Current Radiology Reports

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this study, we planned and carried out a scoping review of the literature to learn how machine learning (ML) has been investigated in cardiovascular imaging (CVI). RECENT FINDINGS: During our search, we found numerous studies that developed or utilized existing ML models for segmentation, classification, object detection, generation, and regression applications involving cardiovascular imaging data. We first quantitatively investigated the different aspects of study characteristics, data handling, model development, and performance evaluation in all studies that were included in our review...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the main features of the aging chest, studied through different imaging modalities. RECENT FINDINGS: Aging-related changes of the respiratory system are inevitable. Therefore, it is mandatory to be familiar with the para-physiological changes that occurs, in order to avoid inappropriate interpretation of radiological findings that put patients at risk of over or undertreatment. SUMMARY: The role of the radiologist is fundamental in evaluating aging-related processes affecting the respiratory system and in distinguishing them from frank diseases...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this review is to document the advances in non-ionising imaging alternatives to CT for the head and neck. RECENT FINDINGS: The main alternative to CT for imaging bone of the head and neck region is MRI, particularly techniques which incorporate gradient echo imaging (Black Bone technique) and ultra-short or zero-echo time imaging. Since these techniques can provide high resolution isometric voxels, they can be used to provide multi-planar reformats and, following post processing, 3D reconstructed images of the craniofacial skeleton...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A racially and ethnically diverse healthcare workforce leads to increased access to care and better health outcomes. Radiology and specifically the patient-centered subspecialty of breast imaging have a growing mismatch between the demographics of the physician workforce and the patient population served. Identifying and addressing the barriers for diversity is imperative in order to decrease disparities in breast cancer morbidity and mortality and achieve excellence in patient care...

Purpose of Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for healthcare delivery, disrupting normal workflows and demanding re-allocation of resources. In the setting of breast imaging, this entailed an initial marked reduction of services during the acute phase of the pandemic followed by a gradual reopening with modified protocols to minimize potential virus exposure. Recent Findings: Protocols were devised for providing limited breast imaging services during the acute phase of the pandemic and for safely reopening during the post acute phase...

Purpose: Despite an overall reduction in the number of stroke cases presenting to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, a remarkably high incidence of acute cerebrovascular disease associated with the infection has been reported. In this systematic review, we assess the neurological outcomes and complications of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusions (LVO) in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed from December 1, 2019 through September 1st, 2020 using different combinations of suitable keywords...

Purpose of review: To review acute findings commonly encountered during routine clinical FDG PET/CT studies and present key imaging features to differentiate them from malignant counterparts. Recent findings: FDG PET/CT is extensively used in routine clinical practice for oncology patients. Incidental acute findings in patients undergoing FDG PET/CT are increasingly common, and awareness of these findings and their mimics are important in delivering a clinically relevant and accurate radiological report for directing further management...

Purpose of Review: Emerging infectious diseases have seen a record increase in prevalence, and understanding their management is critical in an increasingly global community. In this paper, we review current literature detailing the role of radiology in the diagnosis and treatment of the Ebola (EVD), Zika (ZVD), Chikungunya (CHIKF), H1N1, Middle East Respiratory (MERS), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) viruses. Recent Findings: Complex protocols are required to safely use portable imaging in EVD to prevent nosocomial spread of disease...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chordoma are rare tumours of the axial skeleton which occur most often at the base of the skull and in the sacrum. Although chordoma are generally slow-growing lesions, the recurrence rate is high and the location makes it often difficult to treat. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are crucial in the initial diagnosis, treatment planning and post-treatment follow-up. RECENT FINDINGS: Basic MRI and CT characteristics of chordoma were described in the late 1980s and early 1990s...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an up-to-date overview of the strengths and weaknesses of current imaging modalities in diagnosis and follow-up of skull base osteomyelitis (SBO). RECENT FINDINGS: CT and MRI are both used for anatomical imaging, and nuclear techniques aid in functional process imaging. Hybrid techniques PET-CT and PET-MRI are the newest modalities which combine imaging strengths. SUMMARY: No single modality is able to address the scope of SBO...

Purpose of review: To show the role of functional MRI in patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Recent findings: MRI is commonly used for treatment evaluation in patients with head and neck tumors. However, anatomical MRI has its limits in differentiating between post-treatment effects and tumor recurrence. Recent studies showed promising results of functional MRI for response evaluation. Summary: This review analyzes possibilities and limitations of functional MRI sequences separately to obtain insight in the post-therapy setting...

Purpose of Review: Probably benign (BI-RADS 3) causes confusion for interpreting physicians and referring physicians and can induce significant patient anxiety. The best uses and evidence for using this assessment category in mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI will be reviewed; the reader will have a better understanding of how and when to use BI-RADS 3. Recent Findings: Interobserver variability in the use of BI-RADS 3 has been documented. The 5th edition of the BI-RADS atlas details the appropriate use of BI-RADS 3 for diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, and discourages its use in screening mammography...

PURPOSE: This review will inform radiologists about the evidence base regarding radiographic imaging for transgender individuals and considerations for providing culturally sensitive care for this population. FINDINGS: Transgender individuals are increasingly referred for both screening and diagnostic breast imaging. It is important that the clinic environment is welcoming, the medical staff utilize accepted terminology and patients are able to designate their gender and personal history to ensure appropriate care...

PURPOSE: To review how PET/MR technology could add value for pediatric cancer patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Since many primary tumors in children are evaluated with MRI and metastases are detected with PET/CT, integrated PET/MR can be a time-efficient and convenient solution for pediatric cancer staging. 18 F-FDG PET/MR can assess primary tumors and the whole body in one imaging session, avoid repetitive anesthesia and reduce radiation exposure compared to 18 F-FDG PET/CT...

The evaluation of neuropathologies using MRI methods that leverage tissue susceptibility have become standard practice, especially to detect blood products or mineralization. Additionally, emerging MRI techniques have the ability to provide new information based on tissue susceptibility properties in a robust and quantitative manner. This paper discusses these advanced susceptibility imaging techniques and their clinical applications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To explain the technique of Dual-energy CT (DECT) and highlight its applications and advantages in head and neck radiology. RECENT FINDINGS: Using DECT, additional datasets can be created next to conventional images. In head and neck radiology, three material decomposition algorithms can be used for improved lesion detection and delineation of the tumor. Iodine concentration measurements can aid in differentiating malignant from nonmalignant lymph nodes and benign posttreatment changes from tumor recurrence...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Identification of the underlying cause of pulsatile tinnitus is important for treatment decision making and for prognosis estimation. For this, an adequate diagnostic imaging strategy is crucial. RECENT FINDINGS: Both CT and MRI can be useful, and in general, these modalities provide complementary diagnostic information. The scanning protocol can be optimized based on the estimated a priori chance for finding specific pathology, or the need to rule out more rare but clinical significant disease...

Given the expected rapid growth of the geriatric world population (=individuals aged >65 years) to 1.3 billion by 2050, age-related diseases such as osteoporosis and its sequelae, osteoporotic fractures, are on the rise. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the current gold standard to diagnose osteoporosis, to assess osteoporotic fracture risk, and to monitor treatment-induced BMD changes. However, most fragility fractures occur in patients with normal or osteopenic aBMD, indicating that factors beyond BMD impact bone strength...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy radiographic profiling of frequent and serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs) becomes more relevant. This article reviews imaging features of irAEs induced by the anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab. RECENT FINDINGS: Important radiological manifestations are immune-related colitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, hypophysitis, pneumonitis, arthritis and sarcoid-like lymphadenopathy...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Healthcare costs have exploded in the past 30 years and they are a major concern for governments worldwide. Care management of musculoskeletal disorders and advanced imaging account for a large part of this socioeconomic burden. RECENT FINDINGS: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is now performed primarily by nonradiologists. Both musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI total utilization rates continue to increase. Despite the existence of evidence-based diagnostic recommendations and the potential cost-savings of using musculoskeletal ultrasound instead of MRI in certain clinical situations, ensuring appropriate use of imaging among health professionals remains difficult for various reasons...