Evaluation of radiological capacity and usage in paediatric TB diagnosis: A mixed-method protocol of a comparative study in Mozambique, South Africa and Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis remains one of the top ten causes of mortality globally. Children accounted for 12% of all TB cases and 18% of all TB deaths in 2022. Paediatric TB is difficult to diagnose with conventional laboratory tests, and chest radiographs remain crucial. However, in low-and middle-income countries with high TB burden, the capacity for radiological diagnosis of paediatric TB is rarely documented and data on the associated radiation exposure limited. METHODS: A multicentre, mixed-methods study is proposed in three countries, Mozambique, South Africa and Spain. At the national level, official registry databases will be utilised to retrospectively compile an inventory of licensed imaging resources (mainly X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) scan equipment) for the year 2021. At the selected health facility level, three descriptive cross-sectional standardised surveys will be conducted to assess radiology capacity, radiological imaging diagnostic use for paediatric TB diagnosis, and radiation protection optimization: a site survey, a clinician-targeted survey, and a radiology staff-targeted survey, respectively. At the patient level, potential dose optimisation will be assessed for children under 16 years of age who were diagnosed and treated for TB in selected sites in each country. For this component, a retrospective analysis of dosimetry will be performed on TB and radiology data routinely collected at the respective sites. National inventory data will be presented as the number of units per million people by modality, region and country. Descriptive analyses will be conducted on survey data, including the demographic, clinical and programmatic characteristics of children treated for TB who had imaging examinations (chest X-ray (CXR) and/or CT scan). Dose exposure analysis will be performed by children's age, gender and disease spectrum. DISCUSSION: As far as we know, this is the first multicentre and multi-national study to compare radiological capacity, radiation protection optimization and practices between high and low TB burden settings in the context of childhood TB management. The planned comparative analyses will inform policy-makers of existing radiological capacity and deficiencies, allowing better resource prioritisation. It will inform clinicians and radiologists on best practices and means to optimise the use of radiological technology in paediatric TB management.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Utilization of Public Sector Radiological Services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

Background Coronavirus (COVID-19) was officially declared a pandemic in March 2020 and has had a major impact on global healthcare services, including radiology. However, little is known about the full impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of diagnostic imaging in Africa's public healthcare sector. Objectives The objective of this study was to compare public sector diagnostic imaging utilization by modality for the whole Western Cape Province (WCP) of South Africa (SA), as well as its metropolitan and rural areas, in 2019 and 2020 in terms of the absolute number of investigations and investigations per 1000 people. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness and Stats SA District Council 2021 Mid-Year Population Estimates data. All diagnostic imaging investigations performed in 2019 and 2020 were collated and stratified by imaging modality, geographic region (metropolitan/rural), and calendar year. Data are presented as the total number of investigations and investigations per 1000 people. We calculated mammography utilization for women aged 40-70 years and compared data for 2019 and 2020. Results Between 2019 and 2020, the provincial population increased by 1.9%, while total imaging investigations and investigations per 1000 people decreased by 19% (1,384,941 vs. 1,123,508, -261,433) and 20% (262/103 vs. 208/103), respectively. Total numerical decline was highest in plain radiographs (1,005,545 vs. 800,641, -204,904), accounting for more than three-quarters (78%) of the total reduction. Percentage decline was most pronounced for mammography, as utilization was almost halved (15.7/103 vs. 8.9/103, -43%), whereas computed tomography was the least impacted (17.9/103 vs. 16.7/103, -12%) with the remaining modalities decreasing between approximately one-quarter and one-fifth (magnetic resonance imaging = 26%, fluoroscopy = 25%, general radiographs = 23%, ultrasound = 16%, chest radiographs = 18%). Proportional metropolitan (-18.7%) and rural decreases (-19.3%) were similar. Conclusion COVID-19 had a substantial impact on WCP imaging services, decreasing overall radiological investigations by almost one-fifth. The greatest impact was on elective investigations, particularly mammography. Although the proportional impact was similar for the metropolitan and rural areas, COVID-19 nonetheless exacerbated existing discrepancies in imaging utilization between the geographical regions. The medium- and long-term clinical impacts of decreased imaging are still to be defined.

Terminal quadrifurcation of the aorta: A case report.

Congenital anatomical variations of the terminal aorta are rare. Given the increasing number of endovascular and laparoscopic procedures, such variations are likely to assume greater clinical significance. A 15-year-old male sustained a pelvic vascular injury following a stab to the left gluteus. Computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a left superior gluteal artery pseudoaneurysm and absence of the common iliac arteries consistent with congenital quadrifurcation of the terminal aorta. The patient was subsequently treated with endovascular coil embolisation with a good angiographic and clinical outcome. Contribution: Terminal aortic variants are rare and given the increasing number of interventional endovascular procedures performed in the aorta, an awareness of the potential anatomical configurations of the distal aortic branches is of increasing relevance. The authors describe the imaging findings of one such anatomical variant.

The use of lung ultrasound in COVID-19.

This review article addresses the role of lung ultrasound in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for diagnosis and disease management. As a simple imaging procedure, lung ultrasound contributes to the early identification of patients with clinical conditions suggestive of COVID-19, supports decisions about hospital admission and informs therapeutic strategy. It can be performed in various clinical settings (primary care facilities, emergency departments, hospital wards, intensive care units), but also in outpatient settings using portable devices. The article describes typical lung ultrasound findings for COVID-19 pneumonia (interstitial pattern, pleural abnormalities and consolidations), as one component of COVID-19 diagnostic workup that otherwise includes clinical and laboratory evaluation. Advantages and limitations of lung ultrasound use in COVID-19 are described, along with equipment requirements and training needs. To infer on the use of lung ultrasound in different regions, a literature search was performed using key words "COVID-19", "lung ultrasound" and "imaging". Lung ultrasound is a noninvasive, rapid and reproducible procedure; can be performed at the point of care; requires simple sterilisation; and involves non-ionising radiation, allowing repeated exams on the same patient, with special benefit in children and pregnant women. However, physical proximity between the patient and the ultrasound operator is a limitation in the current pandemic context, emphasising the need to implement specific infection prevention and control measures. Availability of qualified staff adequately trained to perform lung ultrasound remains a major barrier to lung ultrasound utilisation. Training, advocacy and awareness rising can help build up capacities of local providers to facilitate lung ultrasound use for COVID-19 management, in particular in low- and middle-income countries.

Diagnostic yield and accuracy of paediatric image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of deep organ tumours.

Background: Paediatric tumour cytological diagnosis by image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has not gained wide acceptance despite increasing publications advocating the procedure. Objective: The primary aim was an audit of the diagnostic yield and accuracy of paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE at a single institution. Evaluation of safety was a secondary aim. Method: Details of consecutive cases of paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE for suspected non-benign deep-seated lesions performed from 01 January 2014 to 30 April 2020 were retrieved from the institutional radiology and laboratory databases. Diagnostic yield and accuracy were evaluated using clinico-pathological-radiological correlation and/or subsequent histological specimen diagnosis correlation. Complications and the frequency of key radiological features potentially affecting yield and accuracy were described. Results: Of 65 cases retrieved, cytology showed malignancy in 52, benign features in five and one indeterminate diagnosis; seven samples were insufficient for cytological assessment. Of the 65 cases, 58 had subsequent formal histological diagnosis. The overall diagnostic yield was 98.5%, with 94.5% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 100.0% positive predictive value, 75.0% negative predictive value and 95.3% diagnostic accuracy. All cases (n = 26) demonstrating restricted diffusion on MRI yielded adequate samples and cyto-histopathological correlation. Conclusion: Paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE has a relatively high diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy in the diagnosis of deep-seated tumours. The relatively low negative predictive value may reflect insufficient samples obtained from cystic and/or benign lesions. Sampling from areas of restricted MRI diffusion may enhance diagnostic yield.

Temporal trends in ultrasound utilisation in the radiology department of a tertiary hospital.

Background: Little is known about the combined impact of increasing ultrasound usage by clinical disciplines outside radiology and technical advances in other specialised radiological modalities on the role of ultrasound in tertiary-level radiology departments. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in ultrasound utilisation in a tertiary-level radiology department. Method: An institutional review board-approved retrospective descriptive study in the radiology department of Tygerberg Hospital (TBH). The nature and number of ultrasound performed in 2013 and 2019 were retrieved from the TBH radiology information system (RIS). These were compared, expressed as a proportion of the overall annual radiology workload and stratified by location (ultrasound suite, interventional suite, mammography suite). Ultrasound suite examinations were analysed by body part and age (0-13 years; > 13 years) and interventional suite workload by procedure. Results: The overall radiology workload decreased by 8%, reflecting the interplay between decreased plain radiography (-19%) and general fluoroscopy (-0.3%) and increased computed tomography (27%), magnetic resonance (23%) and fluoroscopically guided procedures (22%).There was a 12% increase in ultrasound utilisation. Ultrasound remained the second most common specialised imaging investigation throughout, after computed tomography. Ultrasound suite services were stable (-1%) representing a balance between decreased abdominal (-22%) and arterial (-16%) scans, and increased musculoskeletal (67%), small part (65%) and neonatal brain scans (41%). There were substantial increases in interventional (90%) and mammography suite (199%) services. Conclusion: Ultrasound remains a key modality in the tertiary-level radiology department, with an evolving pattern of clinical applications.

A 6-year audit of public-sector MR utilisation in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Background: Disparities in MR access between different countries and healthcare systems are well documented. Determinants of unequal access within the same healthcare system and geographical region are poorly understood. Objective: An analysis of public sector MR utilisation in South Africa's Western Cape province (WCP). Methods: A retrospective study of WCP MR and population data for 2013 and 2018. MR units/106 people, studies, and studies/103 people were calculated for each year, for the whole province and the 'western' and 'eastern' referral pathways, stratified by age (0-14 years, > 14 years). Results: Between 2013 and 2018, the WCP population increased 8% (4.63 vs 5.08 × 106 people) while MR resources were unchanged ('western' = 2 units; 'eastern' = 1), equating to decreasing access (units/106 people) for the province (0.65 vs 0.59; -9.2%), the 'western' (0.97 vs 0.9; -7.2%) and 'eastern' (0.39 vs 0.35; -10.3%) pathways. In 2013, 40% (4005/10 090) of studies were in the 'eastern' pathway serving 55% (2 066 079/4 629 051) of the population. Between 2013 and 2018 'eastern' population growth (n = 286 781) exceeded 'western' (n = 168 469) by 70% (n = 118 312). By 2018, 38% (7939/12 848) of studies were performed in the 'eastern' pathway, then serving 56% (2 849 753/5 084 301) of the population. Among 0-14-year-olds, 'western' utilisation (studies/103 people) exceeded 'eastern' by a factor of approximately 2.4 throughout. In patients > 14 years, the utilisation differential increased from 1.78 to 1.98 in the review period. Conclusion: Ensuring equitable services on the same healthcare platform requires ongoing surveillance of resource and population distribution. MR access can serve as a proxy for equity in highly specialised services.

Temporal Trends in the South African Diagnostic Radiology Workforce (2002-2019).

Background To facilitate imaging resource planning and address key health targets of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, accurate data are required on imaging personnel at the country level. Such data are currently limited. Objectives This study aims to analyze trends in the number, geographical distribution, and demographics of South African (SA) diagnostic imaging personnel between 2002 and 2019. Method A retrospective analysis of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) database of imaging personnel from 2002 to 2019 was done. The total number of personnel and personnel per million people were calculated for the country and for each professional group (radiologist, diagnostic radiographer, and sonographer) by calendar year, province, and demographic profile. Population data were provided by Statistics SA. Results The total imaging personnel, number per million people, and national population increased by 283% (3,095 versus 8,753), 119% (68 versus 149/106), and 29% (45.45 versus 58.77/106), respectively. Diagnostic radiographers constituted more than 80% of the workforce throughout the review period, increasing by 185% (2,540 versus 7,242). Sonographers, the smallest cohort, recorded the highest (49 versus 503; 906%) and radiologists (506 versus 1,007; 99%) the lowest proportional growth. Although radiologists showed persistent male predominance, the male proportion decreased from 82% to 69%, while that of females increased from 18% to 31%. The average annual percentage increase in female radiologists (14%) was more than three times that of males (4%). Diagnostic radiographers showed female predominance, but the proportion decreased from 90% to 83%, while that of males increased from 10% to 17%. Sonographers showed overwhelming female predominance (94% versus 92%). The average annual percentage increase in male diagnostic radiographers (21%) was more than double that of females (9%). In 2002, 48% (n = 1,475) of imaging personnel identified as White, and 15% (n = 467) identified as Black African. By 2019, those identifying as White and Black African were 36% (n = 3,122) and 35% (n = 3,045), respectively. The Western Cape Province (WCP) maintained the highest overall number of imaging personnel per million people (165 versus 233/106) and Limpopo the lowest (12 versus 54/106). However, Limpopo recorded the highest proportional growth in imaging personnel/106 people (368%) and the WCP the lowest (41%). The differential between the best- and least-resourced provinces thus decreased from 14:1 in 2002 to 4:1 in 2019. Conclusion In the review period, the SA imaging workforce has shown substantial expansion and transformation and has assumed a more equitable distribution.

Prevalence and Characteristics of HIV-Associated Stroke in a Tertiary Hospital Setting in South Africa.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) era HIV-associated stroke data from sub-Saharan Africa are limited. We determined the prevalence of HIV in patients presenting with acute symptomatic stroke and compared risk factors, clinical characteristics, and brain imaging with age-matched stroke patients without HIV. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of adults presenting with any type of stroke to Tygerberg Hospital in a 12-month period. Patients living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV-uninfected (HIV-) patients were matched based on age group (1:2 ratio). Patients were identified by keyword search, while HIV status was ascertained from laboratory data. Clinical and imaging data were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Among 884 patients presenting with acute strokes, the minimum prevalence of HIV infection was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.4%-11.2%), with 496 patients (56.1%) with negative HIV status and 306 patients with unknown HIV status (34.6%). The mean age at presentation in PLWH was 46 (±11) years compared with 55 (±14) years in HIV- patients (p < 0.001). Smoking was less prevalent in PLWH with an adjusted relative risk ratio of RR = 0.58 (95% CI: 0.39-0.86). Concurrent infection was more prevalent in PLWH (25.6% vs 4.9%, p ≤ 0.001) with an adjusted relative risk ratio of RR = 2.07 (95% CI: 1.49-2.84), largely in patients with a CD4 count <200 cells/µL. PLWH with higher CD4 counts (≥200 cells/µL, 51.3%) had more traditional risk factors and less concurrent infection. Among PLWH, 68.3% were on ART, and 39.3% of them had been started or restarted on ART within the past 6 months. Basal ganglia infarcts (35.6% vs 18.3%, p = 0.014) and multiple vascular territory involvement (25.4% vs 7.7%, p = 0.002) were more common in PLWH. Clinical presentation, ischemic stroke type, and in-hospital outcomes did not differ between the groups. DISCUSSION: Stroke patients with HIV were younger, had less traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and more concurrent infections than patients without HIV, especially those with a lower CD4 count. Recent ART initiation or reinitiation rates were high. Significant differences in CT brain imaging findings were seen. Understanding the multifactorial mechanisms underlying increased stroke risk, including associated infections and potential ART-associated immune reconstitution, is crucial and needs further study.

National inventory of authorized diagnostic imaging equipment in Ghana: data as of September 2020.

Introduction: to address the challenge of inadequate and non-equitable distribution of diagnostic imaging equipment, countries are encouraged to evaluate the distribution of installed systems and undertake adequate monitoring to ensure equitability. Ghana´s medical imaging resources have been analyzed in this study and evaluated against the status in other countries. Methods: data on registered medical imaging equipment were retrieved from the database of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority and analyzed. The equipment/population ratio was mapped out graphically for the 16 regions of Ghana. Comparison of the equipment/population ratio was made with the situation in other countries. Results: six hundred and seventy-four diagnostic imaging equipment units from 266 medical imaging facilities (2.5 units/facility), comprising computed tomography (CT), general X-ray, dental X-ray, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) gamma camera, fluoroscopy, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were surveyed nationally. None of the imaging systems measured above the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average imaging units per million populations (u/mp). The overall equipment/population ratio estimated nationally was 21.4 u/mp. Majority of the imaging systems were general X-ray, installed in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. The regional estimates of equipment/population ratios were Greater Accra (49.6 u/mp), Ashanti (22.4 u/mp), Western (21.4 u/mp), Eastern (20.6 u/mp), Bono East (20.0 u/mp), Bono (19.2 u/mp), Volta (17.9 u/mp), Upper West (16.7 u/mp), Oti (12.5 u/mp), Central (11.9 u/mp), Northern (8.9 u/mp), Ahafo (8.9 u/mp), Upper East (6.9 u/mp), Western North (6.7 u/mp), Savannah (5.5 u/mp) and North-East (1.7 u/mp). Conclusion: medical imaging equipment shortfall exist across all imaging modalities in Ghana. A wide inter-regional disparity in the distribution of medical imaging equipment exists contrary to WHO´s recommendation for equitable distribution. A concerted national plan will be needed to address the disparity.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatic Steatosis in Children With Perinatal HIV on Early Antiretroviral Therapy Compared to HIV-Exposed Uninfected and HIV-Unexposed Children.

Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for hepatic steatosis in South African children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) who started treatment early and remain on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to HIV-uninfected children. Design: A cross-sectional study from April 2019 to October 2021. PHIV, HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed (HU) children were enrolled from an ongoing cohort study. Methods: All children had transient elastography (TE) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Liver enzymes, lipogram, insulin and glucose were sent after an overnight fast. Multivariable linear regression analyses identified predictors of CAP. Hepatic steatosis was defined as CAP>248kPa. Results: 215 children (111 [52%] male; median age 14.1 years; IQR 12.7-14.9) participated in the study, 110 PHIV, 105 HIV-uninfected (36 HEU, 69 HU). PHIV initiated ART at a median age of 2.7 months (IQR 1.8-8.5). Hepatic steatosis prevalence was 9% in PHIV, 3% in HEU and 1% in HU children (p = 0.08). However, 8% of lean (body mass index z-score ≤ +1) PHIV had hepatic steatosis compared to zero lean HEU or HU children (p = 0.03). In multivariable linear regression analysis of all PHIV, body mass index (BMI) z-score was positively associated with CAP (p = 0.001) while CD4 count (p = 0.02) and duration of suppression of HIV viraemia (p = 0.009) were negatively associated with CAP, adjusting for age, sex and ethnicity. Conclusions: Hepatic steatosis prevalence was higher in lean PHIV than lean HIV-uninfected South African children. Longer suppression of HIV viraemia and higher CD4 count were associated with lower CAP and might be protective factors for hepatic steatosis in PHIV children.

After-hour trauma-radiograph interpretation in the emergency centre of a District Hospital.

Introduction: Plain radiographs remain a first-line trauma investigation. Most trauma radiographs worldwide are reported by junior doctors. This study assesses the accuracy of after-hour acute trauma radiograph reporting by emergency centre (EC) doctors in an African district hospital. Methods: An institutional review board approved retrospective descriptive study over two consecutive weekends in February 2020. The radiologist report on the admission radiographs of adult trauma patients was compared with the initial EC interpretation. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for EC interpretation were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The association between reporting accuracy and anatomical region, mechanism of injury, time of investigation, and the number of abnormalities per radiograph was assessed. Results: 140 radiographs were included, of which 49 (35%) were abnormal. EC doctors recorded (95%CI) 77% (69-84%) accuracy, 38% (25-54%) sensitivity, 97% (91-99%) specificity, 86% (65-95%) PPV and 76% (71-80%) NPV. Performance was associated with the anatomical region (p=0.02), mechanism of injury (p=<0.01) time of day (p=0.04) and the number of abnormalities on the film (p=<0.01). The highest sensitivity was achieved in reports of the appendicular skeleton (42%) and in the setting of simple blunt trauma (62%). Overall accuracy was in line with the range (44%-99%) reported in the international literature. Discussion: Accurate reporting of acute trauma radiographs is challenging. Key factors impact performance. Further training of junior doctors in this area of clinical practice is recommended. Future work should focus on assessing the impact of such training on reporting performance.

A digital audit of emergency upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopy workflow in children with bilious vomiting.

Background: Bilious vomiting in children requires an urgent evaluation with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) fluoroscopy as it may herald life-threatening midgut malrotation with volvulus (MMWV). There are no published data available on the duration of time-critical UGI workflow steps. Objectives: A digital audit of workflow in emergency UGI contrast studies performed on children with bile-stained vomiting at a large South African teaching hospital. Method: A retrospective study was conducted from 01 May 2012 - 31 May 2019. A customised search of the institutional radiology information system (RIS) defined all children with bilious vomiting who underwent emergency UGI fluoroscopy. Extracted RIS timestamps were used to calculate the median duration of the 'approval', 'waiting', 'study' and 'reporting' times. One-way analysis of variance and Chi-squared tests assessed the association between key parameters and the duration of workflow steps, with 5% significance (p < 0.05). Results: Thirty-seven patients (n = 37) with median age 0.8 months were included, of whom 20 (54%) had an abnormal C-loop. The median 'total time' from physician request to report distribution was 107 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 67-173). The median 'approval' (6 min; IQR: 1-15) and 'reporting' (38 min; IQR: 17-91) times were the shortest and longest workflow steps, respectively. Abnormal C-loops (p = 0.04) and consultant referrals (p = 0.03) were associated with shorter 'approval' times. The neonatal 'waiting' time was significantly longer than that for older patients (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The modern RIS is an excellent tool for time-critical workflow analyses, which can inform interventions for improved service delivery.

Paediatric pulmonary echinococcosis: A neglected disease.

Echinococcosis is a worldwide public health problem causing considerable paediatric morbidity and mortality in endemic areas. The presentation of cystic echinococcosis (CE) varies by age. Unlike adults, where hepatic involvement is common, pulmonary CE is the dominant site in the paediatric population. Pulmonary cysts are typically first seen on chest X-ray, either as an incidental finding or following respiratory symptoms after cyst rupture or secondary infection of the cyst. In children, pulmonary cysts have a broad differential diagnosis, and a definitive diagnosis relies on the combination of imaging, serology, and histology. In countries with high infectious burdens from diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and tuberculosis (TB), the diagnosis is additionally challenging, as atypical infections are more common than in developed countries. Pulmonary CE is treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Trends in public sector radiological usage in the Western Cape Province, South Africa: 2009-2019.

BACKGROUND: Although global use of medical imaging has increased significantly, little is known about utilisation trends in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes over a decade in public sector diagnostic imaging utilisation at provincial level in a middle-income country. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of medical imaging utilisation in the Western Cape Province of South Africa in 2009 and 2019. Use of conventional radiography, ultrasonography (US), fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and whole-body digital radiography was assessed by total studies and studies/103 people, for the whole province, the rural and metropolitan areas. Mammography utilisation was calculated for every 103 females aged 40-70 years. RESULTS: The provincial population and total imaging investigations increased by 25% and 32%, respectively, whilst studies/103 people increased by 5.5% (256 vs 270/103), with marked variation by modality. Provincial US, CT and MRI utilisation/103 people increased by 111% (20 vs 43/103), 78% (10 vs 18/103) and 32% (1.9 vs 2.5/103) respectively, whilst use of fluoroscopy (3.6 vs 3.7/103) and mammography (14.2 vs 15.9/103 women aged 40-70 years) was steady and plain radiography decreased by 20% (216 vs 196/103). For CT, mammography and fluoroscopy, percentage utilisation increases/103 people were higher in the rural than metropolitan areas. CONCLUSION: Population growth is the main driver of overall imaging utilisation in our setting. The relatively constant imaging workload per 1000 people, albeit with increasing ultrasound, CT and MR utilisation, and decreasing use of plain radiography, reflects improved provincial imaging infrastructure, and appropriate use of available resources.

Towards equity: a retrospective analysis of public sector radiological resources and utilization patterns in the metropolitan and rural areas of the Western Cape Province of South Africa in 2017.

BACKGROUND: The reduction of inequality is a key United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (WHO, Human Resources for Health: foundation for Universal Health Coverage and the post-2015 development agenda, 2014; Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development .:. Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform, 2020). Despite marked disparities in radiological services globally, particularly between metropolitan and rural populations in low- and middle-income countries, there has been little work on imaging resources and utilization patterns in any setting (Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development .:. Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform, 2020; WHO, Local Production and Technology Transfer to Increase Access to Medical Devices, 2019; European Society of Radiology (ESR), Insights Imaging 6:573-7, 2015; Maboreke et al., An audit of licensed Zimbabwean radiology equipment resources as a measure of healthcare access and equity, 2020; Kabongo et al., Pan Afr Med J 22, 2015; Skedgel et al., Med Decis Making 35:94-105, 2015; Mollura et al., J Am Coll Radiol 913-9, 2014; Culp et al., J Am Coll Radiol 12:475-80, 2015; Mbewe et al., An audit of licenced Zambian diagnostic imaging equipment and personnel, 2020). To achieve equity, a better understanding of the integral components of the so called "imaging enterprise" is important. The aim was to analyse a provincial radiological service in a middle-income country. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective audit of radiological data for the public healthcare sector of the Western Cape Province of South Africa for 2017, utilizing provincial databases. We conducted population-based analyses of imaging equipment, personnel, and service utilization data for the whole province, the metropolitan and the rural areas. RESULTS: Metropolitan population density exceeds rural by a factor of ninety (1682 vs 19 people/km2). Rural imaging facilities by population are double the metropolitan (20 vs 11/106 people). Metropolitan imaging personnel by population (112 vs 53/106 people) and equipment unit (1.7 vs 0.7/unit) are more than double the rural. Overall population-based utilization of imaging services was 30% higher in the metropole (289 vs 214 studies/103 people), with mammography (24 vs 5 studies/103 woman > 40 years) and CT (21 vs 6/103 people) recording the highest, and plain radiography (203 vs 171/103 people) the lowest differences. CONCLUSION: Despite attempts to achieve imaging equity through the provision of increased facilities/million people in the rural areas, differential utilization patterns persist. The achievement of equity must be seen as a process involving incremental improvements and iterative analyses that define progress towards the goal.

An audit of Zimbabwean public sector diagnostic ultrasound services.

INTRODUCTION: the provision of basic diagnostic imaging services is pivotal to achieving universal health coverage. An estimated two-thirds of the world's population have no access to basic diagnostic imaging. Accurate data on current imaging equipment resources are required to inform health delivery strategy and policy at national level. This is an audit of Zimbabwean public sector diagnostic ultrasound resources and services. METHODS: utilising the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MHCC) database, sequential interviews were conducted with provincial health authorities and local facility managers. Ultrasound equipment, personnel and services in all hospitals and clinics, nationally were recorded, collated, and analysed for the whole country, and by province. RESULTS: of the 1798 Zimbabwean public sector healthcare facilities, sixty-six (n=66, 3.67%) have ultrasound equipment. Ninety-nine (n=99) ultrasound units are distributed across the sonar facilities, representing a national average of 8 units per million people. More than half the equipment units (n=53, 54%) are in secondary-level healthcare facilities (district and mission hospitals), and approximately one-fifth (n=22, 22%) in the central hospitals (quaternary level). The best-resourced province has twice the resources of the least resourced. One-hundred and forty-two (n=142) healthcare workers, from six different professional groups, provide the public sector ultrasound service. Most facilities with sonar equipment (n=64/66, 97%) provide obstetrics and gynaecology services, while general abdominal scanning is available at one third (n=22, 33%). Two facilities with ultrasound equipment have no capacity to offer a sonography service. CONCLUSION: in order to reach the WHO recommendation of 20 sonar units per million people, an estimated 140 additional sonar units are required nationally. The need is greatest in Masvingo, Midlands and Mashonaland East Provinces. Task-shifting plays a key role in the provision of Zimbabwean sonar services. Consideration should be given to formal training and accreditation of all healthcare workers involved in sonar service delivery.

Relative Sparing of the Left Upper Zone on Chest Radiography in Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia.

The radiological findings of COVID-19 are well-described, including its evolution. In an earlier report of admission chest radiographs of patients with COVID-19, we anecdotally noted relative sparing of the left upper zone (LUZ). We subsequently aimed to describe the main chest radiograph findings in another cohort, focusing on zonal predominance. The admission chest radiographs of 111 patients with CO-VID-19 pneumonia requiring intensive care admission were reviewed by 2 thoracic radiologists and categorized according to the predominant pattern into either ground-glass opacities (GGOs), alveolar infiltrates and/or consolidation, or reticular and/or nodular infiltrates or an equal combination of both, and the extent of disease involvement of each of the zones using a modified Radiologic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE) score. Parenchymal changes were detected in all. In total, 106 radiographs showed GGOs, alveolar infiltrates, and/or consolidation, and 5 had a combination of reticular/nodular infiltrates as well as GGOs, alveolar infiltrates, and/or consolidation. The LUZ had a significant lower grading score than the right upper zone: 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001). Likewise, the upper zones had a significant lower score than the mid and lower zones (p < 0.001). Our findings confirmed the relative sparing of the LUZ in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

A silver bullet? The role of radiology information system data mining in defining gunshot injury trends at a South African tertiary-level hospital.

BACKGROUND: South Africa (SA) has no national injury surveillance system, and hence, non-fatal gunshot injuries are not routinely recorded. Most firearm-related injuries require multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT) assessment at a tertiary-level facility. MDCT scanning for victims with gunshot injuries thus provide an indication of the societal burden of firearm trauma. The potential of the modern radiology information system (RIS) to serve as a robust research tool in such settings is not fully appreciated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of institutional RIS data in defining MDCT scanning trends for gunshot victims presenting to a tertiary-level SA hospital. METHOD: A single-institution, retrospective, comparative study was conducted at the Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) Trauma Unit for the years 2013 and 2018. Using data-mining software, customised RIS searches for information on all gunshot-related emergency computed tomography scans in the respective years were performed. Demographic, temporal, anatomical and scan-protocol trends were analysed by cross tabulation, Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Gunshot-related emergency MDCT scans increased by 62% (546 vs. 887) from 2013 to 2018. Lower-limb CT angiography was the commonest investigation in both periods. A higher proportion of victims in 2018 sustained thoracic injuries (12.5% vs. 19.8%; p < 0.01) and required imaging of more than two body parts (13.1% vs. 19.2%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: By using RIS data to demonstrate the increasing gunshot-related MDCT workload in the review period, as well as a pattern of more complex and potentially life-threatening injury, this study highlights the burden of firearm trauma in the society and the potential role of the modern RIS as a robust research tool.

Yield of CT angiography in penetrating lower extremity trauma.

PURPOSE: CT angiography (CTA) has become a valuable tool in the assessment of suspected arterial injury in patients with penetrating lower extremity trauma. However, expensive imaging such as CTA should be judiciously utilized to ensure value-based care. We therefore assessed the yield of CTA in this setting at a level-1 trauma unit and correlated it with the clinical history provided. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study from 1 July 2013 to 31 June 2018 at a 1386-bed, tertiary-level, public-sector teaching hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.. All patients undergoing CTA for suspected arterial injury following penetrating lower extremity trauma were included. The imaging yield of clinically significant arterial injury and the predictive value of specific clinical signs were determined. RESULTS: A total of 983 patients (median age 27 years, 91% male) were included; 90% (886/983) had gunshots, 9% (89/983) stabs, and 1% (8/983) other injuries. Despite an average 13% year-on-year increase in CTA performed, there was no change in the proportion demonstrating arterial injury. Thirty-four percent (23/68) of patients with strong (hard) signs of arterial injury (active pulsatile bleeding, rapidly expanding hematoma, absent pulse, palpable thrill, or audible bruit), 11% (49/459) with moderate (soft) signs (history of an arterial bleed, excessive non-pulsatile bleeding, large non-expanding hematoma, major neurological deficit, diminished but appreciable pulse, and arterial proximity), and 5% (24/456) with no indication for imaging had clinically significant arterial injuries. Significant positive correlations were rapidly expanding hematoma (p = 0.009), an absent pulse (p < 0.001), and a diminished pulse (p < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were proximity to a major artery (p = 0.005) and no clinical indication provided (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is poor correlation between clinical details provided and the presence of arterial injury at our institution. In this context, CTA serves a pivotal role in the definitive identification of arterial injury.