Journal of Clinical Imaging Science最新文献

{"title":"Imaging evidence of osseous fusion of patients undergoing segmental mandibular fibular free flap reconstruction - a retrospective analysis.","authors":"Dinesh Rao, Ashleigh Weyh, Mauricio Hernandez, Rachel Stein, Adam Holtzman, Sukhwinder Sandhu, Anthony Bunnell, Rui Fernandes","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_211_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_211_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>There is a lack of literature detailing evidence of osseous fusion following mandibular free flap reconstruction. This purpose of this study was to determine the presence of osseous union following mandibular free flap reconstruction, the timing of fusion and risk factors associated with non-union.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A retrospective chart and imaging review was performed to determine the presence of fusion and risk factors for non-union following fibular free flap reconstruction of the mandible. Indications for surgery included malignancy, benign lesions, osteoradionecrosis, and trauma. Chi-square analyses were performed in aggregate and for each subgroup to determine associations between different factors for the presence of fusion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study included 79 subjects with 62 (78%) achieving at least partial fusion, and 53 (67%) achieving complete fusion. Subjects who underwent surveillance imaging for longer periods of time were more likely to achieve fusion. (<i>p</i><0.005). Malignant lesions were more likely to fuse than other subgroups (<i>p</i><0.029). T4 lesions had less fusion (<i>p</i><0.048). Adjuvant chemotherapy (<i>p</i><0.035), steroids (<i>p</i><0.046), and prior radiotherapy (<i>p</i><0.024) were associated with transient delays in fusion.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Most patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction demonstrate complete fusion at one year after surgery. Transient delays in bone union may occur secondary to adjuvant chemotherapy, perioperative steroid use and prior radiotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"33"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13540795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lymphoscintigraphic patterns in lymphedema with normal body mass index, obesity-induced lymphedema, phlebolymphedema, and lipedema.","authors":"Sina Oh, Jaewon Yang, Michael Fediw, Robert Carson Sibley","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_121_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_121_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lower extremity swelling has a broad differential diagnosis, including lymphedema, obesity-induced lymphedema, phlebolymphedema, and lipedema. Although these conditions may appear similar clinically, their pathophysiology and lymphoscintigraphic findings differ. Obesity, venous insufficiency, and abnormal adipose tissue can complicate image interpretation. We present four representative cases to illustrate characteristic imaging patterns across these conditions. These cases highlight the importance of interpreting lymphoscintigraphy in a clinical context.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13540783/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Follow-up after an abnormal screening mammogram: Impact of a pandemic on mobile mammography patients.","authors":"Ethan Oren Cohen, Charisma DeSai, Chingyi Young, Jia Sun, Gary J Whitman","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_238_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_238_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on a mobile screening mammography program as measured by turnaround time (TAT) in days between an abnormal screening mammogram (sMG) and diagnostic mammography.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>All of our institution's sMG (mobile and non-mobile) from January 2017, to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, and those dated March 7, 2020-July 7, 2020 were excluded because our mobile sMG program was non-operative at that time due to COVID-19. TATs and patient demographics were compared for mobile and non-mobile sMG patients between 2 time periods: Pre-pandemic (January 1, 2017-March 6, 2020) and pandemic (July 8, 2020-December 31, 2022). Statistics included multiple linear regression analysis, Fisher's Exact, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the pre-pandemic period, 11,439 female patients (9309 without insurance, 81.3%) underwent 14,161 mobile sMG, while 28,737 female patients (429 without insurance, 1.5%) underwent 57,840 non-mobile sMG. During the pandemic period, 6805 female patients (6720 without insurance, 98.8%) underwent 7663 mobile sMG, while 32,655 female patients (868 without insurance, 2.7%) underwent 53,540 non-mobile sMG. Median TATs for mobile uninsured patients increased from 41 days during the pre-pandemic period to 51 days during the pandemic period (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while median TATs for non-mobile insured patients decreased from 20 days during the pre-pandemic period to 14 days during the pandemic period (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Increased TATs were associated with Asian, African American, and Other race compared with White race (Asian, <i>p</i> = 0.004; African American, <i>p</i> < 0.001; and Other, <i>p</i> = 0.02) and self-pay insurance status (<i>p</i> = 0.006).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>For mobile uninsured screening patients, the number of days between screening and diagnostic mammography increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, while it decreased for non-mobile insured screening patients. Mobile uninsured mammography patients may represent a population that needs additional attention. These findings highlight a health equity concern, as the pandemic disproportionately widened disparities in timely follow-up care for uninsured patients served by mobile mammography programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13540775/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative evaluation of zoomed and parallel diffusion-weighted imaging: A phantom study.","authors":"Akiyoshi Iwase, Yasuo Takatsu, Naoki Ohno, Azusa Kitao, Tosiaki Miyati","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_92_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_92_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Single-shot echo-planar imaging sequences with parallel imaging are widely used for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). However, when small fields of view and higher phase-encoding reduction ratios (PRs) are applied, image quality may deteriorate because of imperfections in the unfolding process of parallel imaging. Previous studies have suggested that Zoomed DWI (Zoom-DWI) may address this limitation. Therefore, we compared Zoom-DWI with parallel DWI (Parallel-DWI) across different PRs to evaluate image quality.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Zoom-DWI and Parallel-DWI were performed using identical acquisition times and imaging parameters at different PRs. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), image uniformity, slice thickness, spatial resolution, and image distortion were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At a PR of 66.6%, the SNR of Zoom-DWI was approximately 1.4-3.3-fold higher than that of Parallel-DWI at the image center, where reconstruction errors in parallel imaging become more pronounced as PR increases. Image uniformity was also higher in Zoom-DWI than in Parallel-DWI, and the difference increased by approximately 41.0% at a PR of 66.6%. Slice thickness, spatial resolution, and image distortion were comparable between the two methods.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this phantom study, Zoom-DWI demonstrated higher SNR and greater image uniformity than Parallel-DWI, particularly at higher PRs and in the central image region.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"30"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13540797/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Image quality evaluation of neonatal brain magnetic resonance imaging using a deep learning reconstruction algorithm: A quantitative and multireader study using variable denoising levels at 3 tesla.","authors":"Zain Alvi, Eduardo P Reis, Mateus A Esmeraldo, David Shin, Suchandrima Banerjee, Hisham M Dahmoush, Andrew Campion, Stefanie Chambers, Yanniklas Kravutske, Sergios Gatidis, Bruno P Soares","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_32_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_32_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Neonatal imaging is particularly challenging because newborns are prone to head motion, which can degrade image quality and complicate interpretation. Improving brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image quality may help reduce diagnostic uncertainty and facilitate the nuanced assessment of early myelinating structures in the neonatal brain. Although deep learning reconstruction algorithms designed to improve MRI image quality have been evaluated in pediatric imaging, they have not been specifically studied in exclusively neonatal populations. This pilot study sought to evaluate image quality improvement through the employment of a deep learning reconstruction algorithm in neonatal brain imaging.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>3D T1-weighted brain MRIs were obtained in a small cohort of 15 neonates. A deep learning reconstruction algorithm was applied to the image sets using low, medium, and high levels of denoising. Three radiologists qualitatively rated image quality (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR], presence of artifacts, and overall clarity) on a 4-point scale of eight early myelinating structures. Objective apparent SNR (aSNR) and apparent contrast-to-noise ratio (aCNR), based on signal intensities of white and gray matter, were measured across all three denoising levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Evaluation by radiologists indicated an overall increase in all image quality categories and increased conspicuity of the early myelinating structures as the level of denoising increased. Objective aSNR and aCNR values also increased progressively with denoising, with significant differences observed for nearly all pairwise comparisons.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings suggest improvement in image quality with the use of the deep learning reconstruction algorithm in 3D T1-weighted neonatal brain MRI, though the small sample size and pilot design limit generalizability. Diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes were not evaluated and warrant future investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13440578/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety and efficacy of low-cost, off-label balloons during balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration procedure.","authors":"Umamaheswari Nusum, Shoban Haridass, Shikhar Garg, K B Santhosh Babu, Shyamkumar N Keshava","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_232_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_232_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objective of the study is to assess the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) using low-cost, off-label balloon catheters.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A retrospective study was conducted on 31 patients (20 males, 11 females; mean age 56.6 years; range 47-75 years) who underwent BRTO between January 2009 and November 2023. All patients had gastric varices with a demonstrable gastrorenal shunt on pre-procedural computed tomography; six of them presented with intractable hepatic encephalopathy. Off-label balloon catheters (Swan-Ganz, Fogarty, or stone extractor) were selected based on shunt anatomy. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam, with or without Lipiodol, was used as the sclerosing agent. Technical success was defined as sustained sclerosant stasis during balloon inflation. Clinical success was defined as cessation of variceal bleeding or resolution of encephalopathy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Technical success was achieved in 29 of 31 patients (93.5%). Balloon rupture or deflation occurred in two patients; however, hemostasis was successfully maintained without any rebleeding. Of the 25 patients with follow-up data (mean 953.6 days; range 1-4015 days), clinical success was observed in 23 (92%). One patient required surgical shunt creation for immediate post-procedure bleeding, and another experienced rebleeding after 1 year, which was successfully managed with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Among 17 patients with follow-up imaging or endoscopy, complete obliteration of gastric varices was observed in 70.5% and partial obliteration in 29.5%. Balloon-related complications were rare and not associated with adverse clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BRTO using inexpensive off-label balloon catheters is a technically feasible, safe, and clinically effective treatment for gastric varices and hepatic encephalopathy. In combination with a modified Lipiodol-free sclerosant protocol, this technique offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional BRTO in resource-constrained environments. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to develop standardized clinical guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13440577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features of struma ovarii: A retrospective case series.","authors":"Lihua Xiang, Xin He, Nan Jiang, Ying Shen, Guangzheng Li, Ling Yang","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_167_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_167_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Struma ovarii (SO) is an extremely rare clinical condition. This study retrospectively analyzes clinical and imaging data from 11 misdiagnosed cases of struma ovarii to identify key diagnostic and differential imaging features.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and imaging features of 11 patients with initially misdiagnosed but postoperatively confirmed ovarian struma, who were treated at our hospital. Imaging features analyzed included lesion size, computed tomography (CT) density, calcification status, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal characteristics (cystic/solid components), enhancement intensity, and lymph node or distant metastasis. Clinical features analyzed comprised patient symptoms and laboratory test results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All 11 unilateral ovarian lesions measured 10.77 ± 4.43 cm. MRI demonstrated markedly hypointense foci on T2-weighted images in the cyst wall septa in 90.9% of cases (10/11), isointense to mildly hyperintense signal on T1-weighted images in cystic cavities in 63.6% (7/11), and small to moderate volume ascites in 81.8% (9/11). On contrast-enhanced MRI, the solid components exhibited a honeycomb-like enhancement pattern: enhancement was comparable to the myometrium in 4 cases, greater in 4 cases, and slightly lower in 3 cases. One case demonstrated restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging along with multiple pelvic disseminated nodules. On non-contrast CT, all cases showed slightly high-density foci (66.56 ± 8.23 HU), with punctate or nodular calcifications in 54.5% (6/11). In the subset of three patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT, marked enhancement of the solid components was observed in all cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The radiological manifestations of SO demonstrate distinct characteristic features. When combined with clinical findings, these imaging features may assist in diagnosis and improve diagnostic accuracy.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"27"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13440790/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnetic resonance imaging findings of degenerating uterine fibroids: A pictorial review.","authors":"Nga Nguyen, Anas Al-Zubaidi, Karen Rojas, Anjali Ramachandran, Noha Kabeel, Peeyush Bhargava","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_301_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_301_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are benign and frequently seen in genitourinary imaging, their degeneration features may overlap with malignant entities. Accurate characterization of uterine fibroids (UFs) and its differentiation from other malignancies not only helps alleviate patients' anxiety but also assists with treatment plans, either medical or surgical. This article aims to outline the main magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of each fibroid degenerating type with case-based illustrations. This will also outline essential imaging features to differentiate degenerating UFs from other malignant entities.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13440576/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Construction of an ultrasound feature-based diagnostic model for predicting triple-negative breast cancer using 108 machine learning algorithm combinations.","authors":"Xin Zhang, Xiaomin Zhang, Shan Zhu, Ningxia Ao, Yali Cao, Guangfei Yang","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_283_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_283_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer lacking estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor R expression. This study aimed to identify ultrasound features associated with TNBC and construct a robust diagnostic model using machine learning techniques.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A total of 433 BC patients (47 TNBC and 386 non-TNBC) with complete clinical and ultrasound data were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent ultrasound predictors of TNBC. Subsequently, 108 combinations of feature selection methods and machine learning classifiers were systematically evaluated to identify the optimal diagnostic model. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration plots in both training and validation cohorts. The ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and the requirement for individual written informed consent was waived due to the retrospective nature of the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multivariate analysis identified posterior acho, margins, calcification, and aspect ratio as independent predictors of TNBC (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Among all model combinations, the Stepwise Generalized Linear Model combined with Random Forest model achieved the best performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.000 in the training set and 0.913 in the validation set. Subgroup analysis revealed higher model accuracy in patients aged ≤50 years (AUC = 0.911) compared to those >50 years (AUC = 0.706). DCA and calibration plots indicated high clinical utility and excellent calibration performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Specific ultrasound features can effectively distinguish TNBC from non-TNBC. A machine learning-based diagnostic model that integrates multiple algorithmic combinations demonstrates strong generalizability and may serve as a valuable clinical tool, particularly for younger patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13331217/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148391111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic yield and utilization patterns of head and neck computed tomography angiography.","authors":"Kolos Kalman Nagy, Jantzen Brandt Orton, Abdul Awal, Roy Jacob, Laszlo Nagy","doi":"10.25259/JCIS_275_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/JCIS_275_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study evaluates the diagnostic yield and utilization patterns of head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTAHN) in screening patients in the emergency department (ED) for blunt cerebrovascular injury. This study was conducted at a Level 1 trauma center serving a large geographical area with a high number of regional transfers. This study evaluates the prevalence of CTAHN overutilization in the ED and examines whether diagnostic yield correlates with adherence to the modified Denver criteria, transfer status, and trauma severity.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients presenting to the ED between January 01, 2021, and December 31, 2023. Patients over the age of 16 were included in this study if they presented with blunt traumatic injury and subsequently underwent CTAHN or neck CTA (CTAN) imaging during their ED evaluation. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CTA yield and factors including patient transfer status, trauma severity designation, and adherence to the modified Denver criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 643 patients met the inclusion criteria. A substantial proportion (74.2%) of CTAHN and CTAN examinations yielded negative results, with significant correlation to nonadherence to the modified Denver criteria. We found no significant association between CTAHN yield and transfer status or trauma level designation. Of the patients found to have trauma related actionable findings, 71.8% had adherence to the modified Denver criteria during triage screening.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A high proportion of CTAHN and CTAN studies ordered from the ED yield low-value diagnostic results, with overutilization closely linked to nonadherence to the modified Denver criteria. Our findings carry important implications for quality improvement efforts, including unnecessary radiation exposure to patients and reduced efficiency in the ED. Enhanced guideline compliance may serve as a modifiable target to reduce diagnostic imaging overutilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":15512,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Imaging Science","volume":"16 ","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13331213/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148391019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}