Acta radiologica
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Contrast material and radiation dose reduction strategy for triple-rule-out cardiac CT angiography: feasibility study of non-ECG-gated low kVp scan of the whole chest following coronary CT angiography.
Dedicated coronary computed tomography (CT) scan has been proven to be an accurate diagnostic modality in evaluating coronary artery disease. A second phase scan starting immediately after the coronary CT scan might enable visualization of the different vascular territories of the entire chest. ⋯ The new TRO-CTA protocol can reduce the total dose of radiation and the contrast dose and yield adequate vascular enhancement compared with the conventional protocol.
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Hepatic percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is usually performed with the patient under deep intravenous (i.v.) sedation or general anesthesia. Nonetheless, many patients report pain during and/or after the procedure. ⋯ The continuous infusion of fentanyl provided effective and safe analgesia in HCC patients undergoing percutaneous RFA.
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Excluding a cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) through imaging is a frequent request in the emergency setting. This assessment often starts by an unenhanced brain computed tomography (CT). ⋯ The dense triangle sign on helical unenhanced brain CT has an excellent NPV to exclude a sinus thrombosis during the first 2 weeks. However, we believe that visual assessment of spontaneous hyperdensity is not sufficient for the diagnosis of CVT, with possible false-positive of the hSSS on unenhanced CT.
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Thoracic aortic aneurysm is one of the most common aorta pathologies worldwide, which is commonly evaluated by computed tomography angiography (CTA). One of the routine methods to improve the image quality of CTA is heart rate reduction prior to study by beta-blockade administration. ⋯ Beta-blocker premedication may not be necessary for imaging of ascending aorta with ECG-gated DSCTA.
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Osteoporotic vertebral biconcave-shaped fractures are not commonly seen in clinical practice. Some articles have been published showing the outcome of vertebroplasty (PV) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP), but few comparative studies have been performed. ⋯ Both PV and BKP achieved similar improvements in pain and functional outcomes for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral biconcave-shaped fractures. BKP had a significant advantage over PV in terms of the restoration of the middle vertebral height and fewer cement leakages than PV.