Current problems in diagnostic radiology
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High-resolution technique is essential to the evolution of temporal bone fractures. Axial and coronal scan planes are optimal but may not be possible in acutely traumatized patients. A knowledge of normal temporal bone anatomy is important and can be obtained from standard texts, so it will not be considered in detail in this article. ⋯ The site of cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea resulting from temporal bone fractures can usually be defined on plain high-resolution temporal bone images, but intrathecal contrast may be helpful. Temporal bone fractures caused by gunshot wounds are frequently complex and may be limited by metallic streak artifacts. Pediatric patients have different proportions of facial nerve injury and types of hearing loss as compared with adults.
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Curr Probl Diagn Radiol · Mar 1998
ReviewCurrent indications and techniques in evaluating inflammatory disease and neoplasia of the sinonasal cavities.
Imaging strategies of the sinonasal cavities have undergone extensive revision over the last 5-year period. The traditional imaging examination of the paranasal sinuses, plain film radiography, does reasonably well in diagnosing maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinusitis. However, it less reliable in depicting abnormalities in the ethmoid sinuses, the most common area first affected with inflammatory disease. ⋯ In addition to developing an imaging algorithm to provide the information affecting clinical decision making, we detail the specific imaging techniques necessary accurately to obtain that information. We also review the specific concerns about imaging patients in the intensive care unit and touch on several emerging imaging techniques. The imaging workup in pediatric patients and patients with congenital anomalies is beyond the scope of this review.
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A wide spectrum of sonographic findings can be seen in the first trimester of pregnancy. One must have an appreciation of embryology to recognize normal and abnormal early pregnancy development. In this article we emphasize discriminatory criteria for identification of normal structures, as well as ultrasound findings in threatened abortion, failing pregnancy, multiple gestations, ectopic pregnancy, and trophoblastic disease. Sonoembryology, the identification of embryonic anatomy, is discussed, as are examples of early identification of anomalies.
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Curr Probl Diagn Radiol · Jul 1995
Case ReportsMedical-legal issues in radiology: prevention and control.
Concerns about legal implications affect many decisions of the average radiologist, and physicians do not always appreciate the validity of these concerns. However, such concerns often influence radiologists' decisions more than is warranted. An improved understanding of the law and its ramifications may serve to prevent adverse legal effects found in the everyday practice of radiology. ⋯ This monograph seeks to enhance radiologists' understanding of some common and important legal issues related to their practice of medicine. We hope that this monograph will help radiologists appreciate the legal implications of their behavior. The opinions expressed in this monograph are those of the authors and should not be inferred to represent the official views of any government agency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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The maxillofacial region, extending from the base of the skull to the hyoid bone, is one of the most anatomically complex regions of the body. This area contains elements and organs belonging to a number of different systems that can be affected by a variety of local and systemic pathologic processes. Diagnostic imaging has assumed a central role in the evaluation of this region. ⋯ In this section, we use the gamut approach to examine a number of developmental, inflammatory, neoplastic, metabolic, and traumatic lesions or disorders. In the last section, we briefly review the subject of orthognathic surgery and the role of diagnostic imaging in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the orthognathic patient. The radiographic appearance of some of the more commonly performed midfacial osteotomies are presented.