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To evaluate the level of knowledge about radiation dose and possible risks related to computed tomography (CT) scans among patients visiting emergency departments (EDs), a survey was conducted over a two-month period. A total of 357 adult patients (44% men and 56% women) presenting for diagnostic imaging in the ED answered a survey consisting of 15 questions. The survey included questions about the participants' demographics and knowledge of radiation. Most of the respondents (58.5%) reported that the physician did not explain the potential risk of radiation before the procedure. In addition, more than half of the respondents (58.1%) expressed feeling anxious about the potential risk of radiation. Most respondents (84.9%) stated that the potential radiation risk did not affect their decision to proceed with the procedure. Overall, the findings highlight a lack of information about radiation and its potential risks provided to patients prior to the diagnostic procedure. Increasing awareness and understanding of the risks associated with these imaging modalities should be considered essential in modern communities. Efforts should be made to ensure that patients undergoing diagnostic imaging are aware of the radiation risks they may encounter.
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INTRODUCTION: Developmental delay (DD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by delays in multiple domains. The investigation of brain structure in DD has been enhanced by advanced neuroimaging techniques that can identify regional surface deformities. Neuroimaging studies have identified structural brain abnormalities in individuals with DD, but research specific to the Saudi Arabian population is limited. In this study, we examine the neuroanatomical abnormalities in the cortical and subcortical regions of Saudi Arabian children with DD. METHOD: A T1-weighted, 1-mm-thick MRI was used to acquire structural brain images of 29 children with DD and age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Analysis of the MRI data revealed significant differences in several cortical and subcortical structures of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in several brain regions of the DD group. Specifically, significant deformities were observed in the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, frontal gyrus, pars opercularis, pars orbitalis, cingulate gyrus, and subcallosal gyrus. These findings suggest disrupted neurodevelopment in these regions, which may contribute to the cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments commonly observed in individuals with DD. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides valuable insights into the neuroanatomical differences in Saudi Arabian children with DD. Our results provide evidence for cortical and subcortical abnormalities in DD. Deformities in the observed regions may contribute to cognitive impairment, emotional dysregulation, mood disorders, and language deficits commonly observed in DD. The structural analysis may enable the identification of neuroanatomical biomarkers to facilitate the early diagnosis or progression of DD. These results suggest that lower cortical complexity in DD children due to alterations in networks may play a critical role in early brain development.
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PURPOSE: The American College of Radiology (ACR) requires MR personnel not to work alone due to the increased risk of safety issues such as projectiles, aggressive patients, and technologist fatigue. As a result, we intend to assess the current safety of lone-working MRI technologists in MRI departments in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-report questionnaire was conducted in 88 Saudi hospitals. RESULTS: A response rate of 64% (174/270) was obtained among the 270 MRI technologists which were identified. The study discovered that 86% of MRI technologists had prior experience working alone. In terms of MRI safety training, 63% of MRI technologists received such training. A question about lone MRI workers' awareness of the ACR's recommendations revealed that 38% were unaware of such recommendations. Furthermore, 22% were misinformed, believing that working alone in an MRI unit is optional or depends on the individual's desire to work alone. Working alone has the primary consequence of being statistically significantly associated with projectile/object-related accidents/mistakes (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Saudi Arabian MRI technologists have extensive experience working alone without supervision. Most MRI technologists are unaware of lone working regulations, which has raised concerns about accidents/mistakes. There is a need for MRI safety training and adequate practical experience to raise awareness of MRI safety regulations and policies related to lone working among departments and MRI workers.
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Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered a vital in depicting multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Current studies demonstrate that proton density (PD) weighted images (WI) are superior to T2 WI in detecting MS lesions (plaques) in the spinal cord. Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of filtered fused PD/T2 weighted images in detecting cervical spinal cord MS lesions. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, we selected a sample size of 50 MS patients. Using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), a digital image processing filter was used on the (PD/T2) fused images. The produced images were inspected and compared to the original PD images by two experienced neuroradiologists using interobserver and intraobserver. An ROI analysis was also performed on the processed and original PD images. Results: The repeatability measurement of the match between the two examinations was highly consistent for both neuroradiologists. The repeatability for both neuroradiologists was 96.05%, and the error measurement was 3.95%. The reproducibility measurement of the neuroradiologist's evaluation shows that the processed images could help to identify lesions better [excellent (84.87%)] than PD images [good (61.19%)]. ROIs analysis was performed on 113 MS lesions and normal areas in different images within the sample size. It revealed an enhanced ratio of 2.2 between MS lesions and normal spinal cord tissue in processed fused images compared to 1.34 in PD images. Conclusion: The processed images of the fused images (PD/T2) have superior diagnostic sensitivity for MS lesions in the cervical spine than PD images alone.