Validating the safety of low-dose CTPA in pregnancy: results from the OPTICA (Optimised CT Pulmonary Angiography in Pregnancy) Study.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality. CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) is the first-line advanced imaging modality for suspected PE in pregnancy at institutes offering low-dose techniques; however, a protocol balancing safety with low dose remains undefined. The wide range of CTPA doses reported in pregnancy suggests a lack of confidence in implementing low-dose techniques in this group.

Autonomic instability, arrhythmia and visual impairment in a new presentation of -related mitochondrial disease.

Mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA formyltransferase (MTFMT) is required for the initiation of translation in mitochondria. Pathogenic variants in have been described in association with clinical presentations with Leigh syndrome, as well with as multisystem involvement (particularly cardiac and ocular involvement). There is a spectrum of severity, but many reported presentations have been milder with a better prognosis than other pathogenic variants associated with Leigh syndrome.

Breast Shielding Combined With an Optimized Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Pregnancy Protocol: A Special Use-Case for Shielding?

Objectives: To determine the impact of breast shields on breast dose and image quality when combined with a low-dose computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) protocol for pregnancy.

Methods: A low-dose CTPA protocol, with and without breast shields, was evaluated by anthropomorphic phantom and 20 prospectively recruited pregnant participants from January to October 2019. Thermoluminescent dosimeters measured surface and absorbed breast dose in the phantom and surface breast dose in participants.

Increased incidence of acute calculous cholecystitis observed during COVID-19 social restrictions.

Purpose: In response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland, the government implemented a nationwide stay-at-home order, with the closure of all non-essential businesses. During this period, there was a significant increase in supermarket expenditure. It has been shown that stress, anxiety and boredom are triggers for unhealthy eating habits.

The OPTICA study (Optimised Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Pregnancy Quality and Safety study): Rationale and design of a prospective trial assessing the quality and safety of an optimised CTPA protocol in pregnancy.

Background: CTPA is the gold standard investigation for evaluating suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) in the general population however is sometimes considered second line in pregnant and post-partum patients with a normal CXR due to its higher breast dose and the increased radio-sensitivity of breast tissue during this period. Guidelines advocating for scintigraphy over CTPA, however, quote significantly higher breast doses than those achievable with optimised low dose strategies. Defining the radiation dose achievable with a specific low-dose CTPA protocol is therefore imperative.