Radiologic clinics of North America
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Infectious and inflammatory processes of the spinal column are discussed, including disc space infection, osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, arachnoiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The relative sensitivity and specificity of various imaging modalities, as well as the imaging characteristics and utility of these various modalities are given. Emphasis is placed on the use of magnetic resonance imaging.
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Disc herniation and stenosis in the thoracic spine are relatively uncommon compared with their occurrence in the cervical or lumbar spine. They are usually degenerative, although trauma may be an aggravating or initiating factor. The clinical presentation includes local and/or radicular pain with or without signs and symptoms of cord dysfunction. ⋯ MR imaging is the best way to define the specific abnormality as well as the effect on the adjacent spinal cord. CT after myelography may be useful as well, especially in those patients in whom there is involvement of the posterior ligamentous and osseous structures of the thoracic spinal canal. MR imaging may finally reveal the true incidence of thoracic disc herniation.
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Radiol. Clin. North Am. · Jul 1991
Magnetic resonance assessment of the postoperative spine. Degenerative disc disease.
The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in patients after surgery for degenerative disc disease in the lumbar and cervical spine are discussed. In the lumbar spine, changes seen in the immediate postoperative period, use of Gd-DTPA in distinguishing scar and disc and postoperative complications are reviewed. In the cervical spine, operative approaches and types, the appearance of bony stenosis, and disc herniations are demonstrated.
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Radiol. Clin. North Am. · Nov 1990
ReviewInterventional radiology of the biliary tract. Transcholecystic intervention.
Diagnostic and therapeutic biliary intervention by percutaneous access to the gallbladder is an important new area in interventional radiology. The anatomy of the gallbladder, biliary tree, and surrounding viscera is reviewed in this article as a preliminary to discussion of the diagnostic techniques of aspiration, cholangiography, biopsy, and the therapeutic techniques of gallbladder drainage and cholelithotomy. ⋯ Several of these are discussed in this article. Removal of common bile duct stones by percutaneous cholecystostomy also is discussed.
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The solitary pulmonary nodule is one of the most common radiologic findings. The best approach to its management remains controversial. In this article, the role of computed tomography in the evaluation of the solitary pulmonary nodule is reviewed. The potential contributions of digital radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the chest to the evaluation of the pulmonary nodule are also discussed.