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Biomedical subjects

N B Thomas

Publications and source records attributed to N B Thomas.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Review article: methodological standards in radiographer plain film reading performance studies.

The objectives of this paper are to raise awareness of the methodological standards that can affect the quality of radiographer plain-film reading performance studies and to determine the frequency with which these standards are fulfilled. Multiple search methods identified 30 such studies from between 1971 and the end of June 1999. The percentage of studies that fulfilled criteria for the 10 methodological standards were as follows. (1) Performance of a sample size calculation, 3%; (2) definition of a normal and abnormal report, 97%; (3) description of the sequence of events through which films passed before reporting, 94%; (4) analysis of individual groups of observers within a combination of groups, 50% (5) appropriate choice of reference standard, 80%; (6) appropriate choice of arbiter, 57%; (7) appropriate use of a control, 22%; (8) analysis of pertinent clinical subgroups, e.g. body areas, patient type, 44%; (9) availability of data for re-calculation, 59%; and (10) presentation of indeterminate results, 69%. These findings indicate variation in the application of the methodological standards to studies of radiographer's film reading performance. Careful consideration of these standards is an essential component of study quality and hence the validity of the evidence base used to underpin radiographic reporting policy.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1994

Conservative management of a patient with bilateral renal abscesses.

We present the case of a patient with no pre-existing systemic or renal disease who developed multiple, bilateral renal abscesses caused by infection with Escherichia coli. In view of the diffuse nature of his lesions the patient was not a candidate for percutaneous drainage or surgery. He made a full recovery following conservative antibiotic therapy.

Abscess↗
PubMed1993

Relapse of maternal thyrotoxicosis presenting as a second-trimester fetal goiter.

A large fetal goiter was detected at 22 weeks of gestation during an antenatal ultrasound scan of a woman with a previous history of Graves' disease treated by partial thyroidectomy. This unsuspected finding initiated maternal investigations and treatment. In untreated cases poor fetal outcome is common and unfortunately fetal thyrotoxicosis/thyroid enlargement frequently remains unrecognized in the first pregnancy. We report the case and its management and discuss the literature emphasizing the importance of screening for antibodies in the 'at-risk' women and the increasing importance of ultrasound in the evaluation and follow-up of these patients. Reports of thyrotoxic fetal goiters are extremely rare and, to our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of this in the second trimester.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1990

Intrasplenic metastases from carcinoma of the ovary.

Intrasplenic metastases are an uncommon manifestation of malignant disease. The relative paucity of splenic metastases is thought to be due to the properties of the spleen as an organ of immune surveillance. We report five cases of splenic metastases from carcinoma of the ovary demonstrated by CT scanning and ultrasound examination. In this series, splenic metastases were associated with bulk disease and more anaplastic tumours. Increased availability of magnetic resonance imaging may improve the recognition of splenic metastases.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in childhood.

A case of multifocal xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XPN) in childhood diagnosed by ultrasound, computed tomography and needle biopsy is described. Following antibiotic therapy, ultrasound and a DMSA renal scintiscan showed no discernible scarring and restoration of function. This has not been previously described.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Selective splenic arteriography for interleukin-2 administration: radiologic complications from the initial 113 procedures.

A retrospective analysis was performed of the safety and efficacy of selective splenic artery catheterization for infusion of the immunotherapeutic agent interleukin-2 (IL-2). Fifty-one patients with metastatic melanoma had 103 successful catheterizations out of 113 attempts (91%). In nine patients preferential contrast flow was obtained into the splenic artery. When satisfactorily placed, the catheter position remained stable during the period of infusion in 98% of examinations. The incidence of major arteriographic complications was 4.5% and of minor complications 8.9%. The main problems encountered were thrombosis (3.6%) or persistent bleeding/hematoma formation (2.7%), in a patient population at high risk of malignant coagulopathy. Subintimal contrast injection occurred in five examinations (4.5%).

Adult↗