Radiation Field Preference for Radiographic Anatomical Markers by Radiographers in a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Objective: The work aims to determine the radiographers’ preference between primary and secondary radiation fields for imprinting anatomical markers on radiographs. Methodology: Processed radiographs from the darkroom with evidence of radiographic anatomical markings were selected randomly and reviewed using a viewing box, within a 4-week period. The radiation field in which markers were placed was noted for each radiograph. Faintly-appearing and partly coned- off markers were excluded. Simple statistical tools were used to derive central tendency. Result: 623 radiographs were assessed. 89.0% (n = 555) had markers in the primary radiation field while 11.0% (n = 68) were in the secondary radiation field. 98% (n = 611) of markers did not obstruct essential anatomy while 2% (n = 12) did, but the radiographs were neither repeated nor rejected because of the twin reason of reportability and the need to avoid additional radiation dose to patients. Conclusion: Radiographers in the centre preferred the primary radiation field for marker placement to avoid cone-off, cut-off and illegibility which leads to repeat. This, however, does not offer superior advantage to markers placed in secondary radiation field. It is recommended that marker placement preference should be guided by the need for legibility, aesthetics and avoidance of essential anatomy.

Factors Affecting Compliance towards Radiation Protection Equipment among Radiographers:A Cross Sectional Study

Background:Radiographers were at risk of x-ray radiation.Ministry of Heath of Indonesia made a regulation act no.33 year 2007 to secure radiographers on ionizing radiations by using radiation protection equipment(RPE).Objective:This study identified the factors affecting compliance towards RPE among radiographers and determined the correlation between influencing factors and compliance towards RPEs.Methods:The study conducted a quantitative descriptive-correlational design in a cross sectional approach.A total of 103 radiographers answered the online self administered questionnaires from 9 government hospitals at Jakarta,Indonesia.Results:It was identified that personal factors were the knowledge and motivations while the availability of RPEs and standard operating procedures were environmental factors.The knowledge(p=0.001,r=0.321)and motivations(p=0.018,r=0.232),and availability of RPE(p=0.138,r=0.146)and standard operating procedures(p=0.023,r=0.224)were factors affecting a compliance to RPEs.It was however determined that gender(p=0.251,r=0.113),and place of work(p=0.479,r=0.070)were not correlated to both personal and environmental factors.On the contrary,age(p=0.031,r=0.212),highest educational attainment(p=0.039,r=0.203),years of experience(p=0.001,r=0.336),and training(p=0.001,r=0.341)influenced both personal and environmental factors affecting compliance of radiographers towards RPEs.Findings:It was found that Dr.Cipto Mangunkusumo(p=0.271),Persahabatan(p=0.133),Fatmawati(p=0.357),Otak Nasional(p=0.238),Pasar Rebo(p=0.356),Tarakan(0.255),and Koja(p=0.199)hospitals were not probable to comply towards RPEs.Only Infeksi Sulianti Suroso(p=0.21),and Budhi Asih(p=0.0002)hospitals were most probable to comply towards RPEs.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the radiographers’ competence scale

Assessing the competence of registered radiographers’ clinical work is of great importance because of the recent change in nursing focus and rapid technological development. Self-assessment assists radiographers to validate and improve clinical practice by identifying their strengths as well as areas that may need to be developed. The aim of the study was to develop and psychometrically test a specially designed instrument, the Radiographers Competence Scale (RCS). A cross sectional survey was conducted comprising 406 randomly selected radiographers all over Sweden. The study consisted of two phases;the development of the instrument and evaluation of its psychometric properties. The first phase included three steps: 1) construction of the RCS;2) pilot testing of face and content validity;and 3) creation of a web-based 54-item questionnaire for testing the instrument. The second phase comprised psychometric evaluation of construct validity, internal consistency reliability and item reduction. The analysis reduced the initial 54 items of the RCS to 28 items. A logical two-factor solution was identified explaining 53.8% of the total variance. The first factor labelled “Nurse initiated care” explained 31.7% of the total variance. Factor 2 labelled “Technical and radiographic processes” explained 22.1% of the total variance. The scale had good internal consistency reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. The RCS is a short, easy to administer scale for capturing radiographers’ competence levels and the frequency of using their competence. The scale was found to be valid and reliable. The self-assessment RCS can be used in management, patient safety and quality improvement to enhance the radiographic process.

Assessment of radiation protection knowledge and practices among radiographers in the central region of Ghana

Objective:To assess the radiation protection practices and knowledge among radiographers in the central region of Ghana.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among practicing radiographers in three selected hospitals.The study was carried out from January to October 2021.A self-administered questionnaire comprising three sections was given out to 20 participants to answer.Data were analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS)version 25.0 and logistic regression analysis.Results:The study revealed that over ninety percent of the radiographers had dosimeters but only 25%wear them always.Adherence to radiation protection measures and practices was found to be generally fairly satisfactory,but was high in the age group 35-45.However,Knowledge of radiation protection practices amongst the radi-ographers was generally high.Working experience of fewer than 5 years(P=0.035)gave a high odds ratio(OR)and was of a significant value in determining the radiation training and courses undertaken by these radiographers.Conclusions:The adherence to radiation protection practices was fairly satisfactory,and the knowledge of radi-ation protection practices was generally high,but that is not enough.There is more room for improvement to ensure knowledge is put into practice to enhance proper safety measures,ensure effective work,and overall reduce the negative effects of ionizing radiation.

Two-stage corrective operation for the treatment of pes cavovarus in patients with spina bifida

BACKGROUND Pes cavovarus has an estimated incidence of 8%-17%in patients with spina bifida(SB).The majority of the current literature on surgical treatment of cavovarus feet in children and adolescents includes a variety of diagnoses.There are currently no case series describing a treatment algorithm for deformity correction in this specific patient population.The authors of this study present the results of a retrospective case series performed to assess the radiographic outcomes of two-stage corrective surgery in patients with SB.METHODS Retrospective chart review was performed on patients with SB with a diagnosis of pes cavovarus at a freestanding children’s hospital who underwent surgical correction of the deformity.Patients were excluded for lack of two-stage corrective operation,nonambulatory status,lack of at least six months follow-up,and age>18 years at the time of surgery.This resulted in a cohort of 19 patients.Radiographic analysis was performed on 11 feet that had a complete series of preoperative and postoperative weightbearing X-rays.Preoperative and postoperative radiographic outcome measurements were compared using a two-sample t-test.RESULTS Significant changes between the preoperative and postoperative measurements were seen in Meary’s angle,the anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal(AP TMT1)angle,and the talonavicular coverage.Mean values of Meary’s angle were 17.9±13.1 preoperatively and 4.7±10.3 postoperatively(P=0.016).Mean AP TMT1 angle was 20.6±15.1 preoperatively and 9.3±5.5 postoperatively(P=0.011).Mean talonavicular coverage values were-10.3±9.6 preoperatively and-3.8±10.1 postoperatively(P=0.025).CONCLUSION The two-stage corrective procedure demonstrated efficacy in correcting cavovarus deformity in patients with SB.Providers should strongly consider employing the staged surgical algorithm presented in this manuscript for management of these patients.

Coronal plane stability of cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty in valgus gonarthrosis patients:A mid-term evaluation using stress radiographs

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty(TKA)using implants with a high level of constraint has generally been recommended for patients with osteoarthritis(OA)who have valgus alignment.However,studies have reported favorable outcomes even with cruciate-retaining(CR)implants.AIM To evaluate the coronal plane stability of CR-TKA in patients with valgus OA at the mid-term follow-up.METHODS Patients with primary valgus OA of the knee who underwent TKA from January 2014 to January 2021 were evaluated through stress radiography using a digital stress device with 100 N of force on both the medial and lateral side.Gap openings and degrees of angulation change were determined.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for both continuous and categorical variables.Inter-rater reliability of the radiographic measurements was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha.RESULTS This study included 25 patients(28 knees)with a mean preoperative mechanical valgus axis of 11.3(3.6-27.3)degrees.The mean follow-up duration was 3.4(1.04-7.4)years.Stress radiographs showed a median varus and valgus gap opening of 1.6(IQR 0.6-3.0)mm and 1.7(IQR 1.3-2.3)mm and varus and valgus angulation changes of 2.5(IQR 1.3-4.8)degrees and 2.3(IQR 2.0-3.6)degrees,respectively.No clinical signs of instability,implant loosening,or revision due to instability were observed throughout this case series.CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that using CR-TKA for patients with valgus OA of the knee promoted excellent coronal plane stability.

Radiographic Equipment and Accessories as a Potential Source of Nosocomial Infection

Background: Nosocomial infections have become a major challenge in healthcare facilities as they affect the quality of medical care. Radiological imaging plays a crucial role in medical diagnosis. However, the equipment and accessories used increase the risk of transmission of nosocomial bacteria. Objective: This study aims to reveal the extent and nature of microbiological contamination in four hospital diagnostic imaging departments to determine their potential role in the spread of nosocomial bacteria and to evaluate the effectiveness of routine daily disinfection practices in controlling microorganisms in diagnostic imaging departments. Methods & Results: In each department, swabs were taken from the surfaces of selected parts of the equipment and accessories three times a day (early morning, noon, and evening) for five consecutive days. Bacteria were isolated from 65 swabs (36.1% of all samples). The bacteria were isolated 3 times (4.6%) in the morning, 16 times (24.6%) at midday, and 46 times (70.7%) in the evening. The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (isolated 34 times;52.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (20 times;30.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (6 times;9.3%), and Klebsiella species (5 times;7.7%). Discussion & Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that radiology equipment and accessories are not free of bacteria and further improvements in the sterilization and disinfection of radiology equipment and accessories are needed to protect staff and patients from nosocomial infections.

HIPPO artificial intelligence:Correlating automated radiographic femoroacetabular measurements with patient-reported outcomes in developmental hip dysplasia

BACKGROUND Hip dysplasia(HD)is characterized by insufficient acetabular coverage of the femoral head,leading to a predisposition for osteoarthritis.While radiographic measurements such as the lateral center edge angle(LCEA)and Tönnis angle are essential in evaluating HD severity,patient-reported outcome measures(PROMs)offer insights into the subjective health impact on patients.AIM To investigate the correlations between machine-learning automated and manual radiographic measurements of HD and PROMs with the hypothesis that artificial intelligence(AI)-generated HD measurements indicating less severe dysplasia correlate with better PROMs.METHODS Retrospective study evaluating 256 hips from 130 HD patients from a hip preservation clinic database.Manual and AI-derived radiographic measurements were collected and PROMs such as the Harris hip score(HHS),international hip outcome tool(iHOT-12),short form(SF)12(SF-12),and Visual Analogue Scale of the European Quality of Life Group survey were correlated using Spearman's rank-order correlation.RESULTS The median patient age was 28.6 years(range 15.7-62.3 years)with 82.3%of patients being women and 17.7%being men.The median interpretation time for manual readers and AI ranged between 4-12 minutes per patient and 31 seconds,respectively.Manual measurements exhibited weak correlations with HHS,including LCEA(r=0.18)and Tönnis angle(r=-0.24).AI-derived metrics showed similar weak correlations,with the most significant being Caput-Collum-Diaphyseal(CCD)with iHOT-12 at r=-0.25(P=0.042)and CCD with SF-12 at r=0.25(P=0.048).Other measured correlations were not significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION This study suggests AI can aid in HD assessment,but weak PROM correlations highlight their continued importance in predicting subjective health and outcomes,complementing AI-derived measurements in HD management.

GE飞天6000型DR安装调试研究

介绍了DR的工作原理,以及在GE飞天6000型DR的安装和调试过程中的一些体会。

Chest radiographic and computed tomographic manifestations in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

AIM: To investigate the chest radiographic and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest manifestations in glucocorticoid-na?ve allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) patients. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study and includes 60 consecutive glucocorticoid-na?ve patients with ABPA who underwent chest radiography and HRCT of the chest (1.25 mm every 10 mm) in the routine diagnostic workup for ABPA. RESULTS: Chest radiographs were normal in 50% of cases. Of the remainder, most patients demonstrated permanent findings in the form of parallel line and ring shadows suggesting bronchiectasis. Consolidation was detected in 17 cases but in the majority, the corresponding HRCT chest scan showed mucus-filled bronchiectatic cavities. Chest HRCT was normal in 22 patients, while central bronchiectasis (CB) was demonstrated in the remaining 38 patients. Bronchiectasis extended to the periphery in 33%-43% depending on the criteria used for defining CB. The other findings observed on HRCT were mucoid impaction, centrilobular nodules and high-attenuation mucus in decreasing order of frequency. CONCLUSION: Patients with ABPA can present with normal HRCT chest scans. Central bronchiectasis cannot be considered a characteristic feature of ABPA as peripheral bronchiectasis is commonly observed. Consolidation is an uncommon finding in ABPA.

Esophageal rupture due to Sengstaken-Blakemore tube misplacement

The author presents three cases of esophageal rupture during the treatment of massive esophageal variceal bleeding with Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube. In each case, simple auscultation was used to guide SB tube insertion, with chest radiograph obtained only after complete inflation of the gastric balloon. Two patients died of hemorrhagic shock and one died of mediastinitis.The author suggests that confirmation of SB tube placement by auscultation alone may not be adequate.Routine chest radiographs should be obtained before and after full inflation of the gastric balloon to confirm tube position and to detect tube dislocation.

Esophageal space-occupying lesion caused by Ascaris lumbricoides

Ascaris lumbricoides is the largest intestinal nematode parasite of man,which can lead to various complications because of its mobility.As the esophagus is not normal habitat of Ascaris,the report of esophageal ascariasis is rare.An old female presented with dysphagia after an intake of several red bean buns and haw jellies.The barium meal examination revealed a spherical defect in the lower esophagus.Esophageal bezoar or esophageal carcinoma was considered at the beginning.The patient fasted,and received fluid replacement treatment as well as some oral drugs such as proton pump inhibitor and sodium bicarbonate.Then upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done to further confirm the diagnosis and found a live Ascaris lumbricoides in the gastric antrum and two in the duodenal bulb.The conclusive diagnosis was ascariasis.The esophageal space-occupying lesion might be the entangled worm bolus.Anthelmitnic treatment with mebendazole improved patient's clinical manifestations along with normalization of the radiological findings during a 2-wk follow-up.Authors report herein this rare case of Ascaris lumbricoides in the esophagus,emphasizing the importance of awareness of this parasitic infection as it often presents with different and unspecific symptoms.

The fragmentation of D-shaped casing filled with explosive under eccentric initiation

With the technical development of new warhead designs and improvised explosive device protection,irregular casing filled with explosive has been paid more attention recently. In this paper, we studied the fragmentation of a type of D-shaped casing, which is a common asymmetric casing in the field of warhead design. Based on the radiograph technique, static explosive experiments were conducted with D-shaped casings under four different eccentric initiation ratios to explore their fragmentation. A numerical model was then established to simulate the dynamic response of D-shaped casing filled with explosive. The results of numerical simulation were found to agree well with the experimental data.According to the results of numerical simulation and experimental data, the dynamic responses of Dshaped casing were analyzed. The results of the current work pave way for the innovative design of new warhead and for further studying the dynamic response of asymmetric casing.

Recent advances in imaging technologies in dentistry

Dentistry has witnessed tremendous advances in all its branches over the past three decades. With these advances, the need for more precise diagnostic tools,specially imaging methods, have become mandatory.From the simple intra-oral periapical X-rays, advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound have also found place in modern dentistry. Changing from analogue to digital radiography has not only made the process simpler and faster but also made image storage, manipulation(brightness/contrast, image cropping, etc.) and retrieval easier. The three-dimensional imaging has made the complex cranio-facial structures more accessible for examination and early and accurate diagnosis of deep seated lesions. This paper is to review current advances in imaging technology and their uses in different disciplines of dentistry.

Hip joint center localisation: A biomechanical application to hip arthroplasty population

AIM: To determine hip joint center(HJC) location on hip arthroplasty population comparing predictive and functional approaches with radiographic measurements.METHODS: The distance between the HJC and the mid-pelvis was calculated and compared between the three approaches. The localisation error between the predictive and functional approach was compared using the radiographic measurements as the reference. The operated leg was compared to the non-operated leg.RESULTS: A significant difference was found for the distance between the HJC and the mid-pelvis when comparing the predictive and functional method. The functional method leads to fewer errors. A statistical difference was found for the localization error between the predictive and functional method. The functional method is twice more precise.CONCLUSION: Although being more individualized, the functional method improves HJC localization and should be used in three-dimensional gait analysis.

Effect of varying computed tomography acquisition and reconstruction parameters on semi-automated clot volume quantification

AIM To examine effects of computed tomography(CT)image acquisition/reconstruction parameters on clot volume quantification in vitro for research method validation purposes.METHODS This study was performed in conformance with HIPAA and IRB Regulations(March 2015-November 2016).A ten blood clot phantom was designed and scanned on a dual-energy CT scanner(SOMATOM Force,Siemens Healthcare Gm BH,Erlangen,Germany)with varying pitch,iterative reconstruction,energy level and slicethickness.A range of clot and tube sizes were used in an attempt to replicate in vivo emboli found within central and segmental branches of the pulmonary arteries in patients with pulmonary emboli.Clot volume was the measured parameter and was analyzed by a single image analyst using a semi-automated region growing algorithm implemented in the FDA-approved Siemens syngo.via image analysis platform.Mixed model analysis was performed on the data.RESULTS On the acquisition side,the continuous factor of energy showed no statistically significant effect on absolute clot volume quantification(P=0.9898).On the other hand,when considering the fixed factor of pitch,there were statistically significant differences in clot volume quantification(P<0.0001).On the reconstruction side,with the continuous factor of reconstruction slice thickness no statistically significant effect on absolute clot volume quantification was demonstrated(P=0.4500).Also on the reconstruction side,with the fixed factor of using iterative reconstructions there was also no statistically significant effect on absolute clot volume quantification(P=0.3011).In addition,there was excellent R^2 correlation between the scale-measured mass of the clots both with respect to the CT measured volumes and with respect to volumes measure by the water displacement method.CONCLUSION Aside from varying pitch,changing CT acquisition parameters and using iterative reconstructions had no significant impact on clot volume quantification with a semi-automated region growing algorithm.

Factors influencing the yield of mesenteric angiography in lower gastrointestinal bleed

AIM: To assess if certain triaging rules could be established to optimize the yield of mesenteric angiography. METHODS: Medical records of 101 patients were retrospectively reviewed and parameters relating to age, gender, pulse rate, blood pressure, serum hemoglobin, intensive care unit(ICU) admission, and the number of packed red blood cells(PRBC) transfused in the 12 and 24 h prior to the angiography were tabulated in two groups with positive and negative angiography results. RESULTS: We found no correlation between gender, pulse rate, blood pressure or serum hemoglobin and positivity of the mesenteric angiogram. But patients with positive angiogram were found to be on average 7 years older(73.2 years vs 65.9 years old)(P = 0.02). Angiogram was positive in 39.3 %(11/28) of patientsadmitted in ICU vs 23.2%(17/73) who were admitted elsewhere in the hospital(P = 0.03). In the 12 and 24 h prior to angiography, patients with a positive angiogram received a mean of 2.7 ± 2.3 and 3.3 ± 2.6 units of PRBC s respectively, while patients with a negative angiogram had a mean of 1.6 ± 1.9(P = 0.02) and 2.1 ± 2.6 units(P = 0.04) received respectively in the same period. CONCLUSION: Older age, ICU admission, having received at least 4 units PRBC over 12 h or 5 units over 24 h prior to angiogram are leading indicators for a positive study.

C-reactive protein and radiographic findings of lower respiratory tract infection in infants

AIM To evaluate the association between C-reactive protein(CRP) and radiological evidence of lower respiratory tract infection(LRTI) in infants.METHODS All patients aged less than 4 years who presented with suspected lower respiratory tract infection,who received a peri-presentation chest radiograph and CRP blood measurement over an 18-mo period were included in the study.Age,gender,source of referral,CRP,white cell count,neutrophil count along with the patients' symptoms and radiologist's report were recorded.RESULTS Three hundred and eleven patients met the inclusioncriteria.Abnormal chest radiographs were more common in patients with elevated CRP levels(P < 0.01).Radiologic signs of LRTI were identified in 73.7% of chest radiographs when a patient had a CRP level between 50-99 mg/L.CRP levels were a better predictor of positive chest radiograph findings for those aged greater than I year compared to those 1 year or less.CONCLUSION CRP may be used in patients with suspected LRTI diagnosis to select those who are likely to have positive findings on chest radiograph,thus reducing unnecessary chest radiographs.

Weld extraction from real-time radiograph based on bidirectional accumulator Hough Transform

An effective approach is presented to extract welds from real-time radiographs, Firstly an algorithm based on an adaptive bidirectional threshold was proposed to segment the gradient image into ternary image, and then the bidirectional accumulator Hough Transform was developed to extract weld edges from the ternary image. Different values of the coefficient proposed in the threshold algorithm were tested, and the proposed approach was applied to extract welds from real-time radiographic images of different types of welds with defects. Results show that the proposed method is adaptive and effective to extract welds from real-time radiographs of linear welds.