Ultrasound grading of thyroid nodules using the BTA U-scoring guidelines - Is there evidence of intra-and interobserver variability?

Introduction: U-score ultrasound classification (graded U1-U5) is widely used to grade thyroid nodules based on benign and malignant sonographic features. It is well established that ultrasound is an operator-dependent imaging modality and thus more susceptible to subjective variances between operators when using imaging-based scoring systems. We aimed to assess whether there is any intra- or interobserver variability when U-scoring thyroid nodules and whether previous thyroid ultrasound experience has an effect on this variability.

Lumbar spine fusion and stabilization: hardware, techniques, and imaging appearances.

Stabilization and fusion of the lumbar spine may be performed by using various anterior and posterior surgical techniques and a wide range of devices, including screws, spinal wires, artificial ligaments, vertebral cages, and artificial disks. Because spinal procedures are increasingly common, such devices are seen more and more often in everyday radiologic practice. For evaluation of the postoperative spine, radiography is the modality most commonly used.

Management of renal tumors by image-guided radiofrequency ablation: experience in 105 tumors.

Aims: In this article we present our experience with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of 105 renal tumors.

Materials And Methods: RFA was performed on 105 renal tumors in 97 patients, with a mean tumor size of 32 mm (11-68 mm). The mean patient age was 71.

Intrahepatic arterioportal shunting and anomalous venous drainage: understanding the CT features in the liver.

The increased use of high-contrast volume, arterial-phase studies of the liver has demonstrated the frequent occurrence of arterioportal shunts within both the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver. This article sets out to explain the underlying microcirculatory mechanisms behind these commonly encountered altered perfusion states. Similarly, well-recognised portal perfusion defects occur around the perifalciform and perihilar liver and are largely caused by anomalous venous drainage via the paraumbilical and parabiliary venous systems.