Radiology resident experience in a community-based residency program.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors performed this study to examine the educational experience of radiology residents by evaluating exposure to total number and variety of examinations. They examined this exposure in relation to current concepts of resident education regarding exposure to difference radiologic examinations, preparation for private practice, and 4th-year resident experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The number of examinations performed by radiology residents and the number classified as general versus cross-sectional radiology were analyzed by calculating the average number of studies performed per academic year during the past 6 years. RESULTS: In general, there was in increase in the total number of examinations performed per resident during the past 6 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the experience with general versus cross-sectional radiologic examinations. The data support the contention that 4th-year residents perform fewer examinations. CONCLUSION: Experience with all radiologic examinations is increasing as the overall utilization of radiology services increases. Fourth-year residents read fewer images; further studies are necessary to determine whether this finding reflects a planned decrease in workload or an increase in the complexity of the workload. It may be necessary to establish a minimum number and mixture of examinations to prepare residents for private practice.

Call obligations in radiology residency: a survey.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the initial assignment of call responsibilities during residency, the effect on call obligations of the number of residents, and the differences between private and university programs and level 1 and non-level 1 trauma centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was sent to all 203 diagnostic radiology residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Chief residents at 21 institutions were surveyed by phone or in person. Directors of residency programs in the Graduate Medical Education Directory received the survey electronically. RESULTS: Responses were received from 99 (68 university, 31 private practice) of the 203 programs. Nine (9%) reported both a decreased number of residents and a subsequent increase in call obligations. First-year residents generally began to accept calls with a senior resident or alone at a median of 6 months, although 15 (48%) private practice programs required them to accept calls alone before this time. First-year residents at university programs (31%) were more likely to assume call duties during the first 6 months accompanied by a senior resident. Maximum time before 1st-year residents started going on call was 13 months. CONCLUSION: Call obligations remain a resident responsibility. University and private practice programs differ more than level 1 and non-level 1 trauma centers.

Research in radiology residency programs: a survey.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are characteristics that typify research undertaken in diagnostic radiology residency programs, to determine how the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Review Committee's scholarly activity requirement is met by those programs not requiring research, and to ascertain whether differences in research requirements exist between university-based residency programs and those in private facilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A one-page survey regarding research requirements during residency was mailed to the 203 program directors of accredited diagnostic radiology residency programs. Chief residents from programs that had not responded to the survey were interviewed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Data collected were analyzed by using Pearson's chi 2 test. RESULTS: Ninety-two residency programs responded to the survey. Residents were required to assist a faculty member with research in 33% of programs and perform independent research in 20%. There was no statistically significant difference between private practice-based and university-based training programs. A total of 53% of residency programs required some type of resident research. Defined rotations in research were less common (14%). Time off for research activity was granted on request in 23% of the programs. Programs that did not require research used voluntary research activity (25%) and teaching opportunities (17%) to meet the scholarly activity requirement. CONCLUSION: While there is no specific ACGME requirement for research by residents, data indicate that the majority of programs consider research activity, either independent or by assisting faculty, to fulfill the ACGME scholarly activity requirement. However, no single method was selected by more than 33% of those responding.

Intraspinal synovial cysts. Magnetic resonance evaluation.

Five intraspinal synovial cysts in four patients were evaluated with noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging with the contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Useful findings included demonstration of both solid and cystic components, early enhancement of the solid component and cyst periphery, delayed enhancement of the cyst, persistent enhancement of the solid component and cyst capsule, enhancement of the apophyseal joint, and recognition of a possible connection between the cyst and apophyseal joint. Although computed tomographic findings of synovial cysts are quite characteristic for the diagnosis in most cases, contrast magnetic resonance imaging may provide additional information for a more definitive diagnosis.

Replacement lipomatosis of the kidney: CT features.

Replacement lipomatosis of the kidney is a severe loss of renal parenchyma with massive fat deposition associated with long-standing inflammation and calculi. We report two pathologically proven cases of total replacement lipomatosis and one partial replacement lipomatosis diagnosed by CT. The CT images demonstrated a large fat-attenuating mass with perirenal capsule surrounded by thick pararenal fascia, streaky densities in the mass, elongated collecting system, large calculi, and absence of renal parenchyma.