Publications by authors named "James Thomas Patrick Decourcy Hallinan"

Background: Delay in diagnosing metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) adversely impacts clinical outcomes. High-grade MESCC is frequently overlooked on routine staging CT scans. We aim to assess the potential of our deep learning model (DLM) in detecting high-grade MESCC and reducing diagnostic delays.

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Large language models (LLMs) have emerged as powerful tools in healthcare. In diagnostic radiology, LLMs can assist in the computation of the Spine Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), which is a critical tool for assessing spinal metastases. However, the accuracy of LLMs in calculating the SINS based on radiological reports remains underexplored.

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Background: Privacy-preserving large language models (PP-LLMs) hold potential for assisting clinicians with documentation. We evaluated a PP-LLM to improve the clinical information on radiology request forms for musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to automate protocoling, which ensures that the most appropriate imaging is performed.

Methods: The present retrospective study included musculoskeletal MRI radiology request forms that had been randomly collected from June to December 2023.

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The increasing prevalence of spinal disorders has spurred continuous innovation in implant design and biomaterials. Among emerging options, Nitinol has gained significant interest due to its unique combination of shape memory effect, superelasticity, and mechanical compatibility with bone tissue. These characteristics make it a promising candidate for spinal implants that support minimally invasive surgery and motion preservation.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise in streamlining MRI workflows by reducing radiologists' workload and improving diagnostic accuracy. Despite MRI's extensive clinical use, systematic evaluation of AI-driven productivity gains in MRI remains limited. This review addresses that gap by synthesizing evidence on how AI can shorten scanning and reading times, optimize worklist triage, and automate segmentation.

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Background: Plain radiography remains the standard for intra- and post-operative assessment of pedicle screw placement in spine surgery. While newer technologies like intraoperative CT and navigation have been introduced, they do not consistently improve thoracic pedicle screw accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of anteroposterior (AP) alone versus orthogonal (AP and lateral) radiographs in assessing thoracic pedicle screw position across different observer experience levels and to determine the reliability of traditional fluoroscopy as compared to newer modalities.

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Background Context: Cervical spine MRI is essential for evaluating degenerative cervical spondylosis (DCS) but is time-consuming to report and subject to interobserver variability. The integration of artificial intelligence in medical imaging offers potential solutions to enhance productivity and diagnostic consistency.

Purpose: To assess whether a transformer-based deep learning model (DLM) can improve the efficiency and accuracy of radiologists in reporting DCS MRIs.

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Purpose: The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) consists of two fascicles, with the intra-articular superior fascicle and extra-articular inferior fascicle connected to the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) via the arciform fibres, forming the lateral fibulotalocalcaneal ligament (LFTCL) complex. Accurate identification of which fascicles have been injured is useful for determining the optimal treatment of patients with lateral ligament injuries. There is a lack of imaging studies demonstrating the distinctive anatomy of these important structures on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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Study designProspective Clinical Study.ObjectiveAllogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) is the current standard of blood replenishment for metastatic spine tumour surgery (MSTS) despite known complications. Salvaged blood transfusion (SBT) addresses majority of complications related to ABT.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) safety is a critical concern in the Asia-Oceania region, as it is elsewhere in the world, due to the unique and complex MRI environment that demands attention. This call-for-action outlines ten critical steps to enhance MRI safety and promote a culture of responsibility and accountability in the Asia-Oceania region. Key focus areas include strengthening education and expertise, improving quality assurance, fostering collaboration, increasing public awareness, and establishing national safety boards.

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Background Context: Secure institutional large language models (LLM) could reduce the burden of noninterpretative tasks for radiologists.

Purpose: Assess the utility of a secure institutional LLM for MRI spine request form enhancement and auto-protocoling.

Study Design/setting: Retrospective study conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, including patients with clinical entries accessible on the electronic medical record (EMR).

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Article Synopsis
  • A deep learning model was developed to detect and classify cervical cord signal abnormalities, spinal canal, and neural foraminal stenosis on MRI, aimed at improving reporting efficiency and consistency for cervical spondylosis.
  • The study analyzed 504 cervical spine MRIs from a patient sample with a mean age of 58, using 90% for training and 10% for internal testing, with additional external testing on another 100 MRIs.
  • Results showed the DL model achieved substantial agreement with human readers, outperforming them in classifying spinal canal and foraminal stenosis, and exhibited a high recall of 92.3% for cord signal abnormalities, demonstrating its potential effectiveness in clinical practice.
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In spinal oncology, integrating deep learning with computed tomography (CT) imaging has shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in CT imaging for spinal tumors. A PRISMA-guided search identified 33 studies: 12 (36.

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Background: There is growing interest in the association of CT-assessed sarcopenia with adverse outcomes in non-oncological settings.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review is to summarize existing literature on the prognostic implications of CT-assessed sarcopenia in non-oncological patients.

Materials And Methods: Three independent authors searched Medline/PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library up to 30 December 2023 for observational studies that reported the presence of sarcopenia defined on CT head and neck in association with mortality estimates and other adverse outcomes, in non-oncological patients.

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Objective: Develop structured, quality improvement interventions to achieve a 15%-point reduction in MRIs performed under sedation or general anesthesia (GA) delayed more than 15 min within a 6-month period.

Methods: A prospective audit of MRIs under sedation or GA from January 2022 to June 2023 was conducted. A multidisciplinary team performed process mapping and root cause analysis for delays.

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Osteoporosis is a complex endocrine disease characterized by a decline in bone mass and microstructural integrity. It constitutes a major global health problem. Recent progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened new avenues for the effective diagnosis of osteoporosis via radiographs.

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Metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms are commonly used in computed tomography (CT) scans where metal implants are involved. However, MAR algorithms also have the potential to create new artifacts in reconstructed images. We present a case of a screw pseudofracture due to MAR on CT.

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Osteoporosis, marked by low bone mineral density (BMD) and a high fracture risk, is a major health issue. Recent progress in medical imaging, especially CT scans, offers new ways of diagnosing and assessing osteoporosis. This review examines the use of AI analysis of CT scans to stratify BMD and diagnose osteoporosis.

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Article Synopsis
  • Surgical treatment for cancer patients with epidural spinal cord compression has evolved significantly, particularly with the rise of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques and separation surgery over the past 17 years.
  • A study of 383 patients showed increasing numbers of surgeries performed and a notable reduction in blood loss and transfusion rates, with those treated more recently experiencing better neurological improvements and mobility.
  • Despite these advancements in surgical technique and patient outcomes, overall survival rates remained unchanged, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to patient management.
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Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Physicians may be deterred from operating on elderly patients due to fears of poorer outcomes and complications. We aimed to compare the outcomes of surgical treatment of spinal metastases patients aged ≥70-yrs and <70-yrs.

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Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor that represents less than 1% of soft-tissue sarcomas. Despite its slow growth, the overall prognosis is poor with a high rate of local recurrence, lymph-node spread, and hematogenous metastasis. Primary epithelioid sarcoma arising from the spine is extremely rare, with limited data in the literature.

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Multiple myeloma generally occurs in older adults, with the clonal proliferation of plasma cells and accumulation of monoclonal protein resulting in a broad range of clinical manifestations and complications, including hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia, and bone destruction (termed CRAB features). A 64-year-old man with no history of malignancy presented with an enlarging precordial lump occurring three years post-sternotomy for uneventful coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Initial investigations showed anaemia and impaired renal function.

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Introduction: Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a disastrous complication of advanced malignancy. A deep learning (DL) algorithm for MSCC classification on CT could expedite timely diagnosis. In this study, we externally test a DL algorithm for MSCC classification on CT and compare with radiologist assessment.

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