The Chinese SF-36 showed reasonable reliability, criterion validity and responsiveness with limitations in certain subscales. Overall, the physical domains and PF in particular may be the most ideal psychometric measures of QOL in RA.

In pediatric cases, SARS manifests with nonspecific radiographic features making radiological differentiation difficult, especially from other commonly encountered childhood respiratory viral illnesses causing airspace disease. The radiographic presentation of suspected SARS cases ranged from normal to mild perihilar peribronchial thickening. The radiographic presentations, as expected, were relatively more pronounced in the SARS probable cases.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread fast and extensively around the world, with significant mortality and morbidity. As this is a respiratory infection, chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) are important imaging techniques in the work-up of this disease. Given its highly infectious nature, cross-infection within the healthcare setting and radiology departments needs to be addressed actively and prevented. We describe the response of radiology departments in Singapore to this pandemic, in terms of diagnosis, re-configuration of the department, re-organisation and segregation of staff, infection control, managerial, and leadership issues.

No abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, is a new infectious disease pandemic with important public health concerns. The high infectivity rate by means of droplet transmission places health care workers at substantial risk of contracting the disease. Radiology departments are particularly affected, since imaging plays a vital role in both diagnosis and follow-up of this disease. The authors outline their experience in infection control and isolation procedures during this outbreak. Barrier precautions, reconfiguration of the department, separation of imaging equipment, cleaning procedures, personal protective equipment, and staff safety are discussed.