Emergency radiology
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Emergency radiology · Nov 2005
Review Case ReportsRetropharyngeal calcific tendinitis: case report and review of literature.
Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis, also known as acute calcific prevertebral tendinitis or longus colli tendinitis, is an uncommon benign condition presenting as acute neck pain. Clinically, it can be misdiagnosed as retropharyngeal abscess, traumatic injury, or infectious spondylitis. ⋯ We present three cases of this uncommon condition to illustrate the classic findings on plain film, CT, and MRI. Recognition of the pathognomonic imaging appearance allows for easy diagnosis preventing unnecessary tests and treatment.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the necessity for splenectomy in patients with active extravasation on contrast enhanced CT secondary to splenic trauma. We reviewed cases of splenic injury and classified these according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading scale. The presence of active extravasation and associated injuries was assessed. ⋯ Of grade IV injuries, 9/17 showed active extravasation, of which six underwent splenectomy. Of grade V injuries, 3/8 showed active extravasation, and all three underwent intervention. Splenectomy may not be necessary in appropriately chosen patients with active extravasation from the spleen in blunt abdominal trauma.
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Emergency radiology · Jul 2005
Comparative StudyComputed tomography for cervical spine trauma. The impact of MDCT on fracture detection and dose deposition.
A multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was installed in our department. Referral rates, examination protocols and detection rates of abnormal findings in CT examinations for cervical spine trauma 6 months before and 6 months after MDCT installation were compared to look for changes in practice. Retrospective analysis of all CT cervical spine examinations in patients with multiple trauma over two contiguous 6-month periods: from July 2003 to December 2003 (helical CT) and from January 2004 to June 2004 (MDCT). ⋯ Dose estimations for thyroid, lens and breast were 75.8, 9.7 and 0.7 mGy, respectively, for complete cervical spine examinations, which were notably higher than those for helical CT. After installation of MDCT, clinical requests for complete examination of the cervical spine following trauma increased. This changing trend resulted in a significantly higher radiation dose to thyroid, lens and breast.
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Emergency radiology · Jul 2005
Case ReportsMRI for the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma: a case report.
Blunt abdominal trauma is a leading cause of trauma related mortality. Currently, the gold standard in the radiographic evaluation of intra-abdominal injury is computed tomography (CT) with iodinated contrast material. ⋯ Without contrast material, the sensitivity of CT in the diagnosis of solid organ injury is diminished. We present a case report and literature review of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.
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Bony avulsions about the knee are common injuries seen in the emergency room. Unawareness of characteristic radiographic patterns of injury that herald potential instability and require further workup can result in significant morbidity. ⋯ Emphasis is on injuries leading to instability, and often surgical management. MRI is a useful imaging tool for screening and surgical planning in this setting of patients.