Soelbergmason4011

Physical trauma is the leading cause of death for individuals younger than 45 years. Polytrauma is trauma involving injury to 2 or more areas of the body. Because of computed tomography's (CT) ability to provide rapid diagnostic images, it has an essential role in trauma evaluation. This article examines current research findings regarding scanning protocols for patients with polytraumatic injuries and the potential risks and benefits of the protocols. It also reviews the different classifications of trauma that radiologic technologists likely are to encounter in the CT suite.Neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NBD) is a condition caused by damage to or diseases of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves that results in atypical bladder function. If not managed appropriately, NBD can lead to upper urinary tract damage. This article explains typical bladder anatomy and the voiding process, causes of NBD, techniques for diagnosis and assessment, and treatment options.A pericardial effusion is an atypical accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space. It has many potential causes, including cardiac or renal failure, trauma, surgical complications, and myocardial infarctions. Medical imaging aids in diagnosing and determining the cause of pericardial effusions. Echocardiography is the first imaging choice when pericardial effusions are suspected, but cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging also have important roles. This article discusses the causes and types of pericarditis as well as the advantages of echocardiography, CT, and cardiac MR imaging for diagnosing pericardial effusions. Treatment options and complications also are discussed.

To analyze literature specific to gadolinium deposition and inform medical imaging professionals about potential risks of contrast retention related to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging examinations as well as alternative imaging techniques that reduce or eliminate the need for gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).

Peer-reviewed journal articles were collected using PubMed, Academic Search Complete, and Science Direct electronic databases. Information from an MR textbook and reports from various organizations complemented the scholarly sources.

The literature focused on classifications of GBCAs, associated risks, deposition rates, current recommendations, and alternative imaging techniques.

Less stable nonionic linear agents accumulate in tissues at a higher rate than do ionic macrocyclic agents. Deposition still occurs with more stable macrocyclic agents but at lower levels. MR technologists are responsible for checking their patients' renal function and choosing the most appropriate GBCA while adh minimize residual gadolinium, especially in patients who have renal insufficiency and in patients who require repeated contrast examinations. When contrast is necessary, MR technologists should use the most stable type in the lowest possible dose.

To investigate the exam performance of reinstatement candidates pursuing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration in radiography.

This study compared exam performance data from reinstatement candidates taking the ARRT radiography exam in 2017 and 2018 (N = 412) to the performance of 2017 and 2018 first-time exam candidates (N = 22 731) and the reinstatement candidates' past successful passing exam attempts.

Scores on the reinstatement exam at the overall exam and the section levels were significantly lower (P < .01) than scores for first-time radiography candidates, as well as the reinstatement candidates' own previous successful passing exam attempts. The first-time pass rate was 89%, while the reinstatement pass rate was 56%. Reinstatement candidates also scored lower than first-time radiography candidates on all sections of the exam. find more The section with the smallest effect size difference was Patient Interactions and Management, and the sections with theared with first-time exam candidates. Passing the exam as a reinstatement candidate is, however, achievable given the pass rate of above 50%.

To evaluate a new contrast media (CM) injection system in patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Seventy-one consecutive patients (33 men and 38 women, mean age 59.0 ± 14.5 years) who underwent CCTA between February and April 2019 using the CT injection system MEDRAD Stellant FLEX (Bayer) were included retrospectively in this single-center study. Quantitative and qualitative image quality parameters were assessed, and the injection system's usability and operational efficiency were evaluated. Results were compared with a matched control group.

All examinations were rated as diagnostic. Usability and operational efficiency of the new injector were rated higher than that of the standard injector system, and no significant differences were found for quantitative and qualitative image quality parameters compared with the control group (

≥ .05).

Software-based injection facilitates individualized CM application while maintaining high image quality standards in CCTA. Diagnostic accuracy analysis was not performed, but as image quality analysis showed no significant differences, no discrepancies regarding this issue are expected.

This study demonstrates that the MEDRAD Stellant FLEX CT injection system allows for consistent high-quality CCTA scanning with increased usability and operational efficiency.

This study demonstrates that the MEDRAD Stellant FLEX CT injection system allows for consistent high-quality CCTA scanning with increased usability and operational efficiency.

This case discusses the importance of echocardiography, or transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), in detecting and diagnosing pulmonary embolisms (PE). The patient described in this case study, who underwent an echocardiography examination a few years before, had little reason to suspect the result of his PE would be a metastatic tumor showering masses of cancerous material and blood clots to his lungs.

Although computed tomography angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing PE, echocardiography is the preferred modality for identifying heart masses or tumors and provides vital PE information. Four testing components provide essential information for PE detection (ie, right ventricle dysfunction, McConnell sign, elevated pulmonary artery pressures, and visualization of the mass or thrombus). Through these components, TTE has a vital role in patient care, which other imaging modalities lack. The patient in this case study is an example of why protocols should be standardized for preventive hepatocellular carcinoma screenings and sonography implemented as a routine PE detection tool.