Australasian radiology
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Australasian radiology · Jun 2003
Australian and New Zealand radiation oncology work practices in 2000.
In 1996, a Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) survey was sent to all practising radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) ascertaining work practices and attitudes (n = 138). In December 2000, we sent all practising ANZ radiation oncologists (n = 183) a survey in which we reproduced questions about work practice (response rate 75%). The majority of ANZ radiation oncologists were male (n = 102, 73.9%), in full time employment (n = 125, 90.6%) and subspecialized (n = 103, 74.6%). ⋯ However, our findings demonstrate little, if any, improvement in the total weekly clinical workload of a radiation oncologist. The recent move to subspecialization has not resulted in a decrease in clinical workload. In some aspects of work practice, such as time for self-education and research, the situation appears to be worsening.
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Australasian radiology · Mar 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRenal colic: a prospective evaluation of non-enhanced spiral CT versus intravenous pyelography.
The aim of this study was to compare non-enhanced spiral CT (NECT) and intravenous pyelography (IVP) in patients with suspected acute renal colic. Two-hundred patients presenting to the Emergency Department with suspected acute renal colic were randomized into groups undergoing NECT or IVP. The main outcome measures were diagnostic utility, incidence of alternative diagnoses, requirement for further imaging, length of hospital stay, urological intervention rates, radiation dosage and costs. ⋯ The incidence of alternative diagnoses was low, probably due to patient selection. Financial costs for each modality are comparable in a public tertiary hospital. Radiation dosages are higher for NECT and, for this reason, it might be appropriate to consider limiting NECT use to patients who have do not have classical symptoms of renal colic, to older patients and those with a contraindication to the administration of intravenous contrast media.
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Australasian radiology · Dec 2002
Case ReportsMR imaging of a ruptured intraspinal dermoid tumour with fat droplets in the central spinal canal.
We report a patient with intramedullary ruptured spinal dermoid tumour. The MR imaging revealed an intra-medullary lumbar mass heterogenous in intensity in all sequences. ⋯ Fat droplets in the subarachnoid space are frequently seen in the rupture of intraspinal dermoid tumours; however, fat droplets within the central canal is quite rare and was unexpected. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool in the determination of spinal pathologies before they become large enough to cause severe symptoms and/or morbidity.
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Australasian radiology · Mar 2002
Case ReportsSolitary pulmonary metastasis from intracranial meningiothelial meningioma.
Although known, histologically proven pulmonary metastasis from a benign intracranial meningioma is exceedingly rare. We report a case of meningiothelial meningioma producing a solitary pulmonary deposit.
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Australasian radiology · Nov 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEfficacy of daily bedside chest radiography as visualized by digital luminescence radiography.
To determine the diagnostic impact of daily bedside chest radiography in comparison with digital luminescence technique (DLR; storage phosphor radiography) and conventional film screen radiography, a prospective randomized study was completed in 210 mechanically ventilated patients with a total of 420 analysed radiographs. The patients were allocated to two groups: 150 patients underwent DLR, and 60 patients underwent conventional film screen radiography. Radiological analysis was performed consensually and therapeutic efficacy was assessed by the clinicians. ⋯ The most common findings were signs of overhydration (41%), pleural effusion (31%), partial collapse of the lung (11%) and pneumothorax (2%). One hundred and twenty-three of 448 (27%) of these abnormal findings were thought to have a considerable impact on patient management. The high rate of abnormal findings with significant impact on patient management suggests that the use of daily bedside chest radiography may be reasonable.