Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MR
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Numerous findings incidental to the stated indication for obtaining a computed tomogram (CT) of the chest are encountered. While some findings are life threatening (eg, pulmonary embolism), others are clearly benign (pulmonary hamartoma, vertebral hemangioma). This article discusses management issues related to the detection of unexpected findings in different compartments of the thorax. In the future, more detailed outcome data will be available to better guide medical decision-making.
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Infection of the spine is a rare but serious cause of back pain. Conventional radiographs remain the initial screening procedure. Typically two adjacent vertebral bodies and the intervening disk space are affected. ⋯ Because of the ability to image soft tissues, magnetic resonance imaging is particularly helpful in detecting paravertebral and extradural abscesses. Four other conditions may mimic infectious spondylitis: degenerative disk disease associated with Modic type 1 changes, pseudoarthrosis in ankylosing spondylitis, dialysis spondyloarthropathy, and neuropathic spondyloarthropathy. Advanced imaging studies in combination with radiographs and clinical information are essential in determining the correct diagnosis.
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Semin. Ultrasound CT MR · Jun 2004
ReviewPostoperative radiology of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
This article addresses the imaging appearances following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). EVAR is gaining popularity and hence there is increasing likelihood that radiologists who are unfamiliar with the procedure will report imaging investigations on these patients. We describe the technique, failure modes, complications, and postoperative imaging features of this procedure.
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In recent years, the advent of multidetector CT (MDCT) has begun to change the imaging approach to patients sustaining blunt or penetrating thoracic injury. The ability to directly detect some injuries that are often occult on chest radiography, such as pericardial hemorrhage, major thoracic vascular injury, small pneumothorax, and diaphragm tears, as well as the ability to better define the extent of other injuries, such as lung contusion and laceration, account for this transition. This article reviews current concepts of diagnostic imaging in acute chest trauma from both blunt force and penetrating mechanisms, emphasizing the spectrum of diagnostic imaging findings for various injuries, primarily based on multidetector MDCT.
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Semin. Ultrasound CT MR · Apr 2003
ReviewUltrasonography and computed tomography in suspected acute appendicitis.
Patients with typical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis should have a prompt surgical consultation for timely appendectomy. The use of diagnostic imaging tests such as CT scan or ultrasonography should be selective in those with atypical presentation or findings. ⋯ The use of imaging modalities in suspected acute appendicitis should be complement to, but not replacing, clinical assessment and judgement. The skillful use of clinical assessment and imaging modalities will reduce the negative appendectomy rate yet assure low perforation and mortality rates.