An Environmental Scan of the National and Provincial Diagnostic Reference Levels in Canada for Common Adult Computed Tomography Scans
Several regulatory bodies have agreed that low-dose radiation used in medical imaging is a weak carcinogen that follows a linear, non-threshold model of cancer risk. While avoiding radiation is the best course of action to mitigate risk, computed tomography (CT) scans are often critical for diagnosis. In addition to the as low as reasonably achievable principle, a more concrete method of dose reduction for common CT imaging exams is the use of a diagnostic reference level (DRL). This paper examines Canada's national DRL values from the recent CT survey and compares it to published provincial DRLs as well as the DRLs in the...
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - February 13, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Michelle Linda Ferderbar, Thomas E. Doyle, Reza Samavi, David Koff Tags: Computed Tomography / Tomodensitom étrie Source Type: research

Retrospective Application of the 2015 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Ultrasound Classification, Biopsy Indications, and Follow-up Imaging of Thyroid Nodules: Can Improved Reporting Decrease Testing?
Thyroid ultrasound has been widely used to determine which nodules need further investigation. The goal of this study is to determine if using an ultrasonographic features checklist based on 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines can improve reporting and decrease unnecessary further testing. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Manijeh Mohammadi, Carrie Betel, Kirsteen Rennie Burton, Kevin McLughlin Higgins, Zeina Ghorab, Ilana Jaye Halperin Tags: Ultrasonography / Échographie Source Type: research

The Efficacy of Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Spine Biopsies in Determining a Causative Organism in Cases of Suspected Infection: A Systematic Review
In suspected spondylodiscitis and vertebral osteomyelitis, computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies are often performed to determine a causative organism and guide antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic culture yield of CT-guided biopsies performed in cases of suspected spinal infections. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Madeleine Sertic, Leighanne Parkes, Sabrina Mattiassi, Kenneth Pritzker, Michael Gardam, Kieran Murphy Tags: Vascular and Interventional Radiology / Radiologie vasculaire et radiologie d'intervention Source Type: research

Artificial Intelligence, Radiology, and the Way Forward
The critical importance of radiology as a profession and a service in the health care system is massive. It is rare for a patient to pass through a hospital without requiring the opinion of a radiologist somewhere along their journey. Whether it is triaging patient care in the emergency department, assessing the need for treatment, providing treatment, or assessing the effectiveness of treatment, the radiologist's role is paramount. The benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology, therefore, are also massive. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Sabeena Jalal, Savvas Nicolaou, William Parker Tags: Health Policy and Practice / Sant é: politique et pratique médicale Source Type: research

Interobserver Variation of Colonic Polyp Measurement at Computed Tomography Colonography
The concept of “advanced polyps” is well accepted and is defined as polyps ≥10 mm and/or those having a villous component and/or demonstrating areas of dysplasia. Of these parameters, computed tomography colonography (CTC) can only document size. The accepted management of CTC-detected “advanced polyps” is to recommend excision if feasible, whereas the management of “intermediate” (6–9 mm) polyps is more controversial, and interval surveillance may be acceptable. Therefore, distinction between 6-9 mm and ≥10 mm is important. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Gurjeet Dulku, Chandra Hewavitharana, Tonya Halliday, Duncan Ramsay, Richard Ho, Michael Phillips, Richard Mendelson Tags: Abdominal Imaging / Imagerie abdominale Source Type: research

Follow-up of Benign Thyroid Nodules —Can We Do Less?
To determine the incidence of malignancy, follow-up ultrasound (US), and repeat fine needle aspiration (FNA) in thyroid nodules that have been previously biopsied as benign. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Manijeh Mohammadi, Carrie Betel, Kirsteen Rennie Burton, Kevin McLughlin Higgins, Zeina Ghorab, Ilana Jaye Halperin Tags: Ultrasonography / Échographie Source Type: research

Imaging-Based 3-Dimensional Printing for Improved Maxillofacial Presurgical Planning: A Single Center Case Series
3-D printing is an increasingly widespread technology that allows physical models to be constructed based on cross-sectional medical imaging data. We sought to develop a pipeline for production of 3-dimensional (3-D) models for presurgical planning and assess the value of these models for surgeons and patients. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Will Guest, Diana Forbes, Colin Schlosser, Stephen Yip, Robin Coope, Jason Chew Tags: Neuroradiology / Neuroradiologie Source Type: research

Retrospective Analysis of Emergency Computed Tomography Imaging Utilization at an Academic Centre: An Analysis of Clinical Indications and Outcomes
To explore resource utilization through evaluation of computed tomography (CT) imaging trends in the emergency department by examining common indications/outcomes for imaging in this setting. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Jason Seidel, Mary Beth Bissell, Sannihita Vatturi, Angus Hartery Tags: Trauma and Emergency Room Imaging / L ’imagerie des urgences et des traumatismes Source Type: research

Computer Vision Syndrome: Darkness Under the Shadow of Light
Radiologists typically spend long hours staring at the computer monitor. This unavoidable nature of our work can lead to detrimental effects on the eyes. Moreover, there is little awareness among radiologists with regards to such potential harm. Ocular hazards, such as computer vision syndrome, are increasingly becoming more relevant to the radiology community. In this article, we discuss the ocular occupational hazards faced by radiologists and suggestions that may help in minimizing such hazards. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Ashish Chawla, Tze Chwan Lim, Sumer N. Shikhare, Peter L. Munk, Wilfred C.G. Peh Tags: Health Policy and Practice / Sant é : politique et pratique médicale Source Type: research

Applicability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Fetal Urinary Tract Malformations
To assess the applicability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to complement ultrasound in the diagnosis of fetal urinary tract anomalies. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Tatiana Mendon ça Fazecas, Edward Araujo Júnior, Heron Werner, Pedro Daltro, Alberto Borges Peixoto, Glaucia Macedo Lima, Adauto Dutra Barbosa Tags: Pediatric Radiology / Radiologie p édiatrique Source Type: research

Imaging of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Emergencies in Binge Drinking
Excess alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. The pattern of consumption of alcoholic beverages has changed in our society in the recent past, with binge drinking becoming more and more common, especially among young adults. Abdominal pain following alcohol consumption can be secondary to a wide range of pathologies, the treatment algorithm of which can range from medical supportive treatment to more invasive life-saving procedures such as transarterial embolization and emergency laparotomy. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Trishna R. Shimpi, Sumer N. Shikhare, Raymond Chung, Peng Wu, Wilfred C.G. Peh Tags: Abdominal Imaging / Imagerie abdominale Source Type: research

Acute Aortic Syndrome: Yield of Computed Tomography Angiography in Patients With Acute Chest Pain
Acute chest pain is the second most common reason for emergency department (ED) visits in Canada published by the Canadian Institute of Health Information in the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System [1]. Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a relatively uncommon cause of acute chest pain but is potentially fatal [2,3]. AAS encompasses multiple entities where aortic dissection is considered the most serious diagnosis, while intramural hematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer are thought to potentially progress to aortic dissection [4,5]. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Jane Meng, Vincent M. Mellnick, Sandra Monteiro, Michael N. Patlas Tags: Trauma and Emergency Room Imaging / L ’imagerie des urgences et des traumatismes Source Type: research

Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines: Where Are We Now?
A brief history of the Canadian Association of Radiologists' (CAR) Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines (DIRGs) was published recently [1]. To provide further context for the CAR's decisions about the future of its DIRGs, this essay will consider the current state of DIRGs internationally, relevant developments in health care imaging guidelines, and other recent developments that affect DIRGs. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Martin H. Reed Tags: Health Policy and Practice / Sant é : politique et pratique médicale Source Type: research

Musculoskeletal Corticosteroid Administration: Current Concepts
Numerous corticosteroid preparations are available, but the type and dose administered is frequently at the discretion of the clinician. This is often based on anecdotal evidence and experience rather than formal clinical guidelines. In order to better understand current practice, we anonymously surveyed 100 members of the British Society of Skeletal Radiologists. The results of the survey demonstrated the arbitrary use of all types of steroid preparation at different anatomical locations. In this article, we review the commonly used corticosteroids and propose a guideline to help practitioners decide on the type and dose ...
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Amit Shah, Davina Mak, A. Mark Davies, S.L. James, Rajesh Botchu Tags: Musculoskeletal Radiology / Radiologies musculo-squelettique Source Type: research

Spine Intervention —An Update on Injectable Biomaterials
Back pain is the second most common reason for primary-care physician visits after the common cold. New understanding of the spine pathophysiology and biomechanics led to the development of novel injectable biomaterials to treat those pain generators. Although not all biomaterials are currently ready for common use, there is significant interest by the medical community to invest time, resources, and energy to optimize these injectables. This review introduces basic concepts and advancements in the field of bioinjectables tailored for the vertebral body. (Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal)
Source: Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal - January 26, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Nureddin Ashammakhi, Olivier Clerk-Lamalice, Gamal Baroud, Mohammad Ali Darabi, Bassem Georgy, Douglas Beall, Derrick Wagoner Tags: Musculoskeletal Radiology / Radiologies musculo-squelettique Source Type: research