Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.12.008
Shreyas U Naidu, Hanzhou Li, John T Moon, Ryan Kim, Emily Patel, Zachary L Bercu, Janice Newsome, Judy W Gichoya, Hari Trivedi
Radiological reports are essential clinical documents often written in highly technical language that is challenging for patients to comprehend. Despite advancements in digital imaging and reporting technologies, the inherent complexity of radiology reports creates significant barriers to effective patient understanding. Recently, large language models (LLMs) have emerged as a promising solution to simplify radiological reports. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of LLMs for simplifying patient-centered radiology reports. We examined 19 studies evaluating various LLMs including GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and others across multiple imaging modalities. All studies reported descriptive/consistent improvements in readability metrics, with simplified reports typically achieving 5th-8th grade reading levels compared to the original 10th-14th grade levels. However, many studies identified accuracy concerns, with reports containing a range of omissions, commissions, and distortions depending on modality and model. Building upon these findings, we discuss medicolegal considerations, workflow integration challenges, and strategies for effective LLM implementation. We also explore potential impacts on radiologist workflow, including the impact of LLM biases and liability for simplified reports. Despite promising results, significant challenges remain in ensuring accurate simplification across diverse patient populations while maintaining clinical precision. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative potential of LLMs in enhancing patient understanding of radiological findings while highlighting the need for careful implementation with appropriate oversight mechanisms.
{"title":"Harnessing Large Language Models for Radiology Report Simplification and Improving Patient Comprehension: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Shreyas U Naidu, Hanzhou Li, John T Moon, Ryan Kim, Emily Patel, Zachary L Bercu, Janice Newsome, Judy W Gichoya, Hari Trivedi","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.12.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2025.12.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Radiological reports are essential clinical documents often written in highly technical language that is challenging for patients to comprehend. Despite advancements in digital imaging and reporting technologies, the inherent complexity of radiology reports creates significant barriers to effective patient understanding. Recently, large language models (LLMs) have emerged as a promising solution to simplify radiological reports. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of LLMs for simplifying patient-centered radiology reports. We examined 19 studies evaluating various LLMs including GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and others across multiple imaging modalities. All studies reported descriptive/consistent improvements in readability metrics, with simplified reports typically achieving 5th-8th grade reading levels compared to the original 10th-14th grade levels. However, many studies identified accuracy concerns, with reports containing a range of omissions, commissions, and distortions depending on modality and model. Building upon these findings, we discuss medicolegal considerations, workflow integration challenges, and strategies for effective LLM implementation. We also explore potential impacts on radiologist workflow, including the impact of LLM biases and liability for simplified reports. Despite promising results, significant challenges remain in ensuring accurate simplification across diverse patient populations while maintaining clinical precision. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative potential of LLMs in enhancing patient understanding of radiological findings while highlighting the need for careful implementation with appropriate oversight mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145901629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.12.005
Kathy Boutis, Carl Starvaggi, Andrea S Doria, Maryse Bouchard, Mark Camp, Jana Taylor, Cameron J Hauge, Olivia Carter, Jennifer Stimec
Rationale and objectives: Innovative, evidence-based, and feasible educational interventions to teach pediatric musculoskeletal (pMSK) radiograph interpretation to radiology post-graduate trainees (R-PGT) are currently lacking.
Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of a pMSK radiograph education intervention in improving the identification and risk stratification of fractures and dislocations. We also determined cases most at risk of diagnostic error.
Methods: This was a multicenter prospective cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of R-PGT practicing in the United States and Canada. The web-based education intervention included 1609 pMSK extremity radiographs organized into six anatomic regions. R-PGT deliberately practiced identifying if there was a fracture/dislocation present or absent, and if present, they located and risk-stratified the fracture. Participants completed cases until they achieved a performance standard.
Results: We enrolled 100 R-PGT and derived 48,166 unique case interpretations. From the initial to final 25 case completions, there were learning gains in diagnostic sensitivity (14.9%; 95% CI 13.4, 16.4), fracture location accuracy (14.1%; 95% 12.6, 15.5), and risk stratification (23.6%; 95% CI 21.5, 25.7). Of the 100 R-PGT, 77.5% (95% CI 71.1; 83.1) achieved the performance standard in at least one anatomic region in a median of 173 cases (IQR 94, 315) or a median of 41.5 min (IQR 22.6, 76.6). There was a higher odds of correctness in older versus younger children (OR=1.3; 95% 1.2, 1.4) and those without versus with a suspicion for non-accidental injury (OR=2.0; 95% CI 1.6, 2.4). The most frequent locations among the 171 high-risk false negative cases were the elbow (n=48 [28.1%]), pelvis (n=39 [22.8%]), and ankle (n=27 [15.8%]).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a web-based and competency-focused intervention can improve pMSK radiograph interpretation among R-PGTs and identifies cases prone to diagnostic error. These findings align with prior work showing the value of deliberate practice in radiology education.
基本原理和目标:目前缺乏创新的、循证的、可行的教育干预措施,向放射学研究生(R-PGT)教授儿科肌肉骨骼(pMSK) x线片解释。目的:我们评估pMSK x线教育干预在提高骨折和脱位的识别和风险分层方面的有效性。我们还确定了诊断错误风险最高的病例。方法:这是一项多中心前瞻性横断面研究,在美国和加拿大进行R-PGT实践的方便样本。基于网络的教育干预包括按六个解剖区域组织的1609张pMSK四肢x线片。R-PGT故意练习识别是否存在骨折/脱位,如果存在,他们定位骨折并进行风险分层。参与者完成案例,直到达到绩效标准。结果:我们招募了100名R-PGT,得到了48166个独特的病例解释。从最初的25例完井到最后的25例,在诊断敏感性(14.9%,95% CI 13.4, 16.4)、骨折定位准确性(14.1%,95% 12.6,15.5)和风险分层(23.6%,95% CI 21.5, 25.7)方面取得了进展。在100例R-PGT中,77.5% (95% CI 71.1; 83.1)在173例(IQR 94, 315)或41.5分钟(IQR 22.6, 76.6)中至少一个解剖区域达到了性能标准。年龄较大的儿童与年龄较小的儿童相比(OR=1.3; 95%为1.2,1.4),没有怀疑非意外伤害的儿童与怀疑非意外伤害的儿童相比(OR=2.0; 95% CI为1.6,2.4),正确的几率更高。171例高危假阴性患者中最常见的部位为肘部(48例[28.1%])、骨盆(39例[22.8%])和踝关节(27例[15.8%])。结论:本研究表明,基于网络和以能力为中心的干预可以改善R-PGTs的pMSK x线片解释,并识别容易诊断错误的病例。这些发现与先前的工作一致,显示了放射学教育中刻意练习的价值。
{"title":"Optimizing Radiology Resident Competency in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Radiograph Interpretation.","authors":"Kathy Boutis, Carl Starvaggi, Andrea S Doria, Maryse Bouchard, Mark Camp, Jana Taylor, Cameron J Hauge, Olivia Carter, Jennifer Stimec","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Rationale and objectives: </strong>Innovative, evidence-based, and feasible educational interventions to teach pediatric musculoskeletal (pMSK) radiograph interpretation to radiology post-graduate trainees (R-PGT) are currently lacking.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>We evaluated the effectiveness of a pMSK radiograph education intervention in improving the identification and risk stratification of fractures and dislocations. We also determined cases most at risk of diagnostic error.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a multicenter prospective cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of R-PGT practicing in the United States and Canada. The web-based education intervention included 1609 pMSK extremity radiographs organized into six anatomic regions. R-PGT deliberately practiced identifying if there was a fracture/dislocation present or absent, and if present, they located and risk-stratified the fracture. Participants completed cases until they achieved a performance standard.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We enrolled 100 R-PGT and derived 48,166 unique case interpretations. From the initial to final 25 case completions, there were learning gains in diagnostic sensitivity (14.9%; 95% CI 13.4, 16.4), fracture location accuracy (14.1%; 95% 12.6, 15.5), and risk stratification (23.6%; 95% CI 21.5, 25.7). Of the 100 R-PGT, 77.5% (95% CI 71.1; 83.1) achieved the performance standard in at least one anatomic region in a median of 173 cases (IQR 94, 315) or a median of 41.5 min (IQR 22.6, 76.6). There was a higher odds of correctness in older versus younger children (OR=1.3; 95% 1.2, 1.4) and those without versus with a suspicion for non-accidental injury (OR=2.0; 95% CI 1.6, 2.4). The most frequent locations among the 171 high-risk false negative cases were the elbow (n=48 [28.1%]), pelvis (n=39 [22.8%]), and ankle (n=27 [15.8%]).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates that a web-based and competency-focused intervention can improve pMSK radiograph interpretation among R-PGTs and identifies cases prone to diagnostic error. These findings align with prior work showing the value of deliberate practice in radiology education.</p>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145896967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.11.047
Chong Meng, Xiaohan Liu, Zhen Wang, Juan Long, Chenzi Wang, Jinlong Yang, Bo Sun, Dapeng Zhang, Zhongxiao Liu, Xiaolong Wang, Aiyun Sun, Kai Xu, Yankai Meng
Background: Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) has gained recognition as a promising technique to improve image quality in low-dose CT imaging. However, its performance in dual-energy CT portal venography (DE-CTPV), particularly under reduced contrast medium volume and radiation dose (dual-low dose) conditions, remains underexplored.
Objective: This study aims to compare the performance of DLIR and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) in DE-CTPV, with a focus on image quality across multiple vascular segments of the portal venous (PV) system under dual-low dose protocols.
Methods: Patients undergoing DE-CTPV were reconstructed using DLIR medium (DLIR-M) and high strength (DLIR-H) and ASIR-V (50%). Image quality was assessed both subjectively and objectively in the main portal vein (MPV), left and right portal veins (LPV, RPV), splenic vein (SV), and superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Objective metrics, including image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were calculated. Additionally, radiation dose parameters (CTDIvol, DLP, ED) and contrast medium volume were compared with data from previous studies.
Results: In this study, the mean CTDIvol, DLP, and ED were 9.79 ± 2.13 mGy, 326.26 ± 84.58 mGy·cm, and 4.89 ± 1.27 mSv, respectively. The mean contrast medium volume was 79.5 ± 11.4 mL. DLIR-H significantly enhanced image quality across all vascular segments, achieving substantial reductions in image noise and notable increases in CNR and SNR (P < 0.05). It also received the highest subjective ratings for overall image quality, image noise, vascular edge sharpness, and diagnostic confidence compared to ASIR-V 50%. The use of 55 keV virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) further enhanced iodine contrast effectiveness, while DLIR effectively reduced noise, ensuring clearer and more consistent vascular delineation across all assessed vascular segments.
Conclusion: DLIR substantially improves image quality in DE-CTPV compared with ASIR-V 50%, even when utilizing dual-low dose protocol. By providing consistent, high-quality imaging across multiple portal venous segments, DLIR may offers a safer and more reliable approach for preoperative evaluation and postoperative monitoring in liver transplantation.
{"title":"Deep Learning Image Reconstruction Improves Image Quality in Dual-Low Dose Dual-Energy CT Portal Venography Compared to Adaptive Iterative Image Reconstruction Algorithm-Veo.","authors":"Chong Meng, Xiaohan Liu, Zhen Wang, Juan Long, Chenzi Wang, Jinlong Yang, Bo Sun, Dapeng Zhang, Zhongxiao Liu, Xiaolong Wang, Aiyun Sun, Kai Xu, Yankai Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.11.047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2025.11.047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) has gained recognition as a promising technique to improve image quality in low-dose CT imaging. However, its performance in dual-energy CT portal venography (DE-CTPV), particularly under reduced contrast medium volume and radiation dose (dual-low dose) conditions, remains underexplored.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to compare the performance of DLIR and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) in DE-CTPV, with a focus on image quality across multiple vascular segments of the portal venous (PV) system under dual-low dose protocols.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients undergoing DE-CTPV were reconstructed using DLIR medium (DLIR-M) and high strength (DLIR-H) and ASIR-V (50%). Image quality was assessed both subjectively and objectively in the main portal vein (MPV), left and right portal veins (LPV, RPV), splenic vein (SV), and superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Objective metrics, including image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were calculated. Additionally, radiation dose parameters (CTDI<sub>vol</sub>, DLP, ED) and contrast medium volume were compared with data from previous studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, the mean CTDI<sub>vol</sub>, DLP, and ED were 9.79 ± 2.13 mGy, 326.26 ± 84.58 mGy·cm, and 4.89 ± 1.27 mSv, respectively. The mean contrast medium volume was 79.5 ± 11.4 mL. DLIR-H significantly enhanced image quality across all vascular segments, achieving substantial reductions in image noise and notable increases in CNR and SNR (P < 0.05). It also received the highest subjective ratings for overall image quality, image noise, vascular edge sharpness, and diagnostic confidence compared to ASIR-V 50%. The use of 55 keV virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) further enhanced iodine contrast effectiveness, while DLIR effectively reduced noise, ensuring clearer and more consistent vascular delineation across all assessed vascular segments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DLIR substantially improves image quality in DE-CTPV compared with ASIR-V 50%, even when utilizing dual-low dose protocol. By providing consistent, high-quality imaging across multiple portal venous segments, DLIR may offers a safer and more reliable approach for preoperative evaluation and postoperative monitoring in liver transplantation.</p>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145896919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.050
Blaire K. Rikard BS, MMSc-MEd , David N. Williams PhD , Kate Donovan PhD, MBA, MS , Ivan Dimov MD, MSc , Minh-Thuy Nguyen MD , Anjali Dasari , Jonathan G. Martin MD , Raul N. Uppot MD
Rationale and Objectives
This study evaluated a novel, virtual reality (VR) computed tomography (CT)-guided focal liver biopsy module for improving residents’ knowledge and confidence.
Materials and Methods
Interventional radiology (IR) residents (n = 18) were divided into a control group (PGY-1s) and an intervention group (PGY-2s and PGY-3s). All participants completed pre-, post-, and one-month surveys of confidence and a test of knowledge. The intervention group completed the CT-guided focal liver biopsy VR module between surveys on two occasions. When the intervention group performed the procedure in the VR environment, procedure length, number of scans, and accuracy of needle placement were recorded. Exam scores, confidence ratings, and VR headset performance metrics were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.
Results
The control group demonstrated no significant changes at any timepoint. The intervention group demonstrated significant knowledge gains pre- to post-survey (p = 0.03) with no significant change at follow-up (p = 0.09). Confidence in ordering steps and performing the procedure increased significantly pre- to post- (p = 0.03 vs p = 0.02) and pre- to final- (p = 0.01 vs p = 0.01). VR needle placement accuracy was stable at one month (p = 0.64) though scan counts (p = 0.16) and completion times (p = 0.03) increased.
Conclusion
The VR module improved residents’ knowledge and confidence with gains remaining stable at one month, despite a decline in VR-specific motor skills. These findings demonstrate the benefits of VR as a teaching tool.
基本原理和目的:本研究评估了一种新型的、虚拟现实(VR)计算机断层扫描(CT)引导的局灶性肝活检模块,以提高居民的知识和信心。材料与方法:将18名介入放射科住院医师分为对照组(pgy -1)和干预组(pgy -2和pgy -3)。所有的参与者都完成了一个月前、一个月后和一个月的信心调查和知识测试。干预组两次在调查间隙完成ct引导的局灶肝活检VR模块。当干预组在虚拟现实环境下进行手术时,记录手术时间、扫描次数和针头放置的准确性。使用Wilcoxon符号秩检验分析考试分数、信心评级和VR耳机性能指标。结果:对照组各时间点无明显变化。干预组在调查前后有显著的知识增益(p=0.03),随访时无显著变化(p=0.09)。排序步骤和执行程序的信心在术前至术后(p=0.03 vs p=0.02)和术前至术后(p=0.01 vs p=0.01)显著增加。尽管扫描次数(p=0.16)和完成时间(p=0.03)增加,但VR针头放置精度在1个月时稳定(p=0.64)。结论:尽管VR特定的运动技能有所下降,但VR模块提高了居民的知识和信心,并且在一个月后收益保持稳定。这些发现证明了虚拟现实作为教学工具的好处。
{"title":"Evaluation of a Virtual Reality CT-Guided Focal Liver Biopsy Module","authors":"Blaire K. Rikard BS, MMSc-MEd , David N. Williams PhD , Kate Donovan PhD, MBA, MS , Ivan Dimov MD, MSc , Minh-Thuy Nguyen MD , Anjali Dasari , Jonathan G. Martin MD , Raul N. Uppot MD","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.050","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.050","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Rationale and Objectives</h3><div>This study evaluated a novel, virtual reality (VR) computed tomography (CT)-guided focal liver biopsy module for improving residents’ knowledge and confidence.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Interventional radiology (IR) residents (<em>n<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->18) were divided into a control group (PGY-1s) and an intervention group (PGY-2s and PGY-3s). All participants completed pre-, post-, and one-month surveys of confidence and a test of knowledge. The intervention group completed the CT-guided focal liver biopsy VR module between surveys on two occasions. When the intervention group performed the procedure in the VR environment, procedure length, number of scans, and accuracy of needle placement were recorded. Exam scores, confidence ratings, and VR headset performance metrics were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The control group demonstrated no significant changes at any timepoint. The intervention group demonstrated significant knowledge gains pre- to post-survey (<em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.03) with no significant change at follow-up (<em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.09). Confidence in ordering steps and performing the procedure increased significantly pre- to post- (<em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.03 vs <em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.02) and pre- to final- (<em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.01 vs <em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.01). VR needle placement accuracy was stable at one month (<em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.64) though scan counts (<em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.16) and completion times (<em>p<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->0.03) increased.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The VR module improved residents’ knowledge and confidence with gains remaining stable at one month, despite a decline in VR-specific motor skills. These findings demonstrate the benefits of VR as a teaching tool.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 4-13"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145395037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.024
Jingtao Chen , Zhiang Zhang , Ze Jin , Pengcheng Ma , Zhichen Jiang , Chao Lu , Qicong Zhu , Yiping Mou , Weiwei Jin
Rationale and Objectives
To develop and validate a preoperative predictive model for occult liver metastases (OLM) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) radiomics.
Material and Methods
This retrospective study included 117 patients with PDAC who underwent preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT and surgical resection. OLM was defined as liver metastases detected during surgery or within 6 months postoperatively. A fully automated pancreas segmentation strategy was employed, and radiomic features were extracted from PET images. Three machine learning models (logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, and adaptive boosting) were developed and compared to a clinical model incorporating jaundice, metabolic tumor diameter, and maximum standardized uptake value. A fusion model integrating PET radiomic features with clinical variables was subsequently constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and decision curve analysis.
Results
Among the 117 patients, 15.4% (n = 18) had OLM. The logistic regression radiomics model demonstrated favorable predictive performance (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.936 in the testing cohort) compared to a clinical model based on conventional parameters (AUC: 0.755, P<0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed robustness across different jaundice statuses, tumor locations, and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 levels. The fusion model that integrates radiomic and clinical features provides a comprehensive tool for preoperative risk stratification, with the potential to guide personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusion
In this exploratory study, the 18F-FDG PET radiomics model demonstrates promising predictive performance for OLM in PDAC, outperforming conventional clinical parameters. It shows potential as a valuable tool for preoperative risk stratification and may help inform personalized treatment planning.
{"title":"18F-FDG PET Radiomic Analysis to Predict Occult Liver Metastases of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma","authors":"Jingtao Chen , Zhiang Zhang , Ze Jin , Pengcheng Ma , Zhichen Jiang , Chao Lu , Qicong Zhu , Yiping Mou , Weiwei Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Rationale and Objectives</h3><div>To develop and validate a preoperative predictive model for occult liver metastases (OLM) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (<sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET) radiomics.</div></div><div><h3>Material and Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study included 117 patients with PDAC who underwent preoperative <sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET/CT and surgical resection. OLM was defined as liver metastases detected during surgery or within 6 months postoperatively. A fully automated pancreas segmentation strategy was employed, and radiomic features were extracted from PET images. Three machine learning models (logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, and adaptive boosting) were developed and compared to a clinical model incorporating jaundice, metabolic tumor diameter, and maximum standardized uptake value. A fusion model integrating PET radiomic features with clinical variables was subsequently constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and decision curve analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 117 patients, 15.4% (<em>n<!--> </em>=<!--> <!-->18) had OLM. The logistic regression radiomics model demonstrated favorable predictive performance (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.936 in the testing cohort) compared to a clinical model based on conventional parameters (AUC: 0.755, <em>P</em><0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed robustness across different jaundice statuses, tumor locations, and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 levels. The fusion model that integrates radiomic and clinical features provides a comprehensive tool for preoperative risk stratification, with the potential to guide personalized treatment strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this exploratory study, the <sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET radiomics model demonstrates promising predictive performance for OLM in PDAC, outperforming conventional clinical parameters. It shows potential as a valuable tool for preoperative risk stratification and may help inform personalized treatment planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 201-213"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145427162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.003
Harleen Kaur, Ritu R. Gill MD, MPH
{"title":"Individualizing Radiation Risk in Lung Cancer Screening: Towards Precision Dosimetry","authors":"Harleen Kaur, Ritu R. Gill MD, MPH","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 214-215"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145453998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.05.030
Minahil Cheema , Omer A. Awan MD, MPH, CIIP
{"title":"Virtual Clinical Shadowing: The Future of Medical Student Education Through Telemedicine","authors":"Minahil Cheema , Omer A. Awan MD, MPH, CIIP","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.05.030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.05.030","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144200757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.033
Chunlei Dai , Bo Huang , Zhe Yu , Jingwei Xu , Jian Li , Jian Yang
Rationale and Objectives
The need for prediction of overall survival (OS) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has been increasingly recognized. We aimed to generate a computed tomography-derived radiomic signature for predicting prognosis in LUAD patients, and then explored the relationship between radiomic features and tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment.
Materials and Methods
Data of 306 eligible LUAD patients from three institutions were obtained between January 2019 and January 2024. The mainstream Residual Network 50 (ResNet50) was used to develop an image-based deep learning radiomic signature (DLRS). We developed a clinical model and calculated the conventional radiomics score using pyradiomics package. An external cohort from a public database called The Cancer Imaging Archive was obtained for further validation. We performed the time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve to assess the performance of the models. We divided the whole dataset into high and low-score groups with the help of the DLRS. The differences in tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment between different score groups were investigated using the sequencing data from the corresponding LUAD cohort from the Cancer Genome Atlas.
Results
In the test cohort, the DLRS outperformed the conventional radiomics score and clinical model, with the area under the curves (95%CI) for 1, 3, and 5-year OS of 0.912 (0.881–0.952), 0.851 (0.824–0.901), and 0.841 (0.807–0.878), respectively. Significant differences in survival time were observed between different groups stratified by this signature. It showed great discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility (all p<0.05). Distinct gene expression patterns were identified. The tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment significantly varied between different score groups.
Conclusion
The DLRS could effectively predict the prognosis of LUAD patients by reflecting the tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment.
{"title":"Deep Learning Radiomic Signature Predicts the Overall Survival of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma by Reflecting the Tumor Heterogeneity and Microenvironment","authors":"Chunlei Dai , Bo Huang , Zhe Yu , Jingwei Xu , Jian Li , Jian Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Rationale and Objectives</h3><div>The need for prediction of overall survival (OS) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has been increasingly recognized. We aimed to generate a computed tomography-derived radiomic signature for predicting prognosis in LUAD patients, and then explored the relationship between radiomic features and tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Data of 306 eligible LUAD patients from three institutions were obtained between January 2019 and January 2024. The mainstream Residual Network 50 (ResNet50) was used to develop an image-based deep learning radiomic signature (DLRS). We developed a clinical model and calculated the conventional radiomics score using pyradiomics package. An external cohort from a public database called The Cancer Imaging Archive was obtained for further validation. We performed the time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve to assess the performance of the models. We divided the whole dataset into high and low-score groups with the help of the DLRS. The differences in tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment between different score groups were investigated using the sequencing data from the corresponding LUAD cohort from the Cancer Genome Atlas.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the test cohort, the DLRS outperformed the conventional radiomics score and clinical model, with the area under the curves (95%CI) for 1, 3, and 5-year OS of 0.912 (0.881–0.952), 0.851 (0.824–0.901), and 0.841 (0.807–0.878), respectively. Significant differences in survival time were observed between different groups stratified by this signature. It showed great discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility (all p<0.05). Distinct gene expression patterns were identified. The tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment significantly varied between different score groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The DLRS could effectively predict the prognosis of LUAD patients by reflecting the tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 224-235"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145276538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.049
Xing Wang , Zhengyu Wang , Bohan Luo , Yong Lv , Guohong Han
Background & Aims
Spontaneous portosystemic shunt (SPSS) embolization represents a promising intervention for refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy and safety of SPSS embolization in cirrhotic patients without transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS).
Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through June 12, 2024 to identify studies investigating SPSS embolization for HE. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effect or random-effects models to calculate clinical success (defined as HE remission), procedural success rates, and complication frequencies.
Results
Analysis of 10 retrospective studies encompassing 289 cirrhotic patients yielded the following pooled outcomes: hepatic encephalopathy remission rate of 83.1% (95% CI: 70.4%–93.1%), procedural success rate of 99.8% (95% CI: 98.3%–100%), and long-term adverse event rate of 42.9% (95% CI: 34.7%–51.4%). The predominant long-term complications included ascites (51.6% of complications), variceal progression (23.4%), and thrombosis (8.0%), while primary procedure-related adverse reactions were infection (37%) and fever (29%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated no statistically significant effect of etiology (p = 0.788) or shunt type (p = 0.271) on disease remission rates, but revealed significant differences between surgical approaches (p<0.001), with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) showing the highest efficacy (97.4%–100%).
Conclusion
SPSS embolization demonstrates both high efficacy for refractory hepatic encephalopathy (83.1% remission rate) and exceptional procedural success (99.8%). Despite substantial long-term complications (42.9%, predominantly portal hypertension sequelae), current evidence from predominantly retrospective studies supports its consideration as a therapeutic option. Technique selection should be individualized pending further validation of BRTO's superiority.
{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Spontaneous Portosystemic Shunts Embolization for Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Meta-analysis","authors":"Xing Wang , Zhengyu Wang , Bohan Luo , Yong Lv , Guohong Han","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.09.049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background & Aims</h3><div>Spontaneous portosystemic shunt (SPSS) embolization represents a promising intervention for refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy and safety of SPSS embolization in cirrhotic patients without transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through June 12, 2024 to identify studies investigating SPSS embolization for HE. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effect or random-effects models to calculate clinical success (defined as HE remission), procedural success rates, and complication frequencies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Analysis of 10 retrospective studies encompassing 289 cirrhotic patients yielded the following pooled outcomes: hepatic encephalopathy remission rate of 83.1% (95% CI: 70.4%–93.1%), procedural success rate of 99.8% (95% CI: 98.3%–100%), and long-term adverse event rate of 42.9% (95% CI: 34.7%–51.4%). The predominant long-term complications included ascites (51.6% of complications), variceal progression (23.4%), and thrombosis (8.0%), while primary procedure-related adverse reactions were infection (37%) and fever (29%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated no statistically significant effect of etiology (p<!--> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.788) or shunt type (p<!--> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.271) on disease remission rates, but revealed significant differences between surgical approaches (p<0.001), with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) showing the highest efficacy (97.4%–100%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SPSS embolization demonstrates both high efficacy for refractory hepatic encephalopathy (83.1% remission rate) and exceptional procedural success (99.8%). Despite substantial long-term complications (42.9%, predominantly portal hypertension sequelae), current evidence from predominantly retrospective studies supports its consideration as a therapeutic option. Technique selection should be individualized pending further validation of BRTO's superiority.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 147-156"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145402275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.016
Wonseok Whi MD, PhD , Seung Hyup Hyun MD, PhD , Hyunjong Lee MD, PhD , Jeong Il Yu MD, PhD , Kwang Hyuck Lee MD, PhD , Jin Seok Heo MD, PhD , Joon Young Choi MD, PhD
Rationale and Objectives
This study evaluates the prognostic value of pseudotime derived from radiomics texture parameters on [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) images of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients.
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 711 patients who underwent FDG PET/CT before surgery. We extracted 56 radiomics features and calculated the pseudotime, a continuous metric estimating disease progression, using the Phenopath algorithm. Clinicopathologic features and other conventional PET parameters were also obtained. Correlation analyses were performed between the conventional PET parameters and pseudotime, and survival analysis was performed according to the clinicopathologic variables.
Results
Correlation analysis revealed that pseudotime correlates weakly with SUVmax and SUVmean and strongly with the metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). A multivariate survival analysis revealed that pseudotime is an independent predictor of disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.67, p < 0.001, c-index = 0.59), showing stronger prognostic performance than MTV (HR = 1.48, p = 0.009, c = 0.57) and TLG (HR = 1.39, p = 0.03, c = 0.56). When pseudotime was combined with TLG for risk stratification, the integrated model demonstrated the strongest prognostic separation among subgroups. Texture parameters related to homogeneity correlated positively with pseudotime, and those representing heterogeneity showed mixed correlations, highlighting the complexity of tumor biology.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that pseudotime is a meaningful prognostic biomarker in resectable PDAC patients undergoing surgery, with stronger predictive power than established metabolic parameters. Stratification performance improved when it was combined with conventional markers.
基本原理和目的:本研究评估可切除胰导管腺癌(PDAC)患者的放射组学纹理参数所得伪时间的预后价值。材料和方法:我们回顾性分析了711例术前接受FDG PET/CT检查的患者的资料。我们提取了56个放射组学特征,并使用Phenopath算法计算了假时间,这是一种估计疾病进展的连续度量。同时获得临床病理特征及其他常规PET参数。常规PET参数与假时间进行相关性分析,根据临床病理变量进行生存分析。结果:相关分析显示,假时间与SUVmax和SUVmean相关性较弱,与代谢肿瘤体积(MTV)和病变总糖酵解(TLG)相关性较强。多变量生存分析显示,假时间是无病生存的独立预测因子(风险比[HR] = 1.67, p < 0.001, c-index = 0.59),比MTV (HR = 1.48, p = 0.009, c = 0.57)和TLG (HR = 1.39, p = 0.03, c = 0.56)表现出更强的预后效果。当假时间与TLG相结合进行风险分层时,综合模型显示亚组之间的预后分离最强。同质性相关的纹理参数与伪时间呈正相关,异质性相关的纹理参数与伪时间呈混合相关,凸显了肿瘤生物学的复杂性。结论:我们的研究结果表明,假时间是可切除的PDAC患者接受手术的有意义的预后生物标志物,比既定的代谢参数具有更强的预测能力。与常规标记物联合使用可提高分层效果。
{"title":"Prognostic Value of Pseudotime from Texture Parameters of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma","authors":"Wonseok Whi MD, PhD , Seung Hyup Hyun MD, PhD , Hyunjong Lee MD, PhD , Jeong Il Yu MD, PhD , Kwang Hyuck Lee MD, PhD , Jin Seok Heo MD, PhD , Joon Young Choi MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Rationale and Objectives</h3><div>This study evaluates the prognostic value of pseudotime derived from radiomics texture parameters on [<sup>18</sup>F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) images of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed data from 711 patients who underwent FDG PET/CT before surgery. We extracted 56 radiomics features and calculated the pseudotime, a continuous metric estimating disease progression, using the Phenopath algorithm. Clinicopathologic features and other conventional PET parameters were also obtained. Correlation analyses were performed between the conventional PET parameters and pseudotime, and survival analysis was performed according to the clinicopathologic variables.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Correlation analysis revealed that pseudotime correlates weakly with SUVmax and SUVmean and strongly with the metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). A multivariate survival analysis revealed that pseudotime is an independent predictor of disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.67, p < 0.001, c-index = 0.59), showing stronger prognostic performance than MTV (HR = 1.48, p = 0.009, c = 0.57) and TLG (HR = 1.39, p = 0.03, c = 0.56). When pseudotime was combined with TLG for risk stratification, the integrated model demonstrated the strongest prognostic separation among subgroups. Texture parameters related to homogeneity correlated positively with pseudotime, and those representing heterogeneity showed mixed correlations, highlighting the complexity of tumor biology.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings indicate that pseudotime is a meaningful prognostic biomarker in resectable PDAC patients undergoing surgery, with stronger predictive power than established metabolic parameters. Stratification performance improved when it was combined with conventional markers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50928,"journal":{"name":"Academic Radiology","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 189-200"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145394975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}