Retrospective analysis of radiological investigation of surgically excised head and neck lipomas.

PURPOSE: Differentiating benign lipomas from malignant causes is challenging and preoperative investigative guidelines are not well-defined. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively identify cases of head and neck lipomas that were surgically resected over a 5-year period and to identify the radiological modality chosen and features discussed in the final report. Multidisciplinary outcomes and pathology reports were examined with a view to identifying high risk features of a lipoma to aid in future risk stratification. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of pathology characteristics, radiological features (modality, size, calcifications, septations, globular/nodular foci), multidisciplinary discussion and history of presenting complaint was performed. RESULTS: Two liposarcomas and 138 lipomas were identified. Twenty-two percent of all lipomas received radiological investigation. Twenty-two percent of imaging referrals were possibly inappropriate. Furthermore, radiological features suggestive of malignancy were not present in the final radiology report, X2 = 28.8, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: As expected, the incidence of liposarcoma is low. There is limited awareness of radiology referral guidelines superimposed with a tendency to over-investigate lipomas. Furthermore, radiological features suggestive of malignancy were inconsistently reported on and not documented in multidisciplinary discussions. Therefore, we propose a multidisciplinary checklist for referring physicians and radiologists to aid in diagnostic work-up.

Impact of point-of-care clinical decision support on referrer behavior, imaging volume, patient radiation dose exposure, and sustainability.

OBJECTIVES: When referring patients to radiology, it is important that the most appropriate test is chosen to avoid inappropriate imaging that may lead to delayed diagnosis, unnecessary radiation dose, worse patient outcome, and poor patient experience. The current radiology appropriateness guidance standard at our institution is via access to a standalone web-based clinical decision support tool (CDST). A point-of-care (POC) CDST that incorporates guidance directly into the physician workflow was implemented within a subset of head and neck cancer specialist referrers. The purpose of this audit was to evaluate the imaging pathway, pre- and post-implementation to assess changes in referral behavior. METHODS: CT and MRI neck data were collected retrospectively to examine the relationship between imaging referrals pre- and post-POC CDST implementation. Effective radiation dose and estimated carbon emissions were also compared. RESULTS: There was an overall reduction in absolute advanced imaging volume by 8.2%, and a reduction in duplicate CT and MRI imaging by 61%, p < 0.0001. There was also a shift in ordering behavior in favor of MRI (OR [95% CI] = 1.50 [1.02-2.22], p = 0.049). These changes resulted in an effective radiation dose reduction of 0.27 mSv per patient, or 13 equivalent chest x-rays saved per patient, p < 0.0001. Additionally, the reduction in unnecessary duplicate imaging led to a 13.5% reduction in carbon emissions, p = 0.0002. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the POC CDST resulted in a significant impact on advanced imaging volume, saved effective dose, and reduction in carbon emissions. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The implementation of a point-of-care clinical decision support tool may reduce multimodality ordering and advanced imaging volume, manifesting in reduced effective dose per patient and reduced estimated carbon emissions. Widespread utilization of the point-of-care clinical decision support tool has the potential to reduce imaging wait times. KEY POINTS: • Implementation of the point-of-care clinical decision support tool reduced the number of patients who simultaneously had a CT and MRI ordered for the same clinical indication compared to a standalone web-based clinical decision support tool. • The point-of-care clinical decision support tool reduced the absolute number of CT/MRI scans requested compared to the standalone web-based clinical decision support tool. • Utilization of the point-of-care clinical decision support tool led to a significant reduction in the effective dose per patient compared to the standalone web-based clinical decision support tool.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein positive optic neuropathies.

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and treatments associated with antibody positive optic neuropathies including anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4), alongside diagnostic modalities, investigations, and outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional single-centre retrospective case series consisting of 16 patients including 12 anti-MOG positive patients and 4 anti-AQP4 positive patients. Each of these patients had clinical signs and symptoms of optic neuritis and consisted of all patients who had a positive blood antibody result in our centre. Clinical findings including presence of a relative afferent pupillary defect, colour vision and disc assessment were recorded. Structured clinical exam and multimodal imaging was undertaken sequentially on each. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning was preformed to examine the correlation between ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness and visual acuity (VA) at presentation and as a determinant of final visual outcome in both groups. Initial and long-term treatment is also summarised. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were included in the study consisting of 12 anti-MOG and 4 anti-AQP4 positive patients. Nine of the 16 patients were female and the average age of onset was 29.2y in the MOG group and 42y in the AQP4 group. There was no statistically significant correlation (Pearson correlation) between GCL thickness and presenting and final VA [r(10)=0.081, P=0.08 and r(10)=0.089, P=0.34 respectively]. The same statistical analysis was performed for the correlation between retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and VA and similar outcomes were observed [r(10)=0.04, P=0.22 and r(10)=0.09, P=0.04]. No correlation was seen for initial RNFL thickness and final visual outcome in this group either [r(2)=0.19, P=0.38]. Visual field testing and radiological findings for each group are described. CONCLUSION: No correlation between initial VA or RNFL and final visual outcome is identified. A broad range of visual field and radiographic findings are identified, a consensus on treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and anti-MOG positive optic neuropathies has yet to be accepted but initial high dose immunosuppression followed by low dose maintenance therapy is favoured.

Rapid diffusion-weighted MRI for the investigation of recurrent temporal bone cholesteatoma.

BACKGROUND: Suspected cholesteatoma recurrence is commonly investigated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporal bone. Non-echo planar diffusion-weighted imaging (non-EP DWI) has become the sequence of choice. PURPOSE: To assess the agreement between an MRI protocol incorporating both non-EP DWI and contrast-enhanced sequences, and a shortened protocol without contrast-enhanced sequences in the assessment of suspected cholesteatoma recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive MRIs, consisting of T2-weighted, non-EP DWI and pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences, were reviewed by two radiologists at a tertiary referral centre. Agreement between the two protocols was assessment by means of a weighted Cohen kappa coefficient. RESULTS: We found a near perfect agreement between the two protocols (kappa coefficient with linear weighting 0.98; 95% confidence interval 0.95-1.00). There were two cases in which the two protocols were discordant. In both cases, the lesion measured <3 mm and images were degraded by artefact at the bone-air interface. The shortened protocol without post-contrast sequences yielded a 32% reduction in acquisition time. CONCLUSION: When non-EP DWI is available, contrast-enhanced sequences can be omitted in the vast majority of cases without compromising diagnostic accuracy. Contrast-enhanced sequences may provide additional value in equivocal cases with small (<3 mm) lesions or in cases where images are degraded by artefact.

Diagnostic Utility of Computed Tomographic Angiography in Giant-Cell Arteritis.

Background and Purpose- The diagnosis of giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is challenging. Superficial temporal artery biopsy and ultrasound are positive in only 50%. We evaluated computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the head in GCA. Methods- This case-control study was performed using a prospective GCA registry. Cases presented with stroke symptoms, had a CTA, and were subsequently diagnosed with GCA. Age- and sex-matched controls presented with stroke symptoms, had a CTA, and were not diagnosed with GCA. CTAs were evaluated for the presence of superficial temporal artery abnormalities. Results- Fourteen cases met the inclusion criteria and were matched with 14 controls. Blurred vessel wall margins and perivascular enhancement was found in 10 cases (71.4%) and 2 controls (14.3%). CTA has an accuracy of 78.6%, sensitivity of 71.4%, and a specificity of 85.7% for GCA. Conclusions- CTA detects superficial temporal artery abnormalities in GCA. This may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt implementation of potentially sight-saving and stroke-preventing treatment.

Routine Postoperative Imaging Is Not Indicated in the Management of Mandibular Fractures.

PURPOSE: Prior literature has shown that routine postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans for mandibular fractures have no effect on outcomes and complications; however, past surveys have reported that most clinicians continue to order routine scans. We aimed to determine the current use of routine postoperative CT scans, evaluate what factors contribute to this practice, and identify differences in outcomes and complications among patients with either routine, indicated, or no postoperative CT scans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated for a mandibular fracture at Vancouver General Hospital from January 1, 2007, to March 1, 2012. RESULTS: We included 167 patients in the study for analysis. No significant differences in outcomes or complications were found between patients who had an indicated postoperative CT scan (27%) and patients with no scans (64%). Only the treating surgeon had a statistically significant effect on whether a patient received a postoperative CT scan (P < .001), and those patients who had an indicated postoperative CT scan (9%) were more likely to have a decreased level of temporomandibular joint function (P = .002) and increased incidence of complications and secondary operations (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Routine postoperative CT scans were found to have no significant effect on outcomes and complications, and a clinician's individual practice was the most significant factor for whether a patient received a routine postoperative CT scan. Future work should aim at providing well-defined indications for postoperative imaging.

Prospective randomised controlled trial comparing trigone-sparing versus trigone-including intradetrusor injection of abobotulinumtoxinA for refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin A is effective for treatment of idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO). The trigone is generally spared because of the theoretical risk of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), although studies assessing injection sites are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate efficacy and safety of trigone-including versus trigone-sparing intradetrusor injections of abobotulinumtoxinA in patients with IDO. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients from one centre were randomised to trigone-including or trigone-sparing injections. INTERVENTION: Injection of 500 U abobotulinumtoxinA diluted to 20ml into 20 trigone-including or trigone-sparing sites. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was total overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) at 6 wk. The OABSS questionnaire was completed at 0, 6, 12, and 26 wk. Baseline and postinjection urodynamic studies and micturating cystourethrograms were performed. Baseline values and subsequent time points were compared by t test. A mixed-effect model was used for repeated measures in time. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: For symptom scores at baseline compared with scores at 6 wk postinjection, the mean total OABSS improved from 22.4 to 8.7 (p<0.001) in the trigone-including group compared with 22.7 to 13.4 (p<0.03) in the trigone-sparing group. The difference in mean change from baseline was 4.4 points in favour of the trigone-including group (p=0.03). The total OABSS at 12 and 26 wk and the urgency subscale scores at 6, 12, and 26 wk showed significant improvement in favour of the trigone-including group. Mean postvoid residual volumes and clean intermittent self-catheterisation rates between the two groups were similar. No patients developed VUR. Performing injections under general anaesthetic was a limitation, as tolerability under local anaesthetic was not assessed. A further limitation is the lack of a trigone-only arm. CONCLUSIONS: Trigone-including injections are superior to trigone-sparing injections for the treatment of refractory IDO and did not cause VUR in this study.

Life-threatening rupture of a renal angiomyolipoma in a patient taking over-the-counter horse chestnut seed extract.

BACKGROUND: Alternative medical therapies are increasingly being prescribed due to their good safety profile and perceived limited side effects. They are often unregulated and prescribed over the counter. One such medication is horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), which is used for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and is known to affect blood coagulation. Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign fat-containing mesenchymal tumor of the kidney. It is often found incidentally and in most cases can be managed conservatively. Rupture of the kidney with hemorrhage is a well-known complication that may be serious and life-threatening. Known risk factors for hemorrhage include anticoagulation as well as pregnancy, increased size of the lesion, high lesion vascularity, and aneurysm formation within the tumor. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to raise awareness of potential HCSE-induced anticoagulation, including, as in the case presented, acute renal AML hemorrhage. CASE REPORT: The case of a patient taking HCSE for venous insufficiency is presented. The patient suffered a life-threatening rupture of the kidney in the presence of known renal AML. She underwent emergency embolization with a successful outcome. Because HCSE-containing products are thought to be generally safe in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, it is important to be mindful of their potential anticoagulant properties and, therefore, their relative contraindication both in patients taking other anticoagulants and those with known renal AML. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a potentially life-threatening association between HSCE-containing products and renal AML, highlighting the risk associated with HSCE-induced anticoagulation.

Geographic origin of publications in radiological journals as a function of GDP and percentage of GDP spent on research.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the geographic origin of publications in the highest impacting radiology journals and to examine the link between the percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) spent on research by a country and the output of radiology publications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The five highest impacting general radiology journals (according to the ISI Web of Knowledge database) were selected over a 6-year period from January 2002 to December 2007. Publications were totaled according to the country of the corresponding author. Publications (total and corrected for population size) were assessed according to the GDP of a given country and the percentage of GDP spent on research in that country. Correlation was determined using Spearman's rank. RESULTS: In total, 10,925 papers were identified. The top 10 nations produced 83.9% of the total number of papers. The United States was the most prolific country, with 41.7% of the total. The second-ranked and third-ranked countries were Germany (11.6%) and Japan (6.7%). Corrected for GDP, smaller European countries outperformed larger nations. Switzerland (0.925 publications per billion of GDP), Austria (0.694 publications per billion of GDP), and Belgium (0.648 publications per billion of GDP) produced the most papers per billion of GDP. When corrected for percentage of GDP spent on research, European countries again ranked highest, with Greece, Turkey, and Belgium having the best ratios. The percentage of GDP spent on research was positively correlated with the number of publications in high-ranking radiology journals (r = 0.603, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The United States is the most productive country in absolute number of publications. The flaws of using population size to compare publication output are clear, and a comparison using GDP and the percentage of GDP spent on research may give more meaningful results. When GDP is taken into consideration, smaller European countries are more productive. The importance of investment in radiologic research is emphasized by the association between increased funding of research and the number of publications in high-impacting radiology journals.