European radiology
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Turf battles have always existed in radiology although recently, we have observed an increase in their numbers and sometimes in their virulence. The main reasons for this increase include the relative plethora of physicians especially in industrialized areas, and the rapid progress and development of medical technology and minimally invasive techniques. ⋯ The only way that radiologists can hope to maintain control of today's techniques will be if they are willing to offer qualitative expertise in their procedures with full clinical, academic and technological backing similar, or superior to that presented by our respective clinical and surgical colleagues. Furthermore, they should be fully involved in the decisional process and actual purchase of the technological equipment of their entire institution.
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Comparative Study
Self-expanding oesophageal metal stents for the palliation of dysphagia due to extrinsic compression.
The role of self-expanding metallic stents is well established in the palliation of oesophageal stenosis and dysphagia due to primary oesophageal malignancy. However, their role in palliation of dysphagia due to external compressive mediastinal malignancies is not well established. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of self-expanding metallic stents in the palliation of dysphagia due to extrinsic oesophageal compression by mediastinal malignancy. ⋯ There was no procedure- or stent-related mortality. The mean survival time of this group was 2. 1 months. Self-expanding metallic stents can be safely and effectively used in the palliation of dysphagia due to external mediastinal malignancies.
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Comparative Study
Exogenous lipoid pneumonia: high-resolution CT findings.
The aim of this study was to assess high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of exogenous lipoid pneumonia. High-resolution computed tomography was obtained in 25 patients with proven exogenous lipoid pneumonia resulting from aspiration of squalene (derived from shark liver oil). Diagnosis was based on biopsy (n = 9), bronchoalveolar lavage (n = 8), or sputum cytology and clinical findings (n = 8). ⋯ Three patients simultaneously had two different patterns at different lobes of the lung. The HRCT findings of lipoid pneumonia are ground-glass opacities, consolidation, and interstitial abnormalities. These HRCT findings with appropriate inquiries could be useful for diagnosis of exogenous lipoid pneumonia.
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Ascariasis is a well-known cause of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis; however, very rarely do worms penetrate and colonize the liver parenchyma. Here we present the unique radiological demonstration (US, CT and ERCP) of hepatobiliary ascariasis in which worm was first alive in the parenchyma of the liver and subsequently died and formed liver abscess.
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The aim of this study was to report our experience on the management of superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) secondary to malignant disease, using endovascular procedures. Twenty-six patients with SVCO due to primary or secondary tumors of the lung or the mediastinum, or catheter inserted for treatment of an extra-thoracic neoplasm, had an endovascular therapy which consisted of stenting, angioplasty, thrombo-aspiration or local fibrinolysis. Immediately after the procedure, rapid relief of symptoms occurred in 24 (90 %) of the patients. ⋯ At 6 months the primary patency rate was 83 % and the secondary patency rate was 89 %. Endovascular treatment of SVCOs is a simple and safe procedure to restore the patency of the superior vena cava in malignant SVCO. It should be indicated in most cases as first-line treatment and performed as early as possible.