Radiographic data were based on review of CXR reports by surveillance officers and not by actual review of radiographs by a designated study radiologist.
Erosiveness was assessed by total Ratingen score [ 19] for the non-dominant hand by a study-independent radiologist and a rheumatologist.
A sample of ultrasound films were reviewed by the study radiologist.
This was carried out by reference to bony landmarks, by employing the same technologist for each patient visit and by confirming acceptable anatomical relocation by the study radiologist in the quality control process prior to analysis.
Participants were seen at the NIH Clinical Center (NCI Protocol #01-C-0009; NCT-00012415) and underwent a physical examination, nipple fluid aspiration, breast duct lavage, standard clinical four-view screening mammogram and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which were reviewed by the study radiologist (CKC).
Breast density was assessed by the study radiologist (KAE), who was blinded to the identity and other personal characteristics of study subjects, using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System: 1 = entirely fatty, 2 = scattered fibroglandular tissue, 3 = heterogeneously dense, and 4 = extremely dense [ 23].
Mammograms obtained within the year prior to enrollment were reviewed by two study radiologists (CKC and CEG).
A study by radiologists at Harvard Medical School, published in 2000, found that patients who received hypnosis during surgery required less medication, had fewer complications and shorter procedures than patients who did not have hypnosis.
In 2004, a study by radiologists sought to demonstrate that portable ultrasound could enhance the medical management and clinical outcomes of patient care in a variety of clinical settings (surgeon's office, hospital operating room and clinics) in the Sekondi-Takoradi area, Ghana.
