European journal of radiology
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Acute bowel ischemia represents one of the most dramatic abdominal emergencies and, despite the fact it is more and more frequently observed in clinical practice, its mortality rate remains very high. In recent years Computed Tomography (CT) has proved to be a valid diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with acute abdominal syndrome and in the visualization of early signs of bowel ischemia. This paper reviews the aetiological and pathophysiological aspects as well as a broad spectrum of CT findings of this clinical condition.
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Although magnetic resonance imaging has become the dominant modality for cross-sectional musculo-skeletal imaging, the widespread availability, speed, and versatility of computed tomography (CT) continue to make it a mainstay of emergency room (ER) diagnostic imaging. Pelvic ring and acetabular fractures occur as the result of significant trauma secondary to either a motor vehicle accident or a high-velocity fall. These injuries are correlated with significant morbidity and mortality, both from the complications of pelvic ring fractures and from commonly associated injuries. ⋯ The use of intravenous (i.v.) contrast material allows simultaneous evaluation of osseous and vascular structures within the affected area. Postoperative studies in patients with orthopaedic hardware also benefit from volume-rendered imaging. Volume rendering eliminates most streak artifact and produces high-quality images on which the relationships among hardware, bones, and bone fragments are well demonstrated.