Publications by authors named "Cristy Savage"
Examination protocoling is a noninterpretive task that increases radiologists' workload and can cause workflow inefficiencies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of an automated CT protocoling system on examination process times and protocol error rates. This retrospective study included 317,597 CT examinations (mean age, 61.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To assess the effectiveness of low contrast volume (LCV) chest CT performed with multiple contrast agents on multivendor CT with varying scanning techniques.
Methods: The study included 361 patients (65 ± 15 years; M: F 173:188) who underwent LCV chest CT on one of the six 64-256 detector-row CT scanners using single-energy (SECT) or dual-energy (DECT) modes. All patients were scanned with either a fixed-LCV (LCVf, n = 103) or weight-based LCV (LCVw, n = 258) protocol.
Article Synopsis
- The study compared an ultralow-dose pediatric CT protocol for pectus excavatum to a standard-dose protocol, focusing on radiation exposure, image quality, and detection of nonosseous thoracic pathologies.
- The ultralow-dose protocol significantly reduced radiation doses by over 85%, but also resulted in lower objective image quality and subjective ratings of bone, lung, and soft tissue compared to the standard dose.
- Despite these quality differences, the study found no significant variations in the detection of pulmonary nodules between the two groups, suggesting the ultralow-dose CT might still be effective for monitoring patients.
Objectives: To investigate the image quality and perception of a sinogram-based deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm for single-energy abdominal CT compared to standard-of-care strength of ASIR-V.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 50 patients (62% F; 56.74 ± 17.
We hypothesized that clinical process improvement strategies can reduce frequency of motion artifacts and expiratory phase scanning in chest CT. We reviewed 826 chest CT to establish the baseline frequency. Per clinical process improvement guidelines, we brainstormed corrective measures and priority-pay-off matrix.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Protocol review plays a critical role in CT quality assurance, but large numbers of protocols and inconsistent protocol names on scanners and in exam records make thorough protocol review formidable. In this investigation, we report on a data-driven cataloging process that can be used to assist in the reviewing and management of CT protocols.
Methods: We collected lists of scanner protocols, as well as 18 months of recent exam records, for 10 clinical scanners.