Kiran K. Maddu

Nontraumatic acute aortic emergencies: Part 1, Acute aortic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to illustrate the imaging findings and analyze the spectrum of findings seen in patients with acute aortic syndrome. We also will discuss the overlaps in pathophysiologic and imaging findings among aortic syndromes. CONCLUSION Acute aortic syndrome includes acute aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. The most common clinical presentation is severely painful and potentially life-threatening abnormalities of the aorta. Differentiating among these aortic diseases is impossible by symptoms or physical evaluation. Therefore, any clinical suspicion should prompt immediate action including confirmatory noninvasive imaging. Prognosis of acute aortic syndromes is clearly related to prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. Accurate imaging interpretation can modify the natural history of acute aortic syndrome and improve prognosis.

Primary biliary tract malignancies: MRI spectrum and mimics with histopathological correlation

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), due to their excellent soft tissue contrasts, have become first-line noninvasive tests in the characterization and detection of both hepatic and pancreaticobiliary pathologies. MRCP is also helpful in detecting the level and cause of obstruction in patients presenting with jaundice. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common primary malignant tumor arising from the bile duct epithelium, with extrahepatic tumors presenting more often than with intrahepatic ones. However, the diagnosis and management of CCA is made more complex by a variety of malignant and benign conditions that resemble CCA, including hepatocellular carcinoma variants such as the fibrolamellar variant of hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocellular carcinoma, biliary metastases, hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor, lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, confluent fibrosis, primary sclerosis cholangitis, and the secondary sclerosing cholangitis complex. Consequently, knowledge of the underlying risk factors and imaging characteristics of these conditions is important in differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions in order to reach a definite diagnosis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should be reserved for those patients who require intervention or biopsy for histopathological diagnosis.

Colorectal Emergencies and Related Complications: A Comprehensive Imaging Review—Imaging of Colitis and Complications

OBJECTIVE Colorectal emergencies are a common presentation in the emergency medicine setting and their timely diagnosis plays a crucial role in avoiding dreaded complications. The quintessential role of a radiologist lies in identifying the cause, narrowing the differential diagnosis according to imaging features, and, most importantly, identifying the associated complications. CONCLUSION This review focuses on imaging features of the spectrum of colitides and the complications related to colitides.

Incidental Findings on Bedside Ultrasonography: Detection Rate and Accuracy of Resident-Performed Examinations in the Acute Setting

Background Bedside ultrasonography has become a valuable tool in the emergent care setting for triage and rapid evaluation of patients who are acutely ill. Given the cross-sectional nature of ultrasound technology, incidental findings are frequently encountered during imaging. These can impact clinical management and can pose a diagnostic dilemma for emergency medicine (EM) physicians and EM residents. Purpose Our retrospective study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and detection rate of incidental findings on bedside ultrasound examinations performed by EM residents. We also sought to identify types of incidental findings encountered and the diagnostic accuracy of those findings. Materials and Methods Board-certified radiologists retrospectively reviewed bedside ultrasonography examinations performed and interpreted by EM residents at a large urban academic hospital. Our sample included patients who presented with traumatic and nontraumatic symptoms in the acute setting. Findings were defined as incidental only if they were previously unknown and not related to a patients presenting symptoms. The results were corroborated with electronic medical records and additional pertinent imaging when available. Results Of 196 examinations analysed, EM residents identified incidental findings on 26% of the studies, which mostly involved the renal and biliary system. Radiologist review detected incidental findings in 20.9% but was more accurate when supplemental imaging was available. EM residents detected incidental findings at rates similar to that published previously and had moderate interobserver agreement with radiologist review. Worrisome and indeterminate findings were confirmed by additional work-up and further imaging. Conclusion Incidental findings are frequently encountered on bedside ultrasonography and have the potential to alter clinical management. Expertise in detection and knowledge of the presence and spectrum of these incidental findings is essential for appropriate triage, patient management, and follow-up.

Nontraumatic acute aortic emergencies: Part 2, Pre- and postsurgical complications related to aortic aneurysm in the emergency clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to illustrate the imaging findings and spectrum of disease entities affecting the aorta. The clinical presentation and assessment of acute aortic pathology can be elusive or deceptive, making the diagnosis challenging. The widespread availability of advanced cross-sectional imaging technology in the emergency setting puts the radiologist at the forefront of accurate and timely diagnosis. CONCLUSION Cross-sectional imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and delineation of aortic pathology. Awareness of the imaging findings and complications can help in swift and accurate diagnosis.

Colorectal Emergencies and Related Complications: A Comprehensive Imaging Review— Noninfectious and Noninflammatory Emergencies of Colon

OBJECTIVE In this article, we illustrate imaging findings of colorectal emergencies encountered in the acute setting that are primarily noninfectious and noninflammatory in origin. Our review should enable the reader to identify and understand common colorectal emergencies and related complications in clinical practice. CONCLUSION The diagnosis of colorectal emergencies is mostly straightforward, but it can be challenging because of the overlap of presenting symptoms and imaging findings. Therefore, it is essential to clarify the cause, narrow the differential diagnosis, and identify associated complications.