Acta radiologica
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Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is often associated with epilepsy. Identification of FCD can be difficult due to subtle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes. Though fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence detects the majority of these lesions, smaller lesions may go unnoticed while larger lesions may be poorly delineated. ⋯ Specialized MRI sequences and techniques should be performed whenever there is a high suspicion of cortical dysplasia, especially when they remain occult on conventional MR protocols. These techniques can also be used to define lesion extent more precisely.
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Immediate angiography is warranted in pelvic trauma patients with suspected arterial injury (AI) in order to stop ongoing bleeding. Prior to angiography, plain pelvic radiography (PPR) and abdominopelvic computer tomography (CT) are performed to identify fracture and hematoma sites. ⋯ CT findings of arterial blush and hematoma predicted site of arterial bleeding on pelvic angiography. Also, PPR predicted the site of bleeding using location of fracture and size of displacement. In the hemodynamically unstable patient, PPR may contribute equally to effective assessment of injured arteries.
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In the trauma unit of the Bloemfontein Academic Complex, the total number of stab wounds seen represents approximately 70.5% of penetrating injuries, which is 6.4% of 5004 trauma cases seen in a period of 1 year. The other cases are gunshot wounds and pedestrian or motor vehicle accidents. Specific guidelines and protocols are followed for penetrating trauma management. ⋯ Although radiology has a role to play, direct visualization (esophagoscopy, bronchoscopy) remains the most reliable method of excluding injuries to these structures. Transthoracic ultrasound (echocardiography) has become indispensable in helping to evaluate injuries to the heart and the ascending and descending aortas. More recent work has demonstrated that ultrasonography can also be used to detect hemothoraces and pneumothoraces with accuracy.
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Comparative Study
Low-dose contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of brain metastases at 3.0 T using high-relaxivity contrast agents.
Lesion-to-brain contrast after gadolinium administration is significantly higher at 3.0 Tesla (T) compared to 1.5 T. The high in vivo relaxivity of gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) may permit the use of lower-dose contrast agents. ⋯ Comparable contrast enhancement of brain metastases can be achieved with a 0.05-mmol/kg dose of Gd-BOPTA at 3.0 T compared to imaging at 1.5 T using 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA.
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Pneumothorax is the most common complication after computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy. The presence of a pneumothorax per se does not complicate patient management, but an increasing pneumothorax, making chest tube placement necessary, is highly problematic. ⋯ Percutaneous manual aspiration of biopsy-induced pneumothorax performed immediately after biopsy may prevent worsening of pneumothorax and avoid chest tube placement. The amount of aspirated air can be predictive of the requirement for chest tube placement.