Prevalence and importance of pneumothoraces visualized on abdominal computed tomographic scan in children with blunt trauma

BACKGROUND: Chest radiographs are routinely obtained for the identification of pneumothoraces in trauma patients. Computed tomographic (CT) scanning has a higher sensitivity for the detection of pneumothoraces, but the prevalence and importance of pneumothoraces detectable by CT scan but not by chest radiography in children sustaining blunt trauma is unclear. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of children less than 16 years old with blunt trauma undergoing both abdominal CT scan and chest radiography in the emergency department of a Level I trauma center over a 28-month period. All abdominal CT scans were interpreted by a single faculty radiologist. The chest radiographs of all patients with pneumothoraces detected on CT scan as well as a random sample of chest radiographs from pediatric blunt trauma patients without pneumothoraces on abdominal CT scan (in a ratio of four normals per pneumothorax) were reviewed by a second faculty radiologist. Both radiologists were masked to all clinical data as well as to the objective of the study. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-eight children underwent both abdominal CT scan and chest radiography in the emergency department. Twenty patients (3.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-5.7%) were found to have pneumothoraces on CT scan. Of these 20 patients, 9 (45%; 95% CI, 23-68%) had pneumothoraces identified on initial chest radiography and 11 patients did not ("unsuspected pneumothoraces"). Twelve pneumothoraces were identified in these 11 patients; 6 were graded as minuscule and 6 as anterior according to a previously established scale. One patient with an unsuspected pneumothorax underwent tube thoracostomy. None of the 10 patients (0%; 95% CI, 0-26%) with unsuspected pneumothoraces who were managed without thoracostomy (including two patients who underwent positive pressure ventilation) had complications from their pneumothoraces. CONCLUSION: Less than half of pediatric blunt trauma patients with pneumothoraces visualized on abdominal CT scan had these pneumothoraces identified on initial chest radiograph. Patients with pneumothoraces identified solely on abdominal CT scan, however, uncommonly require tube thoracostomy.     

Computed tomography in staging of patients with melanoma metastatic to the regional nodes

Background: This study addresses the yield and clinical impact of computed tomography (CT) imaging in otherwise asymptomatic patients with stage III melanoma metastatic to the regional nodes. Methods: The database from the University of Michigan Mutlidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic was reviewed and identified 127 asymptomatic patients with stage III melanoma (regional nodal disease) who received CT scans of the head, chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis. Scans were confirmed as true positive, false positive, and normal. Results: Four hundred twenty-six head and body CT scans were performed at the time of presentation of stage III disease. Twenty patients had a true-positive CT scan revealing unsuspected metastases. Fifteen patients had abnormal CT scans subsequently shown to be a benign process or second malignancy. The incidence of true-positive CT scans was not different between the groups of patients who had clinically apparent versus occult nodal disease. There was a significantly higher incidence of abdominal and pelvic metastatic sites identified by CT scan in patients with inguinal nodal disease compared with axillary or head and neck node-positive patients. Conclusions: The yield of detection of unsuspected metastases by CT scans in asymptomatic patients with stage III melanoma was not insignificant. Because patients with resected stage III disease are recommended to have adjuvant interferon-α for 1 year, CT staging plays an important role in identifying appropriate candidates for treatment. The toxicity of interferon-α therapy is not insignificant. The value of routine CT in asymptomatic patients with nodal metastasis deserves further prospective study.     

64层CT三期动态增强扫描对胃癌术前TNM分期的判断价值

目的探讨64层螺旋CT三二期动态增强扫描对胃癌进行术前TNM分期的临床价值．方法回顾性分析2009年5月至2011年5月赣南医学院第一附属医院收治的120例胃癌患者的术前64层螺旋CT三期动态增强扫描资料和术后病理资料,由两名高年资影像科医生采用双盲法进行术前影像学分期。结果术前64层螺旋CT增强扫描对胃癌T分期判断的总体准确率为79．2％（95／120）,其中对T1、T2、T3和T4期判断的准确率分别为66．7％（10／15）、66．7％（14／21）、84．0％（42／50）和85．3％（29／34）。对于单层胃壁结构和多层胃壁结构,CT增强扫描对T分期的准确率分别为59．4％（19／32）和81．8％（72／88）．差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。CT增强扫描对N分期判断的总体准确率为73．9％（85／115）,其中对N0N1和N2期判断的准确率分别为75．5％（37／49）、70．3％f26／37）和75．9％（22／29）：对M分期判断的准确率为89．2％（107／120）。结论64层螺旋CTi期动态增强扫描可早期动态观察肿瘤累及侵犯情况、淋巴转移及远处转移的情况．有望成为胃癌术前分期有重要意义的检佥项目之一。     

The role of oral contrast administration immediately prior to the computed tomographic evaluation of the blunt trauma victim

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the administration of oral contrast followed by immediate computerised tomographic (CT) scanning presents a significant risk of aspiration and whether it is useful in the diagnosis of hollow viscus injury.OBJECTIVE: Determine the number of intestinal perforations diagnosed by oral contrast enhanced CT scans for blunt trauma and identify those who developed aspiration pneumonitis causally related to oral contrast administration. METHODS: We analysed a database of consecutive blunt trauma admissions over a 2-year period. The majority received oral contrast immediately prior to CT scanning. We determined the number of intestinal perforations identified by abdominal CT confirmed at laparatomy and the number of cases of aspiration pneumonia. RESULTS: Nine (1%) of the 1173 CT scans identified enteric perforations. Oral contrast enhanced CT scans demonstrated pneumoperitoneum (3), extraluminal contrast extravasation (2), and the presence of free fluid with small bowel wall thickening (8). In this same cohort, eight (0.7%) cases of aspiration pneumonia were diagnosed within 48 h of admission in patients with a mean GCS of 4.25; only one (0.1%) was temporally related to oral contrast administration. In a prospective study, none of the 65 consecutive patients who received oral contrast had witnessed aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Oral contrast administration given immediately prior to CT scanning does not increase the risk of clinically significant aspiration and assists in the detection of enteric perforation.     

多层螺旋CT在活体肾移植供者术前评估中的作用

目的 探讨多层螺旋CT(MELt)在活体肾移植供者术前评估中的作用.方法 对104名活体供肾者术前肾脏MDCT检查的资料进行回顾性分析.均采用64层螺旋CT检查,对双肾进行非增强扫描,注射造影剂后分别行动脉、静脉和排泄期增强扫描,扫描范围从膈顶到耻骨联合.扫描完后重建MDCT图像.根据MDCT图像,记录供者肾脏、输尿管、肾动脉及肾静脉的解剖结构和变异情况,并以供肾切取术中被证实的情况作为标准,对比分析术前MDCT检查对供肾的评估作用.结果 104名供者成功完成MDCT检查,肾脏和输尿管异常者8例.除外1例蹄铁型肾,副肾动脉和肾动脉过早分支的发生率分别为27.2%(28/103)和12.6%(13/103),有双肾静脉者3例,左肾静脉位于腹主动脉之后者3例.共有93名供者成功接受供肾切取术,术中证实,术侧供肾和输尿管异常与术前MDCT检查结果一致;术侧副肾动脉的检出率为80%.直径大于1 mm的副肾动脉和肾动脉过早分支术前均被MDCF检出;肾静脉均与术前MDCT检查结果一致.结论 活体供肾切取前采用MDCT检查能准确显示肾脏的解剖结构和血管变异情况,对供者选择及手术方案的制定具有重要意义.     

The role of surveillance duplex scanning in preventing venous thromboembolism in trauma patients

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the role of duplex scanning in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE), the correlation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk score with the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and patients who may benefit from surveillance duplex scanning. METHODS: Age, sex, Injury Severity Score (ISS), VTE score, length of stay, diagnoses, and bleeding risk were recorded from the trauma registry in patients who had a duplex scan from 1995 to 2000. RESULTS: There were 1,513 duplex scans obtained (10,141 trauma admissions), 253 (2.5%) cases of DVT (52% above-knee, 8% upper extremity), and 30 cases of PE (0.3%). Only 5 of 21 duplex scans were positive in PE patients. DVT patients were older (52.9 vs. 46.7 years), with higher ISS (24.0 vs. 20.8) than patients without DVT. Regression analysis showed poor correlation between VTE score and DVT incidence (r2 = 0.27). Univariate analysis identified age, ISS, and VTE score as risk predictors for DVT. CONCLUSION: Adherence to an evidence-based VTE prophylaxis protocol is more important than surveillance duplex scanning in preventing VTE in trauma patients.     

Prioritätenorientiertes Schockraummanagement unter Integration des Mehrschichtspiralcomputertomographen

In major trauma it is essential to immediately recognize and treat life-threatening problems and conditions. Most trauma protocols reserve the use of computed tomography for the secondary survey, as patients cannot be attended to during the examination and must be transferred from the emergency room to the CT suite. The relevant reduction in the scanning time of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) or multislice computed tomography (MSCT) justifies its use as the major diagnostic adjunct for primary trauma survey and initial resuscitation. According to our ATLS((R))-based trauma algorithm, the multidetector scanner situated in the emergency department is utilized immediately after the correction of respiratory problems to detect causes of bleeding or intracranial hematomas.In a prospective series a total of 125 consecutive major trauma patients were evaluated. After focused sonography in trauma (FAST) and plain chest films in intubated patients, whole body MDCT was performed. By retrieving data from our trauma registry and a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), time from trauma room admission to the end of head CT scan for the entire MDCT study and calculation of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was analyzed. Additionally, relevant complications such as untreated tension pneumothorax or circulatory arrest during MDCT examination were recorded.The time from admission to the trauma room until completion of head CT scan without contrast was 21:12 min (median, IQR 18:13-27:52). The entire contrast-enhanced MDCT study, including pilot scan and contrast application, required 6:08 min (median, IQR 4:33-8:14) with a total scanning time of 0:59 min (median, IQR 0:55-1:03). MPR calculation of the spine and bony pelvis was performed in 11:37 min (median, IQR 8:03-16:41). A relevant life-threatening complication due to CT scanning during primary trauma survey was not observed in the 125 cases (0/125 CI 95% 0%-3%).Complete diagnostic imaging can be performed within 30 min after trauma room admission by using MDCT. During the primary survey, treatment of the patient is interrupted just for the few minutes of the CT scan and contrast application. An adequate survey of injuries can be achieved earlier and a targeted therapy can be initiated ahead of time. Integration of MDCT scanners in the primary trauma survey provides a high standard of imaging in a very short time without endangering the patient. When dealing with multiple casualties, MDCT could be used also as an accurate and time-efficient means of hospital triage to diagnose and prioritize patients and to plan further surgical interventions and intensive care.     

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in coronary surgery: first experiences with a new tool for diagnosis of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Selective coronary angiography (SCA) is the standard invasive procedure for diagnosis in patients eligible for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A recently developed, highly sensitive multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan holds promise to be of almost comparable quality and predictiveness. We examined a blinded series of preoperative patients who were admitted to hospital for conventional and minimally invasive CABG procedures. Patients underwent CT scans in addition to SCA; findings were compared regarding location and degree of coronary artery stenosis. METHODS: Twenty patients underwent electrocardiogram-gated helical CT scanning. Images with 250 ms effective exposure time were reconstructed with retrospective electrocardiogram gating. Location and degree of coronary stenoses were described and compared with findings of SCA. The study was limited to patients with a heart rate of less than 70 beats per minute and who had the ability to hold their breath for 20 to 30 seconds. RESULTS: Coronary arteries were clearly displayed by MDCT. Compared with SCA, sensitivity was 92%, specificity 84%, and negative predicted value 89% for significant stenosis (more than 50%). Early forms of atherosclerotic changes were even clearer on MDCT. In addition, the CT examination allowed differentiation of calcified and fatty or fibrous stenoses. CONCLUSIONS: Multidetector CT scanning is an effective noninvasive technique for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. In selected patients, MDCT scanning might be able to replace SCA as a preoperative test for CABG procedures. The intrathoracic situs can be clearly exposed as it is important for the planning of minimally invasive CABG procedures.     

A rational approach to pulmonary screening in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the detection rate of lung metastasis or a synchronous lung primary tumor in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to determine factors that are associated with positive findings. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 102 patients with head and neck mucosal SCC diagnosed in a tertiary cancer center. Chest x-rays and a CT scan of the thorax were performed. An indeterminate nodule on CT scan was followed with either a repeat scan to assess progression or a CT-guided needle biopsy. Metastasis or synchronous lung primary tumor were determined by CT scan. The findings were correlated with age, sex, duration of symptoms, site of primary tumor, grade of tumor, T classification, and N classification. RESULTS: A CT scan of the thorax showed abnormalities or suspicious nodules in 20 patients (19.6%). With either follow-up scans or CT-guided biopsy, 10 patients were eventually proven to have pulmonary metastasis and one a synchronous lung primary tumor. Of those eleven patients (10.8%), seven had normal chest x-ray. Eight (72.7%) of 11 patients with a positive CT scan had N2 or N3 disease in contrast to 32 (35.2%) of 91 patients with a normal CT scan (p = .02). Seven patients (63.6%) with a positive CT scan had T4 disease, whereas 34 (37.4%) with a normal CT scan had T4 disease (p = .08). Primary tumors arising in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and supraglottis had a greater risk of a positive CT scan than tumors arising in the oral cavity, glottis, or unknown sites (OR = 5.4; 95% CI, 1.3-21.9). Age, sex, duration of symptoms, and grade of disease did not predict a positive CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of lung metastasis or a synchronous lung primary tumor by CT scan is 10.8%. We recommend the use of CT scans of the thorax in screening the lungs of newly diagnosed patients with T4 and/or N2 or N3 oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic SCC.     

Computed tomography has an important role in hollow viscus and mesenteric injuries after blunt abdominal trauma

Introduction

Computed tomographic (CT) scans have become invaluable in the management of patients with blunt abdominal trauma. No clear consensus exists on its role in hollow viscus injuries (HVI) and mesenteric injuries (MI). The aim of this study was to correlate operative findings of HVI and MI to findings on pre-operative CT.

Methods

All patients treated for blunt abdominal trauma at Tan Tock Seng Hospital from January 2003 to January 2008 were reviewed. CT scans were only performed if the patients were haemodynamically stable and indicated. All scans were performed with intravenous contrast using a 4-slice CT scanner from 2003 to December 2004 and a 64-slice CT scanner from January 2005 onwards. All cases with documented HVI/MI that underwent both CT scans and exploratory laparotomy were analysed.

Results

Thirty-one patients formed the study group, with median age of 40 (range, 22-65) years and a significant male (83.9%) predominance. Vehicular-related incidents accounted for 67.7% of the injuries and the median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 13 (4-50).The 2 commonest findings on CT scans were extra-luminal gas (35.5%) and free fluid without significant solid organ injuries (93.5%). During exploratory laparotomy, perforation of hollow viscus (51.6%) occurred more frequently than suspected from the initial CT findings of extra-luminal gas. Other notable findings included haemoperitoneum (64.5%), and mesenteric tears (67.7%). None of our patients with HVI and MI had a normal pre-operative CT scan.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that patients with surgically confirmed HVI and MI found at laparotomy were very likely to have an abnormal pre-operative CT scan. Unexplained free fluid was a very common finding in blunt HVI/MI and is one major indication to consider exploratory laparotomy.     

16层螺旋CT多平面重建技术对肠梗阻的诊断价值

目的 探讨多排螺旋CT多平面重建技术（MPR）对于肠梗阻的诊断价值。方法 收集30例经手术（27例）或临床（3例）证实的肠梗阻病例CT资料，其中10例为单纯CT平扫，20例在平扫基础上加作门静脉期增强扫描。采用MPR技术对CT原始数据进行冠、矢状位的图像重建，并分析其表现。结果 30例肠梗阻病例中粘连性8例，单纯肠肿瘤7例，肠套叠（包括肠肿瘤并发肠套叠）5例，腹部疝4例，肠扭转2例，回盲部脓肿1例，肠系膜动脉狭窄1例，腹膜后巨大囊肿1例，胰尾癌1例；其中6例合并肠壁缺血或肠绞窄。CT轴位图像、MPR冠状和矢状图像均显示了肠梗阻的存在；单独根据轴位图像能确定26例（86．7％）的梗阻部位和22例（73．3％）的梗阻原因，而结合MPR图像可以确定29例（96．7％）的梗阻部位和27例（90．0％）的梗阻原因；有5例（83．3％）肠壁缺血或绞窄病例均为两种方法所显示。结论 螺旋CT多平面重建技术在显示肠梗阻的存在、确定梗阻部位和梗阻原因以及肠道血运状态方面优于单纯的轴位图像。     

Effect of brightness in the evaluation of lumbar pedicular screws position: clinical study

Artifact may lead to confusion when evaluating postoperative CT scans of lumbar pedicle screws. The aim of our study was to develop a specific metal artifact reduction image protocol, in order to reduce metal artifact caused by titanium pedicular screw in patients undergoing lumbar pathology by lumbar fusion. Therefore, the reduction in metal artifacts in lumbar pedicle screws allows surgeons to do an accurate diagnosis of the exact placement of inserted pedicle screws, minimizes false reexploration, and maximizes proper and prompt treatment of misplaced screw. In a first step, we performed a retrospective study of 103 titanium alloy pedicle screws in patients undergoing a lumbar instrumented fusion for treatment for degenerative disease. CT scan was performed postoperatively evaluating the possible overdimension caused by artifact. In a second step, a prospective study was performed using a 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in 104 titanium alloy pedicle screws in patients undergoing a lumbar instrumented fusion for treatment for degenerative disease. Our results show that on the group of sequential CT scan, mean overdimension (on each side) due to brightness was 1.045 mm (SD 0.45). On the group of 64-slice multichannel CT, mean overdimension (on each side) due to brightness was 0.005 mm at the proximal part of the screw and 0.025 mm at the distal part of the screw. The results observed suggest that beam-hardening artifacts caused by the screw on CT after lumbar fusion are dramatically reduced by using specific metal artifact reduction image protocol in a 64-slice MDCT.     

Dynamic helical computed tomography scan accurately detects hemorrhage in patients with pelvic fracture

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of dynamic helical computed tomography (CT) scan for screening patients with pelvic fractures and hemorrhage requiring angiographic embolization for control of bleeding. METHODS: Patients admitted to the trauma service with pelvic fractures were identified from the trauma registry. Data retrieval included demographics, hemodynamic instability, Injury Severity Score, blood transfusion requirement, length of stay, and mortality. CT scans obtained during the initial evaluation were reviewed for the presence of contrast extravasation and correlated with angiographic findings. Data are reported as mean +/- SEM, with P<.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Seven thousand seven hundred eighty-one patients were admitted from June 1994 to May 1999. A pelvic fracture was diagnosed in 660 (8.5%). Two hundred ninety (44.0%) dynamic helical CT scans were performed, of which 13 (4.5%) identified contrast extravasation. Nine (69%) were hemodynamically unstable and had pelvic arteriography performed. Arterial bleeding was confirmed in all and controlled by embolization. Patients with contrast extravasation had significantly greater Injury Severity Score, blood transfusion requirement and length of stay. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT scan for identifying patients requiring embolization were 90.0%, 98.6%, and 98.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early use of dynamic helical CT scanning in the multiply injured patient with a pelvic fracture accurately identifies the need for emergent angiographic embolization.     

Detection of Pulmonary Embolism in the Postoperative Orthopedic Patient Using Spiral CT Scans

Orthopedic surgery is associated with a significant risk of postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) and/or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This study was performed to compare the clinical presentations of a suspected versus a documented PE/DVT and to determine the actual incidence of PE/DVT in the post-operative orthopedic patient in whom CT was ordered. All 695 patients at our institution who had a postoperative spiral CT to rule out PE/DVT from March 2004 to February 2006 were evaluated and information regarding their surgical procedure, risk factors, presenting symptoms, location of PE/DVT, and anticoagulation were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent samples t test with a two-tailed p value to examine significant associations between the patient variables and CT scans positive for PE. Logistic regression models were used to determine which variables appeared to be significant predictors of a positive chest CT. Of 32,854 patients admitted for same day surgery across all services, 695 (2.1%) had a postoperative spiral CT based on specific clinical guidelines. The incidence of a positive scan was 27.8% (193/695). Of these, 155 (22.3%) scans were positive for PE only, 24 (3.5%) for PE and DVT, and 14 (2.0%) for DVT only. The most common presenting symptoms were tachycardia (56%, 393/695), low oxygen saturation (48%, 336/695), and shortness of breath (19.6%, 136/695). Symptoms significantly associated with DVT were syncope and chest pain. A past medical history of PE/DVT was the only significant predictor of a positive scan. Patients who have a history of thromboembolic disease should be carefully monitored in the postoperative setting.     

A new cervical spine clearance protocol using computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess a cervical spine clearance protocol for blunt trauma patients using helical computed tomographic (CT) scan of the cervical spine (C-spine). METHODS: A protocol using CT scan of the C-spine was implemented and the first 6 months of use reviewed. Patients requiring a CT scan of the head had the C-spine evaluated by lateral C-spine radiography and a helical CT scan. Patients without indication for CT scan of the head had the C-spine evaluated by three-view radiography (anteroposterior, lateral, and odontoid) with selective CT scan of the C-spine for imaging areas not well visualized or those with abnormalities identified by radiography or by clinical examination alone. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-four patients were admitted to the trauma center after blunt trauma during the first 6 months of protocol implementation. Head CT scans were obtained in 158 patients and lateral cervical spine radiography in conjunction with helical CT scanning evaluated the C-spine. The other 166 patients had the cervical spine cleared by three-view radiography series or by clinical examination alone. For patients in whom a head CT scan was not indicated, CT scanning was used only when plain radiographs failed to adequately visualize the entire C-spine. A total of 15 injuries (4.6% of the group) were detected. Seven injuries were suspected or detected by lateral plain radiographs and confirmed by CT scan. Six patients had an injury not detected by radiography but diagnosed by CT scan, and one patient had a false-positive radiograph. Of the remaining two injuries, one was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and the other by CT scan outside of the protocol. Lateral plain radiographs alone failed to detect 46% (n = 6) of all injuries. CONCLUSION: In our series, the selective use of helical CT scanning with plain radiography increased the accuracy with which cervical spine injury was detected from 54% to 100%. The protocol allowed for more rapid evaluation in many patients as well. We recommend that practice guidelines include the use of helical CT scan of the entire C-spine as the diagnostic procedure for those blunt trauma patients undergoing CT scanning of the head.     

The impact of computed tomography scanning on the child with renal trauma

A six-year experience using computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma was reviewed to assess the impact of CT scanning on a patient with renal injury. Three questions were evaluated: Does the increased sensitivity of the CT scan alter the indications for surgery? Does the CT scan help predict the course and eventual outcome of nonoperative therapy? Are there circumstances when the CT scan is not the most efficient and cost effective method of diagnosis? One hundred seventy six consecutive patients with suspected renal trauma were reviewed. One hundred thirty eight were evaluated by CT scan and IVP, the other 38 by excretory urogram alone. Forty four renal injuries were identified. Four of these patients required urgent surgery and four others required later operation for unsuspected congenital anomalies. The injuries sustained by the other 36 cases resolved without surgery. Each patient has been followed for 1 to 5 years following their trauma, and their status assessed by questionnaire and physical examination. The CT technique provides better definition of the injury upon which to base the decision to operate or to enter the patient into nonoperative management. The extravasation seen on CT scan is frequently exaggerated and should not be an absolute indication for exploration. The scan provides improved follow-up data as to completeness of healing and allows directions to be given to the parents concerning resumption of full physical activities. The patients with asymptomatic posttraumatic hematuria, have in our experience, a very low incidence of intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal injuries. Therefore, these patients do not require the advantages of CT scan and may be screened by the less expensive intravenous pyelogram.     

Value of sequential computed tomography in the multimodality treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

Previous assessments of the value of sequential computed tomographic (CT) scanning in brain tumor patients have suffered from the heterogeneous nature of the study populations in regard to (a) pathology, (b) treatment plan, and (c) time of scanning. This report is based on the first 21 of 30 consecutive cases of glioblastoma multiforme entered into a cumulative high dose chemotherapy study. Each patient received a maximal surgical resection, 5800 to 6300 rads of radiation therapy, and BCNU (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea) chemotherapy (beginning at 100 mg/m2/day X 3 days) every 8 to 10 weeks for the life of the patient. CT scans were obtained pre- and postoperatively at each admission for chemotherapy; the scan at the time of the first BCNU course served as the postradiotherapy scan. Edema was present on 94% of the initial scans, and 94% of the tumors demonstrated contrast enhancement. In 70 instances it was possible to compare clinical status and an enhanced scan at the time of adjuvant treatment. When the scan was improved or unchanged so was the patient (46 of 46), but worsening of the scan was accompanied by worsening of the patient only 62% of the time (15 of 24). Sequential CT scanning proved useful in (a) detecting the positive effect of a treatment plan in clinically stable patients; (b) detecting non-tumor related causes of clinical deterioration; (c) detecting early treatment failure as a prelude to reoperation and/or a change in drug protocol before clinical deterioration; and (d) detecting asymptomatic complications of the treatment plan (i.e., a 20% incidence of ventricular enlargement).     

The utility of the pelvic radiograph in the assessment of pediatric pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND: Computed tomographic (CT) scanning is sensitive in detecting pelvic fractures in the pediatric patient. Pelvic fractures in the pediatric population rarely require emergent intervention, thus providing time to obtain the optimal imaging study. The objective of this study was to compare pelvic radiographs and abdominal pelvic CT scans of all pediatric trauma patients with pelvic injury to determine the role of pelvic imaging in the immediate trauma resuscitation. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients (age < 18 years) with a pelvic fracture identified from the registry of a Level I pediatric trauma center for the period 1993 to 2001. Patients with a documented pelvic injury and both a pelvic CT scan and pelvic radiograph available for review were extracted for analysis. For this study, all films were re-reviewed by an attending pediatric radiologist, and the abnormalities were categorized by the area of injury. The data were comparatively analyzed according to the area of injury and the soft tissue findings. RESULTS: For the 8-year period, 130 pediatric patients with a pelvic fracture were identified, including 103 patients with both a pelvic CT scan and radiographs. Of the 151 fractures identified by pelvic CT scan, 81 were also identified by the pelvic radiograph (54%). There were 38 soft tissue hematomas noted by pelvic CT scan and only 2 identified by the pelvic radiograph. The greatest discrepancy was noted in comparison of the sacral region (16 abnormal pelvic CT scans vs. 3 abnormal radiographs); the least discrepancy was noted in the evaluation of the hip (6 abnormal pelvic CT scans vs. 5 abnormal radiographs). CONCLUSION: The pelvic radiograph lacked the sensitivity of the pelvic CT scan for detecting pelvic fractures in all anatomic areas evaluated. Pelvic CT scan also offers additional information regarding soft tissue injury not available on most pelvic radiographs. In the trauma patient that will undergo abdominopelvic CT scanning as part of the trauma evaluation, a pelvic radiograph may be superfluous. Screening pelvic radiography should be reserved for the rare unstable patient or the patient in whom an abdominopelvic CT scan is not otherwise indicated.     

Computed tomography in the assessment of suspected large bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) scanning in the diagnosis of acute large bowel obstruction. METHODS: Forty-four patients (22 men; 22 women, ages 39-94 years, mean 71 years) with clinical features and abdominal radiographic findings suggesting acute large bowel obstruction (LBO) or pseudo-obstruction were examined with CT. Supine scans were obtained with i.v. contrast medium (unless contraindicated), but (in the majority) without oral contrast. Additional prone and/or decubitus scans were obtained in 33 patients when clarification of a possible transition point on the supine scan was required. CT diagnosis of LBO was made by finding a transition point +/- mass. Final diagnosis was confirmed by surgery, further imaging and/or clinical course. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had proven mechanical acute LBO of whom 18 had an obstructing carcinoma; 22 patients had no mechanical obstruction. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value of CT for diagnosis of mechanical LBO were each 91%. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 10.1 and 0.1, respectively. There were two false-negative CT scans, although one of these was reported as showing segmental mural thickening. A mass was identified on 14 of 17 patients with true-positive CT, subsequently found to have carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography with additional selective prone and/or decubitus scanning is highly effective in the diagnosis of mechanical LBO. It is suggested that it replace contrast enema as the initial imaging method.     

Routine restaging PET/CT and detection of initial recurrence in sentinel lymph node positive stage III melanoma

Background

Follow-up of patients with sentinel lymph node–positive stage III melanoma uses history, physical exam, and cross-sectional imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate positron emission tomographic (PET)/computed tomographic (CT) scans in the detection of recurrence.

Methods

From 2003 to 2009, a single-institution prospective database of all cutaneous melanoma patients was used to identify sentinel lymph node–positive stage III patients with disease-free survival >1 year and 1 restaging PET/CT scan.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were identified, with a median follow-up period of 27.5 months. Seven (18%) developed recurrence (median time to recurrence, 25 months). Recurrences were detected as follows: 3 by patients, 1 by physician, 1 by PET/CT scan and lactate dehydrogenase, 1 by PET/CT scan, and 1 by brain magnetic resonance imaging. One hundred eight follow-up PET/CT scans were performed. Two of 38 patients had asymptomatic metastases detected by routine restaging PET/CT scan, and there were 9 scans with false-positive results.

Conclusions

With short follow-up, the utility of routine PET/CT scans in identifying unsuspected recurrence in patients with sentinel lymph node–positive stage III melanoma appears minimal.