European radiology
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Computed tomography is now widely used in the initial diagnostic workup of adult trauma victims with suspected intra-abdominal injuries. We review the role of CT in the detection and management of blunt visceral injuries in two parts. In the first part we discuss general aspects of performing CT in the setting of abdominal trauma and the diagnostic findings of intra-abdominal hemorrhage and blunt hepatic and splenic injuries. ⋯ The vast majority of hepatic injuries can be successfully managed conservatively, even when CT demonstrates parenchymal damage of more than three segments and major hemoperitoneum. Delayed complications, e. g., formation of biloma or a false aneurysm, can be readily detected on repeat CT studies, although they are quite uncommon. The outcome of conservative treatment of splenic injuries remains unpredictable because delayed splenic rupture may occur even when initial CT shows only minor parenchymal lesions and little or no intraperitoneal hemorrhage.
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The aim of this study was to review the physical basis of MRI using hyperpolarized noble gases as well as the present status of preclinical and clinical applications. Non-radioactive noble gases with a nuclear spin 1/2 (He-3, Xe-129) can be hyperpolarized by optical pumping. Polarization is transferred from circularly polarized laser light to the noble-gas atoms via alkali-metal vapors (spin exchange) or metastable atoms (metastability exchange). ⋯ Xe-129 is also under investigation for imaging of white matter disease and functional studies of cerebral perfusion. Magnetic resonance imaging using hyperpolarized gases is emerging as a technical challenge and opportunity for the MR community. Preliminary experience suggests potential for functional imaging of pulmonary ventilation and cerebral perfusion.
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Computed tomography plays an important role in the detection and management of blunt visceral injuries in adults. Current standard examination techniques enable detection of the majority of perforating or devascularizing bowel injuries, although diagnostic findings are often subtle and meticulous inspection is required. ⋯ In addition, CT is well suited for the detection of active renal hemorrhage and guidance of transcatheter embolization treatment and delineation of preexisting benign or malignant pathologies that may predispose to posttraumatic hemorrhage. The radiologist's awareness of the diagnostic CT findings of abdominal visceral injuries as well as their clinical and surgical implications are important prerequisites for optimal patient management.
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The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced fast multiplanar gradient-echo (GRE) and T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) image sets in the assessment of uterus, cervix, and vagina. Fast (up to 20 contiguous sections in 23 s) multiplanar GRE and FSE images of 45 patients referred for imaging of the female pelvis were evaluated retrospectively with regard to overall image quality and the ability to detect normal anatomic structures, as well as lesion conspicuity. Results were compared with histologic findings (n = 29) or clinical follow-up. ⋯ Using the extended McNemar chi 2 test, the difference in diagnostic performance between FSE and GRE revealed no significant difference, whereas the combination of both techniques performed better than FSE imaging alone (p < 0.05). The presented data suggest that dynamic contrast-enhanced GRE imaging should be part of an MR examination of the female pelvis. Combined GRE and FSE imaging provide an excellent sensitivity in the assessment of uterine and vaginal pathologies.
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The purpose of this retrospective study was to demonstrate the MRI features of cerebral manifestations in patients with fat embolism syndromes in comparison with cerebral CT (CCT). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed according to standard protocols revealing multiple small non-confluent hyperintense intracerebral lesions larger than 2 mm on proton-density and T2-weighted images to various extents in three of four patients with clinically suspected cerebral fat embolism. ⋯ Our findings confirm that MRI can detect cerebral fat embolism with a higher sensitivity than CCT. Thus, MRI should be the first choice for imaging of cerebral fat embolism.