Clinical imaging
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To evaluate the three-time-point (3TP) method for diagnosis of breast lesions detected on contrast-enhanced MR mammography. ⋯ The 3TP method automatically and reliably converts contrast kinetic information of the entire breast into a color-coded image. The 3TP method presents kinetic information of the entire dynamic series in an easy-to-interpret format and this automated method may allow to forego time-consuming and sometimes subjective manual ROI placements. This method displays the heterogeneity of the contrast enhancement pattern often observed in malignant lesions and makes it usable as diagnostic criterion.
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This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Günther temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. Fifteen Günther temporary filters were placed in 13 patients because of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with pulmonary embolism (PE) despite DVT prophylaxis (9/13) or temporary contraindications for anticoagulants as well as recent or pending surgery (4/13). No clinical manifestation of PE was observed during the filtration or during the removal. Günther temporary IVC filters are easy and safe to use, and are effective in clot trapping, protecting patients at high risk for PE in whom anticoagulation treatment failed or is contraindicated.
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Comparative Study
Diagnosis of malpositioned chest tubes after emergency tube thoracostomy: is computed tomography more accurate than chest radiograph?
The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy between computed tomography (CT) and frontal chest radiography in the diagnosis of malpositioned chest tubes (MCT). ⋯ CT is more accurate than chest radiograph for the diagnosis of MCT. For selected patients with inadequacy drainage of the tubes and when chest radiograph is noncontributory, CT scan is recommended to clarify the exact location of chest tubes.
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The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the accuracy of single slice helical CT scan with intravenous, and rectal contrast (CTRC) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) in patients with suspected AA, with particular analysis of the diagnostic signs. ⋯ CTRC is an accurate and relatively fast technique for investigation of patients with suspected AA. A negative CTRC can exclude completely the diagnosis of AA. Nonopacification of the appendix and appendiceal wall enhancement are highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible, signs representing major criteria for the diagnosis of AA.
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Acute massive pulmonary embolism causes abrupt pulmonary arterial hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction (RVD). Patients with RVD have a worse prognosis than those with normal right ventricular function. Consequently, recognizing the RVD at the time of pulmonary embolism is useful for risk stratification and enables more aggressive therapy. The study compared the accuracy of helical computed tomographic (CT) scans with echocardiography in the detecting of RVD in patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism. ⋯ CT can accurately detect RVD in patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism. However, this result requires confirmation using a larger prospective cohort study.