BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Regardless of patient characteristics, current CT imaging techniques usually use standardised radiation settings, which could lead to needless radiation exposure, especially in smaller or lighter patients. Based on unique patient characteristics, this one-size-fits-all method falls short of optimizing the crucial balance between radiation dose and diagnostic image quality. The clinical problem addressed is the lack of evidence-based, patient-specific CT protocols that consider body habitus and sex-related anatomical differences to minimize radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic accuracy. This study aimed to quantify the relationships between radiation dose, as assessed by dose-length product (DLP), patient body weight, and sex across different CT scanner models, to develop individualised protocol recommendations for optimal radiation dose management. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on CT scan data of 900 adult patients who underwent head, chest, or abdomen-pelvis CT examinations across 10 different multi-detector CT scanners. The correlation between dose-length product (DLP) and body weight was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Mean dose-length product values were compared between males and females using an independent-samples t-test and across CT scanner models using a one-way ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was performed to establish predictive relationships between DLP and patient characteristics, with facility-specific correction factors developed for dose standardisation. Sex-specific regression models were created, and facility-specific correction factors were calculated to standardize dose comparisons across patient populations. RESULTS:We found a strong positive correlation between DLP and patient body weight (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), and this correlation varied across CT scanner models (r = 0.53-0.71). Mean dose-length product was markedly higher in male patients than in females (p = 0.002). A range of DLP differences was noted for the same examination type across multiple CT scanners (up to 46% difference in mean DLP). In some scanners, dose-length product values exceeded the recommended diagnostic reference levels. Mean DLP values were 758 ± 292, 524 ± 232, and 893 ± 419 mGy cm for head, chest, and abdomen-pelvis CT, respectively. Corresponding mean effective doses were 1.68 ± 0.58, 7.54 ± 2.98, and 14.05 ± 6.01 mSv. Sex-specific regression equations were established: Male dose-length product = -1134.33 + 27.13 × Weight; Female dose-length product = -1166.33 + 27.24 × Weight (both p < 0.001). Weight-stratified analysis showed DLP variations of 15-20% across weight categories (45-60 kg, 60-75 kg, 75-90 kg). After weight normalization, sex-adjusted DLP values showed 8.2% higher doses in males (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION:Major differences are found between men and women. This study showed a strong positive correlation between body weight and dose-length product, which indicates that patient characteristics have a major influence on radiation exposure during CT scans. The urgent need for dosage standardization is demonstrated by the significant discrepancies amongst scanners as well as the fact that 26% exceed diagnostic reference limits (DRLs). For the development of weight and sex-adjusted CT techniques, these quantitative correlations offer evidence-based suggestions. Such an attempt may allow to reduce 10-20% dose reductions in individuals having lower body weights without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Background and aim: Liver lesions have a wide range of diseases that can be detected by different imaging modalities. The current aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of triple-phase computed tomography (CT) in hepatic lesions cases compared with histopathology results. Methods: A retrospective study of 190 patients (mean age: 53.94, SD: +/- 16.2) who underwent triple-phase CT from December 2022 to May 2023 at King Abdelaziz Specialist Hospital and King Faisal Medical Complex in Taif City. Patients met the inclusion criteria if they had undergone triple-phase CT and were diagnosed with liver disease in the radiologist's report. Results: Triple-phase CT shows high diagnostic accuracy for hepatic abnormalities, and it agrees largely with the gold standard, particularly in the detection of cysts (95.3%; k = 0.927) and fatty liver (95%; k = 0.945). It performs consistently well in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (90.1%; k = 0.753), liver abscess (91.1%; k = 0.761), and metastases (92%; k = 0.824). The majority of Hemangioma (60%) and Fatty Liver (77.8%) cases were found in females, while a higher incidence of HCC (69.3%) and Metastasis (64%) was observed in male patients. Conclusion: Triple-phase CT is a useful diagnostic tool for better evaluating hepatic lesions. It is a reliable tool for differentiating the benign lesion from the malignant. A better understanding of vascular characteristics aids in both diagnosis and management strategy.

Background and purpose: Cerebral infarction is a severe medical condition that requires accurate diagnosis and management and can be achieved with the used of computed tomography (CT). Hounsfield unit (HU) values measured on CT scans may provide essential information concerning the severity of cerebral infarction. This study investigated the association between the HU values and the severity (phase) of cerebral infarction. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to gather data from 102 patients over seven months (August 2023 to February 2024) at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital after the study had been ethically approved by an institutional review board. HU measurements were made with standardized CT protocol on a 4-slice Toshiba equipment. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially to reveal the association between HU measurements and the severity of cerebral infarction (acute, sub-acute, and chronic phases). The inferential statistics included Bayesian ANOVA and one-way ANOVA, assuming significance at p≤0.05. Results: The study found a significant association between the HU values and the severity of cerebral infarction (p<0.000), with the acute phase exhibiting higher mean values (HU=22.31), while the sub-acute and chronic phases followed with HU values of 14.63 and 7.04 respectively. There was a progressive decrease in HU values from the acute phase (HU range = 19 to 25) to the chronic phase (HU values <10). Conclusion: This study identified a significant relationship between the CT phases and the HU values in cerebral infarction. The results show the clinical significance of HU values in potentially diagnosing and managing cerebral infarction. An understanding of the association between the HU measurements and CT phase may be useful in accurately evaluating cerebral infarctions and subsequently make informed decisions regarding patient management and treatment. The results also underscore the importance and potential of HU values in evaluating cerebral infarctions, providing a roadmap for improving patient outcomes in the diagnosis of cerebral infarctions with CT.

Background/Aim: One of the most common emergency department (ED) presentations and pediatric abdominal surgery causes is acute appendicitis. Imaging is crucial to management since clinical evaluation might be erroneous. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) compared with ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in a Saudi population. In addition, the study sought to evaluate the improvement of diagnostic accuracy when a complementary CT is added after inconclusive results of US. Methods: Retrospective study involved 225 patients who were referred from the ED and underwent diagnostic US and/or CT for possible acute appendicitis. Of these 225 patients, US was performed for 82, CT for 83, and both US and CT for 60 patients, before surgery. Results: Accuracy of CT (84.33%) was higher than US (56.09%). Specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) of US were higher than CT. In contrast, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy were better for CT than US. For patients who underwent both US and CT, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that US sensitivity was 70% and specificity was 63.2% and CT sensitivity was 75.3% and specificity was 80.1%. Conclusion: Although CT is more accurate and sensitive than US for diagnosing acute appendicitis, US can still be used as the primary imaging modality due to its high specificity. In turn, CT may be reserved for the patients who have a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis and negative US results. This approach may reduce the radiation exposure to similar to 50% of patients presenting with acute appendicitis in the ED.

Due to variation among radiographers' practice, and the importance of unifying practice during radiography for optimizing radiation level and image quality, the current manuscript aims to assess the radiation dose level and propose local diagnostic reference levels (LDRL) for posterior-anterior (PA) chest, antero-posterior (AP) abdomen, and pelvis examinations in two hospitals in Khartoum ('K') and one hospital in Wad-Medani ('M') cities, Sudan. Along with patient demographics like height and weight, the radiation exposure parameters including tube potential, current, and radiation duration were documented. This included 732 patients whose tests were conducted at one of three departments located in two different cities. The entrane surface air kerma (ESAK) was calculated using DosCal software and an Unfors -Xi-meter. The average ESAK for an X-ray of the chest was 0.18 mGy in M, 0.19 mGy in K (averaged over two hospitals in the K), for the abdomen it was 1.1 and 1.23 mGy, and for the pelvis it was 1.8 and 01.9 mGy respectively. The proposed DRL was achieved from the third quartile of radiation dosage of data, and it was 0.21, 1.7 and 1.9 mGy for the chest, abdomen and pelvis respectively. There was a wide variation in dosage levels among the three hospitals. The current proposed DRL was lower than most literature for the chest, abdomen and pelvis. More studies are recommended for other examinations such as skull and contrast media studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:Spiral computed tomography (CT) scans, which are considered a high-contrast resolution, quick and cross-sectional imaging technique, have grown in popularity as a result of technological advancements. However, these advancements have brought with them the potential for significantly increased radiation doses to the patient. Consequently, many organizations recommended optimization and establishing diagnostic reference levels. The aim of the current study was to assess CT radiation dose and propose a local diagnostic reference level (LDRL) for the adult trunk [chest and abdomen] using CT dose parameters such as CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) as well as to compare the practices for aforementioned examinations between two hospitals in Taif and Abha cities in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Data from 428 patients (216 for abdomen and 212 for chest) who were examined in two hospitals in Taif and Abha City in Saudi Arabia from December 2022 to March 2023, are used in this study. The data for hospitals in Taif and Abha are presented as 'T' and 'A' throughout this manuscript. The parameters of exposure and slice thickness were recorded in a specially designed data sheet together with the gender, age and patients morphometric. Microsoft Excel version 2010 was used to analyze results and plot the figures. The LDRL was achieved from the third quartile of CTDIvol and DLP for each hospital and examination. RESULTS:The average DLP (mGy-cm) and CTDIvol (mGy) for the chest and abdomen were 243 mGy cm, 5.8 mGy and 549 mGy cm, 8.6 mGy respectively. The average effective dose (ED) for chest and abdomen were 5.10 and 21.10 mSv, respectively. The proposed LDRL for the chest and abdomen were 6.9 mGy (CTDIvol), 375 mGy-cm (DLP), 7.8 mGy (CTDIvol), and 747 (DLP) mGy-cm, respectively. CONCLUSION:Hospital 'A' irradiated patients with a higher dose for the abdomen exam than Hospital 'T', but both hospitals agreed on the amount of radiation dose received by patients for chest imaging. The proposed LDRL for two examinations was less than the DRL obtained from the literature.

Background: Wide variable modalities and imaging techniques are used in the diagnosis of several urinary tract diseases. The availability, ease of acquisition, and diagnostic capability of CT are such that it remains the modality of choice when it comes to evaluate urinary tract diseases. Aims: To study renal disease using computed tomography at Taif, Saudi Arabia, and to determine the relationship between the CT finding and the patient's gender, age, and clinical finding. Methods: This is a retrospective study that was conducted at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital in Taif from January 2022 to April 2022. Targeting patients who are presenting with flank pain, hematuria, polyuria, oliguria, and fever who were evaluated by MDCT scan. Statistics are analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS). Results: A total of 50 participants were included in the current study, 25 (50%) of them were males, and most of them (22%) were within the age group of (29-38) years old. CT scan revealed stones in 21 (42%) of the participants, and cysts in 8 (16%). The most reported site of the pathology was found to be the left side as it dominates in about 15 (40.5%) of participants. Conclusion: The most abnormal findings reported on the CT scan were renal stones and renal cysts. The most common presenting symptom of renal stones was found to be flank pain and the most reported site of the pathology was in the kidney. The left side was to be found the most reported site of the pathology. Age was found to be significantly associated with pathology found in CT with stones. Males are more affected by stones than females. Researchers recommended that CT scan is better for renal pathology.

Radiological staff, especially radiographers, work as front liners against the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aims to assess compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography procedures. This cross-sectional study included 234 radiographers (females, 56%, n = 131; males, 44%, n = 103) who were asked to complete an online questionnaire consisting of demographic data, radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 portable cases, and knowledge and awareness. After informed consent was completed, SPSS statistical software was used for the data analysis. The most common age group of participants ranged from 18 to 25 years old (30.3%, n = 71). Bachelor's degree holders were 74.4% (n = 174). Most radiographers (39.7%, n = 93) had a working experience of 1-5 years, followed by 27.8% (n = 65) with more than 16 years of experience. Most respondents (62.4%, n = 146) handled approximately 1-5 cases daily, the majority of them (56%, n = 131) stated affirmatively they had obtained special training to handle COVID-19, and when inquired if they had received any special allowances for handling COVID-19 suspected/ confirmed cases most of them stated negative (73.9%, n = 173). Most participants stated that they always wear a TLD during portable cases (67.1%, n = 157) and a lead apron (51.7%, n = 121). Around 73% (n = 171) knew the latest information on COVID-19 and attended the COVID-19 awareness course. A significant association was found between the work experience of the radiographers and their responses to following the best practices (p = 0.018, alpha = 0.05). Radiographers who had COVID-19 training (mu = 48.78) tend to adhere more to best practices than those who have not (p = 0.04, alpha = 0.05). Further, respondents who handled more than 16/more COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases followed the best practices more (mu = 50.38) than those who handled less (p = 0.04, alpha = 0.05). This study revealed detailed information on radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography. It has been observed that the participants/radiographers have good knowledge and awareness of radiation protection and infection-control practices. The present results may be used to plan future requirements regarding resources and training to ensure patient safety.

Background:Abdominal organ sonography is a crucial part of the workup for treating sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Objective:The main objective of this study was to evaluate the abdominal organs in SCD patients using ultrasonography. Methodology:A non-interventional descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Asir region Saudi Arabia from April 2019 to July 2020. The study was conducted in 78 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Data were gathered using a data collection sheet included demographic information, clinical information including medication types, and complications linked to SCD. Furthermore, the study evaluated abdominal ultrasound findings pertaining to the liver, gall bladder, spleen, and kidneys. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results:More than half of the study participants 43 (55.1%) were females. About 53.8% of the study participants received blood transfusions, and (11.5%) receive extra-vaccine. Concerning ultrasound findings, hepatomegaly was found in seventeen (21.8%), focal liver lesions in four (5.1%), gallstones in five (6.4%), splenomegaly in fifteen (19.3%), and the presence of splenic focal lesions was found in seven (9.0%). The most frequent complication associated with SCD was osteomyelitis sepsis in six cases (7.7%). The study revealed a significant correlation between the type of crisis and type of medication used and the size of the spleen (P-value <0.01), and no notable correlation was found between the types of crises and the size of the liver (P-value >0.05). Conclusion:Abdominal sonography in SCD patients revealed a wide range of alterations in the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. The most frequently observed complications in SCD were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, localized lesions in both organs, and the presence of gallstones.

BackgroundCOVID-19 survivor's population is often associated with a long term impact on mental and psychological health. Recent included studies have also stated affliction of mental health due to fear of virus and preventive policies among the college students. ObjectivesThe research was conducted to find the psychological and mental impacts of SARS-CoV-2 affliction among the students' survivors in the university. MethodsThe study design of the experiment was cross-sectional, sampling technique was non probability and sampling method being applied was convenience sampling. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 was used for analyses. Descriptive data was examined and results were showed as mean and standard deviations, percentages, frequencies for continuous variables of IES-R scale (Intrusion, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal) using the total sample of n = 34. ResultsOut of 34 only 24 student survivors responded to the online survey post COVID-19 recovery, with an overall participation level of 71%. Grading was given for the total IES-R score which was subdivided into a predefined range. Out of 24 participants, 9 (38%) participants showed the symptoms of mild (n = 2)-severe (n = 7) psychological impacts. On correlation of factors total IES-R score and taste and sense of smell were moderately correlated. The ordinal regression for complete loss of sense of taste and smell was also significant. ConclusionThe results from IES-R evaluation clearly outlines the presence of psychological sequels post recovery of COVID-19 episodes among the young college survivors. Complete loss of sense of smell and taste may be an indicator of psychological sequelae as compared to reduce sense of smell.

Background and Objective The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has exerted great efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This research aims to scrutinize the outlook, awareness, and customs of Saudi undergraduate students regarding COVID-19. Methods The current cross-sectional study comprises 178 undergraduate students in the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences. The data were collected from online Google form questionnaires. The differences were picked out of the questionnaires, and the mean scores of the differences were duly assessed. The variables associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 were evaluated; moreover, a comparative study was conducted on these variables in different faculty departments. ANOVA, Student’s t-test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to assess the data on knowledge, attitude, and practice. Results Most of the undergraduate students were well acquainted with COVID-19. We obtained the mean knowledge score for COVID-19 to be 3.08 ± .82 (range: 1–5), indicating good knowledge. The attitude means the score was 3.02 ± .61 (range: 0–4), implying good positive attitudes. On assessing the mean score of practices, it was found 5 ± .47 (range: 0–7), pointing towards perfect practices. There were no significant differences between males and females regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward COVID-19 (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion Students of Applied Medical Sciences are knowledgeable about COVID-19. Health education programs should be focused on protection and safety from COVID-19 for Applied Medical Sciences students, especially Medical Rehabilitation Sciences and Radiology. Hand hygiene awareness programs must be conducted for undergraduate students. Infection control should be part of the undergraduate applied for medical sciences curriculum program.

PURPOSE:To assess the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi patients toward the safety of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 142 Saudi patients at King Khalid hospital, Asir, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-questionnaire based on MRI safety issues gained from the literature. The questionnaire was divided into two sections, one containing the respondents' sociodemographic information and the other assessing their knowledge and attitudes toward participating in MRI.RESULTS:A total of 142 patients responded to the survey, and their average age was 31.5 ± 4 years. The majority were married and held a bachelor's degree. The mean knowledge score regarding MRI safety was 0.29 ± 0.25, which reflects poor knowledge, whereas the attitude score was 0.67 ± 0.20, reflecting a moderately positive attitude. Awareness and attitude among patients improved as education levels increased. Finally, only 53.5% of the respondents were aware of the noise produced by the MRI scanner.CONCLUSION:This study demonstrated that the awareness of MRI safety among patients in the Asir Region is poor, although they showed positive attitudes toward the issue. Thus, education is necessary for patients to improve awareness of MRI safety to facilitate MRI examinations, which will help decrease scan time and image artefacts.

1Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Diagnostic Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Aseer, Saudi Arabia; 5Medical City, King Khalid University, Abha, Aseer, Saudi Arabia; 6Medical Imaging Department, Aseer Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Abha, Saudi Arabia Background: The Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and the Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) COVID-19 vaccines have shown promising safety and acceptability. However, COVID-19 vaccine side effects play an essential role in public vaccine confidence. We aimed to study the side effects of these COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: A randomized, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between March and May of 2021. In total, 330 participants among the King Khalid University community in the Aseer region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported their side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine. A questionnaire was designed and validated to collect the participants’ demographic data and COVID-19-related symptoms after COVID-19 vaccine injection. Results: Symptoms associated with COVID-19 were reported by 226 participants (68.5%). The most common side effects reported by the participants were fever (n = 136, 41.2%), fatigue (n = 119, 36.1%), headache (n = 86, 24.2%), malaise (n = 121, 36.7%), myalgia (n = 121, 36.7%), and muscle and joint pain (n = 76, 23%). Of the participants, 5.1% became infected with COVID-19 after vaccination. Symptoms were significantly more common in males than in females (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The incidence of COVID-19 vaccination side effects in the Aseer region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was consistent with the manufacturers’ data. The most common post-vaccination symptoms reported by the participants were fever, myalgia, malaise, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache. The results of this study showed significant variation in adverse events between Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare providers and recipients of vaccines can be more confident about the safety of Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

The aim of this retrospective research was to study traumatic head injury (THI) using CT scan and to classify the types of head trauma fractures and types of hemorrhages. Methods and Results: The current study included 53 THI patients (43/81.1%) males and 10/18.9% females) with positive and negative CT scan findings. A complete clinical history and patients’ data were taken from CT reports, which included age, gender, type of trauma, associated injury, and CT findings with their percentages. The study was carried out in Taif city in King Abdelaziz Hospital and King Faisal Hospital. The distribution of various etiologies of THI has shown that the most common etiology was road traffic accident (RTA) (45.3%). The typical age for THI was between 21 to 30 years old (26.4%). The distribution of the traumatic causes for each age group is shown in Table 1. The typical age for RTA was the age group of 11-20 years (33.3%), for falls – the age groups of 0-10 years (33.3%) and over 60 years of age (33.3%). The frequency of various CT findings of THI was as follows: intracranial hemorrhage (56.6%), fracture (39.6%), pneumocephalus (22.6%), contusion (22.6%), foreign body (11.3%), and proptosis (3.8%). The distribution of fracture cases, according to their types, was as follows: a linear fracture (76.2%), comminuted fracture (23.8%), basilar fracture (14.3%), and depressed fracture (9.5%). The frontal bone was the most affected site with fractures (30.7%). Conclusion: CT is an appropriate clinical modality used in the management of THI patients in the emergency department. CT has the advantage of being fast, safe, available, sensitive to most acute post-traumatic injuries, accurate in identifying the head abnormalities such as fractures and hemorrhage during the first 24 hours after injury, which is beneficial in the early assessment, therapy planning, monitoring, and long-term patient care.

BACKGROUND:The Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and the Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) COVID-19 vaccines have shown promising safety and acceptability. However, COVID-19 vaccine side effects play an essential role in public vaccine confidence. We aimed to study the side effects of these COVID-19 vaccines.METHODS:A randomized, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between March and May of 2021. In total, 330 participants among the King Khalid University community in the Aseer region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported their side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine. A questionnaire was designed and validated to collect the participants' demographic data and COVID-19-related symptoms after COVID-19 vaccine injection.RESULTS:Symptoms associated with COVID-19 were reported by 226 participants (68.5%). The most common side effects reported by the participants were fever (n = 136, 41.2%), fatigue (n = 119, 36.1%), headache (n = 86, 24.2%), malaise (n = 121, 36.7%), myalgia (n = 121, 36.7%), and muscle and joint pain (n = 76, 23%). Of the participants, 5.1% became infected with COVID-19 after vaccination. Symptoms were significantly more common in males than in females (p = 0.006).CONCLUSION:The incidence of COVID-19 vaccination side effects in the Aseer region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was consistent with the manufacturers' data. The most common post-vaccination symptoms reported by the participants were fever, myalgia, malaise, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache. The results of this study showed significant variation in adverse events between Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare providers and recipients of vaccines can be more confident about the safety of Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad, umbrella term that encompasses the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. The aim of this study is to assess the radiology community’s attitude in Saudi Arabia toward the applications of AI. Methods: Data for this study were collected using electronic questionnaires in 2019 and 2020. The study included a total of 714 participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics (version 25). Results: The majority of the participants (61.2%) had read or heard about the role of AI in radiology. We also found that radiologists had statistically different responses and tended to read more about AI compared to all other specialists. In addition, 82% of the participants thought that AI must be included in the curriculum of medical and allied health colleges, and 86% of the participants agreed that AI would be essential in the future. Even though human–machine interaction was considered to be one of the most important skills in the future, 89% of the participants thought that it would never replace radiologists. Conclusion: Because AI plays a vital role in radiology, it is important to ensure that radiologists and radiographers have at least a minimum understanding of the technology. Our finding shows an acceptable level of knowledge regarding AI technology and that AI applications should be included in the curriculum of the medical and health sciences colleges.

Objectives: To identify the occurrence rate of thyroid ultrasound abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects, and describe the features of detected nodules among university students. Methods: The study is based on an observational research design that was conducted from April 2015 to May 2015. The study included 166 individuals, aged between 19 and 23 years. The subjects had their glands examined by ultrasound (US) scanning, using Philips ultrasound machine (5-12 MHz linear transducer). Results: We recruited 90 (57.8%) females and 76 (42.2%) males without any indications of thyroid disease. Data estimated that 41 (24.7%) subjects had positive results on thyroid disease screening, 24 (70.6%) participants had solitary nodules, and 10 (29.4%) had multiple nodules. Thirty-four subjects revealed nodular presentation in the screening, among which 24 (70.6%) indicated solitary nodules and 10 (29.4%) had multiple nodules. Among 3 subjects, who indicated hypoechoic nodules, 2 (66.7%) underwent US-fine needle aspiration biopsy and received histological confirmation that they had papillary carcinomas. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a useful and effective technique for screening thyroid related diseases, and can be utilized as a routine practice for general population screening.

In this study 70 male students were participated to determine the thyroid disorder through ultrasonography. Thyroid scan was done in 70 students prospectively with no indicative of thyroid disease (age of 19 - 23 yrs). Thyroid scan for students who participated the study took place in the department of Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University by using an IU 22 Philips ultrasound machine with a 5 - 12 MHz linear transducer. Among the total number of the subjects, 26% was found with abnormal ultrasound findings, 17% of them with cystic nodule, while solid and mixed nodule represented 4% for each. The high rate of abnormal findings of thyroid gland in the study suggested that screening using ultrasound scan was useful in detecting early thyroid disorders.

The purpose of this study is to determine the anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus using computerized tomography (CT). 100 Sudanese subjects were investigated for CT sinuses; Characterization of the sphenoid sinus and seven horizontal and vertical measurements were evaluated. Onodi cell was found in 13 subjects, 10 of them were sellar and 3 were pre-sellar. Pneumatization was of the sellar type in 85%, presellar was 15%, and no subject was chonchal. The mean length of vertical lines from the center of sphenoid ostium to the roof and bottom were 10.6 ± 3.1 mm, 11.1 ± 3.7 mm respectively. When the sphenoid ostium was located superior to the lowest point of the sella, the line from the center of the sphenoid sinus ostium to the posterior wall of the sinus was 15.2 ± 4.2 mm and when was located inferior, the line was 26.3 ± 5.2 mm on average. The mean length from the lowest point of the sella to the anterior wall of sphenoid sinus was 16.8 ± 3.6 mm. The line from anterior wall to posterior wall of sphenoid sinus lining skull base was 10.9 ± 3.2mm mm. The maximum depth was 25.2 ± 6.9 mm and the maximum width was 18.4 ± 5.9mm. The differences in the sphenoid sinus character take place between males and females. The study provides essential anatomical information for Sudanese subjects and its impact in the clinical surgical practice.