Static and Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging of the Iliotibial Band/Fascia Lata: Brief Review of Current Literature and Gaps in Knowledge
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThe physiopathology of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) remains obscure and ultrasound (US) imaging could be a low-cost modality improving our understanding of this condition as well as its diagnosis and management. This brief review synthesizes the up-to-date knowledge on static and dynamic US imaging measurements of the fascia lata and iliotibial band (ITB) in both asymptomatic individuals and patients with ITBS.Recent FindingsMean ITB thickness values for asymptomatic individuals ranged from 1.10 to 1.95 mm. Only three studies with very small sample size focused on ITBS patients and no quan...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 9, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Optimizing Cardiac CTA Acquisition in Congenital Heart Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review of performance of cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is to describe a strategy for optimizing CCTA protocols for various forms of CHD at diagnosis and throughout the lifetime of a patient.Recent FindingsRecent expert consensus statements provide key recommendations for patient selection and technical performance of CCTA with tips to optimize contrast injection, scan acquisition, and understanding anatomy and postoperative changes in patients with CHD. Spectral CT will become invaluable in acquiring image data wh...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 7, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Dual-Energy CT Pulmonary Angiography: Quantification of Disease Burden and Impact on Management
The objective of this article is to summarize these recent developments and discuss the appropriate use of DE-CTPA post-processing applications.Recent FindingsDE-CTPA post-processing applications enable reconstruction of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) and color-coded iodine-perfusion maps to increase contrast conditions and visualize lung perfusion defects in case of embolic occlusion of pulmonary arteries. Both techniques revealed a superior diagnostic performance for the detection of pulmonary emboli and assessment of the pulmonary perfusion compared to the standard image reconstructions.SummaryDE-CTPA is a well-esta...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 7, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Optimizing Cardiac CTA Acquisition in Congenital Heart Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review of performance of cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is to describe a strategy for optimizing CCTA protocols for various forms of CHD at diagnosis and throughout the lifetime of a patient.Recent FindingsRecent expert consensus statements provide key recommendations for patient selection and technical performance of CCTA with tips to optimize contrast injection, scan acquisition, and understanding anatomy and postoperative changes in patients with CHD. Spectral CT will become invaluable in acquiring image data wh...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 7, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Dual-Energy CT Pulmonary Angiography: Quantification of Disease Burden and Impact on Management
The objective of this article is to summarize these recent developments and discuss the appropriate use of DE-CTPA post-processing applications.Recent FindingsDE-CTPA post-processing applications enable reconstruction of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) and color-coded iodine-perfusion maps to increase contrast conditions and visualize lung perfusion defects in case of embolic occlusion of pulmonary arteries. Both techniques revealed a superior diagnostic performance for the detection of pulmonary emboli and assessment of the pulmonary perfusion compared to the standard image reconstructions.SummaryDE-CTPA is a well-esta...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 7, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
How Do We Teach High-Value Radiology?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe healthcare environment is under tremendous flux and the rate of change is continuously increasing. Calls have been made and efforts are underway to transform medical education. In this article, trends, key drivers, and resources for both global medical education and some specific to radiology are discussed.Recent FindingsGreat strides have been made to begin shifting focus towards high-value healthcare delivery through both non-traditional methods and innovation. We are not alone in this journey; resources are readily offered by instrumental key drivers of medical education with collaboration a...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 11, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Augmented and Virtual Reality Navigation for Interventions in the Musculoskeletal System
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAugmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are cutting-edge technologies that offer advanced navigational solutions. These systems are just starting to be used in interventional radiology and the literature has been limited to pre-clinical and translational experiments. In this paper, we present a review of AR and VR for musculoskeletal interventions.Recent FindingsMixed reality systems have evolved from costly research systems to fully commercialized clinical instruments designed to facilitate operators in navigating complex anatomy. Studies within interventional radiology have demonstrated s...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 5, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Vertebral Compression Fractures in Elderly: How to Recognize and Report
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn elderly patients, when there is no obvious evidence of malignancy on plain radiography, it can be difficult to evaluate benign and malignant vertebral fractures, because these patients are predisposed to senile osteoporosis and malignant disease. The only complaint could be back pain, as both types of fractures have the same symptoms and signs.Recent FindingsA reliable imaging modality is always required, as appropriate management and early diagnosis of malignant vertebral fractures are important.SummaryThe aim of this study was to highlight the importance of recognizing, through diagnostic tech...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 4, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
PET/CT and Bone Scintigraphy: Metabolic Results in Musculoskeletal Lesions
AbstractPurposeThis review aimed to provide an overview on findings from metabolic imaging modalities such as bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography –computed tomography (PET/CT) in musculoskeletal lesions. It is conceivable that methods assessing metabolism of bone tumors, combined with the morphological assessment, could enhance the possibility for a personalized therapy with particular emphasis to malignant neoplasms.Recent FindingsThe assessment of bone tumors by conventional scintigaphic and morphological imaging has been recently integrated with the morpho-metabolic appraisal obtained by PET/CT systems....
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Peer Review to Peer Learning in Radiology: Where Have We Been, What Have We Learned and Where Are We Headed?
AbstractPurpose of reviewTo review and contrast varying methods of peer assessment driven practice quality improvement programs in radiology with an emphasis on peer review and peer learning.Recent findingsReview of the literature revealed that the current consensus is that a shift away from the original peer review system toward a peer learning process has the most beneficial effects for organizations seeking to maximally improve performance. This requires altering perceptions towards the peer review process itself, and significant time, effort, and resources.SummaryThe transition to a peer learning process is a necessity...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Vertebroplasty in Elderly Patients: A Clinical Effectiveness Analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMinimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures (VAP) have been first introduced to provide pain relief in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VF). However, in the last decade scientific literature revealed to be quite controversial about their efficacy. The aim of this review was to analyze clinical evidences from current literature, supported by our own experience.Recent FindingsCompared to conservative therapies, VAP represent an effective treatment for recent VF and, in elderly patients, reduce mortality and morbidity. Advances in technology have widened the fields of applicati...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - July 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
