Larisa Guranda

Optimization of 64-MDCT urography: effect of dual-phase imaging with furosemide on collecting system opacification and radiation dose.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare opacification of the urinary collecting system and radiation dose associated with three-phase 64-MDCT urographic protocols and those associated with a split-bolus dual-phase protocol including furosemide. MATERIALS AND METHODS Images from 150 CT urographic examinations performed with three scanning protocols were retrospectively evaluated. Group A consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a three-phase protocol with saline infusion. Group B consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a reduced-radiation three-phase protocol with saline. Group C consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a dual-phase split-bolus protocol that included a low-dose furosemide injection. Opacification of the urinary collecting system was evaluated with segmental binary scoring. Contrast artifacts were evaluated, and radiation doses were recorded. Results were compared by analysis of variance. RESULTS A significant reduction in mean effective radiation dose was found between groups A and B (p < 0.001) and between groups B and C (p < 0.001), resulting in 65% reduction between groups A and C (p < 0.001). This reduction did not significantly affect opacification score in any of the 12 urinary segments (p = 0.079). In addition, dense contrast artifacts overlying the renal parenchyma observed with the three-phase protocols (groups A and B) were avoided with the dual-phase protocol (group C) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A dual-phase protocol with furosemide injection is the preferable technique for CT urography. In comparison with commonly used three-phase protocols, the dual-phase protocol significantly reduces radiation exposure dose without reduction in image quality.

Differentiation between right tubo-ovarian abscess and appendicitis using CT—A diagnostic challenge

AIM To determine CT features that can potentially differentiate right tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) from acute appendicitis (AA; including abscess formation). MATERIALS AND METHODS The abdominal computed tomography (CT) images of 48 patients with right-sided TOA (average age 39.3 ± 9.8 years) and 80 patients (average age 53.5 ± 19.9 years) with AA (24 with peri-appendicular abscess) were retrospectively evaluated. Two experienced radiologists evaluated 12 CT signs (including enlarged, thickened wall ovary, appendix diameter and wall thickness, peri-appendicular fluid collection, adjacent bowel wall thickening, fat stranding, free fluid, and extraluminal gas) in consensus to categorize the studies as either TOA or AA. The diagnosis and the frequency of each of the signs were correlated with the surgical and clinical outcome. RESULTS Reviewers classified 92% cases correctly (TOA=85%, AA=96.3%), 3% incorrectly (TOA=6.3%, AA=1.3%); 5% were equivocal (TOA=8.3%, AA=2.5%). In the peri-appendicular abscess group reviewers were correct in 100%. Frequent findings in the TOA group were an abnormal ovary (87.5%), peri-ovarian fat stranding (58.3%), and recto-sigmoid wall thickening (37.5%). An abnormal appendix was observed in 2% of TOA patients. Frequent findings in the AA group were a thickened wall (32.5%) and distended (80%) appendix. Recto-sigmoid wall thickening was less frequent in AA (12.5%). The appendix was not identified in 45.8% of the TOA patients compared to 15% AA. CONCLUSIONS In the presence of a right lower quadrant inflammatory mass, peri-ovarian fat stranding, thickened recto-sigmoid wall, and a normal appearing caecum, in young patients favour the diagnosis of TOA. An unidentified appendix does not contribute to the differentiation between TOA and peri-appendicular abscess.

Vascular lesions of the renal sinus

The renal sinus contains within it the collecting system of the kidney as well as lymphatics, nerves, and renovascular structures. This area may be affected by a large variety of pathological conditions arising from the various tissues in this site. Vascular lesions of the renal sinus are uncommon and may present clinically with acute symptoms and on imaging as a mass lesion. Awareness of the different vascular lesions affecting this area is essential for establishing the correct diagnosis and for appropriate treatment. The role of computed tomography is emphasized because it is the most commonly used modality to evaluate acute abdominal conditions as well as suspected renal masses, and the diagnosis can usually be made without the need for additional imaging modalities.

The Role of Early Postmortem CT in the Evaluation of Support- Line Misplacement in Patients with Severe Trauma

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the role of early postmortem CT in evaluating support-line misplacement to improve future treatment in the trauma setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included all postmortem CT examinations that were performed for trauma patients within the 1st hour after declaration of death in our tertiary medical center between August 1, 2008, and August 31, 2013. Correct placement of the following support lines was evaluated: endotracheal tubes (ETTs), chest drains, central venous catheters (CVCs), and nasogastric tubes (NGTs). Prehospital resuscitation efforts were started in all cases. RESULTS Early postmortem CT was performed on average 22 minutes after declaration of death in 25 consecutive patients with severe trauma. Overall, 14 subjects (56%) had suboptimal or misplaced support lines. Of ETTs inserted into 18 trauma victims; three (17%) were mislaid in the right main bronchus and five (28%) were near or at the level of the carina. Of chest drains inserted into 13 subjects, 10 were suboptimally positioned (77%). Of CVCs inserted into eight subjects (seven femoral and one brachiocephalic), one femoral CVC (13%) was malpositioned in the soft tissues of the pelvis. Of NGTs inserted in five trauma victims, one was folded within the pharynx. CONCLUSION Early postmortem CT for patients who have experienced severe poly-trauma can be of important educational value to radiologists and the trauma teams, providing immediate feedback regarding the location of the support lines and possibly contributing to improved training and command of the learning curve by medical staff.

Can Unenhanced CT Findings Predict Interventional Versus Conservative Treatment in Acute Renal Colic

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the value of clinical parameters and radiologic findings on unenhanced CT to the choice between interventional and conservative management for patients with acute renal colic. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unenhanced CT records of 183 consecutive patients with acute renal colic were retrospectively reviewed. Urolithiasis was confirmed at both unenhanced CT and clinical follow-up findings of 80 patients (study group). Clinical parameters (signs of infection and renal indexes) and unenhanced CT findings (tissue rim sign, hydronephrosis, perinephric and periureteral edema, ureteral dilatation, renal attenuation, and stone characteristics) were graded and correlated with the choice of clinical management. ROC analysis was constructed for the most statistically significant parameters. RESULTS Forty-two patients (52%) were treated conservatively and 38 (48%) underwent interventional treatments. The relationship between shivering, fever, and leukocytosis and interventional treatment had low sensitivity (29%, 26%, and 16%, respectively) but very high specificity (98%, 95%, and 98%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Stone size and density were statistically significantly different between patients treated conservatively and those treated interventionally (size, 4.6 vs 6.7 mm; density, 730 vs 910 HU; p < 0.01). Stones larger than 6.5 mm with an attenuation value greater than 1100 HU and that were proximally located were more likely to be treated interventionally. CONCLUSION Larger stone size, higher density, proximal location, and complaints of shivering, fever, and leukocytosis are the most important parameters for predicting invasive management of acute renal colic. Other clinical and radiologic information may be useful as supportive findings but do not predict the choice of patient management.

A giant left ventricular pseudoaneurysm as a late sequela of aortic valve endocarditis.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of infective endocarditis, usually presenting within several weeks of the infective episode. We describe a 37-year-old man who presented with exertional dyspnea nearly a year after a prolonged hospitalization for lung abscess. Imaging studies showed new aortic valve regurgitation and a giant pseudoaneurysm extending inferoposteriorly from the left ventricle. At thoracotomy, a perforated aortic valve was found, suggesting a healed endocarditis. The patient underwent successful aneurysmectomy and patch closure with aortic valve repair. This case underscores the potential for very late nonvalvular cardiac complications of infective endocarditis and is also distinctive because of the large size of the pseudoaneurysm.