Decreasing Stroke Code to CT Time in Patients Presenting with Stroke Symptoms.

Guided quality improvement (QI) programs present an effective means to streamline stroke code to computed tomography (CT) times in a comprehensive stroke center. Applying QI methods and a multidisciplinary team approach may decrease the stroke code to CT time in non-prenotified emergency department (ED) patients presenting with symptoms of stroke. The aim of this project was to decrease this time for non-prenotified stroke code patients from a baseline mean of 20 minutes to one less than 15 minutes during an 18-week period by applying QI methods in the context of a structured QI program. By reducing this time, it was expected that the door-to-CT time guideline of 25 minutes could be met more consistently. Through the structured QI program, we gained an understanding of the process that enabled us to effectively identify key drivers of performance to guide project interventions. As a result of these interventions, the stroke code to CT time for non-prenotified stroke code patients decreased to a mean of less than 14 minutes. This article reports these methods and results so that others can similarly improve the time it takes to perform nonenhanced CT studies in non-prenotified stroke code patients in the ED. ©RSNA, 2017.

Reducing Functional MR Imaging Acquisition Times by Optimizing Workflow.

Functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a complex, specialized examination that is able to noninvasively measure information critical to patient care such as hemispheric language lateralization ( 1 ). Diagnostic functional MR imaging requires extensive patient interaction as well as the coordinated efforts of the entire health care team. We observed in our practice at an academic center that the times to perform functional MR imaging examinations were excessively lengthy, making scheduling of the examination difficult. The purpose of our project was to reduce functional MR imaging acquisition times by increasing the efficiency of our workflow, using specific quality tools to drive improvement of functional MR imaging. We assembled a multidisciplinary team and retrospectively reviewed all functional MR imaging examinations performed at our institution from January 2013 to August 2015. We identified five key drivers: (a) streamlined protocols, (b) consistent patient monitoring, (c) clear visual slides and audio, (d) improved patient understanding, and (e) minimized patient motion. We then implemented four specific interventions over a period of 10 months: (a) eliminating intravenous contrast medium, (b) reducing repeated language paradigms, (c) updating technologist and physician checklists, and (d) updating visual slides and audio. Our mean functional MR imaging acquisition time was reduced from 76.3 to 53.2 minutes, while our functional MR imaging examinations remained of diagnostic quality. As a result, we reduced our routine scheduling time for functional MR imaging from 2 hours to 1 hour, improving patient comfort and satisfaction as well as saving time for additional potential MR imaging acquisitions. Our efforts to optimize functional MR imaging workflow constitute a practice quality improvement project that is beneficial for patient care and can be applied broadly to other functional MR imaging practices. ©RSNA, 2017.

Malignant optic glioma masked by suspected optic neuritis and central retinal vein occlusion.

Malignant optic glioma presents a clinical and diagnostic challenge, as early imaging findings overlap with other more common causes of optic nerve enhancement and enlargement, potentially leading to delay in diagnosis. This rare diagnosis carries an extremely poor prognosis, with death usually occurring within 1 year. We present a case of malignant optic glioma that was initially diagnosed as optic neuritis and central retinal vein occlusion, and we emphasize the importance of serial imaging and definitive biopsy to promote early diagnosis and treatment of this entity.

Glioblastoma Invoking "Killer" Rabbits of the Middle Ages.

We present the unusual appearance on brain magnetic resonance imaging of a glioblastoma with an uncanny shape of a rabbit. By invoking fearsome "killer" rabbits depicted in the art and literature of the Middle Ages, this image is an eerie reminder of the current lethality of this disease. There is a pressing need for more effective treatments for glioblastoma.

Delay in diagnosis of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis: successful use of mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis.

Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis is a relatively rare condition with a variable presentation that can translate into a difficult workup and a delay in diagnosis and treatment. We describe the successful use of mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis in the case of an eighteen-year-old woman that presented with progressive thrombosis of the jugular veins and dural sinuses despite adequate anticoagulation. Our case highlights the need for clinicians to include CVST in the initial differential diagnosis of patients in order to prevent delays and poor outcomes.