The Department of Radiology of West China Hospital of Sichuan University provides us a teaching model that image-reading combined with problem-based learning (PBL) for radiographer once a month. Based on the problem images and typical cases, after careful image-reading, radiographer is guided to think positively and propose specific solutions to the problems. Then designated personnel gives a detail lecture on related diseases, imaging performance, diagnostic requirements, conventional scanning schemes, operating specifications, common problems and image post-processing, etc., which aims at taking continuing education for radiographers.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect with peter-williams intramedullary nail on children with humerus deformity due to osteogenesis imperfecta.Methods Data of 9 patients with humerus deformity due to osteogenesis imperfecta were retrospectively analyzed from Jun.2009 to Dec.2012.There were 7 males and 2 females,aged from 6 years to 10 years and 7 months(average 8 years and 3 months).There were 7 unilateral humerus deformity and 2 bilateral humerus deformity with severe radius and ulna deformity.The humerus fracture frequency was from 4 to 13 times (average,7.9 times)There were 2-3 deformity points in 9 patients (average 2.09 deformity points).The deformity angle ranged from 20°-100° (average 57.3°).The Constant-Murley scores were 16-24 scores (average 20.44).According to revised Sillence classifications,there were 6 cases of Type Ⅲ and 3 cases of Type Ⅳ.Eleven humerus of 9 patients were osteotomied and fixed with peter-williams intramedullary nail.Results All of 9 children were followed up for 12-66 months(average 22 months).The bone healing time were 8-12 weeks (average 9.5 weeks).Parents of 9 children were satisfied with surgical operation effect and deformity correction.The Constant-Murley scores ranged from preoperative average of (20.44 ± 2.79) points (16-24 points) to postoperative average of (35.56 ± 2.60) points(30-38 points) at the latest follow-up of patients,there was a statistically significant in score before and after treatment(t =0.20,P ＜0.05).Number 4 patient,one patient was found suffering from dorsal thumb numbness postoperatively after 3 days back stretching limitation.Considering the radial nerve stretching injury,treatment with neurotrophic drug for 3 months,symptoms disappeared.There was no infection,or osteomyelitis,no vascular damages.Epiphyseal plate injury or premature closure and affecting growth were not found in all of the patients at the latest follow-up examination.Conclusions Treatment with osteotomy and peter-williams intramedullary nail fixation on children with humerus deformity due to osteogenesis imperfecta is advantaged.It gets less damages,no intruding shoulder joint,less bleeding.The greatest degree of correction of the deformity can be achieved,and the shoulder joint function and the quality of life can be improved.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the image quality of three-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with sparse undersampling and iterative reconstruction (sparse TOF) with that of conventional TOF MRA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 56 patients who had undergone sparse TOF MRA for intracranial artery evaluation on a 3T MR scanner. Conventional TOF MRA scans were also acquired from 29 patients with matched acquisition times and another 27 patients with matched scanning parameters. The image quality was scored using a five-point scale based on the delineation of arterial vessel segments, artifacts, overall vessel visualization, and overall image quality by two radiologists independently, and the data were analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Contrast ratios (CRs) of vessels were compared using the paired t test. Interobserver agreement was calculated using the kappa test. RESULTS: Compared with conventional TOF at the same spatial resolution, sparse TOF with an acceleration factor of 3.5 could reduce acquisition time by 40% and showed comparable image quality. In addition, when compared with conventional TOF with the same acquisition time, sparse TOF with an acceleration factor of 5 could also achieve higher spatial resolution, better delineation of vessel segments, fewer artifacts, higher image quality, and a higher CR (p < 0.05). Good-to-excellent interobserver agreement (κ: 0.65–1.00) was obtained between the two radiologists. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional TOF, sparse TOF can achieve equivalent image quality in a reduced duration. Furthermore, using the same acquisition time, sparse TOF could improve the delineation of vessels and decrease image artifacts.
Acceleration ; Arteries ; Artifacts ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography