Life Experience of Bereaved Parents After the 2014 Sewol Ferry Disaster in South Korea.

The aim of this study was to identify the outcomes of parental bereavement and the changes in life experience that follow the traumatic death of a teenage child. The results of the study are aimed to assist counselors and educators who work with themes of grief and loss. From 17 in-depth interviews from parents bereaved by the Sewol ferry disaster of 2014 in South Korea, three main categories were found to capture the reality for parents after the sudden and traumatic death of a teenage child: (a) personal changes, (b) changes in close relationships, and (c) changes in social life. Recommendations for future research and potential implications were discussed.

Recruitment and retention of Native American graduate students in school psychology.

There is a clear underrepresentation of Native Americans in the field of school psychology. There are a number of factors that have led to this underrepresentation, including cultural and historical variables, barriers to accessing higher educational opportunities, and lack of financial support. Given the importance of having diverse perspectives in the field, as well as the need for mental health services and academic supports for Native American children and their families, school psychology trainers should consider actively recruiting and retaining Native American graduate students to doctoral and specialist programs. This article provides specific research-based recommendations for recruiting Native American students and strategies for supporting their success and matriculation in the program. (PsycINFO Database Record

The accuracy of endorectal ultrasound in staging rectal lesions in patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

BACKGROUND: Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is used to preoperatively assess locoregional stage in patients with rectal neoplasms. This study evaluates the accuracy of ERUS in determining the T stage of rectal neoplasms treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). METHODS: All patients in the St Paul's Hospital TEM database were evaluated and excluded if they had been treated with neoadjuvant therapy. ERUS results were compared with gold-standard postoperative histopathology reports. Tumor height from anal verge was measured by ERUS and endoscopic techniques. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were eligible to participate in the study. A Friedman test demonstrated significant difference in the T stage between ERUS and the histopathology reports (P < .001). The tumor height measured by ERUS is significantly higher than the height measured by endoscopy (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that ERUS often overstages rectal neoplasms and suggests that ERUS findings should not preclude TEM in clinically appropriate patients.

Radiologic signs of weapons and munitions: How will noncombatants recognize them?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to show the radiologic signs named after weapons and munitions along with their military counterparts to help radiologists recognize these signs, which will allow confident interpretation and diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Numerous pathologic conditions have classic radiologic manifestations that resemble weapons and ammunition. Most of these signs are highly memorable and easy to recognize. However, the names of the weapons (some of them antique and some not commonly known) may confuse radiologists who are not familiar with the appearance of such weapons as the scimitar, bayonet, or dagger. The value of the signs is reduced if the radiologist is unfamiliar with the appearance of the corresponding weapon.

Can CT replace MRI in preoperative assessment of the circumferential resection margin in rectal cancer?

UNLABELLED: The surgical circumferential resection margin in total mesorectal excision surgery is defined by the relationship of the tumor to the mesorectal fascia. Patients with anticipated tumor invasion of the mesorectal fascia receive neoadjuvant therapy to downstage/downsize the tumor and to obtain tumor-free resection margins.Tumor relationship to the mesorectal fascia is accurately determined by MRI. Compared with MRI, multidetector-row computed tomography is more widely available, faster, less costly, and provides the ability to simultaneously assess the liver, peritoneum, and retroperitoneum for metastases. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of multidetector-row CT with conventional MRI in diagnosis of rectal cancer invasion of the mesorectal fascial envelope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 2-year period, all patients were enrolled in this study who had biopsy-proven rectal carcinoma and were referred, as a part of the routine preoperative staging workup, for a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis and also an MRI of the pelvis.All examinations were reviewed independently by 2 radiologists who were blinded from one another, from the findings of the other modality, and from clinical information. Both observers were dedicated abdominal radiologists who are experienced in reading pelvic CT and MRI. Categorical agreement between MRI and multidetector-row CT for all the evaluated parameters of the tumor position, mesorectal fascia, and lymph nodes, as well as the interobserver agreement between CT and MRI, was determined by the intraclass correlation weighted kappa statistic to measure the data set's consistency. RESULTS: Among the study's 92 patients, the tumor characteristics suggested by multidetector-row CT agreed with those of MRI, with a weighted kappa ranging from 0.488 to 0.748 for the first reader and 0.577 to 0.800 for the second reader. Interobserver agreement ranged from 0.506 to 0.746.Agreement regarding mesorectal fascia characteristics differed significantly between multidetector-row CT and MRI, depending on the level of assessment. In the distal rectum, agreement was 0.207 for the first reader and 0.385 for the second reader. In the mid rectum, agreement was 0.420 and 0.527, respectively, and in the proximal rectum agreement was 0.508 and 0.520. Interobserver agreement was 0.737 at the distal level and 0.700 at the mid and proximal levels. Agreement regarding measurement of the distance from the tumor to the mesorectal fascia was 0.425 for the first reader and 0.723 for the second reader, with interobserver agreement of 0.766. Agreement in assessment of the number of lymph nodes ranged from 0.743 to 0.787 for the first reader and 0.754 to 0.840 for the second reader. Interobserver agreement ranged from 0.779 to 0.841. Agreement in assessment of the size of the lymph nodes ranged from 0.540 to 0.830 for the first reader and 0.850 to 0.940 for the second reader. Interobserver agreement ranged from 0.900 to 0.920. Agreement in assessment of the distance from nodes to the mesorectal fascia was 0.320 for the first reader and 0.401 for the second reader, with interobserver agreement of 0.950. CONCLUSION: The results of this study differ from previously published data by demonstrating substantial agreement between readers in multidetector-row CT assessment of the tumor, mesorectal fascia, and lymph nodes. With the exceptions of mesorectal fascia in the distal rectum and the distance from the nodes to mesorectal fascia, other evaluated parameters were assessed with moderate and substantial agreement between multidetector-row CT and MRI. However, our findings suggest that multidetector-row CT does not correlate well enough with MRI findings to replace it in rectal cancer staging.

The imaging features of nontuberculous mycobacterial immune reconstitution syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to characterize the spectrum of imaging findings of nontuberculous mycobacterial immune reconstitution syndrome in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. METHODS: A retrospective review of 33 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial immune reconstitution syndrome was performed. Radiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) imaging was reviewed. RESULTS: Intrathoracic and intra-abdominal abnormalities were identified in 16 and 14 patients, respectively. Lymphadenopathy was detected on chest radiographs in 11 patients and on CT in 13. Focal consolidation (n = 8) and centrilobular nodularity (n = 8) were common CT findings. Lymphadenopathy was the predominant abdominal finding (n = 10). Splenomegaly (n = 9), ascites (n = 7), and multiple hypoattenuating splenic lesions (n = 6) were additional findings. Peripheral lymph node masses were detected in 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The most common manifestation of nontuberculous mycobacterial immune reconstitution syndrome is lymphadenopathy. Other common findings are pulmonary consolidation and centrilobular nodularity, ascites, splenomegaly, multiple hypoattenuating splenic lesions, and peripheral lymphadenopathy.

MR arthrography of the wrist: controversies and concepts.

Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) has become the preferred modality for imaging patients with internal derangement of the wrist. However, several aspects of MRA use need to be clarified before a standardized approach to the imaging of internal derangement of the wrist can be developed. The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of different magnetic resonance (MR) sequences in the detection of lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments on direct MRA. Thirty-one consecutive direct magnetic resonance arthrographic examinations of the wrist using a wrist surface coil were performed for the assessment of the TFCC and intrinsic ligaments on a 1.5-T MR imaging system (Signa; 16 channel, Excite, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA). All patients had wrist pain, and in six cases, there was associated clinical carpal instability. The presence, location, and extent of TFCC, scapholunate ligament (SLL), and lunotriquetral ligament (LTL) lesions on T1 fat-saturated, multiplanar gradient recalled (MPGR) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images were identified, compared, and analyzed. Forty-one lesions of the TFCC, SLL, and LTL were visualized on contrast-sensitive (T1 fat-saturated) images in 23/31 (74.2%) patients. Twenty-one lesions of the TFCC and intrinsic ligaments were visualized on noncontrast-sensitive (MPGR and STIR) images (15 tears of the TFCC and six tears of the SLL and LTL). All of these lesions were seen on T1 fat-saturated images; 48.8% (20/41) lesions seen on T1 fat-saturated images (eight tears of TFCC and 12 tears of SLL and LTT) were not seen on MPGR and/or STIR images. Superior contrast resolution, joint distention, and the flow of contrast facilitate the diagnosis of lesions of the TFCC and intrinsic ligaments on contrast-sensitive sequences making MRA the preferred modality for imaging internal derangements of the wrist. Little agreement exists regarding the value and location of perforations of the intrinsic ligaments given that both traumatic and degenerative perforations may be symptomatic. Noncommunicating defects of the ulnar attachments of the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC), tears of the dorsal segment of the SLL, and defects at the lunate attachment of the SLL have a higher likelihood of being symptomatic and caused by trauma rather than by degenerative perforation. Although no consensus exists, it would appear that most arthrographies should be started with a radiocarpal injection. Injection into the distal radioulnar joint should be added if no communicational defects are visualized following radiocarpal injection in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Hurthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid: sonographic appearance and histologic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the sonographic features of Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCNs) of the thyroid. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the sonographic appearance of 15 histologically proven HCNs in 15 patients aged 16 to 70 years (mean age, 44 years). Sonographic features that were reviewed included the size and echogenicity of the tumors, the presence of cystic areas or calcifications, and detectable blood flow on color Doppler imaging. Correlation of sonographic findings with pathologic results was performed. RESULTS: The tumors ranged from 0.4 to 7 cm in diameter, but most were less than 3 cm in diameter. Four (27%) of the 15 tumors were homogeneously hypoechoic. Two tumors (13%) were predominantly hypoechoic with isoechoic areas to thyroid parenchyma. Two (13%) neoplasms were isoechoic to thyroid parenchyma. Four (27%) tumors were predominantly isoechoic, containing hypoechoic areas, and 3 (20%) tumors were hyperechoic. Three neoplasms contained cystic components. None of the tumors contained calcifications. One tumor was avascular on Doppler examination. One neoplasm showed only peripheral blood flow. Thirteen tumors showed internal vascularity, 7 of them with peripheral blood flow. Twelve HCNs were benign, and 3 were malignant on pathologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: Hürthle cell neoplasms show a spectrum of sonographic appearances from predominantly hypoechoic to hyperechoic lesions and from peripheral blood flow with no internal flow to extensively vascularized lesions. Pathologic criteria differentiating benign and malignant HCNs (absence or presence of a capsular breach, vascular or extrathyroidal tissue invasion, nodal involvement, and distant metastasis) are beyond the resolution of sonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy and require removal of the entire lesion. This precludes diagnosis and characterization of HCNs by sonography.

Cecal volvulus in pregnancy: report of a case and review of the safety and utility of medical diagnostic imaging in the assessment of the acute abdomen during pregnancy.

We report a case of a 38-year-old woman who presents at 31 weeks of gestation with acute abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a cecal volvulus. Emergency cesarean section was performed for fetal distress. Laparotomy confirmed the CT findings and a right hemicolectomy was performed. While not advocating overutilization, this case demonstrates that helical CT can be, in the correct clinical scenario, an acceptable, useful, and relatively noninvasive test in the accurate assessment of the acute abdomen in pregnancy. We review the safety and utility of medical diagnostic imaging in the assessment of the acute abdomen in pregnancy.

Imaging features of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma-associated immune reconstitution syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the radiologic features of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma-associated immune reconstitution syndrome. The syndrome is a phenomenon characterized by clinical deterioration of the condition of HIV-positive patients after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included four patients at our institution who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma-associated immune reconstitution syndrome from 2001 to 2006. All patients were men (mean age, 43 years; range, 31-59 years). Images reviewed included chest radiographs obtained before highly active antiretroviral therapy, radiographs and chest CT scans obtained at appearance of the symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma-associated immune reconstitution syndrome, and follow-up radiographs and chest CT scans during immune reconstitution syndrome. RESULTS: The radiographic findings of Kaposi sarcoma-associated immune reconstitution syndrome included reticular and reticulonodular opacities (n = 4), areas of consolidation (n = 3), septal lines (n = 3), and pleural effusion (n = 3). The CT findings in all four patients were ill-defined pulmonary nodules and interlobular septal thickening. Three of the patients had a CT halo sign, areas of consolidation, ground-glass opacities, lymphadenopathy, and pleural effusion. The areas of consolidation in three subjects who did not receive chemotherapy increased markedly after 14-20 days. CT performed during the initial symptoms of immune reconstitution syndrome in these three subjects showed less than 5% parenchymal involvement. Follow-up CT showed 26-50% involvement in two patients and more than 50% involvement in one patient. CONCLUSION: The radiologic findings of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma-associated immune reconstitution syndrome are similar to the findings described in patients with Kaposi sarcoma without the syndrome, but the extent of abnormalities tends to increase with the development of the syndrome.

CT findings of normal and inflamed appendix in groin hernia.

Acute appendicitis with the vermiform appendix located in a groin hernia is a rare condition. The preoperative diagnosis is important to decrease morbidity. We describe the computed tomography imaging characteristics of three cases of normal and inflamed appendices in inguinal and femoral hernias. We provide a review of the literature and consider the implications for surgical management.

Economic and ethical impact of extrarenal findings on potential living kidney donor assessment with computed tomography angiography.

To determine the prevalence and spectrum of extrarenal findings in a screening population of potential living kidney donors undergoing renal Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and evaluate their impact on subsequent patient management and imaging costs. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed 175 consecutive renal CTA's performed for assessment of potential living kidney donors. Extrarenal radiological findings were recorded and classified according to high, medium, or low importance based on clinical relevance and the need for further investigations and/or treatment. The cost of additional imaging examinations was calculated using 2002 Canadian (British Columbia) reimbursements. There were 73 extrarenal findings in 71/175 (40.6%) of the potential kidney donors in the study population. Findings were categorized as of high clinical importance in 18 (10.3%) cases, including lung lesions, bowel tumors, and liver tumors and as medium importance in 31 (17.7%). Twenty-two (12.6%) individuals had findings categorized as low importance, probably of no clinical significance and requiring no follow-up. Further potential evaluation of the 49 patients (28%) with highly and moderately significant extrarenal findings may require an additional $6137 (mean $35.1 per each case of all the screened patients). Transplantation of a kidney from a living donor is an excellent alternative to cadaveric allografts. Potential living kidney donors are a highly selected population of healthy individuals, screened for significant past or current medical conditions before undergoing CTA. Despite this screening, potentially significant extrarenal findings (classified as high or medium importance) were revealed in 28% of patients. These patients may require further investigations and/or treatment. The referring physician and patient should be aware of such potentially high probability, which may require further nontransplant related evaluation and treatment. This has medical, legal, economic, and ethical implications.

Imaging of acute appendicitis and its impact on negative appendectomy and perforation rates: the St. Paul's experience.

PURPOSE: Preoperative imaging of acute appendicitis is widely practised. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of preoperative imaging of acute appendicitis in our institution and its effect on the negative appendectomy rate and perforation rates. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective review of all patients who underwent appendectomy from January 2000 to December 2004. All available preoperative ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and pathology results were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 380 appendectomies were performed over this time period for the preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Fifty-nine patients had histologically normal appendices, giving an overall negative appendectomy rate of 15.5%. Overall, patients who had preoperative imaging showed a lower negative appendectomy rate (11.4%) than did those without imaging (22.2%). Without preoperative imaging, women had a higher negative appendectomy rate (34.3%) than did men (17.4%). Reduction in the negative appendectomy rate was demonstrated with preoperative imaging in both sexes (16.7% and 5.7%, respectively). Also demonstrated is a definite trend toward increased use of preoperative CT and away from US as the sole preoperative imaging modality. This is associated with a reduced negative appendectomy rate. CONCLUSIONS: The increased use of preoperative imaging, particularly CT, is associated with a decreased negative appendectomy rate and a decreased perforation rate at our institution.

Tolerance of local anesthetic for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: our experience and a literature review.

PURPOSE: To determine whether local anesthetic injection or gel reduced pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies and whether there was significant difference between quadrant and apex-only anesthesia. METHODS: Between September 2001 and May 2002, 240 male patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen and (or) abnormal digital rectal examination were randomized into 1 of 4 groups: 1) transrectal lidocaine gel, 2) quadrant lidocaine injections, 3) apex-only lidocaine injections, or 4) no local anesthetic. Patients scored their pain on a numerical rating scale where 0 indicated no pain and 10 indicated worst pain. We analyzed mean and standard deviations of scores, using a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc multiple comparisons with Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) studentized range test to determine whether there were significant differences across the groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between local anesthetic gel (mean 3.1, SD 1.9) and no anesthetic (mean 3.5, SD 1.9) or between quadrant (mean 1.7, SD 1.7) and apex-only (mean 2.0, SD 1.8) local anesthetic injections. There was significant difference between quadrant injections (mean 1.7, SD 1.7) and no local anesthetic (mean 3.5, SD 1.9) and between apex-only injections (mean 2.0, SD 1.8) and no local anesthetic (mean 3.5, SD 1.9). CONCLUSION: There was significant pain reduction with local anesthetic injections but not with gel, and since there was no significant difference in efficacy between quadrant and apex-only injections, we recommend apex-only local anesthetic injections for transrectal ultrasound--guided prostate biopsies because it simplifies the injection procedure.