Clinical radiology
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To assess the range of appearances, and accuracy of various methods of diagnosing leptomeningeal metastases. ⋯ Leptomeningeal metastatic disease has a poor prognosis, and treatment regimen may differ from those of parenchymal CNS metastases. CT is normal or misleading in two thirds of patients, and CSF cytology may also be negative. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI complements CSF cytology, and is the investigation of choice in patients with a non-haematological primary tumour and suspected LM.
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The aim of the study was to assess the value of sonography in detecting the normal appendix and in identifying abnormality. ⋯ A normal appendix can be visualized in a high percentage of cases and it may present with an outer diameter >6 mm (the widely-accepted upper limit of normal) due to the inspissated faecal material within the lumen. A significant percentage of early appendicitis can resolve spontaneously, especially when confined to the appendiceal tip.
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The aim of this pictorial essay is to illustrate a range of imaging manifestations of thoracic foreign bodies. ⋯ The majority of foreign bodies are seen on the plain chest radiograph. CT is helpful in demonstrating the presence of radiolucent foreign bodies and determining the exact location of the foreign bodies within the airways or lung parenchyma.
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Scrotal trauma is often mentioned as a cause of testicular atrophy yet there have been few studies documenting the effect of scrotal trauma on testicular size months or years following injury. We performed clinical and sonographic examinations in 10 patients who had suffered blunt scrotal trauma. ⋯ In three cases the testis was homogeneous but reduced in volume and in the remaining five cases the affected testis appeared normal. We conclude that testicular atrophy is a sequel of scrotal trauma and occurred in 50% of patients in this study.
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This pictorial essay reviews the normal appearances and the post-operative complications of intervertebral cages. These are implants which are being more widely used in spinal surgery. The text outlines the background leading to their development, the clinical indications and surgical techniques for insertion of the cages. The normal post-operative appearance of fusion and the complications that can occur are emphasized.