Convolutional neural networks versus radiologists in characterization of small hypoattenuating hepatic nodules on CT: a critical diagnostic challenge in staging of colorectal carcinoma.

Our objective was to compare the diagnostic performance and diagnostic confidence of convolutional neural networks (CNN) to radiologists in characterizing small hypoattenuating hepatic nodules (SHHN) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) on CT scans. Retrospective review of CRC CT scans over 6-years yielded 199 patients (550 SHHN) defined as < 1 cm in diameter. The reference standard was established through 1-year stability/MRI for benign or nodule evolution for malignant nodules.

The Impact of a Preauthorization Policy on the After-hours Utilization of Emergency Department Computed Tomography Imaging.

Rationale And Objectives: We evaluated the effects of a streamlined emergency department (ED) policy for CT ordering, pre- and postimplementation, on the completed imaging study rates of all after-hours computed tomography (CT) studies. The study hypothesis was that a streamlined CT ordering process would increase the utilization rates of ED CT.

Materials And Methods: A prospective cohort study was used to estimate the effect of enhancing a preauthorization policy for after-hours CT studies requested through the ED, performed between January 1 and June 30, 2013, and the postimplementation period, performed between January 1 and June 30, 2014.