Occupational Radiation Dose Trends in U.S. Radiologic Technologists Assisting with Fluoroscopically Guided Interventional Procedures, 1980-2020.

PURPOSE: To summarize dose trends from 1980 to 2020 for 19,651 U.S. Radiologic Technologists who reported assisting with fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures (FGIPs), overall and by work history characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 762,310 annual personal dose equivalents at a 10-mm reference depth (doses) during 1980-2020 for 43,823 participants of the U.S. Radiologic Technologists (USRT) cohort who responded to work history questionnaires administered during 2012-2014 were summarized. This population included 19,651 technologists who reported assisting with FGIP (≥1 time per month for ≥12 consecutive months) at any time during the study period. Doses corresponding to assistance with FGIP were estimated in terms of proximity to patients, monthly procedure frequency, and procedure type. Box plots and summary statistics (eg, medians and percentiles) were used to describe annual doses and dose trends. RESULTS: Median annual dose corresponding to assistance with FGIP was 0.65 mSv (interquartile range [IQR], 0.60-1.40 mSv; 95th percentile, 6.80). Higher occupational doses with wider variability were associated with close proximity to patients during assistance with FGIP (median, 1.20 mSv [IQR, 0.60-4.18 mSv]; 95th percentile, 12.66), performing ≥20 FGIPs per month (median, 0.75 mSv [IQR, 0.60-2.40 mSv]; 95th percentile, 9.44), and assisting with high-dose FGIP (median, 0.70 mSv [IQR, 0.60-1.90 mSv]; 95th percentile, 8.30). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational doses corresponding to assistance with FGIP were generally low but varied with exposure frequency, procedure type, and proximity to patients. These results highlight the need for vigilant dose monitoring, radiation safety training, and proper protective equipment.

[Cooperation protocol and advanced practice, an evolutionary perspective for the French radiation therapist]. / Protocole de coopération et pratique avancée, une perspective d'évolution pour le manipulateur en radiothérapie français.

For several years, the profession of radiographer has been unattractive and is in search of professional recognition. Increasingly complex therapeutic and diagnostic evolutions forces professionals to develop their skills to ensure quality and safe care for all patients. The primary role of the radiographer is to support patients and to accompany them during their examination or treatment, combining caregiver and technician's roles. Transversal missions and delegation of tasks are inherent to the profession but are not widely recognized. Cooperation between radiotherapy professionals is a response to offer the therapeutic radiographer/radiation therapist (RTT) opportunities in terms of attractiveness, career prospects, and increased skills. In radiotherapy, advanced practice activities already exist in some departments but require regulatory adjustments, in particular regarding the redistribution of the roles of RTT but also the status of these professionals. The formalization of these practices can be largely inspired by the many feedbacks around the world. This article aims to reflect the evolution's perspectives in the career of an RTT and on the valorisation of this profession in the current context.

Los desafíos de la formación de residentes de radiología en América Latina ¿Cuáles son las causas subyacentes? ¿Cómo podemos ayudar? / The challenges of radiology resident training in latin america. What are the root causes? How we can help?

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Radiomics: from qualitative to quantitative imaging.

Historically, medical imaging has been a qualitative or semi-quantitative modality. It is difficult to quantify what can be seen in an image, and to turn it into valuable predictive outcomes. As a result of advances in both computational hardware and machine learning algorithms, computers are making great strides in obtaining quantitative information from imaging and correlating it with outcomes. Radiomics, in its two forms "handcrafted and deep," is an emerging field that translates medical images into quantitative data to yield biological information and enable radiologic phenotypic profiling for diagnosis, theragnosis, decision support, and monitoring. Handcrafted radiomics is a multistage process in which features based on shape, pixel intensities, and texture are extracted from radiographs. Within this review, we describe the steps: starting with quantitative imaging data, how it can be extracted, how to correlate it with clinical and biological outcomes, resulting in models that can be used to make predictions, such as survival, or for detection and classification used in diagnostics. The application of deep learning, the second arm of radiomics, and its place in the radiomics workflow is discussed, along with its advantages and disadvantages. To better illustrate the technologies being used, we provide real-world clinical applications of radiomics in oncology, showcasing research on the applications of radiomics, as well as covering its limitations and its future direction.

Advances in diagnostic and interventional radiology.

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Guía de la SERAM para la renovación y actualización tecnológica en radiología / SERAM guide for the renewal and technological update in radiology

La reciente crisis económica ha provocado una sustancial disminución de la inversión pública y de la renovación tecnológica en España, que ha causado un incremento relevante del índice de obsolescencia de los equipos de diagnóstico por la imagen. La Sociedad Española de Radiología Médica, consciente de la importancia de mantener unos medios tecnológicos apropiados para asegurar la calidad asistencial, ha elaborado un documento con el objetivo de analizar y difundir la situación de la tecnología de diagnóstico por la imagen en España (entre el 32% y el 59% de los equipos, según el tipo de modalidad, tienen más de 10 años) y para formular criterios y recomendaciones que sirvan de guía en la gestión de la tecnología de imagen médica

The recent financial crisis has led to a substantial reduction in public investment and technological renovation in Spain, resulting in a significant increase in the rate of obsolescence of diagnostic imaging equipment. The Spanish Society of Medical Radiology, aware of the importance of maintaining appropriate technological measures to ensure the quality of health care, has elaborated a document with the aim of analyzing and promulgating the state of diagnostic imaging technology in Spain (depending on the imaging modality, between 32% and 59% of the equipment is more than 10 years old) as well as of establishing criteria and recommendations to guide the management of technology in medical imaging

Demystification of AI-driven medical image interpretation: past, present and future.

The recent explosion of 'big data' has ushered in a new era of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in every sphere of technological activity, including medicine, and in particular radiology. However, the recent success of AI in certain flagship applications has, to some extent, masked decades-long advances in computational technology development for medical image analysis. In this article, we provide an overview of the history of AI methods for radiological image analysis in order to provide a context for the latest developments. We review the functioning, strengths and limitations of more classical methods as well as of the more recent deep learning techniques. We discuss the unique characteristics of medical data and medical science that set medicine apart from other technological domains in order to highlight not only the potential of AI in radiology but also the very real and often overlooked constraints that may limit the applicability of certain AI methods. Finally, we provide a comprehensive perspective on the potential impact of AI on radiology and on how to evaluate it not only from a technical point of view but also from a clinical one, so that patients can ultimately benefit from it. KEY POINTS: • Artificial intelligence (AI) research in medical imaging has a long history • The functioning, strengths and limitations of more classical AI methods is reviewed, together with that of more recent deep learning methods. • A perspective is provided on the potential impact of AI on radiology and on its evaluation from both technical and clinical points of view.

Radiation exposure by digital radiographic imaging in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the cumulative effective doses (CED) from digital radiographic imaging in very low birth weight infants treated in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). STUDY DESIGN: The CED for each infant was retrospectively calculated using a voxel-based model. The results were compared with previous studies applying conventional radiography. RESULTS: Two hundred and six preterm infants were included into this study. Neonates received a median of four radiographs (range: 1-68) and a CED of 50 µSv (4-883 µSv). Overall mean CED was lower than in previously published data applying conventional radiography. Factors contributing to a lower radiation dose per infant in our study were a lower number of radiographs and smaller field sizes per radiographic image. CONCLUSIONS: The number of conducted radiographs per patient and the employed field size had a higher impact on the CED than the applied radiographic technology.

Inteligencia artificial, big data y más allá... ¿Es cierto que estamos siendo reemplazados / Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Beyond... Are We Really Being Replaced?

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Las tesis doctorales en radiodiagnóstico: estudio de la producción española entre 1976 y 2011 / Doctoral theses in diagnostic imaging: a study of Spanish production between 1976 and 2011

Objetivo: Analizar la producción de tesis doctorales de radiodiagnóstico en España durante el periodo 1976-2011 para: a) obtener el número de tesis y su distribución temporal; b) describir la producción por universidades y directores, y c) su contenido, según técnica de imagen, localización anatómica y tipo de investigación. Material y métodos: Se ha realizado una búsqueda en la base de datos TESEO por descriptores ("radiología" y/o "diagnóstico por imagen") y por palabras relacionadas con radiodiagnóstico en el título de las tesis. Resultados: Se han obtenido 1036 tesis de radiodiagnóstico producidas en 37 universidades españolas, con una media de 29,6 tesis anuales (rango 4-59). Se han identificado 963 directores de tesis, diez de los cuales han dirigido 10 tesis o más. Predomina el género masculino en autores y directores, aunque desde el curso 2000-01 el número anual de autoras es similar o superior al de autores. Las regiones anatómicas más estudiadas fueron abdomen (22,5%), musculoesquelético (21,8%), neurorradiología (16,4%) y cérvico-facial (15,6%). La ecografía fue la técnica más estudiada durante el periodo analizado (25,5%) y la resonancia magnética en los últimos 5 años. El 63,8% de las tesis trataba sobre investigación clínica. Conclusiones: A pesar de ciertas limitaciones, la base de datos TESEO permite analizar eficazmente la producción de tesis doctorales en España. La media anual de las tesis encontradas supera la de estudios similares de otras especialidades médicas. Su análisis refleja la evolución histórica de las técnicas de imagen y la investigación en radiología, así como el desarrollo de la universidad española

Objective: To analyze the production of doctoral theses in diagnostic imaging in Spain in the period comprising 1976 through 2011 with the aim of a) determining the number of theses and their distribution over time, b) describing the production in terms of universities and directors, and c) analyzing the content of the theses according to the imaging technique, anatomic site, and type of research used. Material and methods: The TESEO database was searched for "radiología" and/or "diagnóstico por imagen" and for terms related to diagnostic imaging in the title of the thesis. Results: A total of 1036 theses related to diagnostic imaging were produced in 37 Spanish universities (mean, 29.6 theses/year; range, 4-59). A total of 963 thesis directors were identified; 10 of these supervised 10 or more theses. Most candidates and directors were men, although since the 2000-2001 academic year the number of male and female candidates has been similar. The anatomic regions most often included in diagnostic imaging theses were the abdomen (22.5%), musculoskeletal system (21.8%), central nervous system (16.4%), and neck and face (15.6%). The imaging techniques most often included were ultrasonography in the entire period (25.5%) and magnetic resonance imaging in the last 5 years. Most theses (63.8%) were related to clinical research. Conclusions: Despite certain limitations, the TESEO database makes it possible to analyze the production of doctoral theses in Spain effectively. The annual mean production of theses in diagnostic imaging is higher than in other medical specialties. This analysis reflects the historic evolution of imaging techniques and research in radiology as well as the development of Spanish universities

Scandium and terbium radionuclides for radiotheranostics: current state of development towards clinical application.

Currently, different radiometals are in use for imaging and therapy in nuclear medicine: 68Ga and 111In are examples of nuclides for positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), respectively, while 177Lu and 225Ac are used for ß-- and α-radionuclide therapy. The application of diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides of the same element (radioisotopes) would utilize chemically-identical radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and subsequent treatment, thereby enabling the radiotheranostic concept. There are two elements which are of particular interest in this regard: Scandium and Terbium. Scandium presents three radioisotopes for theranostic application. 43Sc (T1/2 = 3.9 h) and 44Sc (T1/2 = 4.0 h) can both be used for PET, while 47Sc (T1/2 = 3.35 d) is the therapeutic match-also suitable for SPECT. Currently, 44Sc is most advanced in terms of production, as well as with pre-clinical investigations, and has already been employed in proof-of-concept studies in patients. Even though the production of 43Sc may be more challenging, it would be advantageous due to the absence of high-energetic γ-ray emission. The development of 47Sc is still in its infancy, however, its therapeutic potential has been demonstrated preclinically. Terbium is unique in that it represents four medically-interesting radioisotopes. 155Tb (T1/2 = 5.32 d) and 152Tb (T1/2 = 17.5 h) can be used for SPECT and PET, respectively. Both radioisotopes were produced and tested preclinically. 152Tb has been the first Tb isotope that was tested (as 152Tb-DOTATOC) in a patient. Both radionuclides may be of interest for dosimetry purposes prior to the application of radiolanthanide therapy. The decay properties of 161Tb (T1/2 = 6.89 d) are similar to 177Lu, but the coemission of Auger electrons make it attractive for a combined ß-/Auger electron therapy, which was shown to be effective in preclinical experiments. 149Tb (T1/2 = 4.1 h) has been proposed for targeted α-therapy with the possibility of PET imaging. In terms of production, 161Tb and 155Tb are most promising to be made available at the large quantities suitable for future clinical translation. This review article is dedicated to the production routes, the methods of separating the radioisotopes from the target material, preclinical investigations and clinical proof-of-concept studies of Sc and Tb radionuclides. The availability, challenges of production and first (pre)clinical application, as well as the potential of these novel radionuclides for future application in nuclear medicine, are discussed.

Integration of a Zero-footprint Cloud-based Picture Archiving and Communication System with Customizable Forms for Radiology Research and Education.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to integrate web-based forms with a zero-footprint cloud-based Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) to create a tool of potential benefit to radiology research and education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Web-based forms were created with a front-end and back-end architecture utilizing common programming languages including Vue.js, Node.js and MongoDB, and integrated into an existing zero-footprint cloud-based PACS. RESULTS: The web-based forms application can be accessed in any modern internet browser on desktop or mobile devices and allows the creation of customizable forms consisting of a variety of questions types. Each form can be linked to an individual DICOM examination or a collection of DICOM examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Several uses are demonstrated through a series of case studies, including implementation of a research platform for multi-reader multi-case (MRMC) studies and other imaging research, and creation of an online Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE) and an educational case file.

2016 New Horizons Lecture: Beyond Imaging-Radiology of Tomorrow.

This article is based on the New Horizons lecture delivered at the 2016 Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting. It addresses looming changes for radiology, many of which stem from the disruptive effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is an emerging era of unprecedented rapid innovation marked by the integration of diverse disciplines and technologies, including data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence-technologies that narrow the gap between man and machine. Technologic advances and the convergence of life sciences, physical sciences, and bioengineering are creating extraordinary opportunities in diagnostic radiology, image-guided therapy, targeted radionuclide therapy, and radiology informatics, including radiologic image analysis. This article uses the example of oncology to make the case that, if members in the field of radiology continue to be innovative and continuously reinvent themselves, radiology can play an ever-increasing role in both precision medicine and value-driven health care. © RSNA, 2018.

Trends that have influenced the Swedish radiography profession over the last four decades.

INTRODUCTION: The expansion of the radiography profession in recent decades has widened the scope of radiographic practice. This has raised questions about which trends have had an impact on the profession over the years. The study aim was to explore trends that have influenced the radiography profession over the last four decades. METHODS: A qualitative design was used. Eleven focus group interviews inspired by the Scenario Planning Method were conducted at 11 diagnostic radiology departments in public hospitals in Sweden. The target group consisted of 48 registered radiographers. To analyse the data, qualitative content analysis was used. RESULTS: Thematic data analysis revealed three broad categories; technological development and radiation doses, current status of the radiography profession and specialisation leading to expert knowledge. Each category derived from two or three sub-categories. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate significant trends of influences on the radiography profession in Sweden over the last four decades. New methods and technology and control of radiation doses have had a favourable effect on the development of the radiography profession. Nevertheless, current status such as shortage of radiographers has had an adverse way. Specialisation leading to expert knowledge has an influence on career advancement and a specialist education regulated by the law, might be a prerequisite for the development of the radiography profession.

Occupational Radiation Exposure and Deaths From Malignant Intracranial Neoplasms of the Brain and CNS in U.S. Radiologic Technologists, 1983-2012.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood exposure to acute, high-dose radiation has consistently been associated with risk of benign and malignant intracranial tumors of the brain and CNS, but data on risks of adulthood exposure to protracted, low-to-moderate doses of radiation are limited. In a large cohort of radiologic technologists, we quantified the association between protracted, low-to-moderate doses of radiation and malignant intracranial tumor mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 83,655 female and 26,642 male U.S. radiologic technologists who were certified for at least 2 years as of 1982. The cohort was followed from the completion date of the first or second survey (1983-1989 or 1994-1998) to the date of death, loss to follow-up, or December 31, 2012, whichever was earliest. Occupational brain doses through 1997 were based on work history, historical data, and, for most years after the mid 1970s, individual film badge measurements. Radiation-related excess relative risks (ERRs) and 95% CIs were estimated from Poisson regression models adjusted for attained age and sex. RESULTS: Cumulative mean absorbed brain dose was 12 mGy (range, 0-290 mGy). During follow-up (median, 26.7 years), 193 technologists died of a malignant intracranial neoplasm. Based on models incorporating a 5-year lagged cumulative brain dose, cumulative brain dose was not associated with malignant intracranial tumor mortality (overall ERR per 100 mGy, 0.1; 95% CI, < -0.3 to 1.5). No effect modification was observed by sex or birth cohort. CONCLUSION: In this nationwide cohort of radiologic technologists, cumulative occupational radiation exposure to the brain was not associated with malignant intracranial tumor mortality.