Medical Briefs

EFW Radiology believes in the importance of evidence-based medicine and supporting referring physicians in their practices. We are pleased to offer a series of medical white papers for our referring physicians. Each medical brief is written by one of our subspecialized radiologists, perinatologists, or physiatrists. Prior to publication and distribution, the primary author works with colleagues and undertakes an internal peer-review process. This ensures the materials use the depth and breadth of expertise of the entire subspecialty team.

Breast Density and Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound

Tracy Elliot, MD, FRCP(c), HBSc
November 2013

The Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound program was created to provide an optional exam to complement screening mammograms for patients with dense tissue.

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Choosing MRI Wisely: Part 1

Houman Mahallati, MD, FRCPC
March 2014

Lower back pain and knee pain are common complaints. The goal of this brief is to provide a simple guideline for choosing MRI where it is most likely to aid in a positive contribution to patient outcomes.

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Choosing MRI Wisely: Part 2

Houman Mahallati, MD, FRCPC
March 2014

Headaches are common and, with our aging population, dementia is increasing. These conditions often do not require MRI, but under certain circumstances, it may provide valuable information to guide your care algorithms. This brief is meant to help inform use of MRI in these cases.

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Choosing MRI Wisely: Part 3

Houman Mahallati, MD, FRCPC
March 2014

This is the third in a series of medical briefs attempting to share evidence-based guidelines in appropriate use of MRI. The goal is to provide concise, easy to follow information to assist busy community-based primary care physicians in choosing MRI for their patients, when they are faced with potentially challenging scenarios where patients request a Breast MRI and the physician believes the MRI is not indicated. 

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Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy

Stefan Przybojewski MBChB, Dip Pec(SA),MMed Rad D(SA), FCR Diag(SA)
October 2014

Calcific tendinopathy is a self-limiting, but treatable condition. When symptoms become moderate to severe, rotator cuff lavage should be considered. This is a safe and effective way to promptly reduce pain and improve shoulder function.

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Thyroid Ultrasound: Standard Ultrasound Assessment and Reporting

Dr. Paula Seal, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Ralf Paschke, MD, PhD
Dr. Christopher J. Symonds, MD, FRCPC
July 2018

Thyroid nodules are very common and often discovered incidentally. Proper sonographic malignancy risk assessment and risk stratified treatment strategies are aimed at reducing over diagnosis and over treatment.

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