Efficacy of Marker-Based Motion Capture for Respiratory Cycle Measurement: A Comparison with Spirometry.

Respiratory rate monitoring is fundamental in clinical settings, and the accuracy of measurement methods is critical. This study aimed to develop and validate methods for assessing respiratory rate and the duration leof respiratory cycle phases in different body positions using optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) based on a motion capture video system. Two analysis methods, the summation method and the triangle method were developed. The study focused on determining the optimal number of markers while achieving accuracy in respiratory parameter measurements. The results showed that most analysis methods showed a difference of ≤0.5 breaths per minute, with R2 ≥ 0.94 (p < 0.001) compared to spirometry. The best OEP methods for respiratory rate were the abdominal triangles and the sum of abdominal markers in all body positions. The study explored inspiratory and expiratory durations. The research found that 5-9 markers were sufficient to accurately determine respiratory time components in all body positions, reducing the marker requirements compared to previous studies. This interchangeability of OEP methods with standard spirometry demonstrates the potential of non-invasive methods for the simultaneous assessment of body segment movements, center of pressure dynamics, and respiratory movements. Future research is required to improve the clinical applicability of these methods.

Extraurinary Incidental Findings on CT for Hematuria: The Radiologist's Role and Downstream Cost Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study of patients who underwent CT for hematuria were to understand how radiologists' recommendations regarding incidental findings affect their management, assess long-term outcomes from important incidental findings, and calculate estimates of downstream costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 1295 patients who underwent CT for hematuria from 2004 to 2006 at our institution. Incidental findings outside the urinary tract were recorded and imaging reports categorized on the basis of recommendations, interpretations, and actions of radiologists. Patients with important incidental findings were followed for 6-8 years. Costs related to incidental findings were estimated and tallied. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen important findings were found in 143 of 1295 patients, with 93 patients undergoing clinical follow-up, including 30 patients who underwent invasive procedures leading to 154 hospital days and 16 operations (group 1). In 63 patients, no invasive procedures were performed (group 2). Costs were higher in group 1 than in group 2, and the average per-patient cost for all 1295 patients was $385. In group 1, 95% of recommendations were followed compared with 80% in group 2. There was probable therapeutic benefit in 25 of 143 (17%) patients. There were serious complications in six of 143 (4.2%) patients, including death in two of 143 (1.4%). CONCLUSION: Radiologists' recommendations were generally followed for important incidental findings. These recommendations can direct the most cost-efficient and effective care for incidental findings. Although some patients with incidental findings had probable benefit, others incurred morbidity or mortality. A small number of invasive procedures resulted in substantial costs in this symptomatic population. Costs averaged over the entire population were higher than have been previously reported.