Trends in Diagnostic Imaging Medicare Reimbursements: 2007 to 2019.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate recent trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for various imaging studies.

Methods: Common diagnostic radiologic studies were selected across multiple imaging modalities: bone densitometry, CT, CT angiography, mammography, MR angiography, MRI, nuclear medicine, radiography, and ultrasound. The Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from CMS was queried for Current Procedural Terminology codes to extract reimbursement data.

Isolated trapezoid fracture: four cases of a rare fracture on MRI.

Isolated trapezoid fractures have been rarely reported in the literature and are occult on routine radiography. Previously described cases have utilized computed tomography (CT) to make this diagnosis; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is better for soft tissue evaluation and can detect fractures which may be occult on CT. We report 4 cases of isolated trapezoid fractures diagnosed by MRI in 4 males after remote trauma, ages ranging from 19 to 62.

Detection of emergent large vessel occlusion stroke with CT angiography is high across all levels of radiology training and grayscale viewing methods.

Objectives: CT angiography (CTA) is essential in acute stroke to detect emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) and must be interpreted by radiologists with and without subspecialized training. Additionally, grayscale inversion has been suggested to improve diagnostic accuracy in other radiology applications. This study examines diagnostic performance in ELVO detection between neuroradiologists, non-neuroradiologists, and radiology residents using standard and grayscale inversion viewing methods.

Accuracy of smartphone-based evaluation of Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion on CTA.

Objectives: Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for stroke caused by an emergent large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, and the ability to rapidly review CTA is one hurdle in minimizing the time from diagnosis to intervention. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and confidence in review of stroke CTA for ELVO via a smartphone-based application as compared to PACS workstation.

Patients And Methods: Seventy-six head and neck CTA studies performed for stroke from one comprehensive and seven primary stroke centers were independently reviewed remotely on smartphone by two blinded interventional neuroradiologists in actual-use circumstances.

Rethinking Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b: Which Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Scales Best Define Near Complete Recanalization in the Modern Thrombectomy Era?

Background And Purpose: Within the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) classification, TICI 2b has been historically considered successful recanalization. Recent studies have suggested that TICI 3 and a proposed TICI 2c should be separately reported from TICI 2b, in both the original (>66% reperfusion) and modified (>50% reperfusion) definitions, because of differences in clinical outcomes with greater reperfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in early neurological improvement and independence at 90 days using the original TICI, modified TICI, and modified TICI with 2c scales.

Anomalous first thoracic rib as a cause of thoracic outlet syndrome with upper trunk symptoms: a case report.

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome is an uncommon cause of upper extremity neuropathy resulting from either neurogenic or vascular compromise in the thoracic outlet. Congenital anomalies as the cause of this disease process represent a minority of cases, and the literature regarding their surgical management is still evolving.

Case Report: A 42-year-old female without any relevant history presented to a clinic for evaluation of worsening neuropathic symptoms in the upper left extremity.

Intradiploic dermoid cyst of the lateral frontotemporal skull: case report and review of the literature.

Background: Intradiploic dermoid cysts represent 0.04-0.7% of cranial tumors.