Preparing junior radiology residents for overnight call via peer-led, hands-on simulation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the perceived value and impact of a hands-on mock call simulation program on resident confidence with interpretation of emergency department overnight call cases. METHODS: A five-session course was implemented in June of 2018 for rising PGY-3/R2 residents to mimic the experience of overnight call with indirect supervision. Sessions were led by senior residents in the program and consisted of timed, independent interpretation of 15-20 high-yield cases per day which highlighted "do-not miss" critical findings and simulated workflow interruptions including phone calls, consultations, and questions from technologists. IRB-approved, and anonymous pre- and post-course surveys were administered to participants which assessed residents' degree of confidence in interpretation of on-call cases and comparison of the mock call experience with existing preparatory strategies. Survey responses were analyzed using McNemar's test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Our survey response rate was 91% (29/32). After completing the mock call simulation, there was a significant increase in the mean Likert score of resident confidence levels and feelings of preparedness from 4.59 to 7.38 (p < 0.01). The majority of respondents (72.4% [21/29]) felt that the mock call simulation was "extremely useful." One hundred percent of respondents indicated that the mock call simulation should be implemented for the following year. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a hands-on mock call simulation significantly improves the confidence levels of radiology residents before assuming on-call responsibilities and may serve as an adjunct to existing preparatory strategies.

Adrenal Adenoma and Pheochromocytoma: Comparison of Multidetector CT Venous Enhancement Levels and Washout Characteristics.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare multidetector CT venous enhancement level and washout characteristics of adrenal adenoma and pheochromocytoma, with the goal of defining a venous enhancement level predictive of pheochromocytoma. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records between 2002 and 2012 was performed to identify adrenal masses measuring less than 4 cm. Inclusion criteria for adrenal adenomas was venous phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), confirmatory adrenal CT (precontrast ± washout), 1 to 2 years stability, and absence of clinical indicators of pheochromocytoma. All pathologically proven pheochromocytomas with venous phase CT imaging were evaluated. Nodule size and attenuation (venous ± precontrast, delayed) were recorded. Student t test analysis compared venous enhancement levels. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-three subjects with 200 adenomas were compared with 22 subjects with 26 pheochromocytomas. The mean (SD) venous enhancement level for all adenomas (58 [26] Hounsfield units [HU]) and lipid-poor adenomas (76 [25]) was lower than that of pheochromocytomas (111 [38] HU, P < 0.01). No adenomas enhanced greater than 130 HU, compared with 38% (10/26) of the pheochromocytomas. A threshold of 130 HU to identify pheochromocytoma was 38% sensitive and 100% specific for pheochromocytoma. Of the 17 pheochromocytomas with washout imaging, rapid washout was identified in all (10/10, 100%) that enhanced greater than 130 HU on the venous phase, compared with 43% (3/7) that enhanced less than 130 HU. CONCLUSIONS: An indeterminate adrenal lesion that enhances greater than 130 HU on multidetector CT cannot be assumed to be an adenoma. Hypervascular pheochromocytoma (>130 HU) mimics adenoma washout pattern; absolute venous phase enhancement level must be considered.

CT angiography for characterization of advanced placenta accreta spectrum: indications, risks, and benefits.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PASD) encompasses various types of abnormal placentation in which chorionic villi directly adhere to or invade the myometrium. The incidence of PASD has dramatically risen in the US over the past 3 decades owing to the increased rates of patients undergoing cesarean sections. While PASD remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, accurate prenatal identification and characterization of PASD is associated with improved outcomes. Although ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality in the evaluation of PASD, with MRI serving as an adjunct, computed tomography angiography (CTA) may also offer unique diagnostic advantages in cases of advanced PASD by providing superior visualization of placental and abdominopelvic vasculature and enabling the creation of comprehensive vascular maps to roadmap complex surgical interventions. This paper represents the first evaluation of CTA as a diagnostic tool and operative planning aid in this context. Appropriate indications and diagnostic advantages of CTA in this setting are reviewed, and key multimodal imaging features of normal and abnormal placentation are highlighted.

Night and Day, Why Radiologists Need Play.

What is play and why does it matter for radiologists? Play can take many forms in the workplace, including organic, managed, task-related, diversionary, and resistive forms of play, and play may also take the form of authentic self-expression and creation. In this review article, we will discuss the benefits of play including improved problem solving, gaining perspective, and stress reduction, and also provide low-tech and high-tech examples of beneficial play for the radiology team in work and personal contexts.

Multimodal imaging appearance including cinematic rendering of renal malakoplakia in a patient with E. coli bacteremia.

Renal malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects the bladder, but has also been known to affect the kidneys. We present a case of a young woman with renal malakoplakia and concomitant E. coli bacteremia. The patient underwent numerous imaging studies during her clinical evaluation including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography with 3-dimensional and cinematic renderings. Diagnosis was ultimately confirmed with renal biopsy which demonstrated Michaelis-Gutman bodies, a pathognomonic pathological finding in malakoplakia. She was started on antibiotics as well as bethanechol and ascorbic acid. Although her renal function improved with this treatment, she continued to have signs and symptoms of infection and she is planned for upcoming left nephrectomy.