Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To assess characteristics of physicians and other providers frequently ordering intravenous pyelography (IVP). METHODS:The 2014 Medicare Referring Provider Utilization for Procedures data set was used to identify providers who ordered more than 10 IVP examinations ("high-ordering providers") in Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicare Provider and Other Supplier Public Use File and Physician Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files were used to obtain physician characteristics and total service counts, respectively. RESULTS:Of 18,344 IVPs performed in 2014 in Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, 6,321 (34.5%) were ordered by just 233 high-ordering providers. Of these, 220 (94.4%) were urologists. These urologists represented just 2.4% of all 8,981 Medicare-participating urologists and ordered an average of 27.1 IVPs (maximum 239). Urologists ordering IVPs (versus those not ordering IVPs) were more likely (P < .05) to practice in rural areas (6.4% versus 2.7%), be in practice more than 15 years (87.4% versus 71.2%), and be in practices with 100 members or fewer (71.3% versus 55.5%). They were also less likely (P < .05) to be female (3.2% versus 7.4%) and in academic practices (5.1% versus 10.7%). High-IVP-ordering urologists were more likely to practice in the South (54.1% versus 36.9%) or Midwest (30.0% versus 21.3%) and less likely to practice in the Northeast (5.0% versus 23.1%) or West (10.9% versus 18.6%). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Although uncommonly performed, IVPs continue to be used in the Medicare population. Providers most likely to frequently order IVPs were later-career urologists in smaller and rural practices in the South. Targeting education and appropriate use criteria initiatives to high-ordering providers may help optimize utilization.

Radiologists play a critical role in helping the health care system achieve greater value. Unfortunately, today radiology is often judged by simple "checkbox" metrics, which neither directly reflect the value radiologists provide nor the outcomes they help drive. To change this system, first, we must attempt to better define the elusive term value and, then, quantify the value of imaging through more relevant and meaningful metrics that can be more directly correlated with outcomes. This framework can further improve radiology's value by enhancing radiologists' integration into the care team and their engagement with patients. With these improvements, we can maximize the value of imaging in the overall care of patients.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To determine whether the presence of an ultrasound hypoechoic region at the site of a MRI region of interest (ROI) results in improved prostate cancer (PCa) detection and predicts clinically significant PCa on MRI - ultrasound fusion targeted prostate biopsy (MRF-TB). MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:Between July 2011 and June 2017, 1058 men who underwent MRF-TB and systematic biopsy by a single surgeon were prospectively entered into an IRB-approved database. MRI ROI were identified and scored for suspicion by a single radiologist. Each MRI ROI was prospectively evaluated for presence of a hypoechoic region at the site (ROI-HyR) by the surgeon and graded as 0,1,2 representing none, poorly demarcated, or well demarcated, respectively. Interaction of MRI suspicion score (mSS) and US grade (USG), and prediction of cancer detection rate (CDR) by USG, was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS:For 672 men, overall and Gleason Score (GS)≥7 CDR were 61.2% and 39.6%, respectively. CDR for USG 0,1,2 were 46.2%, 58.6%, 76.0% (p<0.001) for any cancer and 18.7%, 35.2%, 61.1% (p<0.001) for GS≥7, respectively. For MRF-TB only, GS≥7 CDR for USG 0,1,2 was 12.8%, 25.7%, 52.0% (p<0.001), respectively. On univariate analysis, among mSS 2-4, USG was predictive of GS≥7 CDR. Multivariable regression analysis revealed USG, PSAD, and mSS were predictive of GS≥7 PCa on MRF-TB. CONCLUSIONS:Ultrasound findings at the site of MRI ROI independently predict the likelihood of GS≥7 PCa, as men with a well demarcated ROI-HyR at the time of MRF-TB have a higher risk than men without.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To investigate the national coverage landscape for prostate MRI services, assessing the presence of updated and accurate coverage requirements by private payers. METHODS:The database Policy Reporter was used to evaluate private payer coverage related to prostate MRI for 81 plans covering 149 million people in the United States. Both the indications and requirements for prostate MRI coverage were recorded in a variety of clinical scenarios, including initial diagnosis, staging, active surveillance, and suspected recurrence. RESULTS:Overall, 11.1% of payers cover prostate MRI in biopsy-naïve patients with suspected prostate cancer, with the remaining 88.9% requiring a prior negative biopsy. Nearly all payers also require either a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE). Rarely, a planned future MRI-targeted biopsy serves as a basis for MRI coverage. Initial staging is covered by most payers, although typically with stringent indications (eg, PSA ≥ 20 ng/mL, Gleason score ≥7 or 8, stage T3 or T4, or ≥20% risk of nodal metastases). Only 10 payers discuss active surveillance, with 8 of these requiring a repeat biopsy before MRI. Coverage for detection of post-treatment recurrence often requires a rising PSA or abnormal DRE, and occasionally only if a CT is first performed; only 10 of 81 payers address coverage after androgen deprivation treatment. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Prostate MRI coverage varies widely among private payers, fails to recognize major clinical scenarios, is overly restrictive, and is often not reflective of current clinical practice. This creates challenges for patients and referring physicians seeking to obtain ready access to prostate MRI services.

OBJECTIVE:To use Twitter to characterize public perspectives regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and radiology. METHODS AND MATERIALS/METHODS:Twitter was searched for all tweets containing the terms "artificial intelligence" and "radiology" from November 2016 to October 2017. Users posting the tweets, tweet content, and linked websites were categorized. RESULTS:Six hundred and five tweets were identified. These were from 407 unique users (most commonly industry-related individuals [22.6%]; radiologists only 9.3%) and linked to 216 unique websites. 42.5% of users were from the United States. The tweets mentioned machine/deep learning in 17.2%, industry in 14.0%, a medical society/conference in 13.4%, and a university in 9.8%. 6.3% mentioned a specific clinical application, most commonly oncology and lung/tuberculosis. 24.6% of tweets had a favorable stance regarding the impact of AI on radiology, 75.4% neutral, and none were unfavorable. 88.0% of linked websites leaned toward AI being positive for the field of radiology; none leaned toward AI being negative for the field. 51.9% of linked websites specifically mentioned improved efficiency for radiology with AI. 35.2% of websites described challenges for implementing AI in radiology. Of the 47.2% of websites that mentioned the issue of AI replacing radiologists, 77.5% leaned against AI replacing radiologists, 13.7% had a neutral view, and 8.8% leaned toward AI replacing radiologists. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:These observations provide an overview of the social media discussions regarding AI in radiology. While noting challenges, the discussions were overwhelmingly positive toward the transformative impact of AI on radiology and leaned against AI replacing radiologists. Greater radiologist engagement in this online social media dialog is encouraged.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To explore downstream costs associated with incidental pulmonary nodules detected on CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:The cohort comprised 200 patients with an incidental pulmonary nodule on chest CT. Downstream events (chest CT, PET/CT, office visits, percutaneous biopsy, and wedge resection) were identified from the electronic medical record. The 2017 Fleischner Society Guidelines were used to classify radiologists' recommendations and ordering physician management for the nodules. Downstream costs for nodule management were estimated from national Medicare rates, and average costs were determined. RESULTS:Average downstream cost per nodule was $393. Costs were greater when ordering physicians over-managed relative to radiologist recommendations ($940) vs. when adherent ($637) or under-managing ($166) relative to radiologists recommendations. Costs were also greater when ordering physicians over-managed relative to Fleischner Society guidelines ($860) vs. when under-managing ($208) or adherent ($292) to guidelines. Costs did not vary significantly based on whether or not radiologists recommended follow-up imaging ($167-$397), nor whether radiologists were adherent or under- or over-recommended relative to Fleischner Society guidelines ($313-$444). Costs were also higher in older patients, patients with a smoking history, and larger nodules. Five nodules underwent wedge resection and diagnosed as malignancies. No patient demonstrated recurrence or metastasis. Average cost per diagnosed malignancy was $3090. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Downstream costs for incidental pulmonary nodules are highly variable and particularly high when ordering physicians over-manage relative to radiologist recommendations and Fleischner Society guidelines. To reduce unnecessary utilization and cost from over-management, radiologists may need to assume a greater role in partnering with ordering physicians to ensure appropriate, guideline-adherent, and follow-up testing.

CONTEXT/BACKGROUND:- In Gleason score GS (7) prostate cancers, the quantity of Gleason pattern 4 (GP 4) is an important prognostic factor and influences treatment decisions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy has been increasingly used in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE:- To investigate whether MRI-targeted biopsy may detect GS 7 prostate cancer with greater GP 4 quantity, and whether it improves biopsy/radical prostatectomy GS concordance. DESIGN/METHODS:- A total of 243 paired standard and MRI-targeted biopsies with cancer in either standard or targeted or both were studied, 65 of which had subsequent radical prostatectomy. The biopsy findings, including GS and tumor volume, were correlated with the radical prostatectomy findings. RESULTS:- More prostate cancers detected by MRI-targeted biopsy were GS 7 or higher. Mean GP 4 percentage in GS 7 cancers was 31.0% ± 29.3% by MRI-targeted biopsy versus 25.1% ± 29.5% by standard biopsy. A total of 122 of 218 (56.0%) and 96 of 217 (44.2%) prostate cancers diagnosed on targeted biopsy and standard biopsy, respectively, had a GP 4 of 10% or greater ( P = .01). Gleason upgrading was seen in 12 of 59 cases (20.3%) from MRI-targeted biopsy and in 24 of 57 cases (42.1%) from standard biopsy ( P = .01). Gleason upgrading correlated with the biopsy cancer volume inversely and GP 4 of 30% or less in standard biopsy. Such correlation was not found in MRI-targeted biopsy. CONCLUSIONS:- Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy may detect more aggressive prostate cancers and reduce the risk of Gleason upgrading in radical prostatectomy. This study supports a potential role for MRI-targeted biopsy in the workup of prostate cancer and inclusion of percentage of GP 4 in the prostate biopsy reports.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To assess perceived challenges to radiology research and publication by female radiologists, as well as possible strategies for overcoming these challenges. METHODS:An electronic survey was conducted of female nontrainee members of the American Association for Women Radiologists in September and October, 2017. Respondents were recruited by e-mail. Responses were assessed descriptively. RESULTS:The response rate was 31.8% (89/280). 61.4% of respondents were interested in conducting radiology research. 60.2% were expected by their departments to pursue research versus 80.7% expected to pursue educational activities. 56.8% felt that their research success is valued by their department. 47.7% felt that they receive appropriate credit for their research from their departments. 22.7% felt that they receive sufficient time for research. 23.9% felt that their department makes deliberate efforts to support women's research efforts. 41.6% versus 70.8% ever had a female versus a male research mentor, respectively. Among seven provided options, the three items most commonly selected as being most helpful to enhancing research success were dedicated research time (40.4%), personal research mentors (23.6%), and earlier career training in research methodology (21.3%). Additional relevant themes identified by a free-response survey item included: family/child-care issues (n = 5), unconscious bias at the departmental/chair level (n = 5), exclusion of women from research activities by male researchers (n = 2), and concern of being perceived as "aggressive" (n = 2). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Initiatives targeting the identified challenges to radiology research could help promote greater diversity and inclusion among radiologist researchers, which in turn has implications for improving the quality of such research.

BACKGROUND:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate after a prior negative biopsy may reduce the need for unnecessary repeat biopsies. OBJECTIVE:To externally validate a previously developed nomogram predicting benign prostate pathology on MRI/ultrasound (US) fusion-targeted biopsy in men with a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3-5 region of interest and a prior negative 12-core systematic biopsy, and update this nomogram to improve its performance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS/METHODS:A total of 2063 men underwent MRI/US fusion-targeted biopsy from April 2012 to September 2017; 104 men with a negative systematic biopsy followed by MRI-US fusion-targeted biopsy of a PI-RADS 3-5 region of interest (58%) met the study inclusion criteria. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS/UNASSIGNED:An MRI-based nomogram that had previously been developed in a multi-institutional clinical setting was externally validated. Predictive characteristics were age, prostate volume, MRI PI-RADS score, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Bayesian logistic regression was used to update the previous model. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:Median age of the external validation cohort was 68 yr, PSA was 7.2ng/ml, and biopsy confirmed benign pathology in 30% (n=31), suggesting a lower baseline risk compared with the nomogram development cohort. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed areas under curve (AUCs) from 0.77 to 0.80 for nomogram validation. An updated model was constructed with improved calibration and similar discrimination (AUC 0.79). CONCLUSIONS:Age, prostate volume, PI-RADS, and PSA predict benign pathology on MRI/US fusion-targeted biopsy in men with a prior negative 12-core systematic biopsy. The validated and updated nomogram demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and may further aid in the decision to avoid a biopsy in men with a prior negative biopsy. PATIENT SUMMARY/UNASSIGNED:We externally validated a clinically useful tool that predicts benign prostate pathology on magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion-targeted biopsy in men with a prior negative 12-core systematic biopsy and updated this predictive tool to improve its performance in patient counseling regarding the need for a repeat biopsy.