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Plain and computed radiography for detecting experimentally induced pneumothorax in cadavers: implications for detection in patients.

Pneumothorax was induced in cadavers to determine the effects of patient positioning and imaging modality (conventional screen-film and computed radiography) on radiographic findings. Chest radiography, with cadavers in the supine frontal, erect frontal, and left lateral decubitus positions, was performed at baseline and after injection of incremental quantities of air into the pleural space. Five radiologists independently interpreted each radiograph. The ability of the radiologists to diagnose pneumothorax varied by cadaver position and depended on volume of air. Overall, the left lateral decubitus view was most sensitive (88%) for diagnosis of pneumothorax, followed by the erect (59%) and supine (37%) views. Receiver operating characteristic curves and multiple repeated measures analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant difference between diagnostic proficiency with conventional screen-film radiography and that with computed radiography. The authors conclude that the lateral decubitus view is superior to the erect and supine views for pneumothorax detection and that conventional and computed radiography perform similarly in pneumothorax detection.

Cadaver↗

Usefulness of subtraction radiography in the evaluation of periodontal therapy.

Subtraction radiography, a sensitive and accurate technique for identifying alveolar crestal change from standardized pairs of radiographs, is useful in monitoring periodontal therapy. One half of the radiographs were found to be appropriate for subtraction analysis using present technology for taking standardized radiographs. The criterion for usability was identical interpretation of subtraction images made in duplicate from a pair of radiographs. A set of radiographs was analyzed by subtraction radiography as well as by measurement of alveolar bone-crest height. Subtraction radiography was found to be more sensitive in detecting change. Whereas 53% pairs of radiographs showed a change on subtraction radiography, only 14% showed a change in crest height. Comparison of change by subtraction radiography and probing attachment level showed an overall correlation. Since these two measures assess different aspects of the periodontium, perfect correlation was not expected.

Alveolar Process↗

Postmortem radiography after unexpected death in neonates, infants, and children: should imaging be routine?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether postmortem radiography of neonates, infants, and children provides additional information that is not detected at autopsy in cases of unexpected death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria for 106 consecutive postmortem skeletal surveys (1998-2000) were neonates, infants, and children 2 years old or younger with no preexisting medical condition to account for mortality. Pediatric radiologists interpreted all the radiographic examinations, which consisted of high-detail, collimated anteroposterior radiographs of the appendicular and axial skeleton, lateral radiographs of the axial skeleton, and oblique radiographs of the ribs. Imaging results were compared with those obtained from standard protocol autopsies on all children. Four categories of death were designated: homicide (i.e., abuse, n = 14), accidental (e.g., drowning, n = 28), natural (e.g., acute illness, n = 43), and undetermined (n = 21). RESULTS: The causes of death in the 14 child abuse victims were blunt force injuries to the intracranial (n = 11) and chest and abdominal (n = 1) areas; asphyxia (n = 1); and shaking injury (n = 1). In six (43%) of these 14 patients, radiography detected 26 extremity fractures that had not been detected at autopsy; four (67%) of these six patients had fractures of different ages that involved more than one extremity. All fractures carried a high index of suspicion of abuse. No skeletal injuries were found in cases of accidental, undetermined, and natural deaths. CONCLUSION: Postmortem radiography provides important additional information regarding the extent and chronicity of extremity trauma that may not be documented at autopsy. This finding supports the routine use of radiography in cases of suspected child abuse. Normal findings on postmortem skeletal radiography may help to distinguish cases of natural, accidental, and undetermined causes of death from those of abuse, aiding in the proper handling of these cases by medical and law enforcement personnel.

Child Abuse↗

Panoramic versus conventional radiography of scaphoid fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of panoramic and conventional radiography in the detection of fractures of the carpal scaphoid bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panoramic (orthopantomographic) and conventional radiographs of 90 patients with acute or chronic wrist trauma were reviewed retrospectively. Images were analyzed and reviewed independently by four observers: two radiologists and two traumatologists. The kappa statistic was used to calculate intraand interobserver agreement and the correlation between the two imaging techniques. RESULTS: Panoramic radiography of the wrist was superior to conventional radiography in ruling out scaphoid fractures (74%, 20/27) in patients with suspicious findings on conventional radiography; revealed more cases of scaphoid fractures (21.4%, 12/56); and revealed more cases of delayed union (n = 2), nonunion (n = 3), and union (n = 3). Agreement values were higher, with better inter- and intraobserver agreement, for the panoramic examinations than for the conventional radiographic examinations. CONCLUSION: The panoramic examination of the wrist is a useful technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of scaphoid fractures. Its use is recommended as a complement to conventional radiography in cases with inconclusive findings.

Adolescent↗

Functional radiography of the lumbar spine.

Functional methods utilising the effects of gravity on the upright lordotic spine were developed for both static and dynamic radiography. Static standing orthoradiography of the lumbar spine and weight-bearing joints of the lower extremities shows constitutional and functional abnormalities not visible in conventional recumbent radiography, e.g., postural scoliosis, hypo- or hyperlordosis, "kissing spine"-syndrome and signs of segmental instability. In dynamic traction-compression radiography segmental instability is provoked by axial traction and compression of the spine. With this method translatory instability of 5 to 15 mm was found in about half of the patients with lytic spondylolisthesis of L5 for which flexion-extension radiography had consistently failed to produce any abnormal movement. The amount of anterior spondylolisthetic and posterior retro-olisthetic instability correlated significantly with the severity of back pain symptoms, the degree of maximal static slip, however, being without significance. Functional radiography showed positive findings in most patients suffering from chronic low back pain of otherwise unknown aetiology.

Adolescent↗

Use of direct digital radiography at remote dental facilities.

Digital radiography is changing the practice of dentistry today. This technology offers many advantages compared with conventional radiographic techniques. These advantages include faster imaging times, elimination of conventional dental film/chemicals and processing equipment, reduced radiation exposure, the ability to enhance images, and digitization of images for storage and electronic transfer. The U.S. Air Force Dental Corps completed an evaluation of digital radiography to assess its potential use by deployed units in the field. The Schick Computed Dental Radiography Kit was selected for testing and sent to two remote sites in Saudi Arabia for analysis. After completion of a 6-month evaluation, this system was rated favorably by the evaluators and was determined to be an excellent alternative for field-use radiography. As a result of this study, digital radiography is now being integrated in all expeditionary medical support units for future field deployments.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

[Evaluation of plain abdominal radiography prescriptions in a university hospital center].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prescription, impact and diagnostic utility of plain abdominal radiography in a University Hospital. METHODS: Plain abdominal radiography series performed over 15 consecutive days were evaluated for quality and agreement with the patient's clinical status. Agreement between the final diagnosis and the radiographic findings were also compared. Contribution of plain abdominal radiography to final diagnosis was assessed on the basis of the conclusions on the hospital discharge report or from those drawn from a telephone survey. The same relationship was also assessed in terms of clinician status (medical student, resident physician, senior physician). RESULTS: The series included 175 radiography series (11.6 per day). In 86% of the cases, the choice of views was adapted to the clinical context. In 14% it was not. The quality of the x-rays was found to be unsatisfactory in 17%, good in 63% and excellent in 20%. The radiography was considered to be contributive to the final diagnosis in 13% of the cases and non-contributive in 87%. Clinician status was not correlated with the degree of usefulness for final diagnosis. Finally, the prescription was in agreement with standard guidelines in 28% of the cases and not in agreement in 72%. CONCLUSION: Plain abdominal radiographs are neither sensitive nor specific, frequently misleading, and costly per specific and correct diagnosis. Better physician awareness is required to limit the number of unnecessary examinations.

Abdomen↗

[The use of a thyroid collar for intraoral radiography].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a thyroid collar is a reasonable measure to reduce patient exposure from intraoral radiography (cost benefit analysis). DESIGN: In the thyroid gland of a Rando phantom dose measurements were carried out to determine the effect of a thyroid collar during intraoral radiography. SETTING: Department of Oral Radiology at ACTA, Amsterdam. METHODS: Dose measurements were carried out using LTDs. The average absorbed dose to the thyroid gland with and without thyroid collar from intraoral radiography was compared using an analysis of variance. RESULTS: For periapical radiographs the equivalent dose to the thyroid gland was significantly lower (p < 0.05) when a thyroid collar was used. For bitewing radiography there were no significant effects of the thyroid collar (p > 0.05). The cost benefit analysis showed that it takes more than 40 years before the benefits of a thyroid collar exceed the costs. CONCLUSION: Collective use of thyroid collars therefore does not seem to be a reasonable measure to optimize radiological protection during intraoral radiography.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

Use of radiography in acute ankle injuries: physicians' attitudes and practice.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficiency of the current use of radiography in patients with acute ankle injury. To study the judgements and attitudes of experienced clinicians in their use of ankle radiography and to thereby assess the potential for improved efficiency. DESIGN: Two-stage study: retrospective chart review and prospective survey. SETTING: Emergency departments of two adult teaching hospitals and one community hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The records of 1831 adults presenting with acute blunt trauma to the ankle over 5 months were examined; another 732 patients were seen by 21 full-time emergency staff physicians over a subsequent 6-month period. MEASURES AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 1831 patients with an ankle injury in stage 1, 94.9% had had at least one radiographic series; the yield for clinically important fractures was 12.8%. In stage 2, experienced physicians predicted the probability of fracture to be 0% or 10% in 57.8% of cases. The kappa (kappa) level for interobserver agreement in 98 patients seen independently by two physicians was 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39 to 0.72). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for physicians' predicted probability was 0.88 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.92), reflecting good discrimination between fracture and nonfracture cases. Likelihood ratios for predicted probabilities ranged from 0.08 for the 0% level to 151 for the 100% level. The physicians indicated that they would feel comfortable or very comfortable in not ordering radiography in 45.9% of cases (kappa level 0.52; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency physicians order radiography for most patients with ankle injury even though they can accurately discriminate between fracture and nonfracture cases and clearly expect most of the radiographs to give normal results. These findings suggest great potential for a more efficient use of radiography in patients with ankle injury, possibly through the use of guidelines.

Adult↗

The significance of mycobacterium tuberculosis antibody, antigen 60 IgG in patients with abnormal chest radiography.

BACKGROUND: The identification of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum or tissue is the definite diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, this method of diagnosis is restricted by certain limitations. The serologic diagnosis of tuberculosis has been used for a long time. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Antigen 60 (A60) immunoglobulin G (IgG) in patients with abnormal chest radiography and to assess its application in the serologic diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: Data on patients who had been diagnosed using results of culture and pathology as having active pulmonary tuberculosis (N=178), other non-tuberculosis pulmonary disease (N=34), or no pulmonary disease (N=117) was collected from January 2001 through December 2002. The data of A60 IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chest radiography, tuberculosis culture and pathology were obtained retrospectively. The cutoff value of A60 IgG was chosen according to a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and likelihood ratio for positive and negative test were determined. RESULTS: The chosen cutoff value of 261.2 units defined the sensitivity (49.4%) and specificity (79.5%) of the test. The positive predictive value and likelihood ratio were 95.7% and 4.20, respectively, for patients with abnormal chest radiography and 88.2% and 2.97, respectively, for patients with abnormal chest radiography and negative AFB in sputum smear. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the high positive predictive value and likelihood ratio, a positive A60 IgG test in the presence of an abnormal chest radiography can help make an accurate clinical diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Digital radiography.

Digital radiography has been used in human medical imaging since the 1980s with recent and rapid acceptance into the veterinary profession. Using advanced image capture and computer technology, radiographic images are viewed on a computer monitor. This is advantageous because radiographic images can be adjusted using dedicated computer software to maximize diagnostic image quality. Digital images can be accessed at computer workstations throughout the hospital, instantly retrieved from computer archives, and transmitted via the internet for consultation or case referral. Digital radiographic data can also be incorporated into a hospital information system, making record keeping an entirely paperless process. Digital image acquisition is faster when compared to conventional screen-film radiography, improving workflow and patient throughput. Digital radiography greatly reduces the need for 'retake' radiographs because of wide latitude in exposure factors. Also eliminated are costs associated with radiographic film and x-ray film development. Computed radiography, charged coupled devices, and flat panel detectors are types of digital radiography systems currently available.

Animals↗

Retrograde contrast radiography of the distal portions of the intestinal tract in foals.

A technique for retrograde contrast radiography of the distal portions of the intestinal tract of foals was developed and then performed in 25 foals (1 to 30 days old) with colic. Retrograde contrast radiography was shown to be sensitive (100%) and specific (100%) for evaluating obstruction of the small colon or transverse colon. It was slightly less sensitive (86%) and specific (83%) for evaluation of the entire large colon, particularly in older foals. Retrograde contrast radiography provided increased diagnostic capability, compared with that for noncontrast radiography. Retrograde contrast radiography can provide valuable information when evaluating foals with colic and should be part of the diagnostic evaluation.

Animals↗

Prospective validation of a decision rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a previously derived decision rule for the use of radiography in patients with acute knee injury. DESIGN: Prospectively administered survey. SETTING: Emergency departments of two university hospitals serving adults. PATIENTS: Convenience sample of 1096 of 1251 eligible adults with acute knee injuries; 124 patients were examined by two physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Attending emergency physicians assessed each patient for standardized clinical variables and determined the need for radiography according to the decision rule. Patients who did not have radiography underwent a structured telephone interview at day 14 to determine the possibility of a fracture. The rule was assessed for ability to correctly identify the criterion standard, fracture of the knee. An attempt was made to refine the rule by means of univariate and recursive partitioning analyses. RESULTS: The decision rule had a sensitivity of 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94 to 1.0) for identifying 63 clinically important fractures. Physicians correctly interpreted the rule in 96% of cases, and the k value for interpretation was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.89). The potential relative reduction in use of radiography was estimated to be 28%. The probability of fracture, if the decision rule were "negative," is estimated to be 0% (95% CI, 0% to 0.4%). Attempts to refine the rule led to a model with improved specificity but with an unacceptable loss of sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Prospective validation has shown this decision rule to be 100% sensitive for identifying fractures of the knee, to be reliable and acceptable, and to have the potential to allow physicians to reduce the use of radiography in patients with acute knee injury.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of active sacroiliitis--a prospective study comparing conventional radiography, scintigraphy, and contrast enhanced MRI.

OBJECTIVE: Sacroiliitis is often difficult to diagnose in the absence of radiographic alterations. For the diagnosis of active sacroiliitis, plain radiography, scintigraphy, and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated in a prospective study. METHODS: In 44 consecutive patients with complete clinical and laboratory evaluation, plain radiographs, quantitative sacroiliac (SI) scintigraphy, and MRI were performed to evaluate the contribution of these imaging techniques to the diagnosis of active sacroiliitis. Scintiscanning and MRI were done in 20 control subjects to define the normal range of imaging findings. We determined the sensitivity and specificity for each imaging method using a reference standard based on clinical symptoms of inflammatory low back pain with or without laboratory signs, and on clinical and radiographic followup during 1.5-2.5 years to confirm diagnosis. RESULTS: MRI was most sensitive (95%) and superior to quantitative SI scintigraphy (48%) or conventional radiography (19%) for the detection and confirmation of active sacroiliitis. For the assessment of inflammatory signs, MRI had higher specificity (100%) than scintigraphy (97%) or plain radiography (47%). At repeat MRI after 2-30 months, there was persistent pathologic signal intensity in the subchondral bone area despite clinically successful antiinflammatory drug therapy. CONCLUSION: For the assessment of active changes in the synovial portion and the subchondral bone marrow, contrast enhanced MRI is superior to quantitative SI scintigraphy or conventional radiography. MRI picks up an additional 75% of early cases not diagnosed by plain radiography. Scintigraphy is only of limited value. Persistent pathologic signal intensity in the subchondral bone marrow seems to be closely associated with previous inflammatory episodes, thus limiting specificity of MRI for active sacroiliitis. Based on our findings we suggest an algorithm for the evaluation of patients with suspected active sacroiliitis.

Adolescent↗

Diagnostic value of full-mouth radiography in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value of full-mouth radiography in cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: 115 cats referred for dental treatment without a previous full-mouth radiographic series available. PROCEDURE: In a prospective nested case-control analysis of multiple outcomes in a hospital cohort of cats referred for dental treatment, full-mouth radiography was done prior to oral examination and charting. After treatment, the clinical and radiographic findings were compared, with reference to presenting problems, main clinical findings, additional information obtained from radiography and unexpected radiographic findings. Importance of the radiographic findings in therapeutic decision making was assessed. RESULTS: The main clinical findings were radiographically confirmed in all cats. Odontoclastic resorption lesions, missed on clinical examination, were diagnosed in 8.7% of cats. Analysis of selected presenting problems and main clinical findings yielded significantly increased odds ratios for a variety of other conditions, either expected or unexpected. Radiographs of teeth without clinical lesions yielded incidental or clinically important findings in 4.8 and 41.7% of cats, respectively, and were considered of no clinical value in 53.6%. Radiographs of teeth with clinical lesions merely confirmed the findings in 13.9% of cats, but yielded additional or clinically essential information in 53.9 and 32.2%, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The diagnostic yield of full-mouth radiography in new feline patients referred for dental treatment is high, and routine use of full-mouth radiography is justifiable.

Animals↗

Optimisation of image plate radiography with respect to tube voltage.

PURPOSE: To find the tube voltage that results in the highest image quality per effective dose unit for chest and pelvis radiography, respectively, using image plates. METHODS: Two anthropomorphic phantoms (chest and pelvis) were imaged with several different tube voltages. The mA s settings were chosen so that the effective dose to the phantom was the same, regardless of the tube voltage, for the two examinations, respectively. The quality of the images was evaluated by six experienced radiologists using visual grading analysis. RESULTS: For both the chest and the pelvis examinations, the image quality increased when the tube voltage was reduced compared with the standard settings (125 and 70 kV for chest and pelvis, respectively), which were used for screen-film radiography previously. CONCLUSIONS: The image quality of image plate radiography can be increased by lowering the tube voltage compared with the one that was used for screen-film radiography.

Humans↗

Reliability and accuracy of vertebral fracture assessment with densitometry compared to radiography in clinical practice.

Absorptiometry of the thoraco-lumbar spine at the time of bone densitometry to detect vertebral deformities consistent with fracture is now available. The performance of absorptiometry in clinical practice compared to radiography has not been fully established, especially in the presence of osteoarthritis or scoliosis. Our first objective was to compare absorptiometry to radiography for detection of vertebral deformity in elderly women who were referred for bone densitometry with or without scoliosis or disc space osteoarthritis excluded. Our second objective was to assess the effect of osteoarthritis and scoliosis on the inter-rater reliability of both technologies. The study group comprised two hundred five women age 65 and older referred for bone densitometry in a large multispecialty group practice. Lateral and antero-posterior (AP) absorptiometry images and lateral spine radiographs were obtained on all participants. The vertebrae on all images were evaluated for vertebral deformity by two observers according to the Genant semiquantitative criteria who were blinded to each other's readings. Disc spaces were evaluated on radiographs for osteoarthritis. Absorptiometry AP images were evaluated for scoliosis. In the absence of scoliosis, the sensitivity and specificity of absorptiometry for persons with one or more radiographic grade 2-3 deformities (>25% reduction of vertebral height) for the two readers were 87-93% and 93-95%, respectively. The inter-rater reliability of absorptiometry improved in the absence of moderate or severe disc space osteoarthritis. A strategy of absorptiometry with follow-up radiography only in those with scoliosis or apparent grade 2 deformity accurately identifies those with prevalent grade 2 or 3 deformity on radiography (accuracy 0.98 and kappa 0.86 for reader 1; accuracy 0.99 and kappa 0.92 for reader 2). Lateral and AP absorptiometry imaging of the spine with selective follow-up radiography accurately identifies elderly women with vertebral deformity consistent with moderate or severe fracture, but extra caution is necessary when evaluating vertebrae in the presence of adjacent disc space osteoarthritis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability of plain radiography, subtraction arthrography, nuclear arthrography, and bone scintigraphy in the assessment of aseptic femoral component loosening.

BACKGROUND: Plain radiography, subtraction arthrography, nuclear arthrography, and bone scintigraphy are imaging techniques commonly used to identify aseptic femoral component loosening. Controversy exists about the relative utility of these techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and interobserver reliability of the four techniques in 78 consecutive patients (mean age 70 years, range 29-88 years) referred for evaluation of their femoral hip prostheses. The standard evaluation protocol consisted of plain radiography followed by subtraction arthrography, nuclear arthrography, and bone scintigraphy. Surgery or the subsequent clinical course of the patient was used as gold standard. RESULTS: Overall, plain radiography had a sensitivity and specificity of 81 and 74%, respectively. Subtraction arthrography had a sensitivity of 47% and a specificity of 78%. Nuclear arthrography had a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 76%, and bone scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 88% with a specificity of 50%. CONCLUSION: We found considerable interobserver variability in all four techniques. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that bone scintigraphy and nuclear arthrography together made a significant contribution to the diagnosis when used in combination with plain radiography and are, when plain radiography is inconclusive, useful additional diagnostic techniques for the detection of femoral component loosening.

Adult↗