Evaluation of three different methods of distance learning for postgraduate diagnostic imaging education: A pilot study.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived effectiveness and learning potential of 3 Web-based educational methods in a postgraduate radiology setting. Methods : Three chiropractic radiology faculty from diverse geographic locations led mini-courses using asynchronous discussion boards, synchronous Web conferencing, and asynchronous voice-over case presentations formatted for Web viewing. At the conclusion of each course, participants filled out a 14-question survey (using a 5-point Likert scale) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of each method in achieving specified course objectives and goals and their satisfaction when considering the learning potential of each method. The mean, standard deviation, and percentage agreements were tabulated. Results : Twenty, 15, and 10 participants completed the discussion board, Web conferencing, and case presentation surveys, respectively. All educational methods demonstrated a high level of agreement regarding the course objective (total mean rating >4.1). The case presentations had the highest overall rating for achieving the course goals; however, all but one method still had total mean ratings >4.0 and overall agreement levels of 70%-100%. The strongest potential for interactive learning was found with Web conferencing and discussion boards, while case presentations rated very low in this regard. Conclusions : The perceived effectiveness in achieving the course objective and goals was high for each method. Residency-based distance education may be a beneficial adjunct to current methods of training, allowing for international collaboration. When considering all aspects tested, there does not appear to be a clear advantage to any one method. Utilizing various methods may be most appropriate.

Growth Restart/Recovery Lines involving the vertebral body: a rare, incidental finding and diagnostic challenge in two patients.

OBJECTIVE: To present the phenomenon of growth restart lines and create awareness of the possible differential diagnoses. CLINICAL FEATURES: Two case reports outlining the presentation of growth restart lines found in the vertebrae of trampolinists. Emphasis in each case is placed on correlating the patient history with radiographic findings. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: In both cases a conservative chiropractic treatment plan was initiated once the differential diagnoses could be ruled out. CONCLUSION: Although the range of etiologies of growth restart lines is extensive, these case reports illustrate the importance of a comprehensive case history when presented with the radiographic finding of growth restart lines.

Postlymphoproliferative disorder affecting bone after a renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate a posttransplant lymphoproliferative lymphoma presenting as a solitary osseous lesion situated in the rib. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 53-year-old man was referred to a surgical department because of persistent local pain over the lower part of his left posterior hemithorax. Due to a previous history of chronic glomerulonephritis, a renal transplant was performed 7 years previously, followed by immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine cyclophosphamide. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Surgical removal of the rib lesion was performed because of the patient's history of the organ transplant. The histological study of the surgically removed tissue revealed diffuse infiltration of the marrow by lymphoid-like cells. There was evidence of interstitial fibrosis, and further immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of B cells in the specimen confirming the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma. CONCLUSION: This case report discusses an unusual presentation of a lymphoma induced by immunosuppressive therapy in a patient who had received an organ transplant. Such lesions may appear in any organ or system, although this is distinctively unusual to involve the skeletal system.