Role of ultrasound in the evaluation of first-trimester pregnancies in the acute setting.

In patients presenting for an evaluation of pregnancy in the first trimester, transvaginal ultrasound is the modality of choice for establishing the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy; evaluating pregnancy viability, gestational age, and multiplicity; detecting pregnancy-related complications; and diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. In this pictorial review article, the sonographic appearance of a normal intrauterine gestation and the most common complications of pregnancy in the first trimester in the acute setting are discussed.

American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry: A User's Guide for Cardiothoracic Radiologists Part 1: Dose Index Registry (DIR)-What it Means and Does for CT?

Computed tomography (CT) is an indispensable part of diagnostic imaging and contributes significantly to patient care. With increasing use of CT, there have been growing concerns regarding risks from radiation exposure. This has prompted efforts to introduce measures to optimize the radiation dose used in CT imaging.

ACR DIR: A User's Guide for Cardiothoracic Radiologists: Part 2: How to Interpret Your DIR Report.

In the initial installment of this 3-part article, we reviewed the role and logistics of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Dose Index Registry (DIR). In this second installment, we review the essential components of ACR DIR and describe how users can interpret their biannual dose reports by benchmarking them against regional or national levels. Understanding these reports can help participating institutions to identify specific protocols or practices that may benefit from changes in order to minimize patient dose while maintaining diagnostic quality examinations.

Lung Cancer Screening: Computed Tomography Radiation and Protocols.

Recent studies have supported the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the chest as a screening tool for lung cancer. Several professional organizations have now included LDCT screening in high-risk populations in their guidelines. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has added LDCT to its lung cancer-screening guidelines as of December 2013.