AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2016
ReviewHow to Manage Allergic Reactions to Contrast Agent in Pregnant Patients.
This article reviews optimal treatment of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast material in pregnant patients. Initial evaluation and treatment of a pregnant patient is similar to that for a nonpregnant patient. However, additional steps, including assessment for uterine cramping, using left uterine displacement to improve venous return, and maintaining blood pressure to ensure placental perfusion, may be required. ⋯ Adequate preparation and a team approach will provide optimal care for a pregnant patient who has an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jan 2016
ReviewImaging of Cerebrovascular Disease in Pregnancy and the Puerperium.
The purpose of this article is to review the unique physiologic changes that characterize pregnancy and the puerperium, some that substantially affect the cerebrovascular system. Conditions that can cause neurologic deterioration and share features with preeclampsia-eclampsia include postpartum angiopathy, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and amniotic fluid embolism. Other conditions not specific to this patient group include cerebral venous thrombosis, cervicocephalic arterial dissection, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke, which can pose specific diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. ⋯ Radiologists must be familiar with the imaging findings of cerebrovascular complications and pathologic entities encountered during pregnancy and the puerperium. Ongoing improvements in understanding of molecular changes during pregnancy and the puerperium and advances in diagnostic tests should allow radiologists to continue to make important contributions to the care of this patient population.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2015
ReviewUse of Imaging in the Management of Metastatic Spine Disease With Percutaneous Ablation and Vertebral Augmentation.
The purpose of this article is to describe the role of imaging in the management of metastatic spine disease with percutaneous ablation and vertebral augmentation. Topics include the imaging diagnosis of spinal metastases, imaging factors related to patient selection and procedural planning, intraprocedural imaging guidance, and posttreatment imaging assessment. ⋯ Radiologists should be familiar with pertinent imaging findings related to the percutaneous management of metastatic spine disease.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jun 2015
ReviewAnaphylactoid reactions to the nonvascular administration of water-soluble iodinated contrast media.
Anaphylactoidlike reactions occur during the nonvascular administration of iodinated contrast media. Many of these reactions have been severe. These reactions have occurred with many procedures, including gastrointestinal imaging, cystography, sialography, and hysterosalpingography. ⋯ This article reviews reports of these reactions. It also reviews what the literature recommends concerning how to deal with individuals undergoing these procedures who are at a higher risk for anaphylactoidlike reactions.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jun 2015
ReviewImaging of acute and emergent genitourinary conditions: what the radiologist needs to know.
Acute and emergent genitourinary conditions require accurate and rapid diagnosis to minimize patient morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Radiologists' familiarity with the various conditions of the urinary system and of the male and female reproductive organs is important given the widespread use of imaging for the diagnosis of common clinical entities presenting to the emergency department.