Structured coaching as a means to improve sonographic visualization of the appendix: a quality improvement initiative.

PURPOSE: Ultrasound of the right lower quadrant for appendicitis requires specific training and practice. Improved visualization of the appendix can result in decreased utilization of computed tomography. Increasing the sensitivity of ultrasound for appendicitis thus decreases radiation exposure, reduces cost, and improves the patient healthcare experience in accordance with the three principles of the triple aim designated by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a structured training program supplemented by technologist feedback on sonographic visualization of the appendix in a large pediatric health system. METHODS: The baseline ultrasound visualization frequency was computed for 20 ultrasound technologists in a large pediatric health system. Following this, technologists were informed of their individual and relative performance. Those with visualization frequencies less than 75% were provided structured training by a designated sonographer with an appendix visualization frequency above 75% while those with greater than 75% visualization continued to be monitored and informed of their monthly frequency. Following this structured training, appendix visualization frequencies were monitored over the next 5 months. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of sonographer career experience on the baseline appendix visualization frequency. Fourteen of 20 technologists demonstrated improved visualization frequencies post-intervention. The composite visualization frequency among these 20 technologists improved from 66.55 to 69.14%. This resulted in a potential savings of 38 CT scans during the post-intervention period. CONCLUSION: An appendix visualization rate monitoring program coupled with structured training was successful in improving the appendix visualization rate throughout a large pediatric health system. This program demonstrates the positive effect that monitoring and targeted intervention can have on a quality improvement program. The program continues to be carried out as part of a plan-study-do-act cycle.

Radiologists' Diagnostic Performance in Differentiation of Rickets and Classic Metaphyseal Lesions on Radiographs: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND. Despite evidence supporting the specificity of classic metaphyseal lesions (CML) for the diagnosis of child abuse, some medicolegal practitioners claim that CML result from rickets rather than trauma. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiologists' diagnostic performance in differentiating rickets and CML on radiographs. METHODS. This retrospective seven-center study included children younger than 2 years who underwent knee radiography from January 2007 to December 2018 and who had either rickets (25-hydroxyvitamin D level < 20 ng/mL and abnormal knee radiographs) or knee CML and a diagnosis of child abuse from a child abuse pediatrician. Additional injuries were identified through medical record review. Radiographs were cropped and zoomed to present similar depictions of the knee. Eight radiologists independently interpreted radiographs for diagnoses of rickets or CML, rated confidence levels, and recorded associated radiographic signs. RESULTS. Seventy children (27 girls, 43 boys) had rickets; 77 children (37 girls, 40 boys) had CML. Children with CML were younger than those with rickets (mean, 3.7 vs 14.2 months, p < .001; 89.6% vs 5.7% younger than 6 months; 3.9% vs 65.7% older than 1 year). All children with CML had injuries in addition to the knee CML identified at physical examination or other imaging examinations. Radiologists had almost perfect agreement for moderate- or high-confidence interpretations of rickets (κ = 0.92) and CML (κ = 0.89). Across radiologists, estimated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for CML for moderate- or high-confidence interpretations were 95.1%, 97.0%, and 96.0%. Accuracy was not significantly different between pediatric and nonpediatric radiologists (p = .20) or between less experienced and more experienced radiologists (p = .57). Loss of metaphyseal zone of provisional calcification, cupping, fraying, and physeal widening were more common in rickets than CML, being detected in less than 4% of children with CML. Corner fracture, bucket-handle fracture, subphyseal lucency, deformed corner, metaphyseal irregularity, and subperiosteal new bone formation were more common in CML than rickets, being detected in less than 4% of children with rickets. CONCLUSION. Radiologists had high interobserver agreement and high diagnostic performance for differentiating rickets and CML. Recognition that CML mostly occur in children younger than 6 months and are unusual in children older than 1 year may assist interpretation. CLINICAL IMPACT. Rickets and CML have distinct radiographic signs, and radiologists can reliably differentiate these two entities.

Overnight radiology resident discrepancies at a large pediatric hospital: categorization by year of training, program, imaging modality, and report type.

BACKGROUND: Overnight radiology resident discrepancies have been described in multiple studies; however, study of resident discrepancies specific to pediatric radiology is limited. PURPOSE: To examine radiology resident discrepancies as they pertain to a large pediatric hospital system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 21,560 preliminary reports issued by 39 residents over a one-year period were scored as agreement, minor discrepancy, or major discrepancy by faculty members using a modification of the 2009 RADPEER scoring system. Residents were trainees of three different diagnostic radiology programs: large university-based, medium-sized community-based, or small community-based. Discrepancy rates were evaluated based on resident postgraduate year, program, and imaging modality. The effect of a general pediatric radiology report versus pediatric neuroradiology report of a CT scan was also tested. CT was the only modality in which there were comparable numbers of studies scored by both general pediatric radiologists and neuroradiologists. RESULTS: The rate of major resident to faculty assessment discrepancies was 1.01%, and the rate of minor resident to faculty assessment discrepancies was 4.47%. Major discrepancy rates by postgraduate years 3-5 were 1.08%, 0.75%, and 1.59%, respectively. Major discrepancy rates were highest for MR (11.22%), followed by CT (1.82%), radiographs (0.91%), and ultrasound (0.56%). There was no significant difference in discrepancy rate between residency programs and general pediatric radiology report of a CT versus pediatric neuroradiology report of a CT. CONCLUSION: Radiology discrepancy rates for residents issuing preliminary reports at a large children's hospital system are similar to those reported for adult procedures.

Body mass index as a predictor of sonographic visualization of the pediatric appendix.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common condition that is often confirmed with imaging. Ultrasound (US) is recommended as the first radiologic test in the work-up of appendicitis in children. Increased body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as a limiting factor to the sensitivity of US. This has drastic public health ramifications, as pediatric obesity has been increasing at alarming rates. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare age-adjusted BMI z-scores to the frequency of sonographic visualization of the appendix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 500 consecutive reports of US exams ordered for appendicitis in patients with a documented BMI was performed. Patients were stratified by BMI z-score based on, and the visualization frequency of the appendix was compared to the BMI z-score group. A logistic regression analysis generated the odds of visualization of the appendix by BMI z-score group. Primary home language, ethnicity, sex and insurance status were included in the logistic regression model to assess these characteristics as potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: Of the 500 patients, 52.4% were male, 56.4% were Hispanic and 62.0% had government insurance. BMI z-score distribution groups were as follows: 4.2% were <-2, 8.0% were -2 to -1, 49.8% were -1 to 1, 26.4% were 1 to 2 and 11.6% were >2. The visualization frequency was 61.1% for boys and 46.2% for girls (P<0.05). Visualization frequency by BMI z-score group was as follows: 85.7% for <2, 72.5% for -2 to -1, 57.4% for -1 to 1, 47.7% for 1 to 2 and 29.3% for >2. Children with a BMI z-score greater than 2 were less likely to have a US with visualization of the appendix compared to children with a BMI z-score between -1 and 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11-0.40, P<0.0001). Boys were more likely than girls to have a US with visualization of the appendix (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29-2.80, P=0.001). There was no effect from insurance status, ethnicity or primary home language. CONCLUSION: Findings show that as the BMI z-score increased, sonographic visualization of the appendix decreased even after adjusting for demographic differences. These findings have implications for pediatric radiology practice in light of the worsening obesity epidemic.

Debunking Fringe Beliefs in Child Abuse Imaging: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review.

Child abuse is a global public health concern. Injuries from physical abuse may be clinically occult and not appreciable on physical examination. Imaging is therefore critical in identifying and documenting such injuries. The radiologic approach for a child who has potentially been abused has received considerable attention and recommendations according to decades of experience and rigorous scientific study. Nonetheless, fringe beliefs describing alternative explanations for child abuse-related injuries have emerged and received mainstream attention. Subsequently, imaging findings identified in abused children have been attributed to poorly supported underlying medical conditions, clouding the evidence basis for radiologic findings indicative of nonaccidental trauma. Fringe beliefs that attribute findings seen in child abuse to alternate pathologies such as genetic disorders, birth trauma, metabolic imbalances, vitamin D deficiency, and short-distance falls typically have limited evidence basis and lack professional society support. Careful review of the scientific evidence and professional society consensus statements is important in differentiating findings attributable to child abuse from fringe beliefs used to discount the possibility that a child's constellation of injuries is consistent with abuse. This review refutes fringe beliefs used to provide alternative explanations in cases of suspected child abuse and reinforces the key literature and scientific consensus regarding child abuse imaging.

Evolving forensic controversies in child abuse imaging.

Child abuse is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Despite well-defined evidence establishing bona fide clinical and imaging indicators of child abuse, denialists have emerged on behalf of defendants utilizing unaccepted scientific positions based on literature that they have often authored themselves. This manuscript describes many of the trends in recent legal proceedings while highlighting the importance of consensus statements and professional ethics as they pertain to child abuse imaging. Knowledge of these cases and legal defense strategies is valuable to potential expert witnesses in relevant proceedings.

Pediatric Chest Radiographic and CT Findings of Electronic Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-associated Lung Injury (EVALI).

Background Electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a serious public health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in young individuals. Purpose To evaluate chest radiographic and chest CT findings of EVALI in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of children who presented to a tertiary pediatric hospital from December 2018 to December 2019. Patients fulfilled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for EVALI and had chest radiographs and CT images available at initial presentation. Two pediatric radiologists independently reviewed imaging for pattern, distribution, and extent of pulmonary abnormalities, as well as for extrapulmonary abnormalities. Clinical information, management, and outcomes were reviewed. Interobserver agreement was measured with Cohen κ coefficient. Results Seven male patients (50%) and seven female patients (50%) (mean age, 16 years; range, 13-18 years) were evaluated. All patients underwent chest radiography and CT within 4 days of presentation (range, 0-4 days). Chest radiographic findings included ground-glass opacity in 14 of 14 (100%) and consolidation in eight of 14 (57%). CT findings included ground-glass opacity in 14 of 14 (100%), consolidation in nine of 14 (64%), and interlobular septal thickening in two of 14 (14%). At CT, subpleural sparing was seen in 11 of 14 (79%) and a reversed halo sign was seen in five of 14 (36%). Chest radiographic and CT abnormalities were predominately bilateral in 14 of 14 (100%) and symmetric in 13 of 14 (93%), with lower lobe predominance in seven of 14 (50%). Extent of abnormality was predominately diffuse at both chest radiography and CT. There was almost perfect interobserver agreement between two reviewers for detecting abnormalities on chest radiographs (κ = 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.00) and CT (κ = 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.98, 1.00). Conclusion In pediatric patients, electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury is characterized by bilateral symmetric ground-glass opacities, consolidation, and a lower lobe predominance at CT. © RSNA, 2020.

Fatality From Status Epilepticus After Myelography.

OBJECTIVE. Myelography is a commonly used procedure to evaluate the spinal canal. However, the procedure is not without risk, chiefly risk of seizure after intrathecal administration of iodinated contrast material. CONCLUSION. The risk of seizure remains an important concern for radiologists, who should strongly consider practice parameter guidelines that address this risk.

The Revised Common Rule as a Facilitator of Radiology Research.

OBJECTIVE. Radiology research is often retrospective. Although risk of harm to patients is minimal, retrospective data reviews have often required expedited review by institutional review boards under the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, also referred to as the "Common Rule." In 2019, revisions to the Common Rule increased the number of studies that meet the criteria for exempt status. CONCLUSION. Changes to the Common Rule increase the types of studies eligible for exempt review. This has the potential to decrease delays for radiologists performing minimal risk research.

Pediatric radiologist-driven didactics for a pediatric residency program: a quality initiative.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric residents exhibit knowledge gaps in appropriateness of imaging utilization. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the value of radiologist-driven imaging education in a pediatric residency program. The primary goals of this educational program were to provide pediatric residents with resources such as the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria, support optimal resource utilization and patient care, increase resident understanding of radiation risk, and determine the value of integrating radiologists into pediatric education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A needs assessment was performed in which the chief residents of a large pediatric program were surveyed. The consensus of chief residents was that a four-part lecture series delivered by a pediatric radiology fellow would be beneficial to the pediatric residents. Topics included general radiation risk as well as basic imaging topics in the chest, abdomen, neurological system, extremities and vasculature. Each lecture integrated appropriate ordering, ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)/Image Gently, and basic image interpretation. Residents were asked, using a Likert scale, to rate their understanding of radiation risk, the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, and other topics of interest before and after each lecture. Pediatric residents were given a 10-item quiz before and after the lecture series to assess their knowledge regarding the best test to order in clinical scenarios. RESULTS: The average pre-lecture score for knowledge of radiation risk was 3.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.02-3.51) out of 5, which improved to 4.27 (95% CI: 4.09-4.57) post-lecture. There was an increase in understanding of ACR appropriateness, with pre-lecture rating of knowledge increasing from 1.91 (95% CI 1.54-2.29) out of 5 to 3.61 (95% CI 3.33-3.90) post-lecture. The residents averaged 82.7% (95% CI 77.3%-88.1%) on the appropriateness pre-test and 93.8% (95% CI 90.3%-97.2%) on the post-test. Residents provided positive feedback upon conclusion of the program and reported a beneficial effect on their education. CONCLUSION: A radiologist-driven lecture series in a pediatric residency can improve resident understanding of appropriate ordering practices and radiation risk. Radiologist participation in pediatric residency training is well-received.

Imaging of fetal brain tumors.

Congenital brain tumors, defined as those diagnosed prenatally or within the first 2 months of age, represent less than 2% of pediatric brain tumors. Their location, prevalence and pathophysiology differ from those of tumors that develop later in life. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis, tumor characterization and treatment planning. The most common lesions diagnosed in utero are teratomas, followed by gliomas, choroid plexus papillomas and craniopharyngiomas. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management and prognosis of the most frequent fetal brain tumors.

Correlating Abdominal Wall Thickness and Body Mass Index to Predict Usefulness of Right Lower Quadrant Ultrasound for Evaluation of Pediatric Appendicitis.

OBJECTIVES: To inform selective and efficient use of appendix ultrasound (US) beyond adult parameters of body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m, we correlate abdominal wall thickness (AWT) with age and BMI to generate parameters for male and female children. Information presented in chart format can aid in the decision to utilize US for the evaluation of appendicitis. METHODS: In this observational study, 1600 pediatric computed tomography scans of the abdomen and pelvis were analyzed to obtain measurements of AWT in the right lower quadrant. Measurements were correlated by patient age, BMI, and sex. Results and consensus-based recommendations were presented in chart format with color-coded groupings to allow for convenient referencing in the clinical setting. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred eighty-eight computed tomography scans and AWT measurements were included. All age groups with BMI of less than 25 kg/m and all male and female groups younger than 6 years regardless of BMI had median AWT of less than 4 cm resulting in strong recommendation for US. Males older than 6 years and all female age groups with BMI of greater than 30 kg/m and female older than 15 years and BMI of greater than 25 kg/m had AWT of more than 5 cm resulting in low recommendation for US. CONCLUSIONS: While the BMI cutoff standard of less than 25 kg/m for usefulness of appendix US holds in the adult population, our data expand the acceptable range in children younger than 9 years regardless of BMI and male children with BMI up to 30 kg/m. Female children younger than 15 years with a BMI up to 30 kg/m may also be amenable to right lower quadrant US based on AWT. These parameters inform selective and efficient use of US for appendix evaluation.

Awareness of relative CT utilization among peers is not associated with changes in imaging requests among emergency department providers in a large county hospital.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to study the effect of providing scorecards to emergency department providers to assess its effect on changes in utilization. METHODS: CT of the abdomen and pelvis, CT angiogram of the chest for pulmonary embolism, and CT of the head were targeted due to ordering variability, cost, and radiation exposure. The utilization rate for each provider was assessed for emergency department providers. Following this, providers were given scorecards regarding their utilization as well as their relative utilization compared with each other. Utilization was then monitored following the intervention to assess the effect of the scorecard on ordering practices. RESULTS: No significant effect on the utilization of these 3 exams was found after the scorecard intervention. CONCLUSION: Providing scorecards to make emergency department providers aware of their relative utilization does not significantly alter ordering behavior. Incentive-based systems may be required in order to lessen overutilization of these 3 commonly ordered radiology procedures in the emergency department.

Management of Palpable Pediatric Breast Masses With Ultrasound Characteristics of Fibroadenoma: A More Conservative Approach.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with pathologically proven breast masses at a tertiary care pediatric institution, review published management strategies, and propose new management recommendations for the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All pediatric breast ultrasound examinations performed at a dedicated pediatric facility over a 4-year period were reviewed. Maximum measurements of solid masses with features of a fibroadenoma were recorded. The subsequent management and histopathologic findings for patients undergoing biopsy were reviewed, and management strategies were compared with published recommendations. RESULTS: Of 277 breast masses with features typical of fibroadenomas, 115 (42%) underwent pathologic evaluation. All were benign; there were 107 simple fibroadenomas, four juvenile fibroadenomas, three benign phyllodes tumors, and one granular cell tumor. Simple fibroadenomas ranged in size from 0.9 to 9.1 cm and were statistically significantly different in size compared with juvenile fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors (range, 1.7-12.5 cm). All 47 masses undergoing follow-up ultrasound before tissue diagnosis were fibroadenomas; five showed 50% or greater interval growth. The retrospective application of published pediatric breast management criteria yielded no difference in sensitivity for the detection of nonsimple fibroadenoma masses. CONCLUSION: Management of pediatric breast masses resembling fibroadenomas at sonography can be based on size and interval growth rate. The routine performance of surgical excision or biopsy of masses with ultrasound characteristics typical of fibroadenomas is not recommended.

Cutaneous metastases of infantile choriocarcinoma can mimic infantile hemangioma both clinically and radiographically.

Infantile metastatic choriocarcinoma is a rare tumor of placental origin that can be observed with or without maternal metastases. A single cutaneous mass may be the only clinically observed sign. Reports of imaging findings are scarce given the extreme rarity of the tumor, and the disease can be rapidly fatal in the absence of prompt diagnosis. In order to promote timely consideration for this malignancy as a differential consideration in the approach to skin lesions in infancy, we present the findings of this neoplasm in an infant. While imaging and clinical characteristics similar to infantile hemangioma were demonstrated at presentation, biopsy and further radiologic investigation revealed multifocal metastatic choriocarcinoma. This case also highlights important differences between these entities, as the T2 hyperintensity and contrast enhancement observed with this choriocarcinoma were predominantly peripheral in location.

Improved fat-suppression homogeneity with mDIXON turbo spin echo (TSE) in pediatric spine imaging at 3.0 T.

Background Robust fat suppression remains essential in clinical MRI to improve tissue signal contrast, minimize fat-related artifacts, and enhance image quality. Purpose To compare fat suppression between mDIXON turbo spin echo (TSE) and conventional frequency-selective and inversion-recovery methods in pediatric spine MRI. Material and Methods Images from T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) TSE sequences coupled with conventional methods and the mDIXON technique were compared in 36 patients (5.8 ± 5.4 years) at 3.0 T. Images from 42 pairs of T1W (n = 16) and T2W (n = 26) scans were acquired. Two radiologists reviewed the data and rated images using a three-point scale in two categories, including the uniformity of fat suppression and overall diagnostic image quality. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the scores. Results The Cohen's kappa coefficient for inter-rater agreement was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-0.83). Images from mDIXON TSE were considered superior in fat suppression ( P < 0.01) in 22 (rater 1) and 25 (rater 2) cases, respectively. In 13 (rater 1) and 11 (rater 2) cases, mDIXON TSE demonstrated improved diagnostic image quality ( P < 0.01). In three cases, fat suppression was superior using inversion-recovery and likewise in one case mDIXON had poorer image diagnostic quality. Lastly, mDIXON and conventional fat-suppression methods performed similarly in 17 (rater 1) and 14 (rater 2) cases, and yielded equal diagnostic image quality in 28 (rater 1) and 30 (rater 2) cases. Conclusion Robust fat suppression can be achieved with mDixon TSE pediatric spine imaging at 3.0 T and should be considered as a permanent replacement of traditional methods, in particular frequency-selective techniques.

Non-accidental trauma: the role of radiology.

Non-accidental trauma is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Given the vulnerable state of the child, the radiologist can often provide valuable diagnostic information in the setting of suspected abuse. This review focuses on common findings of abusive trauma and serves as a guide to aid in clinical decision-making for providers of emergency medicine and pediatrics. Amid this discussion is an assessment of modern controversies regarding reported mimicking pathologies, recapitulation of the current state of evidence with respect to radiologic findings of abuse, and examination of the contribution that spine imaging may add to the diagnosis of possible abusive head trauma in the acutely injured child. Recommendations for avoiding pitfalls regarding the dating of intracranial injuries are discussed, and illustrated depictions of perpetrator-induced pathology are provided to aid in the understanding of these injuries. Through the use of the appropriate approach to imaging and evidence-based guidelines regarding radiologic findings, the role of radiology is to provide fundamental clues to diagnose and prevent recurrence of abusive injury in patients who cannot speak for themselves.