{"title":"Continuing Professional Development-Medical Imaging.","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70081","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70081","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S124-S125"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121572/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463414","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}
Nyles Tattersall, Lateisha Stam, Madonna Burnett, Deborah Starkey, Christopher Edwards, Tristan Reddan
{"title":"Evaluating the Diagnostic Utility of Spinal Ultrasound in Neonates With a Simple Sacral Dimple: An Eight-Year Retrospective Study.","authors":"Nyles Tattersall, Lateisha Stam, Madonna Burnett, Deborah Starkey, Christopher Edwards, Tristan Reddan","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70046","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Spinal dysraphism describes a spectrum of congenital anomalies pertaining to the spine and spinal cord. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing dysraphism in low-risk neonates due to its cost-effectiveness and availability. Recent research demonstrates a low incidence of dysraphism in infants with an isolated sacral dimple and associated cutaneous stigmata (e.g., hairy tuft, haemangioma). We sought to determine the number of neonates referred for investigation of a simple sacral dimple, and the proportion found to have dysraphism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of the radiology information system was performed in a quaternary Australian children's hospital. Children undergoing spinal ultrasound from January 2016 to November 2024 were included. Patients over 90 days of age, and with indications other than simple sacral dimple were excluded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 448 spinal ultrasound examinations reviewed; of these, 195 (43.5%) were for a simple sacral dimple. Mean age at scan was 33 days (range 2-90 days, sd = 24 days), 88 (45.1%) were female. Only two (1.0%) were diagnosed with dysraphism; both were found to have tethered cords. Both patients were subsequently diagnosed with concomitant anomalies (cardiac, and a Dandy Walker Malformation).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings support literature suggesting ultrasound screening for neonates with a simple sacral dimple has a very low diagnostic yield.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S73-S80"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145668284","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":"From Evidence to Practice: Implementation and Evaluation of the Discontinuation of Patient Contact Shielding in Paediatric Radiography.","authors":"Elaine Ryan, Kerrie Norynberg, Patricia Connor, Deborah Sinclair, Tristan Reddan","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70053","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Patient contact shielding has been used in paediatric radiography as standard practice for decades. Contemporary evidence no longer supports its use in routine clinical practice. The Medical Imaging Department of an Australian quaternary paediatric hospital implemented the discontinuation of all patient contact shielding using the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM-B) model and the theoretical domains framework (TDF). This study evaluated the implementation process with particular focus on patient, family and staff responses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An implementation study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, comprising retrospective analysis of imaging records (7 months pre/post implementation) and prospective collection of survey data. Implementation strategies were developed using theory-guided frameworks to address potential barriers to change.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Retrospectively, there were 1614 examinations assessed pre-implementation and 1845 post-implementation. Pre-implementation shielding rates were 45% and 39% for male and female patients respectively. The post-implementation prospective survey component included 7581 patients, 0.4% (n = 31) of whom raised queries about the policy change. Only 11 shielding requests occurred within 5 months post-implementation, declining to zero thereafter.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Theory-guided implementation was remarkably effective in translating contemporary evidence into practice. The process of removing patient shielding was achieved with minimal concern from patients and their families, contrary to expectations that this change would generate significant resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S101-S108"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121575/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145819727","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}
Alice Eriksen, Laura Murphy, Jennifer Chard, Greg Wheeler, Wai-Yan Poon, Lily Yau, Elena Ungureanu, Kenton Thompson, Katrina Woodford
{"title":"Streamlining Paediatric Palliative Radiotherapy: A Case Study on Reducing Procedural Burden and Avoiding General Anaesthesia Using a Simulation-Free Radiotherapy (SF-RT) Protocol.","authors":"Alice Eriksen, Laura Murphy, Jennifer Chard, Greg Wheeler, Wai-Yan Poon, Lily Yau, Elena Ungureanu, Kenton Thompson, Katrina Woodford","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70074","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Simulation-free radiotherapy (SF-RT) is a radiotherapy workflow which is growing in use in palliative treatment, allowing for planning on existing diagnostic CT (dCT) scans without the need for a dedicated planning CT (pCT). While this approach is being increasingly adopted in the adult population, its application in paediatric settings has been limited thus far.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We describe the first published report of two paediatric patients treated with SF-RT in a palliative context. Both children had advanced malignancies and were referred for single-fraction radiotherapy for symptom management. In the first case, a 5-year-old child underwent radiotherapy under general anaesthesia (GA) using SF-RT, eliminating the need for an additional GA for CT-Simulation (CT-Sim). In the second case, a 6-year-old child received treatment without GA, supported by other non-anaesthetic pharmacological interventions and surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT) for accurate positioning and intrafraction monitoring.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SF-RT enabled expedited treatment in both cases while reducing procedural burden. Two GA interventions were eliminated with the use of SF-RT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SF-RT shows promise in reducing GA requirements in paediatric palliative radiotherapy, offering benefits for patient experience and healthcare resource utilisation. These cases support the feasibility of SF-RT in select paediatric patients and highlight the need for broader implementation and further investigation in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S117-S123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498511","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}
Mikaela Doig, Andrew Cunningham, Victoria Bedford, Hien Le, Matthew O'Connor, Sophie Jessop, Eva Bezak, Nayana Parange, Amanda Hutchinson, Peter Gorayski, Michala Short
{"title":"Development and Evaluation of an Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Platform for Children Undergoing Radiation Therapy.","authors":"Mikaela Doig, Andrew Cunningham, Victoria Bedford, Hien Le, Matthew O'Connor, Sophie Jessop, Eva Bezak, Nayana Parange, Amanda Hutchinson, Peter Gorayski, Michala Short","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70025","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes are not routinely collected in paediatric radiation therapy (RT). This study co-designed and evaluated an electronic platform to support routine HRQoL assessment using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A digital platform was developed following a user-centred design approach. Development included planning with consumers and clinicians, identifying user needs through interviews and iterative design refinements. Alpha testing was performed with consumers. Beta testing involved directed tasks by children, parents and clinician participants to evaluate the developed platform. Thematic analysis of participant feedback was performed to identify refinements and shape clinical implementation strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Iterative alpha testing with end-users led to significant improvements in functionality and aesthetics. Beta testing involved 18 participants, including seven healthcare professionals, seven children and four parents. All participants successfully navigated the platform, completed tasks and interpreted PROM results. Participants described the platform as intuitive and child-friendly. Challenges included minor navigation issues on mobile devices. Suggestions for improvement included streamlined result visualisation and enhancements to the instructional material. Whilst parents and clinicians recognised the value of allowing parents to view their child's PROM results, considerations to ensure sensitivity were described.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The electronic PROM platform was successfully developed to support HRQoL assessment of children undergoing RT. Future research is needed to evaluate the feasibility, usability and acceptability in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S81-S91"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121576/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145137879","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":"Paediatric Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.","authors":"John Pearn","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70080","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Every day throughout the world, medical imaging and radiation therapy leads to the diagnosis and potential cure of countless children. The year 2026 commemorates several milestones which have laid the foundations of contemporary best-practice. World Radiotherapy Awareness Day is a significant international commemoration and a time to reflect on life-saving and life-enriching practices which are based on the radiation specialties, and a time to reflect both on their origins and their future potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S3-S5"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147377801","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}
Dalia Dinham, Sasha Faggotter, Emma Boughen, Hannah Bonaventura, Elaine Ryan
{"title":"Your C-Arm May Be Dose Optimised but Is Your Surgical Procedure? The Evaluation and Dose Optimisation of Positioning Aids Used in Paediatric Image Guided Surgery.","authors":"Dalia Dinham, Sasha Faggotter, Emma Boughen, Hannah Bonaventura, Elaine Ryan","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.869","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.869","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Positioning aids are frequently used in image guided surgery (IGS). This study evaluates the impact of positioning aids on radiation dose and image quality (IQ) in IGS and the potential for dose optimised imaging via the choice of positioning aid type selected for clinical use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Foam and gel positioning aids were evaluated in this study. Anthropomorphic phantoms were used to simulate clinically relevant procedures. Patient and staff radiation exposure were estimated via incident air kerma rate and scatter dose rate measurements, respectively. Perspex phantoms were used to assess the impact of the positioning aid location within the field of view (FOV) on radiation dose, via the reference entrance point air kerma rate displayed on the C-arm. IQ was analysed objectively via contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An average dose rate reduction of 24% and 27% were measured for the simulated patient and surgeon locations, respectively, when gel was replaced with foam, over all anthropomorphic phantom sizes and procedures. A maximum increase in dose rate of 3% for foam and 57% for gel were calculated with a change in positioning aid location within the FOV. In most instances, an improvement in CNR and SNR was observed with the replacement of gel with foam positioning aids.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present study demonstrates that the choice of positioning aids used in IGS can significantly impact radiation dose and IQ. With collaboration between radiographers and the perioperative team, it is recommended sites optimise their selection of positioning aids in IGS.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S26-S34"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143557148","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}
Edel Doyle, Matthew R Dimmock, Kam L Lee, Peter Thomas, Richard B Bassed
{"title":"Proposed Diagnostic Reference Levels for Frequently Performed Paediatric Radiographic Examinations.","authors":"Edel Doyle, Matthew R Dimmock, Kam L Lee, Peter Thomas, Richard B Bassed","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.866","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Paediatric diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are dose levels for typical medical imaging examinations for broadly defined types of equipment with weight-stratification preferred by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Australia has never published paediatric DRLs for general radiography. The aim of this study was to collect radiation dose metrics for commonly performed radiographic projections in children in Australia and propose weight-based DRLs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ethics approval was granted to collect data, along with a waiver of consent. Radiographs were acquired in accordance with local protocols using direct digital X-ray equipment for children who presented for routine radiographic imaging. A spreadsheet was provided to each centre to record the patient's age and weight, as well as tube voltage and current-time product, source-to-image distance, use of a grid, additional filtration, automatic exposure control chamber selection and the displayed air kerma area product (KAP). Facility reference levels (FRLs) were calculated as the median for each X-ray unit based on data submitted for a minimum of three patients. The 75th percentiles of the FRLs across nine X-ray units from five centres were calculated as the proposed Local DRLs (LDRLs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most commonly radiographed body parts in children were the chest, wrist, abdomen, elbow and foot. The proposed LDRLs range from 4 mGy•cm<sup>2</sup> (oblique hand in 5-15 kg) to 884 mGy•cm<sup>2</sup> (antero-posterior pelvis in 50-80 kg).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The estimation of LDRLs for radiographs from a weight-based patient study offers Australian reference values for guidance in the optimisation process.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S9-S25"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121559/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143408592","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}
Tristan Reddan, Michael Malouf, Prem Venugopal, Jennifer Powell
{"title":"Pre-operative transcranial Doppler ultrasound assessment of cerebral collateral circulation in children undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or cardiac surgery.","authors":"Tristan Reddan, Michael Malouf, Prem Venugopal, Jennifer Powell","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.845","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.845","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Children requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) or cardiac surgery often undergo cervical cannulation or carotid artery clamping, which can interrupt cerebral circulation. Inadequate collateral flow through the circle of Willis (CoW) may lead to cerebral ischaemia within the vascular territory and/or watershed regions. Pre-cannulation survey of the CoW using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound may be performed to predict and plan neuroprotection. It is important to note in this article TCD refers to Duplex or colour coded trans-cranial Doppler (TCCD) using radiology-based machines, which is distinct from the more traditional trans-cranial Doppler technique that does not incorporate a B-mode image. This article describes our technique, in use since 2019, to guide surgical approaches and neuroprotective measures when an incomplete CoW is identified. High-end radiology-based ultrasound platforms and various transducers are used to assess brain morphology and haemorrhage through the anterior fontanelle in neonates. TCD is performed with the highest frequency transducer possible, utilising Doppler imaging to visualise cerebral arteries. Manual carotid compression can be used to functionally assess collateral flow when segments appear aplastic or hypoplastic. Potential pitfalls include mistaking the anterior choroidal artery for a hypoplastic posterior communicating artery (PCommA). Since implementing this protocol 5 years ago, no catastrophic infarcts related to cervical cannulation have occurred. This technique provides a practical solution for pre-operative assessment of cerebral collateral circulation in children undergoing VA ECMO or cardiac surgery, allowing for consideration of neuroprotective measures and improving patient safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S109-S116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142818313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Radiation Dose and Risk in the Radiological Investigation of Suspected Non-Accidental Injury (NAI).","authors":"Tooba Zaidi, Rikki Nezich","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70045","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Skeletal surveys are a series of X-ray images used to identify bone injuries in suspected cases of non-accidental injury (NAI). This study evaluates effective radiation doses and associated risks of radiation exposure from skeletal surveys that were performed on children under 5 years of age at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Australia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Radiographic exposure records were retrospectively analysed for 362 initial and follow-up skeletal surveys conducted between 2018 and 2023 for suspected physical abuse. Effective doses and organ absorbed doses were calculated using PCXMC software against background equivalent radiation times (BERT) in Australia. Nominal risks of radiation-induced cancer induction and fatality were estimated using Biologic Effects of Ionising Radiation (BEIR) VII risk coefficients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean effective dose was 0.24 mSv for initial examinations and 0.18 mSv for follow-up examinations, equivalent to 52 and 38 days of background radiation exposure, respectively. The averaged nominal risks associated with an initial skeletal survey are 9.3 in 10,000 for cancer induction, and 3.1 in 10,000 for fatal cancer. Variability of radiation effective dose is demonstrated, with an interquartile range of 0.17-0.30 mSv and an overall range of 0.04-0.76 mSv for initial skeletal surveys.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Radiation doses for initial and follow-up skeletal surveys performed for suspected NAI were determined from a large set of examinations. Several radiation risk metrics have been presented to assist healthcare professionals and caregivers in understanding the associated risks of radiation exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S92-S100"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121545/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145677687","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}