Comparison of Mammography AI Algorithms with a Clinical Risk Model for 5-year Breast Cancer Risk Prediction: An Observational Study.

Background Although several clinical breast cancer risk models are used to guide screening and prevention, they have only moderate discrimination. Purpose To compare selected existing mammography artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) risk model for prediction of 5-year risk. Materials and Methods This retrospective case-cohort study included data in women with a negative screening mammographic examination (no visible evidence of cancer) in 2016, who were followed until 2021 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Women with prior breast cancer or a highly penetrant gene mutation were excluded. Of the 324 009 eligible women, a random subcohort was selected, regardless of cancer status, to which all additional patients with breast cancer were added. The index screening mammographic examination was used as input for five AI algorithms to generate continuous scores that were compared with the BCSC clinical risk score. Risk estimates for incident breast cancer 0 to 5 years after the initial mammographic examination were calculated using a time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results The subcohort included 13 628 patients, of whom 193 had incident cancer. Incident cancers in eligible patients (additional 4391 of 324 009) were also included. For incident cancers at 0 to 5 years, the time-dependent AUC for BCSC was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.62). AI algorithms had higher time-dependent AUCs than did BCSC, ranging from 0.63 to 0.67 (Bonferroni-adjusted P < .0016). Time-dependent AUCs for combined BCSC and AI models were slightly higher than AI alone (AI with BCSC time-dependent AUC range, 0.66-0.68; Bonferroni-adjusted P < .0016). Conclusion When using a negative screening examination, AI algorithms performed better than the BCSC risk model for predicting breast cancer risk at 0 to 5 years. Combined AI and BCSC models further improved prediction. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Variation in CTA evaluation of ED patients suspected of aortic dissection.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the variation in CTA imaging for AoD in an ED to determine if limiting the scanned region to the chest can effectively rule-out AoD without delaying care. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients belonging to a geographically isolated health maintenance organization who underwent CTA evaluation for possible acute AoD in the emergency department between 2016 and 2020. We evaluated for the regions included in the CTA, the presence of an acute AoD, and clinical outcomes. For those who were ruled-out of an AoD with a CTA limited to the chest, we investigated clinical follow-up up to 6 months after their initial presentation. RESULTS: Over the study period, there were 1143 CT scans ordered by ED physicians to evaluate for AoD in patients without a history of AoD. Only 23.0% of screening studies were of the chest only. There were 29 acute AoDs diagnosed (14 type A and 15 type B) making for a prevalence of 2.5%. Only one patient with an acute AoD detected on a chest-only CTA required farther imaging, which did not delay clinical care. No patients ruled-out for acute AoD with a chest-only CTA had a return ED visit or repeat CTA within 6 months diagnosing a missed AoD. There were no AoDs limited to the abdominal aorta that would have been missed on a chest-only study. CONCLUSION: In patients in the ED with suspected new acute AoD, a CTA limited to the chest can effectively evaluate the condition without delaying care in this integrated healthcare system with 24/7 CT availability.

Journal Club: Head CT scans in the emergency department for syncope and dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the yield of acutely abnormal findings on head CT scans in patients presenting to the emergency department with dizziness, near-syncope, or syncope and to determine the clinical factors that potentially predicted acutely abnormal head CT findings and hospital admission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients presenting to an HMO emergency department between July 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, who underwent head CT for a primary complaint of dizziness, syncope, or near-syncope. The primary outcomes were head CT scans with acutely abnormal findings and hospital admission. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between clinical variables and acute head CT findings and between clinical variables and hospital admission. RESULTS: Of the 253 patients who presented with dizziness, 7.1% had head CT scans with acutely abnormal findings, and 18.6% were admitted. Of the 236 patients who presented with syncope or near-syncope, 6.4% had head CT scans with acutely abnormal findings, and 39.8% were admitted. The following three clinical factors were found to be significantly correlated with acutely abnormal head CT findings: a focal neurologic deficit (p = 0.003), age greater than 60 years (p = 0.011), and acute head trauma (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that most patients presenting with syncope or dizziness to the emergency department may not benefit from head CT unless they are older, have a focal neurologic deficit, or have a history of recent head trauma.

The Added Value of Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Patient Selection.

INTRODUCTION: There has been a rapid increase in the utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prostate cancer detection. The objective of this study was to measure the increase in utilization of MRI before prostate biopsy and the effects on the distribution of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RAD) scores and Gleason grades over a 5-year interval in an integrated health system. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of prostate MRI studies prior to biopsy in the calendar years of 2017 and 2022. Peak PI-RADS score, peak Gleason grade of suspected prostatic lesions, and the number of biopsy cores were collected from radiology reports and pathology reports from patients' electronic health records, respectively. All statistical tests were 2-tailed with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Categorical data analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney tests. Continuous data analyses were performed using t-tests. RESULTS: The total number of prostate MRIs and the number of MRIs with subsequent biopsy respectively increased by 178% and 215% over a 5-year interval (2017-2022). There was a higher proportion of MRI studies with an associated biopsy given a PI-RADS score of ≥ 3 (91%) and a Gleason grade of ≥ 7 (61%) in 2022 than in 2017 (PI-RADS: 75%; Gleason: 28%). CONCLUSIONS: Increased utilization of prostate MRI has been associated with a higher proportion of biopsies with high PI-RADS and Gleason scores consistent with improved patient selection in this integrated health system.

Computerized Tomography-Based Screening for Moderate to Severe Hepatic Steatosis in a Multiethnic Population.

Background and Aim Data on prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Hawaii is limited. This study determined the prevalence of moderate to severe hepatic steatosis within a multicultural, multiethnic, and multiracial cohort in Hawaii undergoing computerized tomography (CT) for reasons unrelated to fatty liver disease. Methods The authors performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who were members of an integrated health care system with CT scans including the liver between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Moderate to severe hepatic steatosis was determined by an average attenuation value < 40 Hounsfield units for non-contrast-enhanced CT and a mean attenuation value < 90 Hounsfield units for contrast-enhanced CT. Patients' electronic medical records were reviewed for existing diagnoses of hepatic steatosis, obesity, and diabetes mellitus type 2 and data to calculate a Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. Results Approximately 26.6% had moderate to severe hepatic steatosis, while only 11.3% of those patients had an active diagnosis of fatty liver disease. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (33.1%) had the greatest prevalence of hepatic steatosis, followed by White people (28.4%), Asian people (27.7%), and other ethnicities (10.8%). About 61.4% patients with fatty liver had a diagnosis of obesity, while 33.4% had a body mass index < 30.0 kg/m2. Finally, 86.2% patients had enough information in their electronic medical records from which to calculate a FIB-4 score and the mean FIB-4 index was 1.66 ± 3.50. Conclusions Moderate to severe hepatic steatosis is common among patients undergoing CT studies for reasons not related to hepatic steatosis in this multiethnic population most of whom did not have a diagnosis of fatty liver disease.

Moderate to severe hepatic steatosis on computerized tomography imaging: Prevalence in obese Pacific Islanders and Asians.

Background and Aim: Hepatic steatosis (HS) is common worldwide, but there is little data on the prevalence of HS in Pacific Islanders (PIs) and Asians within the United States. Our aim was to compare prevalence of HS in obese 18-50-year-olds of Asian and PI ethnicity who underwent computerized tomography (CT). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all members of an integrated healthcare system who self-identified as Asian or PI, were between the ages of 18 and 50 years, had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, and underwent a CT scan that included the liver during 2021, resulting in 748 subjects. Imaging was analyzed using a method sensitive and specific for moderate to severe HS. Additionally, multiple binary logistic regression was performed to explore the relationship between HS and HbA1c, BMI, and age. Results: Of the 748 patients, 311 (41.6%) had HS. We found no significant difference in the prevalence of HS between Asians and PIs (χ2 1 = 1.3, P = 0.25), between Asian and PI men (χ2 1 = 2.8, P = 0.096), or between Asian and PI women (χ2 1 = 0.053, P = 0.82). Higher odds of HS was associated with increasing BMI (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.11; P < 0.001) and HbA1c (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04-1.26; P = 0.00489), but HS was not associated with age in this age range (OR = 0.993; 95% CI: 0.973-1.01; P = 0.46). Conclusion: Moderate to severe HS is very common in obese Asian and PI adults, and occurs at similar rates in these ethnicities. Abdominal CT imaging presents an opportunity to diagnose HS and provides relevant information to patients and healthcare providers.

Variation in Positivity Rates of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiograms for the Evaluation of Acute Pulmonary Embolism Among Emergency Department Physicians.

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an imaging study for which there is substantial evidence for its overuse in the evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Prior literature has reported low positive PE rates, but the variability in positive rates among the ordering physicians has not been as well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate variation in ordering and positive rates among physicians in an emergency department (ED) within an integrated health care system.This study was based in a single ED that is part of a geographically isolated integrated health care system. We reviewed the patient records for all patients who underwent a CTPA for the evaluation for acute PE in the ED between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. For each CTPA examination, we recorded the ordering ED physician, serum d-dimer value (mcg/mL), if any, and the results of the CTPA.Review of CTPAs over the 2-year period revealed 1380 CTPAs ordered by 23 ED physicians with a range of 25-141 studies per physician (mean of 60 + 31 CTPAs). The overall positive rate for PE was 6.9%. Individual ED physician positivity rates showed wide variability ranging from 0% to 18.4% (mean positive rate 7.6 + 4.4%). The results of this study confirm the need for greater adherence to existing guidelines using clinical decision rules and d-dimer testing when appropriate among all ED physicians but especially those who order a greater number of studies and have low rates for positive PE.

Harnessing the Electronic Medical Record to Improve the Utilization of Ultrasound Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends one-time ultrasound screening to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in male smokers. Despite this recommendation, AAA screening is still underutilized. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an electronic medical record (EMR) automated ordering program in increasing AAA screening at an integrated health care system. METHODS: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ultrasound screening for AAA from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021, at a geographically isolated integrated health care system. An automated ordering system was implemented in a stepwise fashion within our EMR beginning in March 2019. The number of ultrasound studies and the incidence of AAA were compared between manual referral and EMR automated ordering periods. RESULTS: A total of 4,176 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study, among whom 148 aneurysms were identified. There was an increase in the average number of monthly screening ultrasound studies performed during the automated ordering period compared with the manual referral period (105 vs 16.3 studies, P < .001). The incidence of AAA was lower in the automated ordering period compared with the manual referral period (3.2% vs 5.3%, P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: An EMR automated ordering program can increase the number of screening ultrasound studies performed for AAA, which may help clinicians identify more high-risk aneurysms requiring urgent repair.

Affiliation and control during marital disagreement, history of divorce, and asymptomatic coronary artery calcification in older couples.

OBJECTIVE: To examine behavioral observations of affiliation (ie, warmth versus hostility) and control (ie, dominance versus submissiveness) and prior divorce as predictors of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in older couples. In some but not all studies, marital disruption and low marital quality have been shown to confer risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Inconsistencies might reflect limitations of self-reports of marital quality compared with behavioral observations. Also, aspects of marital quality related to CAD might differ for men and women. METHODS: Couples underwent computed tomography scans for CAC and marital assessments, including observations of laboratory-based disagreement. Participants were 154 couples (mean age, 63.5 years; mean length of marriage, 36.4 years) free of prior diagnosis of CAD. RESULTS: Controlling traditional risk factors, we found behavioral measures of affiliation (low warmth) accounted for 6.2% of variance in CAC for women, p < .01, but not for men. Controlling behavior (dominance) accounted for 6.0% of variance in CAC for men, p < .02, but not for women. Behavioral measures were related to self-reports of marital quality, but the latter were unrelated to CAC. History of divorce predicted CAC for men and women. CONCLUSIONS: History of divorce and behavioral--but not self-report--measures of marital quality were related to CAD, such that low warmth and high dominance conferred risk for women and men, respectively. Prior research might underestimate the role of marital quality in CAD by relying on global self-reports of this risk factor.

Effects of Implementing a Higher Threshold for Recommending Thyroid Biopsies on Malignancy Rates.

INTRODUCTION: We implemented a new thyroid nodule classification system in which a biopsy was recommended for thyroid lesions ≥ 1 cm with at least 2 or more suspicious features. METHODS: Three consecutive years of thyroid biopsies using the new classification system were reviewed for patient demographics, biopsy recommendation based on nodule size and imaging characteristics, and pathology results. The primary outcome was malignancy rates for thyroid biopsies. These results were compared to a 3-year historical data set. RESULTS: Review of thyroid biopsies from 2010 to 2012, prior to the implementation of current recommendations, revealed 996 thyroid biopsies with a malignancy rate of 12.8%. Subsequent to the new classification system in 2017, 483 thyroid biopsies were performed over the next 3 years with a malignancy rate of 21.9%. DISCUSSION: Implementation of the new classification system with a higher threshold for biopsy reduced our yearly biopsy volume by approximately 50% while also increasing our malignancy rate from 12.8% to 21.9%, which is more in line with published rates of malignancy. CONCLUSION: In a community setting performing less than 200 biopsies per year, the use of more stringent requirements for thyroid biopsy are necessary to achieve malignancy rates comparable to the published literature.

One-View Chest Radiograph for Initial Management of Most Ambulatory Patients with Rib Pain.

INTRODUCTION: Rib series are frequently ordered for ambulatory patients who complain of rib pain or have suffered chest trauma. However, the utility of rib series has been questioned in previous studies. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of rib series to a single view posteroanterior chest radiograph in the clinical management of most ambulatory patients with rib pain. METHODS: We reviewed all rib series for rib pain performed between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, excluding patients with suspected bony metastasis, chest or rib deformities, and follow-up studies for prior rib series. We recorded any follow-up imaging and/or surgical intervention within 30 ± 7 days, fracture diagnosis, and complications relating to rib fractures. RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred ninety-one rib series were performed during the study period. Of these, 1168 (65.2%) rib series were performed because of trauma as reported in the clinical indication (trauma cohort). Six hundred twenty-three (34.8%) of the rib series were performed for clinical indications which did not specify acute trauma (nontrauma cohort). There were 323 (17.9%) rib series that resulted in a fracture diagnosis and 95 (5.3%) that resulted in a possible fracture diagnosis. There were 50 (2.8%) effusions, 7 (0.4%), pneumothoraces, and 1 (0.1%) hemothorax detected. Two patients, 1 each from the trauma and nontrauma cohorts, underwent subsequent intervention during the follow-up period. In both cases, the findings which led to the subsequent intervention could be seen on the initial posteroanterior chest radiograph. CONCLUSION: Single-view chest radiograph provides sufficient information for the clinical management of ambulatory patients with rib pain.

Recommended D-Dimer Use in Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Is Insufficient to Curb the Long-Term Overutilization of CT Pulmonary Angiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether the authors' emergency medicine department has seen a significant change in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) utilization or positive rates for pulmonary embolism (PE) over a 10-year period for the 2 years before and 8 years after the implementation of patient population-specific D-dimer recommendations. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed among all patients belonging to a geographically isolated health maintenance organization who underwent CTPA for the evaluation of acute PE in the emergency department between 2010 and 2019. The positive rate for acute PE among these studies was calculated and stratified by serum D-dimer value collected within 48 hours previously. RESULTS: A total of 6,013 CT pulmonary angiographic studies were reviewed, of which 40.2% had serum D-dimer ≥ 1.0 µg/mL (positive rate 10.6%), 42.5% did not have serum D-dimer drawn (positive rate 7.3%), and 17.2% had serum D-dimer < 1.0 µg/mL (positive rate 0.6%). There was a significant increase in positivity on CTPA in 2012 with the health group's formal recommendation of a D-dimer cutoff of 1.0 µg/mL. This improvement also corresponded with fewer orders for CTPA after a negative D-dimer result. However, in the following years, CTPA utilization and percentage positivity were found to be reverting to the prerecommendation statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The failure to mandate the use of serum D-dimer with a higher threshold value for patients who are to undergo CTPA for possible PE has resulted in poor lasting compliance despite promising early results. A firmer approach is likely necessary to yield positive long-term outcomes.

The Utility of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Angiography and Neck Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Patients with Suspected Acute Stroke.

BACKGROUND: In our health maintenance organization, we have seen a trend among our referring physicians to order simultaneous brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), head magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and neck MRA in the evaluation of patients for acute stroke. However, there are little data to demonstrate any improvement in patient care resulting from ordering this triple study. The objective of this study was to analyze the utility of the triple MRI/MRA study for patients who experience stroke-like symptoms. METHODS: We reviewed all triple-study cases between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016. We recorded whether or not an acute stroke occurred, the presence or absence of a major stenosis in the intracranial and/or neck arteries, subsequent percutaneous endovascular or open surgical intervention within 90 days, and any follow-up computed tomography angiography or carotid ultrasound studies within 30 days. RESULTS: During the studied period, 591 triple studies were ordered, and 162 patients (27.4%) were found to have moderate or severe stenosis. Of the patients who had an acute stroke, 100 (48.3%) also had a major stenosis. Of 591 patients, only 15 (2.5%) underwent percutaneous endovascular or open surgical intervention within 90 days. Of these, 4 patients had an intervention in less than a week; in all of the cases, the triple study did not need to be ordered simultaneously to achieve the same clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Brain MRI, head MRA, and neck MRA studies should not be ordered simultaneously as a generalized response to patients presenting with acute stroke-like symptoms.

Rapidly Destructive Hip Disease Following Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection of the Hip.

BACKGROUND: While recent reports have suggested that hip corticosteroid injections can hasten joint degeneration, there are few published data on the topic. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate for an association between corticosteroid injection and rapidly destructive hip disease (RDHD) and to determine the rate of, and risk factors for, occurrence. METHODS: This study was conducted in 2 parts. First, to assess for a potential association between hip corticosteroid injection and RDHD, a case-control analysis was performed. Patients who developed RDHD between 2013 and 2016 served as cases, whereas those who underwent total hip arthroplasty for diagnoses other than RDHD during the same period served as controls, and the exposure of interest was prior intra-articular hip corticosteroid injection. Second, in a retrospective cohort analysis, we analyzed all patients who received a fluoroscopically guided intra-articular hip corticosteroid injection at our institution from 2013 to 2016. The rate of post-injection RDHD was determined, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for occurrence. RESULTS: In the case-control analysis, hip corticosteroid injection was associated with the development of RDHD (adjusted odds ratio, 8.56 [95% confidence interval, 3.29 to 22.3], p < 0.0001). There was evidence of a dose-response curve, with the risk of RDHD increasing with injection dosage as well as with the number of injections received. In the retrospective cohort analysis, the rate of post-injection RDHD was 5.4% (37 of 688). Cases of post-injection RDHD were diagnosed at an average of 5.1 months following injection and were characterized by rapidly progressive joint-space narrowing, osteolysis, and collapse of the femoral head. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents an association between hip corticosteroid injection and RDHD. While the risk of RDHD following a single low-dose (≤40 mg) triamcinolone injection is low, the risk is higher following high-dose (≥80 mg) injection and multiple injections. These findings provide information that can be used to counsel patients about the risks associated with this common procedure. In addition, caution should be taken with intra-articular hip injections utilizing ≥80 mg of corticosteroid and multiple injections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

On the mechanism of action of pneumatic compression devices: Combined magnetic resonance imaging and duplex ultrasound investigation.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationships between the interface pressure produced by intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices, the deformation of extremity tissues produced by this pressure, and changes in venous blood flow associated with this deformation by use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and duplex ultrasound (DUS) imaging in addition to the pressure measurement. METHODS: The calf garments of two IPC devices (WizAir, Medical Compression Systems, Inc, Ltd, Or-Akiva, Israel; VenaFlow, AirCast Inc, Summit, NJ) were tested in five healthy volunteers. The interface pressure was measured with Tactilus Human Body Interface sensor system (Sensor Products Inc, Madison, NJ). Changes in tissue volumes were assessed with MRI. Velocity and flow changes in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and femoral veins (FV) were evaluated by DUS scans. RESULTS: The spatial distribution of interface pressure differed substantially between the two devices. These differences were in the location and percentage of calf surface area to which different pressure was applied. Both devices produced the tissue compression consistent with each device's unique pattern of the interface pressure distribution. Compression by the IPC devices was associated with a measurable decrease in the volume of subcutaneous tissue under the garment, the total volume of superficial veins, and the volume of the GSV. No measurable changes occurred in subfascial volume of the calf. Compression was associated with significant increase in flow velocities in the GSV and FV. The increase of volume flow was significant in FV, but not in GSV. Comparing hemodynamic data with MRI data showed that the flow velocity increase in FV and GSV caused by IPC highly correlated with decrease in volume of superficial veins and subcutaneous tissue measured by MRI, but not with changes in subfascial volume. A single strongest predictor of venous flow increase was the change in subcutaneous veins volume. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology provides means for the investigation of relationships between the pressure in the garment, interface pressure, tissue deformation, and hemodynamic respond to IPC. The clinical efficacy of IPC should not be explicitly attributed to the magnitude of the pressure in the garment. Similar hemodynamic responses to IPC can be produced by different spatial distributions of pressure resulting in different patterns of tissue compression. Further investigation of biomechanical mechanisms of IPC is needed to guide the development of better engineering solutions for mechanical devices aimed at prevention of venous thrombosis.

Associations of self-reports versus spouse ratings of negative affectivity, dominance, and affiliation with coronary artery disease: where should we look and who should we ask when studying personality and health?

OBJECTIVE: Aspects of negative affect and social behavior studied as risk factors for coronary heart disease are usually examined separately and through self-reports. Using structural models of these personality domains, we tested associations of self-reports and spouse ratings of anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, affiliation and dominance with coronary artery disease (CAD). DESIGN: In 154 healthy older couples, the authors tested cross-sectional associations with CAD of three facets of negative affectivity and two dimensions of the Interpersonal Circumplex, (IPC) using scales derived from the NEO-PI-R. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CAD was quantified as Agatston scores from CT scans of coronary artery calcification (CAC). RESULTS: Self-reports were generally unrelated to CAC, whereas spouse ratings were consistently associated, largely independent of potential confounds. When considered simultaneously, anxiety and anger were related to CAC but depression was not. When considered together, both dominance and (low) affiliation were related to CAC. CONCLUSIONS: Structural models of negative affectivity and social behavior can facilitate integrative study of psychosocial risk factors. Further, self-report measures of these traits might under-estimate related CHD risk.

Inadequate Clinical Indications in Computed Tomography Chest and Abdomen/Pelvis Scans.

CONTEXT: As the use of computed tomography (CT) scans, which are expensive and result in considerable radiation exposure to the patient, continues to increase, communication between physicians and radiologists remains vital to explain the clinical context for the examination. However, the clinical information provided to the radiologist is often lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the clinical information provided in CT scan requests meets minimum criteria for requesting the examination. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical indications for 400 CT chest scans and 400 CT abdomen/pelvis scans performed from January 1, 2016, through March 8, 2016. We determined whether each CT study indication was complete on the basis of whether the clinical information included an adequate clinical history with 1) a primary symptom, 2) the location of the symptom, and 3) the duration of the symptom as well as a suspected etiology. RESULTS: Of the CT chest indications, 56 (14.0%) of the clinical histories were considered complete and 17 (4.3%) had none of the components. A principal etiology was included in 195 (48.8%) of the indications. Of the CT abdomen/pelvis indications, 94 (23.5%) of the clinical histories were complete and 13 (3.3%) had none of the components. A principal etiology was included in 173 (43.3%) of the indications. Only 23 (5.8%) of the CT chest studies and 35 (8.8%) of the CT abdomen/pelvis studies had information considered sufficient for the radiologist. CONCLUSION: The percentage of complete clinical indications for both CT chest and abdomen/pelvis scans was much lower than 50%, suggesting that more emphasis should be placed on providing complete clinical indications.

Hostile personality traits and coronary artery calcification in middle-aged and older married couples: different effects for self-reports versus spouse ratings.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between hostile personality traits and coronary artery disease (CAD) and the role of aspects of hostility, method of assessment, and age as influences on its magnitude, as prior studies of hostility and coronary artery calcification (CAC) have produced conflicting findings. METHODS: Participants included 300 married couples (mean age = 54.4 years) free from diagnosed CAD. Participants completed four measures of hostility-self-reports and spouse ratings of angry hostility (i.e., tendency to experience anger) and antagonism (i.e., argumentative, mistrusting, and cold interpersonal behavior). RESULTS: In hierarchical random regression models accounting for dependency between husbands' and wives' observations, analyses of log-transformed Agatston scores indicated that self-reports of angry hostility and antagonism were not related to CAC. However, spouse ratings of both anger and antagonism were significantly associated with CAC severity. Interactions with age indicated that these associations occurred only among older participants. Control of behavioral and biomedical risk factors did not eliminate these effects. Antagonism but not anger was an independent predictor of CAC when considered simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Hostility is associated with concurrent asymptomatic CAD as assessed through CAC, but this effect is likely to be underestimated when hostility is assessed through self-reports rather than ratings by others and in samples with lower prevalence and severity of CAC.

Appropriate Interval for Imaging Follow-up of Small Simple Pancreatic Cysts.

CONTEXT: The frequency at which patients should undergo follow-up imaging of small pancreatic cysts is problematic because different medical societies have different follow-up guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether short-term follow-up of small pancreatic cysts is necessary to detect pancreatic cancer or cystic neoplasia. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed all abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies obtained in a geographically isolated health maintenance organization between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, looking for pancreatic cysts. For each patient with one or more simple cysts, we recorded the size of the largest cyst. For patients with cysts, all their other computed tomography and MRI studies were reviewed to determine any change in size or morphology. The electronic medical record of every patient who underwent MRI was reviewed to determine development of pancreatic cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in cyst size on images. RESULTS: Of 1946 patients, 342 were found to have at least 1 pancreatic cyst. A total of 228 patients had additional imaging from which to determine rates of change. The mean rate (standard deviation) of change for these cysts was 0.1 ± 2.0 mm/y. None of those cysts measuring 2 cm or smaller on MRI grew more than 5 mm in 2 years. CONCLUSION: Our data validate the clinical efficacy of obtaining follow-up imaging no sooner than 24 months after the initial detection of a simple pancreatic cyst 2 cm or smaller. Patients with cysts are more likely to have pancreatic cancer, but earlier follow-up imaging would not change their diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Risk of Venous Thromboembolism after a Single Normal Proximal Lower Extremity Venous Ultrasound.

CONTEXT: The optimal lower extremity venous ultrasound (US) protocol to diagnose deep venous thrombosis of the popliteal and more proximal veins is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the three-month rate of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) and clinical outcomes of inpatients and ambulatory patients with normal findings on single venous ultrasound of the popliteal and more proximal veins (single proximal US). DESIGN: Single proximal US results and clinical data of all inpatient and ambulatory patients with suspected acute deep venous thrombosis were retrospectively reviewed during a 12-month period between January and December 2014. Three-month follow-up data were reviewed for all these patients, who received all their care from a single geographically isolated health maintenance organization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Three-month rate of symptomatic VTE and clinical outcomes after an initially normal single proximal US result. RESULTS: Of 1295 patients, 111 (8.6%) were found to have acute deep venous thrombosis on the initial proximal US. Of the remaining 1184 patients with initially normal results on proximal US who were sampled at 3-month follow-up, 1075 patients (90.8%) had no venous thromboembolic event. Among the others, 11 (0.9%) had a subsequent imaging-confirmed venous thromboembolic event, 53 (4.5%) died (none owing to venous thromboembolism), and 45 (3.8%) did not complete follow-up. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic VTE after an initially normal single proximal US result occurred in less than 1% of this cohort. Therefore, serial proximal US is unnecessary for most of our patients, and its elimination will save time and out-of-pocket expenses.