Radiology
Audio Summaries

Pre-test Messaging to Reduce Cancellations in Nuclear Medicine: Evaluation in Cardiac Stress Testing and FDG PET Scheduling

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-procedure messaging in reducing appointment cancellations, rescheduling, and delays for cardiac stress testing and FDG PET at a U.S. tertiary hospital. Their findings indicated that pre-procedure messaging significantly decreased cancellations and rescheduling rates, particularly for FDG PET appointments, and also reduced appointment delays, suggesting that enhanced communication can improve scheduling efficiency and patient adherence in nuclear medicine services.

Survival in patients diagnosed with lung cancer after low-dose CT screening

The authors aimed to evaluate survival and mortality rates in lung cancer patients diagnosed after low-dose CT screening and to assess how these rates correlate with patient and cancer characteristics. The study found that while screen-detected lung cancers were associated with lower mortality, the overall mortality rates in their cohort were higher than those reported in previous research trials, indicating potential differences in outcomes between clinical practice and trial settings.

Efficacy and Safety of Digitalis Glycosides in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of digitalis glycosides in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Their meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials involving 9,013 patients found that digitalis glycosides significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or first worsening heart failure event, primarily by lowering the incidence of worsening heart failure. These findings suggest that digitalis glycosides may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for managing these heart failure conditions.

Impact of introducing RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine on mortality in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi: an observational evaluation of a cluster-randomised implementation programme

This study evaluates the impact of the RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine on mortality rates in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi over a 46-month period following its introduction in 2019. The authors aimed to determine whether the vaccine significantly reduced overall mortality in children eligible for three doses compared to non-eligible children, finding a notable reduction in mortality, with approximately one in eight deaths averted in areas with moderate vaccine coverage. The results underscore the importance of accelerating malaria vaccine deployment in regions where malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality.

Comparative Analysis of Large Language Models Performance in Appropriate Diagnostic Imaging Modality Selection

This study aimed to compare the performance of seven large language models (LLMs) in selecting appropriate diagnostic imaging modalities based on ACR guidelines. Using 50 clinical vignettes, the authors assessed the models' accuracy, clinical reasoning, and citation quality, finding that while all models provided reasonable imaging recommendations, there was significant variability in citation validity, particularly with Google's Gemini models. The results highlight the importance of aligning clinical reasoning with reliable sources before implementing LLMs in clinical practice.

Endovascular thrombectomy for patients with large-core ischaemic stroke presenting up to 24 h after onset (ATLAS): a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis with central imaging adjudication

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large-core ischaemic stroke presenting within 24 hours of onset, a group often excluded from such treatments. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from six trials found that endovascular thrombectomy significantly improved functional outcomes and reduced mortality compared to medical management, although the benefits were less clear for patients with very large ischaemic core volumes (≥150 mL). Overall, the findings suggest that endovascular thrombectomy is beneficial for most patients with large-core ischaemic strokes, except in cases of extensive ischaemic changes presenting beyond 6 hours.

Digoxin in Patients With Symptomatic Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The study aimed to determine whether digoxin improves outcomes related to death or worsening heart failure in patients with symptomatic rheumatic heart disease compared to a placebo. The results indicated that digoxin significantly reduced the risk of the composite outcome of all-cause death or new-onset/worsening heart failure, with a low incidence of toxicity. Overall, digoxin appears to be a beneficial treatment option for this patient population.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Policies in Academic Radiology and Radiation Oncology Departments: A SCARD and SCAROP Survey

The authors aimed to characterize the availability and implementation of paid family and medical leave (PFML) policies in academic radiology and radiation oncology departments across the United States. Their survey revealed that while PFML policies are widely available and viewed as important for recruitment and retention, actual utilization remains low, and concerns about clinical coverage and clarity regarding promotion clock extensions persist. These findings indicate a gap between the existence of PFML policies and their effective application in practice.

Pediatric MRI Safety: Frequency, Types, and Severity of Zone IV MRI Safety Events at Five U.S. Children's Hospitals

The authors aimed to assess the frequency, types, and severity of MRI safety events occurring in Zone IV at five U.S. children's hospitals. Over a six-year period, they identified 146 safety events from approximately 540,987 MRI examinations, with a notable percentage involving projectiles and thermal injuries, and highlighted that many incidents resulted from non-compliance with safety protocols. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing safety improvements in pediatric MRI practices despite the low incidence of serious harm.

Enpatoran, a Toll-like receptor 7/8 inhibitor, in moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus: findings from Cohort B of a multicentre, international, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding phase 2 trial

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enpatoran, a TLR7/8 inhibitor, in improving disease activity in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to placebo. Although enpatoran showed improved British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response rates at various doses, the primary objective of demonstrating a statistically significant dose-response relationship was not achieved. Overall, enpatoran was well tolerated among participants.