1.Computed Tomography Urography: Comparison of Image Quality and Radiation Dose between Single- and Split-Bolus Techniques.
John Nathan GIFFORD ; Mei Choo CHONG ; Le Roy CHONG ; Shih Zhu YIIN ; Jeffrey Kk FONG ; Wey Chyi TEOH
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2018;47(8):278-284
INTRODUCTIONIn this study, we aimed to compare the split-bolus and single-bolus computerised tomography (CT) urography and determine if this offers a reduction in radiation dose without compromising image quality.
MATERIALS AND METHODSA retrospective evaluation was performed on 88 patients undergoing split-bolus CT urography and this was compared to a control group of 101 consecutive patients undergoing single-bolus CT urography. A radiation dose analysis was performed on each subject. Subjects with urinary bladder lesions, hydronephrosis, renal masses or cysts >3 cm in diameter were excluded. All images were classified according to image quality by 2 consultant radiologists.
RESULTSOpacification of the renal parenchyma, pelvicalyceal system, proximal ureters and urinary bladder were comparable between the 2 techniques, whilst image quality of the middle and distal third of the ureters was better using the split-bolus technique. The mean dose length product (DLP) for the single-bolus technique was 1324.1 mGy-cm, whilst that of the split-bolus technique was 885.7 mGy-cm. The mean effective dose reduction was calculated to be 31.1% between the 2 groups.
CONCLUSIONThe split-bolus technique gives a reduced radiation dose without compromising image quality. The associated reduction in images is beneficial for data storage and reporting efficiency. As such, our department will adopt the split-bolus technique for young, low-risk patients.
2.Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in Singapore.
Karen Donceras NADUA ; Chia Yin CHONG ; Kai Qian KAM ; Yee Hui MOK ; Jonathan Tze Liang CHOO ; Joyce Ching Mei LAM ; Jiahui LI ; Natalie Woon Hui TAN ; Chee Fu YUNG ; Su Wan Bianca CHAN ; Kai Liang TEH ; Lena DAS ; Thaschawee ARKACHAISRI ; Koh Cheng THOON
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2022;51(11):669-676
INTRODUCTION:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare inflammatory syndrome with multisystem involvement affecting children exposed to COVID-19. This condition is rarely reported in East Asia and was not detected in Singapore until 2021. We present 12 cases of MIS-C diagnosed in KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) from October 2021 to December 2021.
METHOD:
We conducted an observational study on cases fulfilling the Singapore Ministry of Health criteria for MIS-C from January 2020 to December 2021 in KKH. Medical records were reviewed to obtain information on clinical presentation, disease course, treatment received and outcomes.
RESULTS:
In the 12 cases detected, the median age was 7.50 years (interquartile range 4.00-9.25); 8 were male. All patients had mucocutaneous symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease. Other commonly involved systems were: haematological (coagulopathy 100%, lymphopaenia 91.70% and thrombocytopaenia 75.00%), gastrointestinal (75.00%) and cardiovascular (83.30%). Six patients (50.00%) had shock and were admitted to the intensive care unit. The majority of patients received treatment within 2 days of hospitalisation with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and steroids. All survived; the majority had normal echocardiograms and no long-term organ sequelae at 6 months post-discharge.
CONCLUSION
MIS-C emerged in Singapore as the incidence of COVID-19 in the community increased in 2021. The clinical presentation of our patients is similar to earlier reports, with some significant differences from Kawasaki disease. Multidisciplinary management, timely diagnosis, and early initiation of treatment with IVIg and steroids likely contributed to comparatively good outcomes. Our cases highlight the need for continued awareness of MIS-C among physicians, and surveillance of its incidence, short- and long-term outcomes.
Child
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Humans
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Female
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Male
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COVID-19/epidemiology*
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Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome
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Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use*
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Aftercare
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Singapore/epidemiology*
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Patient Discharge