Highest 3-month international normalized ratio (INR): a predictor of bleeding following ultrasound-guided liver biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether international normalized ratio (INR), bilirubin, and creatinine predict bleeding risk following percutaneous liver biopsy. METHODS: A total of 870 consecutive patients (age 53 ± 14 years; 53% (459/870) male) undergoing non-targeted, ultrasound-guided, percutaneous liver biopsy at a single tertiary center from 01/2016 to 12/2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to evaluate the relationship between individual and combined laboratory values, and post-biopsy bleeding risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under ROC (AUC) curves were constructed to evaluate predictive ability. RESULTS: Post-biopsy bleeding occurred in 2.0% (17/870) of patients, with 0.8% (7/870) requiring intervention. The highest INR within 3 months preceding biopsy demonstrated the best predictive ability for post-biopsy bleeding and was superior to the most recent INR (AUC = 0.79 vs 0.61, p = 0.003). Total bilirubin is an independent predictor of bleeding (AUC = 0.73) and better than the most recent INR (0.61). Multivariate regression analysis of the highest INR and total bilirubin together yielded no improvement in predictive performance compared to INR alone (0.80 vs 0.79). The MELD score calculated using the highest INR (AUC = 0.79) and most recent INR (AUC = 0.74) were similar in their predictive performance. Creatinine is a poor predictor of bleeding (AUC = 0.61). Threshold analyses demonstrate an INR of > 1.8 to have the highest predictive accuracy for bleeding. CONCLUSION: The highest INR in 3 months preceding ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy is associated with, and a better predictor for, post-procedural bleeding than the most recent INR and should be considered in patient risk stratification. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Despite correction of coagulopathic indices, the highest international normalized ratio within the 3 months preceding percutaneous liver biopsy is associated with, and a better predictor for, bleeding and should considered in clinical decision-making and determining biopsy approach. KEY POINTS: • Bleeding occurred in 2% of patients following ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, and was non-trivial in 41% of those patients who needed additional intervention and had an associated 23% 30-day mortality rate. • The highest INR within 3 months preceding biopsy (AUC = 0.79) is a better predictor of bleeding than the most recent INR (AUC = 0.61). • The MELD score is associated with post-procedural bleeding, but with variable predictive performance largely driven by its individual laboratory components.

Safety profile and technical success of narrow window CT-guided percutaneous biopsy with blunt needle approach in the abdomen and pelvis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess success and safety of CT-guided procedures with narrow window access for biopsy. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-six consecutive patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic CT-guided biopsy or fiducial placement between 01/2015 and 12/2018 were included (183 women, mean age 63 ±â€¯14 years). Procedures were classified into "wide window" (width of the needle path between structures > 15 mm) and "narrow window" (≤ 15 mm) based on intraprocedural images. Clinical information, complications, technical and clinical success, and outcomes were collected. The blunt needle approach is preferred by our interventional radiology team for narrow window access. RESULTS: There were 323 (81.5%) wide window procedures and 73 (18.5%) narrow window procedures with blunt needle approach. The median depth for the narrow window group was greater (97 mm, interquartile range (IQR) 82-113 mm) compared to the wide window group (84 mm, IQR 60-106 mm); p = 0.0017. Technical success was reached in 100% (73/73) of the narrow window and 99.7% (322/323) of the wide window procedures. There was no difference in clinical success rate between the two groups (narrow: 86.4%, 57/66; wide: 89.5%, 265/296; p = 0.46). There was no difference in immediate complication rate (narrow: 1.3%, 1/73; wide: 1.2%, 4/323; p = 0.73) or delayed complication rate (narrow: 1.3%, 1/73; wide: 0.6%, 1/323; p = 0.50). CONCLUSION: Narrow window (< 15 mm) access biopsy and fiducial placement with blunt needle approach under CT guidance is safe and successful. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: CT-guided biopsy and fiducial placement can be performed through narrow window access of less than 15 mm utilizing the blunt-tip technique. KEY POINTS: • A narrow window for CT-guided abdominal and pelvic biopsies and fiducial placements was considered when width of the needle path between vital structures was ≤ 15 mm. • Seventy-three biopsies and fiducial placements performed through a narrow window with blunt needle approach had a similar rate of technical and clinical success and complications compared to 323 procedures performed through a wide window approach, with traditional approach (> 15 mm). • This study confirmed the safety of the CT-guided percutaneous procedures through < 15 mm window with blunt-tip technique.

Routine radiology-pathology concordance evaluation of CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsies increases the number of cancers identified.

BACKGROUND: Routine concordance evaluation between pathology and imaging findings was introduced for CT-guided biopsies. PURPOSE: To analyze malignancy rate in concordant, discordant, and indeterminate non-malignant results of CT-guided lung biopsies. METHODS: Concordance between pathology results and imaging findings of consecutive patients undergoing CT-guided lung biopsy between 7/1/2016 and 9/30/2021 was assessed during routine meetings by procedural radiologists. Concordant was defined as pathology consistent with imaging findings; discordant was used when pathology could not explain imaging findings; indeterminate when pathology could explain imaging findings but there was concern for malignancy. Recommendations for discordant and indeterminate were provided. All the malignant results were concordant. Pathology of repeated biopsy, surgical sample, or follow-up was considered reference standard. RESULTS: Consecutive 828 CT-guided lung biopsies were performed on 795 patients (median age 70 years, IQR 61-77), 423/828 (51%) women. On pathology, 224/828 (27%) were non-malignant. Among the non-malignant, radiology-pathology concordance determined 138/224 (62%) to be concordant with imaging findings, 54/224 (24%) discordant, and 32/224 (14%) indeterminate. When compared to the reference standard, 33/54 (61%) discordant results, 6/30 (20%) indeterminate, and 3/133 (2%) concordant were malignant. The prevalence of malignancy in the three groups was significantly different (p < 0.001). Time to diagnosis was significantly different between patients who reached the diagnosis with imaging follow-up (median 114 days, IQR 69-206) compared to repeat biopsy (33 days, IQR 18-133) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Routine radiology-pathology concordance evaluation of CT-guided lung biopsy correctly identifies patients at high risk for missed diagnosis of malignancy. Repeat biopsy is the fastest method to reach diagnosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: A routine radiology-pathology concordance assessment identifies patients with non-malignant CT-guided lung biopsy result who are at greater risk of missed diagnosis of malignancy. KEY POINTS: • A routine radiology-pathology concordance evaluation of CT-guided lung biopsies classified 224 non-malignant results as concordant, discordant, or indeterminate. • The percentage of malignancy on follow-up was significantly different in concordant (2%), discordant (61%), and indeterminate (20%) (p < 0.001). • Time to definitive diagnosis was significantly shorter with repeat biopsy (33 days), compared to imaging follow-up (114 days), p = 0.01.

Summary of the 2022 ACR Intersociety Meeting.

The ACR Intersociety Committee meeting of 2022 (ISC-2022) was convened around the theme of "Recovering From The Great Resignation, Moral Injury and Other Stressors: Rebuilding Radiology for a Robust Future." Representatives from 29 radiology organizations, including all radiology subspecialties, radiation oncology, and medical physics, as well as academic and private practice radiologists, met for 3 days in early August in Park City, Utah, to search for solutions to the most pressing problems facing the specialty of radiology in 2022. Of these, the mismatch between the clinical workload and the available radiologist workforce was foremost-as many other identifiable problems flowed downstream from this, including high job turnover, lack of time for teaching and research, radiologist burnout, and moral injury.

Factors Affecting Adherence to Outpatient Radiology Report Recommendations.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with adherence to radiology follow-up recommendations by the referring physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, CT, ultrasound, and MRI reports with the keyword "recommend" and synonyms between March 11, 2019, and March 29, 2019, were included. Emergency department and inpatient examinations and routine surveillance recommendations, such as lung nodules, were excluded. Performance of follow-up examinations was correlated with the strength of recommendation, conditionality of recommendation, direct communication of results to ordering provider, and history of cancer. Outcomes included adherence to recommendations and time to follow-up. Statistical comparison between groups was performed using χ2, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation. RESULTS: Qualifying recommendations were provided in 255 reports (age 60.1 ± 16.5 years, female: 151 of 255, 59.22%). Imaging follow-up was performed in 166 of 255 (65%) reports: 148 of 166 (89.15%) nonconditional versus 18 of 166 (10.48%) conditional recommendations (P = .008), and more frequently in the patients with a strong follow-up recommendation (138 of 166 [83.13%], versus 28 of 166 [16.86%]) (P = .009). The median time to follow-up was 28 days versus 82 days in patients without versus with a history of cancer (P = .00057), 28 days versus 70 days with direct communication with the provider versus without (P = .0069), 82.5 versus 21 days for reports in which a specific follow-up interval was provided (86 of 255, 33.72%) versus those without (169 of 255, 66.27%) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The adherence rate for radiological nonroutine recommendations was 65%. Reports with strongly worded and nonconditional follow-up recommendations were followed more frequently. Direct communication with providers, patients without a known cancer history, and recommendations with no specified time interval identified were followed up earlier. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Strongly worded and nonconditional follow-up recommendations increase the likelihood of follow-up being performed. Direct communication of imaging follow-up recommendations to the provider and lack of specific time intervals decreases the median time to follow-up, which in turn may decrease the delay in medical care.

Is routine imaging necessary prior to percutaneous abscess catheter removal?

BACKGROUND: Routine management after abscess drainage includes CT or fluoroscopic imaging to assess for residual abscess cavity prior to catheter removal. It is unclear whether this practice is necessary in patients without residual infection signs and symptoms. PURPOSE: To evaluate safety of abscess catheter removal without follow-up imaging in patients without residual clinical or laboratory signs of infection and catheter output < 10 cc/day for 2 consecutive days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this IRB-approved, HIPAA compliant, retrospective study, consecutive patients that underwent percutaneous CT-guided drainage of a single abdominal or pelvic abscess between 01/2015 and 12/2017 in a single tertiary academic institution with or without follow-up imaging prior to catheter removal were included. In our institution, catheters are routinely removed without imaging if there are no clinical (fever, pain) or laboratory (elevated WBC count) signs of infection and catheter output is < 10 cc/day for 2 consecutive days. Patients' and abscess's characteristics, repeat imaging data, and need for re-interventions were obtained through medical records review. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test for independent data and Student's t-test for comparison of group means. RESULTS: 310 consecutive patients (age 56 ± 16 years, 48% female) were included in the study. In 265/310 (85%) patients, no routine follow-up imaging prior to catheter removal was obtained. In 2/265 (0.8%, 95% CI 0.02-0.27%) patients without routine pre-removal imaging, repeat abscess drainage was required 6 and 15 days after catheter removal in patient with perforated appendicitis and after laparoscopic renal cyst decortication, respectively. No patients, 0/45 (0%, 95% CI 0-0.07), that underwent routine imaging without clinical or laboratory signs infection needed to undergo a repeat abscess drainage. CONCLUSION: There is a low rate (0.8%) of abscess recurrence if percutaneous abscess catheter is removed at the time cessation of drainage without routine imaging in clinically well patient.

Emotional Harm in the Radiology Department: Analysis of an Underrecognized Preventable Error.

Background Emotional harm incidents in health care may result in lost trust and adverse outcomes. However, investigations of emotional harm in radiology departments remain lacking. Purpose To better understand contributors and clinical scenarios in which emotional harm can occur in radiology, to document incidences, and to develop preventative countermeasures. Materials and Methods A large tertiary hospital adverse event reporting system was retrospectively searched for submissions under the category of dignity and respect in radiology between December 2014 and December 2020. Submissions were assigned to one of 14 categories per a previously developed classification system. Root-cause analysis of events was performed with a focus on countermeasures for future prevention. The person experiencing emotional harm (patient or staff) was noted. Results Of all radiology-related submissions, 37 of 3032 (1.2%) identified 43 dignity and respect incidents: failure to be patient centered (n = 23; 54%), disrespectful communication (n = 16; 37%), privacy violation (n = 2; 5%), minimization of patient concerns (n = 1; 2%), and loss of property (n = 1; 2%). Failure to be patient centered (n = 23) was subcategorized into disregard for patient preference (12 of 23; 52%), delay in care (eight of 23; 35%), and ineffective communication (three of 23; 13%). Of the 43 incidents, 32 involved patients (74%) and 11 involved staff (26%). Emotional harm in staff was because of disrespectful communication from other staff (eight of 11; 73%). Seventy-three countermeasures were identified: staff communication training (n = 32; 44%), individual feedback (n = 18; 25%), system innovation (n = 16; 22%), improvement of existing communication processes (n = 3; 4%), process reminders (n = 3; 4%), and unclear (n = 1; 1%). Individual feedback and staff communication training that focused on active listening, asking for the patient's preferences, and closed-loop communication addressed 34 of the 43 incidents (79%). Conclusion Most emotional harm incidents were from disrespectful communication and failure to be patient centered. Providing training focused on active listening, asking for patient's preferences, and closed-loop communication would potentially prevent most of these incidents. © RSNA, 2021 See also the editorial by Bruno in this issue.

Concordance Assessment of Pathology Results with Imaging Findings after Image-Guided Biopsy.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of radiology review for discordance between pathology results from computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies versus imaging findings performed before a biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective review, which is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and approved by the institutional review board, 926 consecutive CT-guided biopsies performed between January 2015 and December 2017 were included. In total, 453 patients were presented in radiology review meetings (prospective group), and the results were classified as concordant or discordant. Results from the remaining 473 patients not presented at the radiology review meetings were retrospectively classified. Times to reintervention and to definitive diagnosis were obtained for discordant cases; of these, 49 (11%) of the 453 patients were in the prospective group and 55 (12%) of the 473 patients in the retrospective group. RESULTS: Pathology results from CT-guided biopsies were discordant with imaging in 11% (104/926) of the cases, with 57% (59/104) of these cases proving to be malignant. In discordant cases, reintervention with biopsy and surgery yielded a shorter time to definitive diagnosis (28 and 14 days, respectively) than an imaging follow-up (78 days) (P < .001). The median time to diagnosis was 41 days in the prospective group and 56 days in the retrospective group (P = .46). When radiologists evaluated the concordance between pathology and imaging findings and recommended a repeat biopsy for the discordant cases, more biopsies were performed (50% [11/22] vs 13% [4/31]; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Eleven percent of CT-guided biopsies yielded pathology results that were discordant with imaging findings, with 57% of these proving to be malignant on further workup.

Incidental Splenic Findings on Cross-Sectional Imaging.

Incidental splenic focal findings are commonly encountered in clinical practice and frequently represent a diagnostic dilemma due to nonspecific imaging features. Most are benign, particularly in patients without a history of malignancy and without symptoms of fever, weight loss, or left upper quadrant or epigastric pain. Incidental malignant splenic processes are exceedingly rare. This article reviews imaging characteristics of incidental focal splenic findings, and proposes a practical approach for management of such findings, which can prevent unnecessary workup and its related drawbacks in clinical practice.

Safely Shortening the Observation Time After CT-Guided Lung Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine safety of shortened observation time without follow-up chest x-ray (CXR) after CT-guided transthoracic procedures (lung biopsy or fiducial placement) in patients without immediate postprocedural pneumothorax (PTX). METHODS: Consecutive patients that underwent CT-guided procedures between January 5, 2015, and June 19, 2017, were included in this retrospective institutional review board-approved HIPAA-compliant study. Data regarding postprocedural course, complications, and clinical follow-up of the patients were obtained through a review of electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: There were 441 procedures for 409 patients performed; 82 procedures were excluded because of predefined criteria. In 312 of 336 asymptomatic procedures (92.9%), asymptomatic patients did not undergo CXR after procedure, with 7 of 312 of these patients (2.2%) diagnosed with delayed PTX 2 to 10 days after the procedure. In 24 of 336 procedures (7.1%), asymptomatic patients underwent CXR within 4 hours with no PTX detected, and despite that 1 of 24 of these patients (4.2%) presented with delayed PTX 7 days after procedure. When no immediate postprocedural PTX was present, rate of observation PTX and delayed PTX was 1 of 359 (0.3%) and 8 of 359 (2.2%), respectively. Average duration of monitoring for outpatients (n = 295) was 2.0 hours with median of 1.8 hours. In 23 of 359 (6.4%) procedures, the patient became symptomatic during postprocedural observation with 1 of 23 (4%) developing PTX. CONCLUSIONS: Obtaining routine postprocedural CXRs in asymptomatic patients without immediate postprocedural PTX after CT-guided transthoracic procedures is likely not necessary given the low likelihood of PTX.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Porcelain Gallbladder Diagnosed on CT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes of patients with porcelain gallbladder (GB) diagnosed on CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study, consecutive patients with porcelain gallbladder reported on CT between December 1, 2000 and August 31, 2017 in a tertiary academic center were included. Two radiologists independently reviewed CT images and confirmed presence of porcelain gallbladder. Discrepant cases were reviewed by a third reader with 15 years of experience in abdominal imaging. Porcelain gallbladder diagnosis was confirmed by surgery/pathology or follow-up imaging. RESULTS: Porcelain gallbladder was reported in 133 CT studies. Radiologist review and pathology results confirmed porcelain gallbladder in 90/133 (68%) patients (age 71.6 ± 13.8 years, 57% female). One third (42/133; 32%) of CT reports were false positive; 1/133 (1%) remained indeterminate. Frequent pitfalls included: stones filling the whole gallbladder lumen in 39/43 (91%), sludge in 3/43 (7%) and mucosal enhancement in 2/43 (5%). In 5/90 (6%) patients, concurrent gallbladder cancer was noted on the initial CT scan. No patient developed subsequent gallbladder cancer during 6.6 ± 4.6 years of follow-up. One third (30/90, 33%) of patients with porcelain gallbladder have deceased during the follow-up period, all from unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: At the time of presentation with porcelain gallbladder, 6% of patients had concurrent gallbladder cancer. No patient with porcelain gallbladder alone diagnosed on CT developed gallbladder cancer during a follow-up of 6.6 ± 4.6 years. Porcelain gallbladder is overcalled on CT, with frequent pitfalls including gallstones filling the whole gallbladder lumen, sludge, and wall enhancement.

Dependent lesion positioning at CT-guided lung biopsy to reduce risk of pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of patient positioning during CT-guided lung biopsy on patients' outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective, IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study, consecutive CT-guided lung biopsies performed on 5/1/2015-12/26/2017 were included. Correlation between incidence of pneumothorax, chest tube placement, pulmonary bleeding with patient, and procedure characteristics was evaluated. Lesion-trachea-table angle (LTTA) was defined as an angle between the lesion, trachea, and horizontal line parallel to the table. Lesion above trachea has a positive LTTA. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 423 biopsies in 409 patients (68 ± 11 years, 231/409, 56% female) were included in the study. Pneumothorax occurred in 83/423 (20%) biopsies with chest tube placed in 11/423 (3%) biopsies. Perilesional bleeding occurred in 194/423 (46%) biopsies and hemoptysis in 20/423 (5%) biopsies. Univariate analysis showed an association of pneumothorax with smaller lesions (p = 0.05), positive LTTA (p = 0.002), and lesions not attached to pleura (p = 0.026) with multivariate analysis showing lesion size and LTTA to be independent risk factors. Univariate analysis showed an association of increased pulmonary bleeding with smaller lesions (p < 0.001), no attachment to the pleura (p < 0.001), needle throw < 16 mm (p = 0.05), and a longer needle path (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed lesion size, a longer needle path, and lesions not attached to the pleura to be independently associated with perilesional bleeding. Risk factors for hemoptysis were longer needle path (p = 0.002), no attachment to the pleura (p = 0.03), and female sex (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Interventional radiologists can reduce the pneumothorax risk during the CT-guided biopsy by positioning the biopsy site below the trachea. KEY POINTS: • Positioning patient with lesion to be below the trachea for the CT-guided lung biopsy results in lower rate of pneumothorax, as compared with the lesion above the trachea. • Positioning patient with lesion to be below the trachea for the CT-guided lung biopsy does not affect rate of procedure-associated pulmonary hemorrhage or hemoptysis.

Overcoming Human Barriers to Safety Event Reporting in Radiology.

In high-reliability industries that are dedicated to ensuring safety, safety event reporting is the cornerstone of improvement. However, human factors can interfere with consistent reporting. Common human factors that are barriers to safety event reporting include liability concerns; time constraints; physician autonomy; self-regulation; collegiality; the lack of listening, language training, and/or feedback regarding reported events; unclear responsibilities within safety teams; and a high reporting threshold. Other barriers include fears of challenging authority, being disrespected, retribution, and the creation of a difficult work environment. These factors are reviewed in the health care setting, and the countermeasures that need to be introduced at the frontline employee, leadership employee (physicians and managers), and departmental and organizational levels to create a culture of safety in which all employees feel comfortable raising safety concerns are discussed. ©RSNA, 2019.

The Incidental Splenic Mass at CT: Does It Need Further Work-up? An Observational Study.

Purpose To evaluate whether an incidentally noted splenic mass at abdominal computed tomography (CT) requires further imaging work-up. Materials and Methods In this institutional review board-approved HIPAA-compliant retrospective study, a search of a CT database was performed for patients with splenic masses at CT examinations of the abdomen and chest from 2002 to 2008. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1, patients with a history of malignancy; group 2, patients with symptoms such as weight loss, fever, or pain related to the left upper quadrant and epigastrium; and group 3, patients with incidental findings. Patients' CT scans, follow-up examinations, and electronic medical records were reviewed. Final diagnoses of the causes of the masses were confirmed with imaging follow-up (83.9%), clinical follow-up (13.7%), and pathologic examination (2.4%). Results This study included 379 patients, 214 (56.5%) women and 165 (43.5%) men, with a mean age ± standard deviation of 59.3 years ± 15.3 (range, 21-97 years). There were 145 (38.3%) patients in the malignancy group, 29 (7.6%) patients in the symptomatic group, and 205 (54.1%) patients in the incidental group. The incidence of malignant splenic masses was 49 of 145 (33.8%) in the malignancy group, eight of 29 (27.6%) in the symptomatic group, and two of 205 (1.0%) in the incidental group (P < .0001). The incidental group consisted of new diagnoses of lymphoma in one (50%) patient and metastases from ovarian carcinoma in one (50%) patient. Malignant splenic masses in the incidental group were not indeterminate, because synchronous tumors in other organs were diagnostic of malignancy. Conclusion In an incidental splenic mass, the likelihood of malignancy is very low (1.0%). Therefore, follow-up of incidental splenic masses may not be indicated. © RSNA, 2018.

Radiologists' Experience With Patient Interactions in the Era of Open Access of Patients to Radiology Reports.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiologists' experiences with patient interactions in the era of open access of patients to radiology reports. METHODS: This prospective, nonrandom survey of staff and trainee radiologists (n = 128) at a single large academic institution was performed with approval from the institutional review board with a waiver of the requirement to obtain informed consent. A multiple-choice questionnaire with optional free-text comments was constructed with an online secure platform (REDCap) and distributed via departmental e-mail between June 1 and July 31, 2016. Participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous, and responses were collected and aggregated via REDCap. Statistical analysis of categorical responses was performed with the χ2 test, with statistical significance defined as P < .05. RESULTS: Almost three-quarters of surveys (73.4% [94 of 128]) were completed. Staff radiologists represented 54.3% of survey respondents (51 of 94) and trainees 45.7% (43 of 94). Most respondents (78.7% [74 of 94]) found interactions with patients to be a satisfying experience. More than half of radiologists (54.3% [51 of 94]) desired more opportunities for patient interaction, with no significant difference in the proportion of staff and trainee radiologists who desired more patient interaction (56.9% [29 of 51] versus 51.2% [22 of 43], P = .58). Staff radiologists who specialized in vascular and interventional radiology and mammography were significantly more likely to desire more patient interaction compared with other specialists (77.8% [14 of 18] versus 45.5% [15 of 33], P = .03). Only 4.2% of radiologists (4 of 94) found patient interactions to be detrimental to normal workflow, with 19.1% of radiologists (18 of 94) reporting having to spend more than 15 min per patient interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Most academic staff and trainee radiologists would like to have more opportunities for patient interaction and consider patient interaction rarely detrimental to workflow.

Clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of pregnant females with suspected acute appendicitis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a large cohort of pregnant females with suspected acute appendicitis and to determine the frequency of non-appendiceal causes of abdominal pain identified by MRI in this population. METHODS: This HIPAA compliant, retrospective study was IRB-approved and informed consent was waived. 212 MRI exams were performed consecutively on pregnant women aged 17-47 years old suspected of having acute appendicitis; eight exams were excluded and analyzed separately due to equivocal findings or lack of clinical follow up. Radiology reports for the MRI and any preceding ultrasound exams were reviewed as well as the patients' electronic medical record for surgical, pathological, or clinical follow up. RESULTS: Fifteen (7.3%) of 204 MRI scans were determined to be positive for appendicitis, 14 of which were proven on surgical pathology, and one was found to have ileocecal diverticulitis. Out of the remaining 189 scans, none were subsequently shown to have acute appendicitis either surgically or based on clinical follow up. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% and positive predictive value was 93.3%. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 99.5%, respectively. Non-appendiceal findings which may have accounted for the patient's abdominal pain were seen in 91 (44.2%) of 189 scans. The most common extra-appendiceal causes of abdominal pain identified on MRI include degenerating fibroids (n = 11), significant hydronephrosis (n = 12), cholelithiasis (n = 6), and pyelonephritis (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Our large study cohort of pregnant patients confirms MRI to be of high diagnostic value in the workup of acute appendicitis with 100% NPV and sensitivity and 99.5% specificity. Furthermore, an alternative diagnosis for abdominal pain in this patient population can be made in nearly half of MRI exams which are deemed negative for appendicitis.

Utility of transabdominal ultrasound for surveillance of known pancreatic cystic lesions: prospective evaluation with MRI as reference standard.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the utility of transabdominal ultrasound in surveillance of known pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) using same day MRI as reference standard. METHODS: In an IRB-approved study with written informed consent, patients with known PCL underwent pancreas US on same day as surveillance MRI. US was performed blinded to same date MRI results. Transverse (TR), antero-posterior (AP), cranio-caudal (CC), and longest any plane diameter, were measured for each PCL at US and MRI. Visualization was correlated with patient (weight, abdominal diameter, thickness of abdominal fat, sex) and cyst (location, size, internal complexity) factors. RESULTS: 252 PCLs evaluated in 57 subjects (39 females; mean age 67 (range 39-86) yrs). Mean maximum PCL diameter 8.5 (range 2-92) mm. US identified 100% (5/5) of cysts ≥3 cm; 92% (12/13) ≥2 and <3 cm; 78% (43/55) ≥1 and <2 cm; 35% (27/78) ≥5 mm and <1 cm; and 16% (16/101) <5 mm. US visualization correlated with PCL location (<0.0001), size (p < 0.0001), patient gender (p = 0.005), participation of attending radiologist (p = 0.03); inversely with patient weight (p = 0.012) and AP abdominal diameter (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Many PCLs are visualized and accurately measured at follow-up with transabdominal ultrasound. Visualization correlates with lesion size, location, patient sex, weight, and abdominal diameter.

Thirty-day emergency room visits and hospital admissions after outpatient non-vascular image-guided procedures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of post-procedure emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions following outpatient non-vascular image-guided interventions performed under moderate sedation and to identify common and preventable causes of emergency department visits and hospital admissions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was acquired for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study with waiver of informed consent. 1426 consecutive patients undergoing 1512 outpatient image-guided procedures under moderate sedation from November 2012 to August 2014 were included. The average patient age was 57.2 ± 15.2 years, and 602 (42%) patients were women. Major procedure categories included ultrasound-guided liver biopsies, ultrasound-guided kidney biopsies, and CT-guided lung biopsies/fiducial placement. Procedure details and medical follow-up within and after 30 days of the procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 168 (11.8%) patients were admitted to the hospital within 30 days of the procedure, with 29 of the admissions (17.3% of total admissions and 1.9% of total procedures) being procedure related. The most common procedure-related complication that required admission was hemorrhage (10/29, 34.5% of procedure-related admissions, 6.0% of total admissions, and 0.7% of total procedures), followed by pneumothorax (9/29, 31%, 5.4%, 0.6%), infection (4/29, 13.8%, 2.4%, 0.3%), and pain (3/29, 10.3%, 1.8%, 0.2%). Eighteen (62.1%) procedure-related admissions were immediately indicated. Thirty patients visited the ED and were subsequently discharged without admission with eight of the visits being procedure related (8/1512, 0.5%). All the procedure-related ED visits were due to pain. There were two deaths (2/1512, 0.1%) related to procedures, one from a thromboembolic event and another from post-biopsy hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Outpatient non-vascular image-guided procedures result in a 30-day 1.9% hospital admission, 30-day 0.5% emergency room visit, and 30-day 0.1% mortality rate.

Diagnostic yield and clinical impact of microbiologic diagnosis from CT-guided drainage in patients previously treated with empiric antibiotics.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate diagnostic yield and the added value of culture results on the clinical management of patients empirically treated with antibiotics prior to CT-guided drainage. METHODS: This retrospective, HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved study reviewed records of 300 consecutive patients who underwent CT-guided aspiration or drainage for suspected infected fluid collection while on empiric antibiotics (11/2011 to 9/2013) at a single institution. Patient imaging and clinical characteristics were evaluated by an abdominal imaging fellow and culture results, and patient management were evaluated by an infectious diseases fellow. RESULTS: After exclusion of 14/300 (4.6%) patients who were not on empiric antibiotics and 8/300 (2.6%) patients in which no culture was acquired, 278 patients (average age 55 ± 16 years; M:F ratio 54:46) constituted the final study cohort. Leukocytosis was present in 163/278 (59%), and fever in 65/278 (24%). The average collection size was 8.5 ± 4.2 cm with gas present in 140/278 (50%) of collections; median amount drained was 35 mL, and visibly purulent material was obtained in 172/278 (63%). 236/278 (85%) received drains and the remainder were aspirated only. Average time between initiation of antibiotics and start of the drainage procedure was 4.1 ± 6.4 days (median 1.7 days). Cultures were positive in 205/278 (74%) patients with a resulting change in management in 181/278 (65%) cases. The change in management included change of antibiotics in 71/278 (26%), narrowing the antibiotic regimen in 94/278 (34%), and cessation of antibiotics in 16/278 (6%). Multidrug-resistant bacteria were cultured in 53/278 (19%). Several factors were found to be statistically significant predictors of positive cultures: patient leukocytosis (sens 62%, spec 53%), gas in the collection on CT (sens 59%, spec 77%), purulent material aspiration (sens 76%, spec 76%), and presence of polymorphonuclear cells in the specimen. CONCLUSIONS: Despite predrainage antibiotic therapy, CT-guided drainage demonstrates a high yield of positive cultures and influences clinical management in the majority of patients.

Correlation between the size of incidental thyroid nodules detected on CT, MRI or PET-CT and subsequent ultrasound.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between size of thyroid nodules at computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT), and size at ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of thyroid ultrasound studies over a 2-year period. RESULTS: A total of 307 patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant difference between the size of nodules measured on ultrasound compared with cross-sectional imaging (P < .001). American College of Radiology white paper recommendations would have decreased ultrasound referrals by 24% without any additional missed malignancies. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional imaging underestimates the size of thyroid nodules; however, the difference is small and likely not clinically significant.