Emergency radiology
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Emergency radiology · Dec 2004
Case ReportsThree-dimensional spiral CT reconstruction in a patient with massive cerebral air embolism.
Cerebral air embolism may be caused by iatrogenic or post-traumatic introduction of air into arterial or venous systems. It is usually revealed by computerized tomography. In this paper, we report a case with thorax trauma and loss of consciousness, in whom cerebral massive air embolism was detected and its distribution was demonstrated by using 3D spiral CT reconstruction. To our knowledge, this is the first case in whom 3D spiral CT reconstruction was used for demonstration of cerebral arterial air embolism.
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Emergency radiology · Dec 2004
Case ReportsAutosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease presenting as subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Intracranial aneurysms occur in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) approximately five times more often than in the general population, and in the same patient group, subarachnoid hemorrhage from rupture of aneurysms occurs about a decade earlier than in the general population. We present a case of unsuspected ADPKD presenting as spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm.
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Emergency radiology · Aug 2004
Review Case ReportsIntrathecal injection of epidural blood patch: a case report and review of the literature.
Epidural blood patch (EBP) is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of persistent severe post- dural-puncture headache (PDPH). It has a high success rate with a low incidence of complications. We report the case of a 27-year-old woman who developed progressive back pain and radicular symptoms after an EBP was performed for PDPH. ⋯ Gradual recovery occurred without the need for intervention. To our knowledge, this is the only case demonstrating the MRI findings of a rare complication of a common procedure. Radiologists may benefit from familiarity with epidural blood patching, including the technique, risks, benefits, and potential complications
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Emergency radiology · Jul 2004
The use of sonography versus computed tomography in the triage of blunt abdominal trauma: the European perspective.
The management of the trauma-emergency patient has become an important political and economic issue and one of the major challenges of the industrialized countries. In Europe ultrasonography is always part of the basic work-up, following physical examination, whereas computed tomography (CT) remains a second-line investigation. ⋯ The clinical value of CT is unquestioned; what is questionable is only its systematic use. With the growing demand for trauma care, screening ultrasonography can lower the number of inappropriate CT examinations.
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Emergency radiology · Jul 2004
ReviewControversies in emergency radiology. CT versus ultrasound in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.
There has been controversy regarding ultrasonography (US) versus CT in blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Each modality has its strengths and weaknesses. US is fast and allows resuscitative efforts to proceed while the patient is being scanned. ⋯ However, CT involves ionizing radiation, cannot be performed portably, and requires only visual monitoring while scanning. Given each modality's strengths and weaknesses we conclude that CT is the preferred examination when the BAT patient is stable or moderately stable, enough to be taken to CT. If a BAT patient is unstable, US is beneficial in screening for certain injuries or large hemoperitoneum prior to an exploratory laparotomy.