European radiology
-
Spontaneous and isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery is a rare and often fatal event which has been successfully treated by surgery in several reported cases. We present a patient with acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric artery dissection who was successfully treated by percutaneous endovascular placement of a Wallstent.
-
On chest radiograph, the diagnosis of tracheobronchial tear is usually suspected because of the persistence of a pneumothorax after chest tube insertion. Since this radiographic pattern is nonspecific, the diagnosis is usually made by bronchoscopy and delayed. ⋯ In contrast to the persistent pneumothorax, this sign is specific but rarely observed. Our purpose is to present the corresponding CT patterns observed in two cases of right stem bronchus tear, consisting in a caudal-dependent displacement of the right upper lobe bronchus which becomes obliquely oriented.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison between standard radiography and spiral CT with 3D reconstruction in the evaluation, classification and management of tibial plateau fractures.
The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic efficiency of plain film and spiral CT examinations with 3D reconstructions of 42 tibial plateau fractures and to assess the accuracy of these two techniques in the pre-operative surgical plan in 22 cases. Forty-two tibial plateau fractures were examined with plain film (anteroposterior, lateral, two obliques) and spiral CT with surface-shaded-display 3D reconstructions. The Swiss AO-ASIF classification system of bone fracture from Muller was used. ⋯ The fractures were underestimated with plain film in 18 of 42 cases (43%). Due to the spiral CT 3D reconstructions, and precise pre-operative information, the surgical plans based on plain film were modified and adjusted in 13 cases among 22 (59%). Spiral CT 3D reconstructions give a better and more accurate demonstration of the tibial plateau fracture and allows a more precise pre-operative surgical plan.
-
The crowned dens syndrome has been termed as acute neck pain ascribed to CPPD deposits associated with a tomographic appearance of calcification surrounding the odontoid process. This rare entity resulting in cervical cord compression is generally seen in older female patients. We present a 26-year-old woman with cervical cord compression due to massive calcification in the periodontoid area and discuss the X-ray and CT findings of the disease.
-
Spontaneous renal artery dissection is rare and may be misdiagnosed because its clinical presentation is confusing. Diagnosis is usually made by intra-arterial angiography. ⋯ Diagnosis was made later with helical CT for suspicion of renal artery stenosis in a patient with recent onset of hypertension. This unusual case shows that helical CT can be useful for non-invasive diagnosis of renal artery dissection.