The latest medical research on Radiation Oncology
The research magnet gathers the latest research from around the web, based on your specialty area. Below you will find a sample of some of the most recent articles from reputable medical journals about radiation oncology gathered by our medical AI research bot.
The selection below is filtered by medical specialty. Registered users get access to the Plexa Intelligent Filtering System that personalises your dashboard to display only content that is relevant to you.
Want more personalised results?
Request AccessReliability of distal radius fracture classification systems: a CT based study.
Emergency RadiologyTo assess the reliability and reproducibility of AO/OTA, Frykman and Fernandez classification systems for distal radius fractures on CT.
Four radiologists, including one radiology resident, two musculoskeletal radiology fellows and one radiology consultant independently evaluated CT scans of 115 patients with distal radius fractures and classified the fractures according to AO/OTA, Frykman and Fernandez classification system. To assess reproducibility, a second set of reading was done by two observers after an interval of six weeks. Interobserver reliability was calculated for each classification system using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and using Light's modification of kappa. Intraobserver agreement was calculated using Cohen's kappa.
Interobserver reliability using ICC showed fair agreement for AO/OTA (0.447) and Frykman (0.432) classification system and poor agreement for Fernandez (0.196) classification system. Interobserver agreement using kappa was moderate for AO/OTA fracture (0.447) classification into either of three types, while it was only slight for complete classification into type, group and subgroup (0.177). Interobserver agreement using kappa was slight for Fernandez (0.196) classification systems and moderate for Frykman classification system (0.406). Intraobserver agreement for AO/OTA classification system was moderate for observer 1 (0.449) and slight for observer 2 (0.162). Intraobserver agreement for Frykman classification system was substantial for observer 1(0.754) and moderate for observer 2 (0.496). Intraobserver agreement for Fernandez classification system was moderate for both the observers (0.333, 0.320).
Currently there is no classification system that is fully reproducible. AO/OTA and Frykman classification systems performed better than Fernandez classification system in terms of interobserver reliability. However, Frykman classification system performed better than both AO/OTA and Fernandez classification system in terms of intraobserver reproducibility. Fernandez classification system had worst inter and intraobserver reliability in present study. Reliability and reproducibility of AO/OTA classification system decreased when fractures were divided into subgroups.
Current analysis of age and cervical spine fractures.
Emergency RadiologyThe Canadian Cervical Spine Rule (CCR) was based on patient data from 25 years ago and recommended cervical spine computed tomography (CSCT) for trauma patients aged 65 and older. We sought to determine the differences in rate of symptomatic and asymptomatic fractures of trauma patients ≥ 65 and < 65 years old, given the changing demographics and heterogeneity in today's elderly population.
This retrospective study of CSCT results from two hospitals in our health system included 5 years of trauma patient data. In addition to the primary variable of fracture rates, we separated the patients into symptomatic / asymptomatic groups and ≥ 65 and < 65 years of age.
In the ≥ 65 age group, 190 fractures among 9455 CSCTs (2.0%) were identified (112 females = 58.9%); 29 (0.3%) were in asymptomatic patients. In patients < 65, there were 199 (1.6%) fractures out of 12,531 CSCTs of which 19 (0.15%) were asymptomatic and 46 were female (23.1%). The rates of fractures in the older cohort (2.0%) were substantially different than those reported in the original CCR articles (5.2% and 6.6%). However, the fracture rates reported for those < 65 (1.4% and 1.7% historically) were similar to the current findings (1.6%).
The cervical spine fracture rate at our institution for patients ≥ 65, at 2.0%, was higher than those patients < 65 (1.6%) and favored female (58.9-23.1%) patients. The findings were much lower than those CCR percentages that led to scanning trauma patients who are 65 and older. Asymptomatic fractures are rarer still (0.15-0.30%).
A practical approach to the post esophagectomy CT: expected postoperative anatomy and anatomical approach to associated complication.
Emergency RadiologyThis pictorial review aims to provide a structured approach to the interpretation of post esophagectomy CT by reviewing the major esophagectomy sur...
Quantitative ROI differences for assessment of occult intertrochanteric extension of greater trochanteric fractures on pelvis CT.
Emergency RadiologyTo determine if difference in Hounsfield Units (HU) of the medullary bone between the injured and non-injured femurs in patients with greater trochanteric fractures is associated with occult intertrochanteric (IT) extension.
Retrospective review was performed of 81 patients (age range 54-102, 54 females and 27 males) who underwent CT and subsequent MRI after identification of a greater trochanteric fracture without evidence of IT extension on radiography and/or CT. Hounsfield units of the injured and non-injured femurs on CT were recorded at the level of the base of the greater trochanter centrally (ROI1) and the level of the upper border of the lesser trochanter posteromedially (ROI2). The difference between the injured and non-injured femur for each ROI1 and ROI2 were calculated. Absence or presence, and if present, extent of IT extension was assessed on MRI. Analysis was performed to determine if there is correlation of difference in density with presence, and extent of occult IT fractures.
81 cases met inclusion criteria, 14 (17%) had no IT extension, 11 (14%) had less than 50% IT extension and 56 (69%) had 50% or greater IT extension. There was statistical significance between presence and absence of IT extension between the injured and non-injured femur for ROI1 (HU) no IT extension median (IQR): 18.8(4-40), ROI1 (HU) present IT extension median (IQR): 65.5(46-90) p < .0001, and for ROI2 no IT extension median (IQR): 3(-8-25.5) and ROI2 present IT extension 51(40.5-76), p < .0001. There was statistical significance of the extent of IT extension: ROI1 less than 50% IT extension median (IQR): 37.5(27.5-57), ROI1 50% or greater IT extension median (IQR): 72.3(53.5-91.3), p < .0001, and for ROI2 less than 50% IT extension median (IQR): 17.5(8-49), and ROI2 50% or greater IT extension median (IQR): 55.8(45.3-81.5), p < .0001. A threshold ROI2 difference of 50 HU resulted in specificity of 92% and sensitivity 60.7% of for IT extension 50% or greater.
Patients presenting with greater trochanteric fractures, an asymmetric increased density measured by ROI differences within the medullary space of the IT region between the injured and non-injured femur is associated with occult IT extension.
Facial trauma education in radiology: using surgeon feedback as the benchmark for success.
Emergency RadiologyInterpreting CT studies of facial trauma is challenging, and there are often substantial differences in the characterization of complex facial trauma between radiologists and surgeons. We designed a collaborative multidisciplinary project to reconcile differences in facial fracture interpretation through an educational intervention. The effectiveness of this intervention was evaluated through surgeon feedback on radiology reports.
Radiology residents, neuroradiology fellows, and neuroradiology attendings were recruited as participants at a single tertiary care academic center. Otolaryngology residents were recruited as evaluators. Participants completed surveys and provided preliminary reports for example cases of facial trauma before and after attending an educational session. Evaluators performed a blinded review of these preliminary reports based on ideal reports developed by surgical and neuroradiology attendings.
26 participants (20 residents, 1 neuroradiology fellow, 5 neuroradiology attendings) completed the study. Six otolaryngology residents participated as evaluators. To assess interrater reliability, three evaluators graded a shared set of 15 reports and demonstrated substantial agreement with a Kendall's W of 0.71. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in overall report accuracy, clarity, and organization. In subunit analysis, there were significant improvements in reporting Le Fort, nasoseptal, and nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. No significant improvements occurred in the reporting of upper face, zygomaticomaxillary complex, or mandibular fractures. In contrast, survey analysis demonstrated significantly improved confidence in interpreting trauma involving all facial subunits.
Compared with survey results, surgeon assessment of radiology reports better demonstrated areas of improvement after an educational intervention. A multidisciplinary approach to assessing educational efforts may better evaluate the practical effectiveness of educational interventions.
CT imaging of clinically significant abdominopelvic injuries in the damage control surgery patient.
Emergency RadiologyDamage Control Surgery (DCS) refers to a staged laparotomy performed in patients who have suffered severe blunt or penetrating abdominopelvic trauma with the goal of managing critical injuries while avoiding life threatening metabolic derangements. Within 24 h of the initial laparotomy, computed tomography (CT) is used to assess the full extent of injuries. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of clinically significant unknown abdominopelvic injuries which required further dedicated surgical or interventional radiology management and failed surgical repairs identified on CT following initial laparotomy.
CT findings were correlated with surgical findings from the initial and subsequent staged laparotomy to determine known and unknown injuries. Frequency and percentage analyses was performed.
Out of 63 patients who underwent DCS with an open abdomen following initial laparotomy and subsequent CT within 24 h, a total of 13 clinically significant abdominopelvic injuries were identified in 12 patients. Seven clinically significant injuries were identified in seven patients (11.1% of patients) in surgically explored areas. Six clinically significant injuries were identified in six patients (9.5%) in surgically unexplored areas. Four instances of failed initial surgical repair were identified in four patients (6.3%) involving the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Overall, 23.8% of the DCS patient population had an actionable finding on the post laparotomy CT.
CT demonstrated value for identifying the extent of clinically significant abdominopelvic injuries and evidence of failed initial surgical repair, which informed surgical planning for subsequent laparotomy. The authors advocate for performing CT in post-DCS patients with an open abdomen as soon as possible following correction of metabolic and hemodynamic derangements.
Clinical management of active bleeding: what the emergency radiologist needs to know.
Emergency RadiologyActive bleeding is a clinical emergency that often requires swift action driven by efficient communication. Extravasation of intravenous (IV) contr...
Emergency imaging protocols for pregnant patients: a multi-institutional and multi- specialty comparison of physician education.
Emergency RadiologyPrevious studies have demonstrated that radiologists and other providers perceive maging to be higher than they actually are. Thus, pregnant patients were less likely to receive ionizing radiation procedures. While it is imperative to minimize fetal radiation exposure, clinicians must remember that diagnostic studies should not be avoided due to fear of radiation, particularly if the imaging study can significantly impact patient care. Although guidelines do exist regarding how best to image pregnant patients, many providers are unaware of these guidelines and thus lack confidence when making imaging decisions for pregnant patients. This study aimed to gather information about current education, confidence in, and knowledge about emergency imaging of pregnant women among radiology, emergency medicine, and OB/GYN providers.
We created and distributed an anonymous survey to radiology, emergency medicine, and OB/GYN providers to evaluate their knowledge and confidence in imaging pregnant patients in the emergent setting. This study included a questionnaire with the intent of knowing the correct answers among physicians primarily across the United States (along with some international participation). We conducted subgroup analyses, comparing variables by specialty, radiology subspecialty, and training levels. Based on the survey results, we subsequently developed educational training videos.
108 radiologists, of which 32 self-identified as emergency radiologists, ten emergency medicine providers and six OB/GYN clinicians completed the survey. The overall correct response rate was 68.5%, though performance across questions was highly variable. Within our 18-question survey, four questions had a correct response rate under 50%, while five questions had correct response rates over 90%. Most responding physicians identified themselves as either "fairly" (58/124, 47%) or "very" (51/124, 41%) confident. Amongst specialties, there were differences in performance concerning the knowledge assessment (p = 0.049), with the strongest performance from radiologists. There were no differences in knowledge by training level (p = 0.4), though confidence levels differed significantly between attending physicians and trainees (p < 0.001).
This study highlights deficiencies in knowledge to support appropriate decision-making surrounding the imaging of pregnant patients. Our results indicate the need for improved physician education and dissemination of standardized clinical guidelines.
Patient factors associated with embolization or splenectomy within 30 days of initiating surveillance for splenic trauma.
Emergency Radiologyclinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02021396.
We used data from the SPLASH randomized clinical trial, a comparison of outcomes of surveillance or embolization. 140 patients were randomized, 133 retained in the study (embolization n = 66; surveillance n = 67) and 103 screened and registered in the non-inclusion register. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were used to identify risk factors contributing to embolization and/or splenectomy within 30 days after initiating surveillance only for splenic trauma.
123 patients (median age, 30 [23; 48] years; 91 (74%) male) initially received non-operative management. At the day-30 visit, 34 (27.6%) patients had undergone an intervention (31 (25.2%) delayed embolization and 4 (3.3%) splenectomy). Multivariate analysis identified patients with OIS grade 4 or 5 splenic trauma (HR = 4.51 [2.06-9.88]) and (HR = 34.5 [6.84-174]); respectively) and splenic complications: arterial leak (HR = 1.80 [1.45-2.24]), pseudoaneurysm (HR = 1.22 [1.06-1.40]) and pseudocyst (HR = 1.41 [1.21-1.64]) to be independently associated with increased risk of need for an intervention within 30 days of initiating surveillance.
Our study shows that more than 1 in 4 patients who received non-operative management needed embolization or splenectomy by day 30. Arterial leak, pseudoaneurysm, pseudocyst, and OIS grade 4 or 5 were independent risk factors linked to the need for an intervention.
Brain microbleeds resulting from presumed extensive fat emboli in a patient with bone marrow necrosis following a sickle cell disease vaso-occlusive crisis.
Emergency RadiologyAcute manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD) are numerous and multisystemic. Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare but serious complication of...
Amyloid related imaging abnormalities in the emergency setting.
Emergency RadiologySince the 2021 FDA approval of the first monoclonal antibody (MAB) therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), treatment has progressed from symptom mana...
Exploring the role of CT scouts in expediting MRI in acute stroke.
Emergency RadiologyFor acute stroke patients requiring MR examination and unable to provide a reliable history, screening for potentially MRI-incompatible objects (PMIOs) typically necessitates the use of plain-film radiographs (PFRs). However, using a whole body CT scout at the time of non-contrast head CT scans can preclude critical delays. Here, we aim to compare the effectiveness of PFRs and CT scouts in detecting PMIOs.
A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care institution, involving 408 imaging studies from 200 patients, half of which contained PMIOs. The diagnostic performances of CT scouts and PFRs were evaluated by six blinded readers, including two board-certified neuroradiologists, one neuroradiology fellow, and three radiology residents.
2448 interpretations from the 6 readers were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of combined CT scout images (full-body and regional) was not significantly different from that of PFRs for all six readers (p = 0.06). However, PFRs outperformed full-body CT scouts in PMIO detection (p = 0.01), with no significant differences observed between PFRs and regional CT scouts (p = 0.4). Notably, the diagnostic accuracy of the radiology residents was found to be equivalent to radiologists across all imaging techniques.
Integrating CT scouts in acute stroke protocols may help expedite MRI screening. The scouts should include the head, neck, chest, upper arms, abdomen, pelvis, and thighs. Including radiology residents in the screening process for PMIOs may be an avenue for resource optimization in acute care settings.