Critical reviews in diagnostic imaging
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Crit Rev Diagn Imaging · Jan 1993
ReviewComputed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pleural masses.
Depending on the location, size, and underlying histologic features, pleural masses may produce a large spectrum of findings. While a number of imaging modalities may be used, plain chest radiographs remain the most common examination in the initial assessment of these patients. ⋯ For the purpose of this review, localized pleural masses and diffuse pleural masses are discussed separately. Among the various pleural masses, metastatic disease represents the most frequent neoplasm.
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Pneumomediastinum has numerous etiologies and its pathways of spread are multiple and well defined. Knowledge of these anatomic pathways and possible etiologies is important in order to avoid extensive and unnecessary evaluations. For example, if there is a known reason for pneumomediastinum, and pneumoperitoneum is present without associated abdominal findings, further evaluation for perforated viscus is unnecessary. ⋯ In critically ill infants and adults, pulmonary interstitial emphysema is an important warning sign for impending pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum and the patient's physicians should be alerted. There are occasional difficulties in differentiating pneumomediastinum from pneumopericardium and from a medial pneumothorax. Analysis of anatomic details and decubitus views are helpful in this regard.
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Crit Rev Diagn Imaging · Jan 1994
ReviewHigh-resolution ultrasound in assessment of the gastrointestinal tract.
Ultrasound (US) is frequently the first investigation performed in patients presenting with a variety of abdominal symptoms, and there is a growing appreciation of its value in a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The advantages of US are that it is quick, safe, readily available, noninvasive, and avoids ionizing radiation. ⋯ Its real time capabilities are of particular usefulness in abdominal conditions; clinical correlation is instant and features such as peristalsis and bowel compressibility can be readily assessed. This review describes and illustrates the current role of high-resolution transabdominal US in the detection of GI pathology with discussion on some of the applications of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) as they relate to this topic.
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Crit Rev Diagn Imaging · Dec 1996
ReviewThe leaking esophagus: CT patterns of esophageal rupture, perforation, and fistulization.
Esophageal perforation can be a catastrophic event for a patient regardless of the etiology of the perforation. Contrast esophagrams can typically diagnose an esophageal perforation if the clinical symptoms or history suggest the diagnosis. Often, however, the clinical features are atypical and a CT scan is performed early in the patient's workup. ⋯ The various etiologies and CT findings of esophageal perforation are reviewed in this article. The CT abnormalities include extraluminal air, periesophageal fluid, esophageal thickening, and extraluminal contrast. These CT findings may be the first clue to the correct diagnosis of esophageal perforation.
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Crit Rev Diagn Imaging · Jan 1991
ReviewRadiography of acromioclavicular dislocation and associated injuries.
The superficial location of the acromioclavicular joints in the human skeleton makes it vulnerable to several kinds of disruptive forces, resulting in a variety of injuries. In this review, we describe different types of acromioclavicular dislocation and associated fractures. We emphasize the radiographic features and methods of detecting the lesions otherwise unnoticed along with the mechanisms, the frequency, and the pathology of the injuries.