AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2011
Comparative StudyComparison of sagittal T2-weighted BLADE and fast spin-echo MRI of the female pelvis for motion artifact and lesion detection.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of BLADE (proprietary name for periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction [PROPELLER] in MR systems from Siemens Healthcare) MRI compared with conventional T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) MRI for reducing artifacts and improving image quality when imaging the female pelvis. ⋯ Imaging of uterine junctional zone anatomy, ovaries, and fibroids was improved and artifacts were reduced with BLADE compared with FSE. Radial artifact introduced by the BLADE sequence and slightly longer imaging times needed for the BLADE sequence were offset by improved image quality.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2011
Automatic MDCT injectors: hygiene and efficiency of disposable, prefilled, and multidosing roller pump systems in clinical routine.
This study evaluated three different injection systems with regard to microbiological contamination, time efficiency, and user handling during a clinical routine. ⋯ Double-syringe injectors used with disposable or prefilled contrast agent syringes, as well as roller pump injectors, ensure hygienic conditions in clinical routine. However, time efficiency and handling are aspects that favor prefilled and roller pump systems.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jul 2011
Clinical TrialRadiographic and CT evaluation of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-assisted spinal interbody fusion.
Bone morphogenetic proteins BMPs, when used in spinal fusion, hasten healing and initiate distinct imaging features. We undertook a study to record and analyze the radiographic and CT changes after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in spinal fusion surgery. ⋯ Features observed on imaging that we attributed to the use of rhBMP-2 included an enhanced fusion rate and an increased incidence of prevertebral soft-tissue swelling in patients who underwent cervical fusion. Endplate resorption was observed in 100% of patients who underwent cervical fusion and in 82% of the lumbar levels. Subsidence of the cage resulting in narrowing of the disk space was seen in more than 50% of cases. Cage migration and heterotopic bone formation in the spinal canal and neural foramen occurred maximally in the lumbar spine of patients in whom a polyetheretherketone cage was placed using a transforaminal approach.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jul 2011
Characteristics of falls in a large academic radiology department: occurrence, associated factors, outcomes, and quality improvement strategies.
The objective of our study was to describe the characteristics of falls in a radiology department. ⋯ Falls were uncommon in the radiology department studied; however, they can result in significant morbidity and mortality.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jul 2011
Are chest radiographs routinely indicated after chest tube removal following cardiac surgery?
The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the incidence and clinical significance of pneumothoraces detected on routine radiography after chest tube removal following cardiac surgery and correlate those findings with an immediate postprocedure assessment of the likelihood of new pneumothorax. ⋯ Chest radiography performed after chest tube removal following cardiac surgery is necessary only if the patient has respiratory or hemodynamic changes or if there are problems with the technical aspect of chest tube removal. Following this guideline in our patient population could have eliminated 86.3% of radiographs without missing any clinically significant pneumothoraces.