First RSSA/SASPI Imaging Congress
This first official congress devoted to paediatric radiology incorporated the third ISMRM Global Outreach Program (GOP) to South Africa. The stellar international faculty of ISMRM members consisted of Professors James Barkovich(UCSF, USA), Pia Sundgren (Lund, Sweden), and Diego Jaramillo and Edward Lee (Boston, USA). They worked tirelessly to inspire the audience of predominantly general radiologists, and were supported by several local paediatric radiologists (Tracy Kilborn, Savvas Andronikou, Nicky Wieselthaler, Richard Pitcher and Jaishree Naidoo) who added expert local experience and expertise on topics ranging from interpretation of chest X-rays to spinal injuries and MRI findings in TB meningitis.
The lectures covered neuroradiology and thoracic and musculoskeletal imaging, giving insight and guidelines into the management of both common and challenging conditions in these areas in the paediatric patient, with a strong emphasis on the use of MRI in this radiosensitive group. Basic MRI applications, appearances and sequences were stressed as well as the use and indications for more advanced techniques such as Epilepsy Imaging at 7T that were eloquently explained.
In addition to the didactic lectures, the international faculty treated the audience to a case-based interactive learning session. The conference concluded with lectures on new horizons in paediatric imaging with specific reference to the future applications that MRI will provide in brain and lung imaging.
A highlight was the oral paper presentations for the RSSA Travel Award of $5 000 that is annually awarded for the best scientific paper by a resident or radiologist less than 5 years qualified. The ISMRM faculty were the adjudicators. The winner was Dr Tanya Pillay (Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town) for the paper ‘Assessment of the accuracy of MRI in predicting operability and tumour staging in Wilms’ tumour (nephroblastoma) when correlated with surgical findings and histopathology’. (This was, incidentally, the second year in succession that a paper from Red Cross Children’s War Memorial Hospital won the RSSA Travel Award.) The international judges also gave very useful feedback and constructive criticism regarding research methodology and the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of scientific oral presentations.
The audience of 350 delegates ( one of the largest in South
African radiology history) pronounced the congress a resounding
success; this can be directly attributed to the high quality and
international reputation of the ISMRM faculty. The financial
support received from the ISMRM and the international sponsors
(Siemens, Philips and GE), who support the GOP, was gratefully
acknowledged.
(From left to right) Proff Leon J van Rensburg (RSSA Congress Chair, ISMRM GOP co-ordinator, Africa and Middle East); Pia C Sundgren (Sweden, ISMRM trustee); A James Barkovich (UCSF, USA); Dr Tracy Kilborn (co-organiser, HoD, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town); and Dr Edward Lee (Boston Children’s Hospital, USA).
Second RSSA/ICIS Cancer Imaging Course
Tygerberg Hospital/University of Stellenbosch
The Spier Hotel and Conference Centre near Stellenbosch hosted the second joint venture between the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA) and the International Cancer Imaging Society (ICIS). The internationally renowned faculty included representatives from the USA, Canada, the UK, Austria, the Netherlands and Italy, with Dr Philip Jansen van Rensburg representing South Africa. A comprehensive syllabus of lectures was delivered most successfully. The efforts of both societies in striving to improve the quality of radiological education and practice in Southern Africa are gratefully acknowledged.
Advances in modern radiological techniques, including whole body DWI and advanced MRI sequences in glioblastoma multiforme, were among the many highlights. Professor Anwar Padhani, on his return visit to Spier for a RSSA/ICIS collaboration, and Professor Jelle Barentsz, educated and entertained delegates with their humorous delivery of the imaging of prostate carcinoma, ensuring that the essence of their lectures would be remembered long after the laughter dissipated.
Unfortunately, renowned neuroradiologist Professor Anne Osborne was unable to make the transatlantic crossing owing to sudden illness. However, modern technology allowed her lecture series to be delivered in real time, in the format of a live webinar, from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Professor Richard Hewlett stepped in at short notice and delivered 2 lectures; this was just 4 days following the death of his beloved wife. Notwithstanding this blow, his audience were, as generations of radiologists before, privileged to benefit from his wisdom and wit. He has the distinction of being the first honourary member of the RSSA. In September 2012, Professor Robert Hermans of KU Leuven was admitted as the second member. During the course, Proff Anne Osborne and Jay P Heiken were added to this distinguished list, each also receiving a gold Kruger Rand from the RSSA.
Professor Heiken (ICIS Secretary and Chair) has collaborated with Professor Leon Janse van Rensburg, RSSA Congress Chairman, for 2 years in bringing a world-class cancer imaging course to our doorstep. Professor Heiken was not only instrumental in arranging the First and Second RSSA/ICIS Cancer Imaging Courses, but also the highly successful First RSSA/SGR Gastrointestinal Radiology Course at Spier Estate in August 2010. It is hoped that continuing collaboration between our society and international societies, such as the ICIS and SGR, will be fostered.
The faculty (from left to right): Prof. J Goldin (USA), Drs R Smith (Canada), G Morana (Italy), Proff M Thurner (Austria), L J van Rensburg (RSA), L Quint (USA), Drs P Janse van Rensburg (RSA), A Sahdev (UK), Proff J Heiken (USA), R Hewlett (RSA), A Padhani (UK) and Dr C Sperryn (RSA).