AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jan 2010
Unilateral lumbar spondylolysis on radiography and MRI: emphasis on morphologic differences according to involved segment.
The objective of our study was to retrospectively compare the radiography and MRI findings of unilateral spondylolysis in the upper lumbar segment and in the lower lumbar segment and to consider how these radiologic findings can be applied in the diagnosis of unilateral spondylolysis. ⋯ Unilateral lumbar spondylolysis displayed radiologic differences in morphology of the isthmic defect itself and in ancillary findings of the adjacent structures based on the segment involved. Recognition of different ancillary features of unilateral spondylolysis with the use of a feasible diagnostic tool can be helpful for the diagnosis of cases in which a direct sign of isthmic defect is equivocal.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jan 2010
Imaging evaluation for suspected pulmonary embolism: what do emergency physicians and radiologists say?
The utility of various imaging techniques and strategies for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism has been studied in randomized control trials and extensively described in the literature. CT and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy are the mainstays of diagnosis, and MRI is emerging. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic approach to pulmonary embolism practiced by emergency physicians and advised by radiologists. ⋯ CT is the overwhelmingly preferred technique for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The role of ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy increases when the use of iodinated contrast material is contraindicated. MRI does not seem to have an important role in practice.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jan 2010
Leiomyoma shrinkage after MRI-guided focused ultrasound treatment: report of 80 patients.
The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of leiomyoma ablation and shrinkage after MRI-guided focused ultrasound treatment performed according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration protocols for commercial trials. ⋯ MRI-guided focused ultrasound therapy for leiomyoma can result in nonperfused volume ratio and shrinkage that exceed those in previous clinical trials because the treatment guidelines have been relaxed to allow a greater amount of tissue ablation. The results suggest that a larger nonperfused volume ratio can be achieved, resulting in greater shrinkage and improved relief of symptoms.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jan 2010
Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for the treatment of gluteus medius tendinopathy.
The objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for the treatment of gluteus medius tendinopathy. ⋯ Our study shows that a peritendinous ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection may be an effective treatment of gluteus medius tendinopathy.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the features of sigmoid volvulus on CT scanograms and cross-sectional images. ⋯ Sigmoid volvulus has a spectrum of imaging findings. A classic appearance is absent on approximately one half of scanograms and one fourth of CT scans. Use of new signs that model the pathophysiologic characteristics of volvulus (X-marks-the-spot sign for more complete twisting and split-wall sign for less severe twisting) may improve diagnostic confidence.