Clinical radiology
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Review
Head and neck ultrasound: technical advances, novel applications and the role of elastography.
High-resolution ultrasound (US) provides superb anatomical detail in the superficial anatomy of the neck and has become the first-line imaging investigation for neck lumps and a crucial component of clinical pathways. In this article, a wide range of advances in neck US are described with a focus on the emerging role of ultrasound elastography. Selected examples of clinical utility are presented across a spectrum of scenarios with discussion of newer applications, service delivery, and training issues. The changing role of the neck ultrasound practitioner and the future of the technique in the head and neck are considered.
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Comparative Study
Quantitative evaluation of diffusion-kurtosis imaging for grading endometrial carcinoma: a comparative study with diffusion-weighted imaging.
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of histogram analysis of diffusion kurtosis magnetic resonance imaging (DKI) and standard diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in discriminating tumour grades of endometrial carcinoma (EC). ⋯ Entire-tumour volume histogram analysis of DKI and standard DWI were feasible for discriminating histological tumour grades of EC. DKI was relatively better than DWI in distinguishing high-grade from low-grade tumour in EC.
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To describe the pattern of cervical spine fractures in adult major trauma and identify computed tomography (CT) parameters that can predict significant ligament injury when fractures are absent; to define the normal range for parameters used; and identify common variations due to position of cervical immobilisation in a trauma patient. ⋯ When fractures are absent, signs of significant ligament injury on CT at the craniocervical junction were increased basion dens interval and widened facet joints. In the subaxial cervical spine, >50% subluxation of a facet joint and obscured posterior paraspinal fat pad are indicators of significant ligament injury.
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To compare the safety of evacuated bottle-assisted thoracentesis with wall suction-assisted thoracentesis. ⋯ Image-guided thoracentesis performed with wall suction is safe when compared to evacuated bottles. The use of wall suction, in comparison to evacuated bottles, may decrease the incidence of transient chest pain or cough.
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To evaluate the modifications of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in myelomatous lesions before and after induction treatment and the correlation with patient response to therapy according to International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. ⋯ DWI-MRI could provide additional quantitative information useful in monitoring early therapy response according to ADC changes of focal lesions.