Kelly Spuur

Mammography image quality: Model for predicting compliance with posterior nipple line criterion

PURPOSE To develop a model using measurements of pectoral muscle width and length together with the acceptability of the posterior nipple line criteria (PNL) to predict the acceptability of the presentation of the pectoral muscle in the mediolateral oblique view of the breast. METHOD A total of 400 mediolateral oblique mammogram images were randomly selected from BreastScreen NSW South West, Australia. Measurements of length and width of the pectoral muscle and the acceptability of the pectoral muscle position relative to the PNL were recorded. Data analysis involved logistic regression and ROC analysis to test the predictors of width and length and the performance of the model. The model was then used to predict the outcome of acceptable or unacceptable PNL criterion for each case. RESULTS The estimated odds ratio for an increase of 10mm was 1.98 (CI=1.68, 2.34) for the length predictor and 2.14 (CI=1.56, 2.93) for the width predictor. A cut off point of 0.6083 was derived from the training set and applied with the developed model to the test set. The area under the ROC curve was 0.9339 demonstrating an accurate model. CONCLUSION This paper describes a model to predict the acceptability of the PNL criterion using the width and length of the pectoral muscle. This model could be used in the automated assessment of image quality which has the potential to enhance the consistency in mammographic image quality evaluation. Optimising image quality contributes to increased accuracy in radiological interpretation, which maximises the early detection of breast cancer and potentially reduces mortality rates.

The masked educator-innovative simulation in an Australian undergraduate medical sonography and medical imaging program

Clinical learning experiences for sonography and medical imaging students can sometimes involve the practice of technical procedures with less of a focus on developing communication skills with patients. Whilst patient‐based simulation scenarios have been widely reported in other health education programmes, there is a paucity of research in sonography and medical imaging.

Mammographic parenchymal patterns and breast cancer risk in New South Wales North Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

The objective of the study was to document the distribution of mammographic parenchymal patterns (MPP) of Indigenous Australian women attending BreastScreen New South Wales (NSW) North Coast, to profile breast cancer risk as it relates to breast density and to explore the correlation between MPP, breast size as described by the posterior nipple line (PNL) and age.

Undergraduate use of medical radiation science mobile applications

INTRODUCTION Despite the technologically intense nature of the medical radiation science (MRS) profession, literature specifically supporting the adoption of mobile learning in MRS education is scarce. To this aim, we explored student utilization of and influences for choosing MRS applications (apps, a specific type of mobile learning) within the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science course at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Australia. Secondary objectives briefly investigated content reliability within selected chosen apps and overall student willingness to embrace this methodology prior to mainstream integration. METHODS A mixed-method census survey was delivered to 415 enrolled students using the software Survey Monkey to compile responses to 28 questions. Inclusion criteria included students who owned a smartphone or tablet and who used any apps listed on the survey. RESULTS Among the 97 students who completed the survey, 37% (36/97) freely use MRS apps at least weekly (70%, 21/30), of which anatomy atlases were reported as most popular. Peer recommendation influenced 67% (20/30) of students to choose the MRS apps used. Thirty-seven percent (11/30) of students integrated only one method to check the accuracy of app content prior to download. Students who do not use MRS apps (78%, 76/97) stated they were unaware of this resource; however, 91% (80/88) of the respondents indicated they would use MRS apps if incorporated into the curriculum. CONCLUSION The majority of CSU students agreed that apps offer a convenient way to engage in a variety of interactive content both in the classroom and on-the-go, using apps most pertinent to their specific curriculum and/or for revision. Students preferred to use MRS apps if integrated as supplemental study tools vetted by the lecturer.

Knowledge and awareness of CT radiation dose and risk among patients

The study aims to assess the level of patients’ awareness and knowledge regarding radiation and dosage along with the associated risks from computed tomography (CT) scan. This cross-sectional study used questionnaires, which were distributed to the diagnostic imaging departments of six large local hospitals in Jordan between September 2014 and March 2015. A total of 600 patients completed the questionnaire, out of which, 52.33% of respondents were female and 47.6% male. The findings show insignificant effects of gender on patient’s knowledge (P = .596) and significant effect of employment and profession on positive scores (P = .000). Similarly, no statistical differences were found between gender and correct answers (P = .707). This cohort of patients demonstrated a lack of awareness and knowledge about the use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic imaging. Thus, there may exist a similar lack of information that will require imaging professionals to raise patients’ awareness and offer them the appropriate information.

Mammography image quality and evidence based practice: Analysis of the demonstration of the inframammary angle in the digital setting

AIM The aim of this study is to determine the clinical rates of the demonstration of the inframammary angle (IMA) on the mediolateral oblique (MLO) view of the breast on digital mammograms and to compare the outcomes with current accreditation standards for compliance. Relationships between the IMA, age, the posterior nipple line (PNL) and compressed breast thickness will be identified and the study outcomes validated using appropriate analyses of inter-reader and inter-rater reliability and variability. Differences in left versus right data were also investigated. METHOD A quantitative retrospective study of 2270 randomly selected paired digital mammograms performed by BreastScreen NSW was undertaken. Data was collected by direct measurement and visual analysis. Intra-class correlation analyses were used to evaluate inter- and intra-rater reliability. RESULTS The IMA was demonstrated on 52.4% of individual and 42.6% of paired mammograms. A linear relationship was found between the posterior nipple line (PNL) and age (p-value <0.001). The PNL was predicted to increase by 0.48 mm for every one year increment in age. The odds of demonstrating the IMA reduced by 2% for every one year increase in age (p-value = 0.001); are 0.4% higher for every 1 mm increase in PNL (p-value = 0.001) and 1.6% lower for every 1 mm increase in compressed breast thickness, (p-value<0.001). There was high inter- and intra-rater reliability for the PNL while there was 100% agreement for the demonstration of the IMA. CONCLUSION Analysis of the demonstration of the IMA indicates clinically achievable rates (42.6%) well below that required for compliance (50%-75%) to known worldwide accreditation standards for screening mammography. These standards should be aligned to the reported evidence base. Visualisation of the IMA is impacted negatively by increasing age and compressed breast thickness but positively by breast size (PNL).