Radiologic clinics of North America
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Hounsfield's development of computed tomography (CT) in 1972 revolutionized the care of patients with acute craniocerebral trauma. CT evaluation facilitates early surgical and medical intervention and has significantly improved patient outcome. This review describes the role of CT in assessing acute head trauma. Despite the growing role of magnetic resonance imaging in the acute, subacute, and chronic phases of brain injury as well as in many other central nervous system disorders, CT retains its unique capacity to image acutely ill patients rapidly and accurately.
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Despite the widespread clinical acceptance of new imaging modalities in the evaluation of acutely ill patients, there are still a number of applications for radionuclide scintigraphy. The unique ability of tracers to evaluate organ function or localized tissue dysfunction often can provide more useful information than strictly anatomic imaging modalities. Although the ventilation-perfusion study probably remains the dominant emergency procedure in most nuclear medicine laboratories, other procedures, such as those described herein, play an important role and should be available for acutely injured or ill patients.
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Radiol. Clin. North Am. · Mar 1992
ReviewComputed tomographic evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.
Given the magnitude of the problem of blunt abdominal trauma, we have the opportunity, through abdominal CT, of making a great impact on the health care of many patients. Through the efforts of early investigators and with continued refinements, great progress has been made in developing CT as an accurate, reliable emergency modality. With meticulous technique and careful interpretation, even subtle visceral, bowel, and mesenteric injuries can be detected. Close monitoring by an experienced tomographer and a good working relationship with referring clinicians can lead to prompt and appropriate clinical decisions.
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This article reviews the current legal environment in which radiologists practice medicine and some of the key problems radiologists may experience. Particular attention is given to the need for accurate communication, complete charting, and carefully performed procedures. Information is also provided about the requirements for informed consent. Recommendations are made for dealing with patient grievances and with patients' attorneys after a lawsuit has arisen.