The current state of knowledge on imaging informatics: a survey among Spanish radiologists

Medical informatics; Radiology; Surveys and questionnairesInformàtica mèdica; Radiologia; Enquestes i qüestionarisInformática médica; Radiología; Encuestas y cuestionariosBackground There is growing concern about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on radiology and the future of the profession. The aim of this study is to evaluate general knowledge and concerns about trends on imaging informatics among radiologists working in Spain (residents and attending physicians). For this purpose, an online survey among radiologists working in Spain was conducted with questions related to: knowledge about terminology and technologies, need for a regulated academic training on AI and concerns about the implications of the use of these technologies. Results A total of 223 radiologists answered the survey, of whom 76.7% were attending physicians and 23.3% residents. General terms such as AI and algorithm had been heard of or read in at least 75.8% and 57.4% of the cases, respectively, while more specific terms were scarcely known. All the respondents consider that they should pursue academic training in medical informatics and new technologies, and 92.9% of them reckon this preparation should be incorporated in the training program of the specialty. Patient safety was found to be the main concern for 54.2% of the respondents. Job loss was not seen as a peril by 45.7% of the participants. Conclusions Although there is a lack of knowledge about AI among Spanish radiologists, there is a will to explore such topics and a general belief that radiologists should be trained in these matters. Based on the results, a consensus is needed to change the current training curriculum to better prepare future radiologists

Comparison of computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the evaluation of body composition in patients with obesity

Body composition; Computed tomography; Morbid obesityComposición corporal; Tomografía computarizada; Obesidad mórbidaComposició corporal; Tomografia computaritzada; Obesitat mòrbidaObjective: a) To evaluate the accuracy of the pre-existing equations (based on cm2 provided by CT images), to estimate in kilograms (Kg) the body composition (BC) in patients with obesity (PwO), by comparison with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). b) To evaluate the accuracy of a new approach (based on both cm2 and Hounsfield Unit parameters provided by CT images), using an automatic software and artificial intelligence to estimate the BC in PwO, by comparison with DXA. Methods: Single-centre cross-sectional study including consecutive PwO, matched by gender with subjects with normal BMI. All the subjects underwent BC assessment by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and skeletal-CT at L3 vertebrae. CT images were processed using FocusedON-BC software. Three different models were tested. Model 1 and 2, based on the already existing equations, estimate the BC in Kg based on the tissue area (cm2) in the CT images. Model 3, developed in this study, includes as additional variables, the tissue percentage and its average Hounsfield unit. Results: 70 subjects (46 PwO and 24 with normal BMI) were recruited. Significant correlations for BC were obtained between the three models and DXA. Model 3 showed the strongest correlation with DXA (r= 0.926, CI95% [0.835-0.968], p<0.001) as well as the best agreement based on Bland – Altman plots. Conclusion: This is the first study showing that the BC assessment based on skeletal CT images analyzed by automatic software coupled with artificial intelligence, is accurate in PwO, by comparison with DXA. Furthermore, we propose a new equation that estimates both the tissue quantity and quality, that showed higher accuracy compared with those currently used, both in PwO and subjects with normal BMI.This study was supported by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria, PI20/01806). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Experience and results after the implementation of a radiology day unit in a reference hospital

Hospitals; Radiology (Interventional); Surveys and questionariesHospitals; Radiologia (intervencionista); Enquestes i preguntesHospitales; Radiología (Intervencionista); Encuestas y cuestionariosBackground Interventional radiological procedures have significantly increased in recent years. Most of them are minimally invasive and require a short hospitalization, mainly done in other non-radiological units nowadays. Limited bed availability and high occupancy rates in these units create longer waiting lists and cancellations. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the creation and functioning of a Radiology Day Unit (RDU) and evaluating its outcomes. For this purpose, data about interventional procedures and its complications, incidents, patient safety, quality and satisfaction rates were collected from May 2018 to December 2020, and posteriorly analyzed to evaluate its implementation. Results During the assessed period, 3841 patients were admitted into the RDU, with a net increase of 13% and 26% in the second and third year, respectively. Procedures performed by the Abdominal Radiology section were the most frequent (76–85%) followed by Interventional Vascular Radiology and Thoracic Radiology. Complication rates were low (1.5%) and most of them were self-limited and managed in the own department. Waiting lists were significantly reduced, from 2 months to 1 week in case of procedures performed by the Abdominal Radiology section. Patient satisfaction was higher than 80% in all the items evaluated with a global satisfaction of 93%. Conclusion The RDU in our hospital has become a vital section for the management and post-procedure caring of patients undergoing interventional procedures in the Radiology Service with low complication rates and overall high levels of quality and patient safety, allowing the reduction of waiting lists and occupancy rates

Comparison of computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the evaluation of body composition in patients with obesity

Objectivea) To evaluate the accuracy of the pre-existing equations (based on cm2 provided by CT images), to estimate in kilograms (Kg) the body composition (BC) in patients with obesity (PwO), by comparison with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). b) To evaluate the accuracy of a new approach (based on both cm2 and Hounsfield Unit parameters provided by CT images), using an automatic software and artificial intelligence to estimate the BC in PwO, by comparison with DXA.MethodsSingle-centre cross-sectional study including consecutive PwO, matched by gender with subjects with normal BMI. All the subjects underwent BC assessment by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and skeletal-CT at L3 vertebrae. CT images were processed using FocusedON-BC software. Three different models were tested. Model 1 and 2, based on the already existing equations, estimate the BC in Kg based on the tissue area (cm2) in the CT images. Model 3, developed in this study, includes as additional variables, the tissue percentage and its average Hounsfield unit.Results70 subjects (46 PwO and 24 with normal BMI) were recruited. Significant correlations for BC were obtained between the three models and DXA. Model 3 showed the strongest correlation with DXA (r= 0.926, CI95% [0.835-0.968], p&lt;0.001) as well as the best agreement based on Bland – Altman plots.ConclusionThis is the first study showing that the BC assessment based on skeletal CT images analyzed by automatic software coupled with artificial intelligence, is accurate in PwO, by comparison with DXA. Furthermore, we propose a new equation that estimates both the tissue quantity and quality, that showed higher accuracy compared with those currently used, both in PwO and subjects with normal BMI

Ethics Committee experience during COVID-19 emergency. A brief report

La crisis sanitaria motivada por el COVID-19 hace necesaria la puesta en marcha, con celeridad, de investigaciones encaminadas a generar evidencias científicas que incidan en el control de sus devastadores efectos. Por ello, fue necesario realizar ajustes en la dinámica de trabajo de los Comités de Ética de la Investigación así como priorizar y agilizar la evaluación de los proyectos relacionados con dicha enfermedad. Este trabajo pretende analizar la actividad la actividad evaluadora del Comité de Ética de la Investigación con Medicamentos de Galicia (CEIm-G) durante dicho período de emergencia sanitaria. Se evaluaron 81 proyectos de investigación, 73 de ellos de ámbito autonómico (62 unicéntricos), 4 nacionales y 4 internacionales. En 57 proyectos el dictamen fue favorable, 4 fueron retirados por los promotores, en 6 no procedía dictamen y 14 no respondieron a las aclaraciones solicitadas hasta la fecha del cierre del estudio. La causas más frecuentes de solicitud de aclaraciones estaban relacionadas con la metodología y a continuación con la hoja de información al paciente y el consentimiento informado. También es imprescindible abordar los aspectos relacionados con la intimidad de los datos personales y las muestras y tener en cuenta la carga de trabajo de los investigadores. Como propuesta de mejora, consideramos que se debe incidir en una mayor coordinación entre los diferentes equipos de investigación para tratar de obtener resultados más robustos