Academic radiology
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To evaluate the interpretation of computed tomographic pulmonary angiograms performed outside of regular reporting hours, comparing the initial interpretation by the radiology resident to the attending radiologist. ⋯ Radiology residents provide a high level interpretation of on-call CTPA studies, achieving good concordance with the attending radiologists' assessment.
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We sought to assess the performance of a real-time interactive pulmonary nodule analysis system for evaluation of chest digital radiographic (DR) images in a routine clinical environment. ⋯ This study suggests that the interpretation of chest radiographs for lung nodules can be improved using an automated CAD nodule detection system. This improvement in reader performance comes with a minimal number of false-positive interpretations.
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A 3-T magnetic resonance imaging system provides a better signal-to-noise ratio and inflow effect than 1.5 T in three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of matrix, parallel imaging, and acquisition time on image quality of 3D TOF MRA at 1.5 and 3 T, and to illustrate whether the combination of larger matrixes with parallel imaging technique is feasible, by evaluating the visualization of simulated intracranial aneurysms and aneurysmal blebs using a vascular phantom with pulsatile flow. ⋯ For 3D TOF MRA, the combination of the large matrix with parallel imaging technique is feasible at 3 T, but not at 1.5 T.
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This study evaluates utilization trends of emergency department (ED)-ordered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in an adult academic medical center over a 5-year period (2001-2005). ⋯ Multiple reasons are suggested that may increase utilization (perceived need for diagnostic certainty, as well as medico-legal and patient-driven factors). Whether this increase in MRI utilization resulted in improved patient outcomes is unclear and should be studied further. Implications for radiologist coverage and resident training are discussed.
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Effective communication is essential for high quality care, yet little is known about radiologists' communication with patients, what constitutes "best communication practices," and how best to teach and evaluate it. We piloted educational strategies and an assessment instrument to teach and evaluate radiologists' communication skills. We focused on communication in the diagnostic mammography suite, where patient-radiologist interactions are often intense and stressful. ⋯ Educational curricula on communication about difficult information can be implemented in radiology training programs. Radiology residents' performance can be assessed using a communication skills assessment tool during standardized patient-teacher encounters. Further research is necessary in this important domain.