Emergency radiology
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Emergency radiology · Oct 2011
ReviewSmall bowel wall thickening: MDCT evaluation in the emergency room.
Small bowel wall thickening detected on computed tomography is a frequent finding in patients referring to emergency room with acute abdominal pain. In this pictorial review, we aim to discuss patterns of small bowel wall thickening and to explain hints for differential diagnosis with imaging findings.
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Emergency radiology · Apr 2011
ReviewHighlights from the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the ASER 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course.
The American Society of Emergency Radiology 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course encompassed a wide range of topics: traumatic and non-traumatic emergencies, radiation dose management, technical innovations and advancements, emergency preparedness, mass casualties, military radiology, and teleradiology. This article highlights the scientific and educational abstracts presented at the meeting (Emerg Radiol 17:517-551, 2010).
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Emergency radiology · Apr 2011
ReviewPictorial review: computed tomography features of cardiovascular emergencies and associated imminent decompensation.
Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner is available in most hospitals and is increasingly being used as the first line imaging in trauma and suspected cardiovascular emergencies, such as acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary artery thrombo-embolism, abdominal aortic aneurysm and acute haemorrhage (Ryan et al. Clin Radiol 60:599-607, 2005). ⋯ Recognition of computed tomography (CT) signs of imminent cardiovascular decompensation will alert the clinical radiologist to the presence of shock. In this review, the imaging findings of cardiovascular emergencies in both acute traumatic and non-traumatic settings with associated signs of imminent decompensation will be described and illustrated.
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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.