Shelling the myth: allergies to Iodine containing substances and risk of reaction to Iodinated contrast media.

Purpose: In excess of 100 million procedures using iodinated radio-contrast media are conducted each year. There is a common misunderstanding regarding the links between allergy to iodinated substances and the risk of allergic reaction to intravenous iodinated contrast agents. These perceived risks are managed via administration of corticosteroids or avoidance of iodinated contrast altogether.

Integrated multimodality and multi-disciplinary team approach to pre-sacral lesions.

The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical and radiological features of presacral lesions. CT and MRI are the diagnostic modalities of choice and are complimentary in the assessment of presacral lesions. Imaging findings of presacral lesions on CT and MRI are described with the use of examples.

Evidenced-based radiology? A single-institution review of imaging referral appropriateness including monetary and dose estimates for inappropriate scans.

Background: There has been a year on year increase in imaging requests at our academic institution. The iRefer guidelines are produced by the Royal College of Radiologists in the UK and are designed to prevent inappropriate imaging and radiation exposure. They have been available to general practitioners and hospital physicians in Ireland since March 2015.

The predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute pancreatitis - is interval change in CRP an additional indicator of severity?

Background: Using revised Atlanta classification defined outcomes, we compare absolute values in C-reactive protein (CRP), with interval changes in CRP, for severity stratification in acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods: A retrospective study of all first incidence AP was conducted over a 5-year period. Interval change in CRP values from admission to day 1, 2 and 3 was compared against the absolute values.

The arterial supply of the nipple areola complex (NAC) and its relations: an analysis of angiographic CT imaging for breast pedicle design.

Purpose: To investigate the blood supply to the nipple areola complex (NAC) on thoracic CT angiograms (CTA) to improve breast pedicle design in reduction mammoplasty.

Methods: In a single centre, CT scans of the thorax were retrospectively reviewed for suitability by a cardiothoracic radiologist. Suitable scans had one or both breasts visible in extended fields, with contrast enhancement of breast vasculature in a female patient.

The e-handover: applications for surgical training.

Background: Workplace-based assessments introduced in part to compensate for the reduced 'hands on' experience of surgical trainees are now a compulsory facet of surgical training. Taking the form of 'tick box' exercises they largely focus on procedural competence. This work aimed to ascertain whether a standardised electronic handover could also be used as a surrogate marker of trainees' diagnostic skills.