Assessment of Radiological Hazards of Sedimentary, Igneous and Sediments Natural Rocks

Gamma-ray spectroscopy based on a 100% efficiency hyper-pure germanium detector was used to evaluate the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K natural radionuclides in sedimentary, conglomerate, igneous and sedi-ments rock samples collected from four different locations in Eastern desert in Egypt. The obtained activity concentrations are used to evaluate the radi-ological hazards indices, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent in air, radium equivalent, external and internal hazard index, radiation level index, annual gonadal dose equivalent, excess lifetime cancer risk and expo-sure rate. The results show that 1) the absorbed dose rate depends on the rock type, 2) the annual effective dose equivalent in air in 71% of sample below 20 mSvy-1 (permissible limit for workers), 3) the conglomerate rocks show low radioactivity level, 4) sedimentary rocks are rich in radium while igneous rocks are rich in thorium and the sediments rocks are rich in both radium and thorium.

Improving the radiological diagnosis of hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation: Current approaches and future challenges

Hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT)is a devastating vascular complication following liver transplantation,requiring prompt diagnosis and rapid revascularization treatment to prevent graft loss.At present,imaging modalities such as ultrasound,computed tomography,and magnetic resonance play crucial roles in diagnosing HAT.Although imaging techniques have improved sensitivity and specificity for HAT diagnosis,they have limitations that hinder the timely diagnosis of this complication.In this sense,the emergence of artificial intelligence(AI)presents a transformative opportunity to address these diagnostic limitations.The development of machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks has demonstrated the potential to enhance the precision diagnosis of liver transplant complications,enabling quicker and more accurate detection of HAT.This article examines the current landscape of imaging diagnostic techniques for HAT and explores the emerging role of AI in addressing future challenges in the diagnosis of HAT after liver transplant.

Accident source term and radiological consequences of a small modular reactor

Considering the growing global demand for energy and the need for countries to achieve climate goals,there is an increasing global interest in small modular reactors(SMRs)and their applications.Accident source term and radiological consequence evaluations of SMRs are key components of nuclear and radiation safety reviews,which affect the site,exclusion area(EAB),and low population zone outer boundaries.Based on the design characteristics of the SMR and accident analysis results,a theoretical model of a whole-core fuel cladding damage accident was constructed to study the radioactivity released into the environment and its consequences.The accident source term and radiation dose calculation models were established to analyze the released amounts of radionuclides and the total effective dose affecting individuals at the site boundary.The results showed that the amount of radionuclides released into the environment after a whole-core fuel cladding damage accident reached 10^(14) Bq,among which the release amount of ^(133)Xe was the largest.The total effective dose at the site boundary 30 days after the accident was 8.65 mSv.The highest total effective dose affecting individuals occurred to the east-north-east.The results of the accident source term and radiological consequence provide technical support for site boundary dose assessments and reviews of SMRs.

Accuracy between clinical and radiological diagnoses compared to surgical orbital biopsies

AIM:To assess the concordance between diagnosing orbital lesions by clinical examination,orbital imaging,and histological evaluation,in order to help guide future research and clinical practice.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was undertaken at a large regional tertiary referral centre of all surgical orbital biopsies performed over a 5-year period,from 1st January 2015 until 31st December 2019.Accuracy and concordance between clinical,radiological and histological diagnoses are reported as percentage sensitivity and positive predictive value.RESULTS:A total of 128 operations involving 111 patients were identified.Overall,sensitivities of 47.7%for clinical and 37.3%for radiological diagnoses were found when compared to the histological gold standard.Vascular lesions that have characteristic clinical and radiological features had the highest sensitivity at 71.4%and 57.1%,respectively.Inflammatory conditions showed the lowest sensitivity in both clinical(30.3%)and radiological(18.2%)diagnoses.The PPV for inflammatory conditions were 47.6%for clinical and 30.0%for radiological diagnoses.CONCLUSION:Accurate diagnoses are difficult to reach by relying on clinical examination and imaging alone.Surgical orbital biopsy with histological diagnosis should remain the gold standard approach for definitively identifying orbital lesions.Although larger scale prospective studies would help further refine concordance and guide future research avenues.

Development of preoperative prognostic models including radiological features for survival of singular nodular HCC patients

Background:Early singular nodular hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an ideal surgical indication in clinical practice.However,almost half of the patients have tumor recurrence,and there is no reliable prognostic prediction tool.Besides,it is unclear whether preoperative neoadjuvant therapy is necessary for patients with early singular nodular HCC and which patient needs it.It is critical to identify the patients with high risk of recurrence and to treat these patients preoperatively with neoadjuvant therapy and thus,to improve the outcomes of these patients.The present study aimed to develop two prognostic models to preoperatively predict the recurrence-free survival(RFS)and overall survival(OS)in patients with singular nodular HCC by integrating the clinical data and radiological features.Methods:We retrospective recruited 211 patients with singular nodular HCC from December 2009 to January 2019 at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital(EHBH).They all met the surgical indications and underwent radical resection.We randomly divided the patients into the training cohort(n=132)and the validation cohort(n=79).We established and validated multivariate Cox proportional hazard models by the preoperative clinicopathologic factors and radiological features for association with RFS and OS.By analyzing the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,the discrimination accuracy of the models was compared with that of the traditional predictive models.Results:Our RFS model was based on HBV-DNA score,cirrhosis,tumor diameter and tumor capsule in imaging.RFS nomogram had fine calibration and discrimination capabilities,with a C-index of 0.74(95%CI:0.68-0.80).The OS nomogram,based on cirrhosis,tumor diameter and tumor capsule in imaging,had fine calibration and discrimination capabilities,with a C-index of 0.81(95%CI:0.74-0.87).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of our model was larger than that of traditional liver cancer staging system,Korea model and Nomograms in Hepatectomy Patients with Hepatitis B VirusRelated Hepatocellular Carcinoma,indicating better discrimination capability.According to the models,we fitted the linear prediction equations.These results were validated in the validation cohort.Conclusions:Compared with previous radiography model,the new-developed predictive model was concise and applicable to predict the postoperative survival of patients with singular nodular HCC.Our models may preoperatively identify patients with high risk of recurrence.These patients may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy which may improve the patients’outcomes.

Radiological and X-Ray Diffraction Characterization of Bauxite and Rutile Ore Contaminated Environment in Kanam and Wase Mineral Exploration Sites, Plateau State-Nigeria

Two non-destructive analytical techniques (gamma spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer) were employed in the analysis of bauxite and rutile ore and their vicinity soil and control sourced within the Kanam and Wase mineral exploration sites. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples received from bauxite and rutile mineral mining vicinities revealed high concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K compared to the control soil samples sourced 500 m away from the mineral exploration vicinities. Radiological detriments RLI, AUI, Hin and Hex unveiled values exceeding the radiation standard concentration (>1) for soil. X-ray diffraction characterization of bauxite ore revealed the interlocking minerals of Bauxite (18)%, Albite (11)%, Garnet (15)%, Illite (6)% and Muscovite (43)% in various proportions obtained within the 2θ range (9.18 to 64.4) and a peak value (intensity, cps) of 3400. Pure bauxite percentage in the ore meets metallurgical grade (15 - 25)%. X-ray diffraction of rutile ore revealed the minerals of rutile (40)%, quartz (21.4)%, ilmenite (27)% and garnet (11.8)% found within the 2θ range (27.5 to 35.6) and a peak value intensity of 31.1 - 100.0 cps also meeting the metallurgical grade of 15% - 25%. The major environmental concern associated with the mineral-sands industry is the radiation hazards, pollution of ground-water sources from heavy metals, mineral transport with heavy equipment’s, dredging operations in fragile coastal area and clearing of vegetation.

Endoscopic vs radiologic gastrostomy for enteral feeding:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)and percutaneous radiological gastrostomy(PRG)are minimally invasive techniques commonly used for prolonged enteral nutrition.Despite safe,both techniques may lead to complications,such as bleeding,infection,pain,peritonitis,and tube-related complications.The literature is unclear on which technique is the safest.AIM To establish which approach has the lowest complication rate.METHODS A database search was performed from inception through November 2022,and comparative studies of PEG and PRG were selected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.All included studies compared the two techniques directly and provided absolute values of the number of complications.Studies with pediatric populations were excluded.The primary outcome of this study was infection and bleeding.Pneumonia,peritonitis,pain,and mechanical complications were secondary outcomes.The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials(RoB2)and we used The Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies(ROBINS-I)to analyze the retrospective studies.We also performed GRADE analysis to assess the quality of evidence.Data on risk differences and 95%confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test.RESULTS Seventeen studies were included,including two randomized controlled trials and fifteen retrospective cohort studies.The total population was 465218 individuals,with 273493 having undergone PEG and 191725 PRG.The only outcome that showed a significant difference was tube related complications in retrospective studies favoring PEG(95%CI:0.03 to 0.08;P<0.00001),although this outcome did not show significant difference in randomized studies(95%CI:-0.07 to 0.04;P=0.13).There was no difference in the analyses of the following outcomes:infection in retrospective(95%CI:-0.01 to 0.00;P<0.00001)or randomized(95%CI:-0.06 to 0.04;P=0.44)studies;bleeding in retrospective(95%CI:-0.00 to 0.00;P<0.00001)or randomized(95%CI:-0.06 to 0.02;P=0.43)studies;pneumonia in retrospective(95%CI:-0.04 to 0.00;P=0.28)or randomized(95%CI:-0.09 to 0.11;P=0.39)studies;pain in retrospective(95%CI:-0.05 to 0.02;P<0.00001)studies;peritonitis in retrospective(95%CI:-0.02 to 0.01;P<0.0001)studies.CONCLUSION PEG has lower levels of tube-related complications(such as dislocation,leak,obstruction,or breakdown)when compared to PRG.

Radiological diagnosis and staging of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor arising from the epithelium of the bile ducts.Surgery is still the only chance of potentially curative treatment in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.However,radical resection requires aggressive surgical strategies that should be tailored optimally according to the location,size and vascular invasion of the tumors.Accurate diagnosis and staging of these tumors is therefore critical for optimal treatment planning and for determining a prognosis.Multidetector computed tomography(MDCT),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and MR cholangiography are useful tools,both to diagnose and stage hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Modern imaging techniques allow accurate detection of the level of obstruction and the longitudinal and radial spread of the tumor.In addition,high-resolution MDCT and MR provide specific radiographic features to determine vascular involvement of anatomic structures,such as the hepatic artery or the portal vein,which are critical to decide the surgical strategy.Finally,radiological staging allows detection of patients with distant metastasis in the liver or peritoneum who will not benefit from a surgical approach.

Assessment of the long-term possible radiological risk from the use of ceramic tiles in Malaysia

This study investigated the level of natural radioactivity and radiological risks of 40 different ceramic tiles through gamma-ray spectroscopy using a high-purity germanium detector. The calculated activity concentrations were evaluated to determine their potential radiological risks to human health. Furthermore, the activity concentrations were subjected to the RESRAD-BUILD computer code to assess the effect of ventilation rate, dweller position, and room size and direction on the total effective dose(TED). The simulated TED received by a receptor when changing the ventilation rate in a room ranged from0.26 ± 0.01 to 0.61 ± 0.01 mSv/y; however,the percentage variations in the TED due to dweller position and room size are 34, 31,and 35% and 33, 27, and 40% for the x-,y-,and z-directions, respectively. The overall TED received by the dweller based on room size and direction is 0.75 mSv/y. The calculated radiological risk parameters were all below the recommended maximum limit. However, the TED received by the dweller is significantly affected by the directions of the measurement, position,room size,and ventilation. Therefore,estimating the TED from one direction would underestimate the total dose received by the dweller.

Wernicke's encephalopathy in a rectal cancer patient with atypical radiological features:A case report

BACKGROUND Wernicke's encephalopathy is a disease caused by thiamine deficiency.The lesions usually involve the periphery of the aqueduct,midbrain,tectum,third ventricle,papillary body,and thalamus.It is very rare to affect the vermis and cerebellar hemispheres.CASE SUMMARY We report a 77-year-old female patient admitted to the emergency department of our hospital for 2 d of unconsciousness.Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed increased diffusion weighted imaging signals in the bilateral thalamus,periventricular regions of the third ventricle,corpora quadrigemina,vermis,and cerebellar hemispheres.Wernicke's encephalopathy was considered.She was given thiamine therapy and became conscious after the treatment.CONCLUSION Wernicke's encephalopathy may have various imaging manifestations.Clinicians should keep in mind that Wernicke’s encephalopathy may occur in patients who experience prolonged periods of malnutrition.

Functional and radiological outcomes of different pin configuration for displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND The most widely accepted treatment for pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture is closed reduction and percutaneous pinning(CRPP). However, there is debate regarding the technique that is utilized, whether crossed or lateral pinning, and the number of pins used.AIM To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of lateral and cross pinning in the management of humeral supracondylar fracture.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 101 patients who were surgically managed by either one of the CRPP techniques from 2015 to 2019. Several clinical parameters were taken into account, including pre-and post-intervention Baumann angle, as well as scores for pain, range of motion, function, and stability. Statistical analysis was performed to study the outcomes of the utilized techniques.RESULTS Amongst our study sample, which included 63 males and 38 females with a mean age of 5.87 years, about one-third of the patients underwent crossed pinning fixation configuration and the remaining two-thirds were managed by lateral pinning configuration. Similar results were obtained in the two groups with no statistical difference regarding Mayo elbow performance scores(MEPS) and Baumann angle. The mean MEPS in the lateral and crossed pinning groups were 93.68 + 8.59 and 93.62 + 9.05, respectively. The mean Baumann angle was 72.5° + 6.46 in the lateral group and 72.3° + 4.70 in the crossed-pinning group(P = 0.878).CONCLUSION Both lateral pinning and crossed pinning fixation configuration for displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures provide similar functional and radiological outcomes.

Radiologic-histological correlation of hepatocellular carcinoma treated via pre-liver transplant locoregional therapies

BACKGROUND:Locoregional therapies(LRTs) are treatments to achieve local control of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Correlation between radiologic response to LRT and degree of induced tumor necrosis is not well understood.The aim of this study was to evaluate different levels of radiologic response after pre-liver transplant(LT) LRT and its correlation with percentage of tumor necrosis on explanted histopathology.METHODS:Institutional Review Board approved LT database was queried for treated HCC in patients undergoing LT.Radiologic response was evaluated to predict tumor necrosis in the explanted liver.Tumor response was evaluated 1 to 3 months after LRT with computed tomography or MRI via Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST),and European Association for the Study of the Liver(EASL) guidelines.LRT was repeated as needed until time of LT.Histological tumor necrosis was graded as complete(100%),partial(50%-99%),or poor(【50%).RESULTS:Between 2002 and 2011,128 patients(97 men and 31 women) received pre-LT LRT including transarterial therapy(93),radiofrequency ablation(20),or combination of both(15).The mean age of the patients was 58±9 years.Their mean follow-up was 35±27 months.The median waitlist time was 55 days.One hundred(78%) patients had HCC within the Milan criteria at the initial radiologic diagnosis.Nineteen(15%) of the patients had complete tumor necrosis on histopathology analysis.Fifty(39%) of the patients exhibited partial necrosis,52(41%) showed poor or no necrosis and 7(5%) showed progressive disease.The overall pre-LT radiologic staging was correlated with explant pathology in 73(57%) of the patients.Underestimated tumor stage was noted in 49(38%) patients,and overestimated tumor stage in 6(5%) patients.The post-LT 3-year overall survival and disease free survival were 82% and 80%,and the rates for complete and partial tumor necrosis were 100% vs 78%(P=0.02) and 100% vs 75%(P=0.03),respectively.CONCLUSIONS:In the current era,interpretation of radiologic response after LRT for HCC does not correlate accurately with histologic tumor necrosis.Total tumor necrosis is the goal of LRT;therefore,evolution in its performance is needed.Similarly,ways to predict therapy induced tumor necrosis via radiological investigation need to be improved.

Proximal tibial osteotomy for genu varum:Radiological evaluation of deformity correction with a plate vs external fixator

BACKGROUND High tibial osteotomy(HTO)is a well-known procedure for the correction of knee varus.The purpose of this study was to compare the radiological results and accuracy of deformity correction performed using two different techniques:acute opening wedge correction using a plate and gradual correction with a monolateral external fixator.AIM To compare of the radiological results of two different techniques:acute opening wedge correction(a plate and screw)and gradual correction(external fixator).METHODS A total of 43 patients with plates and 36 patients with external fixators were included.All patients had moderate uniplanar varus deformities.We measured radiographic parameters,including the mechanical axis deviation(MAD),medial proximal tibial angle(MPTA),Caton-Deschamps Index(CDI),posterior proximal tibial angle,and joint line obliquity angle(JLOA).The accuracy of MAD correction was calculated based on a correction goal of neutral or overcorrection for medial compartment arthritis.RESULTS Demographics including age,body mass index,sex,and preoperative deformities were similar between the groups.The MAD significantly improved from 23.6 mm medial to the midline(SD=8.2 mm)to 6.9 mm lateral to the midline(SD=5.4 mm)(P<0.001).The accuracy of MAD correction did not differ between the groups and was 96.1%(SD=8.1%)in the plate group and 98.2%(SD=5.2%)in the external fixator group(P=0.18).The MPTA significantly improved from 83.9°(SD=2.9°)to 90.9°(SD=3.3°)(P<0.001),and the change was similar between the groups.Differences were noted in patella height,with a CDI change of-19.2%(SD=13.7%)and 3.1%(SD=8.0%)for the plate and external fixator groups,respectively(P<0.001).The change in JLOA was 1.6 degrees(SD=1.1 degrees)and 0.9 degrees(SD=0.9 degrees)for the plate and external fixator groups,respectively(P=0.04).CONCLUSION Reliable correction of moderate varus alignment was achieved with both the acute opening wedge technique with a plate and the gradual monolateral external fixator technique.The patellar height decreased with the open wedge plate technique.Joint line obliquity decreased to a greater degree with the open wedge plate technique,perhaps as a result of medial collateral ligament release.The appropriate technique should be selected based on surgeon and patient preferences;however,external fixation may be a better choice when the preservation of patellar height is deemed important.

Radiological evaluation of patellofemoral instability and possible causes of assessment errors

Patellofemoral instability(PI)is the disruption of the patella’s relationship with the trochlear groove as a result of abnormal movement of the patella.To identify the presence of PI,conventional radiographs(anteroposterior,lateral,and axial or skyline views),magnetic resonance imaging,and computed tomography are used.In this study,we examined four main instability factors:Trochlear dysplasia,patella alta,tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance,and patellar tilt.We also briefly review some of the other assessment methods used in the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the patellofemoral joint,such as patellar size and shape,lateral trochlear inclination,trochlear depth,trochlear angle,and sulcus angle,in cases of PI.In addition,we reviewed the evaluation of coronal alignment,femoral anteversion,and tibial torsion.Possible causes of error that can be made when evaluating these factors are examined.PI is a multi-factorial problem.Many problems affecting bone structure and muscles morphologically and functionally can cause this condition.It is necessary to understand normal anatomy and biomechanics to make more accurate radiological measurements and to identify causes.Knowing the possible causes of measurement errors that may occur during radiological measurements and avoiding these pitfalls can provide a more reliable road map for treatment.This determines whether the disease will be treated medically and with rehabilitation or surgery without causing further complications.

Natural Radionuclide Concentrations and Radiological Impact Assessment of River Sediments of the Coastal Areas of Nigeria

This work was carried out to measure the radioactivity level in the coastal areas of Nigeria by gamma counting of river sediment samples and assess the radiological impact associated with the use of the river sediments as building material. The method of gamma spectrometry with a 7.6 cm by 7.6 cm NaI(Tl) detector was employed in determining 40K, 238U and 232Th levels in 95 and 38 sediment samples respectively collected from representative sites in the oil producing and non oil producing coastal areas of Nigeria. Results of the samples assayed showed that the radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 228Ra in the sediment samples of oil producing areas range from 95.4 to 160.0;7.6 to 31.0 and 9.5 to 41.6 Bq kg–1, respectively. The respective means were calculated as 122.39 ± 47.49;18.93 ± 12.53 and 29.31 ± 18.67 Bq kg–1. In the sediment samples from the non oil producing areas, the respective mean values are 88.48 ± 8.22, 14.87 ± 3.51 and 16.37 ± 3.87 Bq kg–1. Statistical analysis of the results showed that there is no significant difference between the radionuclide concentration of the sediment samples from different rivers in the oil producing and non oil producing coastal areas, except for 40K. The values of the natural radionuclide concentrations however translate to the determina-tion of the radiological impact assessment values. The values of the radiological assessment indices obtained were ob-served to be lower than limits internationally reported and recommended for building materials. It could therefore be reported that the operations of the oil companies in the coastline, involving use of radioactive materials have not contributed adversely to the radioactivity level of the river sediments and that the use of river sediments as building mate-rial in the coastal areas of Nigeria poses no radiological risk.

Natural Radioactivity Assessment and Radiological Hazards in Soils from Qarun Lake and Wadi El Rayan in Faiyum, Egypt

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring 238U, 232Th and 40K in surface soils along Qarun Lake and Wadi El Rayan located in Faiyum, Egypt were determined. The measurements were carried out through gamma-ray spectrometry using a coaxial HPGe detector. The results were compared with those reported in the literature. The radiological hazard radium-equivalent activity index, external and internal indices, radioactivity level index, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate and total absorbed dose rate associated with radioactivity in all samples were evaluated and compared with recommended values. Correlation studies between pairs of radionuclides were performed and discussed.

Radiological Hazards for Marble and Granite Used at Shak El Thouban Industrial Zone in Egypt

The background level of radiation in the natural environment surrounds us at all times. Levels of natural occurring radioactivity in marble and granite used at Shak El Thouban industrial zone in Cairo, Egypt have been investigated using HPGe detector through gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentration of radionuclides in the 238U-, 232Th-series and 40K has been determined. The average activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K for marble samples was 23.77 Bq/kg ranged from (10.91 to 45.4), 10.75 Bq/kg ranged from (5.46 to 23.61) and 520.43 Bq/kg ranged from (382.30 to 1132.41), respectively. The 238U, 232Th and 40K activity concentration for granite samples were 54.31 Bq/kg ranged from (12.04 to 106.34), 113.57 Bq/kg ranged from (23.91 to 270.36) and 7867.51 Bq/kg ranged from (2017.60 to 11436.91), respectively. Concerning the radiological risk, the radium equivalent activity, external and internal radiation hazard indices, the radiation level index and absorbed dose rate were evaluated. The mass exhalation rates of 222Rn and emanation coefficient have been also calculated. The mass exhalation rate of radon was found to be from 14.86 to 137.13 and 16.48 to 155.26 μBq/kg·s for marble and granite samples, respectively. The mean values of the specific activity of 226Ra, activity of 238U before and after sealing time and the mass exhalation rate of radon for granite samples are twice that for marble samples. All radiological indices and the mass exhalation rate of radon are lower than the permissible levels for building material in all marble samples, while all granite samples are higher and unsafe and pose a risk to the workers and users of these products due to the emanation of radon that may accumulate by time, especially in closed spaces.

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.

Remarkable gastrointestinal and liver manifestations of COVID-19: A clinical and radiologic overview

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)raging around the world still has not been effectively controlled in most countries and regions.As a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus,in addition to the most common infectious pneumonia,it can also cause digestive system disease such as diarrhea,nausea,vomiting,liver function damage,etc.In medical imaging,it manifests as thickening of the intestinal wall,intestinal perforation,pneumoperitoneum,ascites and decreased liver density.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 has great significance in COVID-19-related digestive tract diseases.In this review,we summarized the data on the clinical and imaging manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver injury caused by COVID-19 so far and explored its possible pathogenesis.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of dynamic cervical implant arthroplasty:A 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND Dynamic cervical implant(DCI)stabilization has been reported to have satisfactory clinical and radiological results with short-and mid-term follow-up in the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease.However,few reports about the clinical and radiological outcome with more than 5-year follow-up exist.AIM To investigate the long-term clinical and radiological results of DCI arthroplasty.METHODS A total of 40 patients who received DCI arthroplasty were consecutively reviewed from May 2010 to August 2015.Visual analogue scale(VAS),neck disability index(NDI)score,Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,and SF-36 items were used to assess neural function rehabilitation.Static and dynamic radiographs and 3-dimentional computed tomography were used to evaluate the radiological outcomes.RESULTS The scores of neck/arm VAS,NDI,JOA,and 8-dimensions of SF-36 were significantly improved at the 1-mo follow-up(P<0.05)and maintained until the last follow-up(P<0.05).The range of motion(ROM)of C2-C7,functional spinal unit(FSU),upper/lower adjacent level,C2-C7 lateral bending,and FSU lateral bending decreased at the 1-mo follow-up(P<0.05),whereas they increased to the preoperative level at the later follow-up intervals(P>0.05),except the ROM of FSU lateral bending(P<0.05).The C2-C7 alignment and FSU angle kept more lordotic at the last follow-up(P<0.05).The intervertebral height increased significantly at the 1-mo follow-up(P<0.05)and decreased at later follow-ups(P>0.05).At the last follow-up,12(26.1%)segments developed heterotopic ossification.CONCLUSION DCI arthroplasty is a safe and effective non-fusion technique to treat cervical degenerative disc disease in long-term follow-up.