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Rationale and Objectives In February 2020, administrators for the US medical licensing examination (USMLE) announced that Step 1 reporting would change to pass/fail in hopes of reducing the overemphasis of USMLE performance on the residency selection system and improving medical student well-being. Our objective was to determine the perspectives of diagnostic radiology (DR), interventional radiology (IR), and nuclear medicine (NM) program directors (PDs) regarding pass/fail USMLE Step 1 scoring. Materials and Methods A survey composed of thirteen questions on a three-point Likert scale, five demographic questions, and a free-text question was distributed to 179 DR, 84 IR, and 34 NM PDs from ACGME-accredited residency programs. Results In total, 140 unique responses were obtained (response rate = 47.1%). The PD respondents had a male predominance of 79.1%, average age of 46 ± 7.2 years, and average tenure of 5.9 ± 5.2 years. A majority of PDs (69.6%) disagreed that the change is a good idea, and a minority (21.6%) believe the change will improve medical student well-being. Further, 90.7% of PDs believe a pass/fail format will make it more difficult to objectively compare applicants and most will place more emphasis on USMLE Step 2 scores and medical school reputation (89.3% and 72.7%, respectively). Conclusion The lasting impact of pass/fail Step 1 scoring are uncertain and many radiology PDs do not support this change. While the central motivations to reduce the overemphasis on USMLE Step 1 performance and improve medical student well-being are admirable, it remains to be seen if pass/fail scoring will accomplish these goals.

Horseshoe kidney is a congenital disorder in which two kidneys are fused together in the isthmus. The anatomy could lead to increased risk of urinary tract infections and renal cancers. When performing a hemi-nephrectomy, it is important to identify all blood supply and ensure total excision of parenchyma and collecting system of the moiety operated upon. We present a case of left heminephrectomy complicated by urinoma secondary to residual tissue in the left moiety. We discuss the role of superselective embolization and other technologies in management of this complication and challenges faced due to aberrant vascularity and abnormal anatomy.

Purpose To report the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on interventional radiology (IR). Materials and Methods A 78-question survey was distributed to practicing interventional radiologists and IR trainees. The survey consisted of demographic and practice environment queries. Anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screener, and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) questionnaire. Results There were 422 respondents including 333 (78.9%) attending interventional radiologists and 89 (21.1%) interventional radiologists-in-training from 15 counties. Most respondents were from academic medical centers (n = 218; 51.7%). A large majority (n = 391; 92.7%) performed a procedure on a patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection. An N95 mask was the most common (n = 366; 93.6%) safety measure employed. Cancellation or limitation of elective procedures were reported by 276 (65.4%) respondents. Many respondents (n = 177; 41.9%) had self-reported anxiety (GAD-7 score >5) with an overall mean GAD-7 score of 4.64 ± 4.63 (range: 0-21). Factors associated with reporting anxiety included female gender (p = 0.045), increased call coverage (p = 0.048), lack of adequate departmental adjustments (p 125% with adoption of dysfunctional strategies. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic induced practice alterations and high rates of self-reported anxiety in IR. Female gender, increased call coverage, and lack of adequate or timely departmental adjustments were associated with increased anxiety levels.

Lymphoceles are common following prostatectomy with lymph node dissection, but the vast majority are asymptomatic. We present a unique case of a large complex lymphocele tracking into the anterior space of Retzius following Retzius sparing prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The patient initially presented with shortness of breath and subsequent diagnosis of a submassive pulmonary embolism. Further evaluation revealed compression of the iliac vessels by the fluid collection. Following multiple failed attempts of drainage percutaneously, the patient required return to the operating room for peritoneal marsupialization, drainage of fluid collection, and evacuation of large amounts of clot within the collection.

Background Patients affected by HCC represent a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic and may suffer from the unusual allocation of healthcare resources. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of HCC patients within six French referral centers of the metropolitan area of Paris. Materials and methods We performed a multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study on the management of patients affected by HCC during the first six weeks of COVID-19 pandemic (exposed), compared to the same period in 2019 (unexposed). Were included all patients discussed in multidisciplinary tumor meeting (MTB) and/or undergoing radiological or surgical programmed procedure during the study period, in a curative or palliative intent. Endpoints were the number of patients with a modification in the treatment strategy, or a delay in decision-to-treatment. Results After screening, n=670 patients were included (n=293 Exposed to COVID, n=377 Unexposed to COVID). A decrease of the numbers of patients with HCC presented in MTB in 2020 (p=0.034) and with a first diagnosis of HCC (n=104 Exposed to COVID, n=143 Unexposed to COVID, p=0.083) was find. Modification in the treatment strategy was observed in 13.1% of patients, with no differences between the two periods. Nevertheless 21.5% versus 9.5% of patients experienced a treatment delay longer than 1 month in 2020 compared to 2019 (p, Graphical abstract, Highlights • In COVID period, a decrease of the numbers of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma presented in Multidisciplinary Tumour Board and, in particular, with a first diagnosis of HCC was find. • Globally, modification in the treatment strategy was observed in 13.1% of patients, with no differences between the two periods but the main reason was significantly different in 2020 compared to 2019: COVID-19 in 2020 vs tumour progression in 2019. • More than 21% of patients experienced a treatment delay longer than 1 month in COVID period compared to 9.5% in 2019 , specially, in subgroup with active, recurrent HCC. The main reasons for the delay of treatment in 2020 was COVID-19 infection related • In 2020, 7.1% of patients had a diagnosis of an active COVID-19 infection and 4/21 (19.1%) died., During COVID pandemic era, less patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been presented in multidisciplinary tumor bord, specially with a first diagnosis of HCC

Rationale and Objectives Quantify changes in total and by-subspecialty radiology workload due to deferring nonurgent services during the initial COVID-19 pandemic, and describe operational strategies implemented due to shifts in priority. Materials and Methods This retrospective, Institutional Review Board-exempt, study was performed between February 3, 2020 and April 19, 2020 at a large academic medical center. During March 9–15 (intervention period), nonurgent outpatient service deferments began. Five-week periods pre- (baseline) and postintervention (COVID) were defined. Primary outcomes were radiology volume (reports per day) overall and in 11 subspecialty divisions. Linear regression assessed relationship between baseline vs. COVID volumes stratified by division. Secondary outcomes included changes in relative value units (RVUs), inpatient and outpatient volumes. Results There were 62,791 baseline reports vs. 23,369 during COVID; a 60% overall precipitous volume decrease (p < 0.001). Mean volume decrease pre- and during-COVID was significant (p < 0.001) amongst all individual divisions. Mean volume decrease differed amongst divisions: Interventional Radiology experienced least disruption (29% volume decrease), 7 divisions experienced 40%–60% decreases, and Musculoskeletal, Breast, and Cardiovascular imaging experienced >75% volume decrease. Total RVUs decreased 60% (71,186 baseline; 28,476 COVID). Both outpatient and inpatient report volumes decreased; 72% (41,115 baseline; 11,326 COVID) and 43% (12,626 baseline vs. 6,845 COVID), respectively. In labor pool tracking data, 21.8% (162/744) total radiology employees were reassigned to other hospital duties during the intervention period. Conclusion Precipitous radiology workload reductions impacted subspecialty divisions with marked variation. Data-driven operational decisions during COVID-19 assisted workflow and staffing assignment changes. Ongoing adjustments will be needed as healthcare systems transition operations to a “new normal.”

BACKGROUND: The institution-wide response of the University of California San Diego Health system to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was founded on rapid development of in-house testing capacity, optimization of personal protective equipment usage, expansion of intensive care unit capacity, development of analytic dashboards for monitoring of institutional status, and implementation of an operating room (OR) triage plan that postponed nonessential/elective procedures. We analyzed the impact of this triage plan on the only academic neurosurgery center in San Diego County, California, USA. METHODS: We conducted a de-identified retrospective review of all operative cases and procedures performed by the Department of Neurosurgery from November 24, 2019, through July 6, 2020, a 226-day period. Statistical analysis involved 2-sample z tests assessing daily case totals over the 113-day periods before and after implementation of the OR triage plan on March 16, 2020. RESULTS: The neurosurgical service performed 1429 surgical and interventional radiologic procedures over the study period. There was no statistically significant difference in mean number of daily total cases in the pre-versus post-OR triage plan periods (6.9 vs. 5.8 mean daily cases; 1-tail P = 0.050, 2-tail P = 0.101), a trend reflected by nearly every category of neurosurgical cases. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of California San Diego Department of Neurosurgery maintained an operative volume that was only modestly diminished and continued to meet the essential neurosurgical needs of a large population. Lessons from our experience can guide other departments as they triage neurosurgical cases to meet community needs.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic reducing medical student presence on clinical services and in classrooms, academic institutions are utilizing a virtual format to continue medical student education. We describe a successful initial experience implementing a virtual elective in interventional radiology (IR) and provide the course framework, student feedback, and potential improvements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 2-week virtual IR elective curriculum was created utilizing a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning and the "flipped" classroom educational model. Students virtually participated in daily IR resident education conferences, resident-led case review sessions, and dedicated lectures. Asynchronous prelearning material consisted of text and video correlating to lecture topics. Anonymous precourse and postcourse surveys were sent to all participating students (n = 10). RESULTS: Ten students (100%) completed precourse and seven (70%) completed postcourse surveys. Enrolled students were considering residencies in surgery (50%), internal medicine (40%), interventional radiology (30%), and/or diagnostic radiology (30%). Students' understanding of what IRs do and the procedures they perform (p < 0.001), when to consult IR for assistance in patient management (p = 0.005), and the number of IR procedures students could recall (p = 0.015) improved after the course. Case-review sessions and virtual lectures ranked as having the highest education value. Students recommended additional small-group case workshops. CONCLUSION: This successful virtual IR elective provides a framework for others to continue IR medical student education during the pandemic and grow the specialty's presence within an increasingly virtual medical school curriculum. The described model may be modified to improve IR education beyond the COVID-19 era.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed incredible new challenges for radiology residency programs, including resident training under tenuous and uncertain conditions, barriers to communication, deployment-induced anxiety, and social isolation. Chief residents and program leadership play a critical role in guiding radiology residents through these unprecedented times. Best practices and creative approaches experienced in a single institution's residency program located in New York City are shared in an effort to encourage other programs struggling with similar obstacles to prioritize resident education and wellness., Highlights • COVID-19 has posed incredible challenges for radiology residency programs. • Lessons learned by radiology chief residents from a NYC institution are shared. • The importance of communication, preparation, leadership, education and wellness in a radiology residency are discussed.

A 31-year-old pregnant woman at 22 weeks and 2 days of gestation presented to the emergency room with complaints of painless hematuria and passage of clots. Initial computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the abdomen and pelvis performed after ultrasound revealed evidence of blood products in the bladder. However, the CTA did not reveal any source of bleeding. Given hemodynamic instability and persistent pain, the patient was taken to the operating room for a cystoscopy, which revealed bleeding from the left renal unit, giving rise to suspicion of a renal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The patient then underwent left renal digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which produced no evidence of active bleeding. Due to high clinical suspicion and ongoing symptomatic hematuria, she underwent DSA a second time, which did demonstrate renal AVM bleeding, and embolization was performed. This case highlights the importance of cystoscopy in diagnosing a renal AVM in a pregnant patient despite the risks of general anesthesia during pregnancy., Highlights • Diagnosis of renal arteriovenous malformations during pregnancy can be difficult. • A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose renal arteriovenous malformation. • Diagnosis and management of a woman at 22 weeks of gestation are described. • The patient subsequently had an uneventful pregnancy and delivered at term.

Background: A giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a benign, locally aggressive tumor that is often challenging to treat. When complete resection is not possible, curettage with or without adjuvants is the most common treatment. The high frequency of local recurrence and risk of injury to adjacent structures can limit this surgical approach, especially with skull and spine lesions. Case Description: We report 2 cases of axial skeleton GCTs, 1 in the skull of a 58-year-old woman in whom operative management failed, who experienced local recurrence, and 1 in the cervical spine of an 8-year-old girl that grew extracompartmentally to surround her brachial plexus. Both patients were referred to us because of the surgically challenging nature of their tumors. After completion of the same percutaneous doxycycline sclerotherapy protocol previously described for aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs), both patients were considered cured and were able to return to normal activities without loss of pretreatment function. After 4 and 10 years of follow-up, respectively, there has been no tumor recurrence in either patient. Conclusions: We successfully treated 2 patients with very challenging axial skeleton GCTs using a percutaneous doxycycline sclerotherapy protocol previously shown to have success with ABCs. We believe that this minimally invasive procedure should be considered a potential alternative treatment for GCTs, especially axial skeleton lesions, which may not be easily approached with standard surgical techniques. Key words: Doxycycline, Giant cell tumor, Sclerotherapy

Introduction and importance Pseudoaneurysms secondary to traumatic vessel wall disruption are a rare but potentially fatal complication after traumatic injury. The majority of the cases are found incidentally. Case presentation An 80-year-old woman was brought into our Level 1 Trauma Center after sustaining a ground-level fall with significant facial swelling. Her imaging revealed an acute traumatic comminuted fracture of the right mandibular condyle and left mandibular ramus. The patient underwent closed maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) to stabilize fractures, and allow the swelling to decrease for definitive fixation. During the definitive procedure, profuse bleeding was encountered. CT angiography evaluation was immediately performed and determined the presence of a left internal maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm which was successfully treated by coil and glue embolization. Clinical discussion This case highlights an unusual presentation of a vascular injury following major traumatic mandibular fracture and its management. Mandibular fractures have been reported in a series of cases to be a risk factor for vascular injuries. When a vascular injury is suspected, or the evaluation is unclear, surgeons should carefully determine the necessity to perform additional studies like CT angiogram. Vascular injuries secondary to mandibular fractures can be fatal if left unrecognized and untreated. Hence adequate recognition and treatment are warranted to avoid prolonged length of stay with bad outcomes. Conclusion Optimal management of pseudoaneurysms is achieved by endovascular approach with prior resuscitation and adequate hemodynamic stabilization. Open surgical management is deferred only for those cases where endovascular treatment is not available, or disruption is found intraoperatively., Highlights • This case highlights an unusual presentation of a vascular injury following major traumatic mandibular fracture and its management. • Mandibular fractures have been reported in a series of cases to be a risk factor for vascular injuries. When a vascular injury is suspected, surgeons should carefully determine the necessity to perform additional imaging studies. • Vascular injuries secondary to mandibular fractures can be fatal if left unrecognized and untreated.