AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
TIPS for refractory ascites: a 6-year single-center experience with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent-grafts.
OBJECTIVE. This single-center study evaluated the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stent-grafts for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement to manage portal hypertension-related refractory ascites. MATERIALS AND METHODS. ⋯ CONCLUSION. TIPS placement using an ePTFE-covered stent-graft is an efficacious therapy for refractory ascites. Patients with preserved liver function-characterized by a MELD score of less than 15 or a MELD score of less than 18 and an albumin value of 3 mg/dL or greater-experience the greatest survival benefit.
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OBJECTIVE. Nearly 8 million patients present annually to emergency departments (EDs) in the United States with acute chest pain. Identifying those with a sufficiently low risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains challenging. ⋯ CONCLUSION. Early utilization of cardiac CTA in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain and a low to intermediate risk of ACS quickly identifies a group of particularly low-risk patients (< 1% risk of adverse events within 30 days) and allows safe and expedited discharge. By preventing unnecessary admissions and prolonged lengths of stay, a strategy based on early cardiac CTA has been shown to be efficient, although potential overutilization and other issues require long-term study.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
ReviewSpectrum of suprascapular nerve lesions: normal and abnormal neuromuscular imaging appearances on 3-T MR neurography.
OBJECTIVE. In this article, we will review the normal anatomy and imaging features of various neuromuscular abnormalities related to suprascapular neuropathy. ⋯ Electrodiagnostic studies are considered the reference standard for diagnosis; however, high-resolution 3-T MR neurography (MRN) can play an important role. MRN enables direct visualization of the nerve and simultaneous assessment of the cervical spine, brachial plexus, and rotator cuff.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
ReviewRadiologic manifestations of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
OBJECTIVE. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction promises to become an effective treatment option in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ⋯ CONCLUSION. Familiarity with the intended effects and adverse events will aid the radiologist in supporting bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
Variation in CT pediatric head examination radiation dose: results from a national survey.
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to examine the variation in radiation dose, CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), and dose-length product (DLP) for pediatric head CT examinations as a function of hospital characteristics across the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS. ⋯ CONCLUSION. Most hospitals (82%) report doses that meet American College of Radiology accreditation levels. However, [corrected] the mean CTDI(vol) at children's hospitals was approximately 7 mGy (21%, adjusted for covariates), lower than that at nonchildren's hospitals.