Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MR
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Semin. Ultrasound CT MR · Jun 2009
Gunshot injuries in the neck area: ballistics elements and forensic issues.
The neck is an interesting structure as far as penetrating trauma is concerned because of the multiple vital structures that are concentrated in a small anatomic area. Gunshot wounding is an interaction between the penetrating projectile, the anatomy of the wounded subject, and the chance occurrences that determine the exact missile path. The mass and velocity of the projectile establish the upper limit of possible tissue damage. ⋯ The radiologist can contribute substantially to the successful treatment of the patient with a gunshot wound. Important analysis includes the assessment of the missile path in emergency conditions by using plain film and multidetector row computed tomography. The radiologist further evaluates the extent of wounding by determining missile fragmentation and secondary missile paths.
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This article reviews the role of imaging in the diagnosis of sinonasal tumors, illustrating the diversity of tumors affecting this region. The symptoms of sinonasal tumors are nonspecific; imaging plays a critical role in distinguishing benign and malignant disease and may occasionally illustrate characteristic radiological features of specific tumors. ⋯ Critical imaging review areas are discussed together with accurate staging, including orbital and intracranial involvement, which determine the appropriate surgical approach. The sites and patterns of tumor recurrence and the imaging features of recurrent tumor are also discussed.
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Semin. Ultrasound CT MR · Oct 2008
ReviewComputed tomography in the nontraumatic renal causes of acute flank pain.
Renal colic pain due to obstructing stone is the main renal cause of acute flank pain. However, other causes may be responsible for the same clinical findings, including acute pyelonephritis, acute vascular conditions, and hemorrhage. The purpose of this review is to describe the differential diagnosis, the computed tomographic findings and pitfalls, and the role and impact of computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of the renal causes of acute flank pain.
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While omental infarction (OI) and acute epiploic appendagitis (AEA) often clinically mimic surgical abdomen, their management is distinct. As such, accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to follow medical management. Computed tomography and ultrasound imaging, utilized routinely in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain in the emergent setting, facilitate diagnosis and appropriate management of OI and AEA. The awareness of the clinical manifestations and imaging features of OI, AEA, and their mimics allow the radiologist to play a decisive role in triaging patients into surgical and medical management groups.