Radiologic clinics of North America
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Radiol. Clin. North Am. · Jan 2012
ReviewMulti-detector row CT angiography of the neck in blunt trauma.
Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is uncommon but potentially catastrophic; 80% are caused by vehicle collisions. Ischemic events secondary to untreated BCVI are common, with high injury-specific mortality. This has led to implementation of screening programs based on mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, and injury patterns identified on noncontrast computed tomography (CT) imaging. ⋯ Given its availably in trauma service institutions, use of multidetector CT angiography has increased. This article presents the evidence and the controversies surrounding its use. Available protocols, injury description, and grading, as well as potential pitfalls are reviewed.
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Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) play important roles in the evaluation of traumatic brain injury. Modern CT scanners allow for rapid and accurate diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage and mass effect and allow the efficient implementation of emergent CT angiography. ⋯ MR spectroscopy can provide additional chemical information, and diffusion tensor imaging can provide information about white matter injury. Patient treatment can be optimized using the diagnostic and prognostic information derived from current imaging techniques.