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American Journal of Roentgenology recent issues
- PET/CT for Adrenal Assessment
- Radiologic Signs of Weapons and Munitions: How Will Noncombatants Recognize Them?
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to show the radiologic signs named after weapons and munitions along with their military counterparts to help radiologists recognize these signs, which will allow confident interpretation and diagnosis. CONCLUSION. Numerous pathologic conditions have classic radiologic manifestations that resemble weapons and ammunitio […]
- Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: Multimodality Imaging and Histopathologic Correlation
  OBJECTIVE. We will illustrate the imaging features of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and their correlation with histopathologic findings. The radiologic features to distinguish gastrointestinal MALT lymphoma from other types of lymphomas will also be described. CONCLUSION. Differences in clinical be […]
- Contrast Opacification Using a Reduced Volume of Iodinated Contrast Material and Low Peak Kilovoltage in Pulmonary CT Angiography: Objective and Subjective Evaluation
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether a reduced volume of iodinated contrast material for pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) using a low peak kilovoltage (kVp) technique yields equivalent opacification in all vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Four hundred fifty-two consecutive pulmonary CTA patients (265 women and 187 men; age range, 18 […]
- Diffusion-Weighted MRI of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Preliminary Assessment of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Histologic Subtypes
- Multiple Focal Pure Ground-Glass Opacities on High-Resolution CT Images: Clinical Significance in Patients With Lung Cancer
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of multiple focal pure ground-glass opacities (GGOs) on high-resolution CT images of patients with lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The cases of 23 patients with proven lung cancer and associated multiple focal pure GGOs on high-resolution CT images were retrospectively reviewe […]
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Assessment With Cardiac MRI
  OBJECTIVE. The objective of this article is to show how MRI findings can be used to differentiate Takotsubo cardiomyopathy from acute coronary syndrome. CONCLUSION. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a disorder that mimics acute coronary syndrome. MRI can show not only edema in the ventricular wall, which is diffuse and without arterial territory distribution, but […]
- Renal Cortical Thickness Measured at Ultrasound: Is It Better Than Renal Length as an Indicator of Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease?
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to determine whether there is a relationship between renal cortical thickness or length measured on ultrasound and the degree of renal impairment in chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS. From October to December 2007, 25 patients (13 men and 12 women, mean age 73 years) were identified who had CKD but we […]
- Evaluation of MRI Acquisition Workflow With Lean Six Sigma Method: Case Study of Liver and Knee Examinations
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this investigation was to assess workflow for medical imaging studies, specifically comparing liver and knee MRI examinations by use of the Lean Six Sigma methodologic framework. The hypothesis tested was that the Lean Six Sigma framework can be used to quantify MRI workflow and to identify sources of inefficiency to target for sequ […]
- MR Patterns of Denervation Around the Shoulder
  OBJECTIVE. The diagnosis of denervation injury as a cause of shoulder pain is conventionally based on clinical findings and electrophysiologic studies. MRI has an important role in identifying direct and indirect signs of neuropathy and can confirm the presence of nerve compression, depict space-occupying lesions, and exclude other intrinsic lesions of the s […]
- The Postradiation Neck: Evaluating Response to Treatment and Recognizing Complications
  OBJECTIVE. We summarize the rationale for and physiology of radiation therapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer and review the imaging findings of expected changes and complications after radiation to the neck. It is important to be able to recognize these features at all stages during management of patients with squamous cell carcinoma and other hea […]
- Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in the Diagnostic Environment: A Subjective Side-by-Side Review
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to subjectively compare additional mammographic views to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in the characterizing of known masses, architectural distortions, or asymmetries. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Four experienced radiologists serially reviewed the imaging studies of 25 women with known masses, including full-field dig […]
- Cardiac Imaging: The Requisites, 3rd ed.
- HRCT of the Lung: Anatomic Basis, Imaging Features, Differential Diagnosis.
- Publication in Biomedical Journals: An Example-Based Tutorial Series, Part III: Is It Really a Conflict of Interest?
- Proposal of a Method for Deciding Whether an AJR Manuscript Merits Publication: The 25% Rule
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to propose a rule for determining which recommendation American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) reviewers should provide when performing a review of a manuscript. CONCLUSION. The rule described here should allow reviewers to better understand the features that journal editors seek in a manuscript and to determine whic […]
- Revised RECIST Guideline Version 1.1: What Oncologists Want to Know and What Radiologists Need to Know
  OBJECTIVE. The objectives of this article are to review the new Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guideline, version 1.1, highlighting the major changes in the new version compared with the original RECIST guideline (version 1.0), and to present case examples with representative imaging. CONCLUSION. Familiarity with the revised RECIST is […]
- Assessment of Lung Inflammation With 18F-FDG PET During Acute Lung Injury
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this review is to describe the current experimental and clinical data regarding the fundamentals and applications of 18F-FDG PET during acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). CONCLUSION. Lung inflammation is a key feature of ALI. During ALI, FDG PET can be used to monitor lung neutrophils, which are […]
- The Challenge of Detector Designs for PET
  OBJECTIVE. The use of PET, especially the use of PET/CT scanners, has expanded rapidly over the past few years. Although most of the detector development efforts have been focused on scintillator-based designs, other technologies, such as wire chambers, time projection chambers, and solid-state devices, are also being pursued. CONCLUSION. Many of these new t […]
- A Systematic Review of the Factors Affecting Accuracy of SUV Measurements
  OBJECTIVE. There is growing interest in using PET/CT for evaluating early response to therapy in cancer treatment. Although widely available and convenient to use, standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements can be influenced by a variety of biologic and technologic factors. Many of these factors can be addressed with close attention to detail and appropria […]

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American Journal of Roentgenology Chest Imaging
- [Chest Imaging] Acute Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injuries: Experience with 64-MDCT
  OBJECTIVE. At some institutions, catheter angiography is used for confirmation of aortic injuries and equivocal MDCT findings. Because of the speed and efficiency of 64-MDCT, we believe that diagnostic catheter angiography may be obsolete. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with 64-MDCT in the evaluation of acute traumatic aortic injury ( […]
- [Chest Imaging] Chest Radiographic and CT Manifestations of Chronic Granulomatous Disease in Adults
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to describe the thoracic radiologic findings of chronic granulomatous disease in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively analyzed the chest radiographic and CT findings in four adults with chronic granulomatous disease during five episodes of lower respiratory tract infection. RESULTS. Chest radiographic fin […]
- [Chest Imaging] MDCT Detection of Airway Stent Complications: Comparison with Bronchoscopy
  OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate the detection rate of central airway stent complications using MDCT as compared with bronchoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A review was performed of all consecutive patients undergoing MDCT and bronchoscopy for suspected complications of airway stents during an 18-month period. MDCT images were interpreted […]
- [Chest Imaging] Time-Resolved MR Angiography of the Central Veins of the Chest
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to show the usefulness and limitations of contrast-enhanced time-resolved MR angiography (MRA) for imaging the central veins of the chest. CONCLUSION. Time-resolved MRA is highly sensitive for the detection of abnormalities and is particularly useful in conjunction with static high-spatial-resolution MRA. However, seve […]
- [Chest Imaging] Accuracy of High-Resolution CT in the Diagnosis of Diffuse Lung Disease: Effect of Predominance and Distribution of Findings
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the predominant findings at high-resolution CT influence the accuracy of diagnosis of diffuse lung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The cases of 100 patients with diffuse lung disease who underwent high-resolution CT and tissue diagnosis were studied. Three thoracic radiologists reviewed high-resol […]
- [Chest Imaging] Progression from Near-Normal to End-Stage Lungs in Chronic Interstitial Pneumonia Related to Silica Exposure: Long-Term CT Observations
  OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate serial CT changes from normal or near-normal lungs to honeycomb lungs in dust-exposed patients who developed chronic interstitial pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS. From the records of the national hospital for pneumoconiosis, we retrospectively identified patients with chronic interstitial pneumonia who w […]
- [Chest Imaging] MDCT Evaluation of Central Airway and Vascular Complications of Lung Transplantation
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the spectrum of central airway and vascular complications in lung transplantation using MDCT, with an emphasis on the usefulness of advanced postprocessing techniques. CONCLUSION. MDCT is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis, evaluation, and posttreatment assessment of central airway and vascular complic […]
- [Chest Imaging] Pulmonary Nodules: Detection, Assessment, and CAD
  OBJECTIVE. The imaging of pulmonary nodules is an evolving and dynamic field. In this review, we discuss the detection and multitechnique characterization of pulmonary nodules, emphasizing the impact of technological advances on both noninvasive and invasive evaluation and surveillance. The potential contribution of MRI, evolving imaging-guided techniques, a […]
- [Chest Imaging] High-Resolution CT Findings of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Complex Pulmonary Disease: Correlation with Pulmonary Function Test Results
- [Chest Imaging] Use of 3D Adaptive Raw-Data Filter in CT of the Lung: Effect on Radiation Dose Reduction
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 3D adaptive raw-data filter in improving image quality and the role of the filter in radiation dose reduction in lung CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Fifty-eight chest CT examinations were performed with a 16-MDCT scanner. Two acquisitions were performed with different tube current […]
American Journal of Roentgenology Neuroradiology
- [Neuroradiology] Optimization of Perfusion Imaging for Acute Cerebral Ischemia: Review of Recent Clinical Trials and Recommendations for Future Studies
  OBJECTIVE. The use of thrombolytic agents and other forms of reperfusion therapy has provided a means to reverse ischemia and minimize the size of infarctions. The purpose of this review is to examine various clinical trials of reperfusion agents and address key imaging issues. CONCLUSION. Advanced MRI and CT play a growing role in selection of patients for […]
RadioGraphics: Most-Read Full-Text Articles
- Imaging the Endometrium: Disease and Normal Variants
  Kenneth M. Nalaboff, John S. Pellerito, Eran Ben-LeviNov 1, 2001; 21:1409-1424RSNA Education Exhibits
- New and Evolving Concepts in the Imaging and Management of Urolithiasis: Urologists' Perspective
  Avinash R. Kambadakone, Brian H. Eisner, Onofrio Antonio Catalano, Dushyant V. SahaniMay 1, 2010; 30:603-623Education Exhibits
- Imaging of Foot and Ankle Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: From Well-demonstrated to Unfamiliar Sites
  Emmanuelle M. Delfaut, Xavier Demondion, Anne Bieganski, Marie-Camille Thiron, Henry Mestdagh, Anne CottenMay 1, 2003; 23:613-623RSNA Education Exhibits
- Mesenteric Lymph Nodes Seen at Imaging: Causes and Significance
  Brian C. Lucey, Joshua W. Stuhlfaut, Jorge A. SotoMar 1, 2005; 25:351-365RSNA Education Exhibits
- Causes of Facial Swelling in Pediatric Patients: Correlation of Clinical and Radiologic Findings
  Geetika Khanna, Yutaka Sato, Richard J. H. Smith, Nancy M. Bauman, Jeffrey NeradJan 1, 2006; 26:157-171RSNA Education Exhibits
- Cysts and Cystic Lesions of the Mandible: Clinical and Radiologic-Histopathologic Review
  Robert J. Scholl, Helen M. Kellett, David P. Neumann, Alan G. LurieSep 1, 1999; 19:1107-1124Scientific Exhibits
- Imaging of Groin Masses: Inguinal Anatomy and Pathologic Conditions Revisited
  Clair L. Shadbolt, Stefan B. J. Heinze, Rosalind B. DietrichOct 1, 2001; 21:261-271Helping the Urologist
- MR Imaging of the Ankle and Foot
  Zehava S. Rosenberg, Javier Beltran, Jenny T. BencardinoOct 1, 2000; 20:153-179Extremities
- Cystic Focal Liver Lesions in the Adult: Differential CT and MR Imaging Features
  Koenraad J. Mortele, Pablo R. RosJul 1, 2001; 21:895-910RSNA Education Exhibits
- Lumps and Bumps on the Head in Children: Use of CT and MR Imaging in Solving the Clinical Diagnostic Dilemma
  Fanny E. Moron, Michael C. Morriss, Jeremy J. Jones, Jill V. HunterNov 1, 2004; 24:1655-1674RSNA Education Exhibits
RadioGraphics: Most-Cited Full-Text Articles
- Minimally Invasive Treatment of Malignant Hepatic Tumors: At the Threshold of a Major Breakthrough
  Gerald D. Dodd III, Michael C. Soulen, Robert A. Kane, Tito Livraghi, William R. Lees, Yasuyuki Yamashita, Alison R. Gillams, Okkes I. Karahan, Hyunchul RhimJan 1, 2000; 20:9-27Imaging and Therapeutic Technology
- Pitfalls in Oncologic Diagnosis with FDG PET Imaging: Physiologic and Benign Variants
  Paul D. Shreve, Yoshimi Anzai, Richard L. WahlJan 1, 1999; 19:61-77Scientific Exhibits
- AAPM/RSNA Physics Tutorial for Residents: Topics in CT: Radiation Dose in CT
  Michael F. McNitt-GrayNov 1, 2002; 22:1541-1553Imaging and Therapeutic Technology
- Percutaneous vertebroplasty: state of the art
  A Cotten, N Boutry, B Cortet, R Assaker, X Demondion, D Leblond, P Chastanet, B Duquesnoy, H DeramondMar 1, 1998; 18:311-320Reviews
- Three-dimensional Volume Rendering of Spiral CT Data: Theory and Method
  Paul S. Calhoun, Brian S. Kuszyk, David G. Heath, Jennifer C. Carley, Elliot K. FishmanMay 1, 1999; 19:745-764infoRAD
- Multisection CT: Scanning Techniques and Clinical Applications
  Jonas Rydberg, Kenneth A. Buckwalter, Karen S. Caldemeyer, Michael D. Phillips, Dewey J. Conces Jr, Alex M. Aisen, Scott A. Persohn, Kenyon K. KopeckyNov 1, 2000; 20:1787-1806Imaging and Therapeutic Technology
- CT Dose Reduction and Dose Management Tools: Overview of Available Options
  Cynthia H. McCollough, Michael R. Bruesewitz, James M. Kofler JrMar 1, 2006; 26:503-512RSNA Education Exhibits
- Radiation-induced skin injuries from fluoroscopy
  TB ShopeSep 1, 1996; 16:1195-1199Articles
- Carotid duplex sonography: a multicenter recommendation for standardized imaging and Doppler criteria
  EI Bluth, AT Stavros, KW Marich, SM Wetzner, D Aufrichtig, JD BakerMay 1, 1988; 8:487-506Articles
- From the Archives of the AFIP : Imaging of Musculoskeletal Neurogenic Tumors: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation
  Mark D. Murphey, W. Sean Smith, Stacy E. Smith, Mark J. Kransdorf, H. Thomas TempleSep 1, 1999; 19:1253-1280Continuing Education
AJR Am J Roentgenol: Most-Cited Full-Text Articles
- Estimated Risks of Radiation-Induced Fatal Cancer from Pediatric CT
  David J. Brenner, Carl D. Elliston, Eric J. Hall, Walter E. BerdonFeb 1, 2001; 176:289-296Featured Articles
- Percutaneous treatment of small hepatic tumors by an expandable RF needle electrode
  S Rossi, E Buscarini, F Garbagnati, M Di Stasi, P Quaretti, M Rago, A Zangrandi, S Andreola, D Silverman, L BuscariniApr 1, 1998; 170:1015-1022Articles
- MR signal abnormalities at 1.5 T in Alzheimer's dementia and normal aging
  F Fazekas, JB Chawluk, A Alavi, HI Hurtig, RA ZimmermanAug 1, 1987; 149:351-356Articles
- Minimizing Radiation Dose for Pediatric Body Applications of Single-Detector Helical CT: Strategies at a Large Children's Hospital
  Lane F. Donnelly, Kathleen H. Emery, Alan S. Brody, Tal Laor, Victoria M. Gylys-Morin, Christopher G. Anton, Stephen R. Thomas, Donald P. FrushFeb 1, 2001; 176:303-306Featured Articles
- Gadodiamide-Associated Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: Why Radiologists Should Be Concerned
  Dale R. Broome, Mark S. Girguis, Pedro W. Baron, Alfred C. Cottrell, Ingrid Kjellin, Gerald A. KirkFeb 1, 2007; 188:586-592MR Imaging
- Percutaneous RF interstitial thermal ablation in the treatment of hepatic cancer
  S Rossi, M Di Stasi, E Buscarini, P Quaretti, F Garbagnati, L Squassante, CT Paties, DE Silverman, L BuscariniSep 1, 1996; 167:759-768Articles
- Radiofrequency Ablation of the Liver: Current Status
  John P. McGahan, Gerald D. Dodd IIIJan 1, 2001; 176:3-16Featured Articles
- Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium: a national mammography screening and outcomes database
  R Ballard-Barbash, SH Taplin, BC Yankaskas, VL Ernster, RD Rosenberg, PA Carney, WE Barlow, BM Geller, K Kerlikowske, BK Edwards, CF Lynch, N Urban, CA Chrvala, CR Key, SP Poplack, JK Worden, LG KesslerOct 1, 1997; 169:1001-1008Articles
- Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Malignancies in the Lung
  Damian E. Dupuy, Ronald J. Zagoria, Wallace Akerley, William W. Mayo-Smith, Peter V. Kavanagh, Howard SafranJan 1, 2000; 174:57-59Chest Imaging
- Detection of pulmonary embolism in patients with unresolved clinical and scintigraphic diagnosis: helical CT versus angiography
  LR Goodman, JJ Curtin, MW Mewissen, WD Foley, RJ Lipchik, MR Crain, KB Sagar, BD CollierJun 1, 1995; 164:1369-1374Articles
American Journal of Roentgenology Musculoskeletal Imaging
- The Spectrum of Vascularized Superficial Soft-Tissue Tumors on Sonography With a Histopathologic Correlation: Part 1, Benign Tumors
  OBJECTIVE. The objective of this article is to illustrate the sonographic findings of benign, vascularized superficial soft-tissue tumors. CONCLUSION. Sonography can play an important role in the diagnosis of benign, vascularized superficial soft-tissue tumors. Awareness of these findings is important in establishing the correct diagnosis and determining the […]
- The Spectrum of Vascularized Superficial Soft-Tissue Tumors on Sonography With a Histopathologic Correlation: Part 2, Malignant Tumors and Their Look-Alikes
  OBJECTIVE. The objective of this article is to illustrate the sonographic findings of malignant, vascularized superficial soft-tissue masses and their look-alikes. CONCLUSION. Radiologists need to be aware of the sonographic findings of malignant, vascularized superficial soft-tissue tumor findings and their look-alikes for the differential diagnosis and det […]
- MR Patterns of Denervation Around the Shoulder
  OBJECTIVE. The diagnosis of denervation injury as a cause of shoulder pain is conventionally based on clinical findings and electrophysiologic studies. MRI has an important role in identifying direct and indirect signs of neuropathy and can confirm the presence of nerve compression, depict space-occupying lesions, and exclude other intrinsic lesions of the s […]
- Diabetic Myopathy: MRI Patterns and Current Trends
  OBJECTIVE. This study retrospectively evaluates diabetic myopathy in a large referral hospital population. It describes the MRI findings and the distribution of muscle involvement, including comparison with clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS. MRI reports of the lower extremities from July 1999 through January 2006 were reviewed and compared with clin […]
- Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Soft Tissues: Review of the Imaging and Clinical Features With Histopathologic Correlation
  OBJECTIVE. Solitary fibrous tumors are rare soft-tissue tumors of submesothelial origin with variable malignant potential. Most of these tumors originate within the thoracic cavity, but they can occur in a variety of sites, including the abdomen, pelvis, and soft tissues and muscles. The purpose of this study was to review the imaging findings with clinicopa […]
- MRI Evaluation of Collapsed Femoral Heads in Patients 60 Years Old or Older: Differentiation of Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture From Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to verify the hypothesis that osteonecrosis and subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head can be differentiated on the basis of their appearance on MRI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Between May 1998 and February 2009, we reviewed 30 consecutive hips in 30 patients, 60 years old or older at the time of onset of […]
- A Feasibility Study of Quantitative Molecular Characterization of Musculoskeletal Lesions by Proton MR Spectroscopy at 3 T
  OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to establish the feasibility and potential value of measuring the concentration of choline-containing compounds by proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) in musculoskeletal lesions at 3 T. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Thirty-three subjects with 34 musculoskeletal lesions (four histologically proven malignant, 13 histologically proven b […]

Essentials of Radiology

Posted by oralboards on August 7, 2009

Posted in Radiology Basics | Comments Off

Things you always need in your pantry

Posted by oralboards on July 31, 2009

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Must Have Radiology Books

Posted by oralboards on July 21, 2009

Fundamentals of Body Ct (3rd Edition)

Fundamentals of Pediatric Radiology

Chest Radiology: The Essentials

Radiology Requisites

Imaging: Case Review Series

IRAD: Interactive Radiology Review & Assessment

Pocket Radiologist

Diagnostic Imaging Series

Musculoskeletal MRI by Clyde A. Helms MD

Imaging Companion Series

Mayo Clinic Gastrointestinal Imaging Review

Essentials of Nuclear Medicine Imaging (Mettler)

Primer of Diagnostic Imaging

Aunt Minnie’s Atlas and Imaging-Specific Diagnosis

Duke Radiology Case Review

Interventional Radiology Essentials

Fundamentals of Skeletal Radiology

Review of Radiological Physics by Huda

Radiologic Physics Review by Nickoloff

ABR Statistics

The American Board of Radiology maintains statistics (stats)for pass rates for the written, physics, and oral portions of the radiology board examination on the American Board of Radiology (ABR) website at: http://theabr.org/ Realize that the radiology oral board pass rate only includes those who passed unconditionally. Those who condition the radiology oral board examination are not included in the published pass rate. The condition rate is generally high, making the fail rate quite low for first time test takers. ABR Dates

Radiology Oral Board – First Time Exam Takers

The vast majority of first time examinees pass the radiology oral board examination. Between 75% and 82% of first time test takers pass the American Board of Radiology (ABR) exam in any given year. Most people who do not pass outright condition the radiology oral board examination. 15%-19% of examinees condition the radiology oral board. A majority of people who condition the radiology board exam will pass the test when they repeat the conditioned subjects. Only 2%-7% of first time test takers fail the radiology oral board examination. Remember that this number includes people who did not even take the test because of a medical emergency, missed airline flight, family emergency, death, etc. The fact is a very small number of people fail the test. Yet the vast majority of people are petrified about failing the oral board exam. The fear leads to anxiety which is the primary reason people do poorly at the oral board exam.

Repeat Test Takers

The statistics are not as good for repeat radiology oral board exam takers. However, between 54% and 69% of repeat oral board test takers will fall into the combined pass or condition category. The failure rate for repeat test takers is between 30 and 46%. Why the difference? First, these people have already failed the radiology oral board exam once. Their anxiety level has increased substantially (Especially if anxiety caused their first failure). Second, they are likely in practice now rather than training. Their opportunity to study has on average decreased. In addition, they have probably had poor guidance on how to prepare for the oral board examination since they failed the first time. Since no one has taught them to deal with the anxiety, their chance of success is decreased. I believe the statistical difference would be eliminated if the repeaters learned to manage their anxiety and prepare for the test properly.

Stress and Anxiety

Posted in You Can Do it! by oralboards on July 18, 2009

Stress and Anxiety

You might think that the main reason that people fail the board examination is due to lack of sufficient study or case presentation. My experience is that most people spend enough time preparing these skills. In fact, most residents are extremely well prepared in these areas. The reason is that all tests to this point have been written tests, and examinees are very familiar with studying for a written type of test. The same study skills can be used to prepare for the oral board examination. What the majority of examinees fail to recognize is that stress and anxiety are much larger factors in an oral examination. Few candidates spend any time preparing to deal with anxiety and stress. I am not aware of any training programs or review courses that successfully address these issues. The fact is that most people who do not pass the board examination did not test well due to anxiety and stress. I strongly advise my students to prepare for the anxiety and stress that the examination will provoke. For each individual, the preparation may be different. If you do take the time to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge, your chance of success will be greatly enhanced. Sitting in the “hot seat” while presenting cases is a good tool for preparing for examination stress and anxiety. However, I would suggest spending some time with books, tapes, or video’s about the subject of stress and anxiety management. The small amount of time you spend on this task may slightly decrease the amount of study time for radiology, but you will be handsomely rewarded!

Resources to Reduce Exam, Test, and Oral Board Stress and Anxiety

Radiology Exam Anxiety and Stress Reduction Resources”Hot Seat” preparation for many people desensitizes the anxiety and stress response so that they can perform well in the radiology oral board exam. However, some people tend to be more anxious or nervous despite this type of preparation. Numerous resources are available to assist you with test and exam anxiety and stress reduction. If you feel like you need additional help beyond the standard “hot seat” preparation, the following links show various anxiety and stress reduction books and audio books that may help you:
The small amount of time you spend preparing for anxiety and stress management and reduction will pay big dividends on test day. What about anxiety reducing medication?I have been asked by quite a few residents about taking beta blockers or benzodiazepines for the examination. I do not recommend taking any medication prior to the examination, particularly if you do not know how it will affect your mental acuity. Remember that some anxiety and stress is essential for your mental alertness and performance on the test. You don’t want to be mentally sluggish or asleep! Your goal is to harness the anxiety for constructive purposes rather than being paralyzed with fear. With that being said, I realize that you are all doctors and capable of making your own decisions about medication.What about Coffee or Caffeine?If you are accustomed to having coffee or caffeine, I would still have some before the exam. You don’t wan to be distracted by withdrawal symptoms during the test. Remember, however, that caffeine may increase your anxiety levels though so moderation is prudent.

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Radiology Physics

Posted by oralboards on July 21, 2009

MRI Text Online(Joseph P. Hornak, Ph.D.)

I. Image Quality (or Clarity)

II. Unsharpness, Resolution

A. resolving power

B. point-spread function

C. line-spread function

D. edge-response function

E. modulation transfer function Physical Characteristics of Nuclear Medicine Images

F. factors degrading spatial resolution

III. Contrast

A. subject contrast

B. displayed contrast

C. dynamic range (latitude)

D. factors degrading contrast

IV. Noise

V. Artifacts (Attenuation)

VI. Conclusions

Isotopes and Radioactivity

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Must Have Radiology Review Books

Posted by oralboards on July 18, 2009

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Yes You Can! By Thomas Wiley, MD

Posted by oralboards on July 18, 2009

Are you stressed out about the Board of Radiology oral board exam? Are you buried under a sea of radiology textbooks with no idea where to start your studies? Are you tired of calling your friends for answers, only to be left with more questions? You tried radiology review courses, radiology teaching files and radiology review textbooks, but you were dismayed and overwhelmed by the endless amount of radiology information and material. You are not alone. Find the right tools here to pass the american board of radiology diagnostic radiology oral board examination in Louisville with less stress!The typical radiology resident goals for the radiology oral board exam include knowing everything about every subject in radiology, getting every question right on the american board of radiology oral examination, and passing the oral board without any stress or anxiety. Most residents believe that any subject in radiology is possible on the examination, and that possible examination scenarios cannot be predicted. Therefore, all radiology subjects must be studied thoroughly. No time is devoted to stress and anxiety management. Instead, the resident devotes as much time as possible to studying radiology images and x-rays. The goal of knowing everything in radiology is noble, but ultimately impossible for most. Fortunately, the vast majority of residents will learn enough to pass anyway.

5 Keys to Success to Radiology Oral Board Exam Success

1. Learn to manage anxiety. Anxiety is very high at the radiology oral board examination. Those who learn to manage their anxiety will excel, while those who do not will stumble 2. Be Average. Since the vast majority of board exam applicants pass, you are better off striving to be average. The average candidate passes. At the end of the day, you have a better chance of passing if the examiner remembers little about you. In my opinion, the more you differ from the norm in appearance, style, or personality, the greater chance that you may fall to one side of the bell curve. 3. Learn to Follow the Hints of the Board Examiner. Examiners only lead the candidate to a conclusion for two reasons. Usually they are trying to help you come to the correct conclusion. Occasionally they may be trying to see if you will choose to do something dangerous to the patient. When the examiner is leading you, ask yourself if following the lead would be dangerous to the patient. If not, follow the lead! If it would be dangerous, express your concern over patient safety. Do not argue with the examiner. Just state your safety concerns.4. Develop a Methodical Approach to Radiologic Image Evaluation. Those who do not develop a systematic approach to image interpretation will panic when the abnormality is not quickly apparent. The resultant anxiety could be difficult to overcome. In addition, sometimes more than one abnormality is present on the image. If you only talk about the first abnormality (satisfaction of search) you may not open your eyes to the other clues available. I like to use the geographic approach from outer to inner. Some people prefer an organ based approach. Use whatever works for you, but make sure that you make this a routine habit. You will not be able to do it at the oral board exam in a panic if you have not developed this as a subconscious habit.5. Develop a Methodical Approach to Differential Diagnosis (Interpretation). Similarly, if the answer is not readily apparent, many oral board candidates will panic. Successful candidates use a methodical approach to find categories of disease which could result in the findings. The systematic approach will reduce anxiety and panic. This approach only works if it is well practiced and routine. I personally like the CITMAN mnemonic. It is short and simple. Moreover, it covers most of the types of disease processes you will see.