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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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Yapp KE, Brennan P, Ekpo E. The Effect of Clinical History on Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation - A Systematic Review. Acad Radiol 2022; 29:255-266. [PMID: 33183952 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To provide updated information on the effect of clinical history on diagnostic image interpretation and to provide study methodology and design recommendations for future studies assessing the effect of clinical history on diagnostic image performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases was conducted from database inception to July 21, 2020. Studies comparing diagnostic imaging performance with and without clinical history, using observers reading images under both conditions that used an independent reference standard were included. RESULTS Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, with 15 showing clinical history improved diagnostic performance. One study reported a decrease in diagnostic performance with clinical history and the remaining six studies found no significant change in performance. Two studies used the free response paradigm with both reporting clinical history increased location sensitivity, decreased specificity and had no overall change in diagnostic performance. The disease spectrum of included cases was largely unreported and a balanced reading design was not used in 19 studies. CONCLUSION Most published studies found that clinical history improved diagnostic performance. More recent studies accounting for abnormality location and multiple abnormalities showed an increase in false positives and no significant change in overall diagnostic performance with clinical history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehn E Yapp
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Discipline of Medical Imaging Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Patrick Brennan
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Discipline of Medical Imaging Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Ernest Ekpo
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Discipline of Medical Imaging Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
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The added value of multidetector CT in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal causes of acute abdomen in geriatrics. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43055-021-00425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Due to changes in the gastrointestinal system in geriatric people, there are higher rates of atypical presentations of common disorders. In order to decrease the mortality rate, an efficient and correct diagnosis should be given for these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the role of MDCT in evaluating gastrointestinal tract-related acute abdominal pain in geriatric patients.
Results
Among fifty geriatric patients presented clinically with acute abdominal pain of gastrointestinal origin from November 2019 to September 2020, mean age was 70.2 ± 5.6 years ranging from 65 to 86 years. Majority were female, (thirty patients, 60%). Gastric causes (16%): obstruction (62.5%) and perforation (37.5%); and intestinal causes (84%): obstruction (71.4%), inflammatory (28.6%), perforation (23.8%), vascular (11.9%), and others (2.4%) were the frequent causes of acute abdominal pain in the studied patients. MDCT had a very high sensitivity of 98% (95% CI) as well as its PPV (95% CI) was 100% in the evaluation of gastrointestinal-related acute abdominal pain.
Conclusion
MDCT is a reliable diagnostic imaging modality for geriatric patients presented with acute abdominal pain suggested to be of gastrointestinal origin with a very high sensitivity in diagnosing the causative pathological conditions. MDCT can efficiently differentiate between obstructive, inflammatory, perforated, and ischemic bowel disorders.
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Taghavifar S, Joyce P, Salehi S, Khosa F, Shin H, Gholamrezanezhad A, Shah S. Computed Tomography in Emergency Diagnosis and Management Considerations of Small Bowel Obstruction for Surgical vs. Non-surgical Approach. Curr Med Imaging 2021; 18:275-284. [PMID: 34182911 DOI: 10.2174/1573405617666210628154218] [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] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small bowel obstruction (SBO) accounts for 15% of abdominal pain complaints referred to emergency departments and imposes significant financial burdens on the healthcare system. The absence of passage of flatus or stool and abdominal distention are reported as the most common symptom and a sign of SBO, respectively. Patients who do not demonstrate severe clinical or imaging findings are typically treated with conservative approaches. Patients with clinical signs of sepsis or physical findings of peritonitis are often instantly transferred to the operating room without supplementary imaging assessment. However, in cases where symptoms are non-specific, or the physical examination is challenging, such as in cases with loss of consciousness, the diagnosis can be complicated. This paper discusses the key findings detectable on Computed tomography (CT), which are vital for the emergent triage, proper treatment, and decision making in patients with speculated SBO. METHOD Narrative review of the literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION CT plays a key role in emergent triage, proper treatment, and decision making. It provides high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the detection of early-stage obstruction and acute intestinal vascular compromise. It can also differentiate between various etiologies of this entity which is considered an important criterion in the triage of patients into surgical vs. non-surgical treatment. There are multiple CT findings, such as mesenteric edema, lack of the small-bowel feces, bowel wall thickening, fat stranding in the mesentery, and intraperitoneal fluid, which are predictive of urgent surgical exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Taghavifar
- Department of General Surgery, Orjhans Street, Resalat Blvd, Urmia, Iran
| | - Peter Joyce
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), 1500 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90033. United States
| | - Sana Salehi
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), 1500 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90033. United States
| | - Faisal Khosa
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC. Canada
| | - Heeseop Shin
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), 1500 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90033. United States
| | - Ali Gholamrezanezhad
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), 1500 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90033. United States
| | - Samad Shah
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), 1500 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90033. United States
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The Accuracy of On-Call CT Reporting in Teleradiology Networks in Comparison to In-House Reporting. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9040405. [PMID: 33916229 PMCID: PMC8065948 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9040405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: We aimed to compare the accuracy of after-hours CT reports created in a traditional in-house setting versus a teleradiology setting by assessing the discrepancy rates between preliminary and final reports. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective study to determine the number and severity of discrepancies between preliminary and final reports for 7761 consecutive after-hours CT scans collected over a 21-month period. CT exams were performed during on-call hours and were proofread by an attending the next day. Discrepancies between preliminary and gold-standard reports were evaluated by two senior attending radiologists, and differences in rates were assessed for statistical significance. (3) Results: A total of 7209 reports were included in the analysis. Discrepancies occurred in 1215/7209 cases (17%). Among these, 433/7209 reports (6%) showed clinically important differences between the preliminary and final reports. A total of 335/5509 of them were in-house reports (6.1%), and 98/1700 were teleradiology reports (5.8%). The relative frequencies of report changes were not significantly higher in teleradiology. (4) Conclusions: The accuracy of teleradiology reports was not inferior to that of in-house reports, with very similar clinically important differences rates found in both reporting situations.
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Impact of clinical information on CT diagnosis by radiologist and subsequent clinical management by physician in acute abdominal pain. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:5454-5463. [PMID: 33515087 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-07700-8] [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] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of clinical information on radiological diagnoses and subsequent clinical management has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to compare diagnostic performance between radiological reports made with and without clinical information and to evaluate differences in the clinical management decisions based on each of these reports. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 410 patients who presented with acute abdominal pain and underwent unenhanced (n = 248) or enhanced CT (n = 162). Clinical information including age, sex, current and past history, physical findings, and laboratory tests were collected. Six radiologists independently interpreted CTs that were randomly assigned with or without clinical information, made radiological diagnoses, and scored the diagnostic confidence level. Four general and emergency physicians simulated clinical management (i.e., followed up in the outpatient clinic, hospitalized for conservative therapy, or referred to other departments for invasive therapy) based on reports made with or without the clinical information. Reference standards for the radiological diagnoses and clinical management were defined by an independent expert panel. RESULTS The radiological diagnoses made with clinical information were more accurate than those made without clinical information (93.7% vs. 87.8%, p = 0.008). Median interpretation time for radiological reporting with clinical information was significantly shorter than that without clinical information (median 122.0 vs. 139.0 s, p < 0.001). Clinical simulation better matched the reference standard for clinical management when radiological diagnoses were made with reference to clinical information (97.3% vs. 87.8%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Access to adequate clinical information enables accurate radiological diagnoses and appropriate subsequent clinical management of patients with acute abdominal pain. KEY POINTS • Radiological interpretation improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence level when clinical information was provided. • Providing clinical information did not extend the interpretation time required by radiologists. • Radiological interpretation with clinical information led to correct clinical management by physicians.
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Sangiorgio G, Biondi A, Basile F, Vacante M. Acute abdominal pain in older adults: a clinical and diagnostic challenge. MINERVA CHIR 2020; 75:169-172. [PMID: 32550726 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4733.20.08266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abdominal pain (AP) is one of the most frequent clinical condition observed in elderly patients. The differential diagnosis is wide and definitive diagnosis is often difficult due to delayed symptoms, altered laboratory parameters, pre-existing medical disorders, abuse of drugs and in absence of an accurate medical history. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic literature review was carried out through PubMed database for studies published in the last ten years. The following search string was used: {("geriatric"[Title] OR "older"[Title] OR "aged"[Title] OR "elderly"[Title]) AND ((("abdomen"[Title] AND "acute"[Title]) OR "acute abdomen"[Title] OR ("acute"[Title] AND "abdomen"[Title])) OR ("abdominal"[Title] AND "pain"[title]) OR "abdominal pain"[Title])}. Full articles and abstracts were included. Case reports, commentaries, editorials and letters were excluded from the analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS As the age of people presenting AP advances, both rates of surgical procedures and mortality rate increase. CONCLUSIONS A systematic approach based on the organization of differential diagnoses into categories, may provide a helpful framework by the combined use of history-taking, physical examination, and results of diagnostic studies. In elderly patients admitted to the emergency department, a crucial role is played by a prompt use of radiological investigations in order to discriminate between older subjects admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and pathological cases requiring immediate surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sangiorgio
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Biondi
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Basile
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vacante
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy -
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8
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Der mechanische Ileus bei geriatrischen Patienten. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2019; 115:22-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00063-019-00637-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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9
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ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Nonlocalized Abdominal Pain. J Am Coll Radiol 2018; 15:S217-S231. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Ozturk E, van Iersel M, Stommel MM, Schoon Y, Ten Broek RR, van Goor H. Small bowel obstruction in the elderly: a plea for comprehensive acute geriatric care. World J Emerg Surg 2018; 13:48. [PMID: 30377439 PMCID: PMC6196030 DOI: 10.1186/s13017-018-0208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small bowel obstruction is one of the most frequent emergencies in general surgery, commonly affecting elderly patients. Morbidity and mortality from small bowel obstruction in elderly is high. Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and management of bowel obstruction in recent years. But little is known whether this progress has benefitted outcomes in elderly patients, particularly those who are frail or have a malignancy as cause of the obstruction, and when considering quality of life and functioning as outcomes. In this review, we discuss the specific challenges and needs of elderly in diagnosis and treatment of small bowel obstruction. We address quality of life aspects and explore how the concept of geriatric assessment can be utilized to improve decision-making and outcomes for elderly patients with a small bowel obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekin Ozturk
- 1Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne van Iersel
- 2Department of Geriatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Mwj Stommel
- 1Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Schoon
- 2Department of Geriatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,3Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Rpg Ten Broek
- 1Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- 1Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Finger A, Harris M, Nishimura E, Yoon HC. Inadequate Clinical Indications in Computed Tomography Chest and Abdomen/Pelvis Scans. Perm J 2018; 22:18-017. [PMID: 30296399 DOI: 10.7812/tpp/18-017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT As the use of computed tomography (CT) scans, which are expensive and result in considerable radiation exposure to the patient, continues to increase, communication between physicians and radiologists remains vital to explain the clinical context for the examination. However, the clinical information provided to the radiologist is often lacking. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the clinical information provided in CT scan requests meets minimum criteria for requesting the examination. METHODS We reviewed the clinical indications for 400 CT chest scans and 400 CT abdomen/pelvis scans performed from January 1, 2016, through March 8, 2016. We determined whether each CT study indication was complete on the basis of whether the clinical information included an adequate clinical history with 1) a primary symptom, 2) the location of the symptom, and 3) the duration of the symptom as well as a suspected etiology. RESULTS Of the CT chest indications, 56 (14.0%) of the clinical histories were considered complete and 17 (4.3%) had none of the components. A principal etiology was included in 195 (48.8%) of the indications. Of the CT abdomen/pelvis indications, 94 (23.5%) of the clinical histories were complete and 13 (3.3%) had none of the components. A principal etiology was included in 173 (43.3%) of the indications. Only 23 (5.8%) of the CT chest studies and 35 (8.8%) of the CT abdomen/pelvis studies had information considered sufficient for the radiologist. CONCLUSION The percentage of complete clinical indications for both CT chest and abdomen/pelvis scans was much lower than 50%, suggesting that more emphasis should be placed on providing complete clinical indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Finger
- Senior Undergraduate Student at Creighton University in Omaha, NE
| | - Mark Harris
- Traumatic Brain Injury Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of California, San Francisco
| | - Emily Nishimura
- Junior Undergraduate Student at Pomona College in Claremont, CA
| | - Hyo-Chun Yoon
- Assistant Chief of Diagnostic Imaging for the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group
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Impact of clinical history on choice of abdominal/pelvic CT protocol in the Emergency Department. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201694. [PMID: 30086148 PMCID: PMC6080782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiologists and other specialty consultants play a role in diagnosing patients with acute abdominal conditions. Numerous Computed Tomography (CT) protocols are available and radiologists' choices are influenced by the clinical history provided. We hypothesize that the quality of the initial communication between referring physicians and radiologists greatly affects the utilization of health resources and subsequent patient care. The purpose of this pilot study was to employ a grading system to quantitatively evaluate a provided history. We also sought to evaluate inter-rater reliability by having radiologists evaluate sample histories and finally, to assess whether the quality of history has an impact on the number of CT protocols radiologists choose as potentially appropriate, with less potential protocols being seen as a positive outcome. METHODS Four reviewers, (2 attendings and 2 residents) evaluated 350 consecutive clinical histories provided for patients presenting to a tertiary care Emergency Department (ED) between September-October, 2012. Reviewers graded histories on a 5-point scale using 4 categories of criteria. This includes a) presenting complaint, b) relevant past medical history or symptom evolution, c) objective laboratory or prior examination results and d) differential diagnosis. RESULTS There was substantial agreement among all four reviewers when evaluating the quality of history, ICC 0.61, (95% CI 0.48-0.71). In particular, agreement amongst attending radiologists was substantial, with ICC 0.69 (0.48-0.80). Significant negative correlation was observed between history grade and number of potentially appropriate protocols in 3 of 4 reviewers (Spearman's rho: -0.394, -0.639, -0.864, p <0.0001 for these reviewers). This correlation was significantly stronger for attending radiologists (Spearman's rho: -0.763, 95% CI -0.7933 to -0.731; p<0.0001). Agreement was poor among reviewers when asked exactly how many protocols could potentially be used to answer the clinical question based on provided history, ICC 0.08, (95% -0.03-0.13). CONCLUSION Although there is still variability in radiologists' approach to protocoling urgent studies, a more comprehensive requisition history narrowed the number of protocols considered.
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Radwan RW, Tang AM, Beasley WD. Computed tomography as a first-line investigation for elderly patients admitted to a surgical assessment unit. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2018; 100:285-289. [PMID: 29364008 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2017.0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increases in life expectancy has meant that a higher proportion of patients presenting to surgical assessment units are now elderly. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) can provide early and accurate diagnosis in the elderly, even in the presence of incomplete clinical and biological findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of early CT imaging in elderly patients presenting directly to the surgical assessment unit. Materials and methods All consecutive patients aged 65 years and over admitted directly to the surgical assessment unit between January 2017 and April 2017 were identified. Data were collected on demographics, laboratory investigations, radiological investigations and hospital admission. The primary outcome measure was overall length of stay. Results A total of 200 consecutive patients were identified and included over a six-month period. This comprised 110 women and 90 men with a median age of 78 years (range 64-98 years). A total of 83 patients underwent CT on admission to the surgical assessment unit. White cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) results were significantly higher in patients undergoing CT (P = 0.001). Median length of stay for patients undergoing CT was 5 days (range 1-19 days). This was significantly lower than those patients not receiving CT imaging, at 6 days (range 1-105 days; P = 0.034). Discussion CT should be considered as a first-line investigation when elderly patients with an acute abdomen are admitted to surgical assessment units. Early CT can accelerate hospital discharge and decrease overall length of hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Radwan
- Department of General Surgery, West Wales General Hospital , Carmarthen , UK
| | - A M Tang
- Department of General Surgery, West Wales General Hospital , Carmarthen , UK
| | - W D Beasley
- Department of General Surgery, West Wales General Hospital , Carmarthen , UK
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Van Borsel MD, Devolder PJ, Bosmans JM. Software solutions alone cannot guarantee useful radiology requests. Acta Radiol 2016; 57:1366-1371. [PMID: 26026001 DOI: 10.1177/0284185115588225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The availability of clinical information and a pertinent clinical question can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the imaging process. Purpose To examine if an electronic request form forcing referring clinicians to provide separate input of both clinical information and a clinical question can improve the quality of the request. Material and Methods A total of 607 request forms in the clinical worklists for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax, the abdomen or their combination, were examined. Using software of our own making, we examined the presence of clinical information and a clinical question before and after the introduction of a new, more compelling order method. We scored and compared the quality of the clinical information and the clinical question between the two systems and we examined the effect on productivity. Results Both clinical information and a clinical question were present in 76.7% of cases under the old system and in 95.3% under the new system ( P < 0.001). Individual characteristics of the clinical information and the clinical question however, with the exception of incompleteness, showed little improvement under the new system. There was also no significant difference between the two systems in the number of requests requiring further search. Conclusion The introduction of electronic radiology request forms compelling referring clinicians to provide separate input of clinical information and a clinical question provides only limited benefit to the quality of the request. Raising awareness among clinicians of the importance of a well-written request remains essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Ml Bosmans
- 1 Ghent University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Ghent, Belgium.,2 Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Edegem, Belgium
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15
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Since acute abdomen requires accurate diagnosis and treatment within a particular time limit to prevent mortality, the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine in collaboration with four other medical societies launched the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen that were the first English guidelines in the world for the management of acute abdomen. Here we provide the highlights of these guidelines [all clinical questions (CQs) and recommendations are shown in supplementary information]. METHODS A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and primary treatment for acute abdomen was performed to develop the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. Because many types of pathophysiological events underlie acute abdomen, these guidelines cover the primary care of adult patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen. RESULTS A total of 108 questions based on 9 subject areas were used to compile 113 recommendations. The subject areas included definition, epidemiology, history taking, physical examination, laboratory test, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, initial treatment, and education. Japanese medical circumstances were considered for grading the recommendations to assure useful information. The two-step methods for the initial management of acute abdomen were proposed. Early use of transfusion and analgesia, particularly intravenous acetaminophen, were recommended. CONCLUSIONS The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015 have been prepared as the first evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute abdomen. We hope that these guidelines contribute to clinical practice and improve the primary care and prognosis of patients with acute abdomen.
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Ihuhua P, Pitcher RD. Is the devil in the detail? The quality and clinical impact of information provided on requests for non-trauma emergency abdominal CT scans. Acta Radiol 2016; 57:1217-22. [PMID: 26787676 DOI: 10.1177/0284185115626474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the radiology information system in streamlining imaging workflow and enhancing efficiency in digital radiology departments is now well established. Although there is increasing use of systems with the capacity for computerized physician order entry, there has been limited work on the quality of clinical data provided on electronic diagnostic imaging requests. PURPOSE To assess the quality of clinical details provided on electronic diagnostic imaging requests (DIR) for emergency non-trauma abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans, and the impact of such data on radiological outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive electronic DIRs for emergency non-trauma abdominal CT scans for patients with an acute abdomen in a tertiary-level public-sector hospital. The quality of clinical data was assessed using the Royal College of Physicians' referral guidelines and correlated with radiological outcomes, defined as a definitive CT diagnosis. RESULTS Eighty-eight percent of requests presented a clear clinical question, 48% recorded clinical examination details, 29% had adequate clinical histories, and 17% included laboratory investigations, while only 2% of requests were complete in all respects. Although 88% of scans yielded a definitive radiological diagnosis, there was no association between the adequacy of DIR details and a definitive radiological outcome. CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the non-specific clinical presentation of non-trauma-related abdominal emergencies and the pivotal role of CT in providing a definitive diagnosis in this setting. We suggest that the appropriate triage of patients presenting with an acute, non-trauma abdomen is the overriding clinical imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puleinge Ihuhua
- Division of Radiodiagnosis, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard D Pitcher
- Division of Radiodiagnosis, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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17
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Systematic unenhanced CT for acute abdominal symptoms in the elderly patients improves both emergency department diagnosis and prompt clinical management. Eur Radiol 2016; 27:868-877. [PMID: 27271919 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Mayumi T, Yoshida M, Tazuma S, Furukawa A, Nishii O, Shigematsu K, Azuhata T, Itakura A, Kamei S, Kondo H, Maeda S, Mihara H, Mizooka M, Nishidate T, Obara H, Sato N, Takayama Y, Tsujikawa T, Fujii T, Miyata T, Maruyama I, Honda H, Hirata K. The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. J Gen Fam Med 2016. [DOI: 10.14442/jgfm.17.1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Impact of CT in elderly patients presenting to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 40:2877-82. [PMID: 25862547 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-015-0419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to document the clinical impact of CT in elderly patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain. METHODS This retrospective IRB-approved study from 2006 to 2013 evaluated 464 patients ≥80 years (mean 89 years, range 80-100: M150, W314), who presented to the ED with acute abdominal symptoms and underwent CT. CTs were divided into those negative and positive for actionable findings, defined as potentially requiring a change in surgical or medical management. Physician diagnosis, treatment plan, and disposition before and after CT were reviewed in the electronic medical record to assess CT influence on management and disposition. CT diagnosis was confirmed with final clinical diagnosis, surgical intervention, pathology, and follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS CTs were positive in 55%. The most common diagnoses were SBO (18%), diverticulitis (9%), non-ischemic vascular-related emergency (6%), bowel ischemia (4%), appendicitis (3%), and colonic obstruction (2%). These diagnoses were clinically unsuspected prior to CT in 43% (p < 0.05), with significant difficultly in diagnosing SBO (p < 0.05), diverticulitis (p < 0.01), and colonic obstruction (p < 0.01). Positive CT results influenced treatment plans in 65%, surgical in 48%, and medical in 52%. Disposition from the ED was significantly affected by CT (p < 0.001), 65% of admissions with positive CT (p < 0.001) and 63% of discharges with negative CT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Utilization of abdominopelvic CT in geriatric patients presenting to the ED with acute abdominal symptoms strongly influences clinical management and significantly affects disposition. As the US population ages, the clinical impact of emergent CT in the elderly will intensify.
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Mayumi T, Yoshida M, Tazuma S, Furukawa A, Nishii O, Shigematsu K, Azuhata T, Itakura A, Kamei S, Kondo H, Maeda S, Mihara H, Mizooka M, Nishidate T, Obara H, Sato N, Takayama Y, Tsujikawa T, Fujii T, Miyata T, Maruyama I, Honda H, Hirata K. Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2015; 23:3-36. [PMID: 26692573 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since acute abdomen requires accurate diagnosis and treatment within a particular time limit to prevent mortality, the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, in collaboration with four other medical societies, launched the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen that were the first English guidelines in the world for the management of acute abdomen. Here we provide the highlights of these guidelines (all clinical questions and recommendations were shown in supplementary information). A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and primary treatment for acute abdomen was performed to develop the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. Because many types of pathophysiological events underlie acute abdomen, these guidelines cover the primary care of adult patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen. A total of 108 questions based on nine subject areas were used to compile 113 recommendations. The subject areas included definition, epidemiology, history taking, physical examination, laboratory test, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, initial treatment, and education. Japanese medical circumstances were considered for grading the recommendations to assure useful information. The two-step methods for the initial management of acute abdomen were proposed. Early use of transfusion and analgesia, particularly intravenous acetaminophen, were recommended. The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015 have been prepared as the first evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute abdomen. We hope that these guidelines contribute to clinical practice and improve the primary care and prognosis of patients with acute abdomen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Mayumi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yoshida
- Department of Hemodialysis and Surgery, Chemotherapy Research Institute, International University of Health and Welfare, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Susumu Tazuma
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Furukawa
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Nishii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Mizonokuchi, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Shigematsu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Azuhata
- Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Kamei
- Department of Radiology, The Aichi Prefectural Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives for Health and Welfare Kainan Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kondo
- Department of Radiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Maeda
- Emergency Department, Fukui Prefectural Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mihara
- Center for Medical Education, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Masafumi Mizooka
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Nishidate
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Obara
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Sato
- Department of Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuichi Takayama
- Department of Surgery, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Tsujikawa
- Comprehensive Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Chairperson of the Executive Board, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Miyata
- President, Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Koichi Hirata
- President, Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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