Conformity Assessment of Lead Aprons Used in Conventional Radiology: A Multi-Centre Survey in Togo

Aim: Lead aprons are used to protect against scattered radiation from the patient during interventional procedures and certain special conventional radiological examinations. Given the importance of the role lead aprons are supposed to play in radiation protection, we propose to assess their conformity in medical imaging departments in public and religious hospitals in Togo. Materials and method: A multi-centre survey conducted from 26 November to 06 December 2021 in the radiology departments of public and religious health facilities in Togo. All aprons in use were included. The evaluation criteria were physical (visual), quantitative (radiographic) and qualitative (dosimetric). Results: We had registred 43 aprons among wich 27 (62.79%) leaded aprons were labelled non-compliant and 16 (37.21%) were labelled compliant. Of the aprons judged to be non-compliant, 70.37% were more than 10 years old and 96.30% showed defects on the radiographic images. The most common defects were vampire marks (18.64%), multiple folds (16.96%), cracks (16.96%), multiple cracks (15.25%), tears (8.47%), absence of lead (5.08%), holes (3.39%) and lead corrosion (1.69%). Defective aprons (62.96%) had at least two defects. The defects were of thoraco-abdomino-pelvic (74.07%), thoracic (14.82%) and abdomino-pelvic (11.11%) topography. For indirect exposure at 50 and 70 kilovolts, all the aprons had an attenuation factor greater than 90%. After dosimetric measurement, 13.95% of aprons had attenuation factors below 90% for indirect exposure at 100 kilovolts. Conclusion: The compliance of the leaded decks is trifactorial (physical, radiographic and dosimetric). However, there is no significant difference in X-ray attenuation capacity between defective and normal decks.

Interdepartmental miscommunication regarding radiology:Addressing chronic challenges and exploring solutions

Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals are crucial for delivering high-quality patient care.Interdepartmental miscommunication poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems,potentially undermining the quality of healthcare services provided.In the same manner,communication barriers between referring physicians and radiologists can specifically affect radiology services and patient outcomes.This article attempts to put the spotlight on the ever-present chronic challenges of this issue and prompt readers to recognize the relevant potential pitfalls in their daily clinical practice.Practical solutions are explored and proposed,which should be tailored to the specific needs and issues that each individual institution may face.

Radiation Doses in Diagnostic Radiology and Method for Dose Reduction

Objective: The current research study aims to calculate entrance surface air kerma for skull, chest, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and pelvic X-ray examinations in interior posterior and posterior interior positions and generate a method for chest dose reduction to decrease radiation risk. Materials and Methods: The indirect dose measurement was used in the current research. The X-ray tube output was measured using RAD-CHECK Plus ionization chamber and the indirect entrance surface air kerma was calculated via applying physical acquisition parameters such as a focus on skin distance, tube current times exposure time (mAs), and applied tube voltage (kV), and applying a mathematical model. Results: The main findings were obtained from comparing the radiation doses with the reference levels of International organizations such as the American College of Radiology and the International Atomic Energy Authority. The mean entrance skin dose for the skull (AP), skull (PA), skull (LAT), cervical spine (PA), cervical spine (LAT), lumbar spine (AP), lumbar spine (LAT), pelvis (AP), and pelvis (LAT) of adult X-ray examinations was within the diagnostic reference dose level values obtained by ACR (2018) except for the ESD for chest (AP) which was 0.88 mGy. Conclusions: The results of the study concluded that by adjusting the applied tube voltage, kV, and tube current product time, mAs decreased the radiation dose to the chest X-ray by 58%.

Detection of Omicron Caused Pneumonia from Radiology Images Using Convolution Neural Network(CNN)

COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has created social and economic disruption across theworld.The ability of the COVID-19 virus to quickly mutate and transfer has created serious concerns across the world.It is essential to detectCOVID-19 infection caused by different variants to take preventive measures accordingly.The existing method of detection of infections caused by COVID-19 and its variants is costly and time-consuming.The impacts of theCOVID-19 pandemic in developing countries are very drastic due to the unavailability of medical facilities and infrastructure to handle the pandemic.Pneumonia is the major symptom of COVID-19 infection.The radiology of the lungs in varies in the case of bacterial pneumonia as compared to COVID-19-caused pneumonia.The pattern of pneumonia in lungs in radiology images can also be used to identify the cause associated with pneumonia.In this paper,we propose the methodology of identifying the cause(either due to COVID-19 or other types of infections)of pneumonia from radiology images.Furthermore,because different variants of COVID-19 lead to different patterns of pneumonia,the proposed methodology identifies pneumonia,the COVID-19 caused pneumonia,and Omicron caused pneumonia from the radiology images.To fulfill the above-mentioned tasks,we have used three Convolution Neural Networks(CNNs)at each stage of the proposed methodology.The results unveil that the proposed step-by-step solution enhances the accuracy of pneumonia detection along with finding its cause,despite having a limited dataset.

CVIP-Net: A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Model for Forensic Radiology Image Classification

Automated and autonomous decisions of image classification systems have essential applicability in this modern age even.Image-based decisions are commonly taken through explicit or auto-feature engineering of images.In forensic radiology,auto decisions based on images significantly affect the automation of various tasks.This study aims to assist forensic radiology in its biological profile estimation when only bones are left.A benchmarked dataset Radiology Society of North America(RSNA)has been used for research and experiments.Additionally,a locally developed dataset has also been used for research and experiments to cross-validate the results.A Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)-based model named computer vision and image processing-net(CVIP-Net)has been proposed to learn and classify image features.Experiments have also been performed on state-of-the-art pertained models,which are alex_net,inceptionv_3,google_net,Residual Network(resnet)_50,and Visual Geometry Group(VGG)-19.Experiments proved that the proposed CNN model is more accurate than other models when panoramic dental x-ray images are used to identify age and gender.The specially designed CNN-based achieved results in terms of standard evaluation measures including accuracy(98.90%),specificity(97.99%),sensitivity(99.34%),and Area under the Curve(AUC)-value(0.99)on the locally developed dataset to detect age.The classification rates of the proposed model for gender estimation were 99.57%,97.67%,98.99%,and 0.98,achieved in terms of accuracy,specificity,sensitivity,and AUC-value,respectively,on the local dataset.The classification rates of the proposed model for age estimation were 96.80%,96.80%,97.03%,and 0.99 achieved in terms of accuracy,specificity,sensitivity,and AUC-value,respectively,on the RSNA dataset.

Current status of radiology in China

INTRODUCTIONRadiology has been greatly advanced in China sinceits founding in 1949 and has been developed fasterand further more since China adopted the policy ofsocioeconomic reform in 1978.It plays anincreasingly important role in the medical healthcare and treatment in the country and has reachedthe world’s advanced level in certain fields.We nowbriefly review the history of China’s radiology so asto give a clear picture of its development.

为 interventional neuroradiologist 的诊断 neuroradiology

In order to further improve the impact of the continuously evolving neurointerventional techniques, the interventional neuroradiologist needs to have at his disposal more powerful techniques to image the central nervous system. With the recent development of diagnostics techniques that are computed tomography and magnetic resonance based we are now able to assess not just morphology, but also physiology, physiopathology and function. This review discusses the place of diagnostic techniques in the evaluation that the interventional neuroradiologist hast to make when confronted with patients. We provide an overview of current techniques for the brain and spine.

Awareness of Radiologists and Radiographers toward Patient Care in the Interventional Radiology Department

Background: The hospitals and health care centres are organized around the patient, a model in which healthcare providers partner with patients and families to identify and satisfy patients’ needs and preferences. Providers respect patients’ values and preferences, address their emotional and social needs, and involve them and their families in decision making. According to the best of our knowledge, there is no evidence to prove, radiologists and radiographers are aware enough about the patient safety, care, and code of conduct with their patients in the interventional radiology department. Objective: This article aims to measure the awareness of radiologists and radiographers toward care and safety in an interventional radiology department. Material and Method: This study was carried in period from 15 February to 20 April 2022. One hundred sixty-four radiographers and radiologists participating in this study completed the questionnaire, which equals a response rate of approximately 82%. The questionnaire was fully completed by almost all responders;only a few of them gave partial answers. Results: The first question for radiographers and radiologists was “the sufficient awareness about the patient safety and care during the interventional radiology procedure. Also, the majority of the radiographers and radiologists are providing the patients with sufficient information when he/she ask for help or queries. A large number of radiographers and radiologists were participating in this study explaining the procedures to patients before starting the examinations in a structured way. Finally, the result shows both radiographers and radiologists respect the patient’s rights, privacy, and dignity and also kept the radiation protection during the interventional radiology procedures. Conclusion: This article summarizes the key categories of awareness of patient care issues in the provision of interventional radiology services, from the joint perspectives of radiographers and radiologists, and provides references for further reading in all major relevant areas.

Current trends and perspectives in interventional radiology for gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal(GI)cancers often require a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons,endoscopists,oncologists,and interventional radiologists to diagnose and treat primitive cancers,metastases,and related complications.In this context,interventional radiology(IR)represents a useful minimally-invasive tool allowing to reach lesions that are not easily approachable with other techniques.In the last years,through the development of new devices,IR has become increasingly relevant in the context of a more comprehensive management of the oncologic patient.Arterial embolization,ablative techniques,and gene therapy represent useful and innovative IR tools in GI cancer treatment.Moreover,IR can be useful for the management of GI cancer-related complications,such as bleeding,abscesses,GI obstructions,and neurological pain.The aim of this study is to show the principal IR techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers and related complications,as well as to describe the future perspectives of IR in this oncologic field.

Importance of establishing radiation protection culture in Radiology Department

The increased use of ionization radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the rapid advances in computed tomography as well as the high radiation doses delivered by interventional procedures have raised serious safety and health concerns for both patients and medical staff and have necessitated the establishment of a radiation protection culture(RPC) in every Radiology Department. RPC is a newly introduced concept. The term culture describes the combination of attitudes, beliefs, practices and rules among the professionals, staff and patients regarding to radiation protection. Most of the time, the challenge is to improve rather than to build a RPC. The establishment of a RPC requires continuing education of the staff and professional, effective communication among stakeholders of all levels and implementation of quality assurance programs. The RPC creation is being driven from the highest level. Leadership, professionals and associate societies are recognized to play a vital role in the embedding and promotion of RPC in a Medical Unit. The establishment of a RPC enables the reduction of the radiation dose, enhances radiation risk awareness, minimizes unsafe practices, and improves the quality of a radiation protection program. The purpose of this review paper is to describe the role and highlight the importance of establishing a strong RPC in Radiology Departments with an emphasis on promoting RPC in the Interventional Radiology environment.

Role of interventional radiology in the management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality without appropriate treatment. There are numerous causes of acute GIB including but not limited to infection, vascular anomalies, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and malignancy. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach of GIB depends on its location, severity, and etiology. The role of interventional radiology becomes vital in patients whose GIB remains resistant to medical and endoscopic treatment. Radiology offers diagnostic imaging studies and endovascular therapeutic interventions that can be performed promptly and effectively with successful outcomes. Computed tomography angiography and nuclear scintigraphy can localize the source of bleeding and provide essential information for the interventional radiologist to guide therapeutic management with endovascular angiography and transcatheter embolization. This review article provides insight into the essential role of Interventional Radiology in the management of acute GIB.

Spectrum of diagnostic errors in radiology

Diagnostic errors are important in all branches of medicine because they are an indication of poor patient care. Since the early 1970s,physicians have been subjected to an increasing number of medical malpractice claims. Radiology is one of the specialties most liable to claims of medical negligence.Most often,a plaintiff's complaint against a radiologist will focus on a failure to diagnose. The etiology of radiological error is multi-factorial.Errors fall into recurrent patterns.Errors arise from poor technique,failures of perception,lack of knowledge and misjudgments.The work of diagnostic radiology consists of the complete detection of all abnormalities in an imaging examination and their accurate diagnosis. Every radiologist should understand the sources of error in diagnostic radiology as well as the elements of negligence that form the basis of malpractice litigation.Error traps need to be uncovered and highlighted,in order to prevent repetition of the same mistakes.This article focuses on the spectrum of diagnostic errors in radiology, including a classification of the errors,and stresses the malpractice issues in mammography,chest radiology and obstetric sonography.Missed fractures in emergency and communication issues between radiologists and physicians are also discussed.

Evaluation of CdZnTe spectrometer performance in measuring energy spectra during interventional radiology procedure

Interventional radiology has been beneficial for patients for over 30 years of age with the combination of diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The radiation affecting occupationally exposed workers should be evaluated by means of the energy spectra and flux of X-rays in the treatment room. The present study aims to obtain the energy spectra of interventional procedures and study the capability of some detectors to evaluate the dose in interventional procedures. These measurements were taken by silicon-drift, CdTe, and CdZnTe detectors. The energy spectra were corrected by the energy-response curve of each detector. The energy-response curves of silicon-drift and CdTe detectors provided by the manufacturers specification were used. The energy response of the CdZnTe detector was measured by 133Ba and 152Eu γ sources. The experimental data were compared with the simulation results, and their perfect agreement provides a way to correct the energy or dose response, which can be used for the personal dosimeter developed by our group. Moreover, the measured energy spectra can be used in individual radiation protection. The present study shows that the CdZnTe detector is a good candidate detector in interventional procedures.

100 classic papers of interventional radiology: A citation analysis

AIM: To define the 100 citation classic papers of interventional radiology.METHODS: Using the database of Journal Citation Reports the 40 highest impact factor radiology journals were chosen. From these journals the 100 most cited interventional radiology papers were chosen and analysed.RESULTS: The top paper received 2497 citations and the 100 th paper 200 citations. The average number of citations was 320. Dates of publication ranged from 1953- 2005. Most papers originated in the United States(n = 67) followed by Italy(n = 20) and France(n = 10). Harvard University(n = 18) and Osped Civile(n = 11) were the most prolific institutions. Ten journals produced all of the top 100 papers with "Radiology" and "AJR" making up the majority. SN Goldberg and T Livraghi were the most prolific authors. Nearly two thirds of the papers(n = 61) were published after 1990.CONCLUSION: This analysis identifies many of the landmark interventional radiology papers and provides a fascinating insight into the changing discourse within the field. It also identifies topics, authors and institutions which have impacted greatly on the specialty.

Risk management in radiology departments

Medical imaging and interventional radiology sustained prompt changes in the last few years, mainly as aresult of technology breakthroughs, rise in workload, deficit in workforce and globalization. Risk is considered to be the chance or possibility of incurring loss or of a negative event happening that may cause injury to patients or medical practitioners. There are various causes of risks leading to harm and injury in radiology departments, and it is one of the objectives of this paper to scrutinize some of the causes. This will drive to consideration of some of the approaches that are used in managing risks in radiology. This paper aims at investigating risk management in radiology, and this will be achieved through a thorough assessment of the risk control measures that are used in the radiology department. It has been observed that the major focus of risk management in such medical setting is to reduce and eliminate harm and injury to patients through integration of various medical precautions. The field of Radiology is rapidly evolving due to technology advances and the globalization of healthcare. This ongoing development will have a great impact on the level of quality of care and service delivery. Thus, risk management in radiology is essential in protecting the patients, radiologists, and the medical organization in terms of capital and widening of the reputation of the medical organization with the patients.

The Journey of Interventional Radiology in China

The first balloon angioplasty performed by Dr.Charles T.Dotter in 1964 marked the birth of a new discipline in radiology(1),which was initially named'interventional diagnostic radiology'by Dr.Alexander R.Margulis in 1967(2),and later defined as'Interventional Radiology(IR)'by Dr.Sidney Wallace in 1976(3).Along with the wide adaptation of Seldinger’s technique for percutaneous vascular access(4),interventional radiology expanded the horizon of traditional radiology.

Are Radiology Technologists Satisfied with Their Work? A Cross-Sectional Study from Taif Hospitals

Background: Job satisfaction can affect workers’ behaviour, thereby influencing organisational performance. Workers with low levels of job satisfaction have negative attitudes toward their jobs and may cause depression and anxiety. Purpose: The main aim of this study is to measure the overall job satisfaction among radiographers in Taif city. Methods: This study used the Minnesota Scoring Questionnaire to measure job satisfaction. The data collection was conducted between September 2018 and April 2019 in all major hospitals in Taif. Results: This study revealed that the overall job satisfaction of radiographers was moderate. It is, however, higher among radiographers in armed forces hospitals compared with their counterparts in the Ministry of Health hospitals. The job satisfaction of male radiographers was greater than their female peers. Finally, job satisfaction was high in those who work in advanced modality departments. Conclusion: Job satisfaction is critical for healthcare workers. This study indicated that job satisfaction is moderate for radiographers in Taif hospitals. Factors affecting their satisfaction include the feel of independence and recognition.

The Role of Interventional Radiology in Splenic Trauma

The purpose of this case report is to discuss the different treatment options available in splenic trauma patients by following the story of Mr. H. I will focus particularly on the role of splenic arterial embolisation (SAE)—an interventional radiological procedure—and how it weighs up against its surgical counterparts. In order to give a balanced view this case report includes a literature review around splenic artery embolisation. This report concludes that when managing splenic trauma, interventional radiology (IR) is a useful tool particularly when used in conjunction with surgery. The future of this field needs to allow SAE to become a stand-alone therapy. Furthermore, research needs to investigate which cohorts of patients are best suited to which intervention such that we can capitalise on the advantages of each intervention for the benefit of all.

Interventional radiology treatment for pulmonary embolism

Venous thromboembolism(VTE) is an illness that has a potentially life-threatening condition that affects a large percentage of the global population. VTE with pulmonary embolism(PE) is the third leading cause of death after myocardial infarction and stroke. In the first three months after an acute PE, there is an estimated 15% mortality among submassive PE, and 68% mortality in massive PE. Current guidelines suggest fibrinolytic therapy regarding the clinical severity, however some studies suggest a more aggressive treatment approach. This review will summarize the available endovascular treatments and the different techniques with its indications and outcomes.

Interventional Radiology in Côte d’Ivoire: Analysis and Assessment of the Radiological Risk of the Surgical Team

Ionizing radiation is widely used in medical practice for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, they are not devoid of adverse health effects on exposed operators. Therefore, we propose to assess the radiological risk of the interventional radiology team of the International Polyclinic of Indénié of Abidjan during the procedures of Embolization of uterine fibromyomas. The effective and equivalent doses to the extremities and crystals were estimated by TLD dosimeters positioned at different body areas selected on the basis of a radiological analysis of the exposure of personnel during five procedures. The analysis of fluoroscopic and record times showed variability in or an average fluoroscopy time of 32.37 min with extremes of 25.14 to 56.32 min;average record time of 0.52 min with extremes of 0.12 min to 1 min. The annual effective doses were respectively, 4.04 mSv, 3.42 mSv, 2.84 mSv;2.28 mSv, in the Radiologist (R), Operator Assistant (O2);Anesthesiologist (A2), Manipulator (M2). The annual equivalent doses to the radiologist’s predominant extremities and lenses were left index and left lens with values of 37.07 mSv and 9.46 mSv. The estimated doses in our study are reassuring from a regulatory point of view of dose limits. The results of our work have shown no significant short-term danger to the health of personnel.