The study demonstrated that computer analysis of mammograms can provide a substantial and statistically significant increase in radiologist screening efficacy.

Hypothesis:Relative merits and indications exist for ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of appendicitis.Design: Prospective study.Setting: General community and tertiary care hospital.Methods: Ninety-nine patients (50 males and 49 females) were studied. Following consent, the initial disposition was recorded, designating the patient for operation, observation, or discharge from the hospital. Each patient was studied by CT and US. Studies were independently evaluated by 2 radiologists, and the results were designated as positive, negative, or equivocal. The surgeon reevaluated patients before and after learning the results of US and CT, recording whether the CT scan, US, or reexamination influenced the final disposition.Results: Fifty patients had appendicitis; 6 appendixes were perforated. The initial clinical impression called for 44 operations, 49 observations, and 6 discharges. Thirtyfour patients had their treatment plan changed from the initial disposition. Ultrasonography did not affect the ini-PAPER

Our purpose was to evaluate and compare the imaging sequela and complications of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with those occurring in patients treated with standard external beam therapy. Patient selection included those who met the criteria for possible ABPI: age 45 or older; cancer stage T1N0M0 or ductal carcinoma in situ 3 cm or less, and negative surgical margins. One hundred and ninety seven had complete records and films available for review. Ninety-seven (49%) were treated with APBI (MammoSite) and 100(51%) were treated with external beam. Image findings for APBI versus external beam were: distortion 90(93%) versus 83(83%), seroma 67(69%) versus 7(7%), skin edema 52(54%) versus 47(47%), increased stroma 75(77%) versus 66(66%), calcifications 10(10%) versus 6(6%), and fat necrosis 12(12%) versus 6(6%). For APBI, skin and stromal edema was more commonly focal. At imaging, the seroma rate was statistically and significantly different between the two treatment modes (p < 0.0001). For patients treated with APBI, seroma formation was not related to balloon size and only weakly related to lumpectomy cavity size. The complication rate was significantly higher for those treated with APBI (36 versus 20%) and the types and treatment of complications differed. There were three recurrences among the APBI group and none among those treated with external beam radiation.

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Helical CT has become a valuable imaging tool for detection of pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, ureteral colic, acute small-bowel obstruction, and acute appendicitis. Generally, helical CT has good sensitivity and specificity values, and scans can be performed more quickly than previous gold standard diagnostic examinations for the conditions mentioned. In some cases, helical CT can also identify other findings that may be responsible for a patient's symptoms. One notable disadvantage of helical CT is the charge for the procedure, which in some circumstances can be considerably more costly than diagnostic examinations preferred previously. However, because helical CT can often obviate the need for other tests--and may consequently reduce hospital stays--this technology may have the ability to reduce overall expenditures. Cost of helical CT is therefore a multifaceted issue and requires further study before conclusions can be drawn.