Application of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) guidelines to thyroid nodules with cytopathological correlation and impact on healthcare costs.

AIMS: To assess the application of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS) guidelines and the potential reduction of unnecessary fine-needle aspirate (FNA) and cost savings through examination of cytopathological correlation. METHODS: All ultrasound-guided thyroid FNA performed between December 2017 and July 2019 at our institution were included in this study. Prior to performing each FNA, the nodules were scored according to ACR-TIRADS criteria with subsequent cytology scored according to Bethesda criteria. FNA request forms and preceding diagnostic ultrasound reports were analysed for clinical rationale behind each FNA. Collected data were applied to ACR-TIRADS, American Thyroid Association (ATA) and Korean TIRADS (K-TIRADS) criteria. Rate of reduction of unnecessary thyroid FNA and associated costs were subsequently calculated. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients and 146 nodules were evaluated. A malignancy rate of 7.5% was obtained. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of malignancy were 75% and 41% for ACR-TIRADS, 91% and 26% for ATA and 92% and 19% for K-TIRADS. Reduction in the rate of unnecessary FNA was most superior for ACR-TIRADS at 54.8%. Based on Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule item codes, a total of $18 452.70 might have been saved over the study period had ACR-TIRADS guidelines been uniformly followed. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the strengths and limitations of guidelines in the investigative pathway of thyroid nodules, including superiority of ACR-TIRADS in reducing the rate of unnecessary FNA. Continued education is needed towards application of guidelines among radiologists and referring clinicians, given the potential to reduce unnecessary FNA and achieve economic savings.

Mushroom worker's lung: organic dust exposure in the spawning shed.

Two people employed for several years in the spawning shed of a mushroom farm developed mushroom worker's lung. The first patient presented in respiratory failure, with radiological features characteristic of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The condition of the second patient was subacute on presentation, with a computed tomography (CT) scan showing ground-glass opacities. With absence from the workplace and no steroid therapy, the symptoms of both patients subsided and the results of lung function tests and CT scans improved markedly.

Cervical spine assessment in the unconscious trauma patient: a major trauma service's experience with passive flexion-extension radiography.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the most appropriate method of cervical spine assessment in unconscious trauma patients. Passive flexion-extension imaging is one option for further investigating unconscious patients whose plain cervical radiographs are normal. This study examines the usefulness of this passive imaging in investigating for occult cervical injury. METHODS: All unconscious patients admitted to The Alfred Trauma Intensive Care Unit over 1 year (January 1-December 31, 1998), who could not be clinically assessed within 48 hours in regard to their cervical spine, were identified. Results of passive flexion-extension radiography were compared with final injury status and clinical outcome as determined by retrospective review of the imaging reports, radiographic films, and case notes. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three patients with normal three-view plain radiographs proceeded to passive functional investigation. These were false-negative in four of the seven patients with cervical spine injuries at presentation. No patients suffered any adverse neurologic events from their delayed diagnoses or from the flexion-extension procedure. CONCLUSION: Passive flexion-extension imaging has inadequate sensitivity for detecting occult cervical spine injuries. Although no patients suffered adverse neurologic complications, the potential for devastating consequences from missed cervical injury has resulted in the removal of passive flexion-extension imaging from the screening protocol.