Management of Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus Conference Recommendations.

Gallbladder polyps (also known as polypoid lesions of the gallbladder) are a common incidental finding. The vast majority of gallbladder polyps smaller than 10 mm are not true neoplastic polyps but are benign cholesterol polyps with no inherent risk of malignancy. In addition, recent studies have shown that the overall risk of gallbladder cancer is not increased in patients with small gallbladder polyps, calling into question the rationale for frequent and prolonged follow-up of these common lesions. In 2021, a Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound, or SRU, consensus conference was convened to provide recommendations for the management of incidentally detected gallbladder polyps at US. See also the editorial by Sidhu and Rafailidis in this issue.

Diagnostic value of MRI-derived liver surface nodularity score for the non-invasive quantification of hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of MRI-derived liver surface nodularity (LSN) score for staging of hepatic fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Forty-seven patients with clinicopathological diagnosis of NAFLD who underwent 1.5-T liver MRI within 12 months of liver biopsy were included. Axial non-contrast T1-weighted 3D GRE was used for image analysis. LSN of the left lobe was measured using a custom semiautomated software. Histopathologic analysis (F0-F4) served as the reference standard for staging of fibrosis. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to compare LSN scores between different stages of fibrosis and to assess the correlation. Diagnostic performance of LSN score for detection of significant (F2-F4) and advanced (F3-F4) fibrosis was assessed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant different. RESULTS: Twenty-one subjects had advanced fibrosis. The LSN scores among different stages of fibrosis were significantly different (p < 0.001). The correlation between LSN score and stage of fibrosis was also strong (ρ = 0.71; p < 0.001). The areas under ROC curves for detection of significant and advanced fibrosis were 0.80 (95% CI 0.66-0.95) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.75-0.97), using a threshold of 2.23 and 2.44, respectively. This method showed 81% sensitivity and 88% specificity for detection of advanced fibrosis. CONCLUSION: MR-based LSN score is a promising non-invasive objective tool for detection of advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. KEY POINTS: • Liver surface nodularity (LSN) score is a fast retrospective method for precise quantification of nodularity of liver surface. • MR-based LSN score is a promising non-invasive objective tool to accurately detect different stages of fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Comparison of 2D Shear Wave Elastography, Transient Elastography, and MR Elastography for the Diagnosis of Fibrosis in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of the present study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) obtained using MR elastography (MRE), transient elastography (TE), and 2D shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS. We prospectively enrolled 62 adult subjects (mean age [± SD], 50 ± 13 years; 58% women; body mass index [weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters], 35 ± 7). Two-dimensional SWE, MRE, and TE were performed at a mean of 105 ± 86 days after liver biopsy. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) values and 95% CIs for the corresponding LSMs (expressed in kilopascals) were calculated, with significant fibrosis (Metavir liver fibrosis score, F2-F4) and advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) used as outcome measures. Pairwise comparisons of AUROC values were conducted using the DeLong test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS. For the 62 subjects, valid LSMs were obtained for 57 subjects with the use of 2D SWE, for 59 subjects with TE, for 59 subjects with MRE, and for 54 subjects with all three modalities combined. The AUROC values (95% CIs) of 2D SWE, TE, and MRE for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis were 0.80 (0.67-0.92), 0.77 (0.64-0.89), and 0.85 (0.74-0.95), respectively. The AUROC values (95% CIs) of 2D SWE, TE, and MRE for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis were 0.89 (0.80-0.98), 0.86 (0.77-0.95), and 0.95 (0.89-1.00), respectively. Pairwise comparisons revealed similar diagnostic accuracy for significant fibrosis (2D SWE vs MRE, p = 0.431; 2D SWE vs TE, p = 0.317; and MRE vs TE, p = 0.052) and advanced fibrosis (2D SWE vs MRE, p = 0.348; 2D SWE vs TE, p = 0.293; and MRE vs TE, p = 0.059). CONCLUSION. For patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD, 2D SWE, MRE and TE exhibited comparable and very good to excellent diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis and comparable but lower accuracy for significant fibrosis.

Assessment of Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy Using CT Texture Analysis in Patients With Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE. The goal of this study was to assess the correlation between CT-derived texture features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and histologic and biochemical markers of response to neoadjuvant treatment as well as disease-free survival in patients with potentially resectable PDAC. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Thirty-nine patients completed this prospective study protocol between November 2013 and December 2016. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, underwent surgical resection, and had histologic grading of tumor response. Similar CT protocol was used for all patients. Pancreatic (late arterial) phase of pre- and posttreatment CT scans were evaluated. Histogram analysis and spatial-band-pass filtration were used to extract textural features. Correlation between textural parameters, histologic response, biochemical response, and genetic mutations was assessed using Mann-Whitney test, chi-square analysis, and multivariate logistic regression. Association with disease-free survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox model. RESULTS. Pretreatment mean positive pixel (MPP) at fine- and medium-level filtration, pretreatment kurtosis at medium-level filtration, changes in kurtosis, and pretreatment tumor SD were statistically different between patients with no or poor histologic response and favorable histologic response (p < 0.05). Changes in skewness and kurtosis at medium-level filtration significantly correlated with biochemical response (p < 0.01). On the basis of multivariate analysis, patients with higher MPP at pretreatment CT were more likely to have favorable histologic response (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.002-1.12). The Cox model for association between textural features and disease-free survival was statistically significant (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION. Textural features extracted from baseline pancreatic phase CT imaging of patients with potentially resectable PDAC and longitudinal changes in tumor heterogeneity can be used as biomarkers for predicting histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and disease-free survival.

Appleby Procedure (Distal Pancreatectomy With Celiac Artery Resection) for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma: Indications, Outcomes, and Imaging.

OBJECTIVE. We describe the indications, surgical technique, outcome, and imaging findings in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treated with distal pancreatectomy and celiac artery resection (modified Appleby procedure). CONCLUSION. Distal pancreatectomy and celiac artery resection is a feasible surgery in selected patients with locally advanced PDAC. Knowledge of surgical technique and imaging features may aid radiologists in identifying patients with locally invasive PDAC who might benefit from resection and identifying characteristic distal pancreatectomy and celiac artery resection complications.

Prospective Study of the Impact of Liver Biopsy Core Size on Specimen Adequacy and Procedural Complications.

OBJECTIVE: An American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) consensus document stressed the importance of obtaining sufficient liver biopsy specimens to minimize sampling errors. Many centers continue to use smaller-diameter core systems to minimize perceived complication risks. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of core gauge (18- vs 16-gauge) on specimen adequacy and procedural complications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty patients referred for liver biopsy were randomized to undergo 16- or 18-gauge ultrasound (US)-guided core biopsy. Hemorrhage was qualitatively evaluated, and pain was assessed using a 10-point rating scale. The length and number of portal tracts per specimen were assessed. On the basis of the AASLD guidelines, specimen adequacy was defined as 11 or more portal tracts. Differences in pathology metrics and pain scoring were assessed using chi-square and linear regression models. RESULTS: No significant hemorrhage occurred in either group, and there was no difference in postbiopsy pain scores. The mean specimen length obtained with 16-gauge needles was less than that obtained with 18-gauge needles (1.7 vs 1.9 cm, p = 0.03). The mean number of portal tracts obtained with 16-gauge biopsies was greater than obtained with 18-gauge systems (14 vs 13, p = 0.03); 85% of 16-gauge biopsy specimens and 80% of 18-gauge biopsy specimens were adequate on the basis of the AASLD criteria, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: US-guided 18- and 16-gauge core biopsies are similarly safe. A large percentage of 18- or 16-gauge specimens are inadequate when AASLD quality control adequacy thresholds are applied, and specimen adequacy is not significantly affected by biopsy gauge.

Delayed splenic vascular injury after nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Delayed splenic vascular injury (DSVI) is traditionally considered a rare, often clinically occult, harbinger of splenic rupture in patients with splenic trauma that are managed conservatively. The purpose of our study was to assess the incidence of DSVI and associated features in patients admitted with blunt splenic trauma and managed nonoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 4-y time. Patients admitted with blunt splenic trauma, managed no-operatively and with a follow-up contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan study during admission were included. The CT scans were reviewed for American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic injury score, amount of hemoperitoneum, and presence of DSVI. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the risk factors associated with DSVI. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (60 men and 40 women) constituted the study group. Follow-up CT scan demonstrated a 23% incidence of DSVI. Splenic artery angiography validated DSVI in 15% of the total patient population. Most DSVIs were detected only on arterial phase CT scan imaging. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic injury score (odds ratio = 1.73; P = 0.045) and the amount of hemoperitoneum (odds ratio = 1.90; P = 0.023) on admission CT scan were associated with the development of DSVI on follow-up CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: DSVI on follow-up CT scan imaging of patients managed nonoperatively after splenic injury is common and associated with splenic injury score assessed on admission CT scan.

Hepatic sarcoidosis in patients presenting with liver dysfunction: imaging appearance, pathological correlation and disease evolution.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesize that hepatic sarcoidosis is a dynamic process that can lead to cirrhosis and portal hypertension, independent of the course of thoracic disease. Therefore, we assess the imaging appearance and progression of hepatic sarcoidosis in subjects presenting with hepatic dysfunction. METHODS: An IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant, single-institution retrospective review identified 39 subjects with sarcoidosis-related liver dysfunction. Clinical information was collected. Two abdominal radiologists analyzed baseline and follow-up imaging studies, scoring features of cirrhosis. Chest CT was also analyzed. RESULTS: At presentation, 23 subjects (59.0 %) exhibited >3 cirrhotic features and 15 (38.5 %) >2 findings of portal hypertension. Of subjects with available follow-up, 57.9 % (19 subjects; mean interval 4.7 years) showed worsening of >3 cirrhotic features (Pearson rho = 0.58; p = 0.009). Parenchymal nodules were uncommon (25.6 %), and most regressed. Although 87.2 % of subjects were diagnosed with thoracic sarcoidosis, there was poor correlation between severity of hepatic and chest disease (Pearson rho = 0.30; p = 0.119). A mean of 7.2 years elapsed between diagnosis of pulmonary and liver involvement. CONCLUSION: Sarcoidosis may present as liver dysfunction, cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Sarcoid-related liver disease may progress and can manifest without, alongside or significantly after a diagnosis of pulmonary disease. KEY POINTS: • Patients often present with elevated liver function tests indicating cholestasis. • Patients may present with portal hypertension, and some progress to cirrhosis. • Though biopsy can be considered for focal liver lesions, most will regress. • Extent of intra-abdominal involvement may not correlate with severity of thoracic disease. • Liver disease may manifest alongside, prior to or significantly after initial diagnosis.

Adrenal Imaging Features Predict Malignancy Better than Tumor Size.

INTRODUCTION: In adrenal tumors, size ≥ 4 cm has been an indication for adrenalectomy due to concern for malignancy. We compared mass size to imaging features (ImF) for accuracy in diagnosing adrenal malignancy. METHODS: Data were retrieved for 112 consecutive patients who had adrenalectomy from January 2011 to August 2014. ImF was classified as nonbenign if HU > 10 on unenhanced CT scan or if loss of signal on out-of-phase imaging was absent on chemical-shift MRI. Indications for resection included hormonal hypersecretion, nonbenign ImF, and/or size ≥ 4 cm. RESULTS: Of 113 resected adrenals, 37 % were functional. Histologic malignancy occurred in 18 % (20/113) and included 3 adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC), 1 epithelioid liposarcoma, 1 lymphoma, 1 malignant nerve sheath tumor, and 14 adrenal metastases. Patients with malignancies were older (mean age, 60 ± 13 vs. 51 ± 14 years, p = 0.01). Malignant tumors were larger on preoperative imaging (mean 5.3 ± 3.2 vs. 3.9 ± 2.4 cm, p = 0.03). All 20 malignant masses had nonbenign ImF. In predicting malignancy, the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of nonbenign ImF was 100, 57, 100, and 33 %, respectively. Size ≥ 4 cm was less predictive with sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of 55, 61, 86, and 23 %, respectively. If size ≥ 4 cm had been used as the sole criterion for surgery, 45 % of malignancies (9/20) would have been missed including 8 metastases and an ACC. CONCLUSIONS: In resected adrenal tumors, the presence of nonbenign ImF is more sensitive for malignancy than mass size (100 vs. 55 %) with equivalent specificity. Regardless of mass size, adrenalectomy should be strongly considered when non-benign ImF are present.

Infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma: what radiologists need to know.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The macroscopic growth pattern of HCC is subdivided into three categories: nodular, massive, and infiltrative. Infiltrative HCC accounts for 7%-20% of HCC cases and is confirmed at pathologic analysis on the basis of the spread of minute tumor nodules throughout large regions of the liver. Infiltrative HCC may represent a diagnostic challenge because it is often difficult to distinguish from background changes in cirrhosis at imaging. Infiltrative HCC usually spreads over multiple hepatic segments, occupying an entire hepatic lobe or the entire liver, and it is frequently associated with portal vein tumor thrombosis. The tumor is usually ill defined at ultrasonography and shows minimal and inconsistent arterial enhancement and heterogeneous washout at contrast material-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The tumor may be more visible among the surrounding liver parenchyma at diffusion-, T1-, and T2-weighted MR imaging. Several liver diseases can mimic the infiltrative appearance of this malignancy, including focal confluent fibrosis, hepatic fat deposition, hepatic microabscesses, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and diffuse metastatic disease (pseudocirrhosis). The prognosis for patients with infiltrative HCC is poor because the tumor is often markedly advanced and associated with vascular invasion at presentation. Survival after surgical resection is decreased; thus, infiltrative HCC is a contraindication for resection and transplantation. Knowledge of the key tumor characteristics and imaging findings will help radiologists formulate a correct and timely diagnosis to improve patient management.

Biliary strictures and masses: an expanded differential diagnosis.

Biliary strictures and masses are commonly a result of cholangiocarcinoma. However, there are several congenital, infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, iatrogenic, and neoplastic etiologies that should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. Knowledge of the key imaging and clinical findings will aid in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment.

The cystic duct knot sign: case report with description of a new ultrasound sign of gallbladder torsion.

Gallbladder torsion or volvulus is a rare but potentially lethal entity. We report the imaging findings of gallbladder torsion and describe a potentially novel ultrasound sign for the preoperative diagnosis of torsion. An 87-year-old woman presented with a 4-day history of right upper quadrant pain. An initial right upper quadrant ultrasound exam demonstrated cholelithiasis and findings of acute cholecystitis which included gallbladder distension, wall thickening, trace pericholecystic fluid, and a positive sonographic Murphy's sign. Gallbladder torsion was prospectively diagnosed on the subsequent contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen based upon the abnormal transverse orientation of the gallbladder with the neck directed laterally. Ultrasound images were reviewed and a "knot"-like hyperechoic nodular appearance of the torsed cystic duct close to the gallbladder neck was clearly apparent. Prospective identification of the torsed cystic duct may prompt the ultrasound diagnosis of gallbladder torsion.

Highly accurate diagnosis of cancer in thyroid nodules with follicular neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm cytology by ThyroSeq v2 next-generation sequencing assay.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a common approach to evaluating thyroid nodules, although 20% to 30% of FNAs have indeterminate cytology, which hampers the appropriate management of these patients. Follicular (or oncocytic) neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular (or oncocytic) neoplasm (FN/SFN) is a common indeterminate diagnosis with a cancer risk of approximately 15% to 30%. In this study, the authors tested whether the most complete next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of genetic markers could significantly improve cancer diagnosis in these nodules. METHODS: The evaluation of 143 consecutive FNA samples with a cytologic diagnosis of FN/SFN from patients with known surgical outcomes included 91 retrospective samples and 52 prospective samples. Analyses were performed on a proprietary sequencer using the targeted ThyroSeq v2 NGS panel, which simultaneously tests for point mutations in 13 genes and for 42 types of gene fusions that occur in thyroid cancer. The expression of 8 genes was used to assess the cellular composition of FNA samples. RESULTS: In the entire cohort, histologic analysis revealed 104 benign nodules and 39 malignant nodules. The most common point mutations involved the neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), followed by the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, and the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene. The identified fusions involved the thyroid adenoma associated (THADA) gene; the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG) gene; and the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 3 (NTRK3) gene. Performance characteristics were similar in the retrospective and prospective groups. Among all FN/SFN nodules, preoperative ThyroSeq v2 performed with 90% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 80%-99%), 93% specificity (95% CI, 88%-98%), a positive predictive value of 83% (95% CI, 72%-95%), a negative predictive value of 96% (95% CI, 92%-100%), and 92% accuracy (95% CI, 88%-97%). CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicate that comprehensive genotyping of thyroid nodules using a broad NGS panel provides a highly accurate diagnosis for nodules with FN/SFN cytology and should facilitate the optimal management of these patients.

In search of a consensus: evaluation of the patient with hematuria in an era of cost containment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the current consensus guidelines for nonimaging triage and ultimate preferred imaging approach for the patient with unexplained hematuria. CONCLUSION: Numerous consensus guidelines from varying societies have outlined preferred imaging pathways for the patient with unexplained urologic causes of hematuria. Future guidelines will need to take into account disease prevalence, radiation considerations, and cost.

Correlation of ultrasound findings with the Bethesda cytopathology classification for thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration: a primer for radiologists.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration play a critical role in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) was developed to facilitate communication among cytopathologists, radiologists, and referring physicians. The reporting scheme has rapidly become one of the most important contributions to thyroid nodule management. In this article, we review the significance of the TBSRTC categories and their implications in stratifying risk in the management of thyroid nodules. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of TBSRTC will allow the radiologist to better understand the criteria for thyroid nodule specimen adequacy, the components of risk stratification, and the standard terminology used for effective communication between patients and clinicians.

Hepatic transplantation: postoperative complications.

Advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppression have made orthotopic liver transplantation a first-line treatment for many patients with end-stage liver disease. The early detection and treatment of postoperative complications has contributed significantly to improved graft and patient survival with imaging playing a critical role in detection. Complications that can lead to graft failure or patient mortality include vascular abnormalities, biliary abnormalities, allograft rejection, and recurrent or post-transplant malignancy. Vascular abnormalities include stenosis and thrombosis of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and inferior vena cava, as well as hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, and celiac stenosis. Biliary abnormalities include strictures, bile leak, obstruction, recurrent disease, and infection. While imaging is not used to diagnose allograft rejection, it plays an important role in identifying complications that can mimic rejection. Ultrasound is routinely performed as the initial imaging modality for the detection and follow-up of both early and delayed complications. Cholangiography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography are used to characterize biliary complications and computed tomography is used to confirm abnormal findings on ultrasound or for the evaluation of postoperative collections. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate the imaging appearances and management of complications associated with liver transplantation.

Percutaneous kidney biopsy trends in the Medicare population by specialty from 2011 to 2021: implications for nephrology training requirements and radiology referral patterns.

PURPOSE: To study trends in volume and reimbursement for percutaneous kidney biopsy (PKB) by physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) for Medicare enrollees from 2011-2021. METHODS: Claims from the Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Master File (a national Medicare database) for 2011-2021 were extracted using Current Procedural Terminology codes for PKB. Total volumes were compared by provider specialty. Non-facility reimbursement, work Relative Value Unit (RVU) non-facility practice expense RVU, and malpractice RVU were compared. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2021, total volume of PKB by physicians and APPs increased from 30,753 to 34,090 (10.9%), with a peak of 37,882 in 2019 prior to the COVID 19 pandemic. Radiology performed the majority of procedures during the study period. Relative share for radiology increased from 67.6% to 81.1% while the relative share for internal medicine/nephrology decreased from 24.3% to 14.3%, accelerating between 2019 and 2020. Volume and relative share for APPs marginally increased (from 0.9% to 1.2%). Non-facility reimbursement decreased from $578.96 in 2010 to $568.76 in 2021 (1.7%), work RVU decreased from 2.63 to 2.38 (9.5%), non-facility practice expense RVU decreased from 14.10 to 13.71 (2.8%), and malpractice RVU decreased from 0.31 to 0.21 (32.3%). CONCLUSION: Volume and total share of PKB performed by radiology increased over the study period. Conversely, internal medicine/nephrology performed fewer kidney biopsies. Despite the expanding role for APPs in other image-guided procedures, very few PKBs were performed by APPs throughout the study period. Reimbursement and RVU for PKB declined over the study period.

Segmental testicular infarction: report of seven new cases and literature review.

Segmental testicular infarction is a relatively rare acute or subacute condition which is infrequently thought of in the differential diagnosis for testicular pain. However, missing or misdiagnosing this entity on clinical evaluation and/or imaging has significant implications for patients as they may undergo unnecessary surgery for suspected testicular torsion or tumor. Knowledge and recognition of the features of segmental testicular infarction on ultrasound and MRI will aid in the diagnosis of this disease early in the patient's course. The common imaging features of segmental testicular infarction and the clinical literature are reviewed, with an emphasis on ultrasound, utilizing seven recent cases from three institutions.

Growth in Thoracentesis and Paracentesis Performed by Radiology and Advanced Practice Providers: Medicare Volume and Reimbursement Trends From 2012 to 2018.

PURPOSE: To study trends in volume and reimbursement for paracentesis and thoracentesis by physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) after the introduction of discreet Current Procedural Terminology codes for image guidance. METHODS: Medicare claims for 2012 to 2018 (paracentesis) and 2013 to 2018 (thoracentesis) were extracted using Current Procedural Terminology codes for blind and image-guided paracentesis and thoracentesis. Total volumes were analyzed by provider specialty. Nonfacility reimbursement and relative value units were compared. RESULTS: For blind paracentesis, volume decreased from 17,393 to 12,226 procedures from 2012 to 2018. Conversely, volume of image-guided paracentesis increased from 171,631 to 253,834 procedures. Radiology performed the majority of image-guide paracentesis (83.9% in 2012 and 77.1% in 2018). Volume and relative share for APPs dramatically increased (from 10.2% to 15.8%). For blind thoracentesis, volume decreased from 26,716 to 15,075 procedures from 2013 to 2018. Conversely, volume of image-guided thoracentesis increased from 187,168 to 222,673 procedures. Radiology performed the majority of image-guided thoracentesis (73.6% in 2013 and 66.2% in 2018). Volume and relative share for APPs dramatically increased (from 7.7% to 12.9%). Although reimbursement for both image-guided paracentesis and thoracentesis decreased, their reimbursement remained higher than that of blind paracentesis and thoracentesis throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: A higher percentage of these procedures are being performed using image guidance; radiologists performed a growing number but declining percentage of image-guided paracentesis and thoracentesis. APPs are playing an increasing role, particularly using image guidance. Given decreasing reimbursement for these procedures, APPs can provide a large cost advantage in procedural radiology practices.

Survey Study on the Experience, Practice Patterns, and Preferences of the Fellows of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound for Evaluation and Management of Gallbladder Polyps Detected With Ultrasound.

ABSTRACT: Gallbladder polyps (GPs) are a common incidental finding on ultrasound; however, important differences in recommended management exist among professional society guidelines.An electronic survey was sent to 189 fellows of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound. Main outcomes included preferences and current practice patterns for evaluation, management, and surveillance of GPs as well as personal lifetime experience with gallbladder sonography and GPs.A total of 64 subjects (34%) with experience in gallbladder sonography completed the study. The estimated combined total number of gallbladder scans seen by the responders was 3,071,880. None of fellows had ever seen a pedunculated GP <1 cm detected on ultrasound that was proven to be malignant at the time of detection or during subsequent follow-up. All of the fellows used size as a feature to stratify recommendations. The median size threshold currently used by Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound fellows for recommending ultrasound follow-up was 6 mm, and their preferred threshold was 7 mm. The median size threshold for recommending surgical consultation was 10 mm, and the preferred threshold was 10 mm. Wall thickening and shape were considered important factors by 76% and 67% of respondents, respectively.Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound fellows tend to provide recommendations most similar to the American College of Radiology and Canadian Association of Radiology guidelines for management of GPs. Many would prefer guidelines that result in fewer recommendations for follow-up and surgical consultation. Despite a substantial combined experience, this survey did not uncover any case of a small GP that was malignant.