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Love S, Mount A, Kinch L, Kugan S, Vora A, Davies T. Quality improvement project aiming to reduce inappropriate use of AXRs in the ED. Emerg Med J 2024:emermed-2024-214013. [PMID: 39159993 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2024-214013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is compelling evidence that AXRs have limited clinical value in the acute setting. Despite this, they are frequently used in many EDs. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to reduce unnecessary AXR use in a single-centre ED. METHOD All consecutive AXRs conducted on patients aged 16 years and above in a District General Hospital ED in England between 2 August 2021 and 5 June 2022 were included. This period of time was divided into a pre-intervention and intervention period, during which iterative plan-do-study-act cycles were undertaken to implement a wide range of educational and system level interventions. RESULTS 501 AXRs were performed during the QIP. The average number of AXRs per fortnight fell from 27.5 during the preintervention period to 17.6 during the intervention period and met criteria for special cause variation. No special cause variation in CT usage was observed, with an average number of 70.7 and 74 CT abdomen-pelvis scans during the preintervention and intervention periods, respectively. 119 (23.8%) AXRs showed acute and clinically significant findings, and of this group 118/119 (99.2%) underwent further imaging. In contrast, 382 (76.2%) AXRs had no acute or clinically significant findings, and of this group 344/382 (90.1%) proceeded to further imaging. CONCLUSION In this single-centre QIP, coordinated multidisciplinary interventions were effective in reducing unnecessary AXR usage without resulting in excess CTs. The methods and interventions described are easily reproducible at minimal expense and may be of interest to other departments undertaking quality improvement work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Love
- Critical Care, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Stevenage, UK
| | - Alexander Mount
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, UK
| | - Lucy Kinch
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, UK
| | - Suren Kugan
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, UK
| | - Arjun Vora
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, UK
| | - Teifion Davies
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, UK
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2
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Pace E, Caruana CJ, Bosmans H, Cortis K, D'Anastasi M, Valentino G. An inventory of patient-image based risk/dose, image quality and body habitus/size metrics for adult abdomino-pelvic CT protocol optimisation. Phys Med 2024; 125:103434. [PMID: 39096718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2024.103434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patient-specific protocol optimisation in abdomino-pelvic Computed Tomography (CT) requires measurement of body habitus/size (BH), sensitivity-specificity (surrogates image quality (IQ) metrics) and risk (surrogates often dose quantities) (RD). This work provides an updated inventory of metrics available for each of these three categories of optimisation variables derivable directly from patient measurements or images. We consider objective IQ metrics mostly in the spatial domain (i.e., those related directly to sharpness, contrast, noise quantity/texture and perceived detectability as these are used by radiologists to assess the acceptability or otherwise of patient images in practice). MATERIALS AND METHODS The search engine used was PubMed with the search period being 2010-2024. The key words used were: 'comput* tomography', 'CT', 'abdom*', 'dose', 'risk', 'SSDE', 'image quality', 'water equivalent diameter', 'size', 'body composition', 'habit*', 'BMI', 'obes*', 'overweight'. Since BH is critical for patient specific optimisation, articles correlating RD vs BH, and IQ vs BH were reviewed. RESULTS The inventory includes 11 BH, 12 IQ and 6 RD metrics. 25 RD vs BH correlation studies and 9 IQ vs BH correlation studies were identified. 7 articles in the latter group correlated metrics from all three categories concurrently. CONCLUSIONS Protocol optimisation should be fine-tuned to the level of the individual patient and particular clinical query. This would require a judicious choice of metrics from each of the three categories. It is suggested that, for increased utility in clinical practice, more future optimisation studies be clinical task based and involve the three categories of metrics concurrently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Pace
- Medical Physics, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta.
| | - Carmel J Caruana
- Medical Physics, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
| | - Hilde Bosmans
- Medical Physics & Quality Assessment, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kelvin Cortis
- Medical Imaging Department, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida MSD2090, Malta
| | - Melvin D'Anastasi
- Medical Imaging Department, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida MSD2090, Malta
| | - Gianluca Valentino
- Communications & Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
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Francisco MZ, Altmayer S, Hochhegger B. Reply to the Letter to the Editor: Apropriateness and imaging outcomes of ultrasound, CT, and MR in the emergency department. Emerg Radiol 2024:10.1007/s10140-024-02271-9. [PMID: 39088103 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-024-02271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruno Hochhegger
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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4
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Hamel C, Avard B, Belanger C, Chatterjee A, Hartery A, Lim H, Kanagaratnam S, Fung C. Canadian Association of Radiologists Gastrointestinal Imaging Referral Guideline. Can Assoc Radiol J 2024; 75:462-472. [PMID: 38183236 DOI: 10.1177/08465371231217230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Gastrointestinal Expert Panel consists of radiologists, a gastroenterologist, a general surgeon, a family physician, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 20 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a systematic rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 58 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 85 recommendation statements specific to the adult population across the 20 scenarios. This guideline presents the methods of development and the referral recommendations for dysphagia/dyspepsia, acute nonlocalized abdominal pain, chronic abdominal pain, inflammatory bowel disease, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic gastrointestinal bleeding/anemia, abnormal liver biopsy, pancreatitis, anorectal diseases, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and foreign body ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candyce Hamel
- Canadian Association of Radiologists, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barb Avard
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Avi Chatterjee
- The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Angus Hartery
- Eastern Health, Memorial University, St. Clare's, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Howard Lim
- University of British Columbia, BC Cancer, Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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5
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Kulinna-Cosentini C, Hodge JC, Ba-Ssalamah A. The role of radiology in diagnosing gastrointestinal tract perforation. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2024; 70:101928. [PMID: 39053981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2024.101928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Spontaneous, iatrogenic or surgical perforation of the whole gastrointestinal wall can lead to serious complications, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Optimal patient management requires early clinical appraisal and prompt imaging evaluation. Both radiologists and referring clinicians should recognize the importance of choosing the ideal imaging modality and the usefulness of oral and rectal contrast medium. Surgeons and radiologists should be familiar with CT and fluoroscopy findings of the normal and pathologic anatomy after esophageal, stomach or colon surgery. Specifically, they should be able to differentiate innocuous from clinically-relevant, life-threatening postoperative complications to guide appropriate treatment. Advantages of esophagram, CT-esophagram, CT after rectal contrast enema and other imaging modalities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline C Hodge
- Deaprtement of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Ahmed Ba-Ssalamah
- Deaprtement of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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6
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Rau S, Rau A, Nattenmüller J, Fink A, Bamberg F, Reisert M, Russe MF. A retrieval-augmented chatbot based on GPT-4 provides appropriate differential diagnosis in gastrointestinal radiology: a proof of concept study. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:60. [PMID: 38755410 PMCID: PMC11098977 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-024-00457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the potential of an imaging-aware GPT-4-based chatbot in providing diagnoses based on imaging descriptions of abdominal pathologies. METHODS Utilizing zero-shot learning via the LlamaIndex framework, GPT-4 was enhanced using the 96 documents from the Radiographics Top 10 Reading List on gastrointestinal imaging, creating a gastrointestinal imaging-aware chatbot (GIA-CB). To assess its diagnostic capability, 50 cases on a variety of abdominal pathologies were created, comprising radiological findings in fluoroscopy, MRI, and CT. We compared the GIA-CB to the generic GPT-4 chatbot (g-CB) in providing the primary and 2 additional differential diagnoses, using interpretations from senior-level radiologists as ground truth. The trustworthiness of the GIA-CB was evaluated by investigating the source documents as provided by the knowledge-retrieval mechanism. Mann-Whitney U test was employed. RESULTS The GIA-CB demonstrated a high capability to identify the most appropriate differential diagnosis in 39/50 cases (78%), significantly surpassing the g-CB in 27/50 cases (54%) (p = 0.006). Notably, the GIA-CB offered the primary differential in the top 3 differential diagnoses in 45/50 cases (90%) versus g-CB with 37/50 cases (74%) (p = 0.022) and always with appropriate explanations. The median response time was 29.8 s for GIA-CB and 15.7 s for g-CB, and the mean cost per case was $0.15 and $0.02, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The GIA-CB not only provided an accurate diagnosis for gastrointestinal pathologies, but also direct access to source documents, providing insight into the decision-making process, a step towards trustworthy and explainable AI. Integrating context-specific data into AI models can support evidence-based clinical decision-making. RELEVANCE STATEMENT A context-aware GPT-4 chatbot demonstrates high accuracy in providing differential diagnoses based on imaging descriptions, surpassing the generic GPT-4. It provided formulated rationale and source excerpts supporting the diagnoses, thus enhancing trustworthy decision-support. KEY POINTS • Knowledge retrieval enhances differential diagnoses in a gastrointestinal imaging-aware chatbot (GIA-CB). • GIA-CB outperformed the generic counterpart, providing formulated rationale and source excerpts. • GIA-CB has the potential to pave the way for AI-assisted decision support systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Rau
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany.
| | - Alexander Rau
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Johanna Nattenmüller
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anna Fink
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Fabian Bamberg
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Marco Reisert
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Russe
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
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7
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Brooks D, Smiles JP, Murphy AP, Cowan T, Soeyland T, Hullick C, Arendts G. Assessment and management of older patients with abdominal pain in the emergency department. Emerg Med Australas 2024; 36:149-158. [PMID: 38176903 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Brooks
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John P Smiles
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew P Murphy
- Gosford Hospital, Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy Cowan
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Torgrim Soeyland
- Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Mid-North Coast Local Health District, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caroyln Hullick
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle and Staff Specialist in Emergency Medicine, Belmont Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenn Arendts
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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8
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Hogan S, Ward J, Sala E. The utility of the abdominal series in the emergency setting: a retrospective review. Int J Emerg Med 2024; 17:6. [PMID: 38178037 PMCID: PMC10768118 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-023-00580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The abdominal series (AXR) remains a frequently ordered test in the emergency department (ED), despite existing literature questioning its utility. The aim of this study was to characterize the use of the AXR in the ED by quantifying how often it is ordered and the frequency of subsequent imaging. Additionally, a time estimate in ED associated with the AXR was quantified. We hypothesized that there would be a low clinical utility of the AXR, and long associated time period spent in the ED. METHODS A retrospective audit of AXRs performed in the ED from January to December 2019 was performed. The local picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and electronic medical record were used to collect the variables. RESULTS Of 701 AXRs, 438 (62.4%) were reported normal, and 263 (37.6%) were abnormal. A Chi Squared test showed that the two variables (abdominal series result and follow up imaging completion) were significantly related, with p < 0.001. However, the effect size was small (Nagelkerke R square = 0.022). The average time spent in the ED for these patients was 7.27 h, and the average time between the AXR being ordered and interpreted was 1.31 h. CONCLUSION The majority of AXRs were reported as normal. Our results showed that AXR had a statistically significant, but low clinically significant predictive ability on subsequent imaging ordering. This supports our hypothesis that the AXR is of low clinical utility with respect to the rate of ordering follow up imaging. The AXR also translated to a quantifiable time interval during the patient's stay in ED. Minimizing overuse of the AXR may result in a decrease in patient duration in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hogan
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Joshua Ward
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Eric Sala
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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9
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Kubiszewski K, Patterson S, Chalise S, Rivera-Sepulveda A. Diagnostic Yield of Abdominal Radiographs in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatr Emerg Care 2024; 40:45-50. [PMID: 37079657 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Abdominal radiographs (ARs) are commonly used in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Their low diagnostic accuracy leads to overuse, excess radiation exposure, and increased resource usage. This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of ARs in the evaluation of intraabdominal pathology in the PED. METHODS Retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients aged 0 to 18 years with an AR who visited the PED between 2017 and 2019. Diagnostic yield was analyzed with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratio. RESULTS A total of 4288 ARs were identified, with a rate of 6%. The overall abnormal AR rate was 31%. The incidences of an abnormal AR in abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation were 26%, 37%, and 50%, respectively. There was a 13% rate of clinically significant diagnoses. The AR diagnostic yield showed 44% sensitivity, 70% specificity, 17% positive predictive value, and 90% NPV ( P < 0.05). Unadjusted odds ratio analysis of positive AR and abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation revealed an odds ratio of 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.75), 1.22 (95% CI, 1.06-1.39), and 1.72 (95% CI, 1.54-1.91), respectively. CONCLUSIONS There is a low rate of intraabdominal pathologic processes that an AR can identify. A normal AR does not change patient management, nor does it reduce the need for further radiologic imaging. Despite a good NPV, the AR is not a useful diagnostic tool in the PED because of its limited ability to rule in or rule out clinically significant diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Kubiszewski
- From the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, FL
| | - Suzannah Patterson
- From the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, FL
| | - Sweta Chalise
- From the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, FL
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10
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Shetty M. Acute Pelvic Pain: Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2023; 44:491-500. [PMID: 37832696 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Acute pelvic pain is defined as a new symptom that has been present for less than 3 months. It is a common symptom seen in 15%-24% of women and is the indication for 20% of laparoscopies and 2%-10% of outpatient gynecologic visits. The pregnancy status and correlation of the physical symptoms with clinical findings are important. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice, not only to diagnose gynecological causes, but also bowel or urinary tract related causes of pelvic pain. When an ultrasound scan is inconclusive, a computed tomography scan is the preferred means of additional imaging and is particularly useful in gastrointestinal and urogenital causes of pelvic pain. Gynecological causes of acute pelvic pain include uterine, tubal, or ovarian pathology; non-gynecological causes include bowel diseases, such as appendicitis and diverticulitis; urogenital causes such as ureteral, bladder stones, and urinary tract infection as well as vascular causes. Ultrasound imaging alone may provide a definitive diagnosis in underlying conditions that require prompt medical or surgical intervention in gynecological conditions, such as ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, and non-gynecological condition, such as in acute appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Shetty
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
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11
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Narita C, Clements W, Varma D. Assessing the necessity of intravenous contrast for computed tomography in the acute undifferentiated abdomen. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2023; 67:710-716. [PMID: 37403895 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Undifferentiated abdominal pain in the emergency setting is frequently investigated with an intravenous contrast enhanced CT as a first line diagnostic test. However, global contrast shortages restricted the use of contrast for a period in 2022, altering standard practice with many scans performed without intravenous contrast. Whilst IV contrast can be useful to assist with interpretation, its necessity in the setting of acute undifferentiated abdominal pain is not well described, and its use comes with its own risks. This study aimed to assess the shortcomings of omitting IV contrast in an emergency setting, by comparing the rate of CT scans with "indeterminate" findings with and without the use of IV contrast. METHODS Data from presentations to a single centre emergency department for undifferentiated abdominal pain prior to and during contrast shortages in June 2022 were retrospectively compared. The primary outcome was the rate of diagnostic uncertainty, where the presence or absence of intra-abdominal pathology could not be ascertained. RESULTS 12/85 (14.1%) of the unenhanced abdominal CT scans provided an uncertain result, compared with 14/101 (13.9%) of control cases performed with intravenous contrast (P = 0.96). There were also similar rates of positive and negative findings between the groups. CONCLUSION Omitting intravenous contrast for abdominal CT in the setting of undifferentiated abdominal pain demonstrated no significant difference in the rate of diagnostic uncertainty. There are significant potential patient, fiscal and societal benefits as well as potential improvements to emergency department efficiency with the reduction of unnecessary intravenous contrast administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Narita
- Department of Radiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Warren Clements
- Department of Radiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dinesh Varma
- Department of Radiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Masselli G, Bonito G, Gigli S, Ricci P. Imaging of Acute Abdominopelvic Pain in Pregnancy and Puerperium-Part II: Non-Obstetric Complications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2909. [PMID: 37761275 PMCID: PMC10528125 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergency imaging in pregnancy and puerperium poses unique challenges both for clinicians and radiologists, requiring timely and accurate diagnosis. Delay in treatment may result in poor outcomes for both the patient and the foetus. Pregnant and puerperal patients may present in the emergency setting with acute abdominopelvic pain for various complications that can be broadly classified into obstetric and non-obstetric related diseases. Ultrasonography (US) is the primary diagnostic imaging test; however, it may be limited due to the patient's body habitus and the overlapping of bowel loops. Computed tomography (CT) carries exposure to ionising radiation to the foetus, but may be necessary in selected cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable complement to US in the determination of the etiology of acute abdominal pain and can be used in most settings, allowing for the identification of a broad spectrum of pathologies with a limited protocol of sequences. In this second section, we review the common non-obstetric causes for acute abdominopelvic pain in pregnancy and post partum, offering a practical approach for diagnosis and pointing out the role of imaging methods (US, MRI, CT) with the respective imaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Masselli
- Department of Emergency Radiology-Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (P.R.)
| | - Giacomo Bonito
- Department of Emergency Radiology-Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (P.R.)
| | - Silvia Gigli
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paolo Ricci
- Department of Emergency Radiology-Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (P.R.)
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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13
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Bonito G, Masselli G, Gigli S, Ricci P. Imaging of Acute Abdominopelvic Pain in Pregnancy and Puerperium-Part I: Obstetric (Non-Fetal) Complications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2890. [PMID: 37761257 PMCID: PMC10528445 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute abdominopelvic pain in pregnant and postpartum patients presents clinical and therapeutic challenges, often requiring quick and accurate imaging diagnosis. Ultrasound remains the primary imaging investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be a powerful diagnostic tool in the setting of acute abdominal pain during pregnancy and puerperium. MRI overcomes some drawbacks of US, avoiding the ionizing radiation exposure of a computed tomography (CT) scan. Although CT is not usually appropriate in pregnant patients, it is crucial in the emergency evaluation of postpartum complications. The aim of this article is to provide radiologists with a thorough familiarity with the common and uncommon pregnancy and puerperium abdominal emergencies by illustrating their imaging appearances. The present first section will review and discuss the imaging findings for acute abdominopelvic pain of obstetric (non-fetal) etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Bonito
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (P.R.)
| | - Gabriele Masselli
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (P.R.)
| | - Silvia Gigli
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paolo Ricci
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (P.R.)
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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14
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Russo GK, Zaheer A, Kamel IR, Porter KK, Archer-Arroyo K, Bashir MR, Cash BD, Fung A, McCrary M, McGuire BM, Shih RD, Stowers J, Thakrar KH, Vij A, Wahab SA, Zukotynski K, Carucci LR. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Upper Quadrant Pain: 2022 Update. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:S211-S223. [PMID: 37236744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute right upper quadrant pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms in hospital emergency departments, as well as outpatient settings. Although gallstone-related acute cholecystitis is a leading consideration in diagnosis, a myriad of extrabiliary sources including hepatic, pancreatic, gastroduodenal, and musculoskeletal should also be considered. This document focuses on the diagnostic accuracy of imaging studies performed specifically to evaluate acute right upper quadrant pain, with biliary etiologies including acute cholecystitis and its complications being the most common. An additional consideration of extrabiliary sources such as acute pancreatitis, peptic ulcer disease, ascending cholangitis, liver abscess, hepatitis, and painful liver neoplasms remain a diagnostic consideration in the right clinical setting. The use of radiographs, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, CT, and MRI for these indications are discussed. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ihab R Kamel
- Panel Chair, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kristin K Porter
- Panel Vice-Chair, University of Alabama Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama; Council Steering Committee, ACR
| | | | | | - Brooks D Cash
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas; American Gastroenterological Association
| | - Alice Fung
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Liver Reporting & Data System Technique Working Group
| | - Marion McCrary
- Duke Signature Care, Durham, North Carolina; American College of Physicians
| | - Brendan M McGuire
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Primary care physician
| | - Richard D Shih
- Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida; American College of Emergency Physicians
| | - John Stowers
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; American College of Surgeons
| | | | - Abhinav Vij
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Shaun A Wahab
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Katherine Zukotynski
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Commission on Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
| | - Laura R Carucci
- Specialty Chair, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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15
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Nugent JP, Li J, Pang E, Harris A. What's new in the hot gallbladder: the evolving radiologic diagnosis and management of acute cholecystitis. ABDOMINAL RADIOLOGY (NEW YORK) 2023; 48:31-46. [PMID: 35230497 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-022-03451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a common condition and its incidence is rising. New technologies have advanced the imaging diagnosis of AC, providing more structural and functional information as well as allowing the radiologist to distinguish AC from mimics and identify complications from both the disease and its management. Dual energy CT aids in detecting gallstones and gallbladder wall enhancement, which helps to diagnose AC and identify its complications. Similarly, contrast-enhanced and non-contrast perfusion ultrasound techniques improve detection of abnormal gallbladder wall enhancement. Advances in MR imaging including hepatobiliary contrast agents aid in characterizing post-cholecystectomy complications such as bile leaks. Newer interventional techniques have also expanded the suite of options for minimally invasive management. Lumen apposing metal stents provide more options for conservative treatment in non-surgical candidates and are compared to a standard percutaneous cholecystostomy. Radiologists should be familiar with these advanced imaging methods and intervention techniques and the value they can bring to the diagnosis and management of AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Nugent
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street 11th Floor, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - Jessica Li
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street 11th Floor, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Emily Pang
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street 11th Floor, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Alison Harris
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street 11th Floor, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, Canada
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16
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Implementing Bundle Care in Major Abdominal Emergency Surgery: Long-Term Mortality and Comprehensive Complication Index. World J Surg 2023; 47:106-118. [PMID: 36171351 PMCID: PMC9726819 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major abdominal emergency surgery (MAES) has a high risk of postoperative mortality and a high complication rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the implementation of a perioperative care bundle reduced long-term mortality and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) after MAES. METHODS This study was a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Data in the intervention group were collected prospectively and compared with a historical cohort from the same centre. It includes adult patients undergoing MAES. We implemented a care bundle under the name Abdominal Surgery Acute Protocol (ASAP). We initiated fast-track initiatives and standardised optimised care in before, during and after surgery. Data were analysed using survival analysis and multiple regression. RESULTS We included 120 patients in the intervention cohort and 258 in the historical cohort. The one-year mortality rate was 21.7% in the intervention cohort compared to 28.3% in the standard care cohort. Adjusted odds ratio of one-year mortality 0.81 (CI95% 0.41-1.56). The 30-day mortality was lowered from 19.0 to 6.7% (p = 0.003). The CCI in the intervention cohort was 8.7 (IQR 0-34) compared to 21 (IQR 0-36) in the control cohort (p = 0.932) The length of stay increased by two days (p = 0.021). Most cases had 71-80% protocol compliance. CONCLUSION Implementing bundle care in major abdominal emergency surgery lowered the 30-day postoperative mortality. The difference in mortality was preserved over time although not significant after one year. The changes in the Comprehensive Complication Index were not statistically significant.
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17
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Garcia EM, Pietryga JA, Kim DH, Fowler KJ, Chang KJ, Kambadakone AR, Korngold EK, Liu PS, Marin D, Moreno CC, Panait L, Santillan CS, Weinstein S, Wright CL, Zreloff J, Carucci LR. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Hernia. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:S329-S340. [PMID: 36436960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abdominopelvic hernias are common clinical entities composed of a wide variety of congenital, traumatic, and iatrogenic etiologies. Any weakness in the body wall may result in hernia of cavity contents with concomitant risks of morbidity and mortality. Presentations may be specific, palpable body wall mass/bulge, or vague, nonspecific pain through bowel obstruction. This document focuses on initial imaging of the adult population with signs of symptoms prompting suspicion of abdominopelvic hernia. Imaging of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate defects is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Often CT and ultrasound are the first-line modalities to quickly evaluate the abdomen and pelvis, providing for accurate diagnoses and management of patients. MRI protocols may be useful as first-line imaging studies, especially in patients with orthopedic instrumentation. Although often performed, abdominal radiographs and fluorographic procedures may provide indirect evidence of hernias but are usually not indicated for initial diagnosis of hernia. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer-reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn M Garcia
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia; Board Member, Taubman Museum of Art.
| | - Jason A Pietryga
- Division Chief, Emergency Radiology at UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill North Carolina; and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David H Kim
- Panel Chair, University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin; and Vice-Chair of Education, University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology
| | - Kathryn J Fowler
- Panel Vice-Chair, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Chair ACR LI-RADS; Division Chief, SAR Portfolio Director, RSNA Radiology Senior Deputy Editor
| | - Kevin J Chang
- Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Section Chief of Abdominal Imaging, Director of MRI, Chair of Committee on C-RADS
| | - Avinash R Kambadakone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Division Chief, Abdominal Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Medical Director, Martha's Vineyard Hospital Imaging
| | - Elena K Korngold
- Section Chief, Body Imaging/Chair, Department of Radiology Promotion and Tenure Committee; Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Peter S Liu
- Section Head, Abdominal Imaging, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Daniele Marin
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Lucian Panait
- President, Minnesota Hernia Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; American College of Surgeons; American Hernia Society (member of the Technology and Value Assessment Committee); Practice Advisory Committee Member, American Hernia Society
| | - Cynthia S Santillan
- Vice-Chair of Clinical Operations, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | | | - Jennifer Zreloff
- Georgia, Primary Care Physician, Emory University, Atlanta, Georiga; Medical Director, Seavey General Medicine Clinic; Assistant Director of Innovation Seavey Comprehensive Internal Medicine Clinic, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laura R Carucci
- Specialty Chair, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia; Section Chief Abdominal Imaging, Director of MRI and CT
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18
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Yang SJ, Lim HJ, Park SH, Choi SJ, Shim YS. Interpretation discrepancies of abdominal imaging by on-call radiology residents: Evaluation of risk factors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274313. [PMID: 36084145 PMCID: PMC9462765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the rate, important findings, and risk factors related to discrepancies between on-call residents’ and attending radiologists’ interpretations of abdominal examinations. We identified 1132 eligible patients with abdominal radiology findings that were preliminary interpreted by on-call residents between February 2016 and September 2019. The preliminary interpretations were compared with the final interpretations by abdominal attending radiologists, including clinical data. The preliminary interpretations were analyzed by three radiologists in consensus, who categorized the reports according to organs, important findings (i.e., active bleeding, bowel obstruction, organ ischemia or infarction, and organ rupture), clinical outcomes, and discrepancies with respect to final interpretations. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for important discrepant findings. Of 1132 patients, the bowel (n = 567, 50.1%) was the most common organ interpreted by on-call residents, followed by gallbladder/bile duct/pancreas (n = 139, 12.3%) and liver (n = 116, 10.2%). Of 1132, 359 patients (31.7%) had disease with 379 important findings: active bleeding (n = 222), organ rupture (n = 77), bowel obstruction (n = 52), bowel ischemia (n = 24), and organ infarction (n = 4). Sixty-four patients (5.6%) showed discrepancies, and 30 (2.6%) showed 32 important discrepant findings comprising 14 active bleeding, 10 bowel obstructions, 6 organ ruptures, and 2 cases of bowel ischemia. Of the 64 discrepant patients, 33 underwent delayed surgery (n = 18, 28.1%) or interventional treatment (n = 15, 23.4%). In multivariable analysis, bowel obstruction (adjusted odds ratio, 2.52; p = 0.049) was an independent risk factor for determining discrepancy between preliminary and final interpretations. The rate of overall and important discrepancies between on-call residents’ and final interpretations was low. However, given that the bowel was the most frequently interpreted organ, bowel obstruction was identified as a risk factor for discrepant interpretations. The identified risk factor and findings may be useful for residents to minimize discrepancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jeong Yang
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hee Joong Lim
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea
| | - So Hyun Park
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Seung Joon Choi
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young Sup Shim
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea
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19
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Wolfe C, Halsey-Nichols M, Ritter K, McCoin N. Abdominal Pain in the Emergency Department: How to Select the Correct Imaging for Diagnosis. Open Access Emerg Med 2022; 14:335-345. [PMID: 35899220 PMCID: PMC9309319 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s342724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in the emergency department, and utilization of diagnostic imaging is often a key tool in determining its etiology. Plain radiography has limited utility in this population. Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for undifferentiated abdominal pain. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in specific scenarios, primarily in pediatrics and pregnancy, and offer the benefit of eliminating ionizing radiation risk of CT. Guidance for imaging selection is determined by location of pain, special patient considerations, and specific suspected etiologies. Expert guidance is offered by the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria® which outlines imaging options based on location of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Wolfe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, TriStar Skyline Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Maglin Halsey-Nichols
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn Ritter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nicole McCoin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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20
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Broder JS, Oliveira J E Silva L, Bellolio F, Freiermuth CE, Griffey RT, Hooker E, Jang TB, Meltzer AC, Mills AM, Pepper JD, Prakken SD, Repplinger MD, Upadhye S, Carpenter CR. Guidelines for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department 2 (GRACE-2): Low-risk, recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:526-560. [PMID: 35543712 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This second Guideline for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department (GRACE-2) from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine is on the topic "low-risk, recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department." The multidisciplinary guideline panel applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations regarding four priority questions for adult emergency department patients with low-risk, recurrent, undifferentiated abdominal pain. The intended population includes adults with multiple similar presentations of abdominal signs and symptoms recurring over a period of months or years. The panel reached the following recommendations: (1) if a prior negative computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) has been performed within 12 months, there is insufficient evidence to accurately identify populations in whom repeat CTAP imaging can be safely avoided or routinely recommended; (2) if CTAP with IV contrast is negative, we suggest against ultrasound unless there is concern for pelvic or biliary pathology; (3) we suggest that screening for depression and/or anxiety may be performed during the ED evaluation; and (4) we suggest an opioid-minimizing strategy for pain control. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The GRACE-2 writing group developed clinically relevant questions to address the care of adult patients with low-risk, recurrent, previously undifferentiated abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED). Four patient-intervention-comparison-outcome-time (PICOT) questions were developed by consensus of the writing group, who performed a systematic review of the literature and then synthesized direct and indirect evidence to formulate recommendations, following GRADE methodology. The writing group found that despite the commonality and relevance of these questions in emergency care, the quantity and quality of evidence were very limited, and even fundamental definitions of the population and outcomes of interest are lacking. Future research opportunities include developing precise and clinically relevant definitions of low-risk, recurrent, undifferentiated abdominal pain and determining the scope of the existing populations in terms of annual national ED visits for this complaint, costs of care, and patient and provider preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Broder
- Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Fernanda Bellolio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Caroline E Freiermuth
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard T Griffey
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Emergency Care Research Core, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Edmond Hooker
- Department of Health Services Administration, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy B Jang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Andrew C Meltzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Angela M Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.,Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Michael D Repplinger
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suneel Upadhye
- Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher R Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Emergency Care Research Core, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
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21
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Carpenter CR, Griffey RT, Mills A, Doering M, Oliveira J. e Silva L, Bellolio F, Upadhye S, Broder JS. Repeat computed tomography in recurrent abdominal pain: An evidence synthesis for guidelines for reasonable and appropriate care in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:630-648. [PMID: 34897917 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Computed tomography (CT) imaging is frequently obtained for recurrent abdominal pain after a prior emergency department (ED) evaluation. We evaluate the utility of repeat CT imaging following an indeterminate index CT in low-risk abdominal pain adult ED patients. METHODS An electronic search was designed for the patient-intervention-control-outcome-timing (PICOT) question: (P) adult patients with low-risk, recurrent, and previously undifferentiated atraumatic abdominal pain presenting to the ED after an index-negative CT within 12 months; (I) repeat CT versus (C) no repeat CT; for (O) abdominal surgery or other invasive procedure, mortality, identification of potentially life-threatening diagnosis, and hospital and intensive care unit admission rates; and return ED visit (T), all within 30 days. Four reviewers independently selected evidence for inclusion and then synthesized the results around the most prevalent themes of repeat CT timing, diagnostic yield, ionizing radiation exposure, and predictors of repetitive imaging. RESULTS Although 637 articles and abstracts were identified, no direct evidence was found. Thirteen documents were synthesized as indirect evidence. None of the indirect evidence defined a low-risk subset of abdominal pain nor did investigators describe whether reimaging occurred for complaints similar to the initial ED evaluation. Included studies did not describe the index CT findings and some reported explanatory findings noted on the original CT for which repeat CTs might have been indicated. The time frame for a repeat CT ranged from hours to 1 year. The frequency of repeat CTs (2%-47%) varied across studies as did the yield of imaging to alter downstream clinical decision making (range = 5%-67%). CONCLUSION Due to the absence of direct evidence our scoping review is unable to provide high-quality evidence-based recommendations upon which to confidently base an imaging practice guideline. There is no evidence to support or refute performing a CT for low-risk recurrent abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Emergency Care Research Core St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Richard T. Griffey
- Department of Emergency Medicine Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Emergency Care Research Core St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Angela Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons New York New York USA
| | - Michelle Doering
- Becker Medical Library Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine St. Louis Missouri USA
| | | | - Fernanda Bellolio
- Department of Emergency Medicine Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Suneel Upadhye
- Emergency Medicine/Health Research Methods Evidence & Impact McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Joshua S. Broder
- Division of Emergency Medicine Duke University School of Medicine Durham North Carolina USA
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22
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Abdominal CT findings in Puumala hantavirus-infected patients. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2022; 47:2552-2559. [PMID: 35441863 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-022-03467-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous clinical studies have reported abdominal findings on ultrasonography or MRI in Puumala hantavirus-infected patients. PURPOSE To determine if abdominal computed tomography (CT) can lead to a diagnosis of Puumala virus infection in the presence of a suggestive clinical picture. MATERIAL AND METHODS CT findings were studied retrospectively in 30 patients who presented to the emergency department of two (Belgian) hospitals with serologically confirmed Puumala hantavirus infection. RESULTS The most frequent finding was perirenal fascial thickening (90%), followed by perirenal fat stranding (87%). Retroperitoneal fat stranding was found in 19 patients (64%) in the perivesical spaces along the fascia of the external iliac vessels with or without involvement of the presacral fat. Half of the patients had pelvic ascites, and pleural fluid was found in 7 of them. The right and left mean pole-to-pole kidney's lengths were respectively 125.7 mm and 127.8 mm in 28 patients. CONCLUSION Retroperitoneal fat stranding, perirenal fascial thickening and/or perirenal fat stranding were found in most patients with acute Puumala virus infection who have undergone CT. Although nonspecific, these findings may help to suggest Puumala hantavirus infection in the right clinical settings.
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23
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Friedman AB, Chen AT, Wu R, Coe NB, Halpern SD, Hwang U, Kelz RR, Cappola AR. Evaluation and disposition of older adults presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:501-511. [PMID: 34628638 PMCID: PMC10078825 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal pain is the most common chief complaint in US emergency departments (EDs) among patients over 65, who are at high risk of mortality or incident disability after the ED encounter. We sought to characterize the evaluation, management, and disposition of older adults who present to the ED with abdominal pain. METHODS We performed a survey-weighted analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), comparing older adults with a chief complaint of abdominal pain to those without. Visits from 2013 to 2017 to nationally representative EDs were included. We analyzed 81,509 visits to 1211 US EDs, which projects to 531,780,629 ED visits after survey weighting. We report the diagnostic testing, evaluation, management, additional reasons for visit, and disposition of ED visits. RESULTS Among older adults (≥65 years), 7% of ED visits were for abdominal pain. Older patients with abdominal pain had a lower probability of being triaged to the "Emergent" (ESI2) acuity on arrival (7.1% vs. 14.8%) yet were more likely to be admitted directly to the operating room than older adults without abdominal pain (3.6% vs. 0.8%), with no statistically significant differences in discharge home, death, or admission to critical care. Ultrasound or CT imaging was performed in 60% of older adults with abdominal pain. A minority (39%) of older patients with abdominal pain received an electrocardiogram (EKG). CONCLUSIONS Abdominal pain in older adults presenting to EDs is a serious condition yet is triaged to "emergent" acuity at half the rate of other conditions. Opportunities for improving diagnosis and management may exist. Further research is needed to examine whether improved recognition of abdominal pain as a syndromic presentation would improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari B. Friedman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Angela T. Chen
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rachel Wu
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Norma B. Coe
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott D. Halpern
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ula Hwang
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Rachel R. Kelz
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anne R. Cappola
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Basta Nikolic M, Spasic A, Hadnadjev Simonji D, Stojanović S, Nikolic O, Nikolic D. Imaging of acute pelvic pain. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20210281. [PMID: 34491817 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20210281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute pelvic pain (APP) requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment. Differential diagnosis of APP is broad, including a variety of gynecologic and non-gynecologic/ urinary, gastrointestinal, vascular and other entities. Close anatomical and physiological relations of pelvic structures, together with similar clinical presentation of different disorders and overlapping of symptoms, especially in the emergency background, make the proper diagnosis of APP challenging. Imaging plays a crucial role in the fast and precise diagnosis of APP. Ultrasonography is the first-line imaging modality, often accompanied by CT, while MRI is utilized in specific cases, using short, tailored protocols. Recognizing the cause of APP in females is a challenging task, due to the wide spectrum of possible origin and overlap of their imaging features. Therefore, the radiologist has to be familiar with the possible causes of APP, and, relying on clinical presentation, together with laboratory findings, choose the best imaging strategy in order to establish a fast and accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Basta Nikolic
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Spasic
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Darka Hadnadjev Simonji
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Sanja Stojanović
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Olivera Nikolic
- Centre of Radiology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Dragan Nikolic
- Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
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25
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Abstract
Abdominal pain represents 5% to 7% of all emergency department presentations. Many patients require imaging for diagnosis, and choosing the appropriate imaging modality is a crucial decision point. Modern medicine offers a fantastic array of options including abdominal radiograph, computed tomography, MRI, and ultrasonography, but the plethora of alternatives can be paralyzing. This article introduces the commonly available modalities, discusses the advantages and disadvantages, and presents current recommendations for commonly diagnosed conditions.
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26
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Parker BK, Manning S. Postprocedural Gastrointestinal Emergencies. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2021; 39:781-794. [PMID: 34600637 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Postprocedural complications encompass a wide array of conditions that vary in acuity, symptoms, index procedure, and treatment. Continued advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures have led to a significant shift of procedures to the ambulatory setting. This trend is of particular interest to the emergency physician, as patients who develop complications often present to an emergency department for evaluation and treatment. Here the authors examine a high-yield collection of procedures, both ambulatory and inpatient, notable for their frequent utilization and unique complication profiles including common laparoscopic surgical procedures, bariatric surgery, endoscopic procedures, interventional radiology procedures, and hernia repairs with implantable mesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Parker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7736, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sara Manning
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 720 Eskenazi Avenue
- FOB 3rd Floor, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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27
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Nepal P, Wells M, Ojili V, Khandelwal K, Lalwani N, Khandelwal A. Problem-solving with MRI in acute abdominopelvic conditions, part 1: gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic diseases. Emerg Radiol 2021; 28:1161-1172. [PMID: 34247289 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-021-01960-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review the benefit and added value and advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with other cross-sectional imaging in patients presenting with abdominopelvic emergencies. During the past decade, there has been increased utilization of MRI in the emergency department with widespread availability of MR scanners, improvement in rapid imaging techniques, and methods to overcome motion-related artifacts. This has benefited patients at higher risk of radiation, particularly children and pregnant women, and patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast including allergy and renal dysfunction. Still the challenges are: on site MR scanner in the emergency department, after-hour services, as well as availability of time slot to rapidly scan emergency patient. MRI has additional advantages over other imaging modalities due to its high contrast resolution, which allows it to better characterize tissue and fluid collections, and may avoid the need for intravenous contrast. Radiologists must be familiar with the role and added value of MRI, spectrum of imaging findings, and problem-oriented modified MR protocols in abdominal and pelvic emergencies. In part 1, we will discuss the utility of MRI in gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic diseases. In part 2, the authors will focus on the key MR imaging features of female pelvic gynecological diseases, pregnancy related complications, abdominal vascular complications, and renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Nepal
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Michael Wells
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Vijayanadh Ojili
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kanika Khandelwal
- Department of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Neeraj Lalwani
- Department of Radiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ashish Khandelwal
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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28
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Role of MRI in the Evaluation of Thoracoabdominal Emergencies. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 29:355-370. [PMID: 33264275 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0000000000000252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thoracic and abdominal pathology are common in the emergency setting. Although computed tomography is preferred in many clinical situations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have emerged as powerful techniques that often play a complementary role to computed tomography or may have a primary role in selected patient populations in which radiation is of specific concern or intravenous iodinated contrast is contraindicated. This review will highlight the role of MRI and MRA in the emergent imaging of thoracoabdominal pathology, specifically covering acute aortic pathology (acute aortic syndrome, aortic aneurysm, and aortitis), pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal conditions such as appendicitis and Crohn disease, pancreatic and hepatobiliary disease (pancreatitis, choledocholithiasis, cholecystitis, and liver abscess), and genitourinary pathology (urolithiasis and pyelonephritis). In each section, we will highlight the specific role for MRI, discuss basic imaging protocols, and illustrate the MRI features of commonly encountered thoracoabdominal pathology.
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29
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Kim DW, Lee G, Kim SY, Ahn G, Lee JG, Lee SS, Kim KW, Park SH, Lee YJ, Kim N. Deep learning-based algorithm to detect primary hepatic malignancy in multiphase CT of patients at high risk for HCC. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:7047-7057. [PMID: 33738600 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-07803-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop and evaluate a deep learning-based model capable of detecting primary hepatic malignancies in multiphase CT images of patients at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 1350 multiphase CT scans of 1280 hepatic malignancies (1202 HCCs and 78 non-HCCs) in 1320 patients at high risk for HCC were retrospectively analyzed. Following the delineation of the focal hepatic lesions according to reference standards, the CT scans were categorized randomly into the training (568 scans), tuning (193 scans), and test (589 scans) sets. Multiphase CT information was subjected to multichannel integration, and livers were automatically segmented before model development. A deep learning-based model capable of detecting malignancies was developed using a mask region-based convolutional neural network. The thresholds of the prediction score and the intersection over union were determined on the tuning set corresponding to the highest sensitivity with < 5 false-positive cases per CT scan. The sensitivity and the number of false-positives of the proposed model on the test set were calculated. Potential causes of false-negatives and false-positives on the test set were analyzed. RESULTS This model exhibited a sensitivity of 84.8% with 4.80 false-positives per CT scan on the test set. The most frequent potential causes of false-negatives and false-positives were determined to be atypical enhancement patterns for HCC (71.7%) and registration/segmentation errors (42.7%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The proposed deep learning-based model developed to automatically detect primary hepatic malignancies exhibited an 84.8% of sensitivity with 4.80 false-positives per CT scan in the test set. KEY POINTS • Image processing, including multichannel integration of multiphase CT and automatic liver segmentation, enabled the application of a deep learning-based model to detect primary hepatic malignancy. • Our model exhibited a sensitivity of 84.8% with a false-positive rate of 4.80 per CT scan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Gaeun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
| | - Geunhwi Ahn
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Goo Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Soo Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ho Park
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jin Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Namkug Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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30
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Anglaret S, Dallongeville A, Beaussier H, Touloupas C, Boulay I, Tardivel AM, Béranger S, Silvera S, Chatellier G, Ronot M, Zins M. Influence of clinical suspicion on CT accuracy of acute mesenteric ischemia: Retrospective study of 362 patients. Eur J Radiol 2021; 138:109652. [PMID: 33740626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) may be underdiagnosed when not clinically suspected before CT is performed. We assessed the influence of a clinical suspicion of AMI on the CT accuracy. METHOD This retrospective single-centre study included patients who underwent CT in 2014-2019 and had clinically suspected AMI and/or confirmed AMI. CT protocols were adapted based on each patient's presentation and on findings from unenhanced images. The CT protocol was considered optimal for AMI when it included arterial and portal venous phases. CT protocols, accuracy of reports, and outcomes were compared between the groups with and without suspected AMI before CT. RESULTS Of the 375 events, 337 (90 %) were suspected AMI and 66 (18 %) were AMI, including 28 (42 %) with and 38 without suspected AMI. These two groups did not differ significantly regarding the medical history, clinical presentation, or laboratory tests. The CT protocol was more often optimal for AMI in the group with suspected AMI (26/28 [93 %] vs. 28/38 [74 %], p = 0.046). Diagnostic accuracy was not different between groups with and without suspected AMI (26/28 [93 %] vs. 34/38 [90 %], p = 1.00). However, it was lower in the group without suspicion of AMI when the CT protocol was not optimal for AMI (27/28 [96 %] vs 7/10 [70 %], p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS The negative influence of not clinically suspecting AMI can be mitigated by using a tailored CT protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Anglaret
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - A Dallongeville
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - H Beaussier
- Unité de recherche clinique, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - C Touloupas
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - I Boulay
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - A M Tardivel
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - S Béranger
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - S Silvera
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - G Chatellier
- Unité de recherche clinique, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - M Ronot
- Imagerie médicale, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP, 100 Boulevard du Général Leclerc, 92110, Clichy, France
| | - M Zins
- Imagerie médicale, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France.
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31
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[Upper abdominal pain: a frequent and multifaceted leading symptom in primary care internal medicine]. Internist (Berl) 2020; 62:3-16. [PMID: 33331949 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-020-00917-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal symptoms are among the most common reasons for medical consultation and represent a challenge for general practitioners in the outpatient care setting. History taking, symptom evaluation and physical examination are the crucial steps toward establishing an initial working diagnosis. The subsequent abdominal ultrasound and laboratory analyses are essential tools for the differential diagnosis.
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32
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Hollerweger A, Maconi G, Ripolles T, Nylund K, Higginson A, Serra C, Dietrich CF, Dirks K, Gilja OH. Gastrointestinal Ultrasound (GIUS) in Intestinal Emergencies - An EFSUMB Position Paper. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2020; 41:646-657. [PMID: 32311749 DOI: 10.1055/a-1147-1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
An interdisciplinary group of European experts summarizes the value of gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) in the management of three time-critical causes of acute abdomen: bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation and acute ischemic bowel disease. Based on an extensive literature review, statements for a targeted diagnostic strategy in these intestinal emergencies are presented. GIUS is best established in case of small bowel obstruction. Metanalyses and prospective studies showed a sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of computed tomography (CT) and superior to plain X-ray. GIUS may save time and radiation exposure and has the advantage of displaying bowel function directly. Gastrointestinal perforation is more challenging for less experienced investigators. Although GIUS in experienced hands has a relatively high sensitivity to establish a correct diagnosis, CT is the most sensitive method in this situation. The spectrum of intestinal ischemia ranges from self-limited ischemic colitis to fatal intestinal infarction. In acute arterial mesenteric ischemia, GIUS may provide information, but prompt CT angiography is the gold standard. On the other end of the spectrum, ischemic colitis shows typical ultrasound features that allow correct diagnosis. GIUS here has a diagnostic performance similar to CT and helps to differentiate mild from severe ischemic colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alois Hollerweger
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Barmherzige Brüder, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Giovanni Maconi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "L.Sacco" University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tomas Ripolles
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kim Nylund
- Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Antony Higginson
- Department of Radiology, Queen-Alexandra-Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Carla Serra
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, S. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christoph F Dietrich
- Department of General Internal Medicine Kliniken Hirslanden Beau-Site, Salem und Permanence, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Dirks
- Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Rems-Murr-Klinikum Winnenden, Germany
| | - Odd Helge Gilja
- Haukeland University Hospital, National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Bergen, Norway
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Kapral
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health system, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Arthur J Pesch
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health system, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Rachita Khot
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health system, Charlottesville, VA..
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34
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Beache GM, Mohammed TLH, Hurwitz Koweek LM, Ghoshhajra BB, Brown RKJ, Davis AM, Heitner J, Hsu JY, Johri AM, Khosa F, Kligerman SJ, Litmanovich D, Maroules CD, Meyersohn N, Tomaszewski CA, Villines TC, Wann S, Abbara S. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Nonspecific Chest Pain-Low Probability of Coronary Artery Disease. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 17:S346-S354. [PMID: 33153548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients with acute nonspecific chest pain and low probability for coronary disease remain an important clinical management dilemma. We focus on evidence for imaging, in an integrated decision-making setting. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth M Beache
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew M Davis
- The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois; American College of Physicians
| | - John Heitner
- New York Presbyterian Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York; Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
| | - Joe Y Hsu
- Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amer M Johri
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario; Canada, Cardiology expert
| | - Faisal Khosa
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Todd C Villines
- University of Virginia Health Center, Charlottesville, Virginia; Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
| | - Samuel Wann
- Ascension Healthcare Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Nuclear cardiology expert
| | - Suhny Abbara
- Specialty Chair, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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35
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Schwarze V, Rübenthaler J, Marschner C, Fabritius MP, Rueckel J, Fink N, Puhr-Westerheide D, Gresser E, Froelich MF, Schnitzer ML, Große Hokamp N, Afat S, Staehler M, Geyer T, Clevert DA. Advanced Fusion Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Imaging (CT/MRI-CEUS) in Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2821. [PMID: 33007933 PMCID: PMC7600560 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusion imaging depicts an innovative technique that facilitates combining assets and reducing restrictions of advanced ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging. The purpose of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the role of fusion imaging for assessing hepatic and renal lesions. Between 02/2011-08/2020, 92 patients in total were included in the study, of which 32 patients had hepatic lesions, 60 patients had renal lesions. Fusion imaging was technically successful in all patients. No adverse side effects upon intravenous (i.v.) application of SonoVue® (Bracco, Milan, Italy) were registered. Fusion imaging could clarify all 11 (100%) initially as indeterminate described hepatic lesions by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI). Moreover, 5/14 (36%) initially suspicious hepatic lesions could be validated by fusion imaging, whereas in 8/14 (57%), malignant morphology was disproved. Moreover, fusion imaging allowed for the clarification of 29/30 (97%) renal lesions initially characterized as suspicious by CT/MRI, of which 19/30 (63%) underwent renal surgery, histopathology revealed malignancy in 16/19 (84%), and benignity in 3/19 (16%). Indeterminate findings could be elucidated by fusion imaging in 20/20 (100%) renal lesions. Its accessibility and repeatability, even during pregnancy and in childhood, its cost-effectiveness, and its excellent safety profile, make fusion imaging a promising instrument for the thorough evaluation of hepatic and renal lesions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Schwarze
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Johannes Rübenthaler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Constantin Marschner
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Matthias Philipp Fabritius
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Johannes Rueckel
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Nicola Fink
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Daniel Puhr-Westerheide
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Eva Gresser
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Matthias Frank Froelich
- Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Moritz Ludwig Schnitzer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Nils Große Hokamp
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Saif Afat
- Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
| | - Michael Staehler
- Department of Urology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Thomas Geyer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
| | - Dirk-André Clevert
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.R.); (C.M.); (M.P.F.); (J.R.); (N.F.); (D.P.-W.); (E.G.); (M.L.S.); (T.G.); (D.-A.C.)
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Abstract
Puumala virus (PUUV) is the most common hantavirus in Europe. It is known to cause nephropathia epidemica, which is considered a mild type of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. However, it does not only involve the kidneys and is rarely accompanied by symptomatic hemorrhage. We review the imaging abnormalities caused by PUUV infection, from head to pelvis, emphasizing the broad spectrum of possible findings and bringing further support to a previously suggested denomination "Hantavirus disease" that would encompass all clinical manifestations. Although non-specific, knowledge of radiological appearances is useful to support clinically suspected PUUV infection, before confirmation by serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lebecque
- Department of Radiology, Université catholique de Louvain, CHU UCL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Michaël Dupont
- Department of Radiology, Université catholique de Louvain, CHU UCL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium
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37
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Harfouch N, Stern J, Chowdhary V, Arias Y, Demissie S, Scheiner J, Khodorkovsky B, Hayim M. Utility of ultrasound after a negative CT abdomen and pelvis in the emergency department. Clin Imaging 2020; 68:29-35. [PMID: 32563722 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of an abdominal and/or pelvic ultrasound (US) performed within 24 h after a negative CT of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) in the emergency department (ED). The secondary endpoint is to assess whether there is a significant increase in length of stay (LOS) in the ED due to immediate US reimaging. METHOD We reviewed the imaging reports of 335 patients over the course of 3 years in our ED who had an US within 24 h after a negative CTAP. We then assessed type of US and whether the US showed any acute findings. We also evaluated LOS in the ED. RESULTS Out of 335 patients, there were only three US cases suspicious for acute surgical pathology (3/335 or 0.9%). On 30-day clinical follow-up, only one of the three cases was confirmed as cholecystitis on pathology. The most common non-surgical findings on US not initially reported on CTAP were ovarian cysts (29/83) and gallstones (9/83). Additionally, the LOS for patients who received both a CTAP and US was 119 min longer than patients who only received a CTAP. CONCLUSION US abdomen and/or pelvis reimaging within 24 h following a negative CTAP is unlikely to change surgical management in the acute setting. US reimaging can still be useful in diagnosing non-surgical pathology, which could serve to explain the patient's pain. US reimaging after negative CTAP is associated with an average increase in the ED LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassier Harfouch
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA.
| | - Jonathan Stern
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Varun Chowdhary
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Yuly Arias
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Seleshi Demissie
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Jonathan Scheiner
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Boris Khodorkovsky
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
| | - Morris Hayim
- Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
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Tau N, Cohen I, Barash Y, Klang E. Free abdominal gas on computed tomography in the emergency department: aetiologies and association between amount of free gas and mortality. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2020; 102:581-589. [PMID: 32233866 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Free abdominal gas is an important finding with major clinical implications. However, data on the aetiologies and prognosis of patients with free gas are scarce. Our primary aim was to describe the sources of free abdominal gas on emergency department (ED) computed tomography (CT). The secondary aim was to evaluate the association between the amount of free gas and all-cause mortality. METHODS All patients who underwent CT in the ED between February 2012 and February 2019 with free abdominal gas were included in the study. A scoring system was used to assess the amount of free gas: small - gas bubbles; medium - any gas pocket ≤2cm in diameter; large - any gas pocket >2cm. Data were collected from laboratory and clinical assessment regarding the source of free gas and all-cause mortality. RESULTS A total of 372 patients had free abdominal gas. Colonic diverticulitis was the most common aetiology among those with a small or medium amount of free gas (81/250 [32.4%] and 12/71 [16.9%] respectively). For patients with a large amount of gas, peptic disease was the most common aetiology (11/51 [21.6%]). Three-quarters of the patients (280/372, 75.2%) had the source of free gas identified during ED admission. Ninety-day mortality rates were 7.2%, 9.9% and 21.6% for patients with small, medium and large amounts of gas respectively (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS Colonic diverticulitis was the most common source of free abdominal gas and peptic disease was the most common cause of a large amount of free gas. Mortality rates correlated with the amount of gas and were significantly higher in patients with a large amount.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tau
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, , Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - I Cohen
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, , Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Y Barash
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, , Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - E Klang
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, , Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Raj MH, Mullins JN, Chi JM, Choy AH, Grimaldi GM, Friedman B. The utility of abdominopelvic CT in pregnant patients with abdominal pain and a negative or inconclusive abdominal MRI. Clin Imaging 2019; 59:88-94. [PMID: 31760283 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women with abdominal pain can pose a diagnostic dilemma due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms and the desire to avoid radiation to the conceptus. Many algorithms will suggest ultrasound (US) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as the first-line imaging choice in pregnant women with abdominal pain due to the lack of ionizing radiation. However, these studies can have limitations as well. Abdominopelvic MRI is susceptible to respiratory motion that could cause a study to be nondiagnostic (Zaitsev et al., 2015 [1]). In the current case series, we present 8 pregnant patients with abdominal pain who underwent CT abdomen and pelvis after negative or inconclusive abdominal MRI exams. To our knowledge, this is the only case series that describes CT findings in the pregnant population after negative or inconclusive MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micheal H Raj
- Department of Radiology, Northwell Health System, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
| | - John N Mullins
- Department of Radiology, Northwell Health System, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
| | - Joan M Chi
- Department of Radiology, Northwell Health System, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
| | - Andy H Choy
- Department of Radiology, Northwell Health System, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
| | - Gregory M Grimaldi
- Department of Radiology, Northwell Health System, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
| | - Barak Friedman
- Department of Radiology, Northwell Health System, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
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Granat N, Gabrieli S, Alpert EA. Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Diagnose Colitis in the Emergency Department: A Case Series and Review of the Literature. J Emerg Med 2019; 58:77-84. [PMID: 31672400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colitis refers to an inflammatory process of the colon, composed of a variety of different etiologies including inflammatory bowel disease, infectious colitis, ischemic colitis, and allergic colitis. Usually, abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard in diagnosing the various forms of colitis. However, by the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), one may occasionally be able to discern wall thickening, pericolic fluid, and adjacent hyperechoic mesenteric fat. One may also see abscesses, fistulae, or ascites. CASE SERIES This is a series of 6 patients who had findings consistent with colitis seen on POCUS performed by an emergency physician. These were confirmed by abdominal CT with contrast. Early detection by POCUS was able to lead to a rapid diagnosis and to expedite treatment. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The ability to detect findings of colitis by POCUS can be quickly learned by the emergency physician with a strong background in basic ultrasound. For many of the different subtypes of colitis, the initial treatment in the emergency department is the same: i.v. antibiotics, i.v. fluids, and "bowel rest" by maintaining the patient in nothing-by-mouth status. For the stable patient with high clinical suspicion of an infectious etiology of colitis, ultrasound can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other etiologies. This may be especially important in certain populations such as children and young women, where one can avoid a significant amount of radiation being directed toward the pelvic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Granat
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Selma Gabrieli
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Evan Avraham Alpert
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Marasco G, Verardi FM, Eusebi LH, Guarino S, Romiti A, Vestito A, Bazzoli F, Cavazza M, Zagari RM. Diagnostic imaging for acute abdominal pain in an Emergency Department in Italy. Intern Emerg Med 2019; 14:1147-1153. [PMID: 31493199 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-019-02189-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Imaging plays a key role in the diagnostic work-up of patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain (AAP) in emergency department (ED). We aimed to evaluate the use and diagnostic performance of imaging techniques in adult patients with AAP in an ED in Italy. Patients with non-traumatic AAP admitted at the ED of S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna (Italy) from the 1st to the 30th November 2016 were included. Demographic and clinical data, data on radiological procedures and discharge diagnosis were collected. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting acute diseases were assessed using the discharge diagnosis from the ED as reference standard. Of the 578 patients (female 52.8%, mean age 51.3 years) admitted to the ED for AAP, 433 (74.9%) underwent abdominal imaging. The most frequent techniques used were abdominal plain radiography and ultrasonography (US), performed in 38.4% and 37.9% of patients, respectively, followed by computed tomography (CT) in 28% of patients. Plain radiography yielded a sensitivity of 28% and specificity of 91.1%; the sensitivity increased to 79.4% in patients with small bowel obstruction. Ultrasonography's sensitivity and specificity were 61.8% and 98.4%, respectively; the sensitivity of US reached 85.2% and 90% in patients with acute cholecystitis/biliary colic and urolithiasis, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CT were 87.8% and 92.9%, respectively. Plain radiography is still overused in the diagnostic work-up of AAP in ED in Italy, despite its unsatisfactory sensitivity. Ultrasonography and CT has a higher sensitivity and should be used as first-level imaging in most patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marasco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Verardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Henry Eusebi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sonia Guarino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romiti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Amanda Vestito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Bazzoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Cavazza
- Emergency Department, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Maurizio Zagari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti n. 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
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Bax T, Macha M, Mayberry J. The utility of CT scan for the diagnostic evaluation of acute abdominal pain. Am J Surg 2019; 217:959-966. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Rybicki FJ. Timelines and Case Use Metrics for the ACR Appropriateness Criteria ®. J Am Coll Radiol 2018; 15:S215-S216. [PMID: 30392590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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