Breast cancer remains a critical public health concern globally, with early detection being pivotal to improving outcomes through clinical downstaging. In low- and middle-income countries, access to traditional screening methods like mammography is limited due to high costs, infrastructure deficits, and shortages of trained professionals. This study evaluates the integration of Breast AI, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced diagnostic tool, with Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) to improve breast cancer screening in resource-limited settings. Although the system demonstrated clinical utility, challenges such as cost-effectiveness, infrastructure readiness, and provider training for scaling this technology warrant further exploration.
Aim and objectives
This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of the Breast AI system in conjunction with CBE for breast cancer screening. Objectives included evaluating the system's diagnostic performance, its potential to achieve clinical downstaging, and its ability to reduce unnecessary surgical referrals. The study also aimed to identify areas for improvement, such as logistical barriers and scaling feasibility.
Methods
A prospective comparative cohort study was conducted at Daspoort PoliClinic in Gauteng Province over 6 months. A total of 1,617 women aged 25 to 85 years were screened using CBE and Breast AI. Data collection included risk stratification, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) scoring, and referral outcomes. Statistical analyses compared the diagnostic performance of CBE and Breast AI using McNemar's test, with a Chi-square value of 1.8 and a p value of 0.1797. Educational sessions on breast cancer awareness were also conducted to encourage community engagement.
Results
Of the 1,617 women, 530 presented with clinical signs or risk factors. Eight patients required short-term follow-up for BIRADS-3 findings, five of whom were identified by Breast AI, compared to two identified by CBE. No cases were classified as BIRADS-5 requiring immediate intervention. The Breast AI system demonstrated improved sensitivity, identifying four additional positive cases compared to CBE, thereby reducing false negatives. Risk stratification by Breast AI ranged between 0 and 25%, indicating a low probability of malignancy but ensuring accurate referral for symptomatic cases. The system facilitated timely surgical opinions for conditions like accessory breast tissue with lipoma that CBE had missed. Despite these findings, logistical and cost-effectiveness barriers to scaling the technology remain unaddressed.
Conclusion
The integration of Breast AI into screening programs showed promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, achieving clinical downstaging, and reducing unnecessary surgical referrals. The system's adjunctive use with CBE demonstrated potential
{"title":"Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Screening: Integrating Artificial Intelligence With Clinical Examination for Targeted Care in South Africa","authors":"Kathryn Malherbe BRad Diagnostic, BSc Hons NeuroAnatomy, Cert Mammography, MRad Diagnostic, PhD Clinical Anatomy, PG Ultrasound","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2024.12.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2024.12.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Breast cancer remains a critical public health concern globally, with early detection being pivotal to improving outcomes through clinical downstaging. In low- and middle-income countries, access to traditional screening methods like mammography is limited due to high costs, infrastructure deficits, and shortages of trained professionals. This study evaluates the integration of Breast AI, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced diagnostic tool, with Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) to improve breast cancer screening in resource-limited settings. Although the system demonstrated clinical utility, challenges such as cost-effectiveness, infrastructure readiness, and provider training for scaling this technology warrant further exploration.</div></div><div><h3>Aim and objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of the Breast AI system in conjunction with CBE for breast cancer screening. Objectives included evaluating the system's diagnostic performance, its potential to achieve clinical downstaging, and its ability to reduce unnecessary surgical referrals. The study also aimed to identify areas for improvement, such as logistical barriers and scaling feasibility.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective comparative cohort study was conducted at Daspoort PoliClinic in Gauteng Province over 6 months. A total of 1,617 women aged 25 to 85 years were screened using CBE and Breast AI. Data collection included risk stratification, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) scoring, and referral outcomes. Statistical analyses compared the diagnostic performance of CBE and Breast AI using McNemar's test, with a Chi-square value of 1.8 and a p value of 0.1797. Educational sessions on breast cancer awareness were also conducted to encourage community engagement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 1,617 women, 530 presented with clinical signs or risk factors. Eight patients required short-term follow-up for BIRADS-3 findings, five of whom were identified by Breast AI, compared to two identified by CBE. No cases were classified as BIRADS-5 requiring immediate intervention. The Breast AI system demonstrated improved sensitivity, identifying four additional positive cases compared to CBE, thereby reducing false negatives. Risk stratification by Breast AI ranged between 0 and 25%, indicating a low probability of malignancy but ensuring accurate referral for symptomatic cases. The system facilitated timely surgical opinions for conditions like accessory breast tissue with lipoma that CBE had missed. Despite these findings, logistical and cost-effectiveness barriers to scaling the technology remain unaddressed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The integration of Breast AI into screening programs showed promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, achieving clinical downstaging, and reducing unnecessary surgical referrals. The system's adjunctive use with CBE demonstrated potential ","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 195-202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144195948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iodinated contrast media or gadolinium-based contrast agents utilized during image-guided exams or procedures enhance specific tissues, organs, blood vessels, and bones. This allows for the ability to better distinguish normal versus abnormal, which aids providers in diagnosing and treating various patient conditions. The administration of iodinated contrast media or gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause allergic-like reactions that can range from mild hives to severe vascular collapse. While these reactions occur very infrequently, clinical teams need to know how to recognize and treat them appropriately following the 2024 updated guidelines set forth by the American College of Radiology. This article presents three clinical cases of patients who underwent routine imaging studies and subsequently developed a mild, moderate, or severe allergic-like reaction. Contrast emergency management is discussed, pathophysiology is reviewed, and best practices for contrast emergency management preparedness are explored.
在图像引导检查或检查过程中使用的碘造影剂或钆造影剂可增强特定组织、器官、血管和骨骼。这使得能够更好地区分正常与异常,这有助于医生诊断和治疗各种病人的情况。碘造影剂或钆造影剂可引起过敏样反应,从轻微的荨麻疹到严重的血管塌陷。虽然这些反应很少发生,但临床团队需要知道如何根据美国放射学会(American College of Radiology)制定的2024年更新指南正确识别和治疗这些反应。这篇文章提出了三个临床病例,患者接受常规影像学检查,随后发展为轻度,中度或重度过敏样反应。对比应急管理进行了讨论,病理生理学进行了审查,并探讨了对比应急管理准备的最佳做法。
{"title":"Contrast Emergency Management: Three Case Studies Reviewed","authors":"Melissa Mullen MSN, RN, CRN, Madeleine Sertic MB, BCh, Vanessa Parker MHA, BS, Jennifer Davenport MSM, RT (R), Karen Flynn BS, RT (R) (CT)","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iodinated contrast media or gadolinium-based contrast agents utilized during image-guided exams or procedures enhance specific tissues, organs, blood vessels, and bones. This allows for the ability to better distinguish normal versus abnormal, which aids providers in diagnosing and treating various patient conditions. The administration of iodinated contrast media or gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause allergic-like reactions that can range from mild hives to severe vascular collapse. While these reactions occur very infrequently, clinical teams need to know how to recognize and treat them appropriately following the 2024 updated guidelines set forth by the American College of Radiology. This article presents three clinical cases of patients who underwent routine imaging studies and subsequently developed a mild, moderate, or severe allergic-like reaction. Contrast emergency management is discussed, pathophysiology is reviewed, and best practices for contrast emergency management preparedness are explored.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 145-149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144195957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.003
Tali Fudim MSN, NP-C
{"title":"Primum Non Nocere: Is This Concept Still Relevant Today?","authors":"Tali Fudim MSN, NP-C","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 132-134"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144196016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.02.005
Karin E. Warner MS, MA, DNP, RN, CGNC, FAAN
{"title":"Assessing the Fall Patient—Am I Missing Something?","authors":"Karin E. Warner MS, MA, DNP, RN, CGNC, FAAN","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 139-140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144196272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.02.002
Katherine Gruzalski MSN, RN, CRN, LNCC, CPHRM
{"title":"Could 30 be the New 40 for Breast Cancer Screening","authors":"Katherine Gruzalski MSN, RN, CRN, LNCC, CPHRM","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 137-138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144196018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.001
Sung Min Koh MD
Verifying nasogastric tube placement is critical to patient safety. While chest X-rays are commonly used, they have limitations in visualizing the tube’s distal end and side holes. This article advocates for incorporating abdominal X-rays to improve accuracy and reduce risks such as aspiration. A combined imaging protocol is proposed to enhance clinical outcomes and patient safety.
{"title":"Verification of Nasogastric Tube Placement: Supporting Abdominal X-ray","authors":"Sung Min Koh MD","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Verifying nasogastric tube placement is critical to patient safety. While chest X-rays are commonly used, they have limitations in visualizing the tube’s distal end and side holes. This article advocates for incorporating abdominal X-rays to improve accuracy and reduce risks such as aspiration. A combined imaging protocol is proposed to enhance clinical outcomes and patient safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 241-244"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144195951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.04.001
Cathleen Biga MSN, MACC
{"title":"Guest Editorial: The Heart of Health Care: The Vital Role of Nurse Leaders in Shaping the Future","authors":"Cathleen Biga MSN, MACC","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 129-130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144196014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a structural oncologic emergency that can occur in the presence of primary or metastatic disease in the oncology patient population. The first presenting sign of this oncologic emergency is often pain. Failure to recognize early signs of MSCC can be devastating as the condition can progress to permanent neurologic damage and lead to paralysis. Understanding the underlying cause of MSCC directs the patient's treatment plan and prognosis. Diagnosing MSCC starts with a thorough assessment and health history to understand risk factors and identify signs/symptoms related to MSCC. Diagnostic imaging is key to identify the structural involvement within the spine and helps to guide the treatment plan. Patients are often managed medically, with some having surgical options as well. Additional interventions like radiation therapy may also be considered. It is important for nurses within the radiology and procedural areas to have awareness and understanding of MSCC to provide quality patient care.
{"title":"Malignant Spinal Cord Compression","authors":"Hallie Marino DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, BMTCN , Roberta Kaplow PhD, APRN-CCNS, AOCNS, CCRN, FAAN","doi":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2024.12.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jradnu.2024.12.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a structural oncologic emergency that can occur in the presence of primary or metastatic disease in the oncology patient population. The first presenting sign of this oncologic emergency is often pain. Failure to recognize early signs of MSCC can be devastating as the condition can progress to permanent neurologic damage and lead to paralysis. Understanding the underlying cause of MSCC directs the patient's treatment plan and prognosis. Diagnosing MSCC starts with a thorough assessment and health history to understand risk factors and identify signs/symptoms related to MSCC. Diagnostic imaging is key to identify the structural involvement within the spine and helps to guide the treatment plan. Patients are often managed medically, with some having surgical options as well. Additional interventions like radiation therapy may also be considered. It is important for nurses within the radiology and procedural areas to have awareness and understanding of MSCC to provide quality patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Radiology Nursing","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 179-183"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144196021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}