, including the perception that DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and related compounds) is a health and environmental hazard. Televised public health messages and knowing that family or friends practiced protective behaviors were important cues to action.