Mark Okeji

• M.Sc, Ph.D
• Professor at University of Nigeria

Background: Umbilical artery (UbA) Doppler sonography is a potential screening tool for pregnancy complications in placenta insufficiency. Assessment of the maternal and fetal vessels in pregnancy ensures accurate identification and prediction of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restrictions (IUGR). The stu...

Background: Ingestion of radionuclides via beer products may predispose consumers to radiological health hazards. This study aimed to determine the gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in beers and ground water samples in selected breweries in Nigeria and their potential radiological hazards. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study w...

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as the machine that replaces human labour to work for men with a more effective and speedier result. There is a paucity of data on the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers regarding AI technology. This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers towards the appli...

Introduction: Uterine artery (UtA) Doppler sonography is a potential screening tool for pregnancy complications in placental insufficiency. Evaluation of the maternal and fetal vessels in pregnancy ensures accurate identification and prediction of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restrictions (IUGR). The st...

DEAR EDITORS, We are a team of researchers, educators, and professionals with interests in and commitment to medical imaging and radiation sciences (MIRS) practice, education, and research. It is in good faith that we are writing this open letter to the Editors of the South African Radiographer (SAR) Journal to express our concerns about the curre...

This scoping review provides overview on the historical and major developments, current status, quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) studies and the role of medical physics bodies in MR imaging in Africa. The study analyzed MRI availability in 32 (59 %) of the 54 African countries. South Africa and Egypt have the most dominant MR systems. Number of...

INTRODUCTION: Enormously high-dose procedures such as computed tomography requires pediatrics-specific protocols due to high tissue radio-sensitivity and higher lifetime attributable cancer risks. It's not known if radiographers in Nigeria consider this fact at all times. This work aimed to survey head computed tomography dose in Nigeria for eviden...

Introduction Computed Tomography (CT) involves larger radiation dose than the more common conventional x-ray imaging procedures. Existing DRLs have been established based on anatomical locations. However, some limitations of this approach have been identified. CT examinations, for the same anatomical location, could have several clinical indication...

Background To quantify the amount of scattered radiation reaching the breasts during x-ray and CT investigations of the head in order to find appropriate justification for an intended change in practice involving torso shielding. Results Scattered radiation from the head reached the breasts in both procedures. The range and mean dose were (CR 1.02...

This conference paper was presented at the just concluded Radiography Society in Kenya Conference (RASCO), 2021 with the main aim of crystallizing the role of Radiographers within a pandemic towards realizing the goals of the Universal Health Coverage.

Background Errors in radiographic image annotation by radiographers could potentially lead to misdiagnoses by radiologists and wrong side surgery by surgeons. Such medical negligence has dire medico-legal consequences. It was hypothesized that newer technology of computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DDR) image annotation would...

Background: It should be trite knowledge that children are not ‘small adults’ and adults are not ‘big children.’ In healthcare, the most popular distinction between paediatrics and adults is based on age. During the enormously high-dose computed tomography procedures, the distinction between adults and paediatrics is much more obvious due to high t...

Introduction: Following the outbreak and increasing numbers of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Nigeria, healthcare professionals are at the forefront in dealing with the pandemic. Radiographers are among the first line care givers. The study is aim to assess the level of preparedness of the Radiography sector in Nigeria. Methods: A prospective cro...

Background: The service bottlenecks arising from the ill-managed patient flow and poor scheduling processes result in excessively long waiting time for patients. Purpose: To analyze the patient flow system and optimize the scheduling of patients in the radiology department of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Method: This cross-sectional study was ca...

Background High patient load and ineffective appointment scheduling has been linked to hospital overcrowding. This article investigated the appointment scheduling method, patient waiting times and overall treatment times. These figures were subsequently compared against patient arrival and examination times. Method In total, 768 adult ambulant pat...

Background: Low back pain (LBP) affects the majority of the population but common among workers. It affects diagnostic radiographers mainly due to occupational physical activities and age. Objective: This study sought to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and coping mechanisms among practicing radiographers in Enugu and Ebonyi States, Nigeria...

Background and Objective: Heavy metals refer to metallic chemical elements that have a relatively high density (4 g cm¯ ³ ) that is greater than that of water. The presence or absence of some heavy metals is known to cause various diseases in humans. This study aimed to measure the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt...

Patient care ensures that patients receive the best health care service while, safety on the other hand ensures that such care is given without any harm to the patient. Based on recent available data, there is a current trend of demographic and epidemiological transitions globally. This effect is more in low- and middle-income countries, Africa inc...

Objectives The aim of our study was to establish a reference database of calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the speed of sound (SOS) in a healthy Nigerian population of children aged 6 to 14 years and also to investigate the influence of sociodemographic and anthropometric variables on them. Methods The BUA and SOS of 1016 health...

The objective was to establish normal thyroid volume in healthy infants and children, in a select Nigerian population. Using a portable ultrasound equipment with a 7.5-MHz transducer, 500 apparently healthy pediatric patients were sonographically evaluated. The volume for each thyroid lobe was obtained, as well as the summation of both left and rig...

Background: For the past 15 years, the number of students offering Radiography has been on a steady incline, with the number of standard facilities for clinical postings remaining almost constant. This leads to overcrowding of the clinical facilities and poor clinical skills among students, and arguably, a loss of interest in basic radiographic tec...

Managing critically injured patients are challenging, as most victims of major trauma are often present with a host of complications including inability to precisely locate the site and nature of injury. Hence the need for an urgent diagnosis and resuscitation. This study was carried out to establish the incidence of trauma and the radiographers' c...

Background To assess the attitude to and perception of transvaginal sonography (TVS) among Nigerian women of mixed educational status in order to ascertain factors that may prevent them from submitting to TVS when recommended. Methods A Cross-sectional survey was adopted for the study. In all, one missionary, one government and eight private hospi...

Background: Exposure to petroleum products has been shown to have significant adverse effects on the liver which can manifest either as morphological or physiological changes. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of chronic exposure to some petroleum products on the liver of exposed workers using sonography and to determine wh...

Purpose: To assess the attitude to and perception of transvaginal sonography (TVS) among Nigerian women of mixed educational status in order to ascertain factors that may prevent them from submitting to TVS when recommended. Methods: A Cross-sectional survey was adopted for the study. In all, one missionary, one government and eight private hosp...

Total intra-cranial volume (TIV) of the Igbo population of Nigeria was carried out using stereology technique. A total of 329 adult subjects of Igbo ethnic group with no cranial and brain abnormalities aged between 18 and 87 years were enlisted into the study (males: 193 and females: 136). They were scanned with a helical dual detector (GE Hi-Speed...

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is associated with relatively higher radiation doses when compared with other diagnostic modalities. There is therefore concerns regarding the risk of carcinogenesis from routine CT procedures. Dose recording and reporting have therefore, become imperative. In Nigeria as in many other parts of Africa, there is p...

Chest radiograph is an invaluable tool to the physicians and surgeons for the assessment of the airways, lungs, mediastinum, heart, pleura and chest walls. Radiographs of poor diagnostic quality could lead to poor diagnosis and ultimately to poor management outcome. This study was aimed at assessing the diagnostic quality of chest radiographs in or...

The incidence of breast cancer has continued to rise among Nigerian women however early detection holds the key to better prognosis. This study aimed to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mammographic Screening among Female Staff of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Academic and non-academic female staff of University of Nigeria Enug...

Solid waste disposal pattern of sellers in Mile One Market, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, was assessed in order to determine the waste disposal habits of the sellers, accessibility of waste dumpsters to the sellers, frequency of clearing the dumpsters and the possible health impact. Data were collected using researcher-developed questionnai...

Abstract: Medical exposure accounts for 98 % of contributions from all artificial sources and contributes 20 % to the total population dose worldwide. The light beam diaphragms (LBDs) function to control the field size of x-ray beam passing through the patient onto the film thereby reducing the radiation dose to the patient and improving the image...

The radionuclides present in Fluted Pumpkin (Teifairia occidentalis) cultivated and consumed in Southeast Nigeria were assessed and their activity concentration determined to assess the potential radiological impact of consumption of the vegetable as part of the daily diet. The radioactivity concentration of238 U,232 Th and40K in the vegetable samp...

Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain is the commonest CT examination performed and had been recognized to deliver very high radiation dose to the patients. This study was aimed at evaluating the radiation dose from routine brain CT scan and to compare the dose from the protocols for brain CT. The ex-post-facto design was adopted. All the reco...

Darkroom technicians and assistants are exposed daily to x-ray processing chemicals. These chemicals contain known irritants which can cause some disease symptoms to its handlers. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of chemical hazards and prevalence of darkroom diseases among darkroom technicians and assistants in Southeast, Nigeria....

The prevalence and patterns of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among practising sonographers in Enugu State, Nigeria was assessed in order to establish the predisposing factors and document possible measures to mitigate them. A researcher-developed semi-structured questionnaire divided into three sections was used for data collection...

This study compared the ultrasonographic features with histopathological findings in breast lesions seen at State House Clinic, Abuja, to determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of breast lesions using histopathology as gold standard. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the State Ho...

Background: Radiographers are in great demand and inadequate distribution to the rural hospitals and underserved areas affect prompt health service delivery to patients. Patients travel several kilometres from rural and underserved areas in Nigeria to access radiographic services and this affects morbidity and mortality. Objective: To assess facto...

Given the widespread use and abuse of petroleum products in a background of increasing hepatic diseases in Nigeria and globally, it is important to identify other methods apart from biochemical assays of assessing the toxicity of these products. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of chronic low level exposure to petrol products on...

Abstract The potential radiological impact of phosphogypsum wastes from phosphate fertilizer plant in Nigeria was assessed in view of the fact that they could be employed as substitutes for natural gypsum in construction industry. The radionuclides present in the phosphogypsum were identified and absorbed dose, radium equivalent, external and inter...

Background: The portal vein is a unique venous system which consists of a double system of capillaries and therefore very important for normal metabolism. Portal hypertension results from either anatomical or functional obstruction to blood flow in this vessel and this may affect the vessel calibre. The various commonly used diagnostic methods have...

Natural radioactivity in soil and vegetable samples in cultivated land in the vicinity of an active phosphate fertilizer plant in Kaduna, Nigeria was carried out to assess the potential radiological impact of the plant on its immediate environment. The activity counting was carried out using sodium iodide gamma spectrometry. The annual committed ef...

The radionuclides present in phosphate ore, phosphogypsum and soil samples in the vicinity of a phosphate fertilizer plants in Nigeria were identified and their activity concentration determined to assess the potential radiation impact on the environment due to fertilizer production. The mean activity concentration of (238)U, (232)Th, and (40)K rad...

Indoor radon concentration level was measured in twelve selected phosphate fertilizer warehouses in Nigeria in order to establish potential hazards to persons using such warehouses as offices.The fertilizer warehouses were selected based on the brand of fertilizers stored, size, ventilation pattern and the number of workers in the warehouses during...

Background: A well organised equipment procurement and maintenance policy in radiology departments is critical for prompt and efficient health care delivery. Objective: To assess the equipment procurement and management policies in radiology departments in Nigeria with a view to finding the possible causes of frequent breakdown. Materials and metho...

Background: A well organised equipment procurement and maintenance policy in radiology departments is critical for prompt and efficient health care delivery. Objective: To assess the equipment procurement and management policies in radiology departments in Nigeria with a view to finding the possible causes of frequent breakdown. Materials and metho...

An appraisal of reporting of trauma images in secondary and tertiary health care centers in Nigeria was conducted using structured questionnaires. The study sought to evaluate how timely trauma radiographs were reported by radiologists and the implication for recommendation of Red-dot system. Our study revealed that in all the hospitals surveyed on...

This study is aimed at determining the absorbed dose by patients undergoing hysterosalpingography in a Nigerian hospital. Dosimetric evaluations were carried out by measuring Entrance Surface Dose [ESD] using Thermoluminiscent Dosimeters [TLD] placed on the regions of interest. The radiation dose to ninety one [91] patients [mean age 29] who underw...

Patient satisfaction with obstetric sonography may indicate the quality of services rendered in the sonographic suite. A comparative assessment of the quality of services between government and missionary hospitals in southeastern Nigeria is not known. The aim of this study was to compare the satisfaction rating during obstetric sonography between...

Patient satisfaction with obstetric sonography may indicate the quality of services rendered in the sonographic suite. A comparative assessment of the quality of services between government and missionary hospitals in southeastern Nigeria is not known. The aim of this study was to compare the satisfaction rating during obstetric sonography between...

This study was carried out to evaluate the X-ray beam collimation practice, among radiographers, as a measure of radiation protection for patients undergoing radiodiagnostic investigations. Inadequate X-ray beam collimation practice was observed in all the hospitals studied. Light beam misalignment/malfunction, pressure of work and years of experie...

To investigate the in-vivo effects of intravenous administration of sodium meglumine diatrizoate on some haematological parameters in a Nigerian population. Blood samples were collected before and one hour after intravenous injection of sodium-meglumine diatrizoate from 50 subjects undergoing intravenous urography examinations who had no history of...

Aim: To highlight the importance of oral history in the development of radiography profession in Nigeria. Oral history has been extensively employed in qualitative research. It aims to shed light in the past, guide the present through effective policy formulation and implementation, and enable the future to be anticipated based on previous experien...

The conventional use of x-rays in radiodiagnosis is widely obtainable in Nigeria. This study was intended, therefore to determine the usefulness of x-rays to evaluate pains of the upper-limb in aspects of its contribution to diagnosis, cost, patient care and management and the views for detailed information. Adopting judgemental sampling, a non-pro...