AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Apr 2015
Dysphagia secondary to anterior cervical fusion: radiologic evaluation and findings in 74 patients.
The objective of our study was to assess the frequency, cause, and time course of dysphagia after anterior cervical fusion (ACF). ⋯ Dysphagia is an underrecognized but significant complication of ACF. After ACF, 4.1% of patients presented for radiologic evaluation of dysphagia. Although ACF procedures are most frequently performed in the lower cervical spine, dysphagia is a more common clinical problem after ACF in the mid cervical spine. Radiologic examinations should be specifically tailored to evaluate ACF patients.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
ReviewSpectrum of suprascapular nerve lesions: normal and abnormal neuromuscular imaging appearances on 3-T MR neurography.
OBJECTIVE. In this article, we will review the normal anatomy and imaging features of various neuromuscular abnormalities related to suprascapular neuropathy. ⋯ Electrodiagnostic studies are considered the reference standard for diagnosis; however, high-resolution 3-T MR neurography (MRN) can play an important role. MRN enables direct visualization of the nerve and simultaneous assessment of the cervical spine, brachial plexus, and rotator cuff.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
Variation in CT pediatric head examination radiation dose: results from a national survey.
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to examine the variation in radiation dose, CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), and dose-length product (DLP) for pediatric head CT examinations as a function of hospital characteristics across the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS. ⋯ CONCLUSION. Most hospitals (82%) report doses that meet American College of Radiology accreditation levels. However, [corrected] the mean CTDI(vol) at children's hospitals was approximately 7 mGy (21%, adjusted for covariates), lower than that at nonchildren's hospitals.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
TIPS for refractory ascites: a 6-year single-center experience with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent-grafts.
OBJECTIVE. This single-center study evaluated the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stent-grafts for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement to manage portal hypertension-related refractory ascites. MATERIALS AND METHODS. ⋯ CONCLUSION. TIPS placement using an ePTFE-covered stent-graft is an efficacious therapy for refractory ascites. Patients with preserved liver function-characterized by a MELD score of less than 15 or a MELD score of less than 18 and an albumin value of 3 mg/dL or greater-experience the greatest survival benefit.
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OBJECTIVE. Nearly 8 million patients present annually to emergency departments (EDs) in the United States with acute chest pain. Identifying those with a sufficiently low risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains challenging. ⋯ CONCLUSION. Early utilization of cardiac CTA in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain and a low to intermediate risk of ACS quickly identifies a group of particularly low-risk patients (< 1% risk of adverse events within 30 days) and allows safe and expedited discharge. By preventing unnecessary admissions and prolonged lengths of stay, a strategy based on early cardiac CTA has been shown to be efficient, although potential overutilization and other issues require long-term study.