Implementation of an Institution-Wide Rules-Based Automated CT Protocoling System.

BACKGROUND. Examination protocoling is a noninterpretive task that increases radiologists' workload and can cause workflow inefficiencies. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of an automated CT protocoling system on examination process times and protocol error rates. METHODS. This retrospective study included 317,597 CT examinations (mean age, 61.8 ± 18.1 [SD] years; male, 161,125; female, 156,447; unspecified sex, 25) from July 2020 to June 2022. A rules-based automated protocoling system was implemented institution-wide; the system evaluated all CT orders in the EHR and assigned a protocol or directed the order for manual radiologist protocoling. The study period comprised pilot (July 2020 to December 2020), implementation (January 2021 to December 2021), and postimplementation (January 2022 to June 2022) phases. Proportions of automatically protocoled examinations were summarized. Process times were recorded. Protocol error rates were assessed by counts of quality improvement (QI) reports and examination recalls and comparison with retrospectively assigned protocols in 450 randomly selected examinations. RESULTS. Frequency of automatic protocoling was 19,366/70,780 (27.4%), 68,875/163,068 (42.2%), and 54,045/83,749 (64.5%) in pilot, implementation, and postimplementation phases, respectively (p < .001). Mean (± SD) times from order entry to protocol assignment for automatically and manually protocoled examinations for emergency department examinations were 0.2 ± 18.2 and 2.1 ± 69.7 hours, respectively; mean inpatient examination times were 0.5 ± 50.0 and 3.5 ± 105.5 hours; and mean outpatient examination times were 361.7 ± 1165.5 and 1289.9 ± 2050.9 hours (all p < .001). Mean (± SD) times from order entry to examination completion for automatically and manually protocoled examinations for emergency department examinations were 2.6 ± 38.6 and 4.2 ± 73.0 hours, respectively (p < .001); for inpatient examinations were 6.3 ± 74.6 and 8.7 ± 109.3 hours (p = .001); and for outpatient examinations were 1367.2 ± 1795.8 and 1471.8 ± 2118.3 hours (p < .001). In the three phases, there were three, 19, and 25 QI reports and zero, one, and three recalls, respectively, for automatically protocoled examinations, versus nine, 19, and five QI reports and one, seven, and zero recalls for manually protocoled examinations. Retrospectively assigned protocols were concordant with 212/214 (99.1%) of automatically protocoled versus 233/236 (98.7%) of manually protocoled examinations. CONCLUSION. The automated protocoling system substantially reduced radiologists' protocoling workload and decreased times from order entry to protocol assignment and examination completion; protocol errors and recalls were infrequent. CLINICAL IMPACT. The system represents a solution for reducing radiologists' time spent performing noninterpretive tasks and improving care efficiency.

Management and Outcomes of Suspected Infectious and Inflammatory Lung Abnormalities Identified on Lung Cancer Screening CT.

BACKGROUND. Incidental findings are frequently encountered during lung cancer screening (LCS). Limited data describe the prevalence of suspected acute infectious and inflammatory lung processes on LCS and how they should be managed. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, radiologic reporting and management, and outcome of suspected infectious and inflammatory lung processes identified incidentally during LCS and to propose a management algorithm. METHODS. This retrospective study included 6314 low-dose CT (LDCT) examinations performed between June 2014 and April 2019 in 3800 patients as part of an established LCS program. Radiology reports were reviewed, and patients with potentially infectious or inflammatory lung abnormalities were identified and analyzed for descriptors of imaging findings, Lung-RADS designation, recommendations, and clinical outcomes. Using the descriptors, outcomes, and a greater than 2% threshold risk of malignancy, a follow-up algorithm was developed to decrease additional imaging without affecting cancer detection. RESULTS. A total of 331/3800 (8.7%) patients (178 men, 153 women; mean age [range], 66 [53-87] years) undergoing LCS had lung findings that were attributed to infection or inflammation. These abnormalities were reported as potentially significant findings using the S modifier in 149/331 (45.0%) and as the dominant nodule used to determine the Lung-RADS category in 96/331 (29.0%). Abnormalities were multiple or multifocal in 260/331 (78.5%). Common descriptors were ground-glass (155/331; 46.8%), tree-in-bud (56/331; 16.9%), consolidation (41/331; 12.4%), and clustered (67/331; 20.2%) opacities. A follow-up chest CT outside of screening was performed within 12 months or less in 264/331 (79.8%) and within 6 months or less in 186/331 (56.2%). A total of 260/331 (78.5%) opacities resolved on follow-up imaging. Two malignancies (2/331; 0.6%) were associated with these abnormalities and both had consolidations. Theoretic adoption of a proposed management algorithm for suspected infectious and inflammatory findings reduced unnecessary follow-up imaging by 82.6% without missing a single malignancy. CONCLUSION. Presumed acute infectious or inflammatory lung abnormalities are frequently encountered in the setting of LCS. These opacities are commonly multifocal and resolve on follow-up. Less than 1% are associated with malignancy. CLINICAL IMPACT. Adoption of a conservative management algorithm can standardize recommendations and reduce unnecessary imaging without increasing the risk of missing a malignancy.

Safety and Success of Repeat Lung Needle Biopsies in Patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutant Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Postprogression repeat biopsies are critical in caring for patients with lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, hesitation about invasive procedures persists. We assessed safety and tissue adequacy for molecular profiling among repeat postprogression percutaneous transthoracic needle aspirations and biopsies (rebiopsies). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All lung biopsies performed at our hospital from 2009 to 2017 were reviewed. Complications were classified by Society of Interventional Radiology criteria. Complication rates between rebiopsies in EGFR-mutants and all other lung biopsies (controls) were compared using Fisher's exact test. Success of molecular profiling was recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, nine thoracic radiologists performed 107 rebiopsies in 75 EGFR-mutant patients and 2,635 lung biopsies in 2,347 patients for other indications. All biopsies were performed with computed tomography guidance, coaxial technique, and rapid on-site pathologic evaluation (ROSE). The default procedure was to take 22-gauge fine-needle aspirates (FNA) followed by 20-gauge tissue cores. Minor complications occurred in 9 (8.4%) rebiopsies and 503 (19.1%; p = .004) controls, including pneumothoraces not requiring chest tube placement (4 [3.7%] vs. 426 [16.2%] in rebiopsies and controls, respectively; p < .001). The only major complication was pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement, occurring in zero rebiopsies and 38 (1.4%; p = .4) controls. Molecular profiling was requested in 96 (90%) rebiopsies and successful in 92/96 (96%). CONCLUSION: At our center, repeat lung biopsies for postprogression molecular profiling of EGFR-mutant lung cancers result in fewer complications than typical lung biopsies. Coaxial technique, FNA, ROSE, and multiple 20-gauge tissue cores result in excellent specimen adequacy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Repeat percutaneous transthoracic needle aspirations and biopsies for postprogression molecular profiling of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung cancer are safe in everday clinical practice. Coaxial technique, fine-needle aspirates, rapid on-site pathologic evaluation, and multiple 20-gauge tissue cores result in excellent specimen adequacy. Although liquid biopsies are increasingly used, their sensitivity for analysis of resistant EGFR-mutant lung cancers remains limited. Tissue biopsies remain important in this context, especially because osimertinib is now in the frontline setting and T790M is no longer the major finding of interest on molecular profiling.

Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysms: Clinical Features and CT Findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and CT features of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database search of chest CT examinations performed from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2014 identified 24 patients with findings consistent with PAPs. A CT finding consistent with a PAP was defined as a focal saccular outpouching of a pulmonary artery. Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes. CT scans were reviewed by two board-certified fellowship-trained chest radiologists. RESULTS: A total of 35 PAPs were identified in 24 patients. Hemoptysis and shortness of breath were the most common presenting symptoms. The most commonly identified causes of PAPs were infection (33%), neoplasms (13%), and trauma (17%). Of the 35 PAPs, 29 (83%) were located in segmental or subsegmental pulmonary arteries. A solitary PAP was identified in 20 (83%) patients, and multiple PAPs were identified in three patients with endocarditis and one patient with pulmonary metastases. Only three of 35 (9%) PAPs were associated with a ground-glass halo. Endovascular treatment was successfully performed in 12 patients, and only one patient had immediate recurrent hemoptysis after treatment. PAP was clinically suspected by the referring clinicians in only three patients. Sixteen of the 35 (46%) PAPs were not reported on the initial CT studies. CONCLUSION: PAPs showed a strong predilection for the peripheral pulmonary arteries. Multiplicity of PAPs can be seen in the settings of endocarditis and pulmonary metastatic disease. Most PAPs were not associated with a ground-glass halo. PAPs can be lethal but were often not suspected clinically and were underreported by radiologists.

Diagnostic yield of recommendations for chest CT examination prompted by outpatient chest radiographic findings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of recommended chest computed tomography (CT) prompted by abnormalities detected on outpatient chest radiographic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval; informed consent was waived. Reports of all outpatient chest radiographic examinations performed at a large academic center during 2008 (n = 29 138) were queried to identify studies that included a recommendation for a chest CT imaging. The radiology information system was queried for these patients to determine if a chest CT examination was obtained within 1 year of the index radiographic examination that contained the recommendation. For chest CT examinations obtained within 1 year of the index chest radiographic examination and that met inclusion criteria, chest CT images were reviewed to determine if there was an abnormality that corresponded to the chest radiographic finding that prompted the recommendation. All corresponding abnormalities were categorized as clinically relevant or not clinically relevant, based on whether further work-up or treatment was warranted. Groups were compared by using t test and Fisher exact test with a Bonferroni correction applied for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: There were 4.5% (1316 of 29138 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 4.3%, 4.8%]) of outpatient chest radiographic examinations that contained a recommendation for chest CT examination, and increasing patient age (P < .001) and positive smoking history (P = .001) were associated with increased likelihood of a recommendation for chest CT examination. Of patients within this subset who met inclusion criteria, 65.4% (691 of 1057 [95% CI: 62.4%, 68.2%) underwent a chest CT examination within the year after the index chest radiographic examination. Clinically relevant corresponding abnormalities were present on chest CT images in 41.4% (286 of 691 [95% CI: 37.7%, 45.2%]) of cases, nonclinically relevant corresponding abnormalities in 20.6% (142 of 691 [95% CI: 17.6%, 23.8%]) of cases, and no corresponding abnormalities in 38.1% (263 of 691 [95% CI: 34.4%, 41.8%]) of cases. Newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven malignancies were detected in 8.1% (56 of 691 [95% CI: 6.2%, 10.4%]) of cases. CONCLUSION: A radiologist recommendation for chest CT to evaluate an abnormal finding on an outpatient chest radiographic examination has a high yield of clinically relevant findings.

Diagnostic Yield of CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy for Diagnosis of Anterior Mediastinal Masses.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of anterior mediastinal masses and assess prebiopsy characteristics that may help to select patients with the highest diagnostic yield. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of all CT-guided percutaneous biopsies of the anterior mediastinum conducted at our institution from January 2003 through December 2012 was performed to collect data regarding patient demographics, imaging characteristics of biopsied masses, presence of complications, and subsequent surgical intervention or medical treatment (or both). Cytology, core biopsy pathology, and surgical pathology results were recorded. A per-patient analysis was performed using two-tailed t test, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: The study cohort included 52 patients (32 men, 20 women; mean age, 49 years) with mean diameter of mediastinal mass of 6.9 cm. Diagnostic yield of CT-guided percutaneous biopsy was 77% (40/52), highest for thymic neoplasms (100% [11/11]). Non-diagnostic results were seen in 12 of 52 patients (23%), primarily in patients with lymphoma (75% [9/12]). Fine-needle aspiration yielded the correct diagnosis in 31 of 52 patients (60%), and core biopsy had a diagnostic rate of 77% (36/47). None of the core biopsies were discordant with surgical pathology. There was no statistically significant difference between the diagnostic and the nondiagnostic groups in patient age, lesion size, and presence of necrosis. The complication rate was 3.8% (2/52), all small self-resolving pneumothoraces. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous biopsy is a safe diagnostic procedure with high diagnostic yield (77%) for anterior mediastinal lesions, highest for thymic neoplasms (100%), and can potentially obviate more invasive procedures.

The 10 Pillars of Lung Cancer Screening: Rationale and Logistics of a Lung Cancer Screening Program.

On the basis of the National Lung Screening Trial data released in 2011, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force made lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (CT) a public health recommendation in 2013. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) currently reimburse LCS for asymptomatic individuals aged 55-77 years who have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 pack-years and who are either currently smoking or had quit less than 15 years earlier. Commercial insurers reimburse the cost of LCS for individuals aged 55-80 years with the same smoking history. Effective care for the millions of Americans who qualify for LCS requires an organized step-wise approach. The 10-pillar model reflects the elements required to support a successful LCS program: eligibility, education, examination ordering, image acquisition, image review, communication, referral network, quality improvement, reimbursement, and research frontiers. Examination ordering can be coupled with decision support to ensure that only eligible individuals undergo LCS. Communication of results revolves around the Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) from the American College of Radiology. Lung-RADS is a structured decision-oriented reporting system designed to minimize the rate of false-positive screening examination results. With nodule size and morphology as discriminators, Lung-RADS links nodule management pathways to the variety of nodules present on LCS CT studies. Tracking of patient outcomes is facilitated by a CMS-approved national registry maintained by the American College of Radiology. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Outcome of recommendations for radiographic follow-up of pneumonia on outpatient chest radiography.

OBJECTIVE: Follow-up chest radiographs are frequently recommended by radiologists to document the clearing of radiographically suspected pneumonia. However, the clinical utility of follow-up radiography is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of important pulmonary pathology revealed during follow-up imaging of suspected pneumonia on outpatient chest radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reports of 29,138 outpatient chest radiography examinations performed at an academic medical center in 2008 were searched to identify cases in which the radiologist recommended follow-up chest radiography for presumed community-acquired pneumonia (n = 618). Descriptions of index radiographic abnormalities were recorded. Reports of follow-up imaging (radiography and CT) performed during the period from January 2008 to January 2010 were reviewed to assess the outcome of the index abnormality. Clinical history, demographics, microbiology, and pathology reports were reviewed and recorded. RESULTS: Compliance with follow-up imaging recommendations was 76.7%. In nine of 618 cases (1.5%), a newly diagnosed malignancy corresponded to the abnormality on chest radiography initially suspected to be pneumonia. In 23 of 618 cases (3.7%), an alternative nonmalignant disease corresponded with the abnormality on chest radiography initially suspected to be pneumonia. Therefore, in 32 of 618 patients (5.2%), significant new pulmonary diagnoses were established during follow-up imaging of suspected pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Follow-up imaging of radiographically suspected pneumonia leads to a small number of new diagnoses of malignancy and important nonmalignant diseases, which may alter patient management.

Incidental pulmonary nodules detected on abdominal computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To review the characteristics and outcome of incidental pulmonary nodules reported on abdominal computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A database search of abdominal CTs from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2006, revealed 413 patients with incidental pulmonary nodules and at least one follow-up chest CT. Demographic information, nodule characteristics, and eventual outcome of the nodules were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 413 patients, 56% had benign nodules, 11% had malignant nodules, and the remaining 33% had insufficient follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the age of the patients, history of malignancy, and size of the incidental nodule between benign and malignant groups. No malignant nodules were found in patients younger than 59 years who did not have a known or suspected malignancy. CONCLUSION: Small pulmonary nodules (<8 mm) on abdominal CT in patients younger than 50 years with no history of malignancy are unlikely to be malignant.

Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence Model for Detection of Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax in Chest Radiographs.

Importance: Early detection of pneumothorax, most often via chest radiography, can help determine need for emergent clinical intervention. The ability to accurately detect and rapidly triage pneumothorax with an artificial intelligence (AI) model could assist with earlier identification and improve care. Objective: To compare the accuracy of an AI model vs consensus thoracic radiologist interpretations in detecting any pneumothorax (incorporating both nontension and tension pneumothorax) and tension pneumothorax. Design, Setting, and Participants: This diagnostic study was a retrospective standalone performance assessment using a data set of 1000 chest radiographs captured between June 1, 2015, and May 31, 2021. The radiographs were obtained from patients aged at least 18 years at 4 hospitals in the Mass General Brigham hospital network in the United States. Included radiographs were selected using 2 strategies from all chest radiography performed at the hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient. The first strategy identified consecutive radiographs with pneumothorax through a manual review of radiology reports, and the second strategy identified consecutive radiographs with tension pneumothorax using natural language processing. For both strategies, negative radiographs were selected by taking the next negative radiograph acquired from the same radiography machine as each positive radiograph. The final data set was an amalgamation of these processes. Each radiograph was interpreted independently by up to 3 radiologists to establish consensus ground-truth interpretations. Each radiograph was then interpreted by the AI model for the presence of pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax. This study was conducted between July and October 2021, with the primary analysis performed between October and November 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end points were the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for the detection of pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax. The secondary end points were the sensitivities and specificities for the detection of pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax. Results: The final analysis included radiographs from 985 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.8 [19.0] years; 436 [44.3%] female patients), including 307 patients with nontension pneumothorax, 128 patients with tension pneumothorax, and 550 patients without pneumothorax. The AI model detected any pneumothorax with an AUC of 0.979 (95% CI, 0.970-0.987), sensitivity of 94.3% (95% CI, 92.0%-96.3%), and specificity of 92.0% (95% CI, 89.6%-94.2%) and tension pneumothorax with an AUC of 0.987 (95% CI, 0.980-0.992), sensitivity of 94.5% (95% CI, 90.6%-97.7%), and specificity of 95.3% (95% CI, 93.9%-96.6%). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that the assessed AI model accurately detected pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax in this chest radiograph data set. The model's use in the clinical workflow could lead to earlier identification and improved care for patients with pneumothorax.

Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique for radiation dose reduction in chest CT: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare lesion detection and image quality of chest computed tomographic (CT) images acquired at various tube current-time products (40-150 mAs) and reconstructed with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) or filtered back projection (FBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board-approved HIPAA-compliant study, CT data from 23 patients (mean age, 63 years ± 7.3 [standard deviation]; 10 men, 13 women) were acquired at varying tube current-time products (40, 75, 110, and 150 mAs) on a 64-row multidetector CT scanner with 10-cm scan length. All patients gave informed consent. Data sets were reconstructed at 30%, 50%, and 70% ASIR-FBP blending. Two thoracic radiologists assessed image noise, visibility of small structures, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence. Objective noise and CT number were measured in the thoracic aorta. CT dose index volume, dose-length product, weight, and transverse diameter were recorded. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: FBP had unacceptable noise at 40 and 75 mAs in 17 and five patients, respectively, whereas ASIR had acceptable noise at 40-150 mAs. Objective noise with 30%, 50%, and 70% ASIR blending (11.8 ± 3.8, 9.6 ± 3.1, and 7.5 ± 2.6, respectively) was lower than that with FBP (15.8 ± 4.8) (P < .0001). No lesions were missed on FBP or ASIR images. Lesion conspicuity was graded as well seen on both FBP and ASIR images (P < .05). Mild pixilated blotchy texture was noticed with 70% blended ASIR images. CONCLUSION: Acceptable image quality can be obtained for chest CT images acquired at 40 mAs by using ASIR without any substantial artifacts affecting diagnostic confidence. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.11101450/-/DC1.

Diffuse cystic lung disease at high-resolution CT.

OBJECTIVE: This article will illustrate and describe the spectrum of diseases associated with air cysts at high-resolution CT (HRCT). CONCLUSION: HRCT is an important modality in the evaluation of interstitial lung disease to include cystic lung disease. Although most commonly associated with lymphangioleiomyomatosis or Langerhans cell histiocytosis, cystic lung disease is increasingly being recognized as a feature of other entities. Awareness of the spectrum of HRCT findings associated with these diseases may help the trained observer narrow the differential diagnosis.

Accessory and Incomplete Lung Fissures: Clinical and Histopathologic Implications.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the anatomy, histology, and disease processes of pulmonary fissures, with emphasis on clinical implications of accessory and incomplete fissures. CONCLUSION: Accessory and incomplete pulmonary fissures are often overlooked during routine imaging but can have profound clinical importance. Knowledge of fissure anatomy could improve diagnostic accuracy and inform prognosis for oncologists, interventional pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons.

Diffuse lung disease: CT of the chest with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique.

PURPOSE: To compare visualization of subtle normal and abnormal findings at computed tomography (CT) of the chest for diffuse lung disease with images reconstructed with filtered back projection and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board-approved study, 24 patients underwent 64-section multi-detector row CT of the chest for evaluation of diffuse lung disease. Scanning parameters included a pitch of 0.984:1 and 120 kVp in thin-section mode, with 2496 views per rotation compared with 984 views acquired for normal mode. The 0.625-mm-thick images were reconstructed with filtered back projection, ASIR, and ASIR high-definition (ASIR-HD) kernels. Two thoracic radiologists independently assessed the filtered back projection, ASIR, and ASIR-HD images for small anatomic details (interlobular septa, centrilobular region, and small bronchi and bronchioles), abnormal findings (reticulation, tiny nodules, altered attenuation, bronchiectasis), image quality (graded by using a six-point scale, where 1 = excellent image quality, and 5 = interpretation impossible), image noise, and artifacts. Data were tabulated for statistical testing. RESULTS: For visualization of normal and pathologic structures, CT image series reconstructed with ASIR-HD were rated substantially better than those reconstructed with filtered back projection and ASIR (P < .001). ASIR-HD images were superior to filtered back projection images in 15 of 24 (62%) patients for visualization of normal structures and in 24 of 24 (100%) patients for pathologic findings. ASIR-HD was superior to ASIR in three of 24 (12%) images for normal anatomic findings and in seven of 24 (29%) images for pathologic evaluation. None of the images in the three groups were rated as unacceptable for noise (P < .001). CONCLUSION: ASIR-HD reconstruction results in superior visualization of subtle and tiny anatomic structures and lesions in diffuse lung disease compared with ASIR and filtered back projection reconstructions.

Radiation dose reduction with chest computed tomography using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique: initial experience.

PURPOSE: To assess radiation dose reduction and image quality for weight-based chest computed tomographic (CT) examination results reconstructed using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With local ethical committee approval, weight-adjusted chest CT examinations were performed using ASIR in 98 patients and filtered backprojection (FBP) in 54 weight-matched patients on a 64-slice multidetector CT. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: 60 kg or less (n = 32), 61 to 90 kg (n = 77), and 91 kg or more (n = 43) for weight-based adjustment of noise indices for automatic exposure control (Auto mA; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wis). Remaining scan parameters were held constant at 0.984:1 pitch, 120 kilovolts (peak), 40-mm table feed per rotation, and 2.5-mm section thickness. Patients' weight, scanning parameters, and CT dose index volume were recorded. Effective doses (EDs) were estimated. Image noise was measured in the descending thoracic aorta at the level of the carina. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Compared with FBP, ASIR was associated with an overall mean (SD) decrease of 27.6% in ED (ASIR, 8.8 [2.3] mSv; FBP, 12.2 [2.1] mSv; P < 0.0001). With the use of ASIR, the ED values were 6.5 (1.8) mSv (28.8% decrease), 7.3 (1.6) mSv (27.3% decrease), and 12.8 (2.3) mSv (26.8% decrease) for the weight groups of 60 kg or less, 61 to 90 kg, and 91 kg or more, respectively, compared with 9.2 (2.3) mSv, 10.0 (2.0) mSv, and 17.4 (2.1) mSv with FBP (P < 0.0001). Despite dose reduction, there was less noise with ASIR (12.6 [2.9] mSv) than with FBP (16.6 [6.2] mSv; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction helps reduce chest CT radiation dose and improve image quality compared with the conventionally used FBP image reconstruction.

Detection of Extrapulmonary Malignancy During Lung Cancer Screening: 5-Year Analysis at a Tertiary Hospital.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and outcomes of extrapulmonary malignancies identified on lung cancer screening (LCS) and to determine the cost associated with the investigation of these lesions. METHODS: This retrospective study included 7,414 low-dose CT studies performed between June 2014 and December 2019 on 4,160 patients as part of an established LCS program. Patients with indeterminate extrapulmonary lesions were identified, and the diagnostic workup, management, and outcomes of the lesions were determined. Costs related to diagnostic evaluation were estimated using 2020 total facility relative value units and the 2020 Medicare conversion factor. Out-of-pocket costs were extracted from billing records. RESULTS: There were 20 extrapulmonary malignancies among 241 reported lesions in 225 patients (mean age, 66.1 ± 6.4 years; 109 men, 116 women). The prevalence of extrapulmonary malignancy was 20 of 4,160 (0.48%). Early-stage cancers were detected in 13 of 20 (65%). No cancer-specific mortality was observed. The predictive value for malignancy varied by organ (P = .03) and was highest in the chest wall and axilla (36.4%), followed by bone (25%). The average cost on the basis of Medicare reimbursement for diagnosis of an extrapulmonary malignancy on LCS was $1,316.03 ($6.33 per participant and $109.21 per indeterminate incidental lesion). Most patients (203 of 225 [90.2%]) did not have out-of-pocket costs related to diagnostic workup. In those who did, the median cost was $160.60 (range, $75-$606.76). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose CT for LCS detects extrapulmonary malignancy with high predictive value for certain locations. There is cost associated in the workup related to these incidental lesions, but most malignancies are detected at early stages and have good outcomes.

Complications and Accuracy of Computed Tomography-guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy in Patients Over 80 Years of Age.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complications and diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) in patients aged 80 years and older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive PTNB procedures performed in an academic institution between July 2009 and June 2013 were reviewed. Procedures were performed according to a standard protocol using conscious sedation and rapid on-site pathology evaluation. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, complications, and final tissue diagnosis were reviewed. Patients below 80 years of age and over 80 years were compared using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 894 biopsies, 141 (16%) were performed on patients over 80 years of age. Comparison of patients over and below 80 years of age did not differ significantly with regard to lesion size and morphology (P=0.663 and 0.453, respectively), and diagnostic accuracy (P=0.268). Pneumothorax rates were 23% versus 24% (P=0.682), and chest tube insertion was required in 2% of both groups (P=0.924). Hemoptysis rates were 3% versus 2% (P=0.376). CONCLUSIONS: PTNB is a safe and accurate procedure in patients aged 80 years and older. Complications and diagnostic accuracy are similar to those observed in younger patients.

Comparison of image quality and radiation doses between rapid kV-switching and dual-source DECT techniques in the chest.

PURPOSE: To compare image quality and radiation doses for chest DECT acquired with dual-source and rapid-kV switching techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our institutional Review Board approved retrospective study included 97 patients (54 men, 43 women; 63 ±â€¯14 years) who underwent contrast-enhanced chest DECT with both single source, rapid kV-switching (SS-DECT) and dual source (DS-DECT) techniques per standard of care departmental protocols. Reconstructed images from both scanners had identical section thickness and section interval for virtual monoenergetic and material decomposition iodine (MDI) images. Two thoracic radiologists independently evaluated all DECT for findings, quality of images, perfusion defects (MDI), and presence of artifacts. Radiation dose descriptor, size-specific dose estimates (SSDE), was recorded. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Cohen's Kappa tests. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient weight or SSDE for the two DECT techniques (p > 0.06). Both radiologists reported no difference in lesion and artifact evaluation on the virtual monoenergetic images from either technique (p > 0.05). However, SS-DECT (in 63-71/97 patients) had substantial artifactual heterogeneity in pulmonary perfusion on MDI images compared to none on DS-DECT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite identical patients and associated radiation doses, there were substantial differences in material decomposition iodine images generated from SS-DECT and DS-DECT techniques. Pulmonary heterogeneity on MDI images from SS-DECT leads to artifactual areas of low perfusion and can confound interpretation of true pulmonary perfusion.