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Hamel C, Amir B, Avard B, Fung-Kee-Fung K, Furey B, Garel J, Ghandehari H. Canadian Association of Radiologists Obstetrics and Gynecology Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guideline. Can Assoc Radiol J 2024; 75:261-268. [PMID: 37624360 DOI: 10.1177/08465371231185292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Obstetrics and Gynecology Expert Panel consists of radiologists specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, obstetrics and gynecology physicians, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 12 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a systematic rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 46 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 68 recommendation statements across the 12 scenarios related to the evaluation of obstetrics and gynecology clinical and diagnostic scenarios. This guideline presents the methods of development and the imaging recommendations for a variety of obstetrical and gynecological conditions including pregnancy assessment, recurrent first trimester pregnancy loss, post-partum indications, disorders of menstruation, localization of intra-uterine contraceptive device, infertility assessment, assessment of adnexal mass, pelvic pain of presumed gynecological origin, and pelvic floor evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candyce Hamel
- Canadian Association of Radiologists, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Barb Avard
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Beth Furey
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Abraham M, Ali N, Shivani Garapati SSL, Pandey P, Nair S, Swarna S, Chowdary DV, Aladeniyi F, Daing A, Abbas K. Delivery Methods in Twin Gestations: Evaluating Outcomes, Risk Factors, and the Paradigm Shift Towards Elective Cesarean Deliveries. Cureus 2023; 15:e46514. [PMID: 37927678 PMCID: PMC10625172 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, there has been a consistent rise in the number of twin births and the number of overall cesarean sections (CS) worldwide. This is owed to a variety of social, economic, educational, and scientific factors. More women are opting to advance their professional careers and gain financial stability before having children. Although this approach is understandable, a new set of challenges are faced as a result, the most important of which has been infertility due to advanced maternal age and the subsequent use of assisted fertility treatments, which have been noted to cause multiple gestations. Twin gestations are considered high-risk pregnancies and are associated with an amplitude of potential complications. Arguably, the biggest decision an obstetrician must make when dealing with this population is choosing the most appropriate mode of delivery. Given the lack of clear guidance pertaining to twin deliveries, CSs may often be perceived as safer and are often preferred over vaginal deliveries (VD). In this narrative review, we aimed to compare the outcomes of different delivery methods (CS versus VD) to investigate whether CS is truly superior to VD. Data were collected from the past two decades and analyzed based on the neonatal and maternal outcomes for each delivery mode. Our results indicate that planned VD is just as safe as CS, if not superior, in most uncomplicated twin pregnancies. Thus, it is best to advise and encourage healthy expecting twin carriers to undergo VD and explore any hesitations or fears they might have. Furthermore, a detailed guideline regarding twin delivery is essential to establish and better navigate twin deliveries, lower the rate of unnecessary CSs, and reduce overall twin gestation morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merin Abraham
- Internal Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal, IND
| | - Noor Ali
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, ARE
- General Practice, Dubai Medical College, Dubai, ARE
| | | | - Priyanka Pandey
- Anatomical Sciences, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, IND
| | - Shreya Nair
- Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, IND
| | - Sindhu Swarna
- Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Mangalore, IND
| | | | | | | | - Kiran Abbas
- Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PAK
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O'Connor C, O'Connor E, Leitao S, Barrett S, O'Donoghue K. Clinical practice guidelines for the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:347. [PMID: 37179347 PMCID: PMC10182673 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05652-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify guidelines with recommendations applicable to the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies within high-income countries, appraise their methodological quality, and discuss the similarities and variability across guidelines. METHOD A systematic literature review of electronic databases was performed. Manual searches of guideline repositories and websites of professional organisations were performed to identify additional guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021248586, 25 June 2021). AGREE II and AGREE-REX tools were applied to assess the quality of eligible guidelines. A narrative and thematic synthesis described and compared the guidelines and their recommendations. RESULTS Twenty-four guidelines were included, from which 483 recommendations were identified across 4 international organisations and 12 countries. Guidelines addressed eight themes and recommendations were classified accordingly: chorionicity and dating (103 recommendations), fetal growth (105 recommendations), termination of pregnancy (12 recommendations), fetal death (13 recommendations), fetal anomalies (65 recommendations), antenatal care (65 recommendations), preterm labour (56 recommendations) and birth (54 recommendations). Guidelines showed significant variability in recommendations, with conflicting recommendations regarding non-invasive preterm testing, definitions surrounding selective fetal growth restriction, screening for preterm labour and the timing of birth. Guidelines lacked a focus on standard antenatal management of DCDA twins, management of discordant fetal anomaly and single fetal demise. CONCLUSIONS Specific guidance for dichorionic diamniotic twins is overall indistinct and access to guidance regarding the antenatal management of these pregnancies is currently difficult. Management of discordant fetal anomaly or single fetal demise needs greater consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline O'Connor
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, 5th Floor, Wilton Road, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Emily O'Connor
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Center (NPEC), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sara Leitao
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Center (NPEC), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Shauna Barrett
- Cork University Hospital Library, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Chorionicity and neurodevelopmental outcomes in twin pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Perinatol 2023; 43:133-146. [PMID: 36333420 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01534-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Through a systematic review and meta-analyses, we aimed to analyze the impact of chorionicity on neurodevelopment outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a comprehensive search strategy through Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and reference lists of the retrieved studies until August 2022. Studies that examined the association between chorionicity and children's neurodevelopment outcomes were included. RESULTS Twelve studies were included. Monochorionic (MC) twins increased the odds of neurodevelopment impairment, cerebral palsy compared to dichorionic (DC) twins. The differences in neurodevelopmental impairment and cerebral palsy between the two groups disappeared after excluding infants with twin-twin transfusion (TTTS). After fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for MC twins, there were no differences too. CONCLUSIONS Compared to DC twins, MC twins were associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopment impairment. MC twins complicated by TTTS were at high risk of neurologic disability, and FLS was an acceptable treatment modality for them.
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Nicholas L, Fischbein R, Ernst-Milner S, Wani R. Review of International Clinical Guidelines Related to Prenatal Screening during Monochorionic Pregnancies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1128. [PMID: 33800344 PMCID: PMC7962833 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a search for international clinical guidelines related to prenatal screening during monochorionic pregnancies. We found 25 resources from 13 countries/regions and extracted information related to general screening as well as screening related to specific monochorionic complications, including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), selective fetal growth restriction (SFGR), and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Findings reveal universal recommendation for the early establishment of chorionicity. Near-universal recommendation was found for bi-weekly ultrasounds beginning around gestational week 16; routine TTTS and SFGR surveillance comprised of regularly assessing fetal growth, amniotic fluids, and bladder visibility; and fetal anatomical scanning between gestational weeks 18-22. Conflicting recommendation was found for nuchal translucency screening; second-trimester scanning for cervical length; routine TAPS screening; and routine umbilical artery, umbilical vein, and ductus venosus assessment. We conclude that across international agencies and organizations, clinical guidelines related to monochorionic prenatal screening vary considerably. This discord raises concerns related to equitable access to evidence-based monochorionic prenatal care; the ability to create reliable international datasets to help improve the quality of monochorionic research; and the promotion of patient safety and best monochorionic outcomes. Patients globally may benefit from the coming together of international bodies to develop inclusive universal monochorionic prenatal screening standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Nicholas
- Department of Social Sciences, D’Youville College, 591 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA
| | - Rebecca Fischbein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, P.O. Box 95, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA; (R.F.); (R.W.)
| | - Stephanie Ernst-Milner
- Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) Support Foundation, Founder, 1326HS Almere, The Netherlands;
| | - Roshni Wani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, P.O. Box 95, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA; (R.F.); (R.W.)
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Simpson L, Maturen KE, Feldstein VA, Oliver ER, Poder L, Strachowski LM, Sussman BL, Weber TM, Winter T, Zelop CM, Glanc P. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Nuchal Translucency Evaluation at 11 to 14 Weeks of Gestation. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 17:S447-S458. [PMID: 33153556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A fetus with an increased nuchal translucency at 11 to 14 weeks gestation is at risk for aneuploidy, genetic syndromes, structural anomalies, and intrauterine fetal demise in both single and twin gestations. In addition to referral to genetics for counseling and consideration of diagnostic genetic testing, a detailed anatomic survey and fetal echocardiogram are indicated in the second trimester to screen for congenital malformations and major heart defects. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Simpson
- Columbia University, New York, New York; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
| | | | | | - Edward R Oliver
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Liina Poder
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Betsy L Sussman
- The University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | | | - Tom Winter
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Carolyn M Zelop
- Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, New Jersey and NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
| | - Phyllis Glanc
- Specialty Chair, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Jha P, Morgan TA, Kennedy A. US Evaluation of Twin Pregnancies: Importance of Chorionicity and Amnionicity. Radiographics 2020; 39:2146-2166. [PMID: 31697621 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2019190042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The twin birth rate is increasing in the United States. Twin pregnancies can be dichorionic or monochorionic (MC). MC twins account for 20% of twin pregnancies but 30% of all-cause pregnancy-related complications. This article describes the imaging findings that establish chorionicity and amnionicity. Ideally, these are established in the first trimester when accuracy is high, but they can also be determined later in pregnancy. Complications unique to MC twin pregnancy include twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia polycythemia sequence, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, and selective fetal growth restriction. The US features, staging systems, and management of these complications are reviewed, and the consequences of MC twin demise are illustrated. Ongoing surveillance for these conditions starts at 16 weeks gestation. Monoamniotic (MA) twins are a small subset of MC twins. In addition to all of the MC complications, specific MA complications include cord entanglement and conjoined twinning. Radiologists must be able to determine chorionicity and amnionicity and should be aware of potential complications so that patients may be referred to appropriate regional specialized centers. A proposed algorithm for referral to specialized fetal treatment centers is outlined. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Jha
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 0628, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628 (P.J., T.A.M.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (A.K.)
| | - Tara A Morgan
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 0628, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628 (P.J., T.A.M.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (A.K.)
| | - Anne Kennedy
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 0628, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628 (P.J., T.A.M.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (A.K.)
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8
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Oliver ER, Maturen KE, Feldstein VA, Poder L, Shipp TD, Simpson L, Strachowski LM, Sussman BL, Weber TM, Winter T, Glanc P. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Assessment of Gravid Cervix. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 17:S26-S35. [PMID: 32370970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth remains the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although the greatest risk factor for preterm birth is a history of prior preterm birth, a short cervical length (≤25 mm) before 24 weeks' gestational age is also associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery. As such, cervical length assessment has become of particular interest in predicting those patients at risk for preterm birth. Other clinical scenarios (eg, preterm labor, induction of labor, and active labor) may arise, in which assessment of the cervix may be of interest. Ultrasound is the mainstay imaging modality for assessing the gravid cervix, with transvaginal ultrasound recommended in patients at high risk for preterm birth or suspected preterm labor. Transperineal ultrasound is an alternate approach in those cases where transvaginal ultrasound in contraindicated. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Oliver
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | | | | | - Liina Poder
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas D Shipp
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
| | - Lynn Simpson
- Columbia University, New York, New York; American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
| | | | - Betsy L Sussman
- The University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | | | - Tom Winter
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Phyllis Glanc
- Specialty Chair, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kennedy AM, Woodward PJ. A Radiologist's Guide to the Performance and Interpretation of Obstetric Doppler US. Radiographics 2020; 39:893-910. [PMID: 31059392 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2019180152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Doppler US provides a unique window to the fetoplacental circulation, allowing assessment of fetal well-being. Doppler US of the umbilical artery is an integral component of managing the fetus with growth restriction; and Doppler US of the middle cerebral artery, as a noninvasive means of detecting fetal anemia, has revolutionized the management of pregnancies complicated by alloimmunization. Serial use of amniocentesis, with its attendant risks, has been replaced by serial Doppler US examinations. Invasive procedures are now reserved for the treatment of anemia with intrauterine transfusion. Technique is critical to obtain the best waveforms for ease of shape assessment, velocity measurement, and calculation of various ratios. In this article, the safety of Doppler US is reviewed, the fetal circulation is described, and the role of Doppler US is demonstrated in first-trimester screening and in the evaluation of growth restriction, anemia, and other causes of fetal compromise in the second and third trimesters. Sampling technique is explained, and normal and abnormal waveforms are illustrated for the ductus venosus, umbilical artery, umbilical vein, middle cerebral artery, and uterine artery. Some examples of clinical cases are provided to illustrate how the results are used in clinical practice. Clinical examples of velamentous insertion and vasa previa are also provided to aid the practicing radiologist with recognition of these entities. In particular, vasa previa is considered a critical finding; it alters pregnancy management, requiring hospital admission, administration of steroid therapy, and planned early cesarean delivery. ©RSNA, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Kennedy
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah Health, 30N 1099E, Room 1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Paula J Woodward
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah Health, 30N 1099E, Room 1A71, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
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Abstract
Ultrasound is the imaging study of choice for detection and full characterization of early pregnancies based on its accuracy, low cost, safety profile, and abundant availability. This article reviews the goals and utility of first-trimester ultrasound in gestation localization, viability determination, and abnormal pregnancies, including ectopic implantation, retained products, and molar pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Wang
- Department of Radiology, Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA.
| | - Shuchi K Rodgers
- Department of Radiology, Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Mindy M Horrow
- Department of Radiology, Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
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