Radiography最新文献

{"title":"Advancing environmental sustainability concepts in medical radiation science education: A document analysis","authors":"J.L. Ago ,&nbsp;A. Kilgour ,&nbsp;M. Chau ,&nbsp;B. Ohene-Botwe ,&nbsp;B. Ofori-Manteaw ,&nbsp;C.L. Smith ,&nbsp;G. Acquah ,&nbsp;T.N. Akudjedu","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Medical radiation science (MRS) practices contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of healthcare. As the need for environmental sustainability (ES) increases, it is crucial to integrate ES concepts into MRS education curricula to prepare students for environmentally sustainable professional practice. Consequently, this document analysis examined current ES practices in MRS education and identified barriers and improvement strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative document analysis was conducted following the ‘READ’ (Readying, Extracting, Analysing, Distilling) approach. Data were retrieved from two databases (Scopus and PubMed) and MRS-specific journals and professional websites. Studies and documents published between 2015 to February 2025 that addressed ES practices, barriers, and improvement strategies in MRS education were included. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 2330 articles and documents were identified, 11 of which met the selection criteria. Three themes emerged: (i) current ES practices in MRS education, (ii) barriers to improving ES practices in MRS education, and (iii) strategies for enhancing ES training. ES practices in MRS education include patient safety education through risk-benefit analysis and fostering research and collaboration, while insufficient knowledge and awareness and limited capacity (funding, resources, and time) were barriers identified. Strategies for improvement included raising ES awareness and adopting environmentally sustainable teaching practices.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>MRS education and training incorporate ES practices in line with the global call for sustainable health professions education. Nonetheless, awareness creation and adoption of ES-oriented pedagogies could enhance MRS students’ confidence and attitudes towards planetary health.</div></div><div><h3>Implication for practice</h3><div>To advance ES practices in MRS curricula, educators should practically incorporate them into teaching, learning, and assessment activities. This could be achieved through problem-based learning, case studies, interdisciplinary learning, and including ES concepts in rubrics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103090"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144605929","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":"Use of 360° interactive virtual tours to enhance familiarity of the radiology department","authors":"H. Vu ,&nbsp;E. Arruzza ,&nbsp;M. Chau","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Traditionally, preparing students for clinical placements in radiography has involved a combination of academic coursework and hands-on practice using X-ray equipment with facilities. However, limited access to clinical environments before placements can make the transition challenging for students. To address this gap, this study aimed to develop and evaluate a 360° virtual tour platform as a supplementary educational tool to enhance students’ familiarity with radiology departments and improve their confidence before entering clinical placements.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A virtual radiology department was created using 360° panoramic photographs of local radiology clinics. To measure the effectiveness of this tool, students completed pre-tour and post-tour surveys assessing their understanding of the clinical setting, familiarity with X-ray room layouts, and confidence in preparing for placements.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>90 % of the students who participated in the study reported the 360° virtual tour was beneficial in improving their confidence in preparing for placements and supplementing their knowledge of the clinical environment. The tour provided them with a clearer understanding of the layout of X-ray rooms, workflow, and essential equipment, helping to reduce anxiety before placements. Overall satisfaction with the virtual tour was high with 100 % of students willing to use it again.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results suggest that a 360° virtual tour serves as a valuable ‘stepping-stone’ for students transitioning to clinical practice. This cost-effective and versatile teaching tool can enhance student preparedness and may be adopted as a supplementary resource in radiography education.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The findings have broader implications for integrating virtual reality tools in healthcare education. Future research should explore its application across various disciplines and assess its long-term impact on student learning outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103023"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144605931","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":"To iMAR or not to iMAR: Quantitative impact of MAR algorithms on image quality in a phantom study","authors":"D. Cester,&nbsp;T. Flohr,&nbsp;B. Zanini,&nbsp;H. Alkadhi","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the latest metal artefact reduction algorithm (MAR) on a photon-counting CT (PCCT) in a phantom study simulating metal hip prostheses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Two phantoms were scanned on a clinical PCCT with different configurations of laterally placed metal inserts. Acquisitions were performed at 140 kVp and reconstructed as virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) at 60–190 keV in 10-keV steps using a standard abdominal kernel, with and without iterative MAR (iMAR). Artefacts were quantified with the Root Mean Square of the image Difference (RMSD). Image quality was assessed by means of noise properties (noise, NPS), frequency response (TTF) and detectability index (d') and compared with the reference (70 keV VMI, no implants).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>increasing VMI energy did not always result in a reduction of artefacts measured by RMSD; the minimum values were always obtain with iMAR, which provided a further 32 % and 60 % best RMSD reduction with two steel and two titanium rods, respectively. Combining low-energy VMI and iMAR resulted in the closest NPS texture to the metal-free reference. The detectability of the high-contrast task with two steel rods decreased by 27–66 % with VMI alone compared to the reference, and by only 8.5 % with iMAR at 70 keV. The detectability with iMAR was never smaller than with VMI alone (within one standard deviation).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>iMAR showed better and more consistent noise and artefact reductions compared to VMI technique alone for all configurations. In 10 cases out of 12 the best detectability was observed with a combination of iMAR and VMI at 60 or 70 keV.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>iMAR should be activated in the presence of metal hip implants to effectively reduce metal artefacts, particularly in combination with low VMI energies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103088"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144596285","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 role of podcasts in allied health education: A scoping review on engagement and learning outcomes","authors":"N. Gardiakos ,&nbsp;M. Chau ,&nbsp;E. Arruzza","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The use of podcasts in higher education is growing due to their accessibility and potential to enhance learner engagement. In allied health education, podcasts are being used to complement traditional teaching methods, particularly in flipped or blended models. However, evidence on their effectiveness remains inconsistent. This scoping review explores how podcasts are used in allied health education and synthesises current evidence on learner outcomes and implementation practices.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched Scopus, Embase, Emcare, and Medline for English-language studies published up to December 2024. Eligible studies evaluated the use of podcasts or vodcasts among undergraduate students across allied health disciplines. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data, which were synthesised narratively and thematically.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, representing disciplines including pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical radiation science, occupational therapy, and sports and exercise science. Podcasts were used for education, assessment preparation, and feedback. Most studies reported positive learner perceptions regarding flexibility and engagement. They were commonly integrated into flipped classroom models or used as supplementary resources. However, knowledge-related outcomes varied, with some studies reporting improved test scores while others found no significant differences. Skills development was seldom evaluated, and few studies explored educator perspectives or long-term impact.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Podcasts are perceived as useful and flexible learning tools in allied health education. However, current evidence on their impact on knowledge and skills is mixed. Further high-quality studies are needed to guide their effective integration across different allied health programs.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Educators should consider integrating podcasts as supplementary resources to enhance learning flexibility. Effective implementation requires alignment with learning outcomes, concise content design, and ongoing evaluation. Research exploring educator perspectives and discipline-specific effectiveness is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103022"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588313","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":"Radiographic predictors of knee osteoarthritis","authors":"M.K. Alhasan ,&nbsp;N. Obeidat ,&nbsp;I.R. Al Bdour ,&nbsp;M.J. Al Zeghari ,&nbsp;L.E. Al-Othman","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103086","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103086","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Osteoarthritis is considered as a progressive disease that can result in disability. Radiological examination provides an effective non-invasive tool to visualize subtle changes. Therefore, more radiographic assessment methods are required to diagnose knee osteoarthritis at early stages. This study combined and evaluated six different radiographic measurements such as femorotibial angle between osteoarthritic group and non-osteoarthritic group, and assessed their inter-observer measurement reliability.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional retrospective imaging study was conducted and included subjects who underwent knee X-ray from January 2022 to December 2023. Their images were retrieved and reviewed by two independent radiologists who were blinded about the results of each other. The Kellgren–Lawrence classification system of osteoarthritis was used for classifying subjects as osteoarthritic or non-osteoarthritic. Six radiographic measurement methods such as femorotibial angle were evaluated on the X-ray images.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included 353 subjects. The number of the males (59 %) was higher than the females. For the Kellgren–Lawrence classification system, most of the subjects were classified as normal (67 %) with grade zero, while 33 % demonstrated knee osteoarthritis radiographic signs. The majority of the osteoarthritic group were female subjects (61 %). The medial joint space width measurement showed the lowest values for the osteoarthritic group (<em>P</em> value &lt; 0.001). An increased value of the distance between medial tibial eminence and medial femoral condyle is significantly associated with an increased likelihood of the knee osteoarthritis (odd ratio: 1.2).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current evaluated radiographic measurement methods can be potential diagnostic tools for knee osteoarthritis and are useful for detecting different severity stages.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Applying the radiographic measurement methods can support the conventional Kellgren–Lawrence classification system of osteoarthritis and enhance the diagnostic performance of knee osteoarthritis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103086"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588486","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":"Optimising and improving the quality of large joint radiographs: An educational interventional analysis","authors":"S. Puri,&nbsp;A. Syed,&nbsp;S. Saxena,&nbsp;B. Keshari,&nbsp;B.V. Madhuri,&nbsp;S. Saran","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Projection radiographs play a crucial role in diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in major joints like the knee, shoulder, and pelvis with bilateral hips. However, poor-quality radiographs can result in misdiagnoses, unnecessary repeat imaging, radiation exposure, and treatment delays. This study aimed to evaluate and enhance radiographic adequacy through targeted interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study analysed 770 radiographs of the knee, shoulder, and pelvis, with 376 (48.83 %) from before the intervention and 394 (51.17 %) afterwards over 18-month period. A predefined adequacy scoring system was used, and radiographs were evaluated for adequacy pre-and post-intervention by a radiology resident in-training and an expert musculoskeletal radiologist with more than 10 years of experience. Interventions included a teaching session for radiographers on patient positioning, collimation, and exposure settings, along with instructional posters in radiography rooms. Adequacy rates and quality-influencing factors were statistically analysed, applying a significance threshold of p &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Before the intervention, 64.9 % (244 out of a total of 376) pre-intervention radiographs were classified as adequate, while the remaining 35.1 % were inadequate, primarily due to improper positioning (79.3 %), poor collimation (12.1 %), or a combination of both (8.6 %). Post-intervention, adequacy rates significantly increased to 89.6 % (353 out of a total of 394) (χ² = 67.384, p &lt; 0.001). The likelihood of obtaining an adequate radiograph rose substantially in the post-intervention group, with odds 4.66 times greater than in the pre-intervention group. Improvements were most pronounced in the lateral knee, external rotation view of the shoulder and frontal pelvic radiographs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted educational interventions in significantly enhancing radiographic adequacy.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Implementing educational programs for radiographers can lead to improved imaging quality, ultimately enhancing patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103085"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588312","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 revised framework for competency in radiotherapy advanced clinical practice","authors":"S. Fisher","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The radiotherapy competency framework for trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) was revised in response to the introduction of the trainee ACP apprenticeship route and expansion of the ACP service. The competency framework encourages the expansion of advanced level practice across the radiotherapy pathway. A range of service improvement tools were utilised to plan and implement the revised framework.</div></div><div><h3>Key Findings</h3><div>ACP roles must be carefully considered not only within the immediate service but as part of the wider workforce plan. Clear channels of communication with key stakeholders are vital not only to define specific competencies, but to align ACP training with the future direction of the radiotherapy ACP service. Good support from ACP leads, clinical supervisors and the clinical team is paramount in the development of the confident and competent ACP. Clear scopes of practice, underpinned by comprehensive job plans, and an annual review process encourages fulfilment of the four pillars of advanced practice throughout training and beyond.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Revision of the clinical competency framework has enabled a structured, focused approach to ACP training. A collaborative approach ensured that the competencies aligned with the ACP service direction and the wider workforce plan.</div><div>In addition, to ensure maintenance of clinical skills acquired throughout ACP training, focused education programmes are under development.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Following a monitoring period, constructive feedback from key stakeholders will be gathered to inform the future development of the framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103021"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144570482","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 prospective study of bladder volume assessment using ultrasound in prostate cancer radiotherapy: Comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)","authors":"B. Bąk ,&nbsp;K. Kaczmarek ,&nbsp;D. Radoła ,&nbsp;T. Winiecki ,&nbsp;T. Bajon","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Prostate cancer radiotherapy requires consistent bladder filling to optimize dose delivery and minimize toxicity. This prospective study evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound (US) in bladder volume assessment compared to Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>22 prostate cancer patients treated with a total dose of 50 Gy in 2 Gy fractions (25 fractions) between August and December 2019 using volumetric arc therapy (VMAT). Prior to initial CT (iCT) scans and during radiotherapy patients consumed 600–800 ml (3–4 cups) of water. Daily ultrasound measurements were taken to determine the mean bladder volume (USGRT) before Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging, where the radiation therapist contoured the bladder on CBCT scans, calculating bladder volume with a 2 mm margin.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1650 ultrasound measurements were performed. Statistical analysis included the Wilcoxon rank test and Spearman correlation to compare bladder volumes. The mean bladder volume measured by the US was 286 ml (SD ± 118), while CBCT recorded 241 ml (SD ± 124), with a strong correlation (r = 0.888, p &lt; 0.001). The coefficient between USGRT and V2CBCT was r = 0.84 (p &lt; 0.0001), indicating a significant correlation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Echoson® bladder scanner showed potential as a non-invasive alternative for daily bladder volume monitoring, reducing radiation exposure and streamlining treatment workflows. The bladder filling protocol is suitable for all patients, with a clinically acceptable measurement error of 17 %.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Ultrasound enhances daily IGRT verification while minimizing radiation dose from CBCT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103016"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144569927","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 comparative study of 6D skull motion assessment and positional satisfaction between two classical hair setup variations of female patients with brain lesions treated using cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery","authors":"S. Roy ,&nbsp;K. Suryavanshi ,&nbsp;P.S. Sridhar ,&nbsp;B. Visariya ,&nbsp;S. Shrivastava","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The CyberKnife® (CK) system is capable of treating localised brain lesions with the help of a 6D skull tracking system. Hair position plays a crucial role in the success of CK radiosurgery for female brain lesion patients. This study aims to compare the intrafraction offset variation in two different hair setups patients treated using CK with U-Plast thermoplastic mask, in terms of 6D skull motion assessment and positional satisfaction.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analysis of 40 female intracranial lesion patients treated using CK stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Total populations of patients were divided into two groups based on their hair setup. Group A patients hair placed below the shoulder level, keeping their hair out and divided into two sections, and group B patients was positioned all their hair settled down on their head and shoulder area. 6D skull motion assessment between both hair setup and positional satisfaction was evaluated using Microsoft Excel statistical tools.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study's results indicates the six directional mean intrafractional setup errors and 3D vector displacement of translational movements of group B were recorded significantly less as compared to the group A patients. Patient satisfaction regarding hair positioning in group B was 36.9 percent greater than in group A, while overall satisfaction in group B surpassed that of group A by 48.1 percent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Study findings suggests significant differences in both 6D skull motion and positional satisfaction between the two groups, These findings emphasize the importance of considering group B hair setup variations in patient setup to enhance the efficacy and patient experience of CK radiosurgery.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>This study emphasizes the importance of group B type hair setup protocols in female patients undergoing CK-SRS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103012"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144571638","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":"Development of populational female thorax sizes and body habitus categories using computed tomography (CT) images","authors":"R. Pape ,&nbsp;G. Xie ,&nbsp;X. Zheng ,&nbsp;A. Carstens ,&nbsp;C. West ,&nbsp;C. Cowling","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Positioning of the breast during mammography examination is critical to producing optimum quality images. However, the variation in female thorax and body habitus may affect mammography positioning for best image quality. This study aims to establish populational female thoracic (rib cage) sizes and quantify female body habitus categories.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analysis of 347 female computed tomography (CT) chest axial scans was retrieved from an open access database to establish female rib cage sizes. Dimensions of the rib cage were measured digitally across six cross sections with six anterior rib landmark points and recorded in millimetres (mm). A Bayesian Network (BN) model was developed to establish the relationships of information extracted from the rib cage image data to quantify and categorise female body habitus.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Female body habitus (thoracic size) were classified into three cohort categories: lean (20.5 %), norm (55.6 %) and curvaceous (23.9 %). The mean values (115–126 mm) and the corresponding 80 % prediction interval ranges for the healthy female rib cage size were obtained through the BN scenario analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The significance of this study is that it categorised 55.6 % of female thoracic sizes as being normal on a larger group of female population. This study contributed to a good understanding of the range of female body habitus (thoracic size) to improve positioning practice and maximise image quality.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>This study used a BN model to establish a range of female thorax sizes using CT chest images to support improved positioning practices. These ranges of thorax sizes should be integrated as a body habitus criterion in the current image evaluation system to maximise image quality and subsequent breast cancer diagnosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103020"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557352","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}