Insights into Imaging最新文献

{"title":"Beyond single cut-off values in ultrasound: limitations and implications for context-aware radiology reporting.","authors":"Isabelle Schöpper, Martha Dohna, Paul Martin Bansmann","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02371-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-026-02371-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Quantitative ultrasound frequently relies on single cut-off values to dichotomize continuous measurements into \"normal\" and \"abnormal.\" Although embedded in workflows and guidelines, their biological plausibility and their external validity may be limited in heterogeneous clinical populations and across different technical settings. This review evaluates the conceptual foundations, clinical implications, and relevance of single cut-off values for contemporary radiology reporting. A critical review of studies, consensus statements, and international guidelines published between 1991 and February 2026 was conducted, predominantly via PubMed/MEDLINE, with emphasis on recent and clinically relevant evidence. Research on diagnostic accuracy, population-based studies, and methodological investigations was qualitatively synthesized to assess the biological, technical, and clinical limitations of fixed cut-off values in ultrasound. As this article was not designed as a systematic review, no formal meta-analysis or PRISMA flowchart was included. Most quantitative ultrasound parameters reflect continuous biological processes influenced by patient characteristics, technical factors, and operator variability. Dichotomization may lead to information loss, misclassification, and reduced generalizability, particularly near decision boundaries (\"gray zones\"). Evidence from vascular ultrasound, elastography, and organ volumetry supports continuous risk gradients rather than discrete biological thresholds. Reliance on single cut-off values in ultrasound largely reflects historical and methodological convention rather than biological discontinuities. Context-aware interpretation strategies, including percentile-based references, multivariable risk models, probabilistic reporting, and longitudinal assessment, may better reflect biological variability and diagnostic uncertainty. Thresholds may therefore evolve from rigid decision boundaries toward context-sensitive reference points within modern reporting frameworks, thereby helping radiologists communicate diagnostic uncertainty more transparently. CRITICAL RELEVANCE: This review critically assesses fixed ultrasound cut-offs and supports context-aware reporting to reduce misclassification near decision boundaries and improve individualized, clinically meaningful radiology interpretation. KEY POINTS: Single cut-off values remain widely used in quantitative ultrasound, despite uncertainty about their biological validity, diagnostic reliability, and generalizability in clinical practice. Fixed ultrasound thresholds remain clinically useful but may lead to misclassification when biological variability, technical factors, and clinical context are not accounted for.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13481648/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148792614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comprehensive framework for multi-class prostate cancer classification using biparametric MRI: a multi-center retrospective study.","authors":"Bowen Zheng, Yuling Yang, Maierhaba Maheremu, Liuru Bao, Ling Zhang, Genggeng Qin, Zhongjian Liao, Shidong Lv, Jie Tao, Yang Xiang, Qiang Wei","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02367-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-026-02367-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Accurate pre-biopsy or preoperative diagnosis and risk stratification of prostate cancer remain challenging. This study aimed to develop an automated framework for prostate and suspicious lesion segmentation, feature extraction, and multiclass classification of prostate cancer.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study enrolled 2543 patients with suspected clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). An nnUNet was used for prostate segmentation, followed by suspected lesion identification and feature extraction. Unimodal and multimodal deep learning models were trained to classify patients into non-csPCa (benign/ISUP 1), mid-risk csPCa (ISUP 2-3), and high-risk csPCa (ISUP 4-5). Subsequently, we extracted prostate radiomics, lesion radiomics, and learned features from the unimodal DL model. Radiomics features, learned features from the unimodal deep learning model, and clinical variables were integrated to develop machine-learning classifiers. The best-performing model was compared with conventional clinical variables and evaluated across subgroups defined by PSA levels and PI-RADS 4.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The nnUNet achieved scores of 0.971 in internal validation and 0.934 in external testing. The optimal machine learning model, which integrated all features, achieved a macro-AUC of 0.87 [0.84-0.90] across both internal and external evaluations. Further comparisons indicate it outperforms traditional metrics such as total PSA, PSAD, and PI-RADS. Additionally, it exhibits strong robustness in most subgroup analyses, consistently surpassing conventional variables.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We developed an automated bpMRI-based framework that segments the prostate and suspicious lesions and enables multiclass risk stratification of prostate cancer by integrating imaging and clinical features. The proposed approach demonstrated strong performance and robustness, outperforming conventional clinical variables.</p><p><strong>Key points: </strong>Question accurate pre-biopsy stratification of prostate cancer is essential for clinical decision-making. Current studies predominantly focus on binary classification of csPCa, and multi-class classification remains challenging. Findings the comprehensive framework achieved an area under the curve of 0.87 in both internal and external tests, exceeding clinical variables and demonstrating robustness. Critical relevance statement this study presents a robust multi-class classification framework based on biparametric MRI and machine learning to improve pre-biopsy prostate cancer stratification, outperform conventional metrics, and provide a valuable tool for risk stratification and clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13481968/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148792590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing coronary CT angiography in patients with delayed contrast arrival using a free-breathing, high-threshold bolus-tracking protocol.","authors":"Yan Zhang, Ying Wang, Jing Li, Yixuan Zou, Aihui Di, Ning Lang, Huishu Yuan","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02368-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-026-02368-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the performance of a free-breathing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) protocol using a high-threshold bolus-tracking strategy in improving coronary enhancement and diagnostic visualization in patients with delayed contrast arrival.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this prospective study, 159 patients undergoing CCTA were randomized to either a conventional bolus-tracking protocol (breath-hold, 100 HU trigger threshold, 6.8 s delay) or a modified high-threshold protocol (free-breathing, 300 HU trigger threshold, 2 s delay). Patients were stratified according to contrast arrival time (T_arr) into normal and delayed contrast arrival groups using a predefined operational cutoff (15 s), resulting in four subgroups. Coronary attenuation, enhancement uniformity as assessed by the coefficient of variation (COV), enhancement phase distribution, and image quality scores were compared among groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Under the conventional protocol, patients with delayed contrast arrival demonstrated reduced enhancement uniformity and a higher proportion of late-phase acquisitions. Compared with the conventional protocol, the modified protocol significantly increased coronary attenuation and improved enhancement uniformity (COV: 11.28% vs 16.73%, p < 0.001), as well as the proportion of segments with excellent image quality in patients with delayed contrast arrival (94.2% vs 86.8%, p = 0.004). In this subgroup, the modified protocol yielded more optimal-phase scans (19.4% vs 9.4%) and fewer late-phase acquisitions (32.3% vs 65.6%). Visual quality scores and quantitative metrics were consistently higher with the modified protocol across all major coronary arteries (all p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The free-breathing, high-threshold bolus-tracking CCTA protocol improves enhancement uniformity and facilitates optimal scan-phase acquisition in patients with delayed contrast arrival, providing a more reliable and patient-tolerant alternative to conventional breath-hold protocols.</p><p><strong>Key points: </strong>Question Can a free-breathing high-threshold bolus-tracking strategy improve coronary enhancement timing and image quality in CCTA patients with delayed contrast arrival? Findings The modified protocol increased optimal-phase acquisitions, improved coronary enhancement uniformity, and maintained diagnostic image quality in patients with delayed contrast transit. Critical relevance statement A free-breathing high-threshold bolus-tracking strategy may improve acquisition robustness and enhancement consistency in patients with unpredictable contrast transit, potentially expanding the clinical applicability of CCTA in individuals with impaired breath-hold capacity or delayed circulation dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13476204/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148759790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the real MDT teaching model in medical imaging internship: an educational-oriented study.","authors":"Qingling Yang, Jian Xu, Tianji Wang, Rui An, Minwen Zheng, Yayu Huang, Fan Guo, Jing Ren","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02364-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-026-02364-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate whether the real multidisciplinary team (MDT) teaching mode can improve the learning effectiveness of interns majoring in medical imaging.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Prospective data from 58 medical imaging interns from July 2023 to January 2024 in a tertiary care radiology department were included. All interns were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group using a random number table, with 29 interns in each group. The control group received the traditional teaching mode, whereas the experimental group was taught using a real MDT teaching model. Following the internship, the theoretical knowledge, practical reading skills, and clinical reasoning and decision test scores of the two groups were compared. Additionally, the teaching effectiveness and satisfaction of the two teaching modes were evaluated via questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The practical skills (24.03 ± 1.18), clinical reasoning and decision (25.72 ± 1.85), and total score (84.41 ± 2.77) of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (23.21 ± 1.37), (24.17 ± 1.14), and (82.72 ± 2.45), respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference in theoretical knowledge score between the two groups (34.66 ± 2.44 vs 35.34 ± 1.45, p = 0.197). The questionnaire survey results indicated that the experimental group had a more favorable evaluation of the real MDT teaching mode compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the satisfaction rate of the experimental group with the teaching mode was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ² = 12.301, p = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The real MDT teaching model improves interns' clinical competencies, self-learning, teamwork, and overall educational satisfaction, showing promising utility in medical imaging training.</p><p><strong>Key points: </strong>Question The traditional teaching mode of radiology internship lacks interdisciplinary integration, which limits the clinical reasoning ability of interns. Findings Compared with the traditional teaching mode, the real MDT teaching mode in this study significantly improved the practical skills, clinical reasoning ability, and satisfaction of interns. Critical relevance statement The new interdisciplinary teaching model significantly improves the teaching effectiveness of radiology interns and helps cultivate their reasoning ability to combine imaging findings with clinical practice. This model is expected to be embedded in the intern training system.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13476203/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148760114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical observation of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for 1717 benign breast lesions: a multicenter study.","authors":"Ying Zhou, Yuan Liu, Hang Li, Pei-Yao Wang, Yi-Fan Wang, Ming-Kui Li, Chang-Fu Zheng, Zhi-Feng Xu, Shu-Wei Wang, Hong-Ling Wang, Shu-Rong Wang, Dong Xu","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02361-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13244-026-02361-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for benign breast lesions (BBLs).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This prospective multicenter study (January 2020 to July 2023) included 1043 patients from seven centers with 1717 biopsy-proven benign breast lesions. The study analyzed contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-confirmed ablation outcomes, complications, volume reduction ratio (VRR), cosmetic satisfaction, and time of complete absorption (TCA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On postoperative day 1, CEUS demonstrated complete non-enhancement in 1713/1717 lesions (99.77%) after the initial ablation; four lesions with residual enhancement underwent immediate supplementary ablation with subsequent CEUS-confirmed non-enhancement. The mean maximum lesion diameter was 1.38 ± 0.25 cm. After a median follow-up of 38.7 months, 1643 out of 1717 lesions (95.69%) were not palpable. The 12-month VRR was 99.98% for lesions ≤ 1.0 cm, 98.20% for lesions 1.0 to 2.0 cm, and 85.43% for lesions ≥ 2.0 cm. VRR was significantly associated with lesion size and procedural parameters, including ablation power and the number of antenna insertions (all p < 0.001). Postoperative pain was mild (VAS 0.52 ± 0.43), and no patients discontinued treatment due to pain. Minor complications included fat liquefaction in 3 of 1717 lesions (0.17%) and self-limiting nodularity or fibrosis in 106 lesions (6.2%). No major complications, such as burns, infection, or bleeding, occurred. Cosmetic satisfaction was rated as excellent in 92.4% of patients and good in 7.6%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Percutaneous MWA is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for BBLs, providing durable lesion regression and excellent cosmetic outcomes with minimal self-limiting complications.</p><p><strong>Critical relevance statement: </strong>This multicenter study supports ultrasound-guided microwave ablation as a feasible minimally invasive treatment for benign breast lesions, providing durable long-term regression and favorable cosmetic outcomes while helping reduce procedure-related tissue trauma associated with surgery.</p><p><strong>Key points: </strong>Long-term multicenter evidence for ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of benign breast lesions remains limited, particularly regarding safety, lesion regression, and cosmetic outcomes. Microwave ablation achieved 99.77% day-1 contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) non-enhancement, durable lesion regression, minimal complications, and high cosmetic satisfaction during long-term follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13457828/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical dialogue: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: evolving surgical concepts and their radiological implications.","authors":"Emre Anıl Özbek, Zehra Akkaya","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02358-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13244-026-02358-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13447631/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Palmer: a topographic classification of non-Palmer triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries.","authors":"Alvaro Cerezal, Francisco Del Piñal, Alejandro Rolón, Ana Canga, Alexeys Perez, Luis Cerezal","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02356-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13244-026-02356-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. The Palmer classification remains the standard framework, but high-resolution MRI and wrist arthroscopy have revealed injury patterns not included in the original scheme. These include refinements of foveal avulsions (Palmer type 1B) and radial-sided tears (type 1D), as well as broader anatomical and functional concepts of TFCC organization. In this educational review, we present a topographic classification of non-Palmer TFCC injuries into three groups: central lesions, capsular tears, and complex or combined injuries. Each group has different therapeutic implications. We review the relevant pathomechanics, clinical presentation, and imaging findings, with emphasis on MRI and MR or CT arthrography, and correlate them with arthroscopic and surgical findings to guide treatment planning. KEY POINTS: Question: although the Palmer classification remains the standard framework for TFCC injuries, MRI and arthroscopy frequently demonstrate clinically relevant lesion patterns beyond its original categories. Findings: non-Palmer TFCC injuries fall into three topographic categories: central, capsular, and complex or combined lesions, each with characteristic MRI features and treatment implications. Critical relevance statement: topographic classification of non-Palmer TFCC injuries supports more accurate preoperative MRI interpretation and surgical planning in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13447642/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148684525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical dialogue: Interstitial lung abnormalities: an evolving concept.","authors":"Maurizio Balbi, Roberta Eufrasia Ledda, Rebecca Mura, Venerino Poletti, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold, Helmut Prosch, Nicola Sverzellati","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02357-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13244-026-02357-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13442762/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Education and training in low-dose CT lung cancer screening across Europe: a survey study.","authors":"Rebecca Mura, Pamela Zolda, Roberta Eufrasia Ledda, David R Baldwin, Georgia Hardavella, Luis Seijo, Anna Kerpel-Fronius, Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko, Torsten Gerriet Blum, Helmut Prosch","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02362-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13244-026-02362-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore the status of low-dose CT lung cancer screening (LCS) training practices, identify existing gaps, and define key competencies to be included in LCS educational curricula.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>As part of the European SOLACE project, a structured cross-sectional survey consisting of 11 closed- and open-ended items, developed based on relevant literature, international guidelines, and expert input to assess LCS current practices and training needs, was administered to a panel of European LCS experts. Participants were invited to individual Zoom interviews (May-November 2025). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-five LCS experts were interviewed from 14 European countries, including 10 radiologists (40%), 8 pulmonologists (32%), 4 thoracic surgeons (16%), 1 project manager (4%), 1 smoking cessation specialist (4%), and 1 general practitioner (GP) (4%). Reported training activities ranged from established programmes (4/14 countries), to learning initiatives (6/14) and/or planned programmes (4/14). Radiologists (96%), pulmonologists (80%), and GPs (60%) were identified as the main target groups for training. On a 6-point Likert scale (0 = not important, 5 = extremely important), experts indicated limited awareness of training needs as the most relevant gap (mean 2.8 ± 2.2). Key educational areas to be strengthened included management of incidental findings (4.5 ± 0.6) and confident use of guidelines for nodule management (3.8 ± 1.8). Among essential competencies for professionals involved in LCS, the highest-rated were competence in managing incidental findings (4.7 ± 0.6), familiarity with guideline-based nodule management (4.7 ± 0.6), basic knowledge of AI tools (4.5 ± 0.8), and communication with LCS participants (4.5 ± 1.1).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest a heterogeneous LCS training landscape across European countries and underscore the importance of developing shared European curricula. Key priorities may include strengthening technical skills alongside structured communication training.</p><p><strong>Key points: </strong>Education and training of all stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation of LCS programmes. This survey assesses the current status of LCS training practices across Europe, identifies existing gaps, and defines key competencies to inform future curricula for health professionals involved in LCS. The European LCS training landscape is highly heterogeneous, with substantial variability in training activities, target professionals, and delivery modalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421576/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148619828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Standardising infection control in CT intravenous contrast practice: an eDelphi study.","authors":"Suzanne Hill, Yobelli Alexandra Jimenez, Sarah Lewis, Dania Abu Awwad","doi":"10.1186/s13244-026-02360-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13244-026-02360-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Develop consensus-based recommendations for infection, prevention and control (IPC) practices in CT regarding (1) guiding principles for Intravenous (IV) Contrast training and compliance and (2) best practices for the use of IV contrast.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A modified e-Delphi study was conducted with a panel of experienced CT radiographers and nurses from healthcare settings across Australia. Nineteen statements were presented to participants who selected a response on a 5-point Likert scale from 'strongly agree' to 'strongly disagree' using an online survey. Participants were invited to provide justifications regarding their selected responses. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement, and any statement that fell below this benchmark was modified for subsequent rounds based on participants' comments.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three rounds were conducted, with the number of participants per round being 34, 26 and 24, respectively. Eighteen statements reached consensus, and pertained to guiding principles for IV contrast, sequencing IV contrast administration, single- and multi-use IV contrast administration systems and IPC considerations in the CT environment. Statements that failed to reach consensus (n = 1) or lost stability across subsequent rounds (n = 3) related to dripped contrast and connection/disconnection of the contrast tubing to the patient.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study established a set of eighteen IPC Guiding Principles and Best Practice statements for staff administering IV contrast in CT departments in the Australian healthcare setting. Findings underscore the importance of standardising IPC training and clearer communication of IPC policies. These results can inform policy updates and guide future education.</p><p><strong>Key points: </strong>Question: CT IPC practices vary, with no clear, relevant guidelines.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Eighteen consensus statements guide CT IPC practices for IV contrast administration. Expert-led consensus statements enhance CT IV contrast practice, supporting safer departmental procedures. Critical relevance statement: CT IV contrast administration practices vary across practitioners and departments; however, standardised guiding principles and best practice recommendations can support improved infection control for radiology departments, educators, and policymakers aiming to enhance infection control within diagnostic imaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":13639,"journal":{"name":"Insights into Imaging","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421609/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148619800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}