Radiography最新文献

{"title":"Evaluating long-term performance and quality control of the uMI 550 positron emission tomography- computed tomography (PET-CT) system: A comprehensive scientific analysis","authors":"N. El Houda Baghous ,&nbsp;M. El Kafhali ,&nbsp;M. Tahmasbi ,&nbsp;E.M. Chakir ,&nbsp;A. El Kessioui ,&nbsp;A. Elkhatib ,&nbsp;R. Sebihi","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102920","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102920","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) systems is essential for accurate clinical diagnostics and treatment planning. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the periodic quality control (QC) processes of the uMI 550 PET-CT system, focusing on key performance parameters such as standardized uptake value (SUV) accuracy, spatial alignment, and image uniformity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Periodic semi-annual QC tests were conducted to evaluate the system's performance across multiple parameters. Key metrics included SUV measurements, spatial alignment across X, Y, and Z axes, and uniformity tests. Statistical analyses assessed variability and stability over time, including ANOVA, t-tests, and linear regression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results demonstrated consistent SUV measurements within the reference range of 0.95–1.05, indicating robust quantitative accuracy. Spatial alignment was maintained within a tolerance of −1.5 mm to +1.5 mm, ensuring geometric integrity crucial for accurate image fusion in radiotherapy planning. Uniformity tests showed transverse and axial uniformity values remained within acceptable limits (0.00–0.05), ensuring high-quality imaging across the field of view. Statistical analyses confirmed no significant drift or variability across QC intervals, highlighting the system's reliability over time.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The uMI 550 PET-CT system demonstrated consistent performance across critical parameters, validating its suitability for a wide range of clinical applications. Regular QC testing plays a vital role in maintaining system accuracy and reliability.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>This study underscores the importance of routine quality control procedures in ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of PET-CT systems. The robust performance of the uMI 550 supports its use in oncology and other diagnostic fields, providing clinicians with confidence in treatment decisions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102920"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674192","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":"Learning MRI with ImmeRgaMe: Exploring the pedagogical potential of an innovative serious game for radiographer training","authors":"M.-A. Petit,&nbsp;J. Piguet,&nbsp;B. Lokaj,&nbsp;J. Schmid,&nbsp;C. Gaignot","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the potential of <em>ImmeRgaMe</em>, an innovative 360° immersive serious game, to enhance motivation and engagement in MRI education for first-year radiographer students.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The platform was developed as part of an educational innovation initiative and designed to complement traditional teaching methods. It integrates storytelling, progression mechanisms, and interactive tools to teach MRI safety protocols, physical principles, and clinical methods. Beta testing involved 42 participants (students and educators) who completed standardized surveys to evaluate gameplay, usability, and learning outcomes. The impact of microlearning videos embedded in the game was also assessed through pre- and post-test quizzes with 63 first-year students.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The beta version received positive feedback, with over 90 % of participants rating the gameplay and integrated tools as satisfactory. Students demonstrated improved performance in quizzes after using the microlearning videos, with an average score increase of 19 % across tests. Survey results indicated that 97 % of respondents found the videos helpful for understanding course content, and 86 % believed the game could support their progress during <span>MRI</span> internships.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>ImmeRgaMe</em> effectively fosters student motivation and engagement, bridging the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge in MRI training. While promising, further refinement and broader testing are needed to evaluate its impact on knowledge retention and skills development, as well as its applicability to other imaging modalities.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The implementation of serious games like <em>ImmeRgaMe</em> in radiography education could reshape and modernize traditional teaching methods. By adapting this approach to other imaging modalities, educators could offer immersive and interactive learning experiences, fostering self-regulated learning and aligning training with the complex demands of clinical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102921"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674527","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":"An evaluation of the current status of quality assurance program in MRI: A multicenter study","authors":"D. Vásquez López ,&nbsp;H.I. Sánchez Mendoza ,&nbsp;E.H. Pasaye Alcaraz ,&nbsp;C.L. Santos-Cuevas ,&nbsp;A. González-Ruíz","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102908","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102908","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Quality Assurance Programs (QAPs) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are essential for acquiring images that provide information for medical diagnosis and treatment. As part of a quality assurance program, quality control tests (QC) are conducted to ensure that high-quality images are acquired during the acquisition process. Implementing QAPs in MRI is crucial to ensuring diagnostic image acquisition and personnel safety.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, 21 indicators of compliance/non-compliance were used to evaluate the QAP in ten Mexican MRI facilities, through a documentary review. Also, nine QC tests were developed under ACR protocol in the MRIs scanners including 1.5 T and 3.0 T systems. The association of the QAP and QC tests results for MRI scanners was studied.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>It was found that all facilities evaluated failed at least one of the QAP indicators. Only 20 % of the facilities achieved more than 90 % on all QAP indicators, while 30 % achieved 100 % acceptability in QC tests. The statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the QAP indicators and QC tests, particularly the room technical factors and MRI scanners.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results indicate that each MRI facility needs to improve QAP implementation and surveillance to establish QC reference values to enhance operational conditions and ensure consistent image quality throughout the facilities. It is imperative that the Mexican government update the legal framework regarding MRI safety in accordance with international recommendations and guidelines in order to ensure the implementation of QAPs in MRI facilities.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>As a result of standardizing protocols and monitoring reference values for image quality, the implementation of QA and QC indicators in MRI facilities may improve clinical practice and patient safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102908"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143627895","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":"The SCIEPR checklist: A tool for standardizing chest X-ray interpretation in resource-constrained settings – A pilot study","authors":"K.M. Sethole ,&nbsp;N. Mshunqane","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Checklists improve performance in specialized fields such as radiology. The SCIEPR (Standardization, Communication, Image Evaluation, and Pattern Recognition) checklist was developed to aid nonradiologists in interpreting chest radiographs in district hospitals with no radiologists onsite. This study aims to investigate the clinical utility of the SCIEPR checklist.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional pilot study included 103 participants, including 40 radiographers and 63 doctors from four district hospitals. Radiographers completed sections A and B regarding imaging protocols for chest radiographs, while doctors filled out section C for systematically searching for abnormalities. After four weeks of using the checklist, the participants completed a survey comprising 23 closed-ended and seven open-ended questions. Key measures included compliance in completing the checklist and evaluating the end-user's perceptions of the checklist.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventy-four SCIEPR checklists were adequately completed. Sections A and B had 100 % compliance. Two items were omitted from Section C. Forty-one participants completed the survey tool (22 doctors and 19 radiographers). Participants had mixed opinions on the checklist's impact on time and workload. No item changes were suggested. Participants reported that the checklist enhanced patient care, improved service quality, reduced interpretation time, and reduced patient waiting time.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Following the pilot study, we refined section C of the SCIEPR checklist, improving content and face validity. The SCIEPR checklist promotes interprofessional collaboration and may reduce omission errors by standardizing imaging protocols.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The SCIEPR checklist is designed to enhance collaboration between radiographers and medical doctors in chest imaging and interpretation. Its main goal is to improve the consistency and accuracy of chest X-ray interpretations, particularly in resource-limited settings with no radiologist onsite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102912"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619223","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":"Comparison of radiation dose and image quality for abdominal CT exams using photon-counting and energy-integrating CT: A self-controlled study including optimized patient positioning","authors":"L. Sukupova","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Photon-counting detector (PCD) CT represents a major advancement in CT imaging, offering improved image quality and reduced radiation dose compared to traditional energy-integrating detector (EID) CT. This study compared image quality and radiation dose using a self-controlled approach, while evaluating the impact of patient positioning.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study analyzed data from 200 patients who underwent abdominal CT scans on both EID (Somatom Definition Flash) and PCD (Naeotom Alpha) scanners. After applying inclusion criteria for proper positioning (within ±20 mm) and stable anatomical conditions, 119 patients were included. Radiation doses were assessed using CTDI_vol, and image quality was evaluated via CT numbers, noise levels, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), SNR to dose (SNRD), and contrast-to-noise ratio to dose (CNRD).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study found a median radiation dose reduction of 37 % with PCD CT compared to EID CT (p &lt; 0.05). Image quality assessments revealed significant improvements with PCD CT, including reduced noise levels (up to 31 % in contrast-enhanced organs) and enhanced SNRD (33–51 % increase). CNRD improved by 60–76 %, indicating superior imaging performance of PCD CT. However, 36 % of patients on EID were positioned outside the ±20 mm range, which could adversely affect image quality and radiation dose, underscoring the need for more precise patient positioning.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study confirms that PCD CT achieves substantial reductions in radiation dose while enhancing image quality. However, accurate patient positioning is crucial to fully optimize these benefits. Automated tools that ensure proper positioning may be necessary to consistently maintain image quality and reduce radiation exposure.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>PCD CT offers improved patient safety and diagnostic imaging. Automated positioning tools are essential to optimize and consistently maintain image quality and minimize radiation exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102909"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143609576","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":"Using ambient audiovisual experiences to reduce the need for sedation in claustrophobic MRI patients","authors":"T. Yan ,&nbsp;C.C. Ooi ,&nbsp;D. Qiu ,&nbsp;J. Wong ,&nbsp;C. Chang ,&nbsp;S.W. Kheok","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102910","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102910","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Claustrophobia is a major cause of discontinued magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures and the use of sedation for MRIs incurs significant costs to both the hospital and the patient. This service evaluation assesses the effectiveness of an audiovisual ambient experience (AE) system in reducing the need for sedation for claustrophobic MRI patients in a hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This is a service evaluation that was conducted in two phases:</div><div>1. A comparison was made of the claustrophobia-related MRI discontinuation rates among five outpatient scanners (one AE scanner and four non-AE scanners) over a two-year period, 2022 to 2023, to determine the impact of AE on MRI discontinuation rates in the hospital.</div><div>2. An observation was done on 30 claustrophobic patients in the hospital who had previously discontinued their MRIs in non-AE scanners and subsequently required sedation for their scans. They were provided with the AE scanner in attempt to save them the use of sedation and the success rate was recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>1. The claustrophobia-related MRI discontinuation rate of the AE scanner was significantly lower than the combined discontinuation rate of the other four non-AE scanners (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div><div>2. Out of 30 MRI sedation patients, 28 succeeded in completing their scans without sedation in the AE scanner, presenting a 93.3 % reduction in sedation use for this group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>An ambient audiovisual experience system showed effectiveness in reducing the use of sedation for claustrophobic MRI patients in the hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Future larger scale, multi-centre studies are needed to validate our experience, and to determine if this approach can benefit all MRI service providers in general.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102910"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600726","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":"A survey of Swedish radiographer's need for knowledge at advanced level","authors":"M. Byenfeldt ,&nbsp;L.-L. Lundvall ,&nbsp;P.T. Olofsson ,&nbsp;J. Kihlberg","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102913","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102913","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>There are uncertainties about whether current advanced-level courses provide the knowledge needed to develop the profession for radiographers in Sweden. The aim of this study was to investigate Swedish radiographers’ perceived need for additional post-registration knowledge in their profession and their need for education at advanced level.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Swedish radiographers were invited to participate in a national electronic survey between November and December 2022. The survey encompassed demographics and 22 inquiries covering domains concerning radiographer's educational needs and motivations, educational type, and the employer's influence on radiographers' higher education pursuits. The pilot-tested survey used both open-ended questions and questions answered with a 10-point Likert scale. Analysis was performed using linear regression and ANOVA, as well as latent content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 326 respondents participated in the survey, representing all 21 county councils in Sweden. The highest ranked reasons for desiring increased knowledge were to increase patient safety and increase the quality of examinations. Radiographers preferred to study during paid working hours, in university/college, with the possibility to undertake a master's degree in radiography; however, staff shortages hampered this development. Moreover, women expressed a greater desire to pursue further studies than men.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Swedish radiographers expressed a high concern for enhancing the quality of examinations and patient safety, and to succeed, they wanted to study during paid working hours at university/college with the possibility of taking a master's degree in radiography.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The requirement by law of regulated modality-based specialization positions for radiographers, leading to a demand for advanced-level courses at universities/colleges for all current methods in radiology departments, would increase the quality of examinations and treatments, as well as patient safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102913"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143592373","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":"The effects of virtual reality (VR) on clinical skills training in undergraduate radiography education: A systematic review","authors":"J. Gårdling ,&nbsp;C. Viseu ,&nbsp;E. Hettinger ,&nbsp;P. Jildenstål ,&nbsp;A. Augustinsson","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102911","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102911","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The primary objective was to map the impact on confidence and performance on radiographic examinations among undergraduate radiography students utilizing virtual reality (VR). The secondary objective was to identify potential pitfalls to avoid in future VR implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was conducted, which included comprehensive search in nine databases. The software Covidence was used for screening. Nine studies were included after quality assurance using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Data extraction consisted of participant characteristics, study design, relevant statistical results, study limitations, and conclusions. Key findings were summarized in a systematic synthesis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>VR compared to traditional skills training provides an advantage in students' assessed performance in both equipment and patient positioning, as well as self-reported confidence within equipment positioning, selection of exposure parameters, and radiation safety. For successful outcome, factors to consider were the size of the VR room, VR tutorials, the length of the VR-session, a realistic VR environment, feedback from the VR system, and the opportunity to interact with patients, both verbally and palpatory.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>VR is a feasible tool, providing students with a safe, engaging, and controlled environment. Students may apply their theoretical knowledge into real-life scenarios, which develop students' clinical skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Although VR has shown positive effects, VR alone does not guarantee increased performance and confidence in students. Research within this field is deficient, hence further research is needed to confirm the effect of VR, preferably case–control or randomized studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102911"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548628","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":"The influence of imaging protocols on complex ankle fracture manipulation in the ED: A before and after study","authors":"S. Holt ,&nbsp;B. Snaith ,&nbsp;C. Bolan ,&nbsp;C. Chadwick ,&nbsp;A. Crede","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ankle injuries that present to the ED with instability of the joint due to multiple fractures/disruption of the mortise need to be re-aligned promptly to minimise complications. A protocol change was introduced whereby mobile radiographs would be performed in the ED resuscitation room during manipulation of a complex ankle injury. The aim of this study was to determine if the overall time to definitive reduction had reduced for these patients, improving patient flow.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Data was collected from patients attending the ED with a complex or unstable ankle injury in a UK single-centre over 6-months periods, pre pathway introduction (2019), immediately post change (2021) and 2 years post implementation (2023).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In excess of 3000 patients had ankle radiographs performed in each cohort of data collection with an average of 2.9 % of injuries categorised as complex or unstable and requiring manipulation, consistent across the cohorts (<em>p</em> = 0.246). Increasing compliance with the new pathway was evident over time with a significant time reduction demonstrated from initial ED presentation to final post manipulation imaging if mobile radiographs were obtained with the mean time 113 min quicker than those performed in the radiology department in 2023 (<em>p</em> = 0.00).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although it takes time to embed new pathways and changes in practice, this study demonstrated that a simple change in imaging provision had a positive impact for patients with a complex ankle injury.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Providing post manipulation radiographs in the ED resuscitation room allowed earlier confirmation of restored anatomical alignment for patients with a complex ankle injury and enabled clinicians to perform multiple manipulation attempts, if necessary, under the same sedation episode.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 2","pages":"Article 102869"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143075894","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":"A clinical audit of the utility of abdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of fungal infections in febrile neutropaenic paediatric oncology patients","authors":"H. Sungkana ,&nbsp;A.A. Fox ,&nbsp;C. Edwards ,&nbsp;T. Reddan","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.01.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.01.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Invasive fungal infections (IFI) in paediatric oncology patients are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Abdominal ultrasonography is widely used for diagnosis, but its utility remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of paediatric oncology patients who were febrile and neutropaenic at Queensland Children's Hospital, Australia, from January 2018 to December 2019. We reviewed abdominal ultrasound (US) examinations requested for suspected IFI, analysing diagnostic yield and associations with clinical variables.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 94 patients included, 21 of whom did not survive their underlying condition, seven (7.4 %) showed evidence of IFI on US. Infections did not demonstrate a predilection for a particular abdominal organ. Fourteen patients had a positive blood culture, with only three confirmed fungal pathogens. Chest computed tomography, performed in 41 of cases had findings suspicious for IFI in 52.3 % of these examinations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Abdominal ultrasonography has a low diagnostic yield (7.4 %) for new IFI in paediatric oncology patients. However, given the mortality rate in this population, its use may be justified for monitoring known infections and as part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>US is an effective method of screening for abdominal IFI in paediatric oncology patients who are febrile and neutropaenic. The low diagnostic yield is outweighed by the morbidity and mortality of IFI in this vulnerable patient cohort.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 2","pages":"Article 102879"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143075891","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}