Abdominal imaging
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To evaluate the efficacy of a knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction (IMR) algorithm for reducing image noise in ultralow-dose (ULD) CT for urolithiasis. ⋯ Despite a significant radiation dose reduction, ULD-IMR images were comparable in image quality and noise to RD-FBP images. Furthermore, the diagnostic performance of the ULD non-enhanced CT protocol was comparable to that of the RD scan for diagnosing urinary stones larger than 3 mm.
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To investigate the feasibility, strategy, and long-term outcome of percutaneous recanalization for combined-type Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). ⋯ Percutaneous recanalization is suitable for most combined-type BCS patients. Treatment strategy can be made according to the situation of AHV. If the patient has the patent AHV, single IVC recanalization is enough. Otherwise, combined IVC and HV recanalization should be performed.
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The purpose of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound (US) as compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pregnant patients with suspected appendicitis for visualization of the appendix, accuracy at diagnosing acute appendicitis, the ability of each modality to identify alternate diagnoses of pain and whether gestational age (GA) has an association with appendix identification rates. ⋯ Given the low likelihood of visualization of the appendix at US, the excellent accuracy of MRI and the ability of MRI to identify alternate diagnoses, we suggest that at certain institutions MRI may be considered a first-line imaging modality for pregnant patients of any GA with suspected appendicitis.
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Review
Beyond decreased bowel enhancement: acute abnormalities of the mesenteric and portal vasculature.
Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a potentially life-threatening condition with an associated high mortality. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to achieve a favorable outcome. ⋯ In this pictorial essay, we review the appropriate imaging evaluation of a patient with suspected AMI, and we review both the common and uncommon etiologies of mesenteric ischemia. With each etiology presented, relevant clinical and imaging findings, as well as potential treatments, are reviewed.
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Body packing is the ingestion or insertion in the human body of packed illicit substances. Over the last 20 years, drug smuggling has increased global and new means of transport of narcotics have emerged. Among these, the most frequent one is the gastrointestinal tract: from mouth to anus, vagina, and ears. ⋯ To improve diagnostic accuracy and prevent hazardous complications, radiologists and emergency physicians should be familiar with radiologic features of body packing. The radiologist plays both a social and a medico-legal role in their assessment, and it should not be limited only to the identification of the packages but must also provide accurate information about their number and their exact location. In this review, we focus on diagnostic errors and medico-legal issues related to the radiological assessment of body packers.