Emergency radiology
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Emergency radiology · Jan 2011
Case ReportsDynamic ultrasonographic sign for posterior shoulder dislocation.
Acute posterior shoulder dislocation is rare, and its early diagnosis remains a challenge to the emergency physician. This report describes two cases of acute posterior shoulder dislocation confirmed by bedside ultrasound scan performed by the emergency physician. Bedside ultrasound for diagnosis of posterior shoulder dislocation is accurate, noninvasive, repeatable, convenient, and without ionizing radiation. Dynamic ultrasound sign of posterior shoulder dislocation and using bedside ultrasound for verification of successful reduction of posterior shoulder dislocation are described.
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Emergency radiology · Jan 2011
ReviewApplication of imaging guidelines in patients with suspected cervical spine trauma: retrospective analysis and literature review.
Safe and efficient clearance of cervical spine injury in blunt trauma patients has been a controversial topic among health professionals. The increased availability of CT scanners in major trauma centers seems to be a factor that has led to increased number of unnecessary cervical spine imaging using this imaging modality. The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability and efficacy of a pre-test clinical criterion in order to stratify post-blunt trauma victims based on their risk of sustaining cervical spine injury and in turn recommend an appropriate imaging modality accordingly. ⋯ No patients with low-risk injuries were demonstrated to have a significant cervical spine injury. There was a statistically significant greater proportion of acute cervical spine injuries detected in the high-risk group (p value = 0.0024). Hence, using Goergen's diagnostic algorithm could reduce the number of unnecessary cervical spine CT scans ordered, while not compromising the quality of care in post-blunt trauma victims.
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Emergency radiology · Jan 2011
Review Case ReportsSurfer's myelopathy--an unusual cause of acute spinal cord ischemia: a case report and review of the literature.
Surfer's myelopathy is an emergent medical condition, representing a rare type of nontraumatic injury of the spinal cord, triggered by continued hyperextension of the back in inexperienced surfers. Subsequent acute spinal cord ischemia is the main pathological "substrate" for extensive cord myelopathy, determining potential neurological damage and thus predicting a patient's outcome. ⋯ We report a case of 23-year-old male in whom the diagnosis of surfer's myelopathy was made based on an appropriate clinical history and imaging findings compatible with acute spinal cord ischemia. We also discuss miscellaneous pathological conditions, causing acute myelopathy, which can mimic clinical signs or/and imaging appearance of this rare, but potentially disabling disorder.
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Emergency radiology · Jan 2011
Gastric pneumatosis: the role of CT in diagnosis and patient management.
Gastric pneumatosis is rare, with causes ranging from benign to lethal. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to present a series of cases of gastric pneumatosis, review the causes, and demonstrate how computed tomography (CT) can help guide management. A range of primary gastric pathology can cause air in the wall of the stomach. However, gastric pneumatosis may reflect intraabdominal pathology arising from other hollow viscera, with indicators of the extragastric etiology on CT.