The Utility of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Angiography and Neck Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Patients with Suspected Acute Stroke.

Background: In our health maintenance organization, we have seen a trend among our referring physicians to order simultaneous brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), head magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and neck MRA in the evaluation of patients for acute stroke. However, there are little data to demonstrate any improvement in patient care resulting from ordering this triple study. The objective of this study was to analyze the utility of the triple MRI/MRA study for patients who experience stroke-like symptoms.

One-View Chest Radiograph for Initial Management of Most Ambulatory Patients with Rib Pain.

Introduction: Rib series are frequently ordered for ambulatory patients who complain of rib pain or have suffered chest trauma. However, the utility of rib series has been questioned in previous studies. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of rib series to a single view posteroanterior chest radiograph in the clinical management of most ambulatory patients with rib pain.

Inadequate Clinical Indications in Computed Tomography Chest and Abdomen/Pelvis Scans.

Context: As the use of computed tomography (CT) scans, which are expensive and result in considerable radiation exposure to the patient, continues to increase, communication between physicians and radiologists remains vital to explain the clinical context for the examination. However, the clinical information provided to the radiologist is often lacking.

Objective: To determine whether the clinical information provided in CT scan requests meets minimum criteria for requesting the examination.