Staff Publication

Digital mammographic interpretation by UK radiographer mammographers: A JAFROC analysis of observer performance (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Williams S.; *Aksoy U.; *Cielecki L.; Reed W.; Woznitza N.

Citation:
Radiography; Aug 2021; vol. 27 (no. 3); p. 915-919

Abstract:
Introduction: Radiologists utilise mammography test sets to bench mark their performance against recognised standards. Using a validated test set, this study compares the performance of radiographer readers against previous test results for radiologists. Method(s): Under similar test conditions radiographer readers were given an established test set of 60 mammograms and tasked to identify breast cancer, they were measured against their ability to identify, locate and give a confidence level for cancer being present on a standard set of mammographic images. The results were then compared to previously published results for radiologists for similar or the same test sets. Result(s): The 10 radiographer readers demonstrated similar results to radiologists and for lesion sensitivity were the highest scoring group. The study group score a sensitivity of 83; a specificity of 69.3 and lesion sensitivity of 74.8 with ROC and JAFROC scores of 0.86 and 0.74 respectively. Conclusion(s): Under test conditions radiographers are able to identify and accurately locate breast cancer in a range of complex mammographic backgrounds. Implications for practice: The study was performed under experimental conditions with results comparable to breast radiologists under similar conditions, translation of these findings into clinical practice will help address access and capacity issues in the timely identification and diagnosis of breast cancer.

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Can existing routine clinical data be used to predict hypoxaemia for mnd patients undertaking commercial flight? (2021)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Cliff I.J.; Mustfa N.; Stone H.; Hurst C.; *Crawford E.

Citation:
Thorax; Feb 2021; vol. 76

Abstract:
Introduction: Pre-COVID-19, the total number of passengers traveling by commercial airlines rose to 4.3 billion, with Europe amounting to a 7.2% increase. The risks of respiratory compromised patients developing hypoxaemia during flight is well documented. Assessment of these patients is time consuming and often requires specialised equipment. Furthermore, the majority of evidence is based on research into patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The aim of this study is to investigate potential predictive biomarkers relating to the development of hypoxaemia during flight in patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Method(s): 118 MND patients referred into a fitness to fly service (n=118) completed baseline lung function and a Hypoxic Challenge Test (HCT) as part of a risk stratification for (Table presented) planned air travel (77 male). Data from patients requiring inflight oxygen was compared to patients who did not, in accordance with the British Thoracic Society recommendations 2011: Managing passengers with stable respiratory disease planning air travel. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-Squared tests, as appropriate. Result(s): There was no significant difference between the pass (n=94) and fail (n=24) groups for age, gender, smoking history or BMI. There was a significant difference for all spirometry data (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio – absolute, percent predicted and standardised residuals). Moreover, the resting blood gases (FiO221%) data showed significant difference for all parameters with the exception of pH (<0.001). The Regression analysis showed limited predictive value of spirometry and/or resting blood gas data with the exception of PaCO2 and base excess (BE). Conclusion(s): The predictive value of spirometic paraments and resting blood gases are limited in assessing hypoxaemia during commercial flight in MND patients, with the exception of parameters relating to respiratory failure. Despite the significant difference between the two groups, routine physiological data was limited in the predictive regression equations. We recommend that the safest approach in managing this group of patients is to perform an HCT in all patients intending to use air travel until more evidence-based data is available.

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Can historical assumptions be used to assess fitness to fly for MND and ILD patients? An evaluation of physiological parameters to risk stratify patients planning air travel (2021)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Cliff I.J.; Mustfa N.; Stone H.; Hurst C.; Allen M.B.; *Crawford E.

Citation:
Thorax; Feb 2021; vol. 76

Abstract:
Introduction: The risk associated with commercial flight for respiratory compromised patients is well known. Many of the assumptions are based on studies that have included patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and have often been extended to other respiratory and non-respiratory disorders. This study aimed to examine differences in physiological parameters and Hypoxic Challenge Test (HCT) outcome in patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and COPD. Method(s): Respiratory patients who were referred into a fitness to fly service (n=225) with COPD (n=51), MND (n=118) and ILD (n=56) completed baseline lung function and a HCT as part of a risk stratification for planned air travel. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-Squared tests, as appropriate. Result(s): Demographic data relating to age, smoking history and BMI were significantly different between the patient groups. Spirometric data showed significant differences in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) absolute, percent predicted and standardised residuals, however there was no significant difference in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) absolute or percent predicted. Resting capillary blood gases (CBGs) (FiO221%) showed significant differences between patient groups in all parameters with the exception of pH. Responses to the hypoxic mix during the HCT (FiO215%) showed differences in all CBG values with the exception of pH. This was also mirrored in the corrective values (FiO228%). The difference between the PaO2 at rest (21%) and during the HCT (15%) is higher in the MND and ILD groups (2.66and 2.74 kPa respectively) versus the COPD group (2.2kPa). The HCT fail rate was greatest for the COPD group (table 1). Conclusion(s): In this retrospective, exploratory examination, the physiological data supports significant differences between the disorders for the majority of data. The assumptions and algorithms based on the study of COPD patients cannot be assumed for MND or ILD, and these groups need to be (Table presented) specifically studied to better understand their response to the commercial cabin environment.

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MRI of the Achilles tendon-A comprehensive pictorial review. Part one (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Szaro P.; Nilsson-Helander K.; *Carmont M.

Citation:
European Journal of Radiology Open; Jan 2021; vol. 8

Abstract:
The normal Achilles tendon is composed of twisted subtendons separated by thin high signal septae, which are a potential pitfall on MRI because they mimic a tendon tear. Tendinopathy and full thickness tears may be assessed effectively both on MRI and ultrasound. MRI is superior to ultrasound in detection of partial tears and for postoperative assessment. The use of fat suppression sequences allows the ability to detect focal lesions. Sagittal and coronal sections are useful for assessing the distance between stumps of a ruptured tendon. Sequences with contrast are indicated in postoperative investigations and suspicion of infection, arthritis or tumor. MRI may reveal inflammatory changes with minor symptoms long before the clinical manifestations of seronegative spondyloarthropathy. The most common non-traumatic focal lesion of the Achilles tendon is Achilles tendon xanthoma, which is manifested by intermediate or slightly higher signal on T1- and T2-weighted images compared to that in the normal Achilles tendon. Other tumors of the Achilles tendon are very rare, whereas the involvement of the tendon from tumor in adjacent structures is more frequent. The novel MRI sequences may help to detect disorders of the Achilles tendon more specifically before clinical manifestation. Regeneration or remodeling of the Achilles tendon can be non-invasively detected and monitored in diffusion tensor imaging. Assessment of healing is possible using T2-mapping while evaluating the tendon vascularization in intravoxel incoherent motion MRI.

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Postpartum haemorrhage and risk of mental ill health: A population-based longitudinal study using linked primary and secondary care databases (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Parry-Smith W.; Coomarasamy A.; Nirantharakumar K.; Okoth K.; Subramanian A.; Gokhale K.M.; Chandan J.S.; Sumilo D.; Humpston C.

Citation:
Journal of Psychiatric Research; May 2021; vol. 137 ; p. 419-425

Abstract:
There is a gap in the literature investigating the impact of obstetric complications on subsequent mental ill health outcomes. The aim of this study was to establish the association between post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and mental ill health. We conducted a retrospective open cohort study utilizing linked primary care (The Health Improvement Network (THIN)) and English secondary care (Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)) databases, from January 1, 1990 to January 31, 2018. A total of 42,327 women were included: 14,109 of them were exposed to PPH during the study period and 28,218 unexposed controls were matched for age and date of delivery. Hazard ratios (HRs) for mental illness among women with and without exposure to PPH were estimated after controlling for covariates. Women who had had PPH were at an increased risk of developing postnatal depression (adjusted HR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01-1.21) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (adjusted HR: 1.17, 95%CI: 0.73-1.89) compared to women unexposed to PPH. When restricting the follow-up to the first year after childbirth, the adjusted HR for PTSD was 3.44 (95% CI 1.31-9.03). No increase in the overall risk was observed for other mental illnesses, including depression (adjusted HR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.87-1.01), severe mental illness (adjusted HR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.40-1.08, p = 0.239) and anxiety (adjusted HR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.90-1.09). PPH is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing postnatal depression and PTSD in the first year after delivery. Active monitoring for mental illness should form an integral part of the follow-up in women who suffered a PPH.

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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a ceiling of care treatment for hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Patrick Bradley , *Jennifer Nixon , James Wilson , James Redfern , Tarek Saba , Emily Nuttall, Thomas Bongers

Citation:
Journal of the Intensive Care Society 2021, Vol. 0(0), 1–3 [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
Among patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the UK, 10% develop severe hypoxemic respiratory failure managed with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Much interest has focused on non-invasive strategies to avert progression to IMV. UK guidelines recommend the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), including in patients for whom IMV is not appropriate. However, other nations have recommended against the use of CPAP, and within the UK, CPAP use has varied widely (personal communication). The greatest burden of COVID-19 disease is carried by older patients with comorbidities, many of whom are deemed unsuitable for IMV and critical care. However, it is unclear whether they might benefit from CPAP. The RECOVERY-RS trial is investigating the efficacy of CPAP and high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in severely hypoxic patients with COVID-19, but will not complete until late 2021, and excludes patients unsuitable for IMV. Current evidence is limited to cohort studies of heterogeneous patient groups, with no published data focussing on patients for whom CPAP is the ceiling-of-care. Physicians caring for such patients, and those involved in planning the delivery of CPAP services, must balance any potential benefits of CPAP against its burden on patients, families, staff, and services. Therefore data in this patient population are urgently needed.

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Perioperative outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly patients: Asystematic review and meta-analysis (2020)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Kew T.; Lin A.; Ekeozar C.; Bundred J.; Evans R.; Griffiths E.; Kamarajah S.; *Karri S.; Singh P.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; Jun 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 5-6

Abstract:
Aim: The need to perform elective and emergency cholecystectomy in an ever ageing population increases yet these risks are poorly quantified. The study aims to review the current evidence to quantify further the postoperative risk of cholecystectomy in the elderly population.
Method(s): A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were conducted and a meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Cochrane Library and PRISMA guidelines.
Result(s): This review identified 99 studies incorporating 333,041 patients. Increasing age was significantly associated with increased rates of overall complications (OR 2.33, CI95%: 2.00-2.71, p<0.001), major complication (OR 2.32, CI95%: 1.52-3.54, p<0.001), risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy (OR 2.32, CI95%: 1.95-2.76, p<0.001), risk of bile leaks (OR 2.05, CI95%: 1.18-3.55, p<0.001), risk of postoperative mortality (OR 5.99, CI95%: 3.77-9.52, p<0.001) and was significantly associated with increased length of stay (MD 2.12 days, CI95%: 1.01-3.24, p<0.001).
Conclusion(s): Post-operative outcomes such as overall and major complications are significantly higher in all age cut-offs. There is six-fold increase in perioperative mortality which increases by nine-fold in patients >80 years old. This study confirms preconceived suspicions of risk in elderly patients undergoing cholecystectomy and will aid treatment planning and informed consent.

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Is pain properly managed in children presenting with fractures? A retrospective audit of children presenting to the emergency department (2020)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Rafie A

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; Jun 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 68

Abstract:
Aim: Pain is a common problem in the surgical field, especially when treating children – but how well is it managed, and documented? In this audit we aim to answer a few key questions. Is analgesia administered prehospital? Are pain scores recorded, and re-evaluated? And is analgesia offered and/or administered in the Emergency Department(ED)? Method: A retrospective audit was carried out between two hospitals on 100 patients aged between 5-15 presenting to the ED. A search was carried out using SNOMEDand ICD10 codes, to find patients presenting with fractures – and the ED CAS cards reviewed.
Result(s): The data showed poor compliance between both hospitals – pain scores were seldom recorded, or reevaluated; and in 58% of cases analgesia was not offered and no reason was documented. 28% of patients were given pre-hospital analgesia and only 2% of patients had an analgesia review.
Conclusion(s): Adequate pain management is vital, especially in children – as they often don't self-report pain. The study found that the worst compliance was in documentation of pain scores, and their re-evaluation. However, more concerningly analgesia was only administered in 19% of cases – and in many cases there was no documentation as to why it wasn't offered.

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Radiation and body mass index, are your overweight patients more at risk? astudy looking at radiation doses during intervention for renal tract calculi (2020)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Lefroy R.; Johnson A.; McCrea J.; *Dunk S.; *Elves A.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; Jun 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 226-227

Abstract:
Aim: Renal tract stones are more common in overweight individuals as part of metabolic syndrome. Modern fluoroscopic devices used during ureteroscopy adjust exposure, providing high imaging quality. Consequently, total radiation doses in this group is increased compared to patients with lower BMIs. Patients with obesity and stone disease will potentially be exposed to more radiation, increasing the risk of developing malignancy. We assessed the radiation doses that our stone population received during fluoroscopic ureteroscopic procedures and how this varied with BMI.
Method(s): 62 consecutive patients undergoing fluoroscopic ureteroscopic laser procedures were identified between March and August 2018, ten of these were uretorenoscopies and were therefore excluded from analysis. Radiation exposure was corrected for dose/unit time and BMI was defined by criteria set by NHS Choices.
Result(s): There was significant association between BMI and radiation exposure as measured does/unit time. The exposure for those with the highest BMI was up to four times that of the lowest BMI.
Conclusion(s): Fluoroscopy in patients with high BMI should seek to limit radiation exposure. This could be achieved by use of snap imaging and ureteroscopy under direct vision where appropriate. Consideration of radiation exposure should be given within the consent process especially when compared to alternative therapies.

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Impact of gastrografin in clinical practice in the management of small bowel obstruction of various etiologies (2020)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Karim M.O.; *Jamshed M.H.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; Jun 2020; vol. 107 ; p. 204

Abstract:
Aim: Gastrografin has shown to accelerate the resolution of small bowel obstruction of certain etiologies. This audit aims to review the outcome of oral gastrografin (OG) in patients with the small bowel obstruction of diverse causes diagnosed on radiological investigation.
Method(s): A retrospective study of 57 patients who had oral gastrograffin for small bowel obstruction
between 1st June 2018 to 30th June 2019 was included in this study.
Result(s): After excluding 9 patients, 48 included in the study who met the inclusion criterion. 31 patients had adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO), of these symptoms resolved in 52% after OG, all patients with postoperative ileus (9), Crohn's stricture (3) and constipation with small bowel dilatation (1) showed resolution of obstructive symptoms with oral gastrografin. 2 patients out of 3 with serosal/peritoneal metastasis showed response to oral gastrografin.
Conclusion(s): Gastrografin is beneficial and safe to use as a therapeutic agent in a carefully selected patient with certain GI conditions including adhesive small bowel obstruction, postoperative ileus, Crohn's stricture, constipation, serosal metastasis (peritoneal cancer). Appropriate use of gastrografin can reduce the need for surgical intervention and hospital stay.

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