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Despite the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) development for health care applications, particularly for medical imaging applications, there has been limited adoption of such AI tools into clinical practice. During a 1-day workshop in November 2022, co-organized by the ACR and the RSNA, participants outlined experiences and problems with implementing AI in clinical practice, defined the needs of various stakeholders in the AI ecosystem, and elicited potential solutions and strategies related to the safety, effectiveness, reliability, and transparency of AI algorithms. Participants included radiologists from academic and community radiology practices, informatics leaders responsible for AI implementation, regulatory agency employees, and specialty society representatives. The major themes that emerged fell into two categories: (1) AI product development and (2) implementation of AI-based applications in clinical practice. In particular, participants highlighted key aspects of AI product development to include clear clinical task definitions; well-curated data from diverse geographic, economic, and health care settings; standards and mechanisms to monitor model reliability; and transparency regarding model performance, both in controlled and real-world settings. For implementation, participants emphasized the need for strong institutional governance; systematic evaluation, selection, and validation methods conducted by local teams; seamless integration into the clinical workflow; performance monitoring and support by local teams; performance monitoring by external entities; and alignment of incentives through credentialing and reimbursement. Participants predicted that clinical implementation of AI in radiology will continue to be limited until the safety, effectiveness, reliability, and transparency of such tools are more fully addressed., (Copyright © 2024 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape radiology over the coming years. The radiology community has a strong history of embracing new technology for positive change, and AI is no exception. As with any new technology, rapid, successful implementation faces several challenges that will require creation and adoption of new integration technology. Use cases important to real-world application of AI are described, including clinical registries, AI research, AI product validation, and computer assistance for radiology reporting. Furthermore, the informatics technologies required for successful implementation of the use cases are described, including open Computer-Assisted Radiologist Decision Support, ACR Assist, ACR Data Science Institute use cases, common data elements (radelement.org), RadLex (radlex.org), LOINC/RSNA RadLex Playbook (loinc.org), and Radiology Report Templates (radreport.org)., (Copyright © 2019 American College of Radiology. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Multi-sequence sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the entire spine is performed in patients with known single level spondylodiscitis. Our objective is to determine the frequency of multifocal infection., Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective five-year review of all patients with spondylodiscitis was performed., Results: MRI identified 82 patients with single-level infection. All 82 had entire spine imaging performed within 72 h of admission, showing additional non-continuous sites of infection in 19 patients (23%). Remote levels of spondylodiscitis were present in 11 patients (13%)., Conclusion: Multi-sequence sagittal MRI of the entire spine may be helpful in patients with known single-level spine infection., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) are two techniques that can measure white matter integrity of the spinal cord. Recently, DTI indices have been shown to change with age. The purpose of this study is (a) to evaluate the maturational states of the entire pediatric spinal cord using DTI and DTT indices including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), mean length of white matter fiber tracts and tract density and (b) to analyze the DTI and DTT parameters along the entire spinal cord as a function of spinal cord levels and age., Method: A total of 23 typically developing (TD) pediatric subjects ranging in age from 6 to 16 years old (11.94 ± 3.26 (mean ± standard deviation), 13 females and 10 males) were recruited, and scanned using 3.0 T MR scanner. Reduced FOV diffusion tensor images were acquired axially in the same anatomical location prescribed for the T2-weighted images to cover the entire spinal cord (C1-mid L1 levels). To mitigate motion induced artifacts, diffusion directional images were aligned with the reference image (b0) using a rigid body registration algorithm performed by in-house software developed in Matlab (MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts). Diffusion tensor maps (FA and MD) and streamline deterministic tractography were then generated from the motion corrected DTI dataset. DTI and DTT parameters were calculated by using ROIs drawn to encapsulate the whole cord along the entire spinal cord by an independent board certified neuroradiologist. These indices then were compared between two age groups (age group A = 6-11 years ( n  = 11) and age group B = 12-16 years ( n  = 12)) based on similar standards and age definitions used for reporting spinal cord injury in the pediatric population. Standard least squared linear regression based on a restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method was used to evaluate the relationship between age and DTI and DTT parameters., Results: An increase in FA (group A = 0.42 ± 0.097, group B = 0.49 ± 0.116), white matter tract density (group A = 368.01 ± 236.88, group B = 440.13 ± 245.24) and mean length of fiber tracts (group A = 48.16 ± 20.48 mm, group B = 60.28 ± 23.87 mm) and a decrease in MD (group A = 1.06 ± 0.23 × 10 -3  mm 2 /s, group B = 0.82 ± 0.24 × 10 -3  mm 2 /s) were observed with age along the entire spinal cord. Statistically significant increases have been shown in FA ( p  = 0.004, R 2  = 0.57), tract density ( p  = 0.0004, R 2  = 0.58), mean length of fiber tracts ( p  < 0.001, R 2  = 0.5) and a significant decrease has been shown in MD ( p  = 0.002, R 2  = 0.59) between group A and group B. Also, it has been shown DTI and DTT parameters vary along the spinal cord as a function of intervertebral disk and mid-vertebral body level., Conclusion: This study provides an initial understanding of age related changes of DTI values as well as DTT metrics of the spinal cord. The results show significant differences in DTI and DTT parameters which may result from decreasing water content, myelination of fiber tracts, and the thickening diameter of fiber tracts during the maturation process. Consequently, when quantitative DTI and DTT of the spinal cord is undertaken in the pediatric population an age and level matched normative dataset should be used to accurately interpret the quantitative results.

Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumor typically seen in the appendicular skeleton and are rarely found in the spine. We present a case of an osteochondroma of the spine presenting with spinal cord compression. 27-year-old male presented with lower extremity weakness and paresthesia, decreased lower extremity sensation, and decreased proprioception. MRI showed a heterogeneous mass with minimal peripheral enhancement and without restricted diffusion. CT demonstrated a calcified mass extending from the left facet joint of T11-T12 with medial extension, resulting in severe central canal stenosis and cord compression. The patient underwent surgical resection with pathology demonstrating an osteochondroma., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Brain abscesses cause substantial morbidity and mortality even after appropriate therapy, and no underlying cause is found in 25% of cases. We investigated the added utility of contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) in the diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with cerebral abscesses and no history or prior trauma or cranial surgery., Methods: All patients presenting to a single institution with a surgically proven brain abscess were reviewed. Concurrent contrast-enhanced chest CT imaging results were reviewed when available to identify treatable predisposing causes of intracranial suppuration., Results: This study included 31 patients with biopsy-proven abscesses. Multiple abscesses were present in 8 patients (26%). Contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 15 patients (48%). Of these 15 patients, 2 had pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, 1 had an intrapulmonary shunt, and 3 had empyemas. Definitive therapy for the chest findings was provided to 6 of the 15 patients (40%). In the remaining 9 patients, 3 had pulmonary abscesses, for which diagnostic aspiration was requested. Another patient had an incidental pulmonary embolism, resulting in same-day placement of an inferior vena caval filter (not included in chest analysis, given that the finding was incidental)., Conclusions: Contrast-enhanced chest CT is useful for identifying treatable causes of cerebral abscesses in patients with a cerebral abscess and no history of surgery or trauma., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In addition to being a profession, the practice of radiology is a business, and marketing is an important part of that business. There are many facets to marketing a radiology practice. The authors present a number of ideas on how to go about doing this. Some marketing methods can be directed to both patients and referring physicians. Others should be directed just to patients, while still others should be directed just to referring physicians. Aside from marketing, many of them provide value to both target audiences., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The goal of imaging in spine trauma is to gauge the extent of bony, vascular, and neurologic compromise. Neurologic and mechanical stability are key pieces of information that must be efficiently communicated to the referring clinician. From immobilization and steroid therapy, to vascular repair and emergent surgical intervention, clinical outcomes of spine-injured patients depend on timely and well-chosen imaging studies. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) has essentially replaced radiography in clearance of the spine and is the gold standard in evaluation of the bony spinal column. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically reserved for patients with neurologic deficits or for obtunded/impaired patients in whom the neurologic exam is not reliable, even in the absence of osseous injury on CT. MRI is the only available imaging modality that is able to clearly depict the internal architecture of the spinal cord, and, as such, has a central role in depicting parenchymal changes resulting from injury. Intramedullary edema and hemorrhage have been shown to correlate with the degree of neurologic deficit and prognosis. Moreover, advanced MRI techniques, such as diffusion and diffusion tensor imaging, have shifted the focus to determining structural and functional integrity of neural structures. Here, we review the role of imaging in spine trauma, as well as the key radiologic features of injury to the spinal column and spinal cord., (© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

IT in health care has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years. The rise of the computer is at the core of these changes. Most agree that although these technologies have revolutionized the practice of medicine, they have additionally fostered a data revolution that is simultaneously useful and disruptive. The effective use and implementation of the right IT tools are critical to the success of the imaging profession. This article serves as a guideline to radiologists on how to build an effective IT division within an imaging enterprise from the perspective of leadership, management, and human resources. We address the process for building an IT team from the ground up and also provide recommendations for modifying an existing IT group to make it more effective. Paramount to this discussion is the concept of the imaging informatics professional and the advantage this type of training brings to a radiology department. In addition, we focus on the critical role of the physician informaticist as a liaison to bridge gaps among the IT, medical, and administrative functions in an organization., (Copyright © 2014 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Ossification of the leptomeninges, or arachnoiditis ossificans (AO) of the spine resulting in neurologic decline is a rarely reported disease. To date, there are 72 cases in the literature. The natural history of the disease and the best management strategy for patients with this condition is unknown. A series of five cases is presented adding to the relative paucity of knowledge of this potentially debilitating disease., Methods: A retrospective review of five cases of patients with arachnoiditis ossificans from 2009 to 2013 was conducted. All cases were obtained from a single institution. The diagnosis was based upon computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies., Results: All five patients in the series were found have a history of prior spinal procedures. Three of the five patients had no history of intradural procedures or violation of the dura. Three of the patients underwent surgery to address neurologic deficits related to AO. Surgical intervention mainly consisted of decompression via laminectomy without resection of the intradural bony lesions. All patients improved neurologically postoperatively., Conclusions: Arachnoiditis ossificans is a rare disease typically affecting the thoracolumbar spine. It may result in devastating neurological deficits. There is no consensus as to the appropriate treatment strategy and the surgical procedures can be technically demanding due to the tight adherence of the abnormal bone to neural structures. For those patients who exhibit no symptoms referable to the AO, close observation may be performed. However, once progressive neurologic deficits occur due to AO, decompression via laminectomy can be a successful strategy., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Perfusion studies are increasingly used to triage acute stroke patients for endovascular recanalization therapies. We compare the safety and efficacy of CT perfusion (CTP)-guided to time-guided mechanical recanalization in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients., Methods: A review was conducted on 132 patients, 94 undergoing CTP-guided and 38 undergoing time-guided (maximum 8h from symptom onset) mechanical recanalization at our institution., Results: The rate of partial-to-complete recanalization did not differ between the CTP and the non-CTP group (78.7% vs. 81.6%, respectively, p=0.71). ICH occurred respectively in 18.1% in the CTP group versus 31.6% in the non-CTP group (p=0.06). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in the CTP group (15.9% vs. 36.8%, p=0.04). In multivariable analysis, CTP-guided patient selection was an independent negative predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR=3.2; p=0.01). CTP-guided patient selection, however, was not a predictor of favorable outcome (Modified Rankin Scale 0-2 or 0-3)., Conclusions: CTP-based patient selection was associated with lower ICH and mortality rates. Favorable outcomes, however, did not differ between the 2 groups. These results may suggest a possible benefit in terms of in-hospital mortality with CTP-guided triage of AIS patients for endovascular treatment., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a sudden, life-altering event. Injury severity and accompanying recovery vary considerably from individual to individual. The most important determinant of prognosis is whether an injury is clinically complete or incomplete. While approximately 10-20% of complete injuries convert to incomplete during the first year post-injury, the magnitude of motor recovery following complete SCI is limited or absent. Robust functional motor recovery (e.g., weight-bearing, ambulation) distal to the zone of injury is rare. Recovery following incomplete SCI is particularly variable, and anywhere from 20% to 75% of individuals will recover some degree of walking capacity by 1 year post-injury. This is related to presenting injury severity (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade); however, even 20-50% of individuals who present as motor complete, sensory incomplete will walk in some capacity by 1 year post-injury. Regardless, for both complete and incomplete injuries, the majority of recovery is observed during the initial 9-12 months, with a relative plateau reached by 12-18 months post-injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides valuable adjunct information when a bedside clinical assessment cannot be completed. The presence of intramedullary hemorrhage and extended segments of edema have been associated with clinically complete SCI., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Brain metastases occur in up to 40% of all patients with systemic cancer. We aimed to assess whether stereotactic radiosurgery provided any therapeutic benefit in a randomised multi-institutional trial directed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)., Methods: Patients with one to three newly diagnosed brain metastases were randomly allocated either whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) or WBRT followed by stereotactic radiosurgery boost. Patients were stratified by number of metastases and status of extracranial disease. Primary outcome was survival; secondary outcomes were tumour response and local rates, overall intracranial recurrence rates, cause of death, and performance measurements., Findings: From January, 1996, to June, 2001, we enrolled 333 patients from 55 participating RTOG institutions--167 were assigned WBRT and stereotactic radiosurgery and 164 were allocated WBRT alone. Univariate analysis showed that there was a survival advantage in the WBRT and stereotactic radiosurgery group for patients with a single brain metastasis (median survival time 6.5 vs 4.9 months, p=0.0393). Patients in the stereotactic surgery group were more likely to have a stable or improved Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score at 6 months' follow-up than were patients allocated WBRT alone (43% vs 27%, respectively; p=0.03). By multivariate analysis, survival improved in patients with an RPA class 1 (p<0.0001) or a favourable histological status (p=0.0121)., Interpretation: WBRT and stereotactic boost treatment improved functional autonomy (KPS) for all patients and survival for patients with a single unresectable brain metastasis. WBRT and stereotactic radiosurgery should, therefore, be standard treatment for patients with a single unresectable brain metastasis and considered for patients with two or three brain metastases.

Patients with diabetic amyotrophy may have an inflammatory vasculopathy and may obtain reversal of neurological deficits with immunosuppression. We present a patient with NIDDM, subacute onset of painful asymmetric polyradiculopathy, and unilateral enhancement of lumbar nerve roots on MRI. Clinical improvement and resolution of nerve root enhancement occurred with immunosuppression. We suggest, therefore, that nerve biopsy and gadolinum-enhanced lumbosacral MRI be performed in all patients presenting with diabetic amyotrophy. If nerve root enhancement is present or if nerve biopsy shows perivascular infiltrates, we recommend a trial of immunosuppression.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of pre- and post-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) studies in children with intraocular tumors and simulating lesions., Methods: Patients younger than 12 years of age with the diagnosis of an intraocular tumor or simulating lesion with a thickness greater than 2.0 mm underwent pre- and post-contrast MR studies with surface coil. All post-contrast-enhanced images were performed with fat suppression techniques., Results: There were 40 children with the clinical diagnosis of an intraocular lesion as follows: retinoblastoma (n = 22), Coats disease (n = 5), ciliary body medulloepithelioma (n = 2), primary hyperplastic persistent vitreous (PHPV) (n = 2), retinal capillary hemangioma (n = 3), massive retinal gliosis (phthisis bulbi) (n = 2), uveal melanoma (n = 1), ciliary body leiomyoma (n = 1), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with total retinal detachment (n = 1), and post-traumatic retinal gliosis (n = 1). In the authors' series, solid intraocular tumors greater than 2.0 mm in thickness such as retinoblastoma, ciliary body medulloepithelioma, leiomyoma, choroidal melanoma, and retinal capillary hemangioma appeared hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. Secondary serous or exudative retinal detachment, regardless of the underlying etiology (neoplasm, Coats disease, PHPV, phthisis bulbi, ROP), showed hyperintensity of the subretinal space on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Retinal gliosis was hypointense on both T1- and T2-weighted images. On contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images with fat suppression techniques, minimal to marked enhancement was observed in retinoblastoma, medulloepithelioma, retinal capillary hemangioma, leiomyoma, and choroidal melanoma. No enhancement was demonstrated in the subretinal space of Coats disease, PHPV, ROP, and in retinal gliosis. Calcification was identified in 54% of retinoblastoma tumors on MR sequences. Calcification showed low signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images, with lack of enhancement on contrast-enhanced sequences, thus differentiating it from surrounding tumor or tissue necrosis. The associated serous or exudative subretinal fluid secondary to intraocular tumors or simulating lesions did not demonstrate enhancement after contrast administration, therefore differentiating it from the causative lesion., Conclusion: Pre- and post-contrast MR studies allowed differentiation of solid intraocular tumors such as retinoblastoma, medulloepithelioma, retinal capillary hemangioma, leiomyoma, and choroidal melanoma from intraocular lesions with primary retinal detachment such as Coats disease, PHPV, massive retinal gliosis (phthisis bulbi), ROP, and associated subretinal fluid or hemorrhage. Heterogeneity within retinoblastoma suggests foci of tumor necrosis and/or calcification. The various solid intraocular tumors were not reliably differentiated from one another based on MR features.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of fibrovascular ingrowth in the integrated hydroxyapatite orbital implant is evaluated. Fifteen patients who underwent enucleation and placement of a hydroxyapatite orbital implant were evaluated for degree of implant vascularity with gadolinium-DPTA-enhanced MRI with surface coil before drilling the implant. On T1-weighted images, the hydroxyapatite sphere appeared with intermediate signal. After gadolinium-DPTA administration, all patients showed an enhancement in the implant consistent with the presence of fibrovascular ingrowth. The enhancement was most notable in the peripheral portions of the sphere and was seen as early as 5 months after implantation. Comparison of gadolinium-DPTA-enhanced MRI with contrast-enhanced computed tomography, ultrasonography, and color Doppler imaging suggests that these latter techniques are not as helpful in the detection of the fibrovascular tissue in the orbital implant. Bone scan, a technique used by many surgeons, demonstrates fibrovascular ingrowth, but it is limited by its one-dimensional low-resolution image. Because of its three-dimensional capability and its highest resolution, contrast-enhanced MRI with surface coil appears to be the best imaging method for evaluating the hydroxyapatite orbital implant and its fibrovascular ingrowth.

The classic MR appearance of paranasal sinus mucoceles is due to its cystic composition. We present two cases of paranasal sinus mucocele that exhibit atypical signal characteristics. The morphology of this lesion, rather than its signal intensity, is paramount in establishing this diagnosis.