J Radiol
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Bronchial carcinoma is the principal cause of cancer death. Unlike cancers of the breast and colon that are already the subject of screening programmes, proof has not yet been provided that screening for bronchial carcinoma is of value in terms of reduction in mortality. Technological improvements and the advent of low dose spiral CT scanning has lead to a recent renewal of interest in this subject. ⋯ Other data suggest a possible improvement in survival of tumours discovered by screening. Nevertheless it is necessary to demonstrate that screening improves the survival of patients with bronchial carcinoma. The present consensus does not advocate mass screening by CT scanning but that high risk subjects should voluntarily participate in randomised controlled trials which alone will confirm or refute the validity of this approach.
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Evaluation of the alignment of the spine in the frontal and sagittal planes is an important part in the work up of many disorders of the spine. This type of study requires only frontal and lateral 30 x 90cm radiographs performed in the standing position and including spine, pelvis and proximal femurs. The relationship between spine, pelvis and lower limbs is stressed.
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Case Reports
[CT guided neurolysis of the sphenopalatine ganglion for management of refractory trigeminal neuralgia].
The authors present the case of a patient with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia, refractory to medical treatment and ablation of the trigeminal ganglion, who underwent three separate CT guided injections for pterygopalatine ganglion ablation over a two year period. Ablation of the pterygopalatine ganglion may be an effective technique for pain management in patients suffering from atypical facial pain syndrome, cluster headache, or neuritis. The technique used for CT guided ablation using alcohol or radiofrequency is described. The advantages and pitfalls of this technique are reviewed.
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This paper will review the diagnostic imaging work-up of disc-related nerve root impingement including the role and technique of CT and MRI. Clinical and anatomical elements will be reviewed along with considerations regarding the radiology report, including a review of the proper descriptive terminology. Finally, clinical and imaging pitfalls will be discussed. In addition to specific features related to thoracic and lumbar segments, clinical and imaging differential diagnoses are reviewed: non-disc related radicular pain (intradural or extra-spinal), differential diagnosis of "enlarged" nerve roots (free disc fragment, cyst of a nerve root sleeve, tumors, normal variants.).