Breast conservation therapy is the treatment of choice for the management of patients with early stage breast cancer. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) is radiation therapy that is delivered to the tumor site, plus a margin after surgical resection, over a shorter period of time as compared to standard whole-breast radiation therapy. PBI can be delivered by 3-dimensional conformal external beam radiation, interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy, intracavitary catheter brachytherapy, or by single-fraction intraoperative radiation therapy. These PBI technologies offer radiation oncologists additional options in customizing radiation therapy in order to optimize local control, cosmesis, dose distribution, and decrease the radiation dose to healthy tissue.
Transcranial Doppler imaging is an accurate and efficient method to assist in diagnosing patients with atherosclerotic disease. It can also be used to monitor patients for vasospasm after neurosurgery. Yet, this procedure is one of the least-used testing methods in ultrasound today and has yet to reach its full potential. This article presents the basic starting points to learn how to perform a transcranial Doppler imaging examination. Transcranial vascular anatomy, particularly the circle of Willis (a naturally occurring collateral pathway that is the starting point in this type of examination) will be reviewed along with the normal physiology of intracranial blood flow and how the body can provide numerous collateral pathways to recalculate blood where necessary.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists maintains a Code of Ethics of which provides for the safety, comfort, and protection of patients by guiding the activities and decisions of the radiologic technologists (RTs). RTs have an obligation to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and must be prepared to advocate for the patient by being well-acquainted with the principles, rules, and policies that govern their profession. This article discusses the relationship between ethics and advocacy, examines the ethical need for continuing education and its importance to patient advocacy, and discusses recent events regarding medical radiation safety that may impact the role of the RT.
Stroke is a leading cause of death, emergency department visits, hospitalization, and long-term disability. The role of imaging is important in selecting a management strategy and treatment options for the patient Timely evaluation is essential to ensure that patients are treated as soon as possible after stroke onset. There are several imaging modalities used in the workup of patients with suspected stroke, and the American College of Radiology has recently issued revised guidelines for imaging patients with cerebrovascular disease. This article will describe the types of cerebrovascular disease and their underlying pathophysiology as well as help readers understand the advantages and disadvantages of different imaging modalities
All CE content has been accredited by the ASRT for ARRT Category A credit. Selected articles are also accredited by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board for MDCB Credit.
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(1 Credit)
