From now in these “news” articles will become semi-regular as new features will be launched individually after they have been completed and tested, instead of at regular intervals. Lets take a look the new functionalities that I have made available since the last post:
- The 25-point COVID-19 CT severity index score is a robust, easily obtained and interpreted numerical value which conveys radiological severity of lung involvement in a straightforward manner. Studies have demonstrated that a poor (i.e. >18) CTSI is an early indicator of unfavorable patient outcomes. In my own practice too this score has been a tremendous help in the last year, and was extremely well received by clinician colleagues as well.
- K-TIRADS is one of the most well known reporting systems used in the assessment of thyroid nodules wordldwide. The calculator for K-TIRADS shows specific FNA recommendations for each category, whilst further important technical details and definitions have been summarized in the “Notes” section. Since we already have calculators for ACR-TI-RADS and EU-TIRADS now all major reporting systems are covered.
- Several volume calculators have been added:
- The Hazlinger formula allows estimation of pleural effusion volume on CT from a single caliper measurement. Although a single measurement is needed, the formula itself as one can see is rather cumbersome due to to the multiple correction factors. But this is precisely the situation where a calculator can help a lot.
- A urinary bladder volume calculator for ultrasound using multiple correction factors to accomodate for differences in bladder morphology.
- A thyroid volume calculator for ultrasound using a correction factor for ovoid geometry.
- The Limberg score which is an easily understandable and relatively straightforward method to assess sonographic activity of inflammatory bowel disease.
- A calculator for the Lung-RADS reporting and data system, which is widely used to characterize lung lesion detected on chest CT done in the context of lung cancer screening. Note that it is not to be used to assess incidental lesions, for that purpose the Fleischner guidelines should be relied upon instead. A dedicated Lung-RADS calculator is also available for volumetric analysis.