Incidental diagnosis of Covid-19 pneumonia on chest computed tomography

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and imaging characteristics of incidentally diagnosed COVID-19 pneumonia on computed tomography (CT).Materials and methodsThis retrospective study was conducted between March 20th and March 31st, 2020 at Cochin hospital, Paris France. Thoracic CT examinations of all patients referred for another reason than a suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reviewed. CT images were analyzed by a chest radiologist to confirm the presence of findings consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia and quantify disease extent. Clinical and biological data (C-reactive protein serum level [CRP] and white blood cell count) of patients with CT findings suggestive for COVID-19 pneumonia were retrieved from the electronic medical chart.ResultsDuring the study period, among 205 diagnostic CT examinations, six examinations (6/205, 3%) in 6 different patients (4 men, 2 women; median age, 57 years) revealed images highly suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia. The final diagnosis was confirmed by RT-PCR. Three inpatients were suspected of extra thoracic infection whereas three outpatients were either fully asymptomatic or presented with fatigue only. All had increased CRP serum level and lymphopenia. Disease extent on CT was mild to moderate in 5/6 patients (83%) and severe in 1/6 patient (17%).ConclusionCumulative incidence of fortuitous diagnosis if COVID-19 pneumonia did not exceed 3% during the highest pandemic phase and was predominantly associated with limited lung involvement.     

Incidental diagnosis of diseases on un-enhanced helical computed tomography performed for ureteric colic

Background  

Patients presenting in the emergency room with flank pain suggestive of acute ureteric colic may have alternative underlying conditions mimicking ureteric stones. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for other causes of flank pain is important. The majority of centers around the world are increasingly using un-enhanced helical CT (UHCT) for evaluation of ureteric colic. This study was conducted to determine the incidence and spectrum of significant incidental diagnoses established or suggested on UHCT performed for suspected renal/ureteric colic.     

Differential diagnosis and staging of urological tumors by magnetic resonance imaging compared with computed tomography

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 49 urological tumors (11 renal cell carcinomas, 3 renal pelvic cancers, 2 renal angiomyolipomas, 1 renal leiomyosarcoma, 1 large renal cyst, 4 adrenal tumors, 11 bladder cancers, 2 bone metastasis from bladder cancer, 10 prostatic cancers, 1 prostatic sarcoma, 1 urethral cancer, 1 penile cancer and 1 perivesical granuloma) since October 1985 to September 1986. MRI was performed using a Signa (G.E.) with a 1.5T superconductive magnet and 3 images, including T1 weighted image, T2 weighted image, and proton density image, were obtained. In conclusion MRI is a noninvasive examination and gives more information than computed tomography despite its high cost. In renal cell carcinoma, the chemical shift in MRI and clear visualization of tumor thrombus enable accurate staging. Differential diagnosis from other renal mass lesions may be possible by the T2 weighted image. In adrenal disease, most of the adrenal masses can be differentiated, but in some cases it is impossible. In bladder cancer, wall invasion of tumor may be evaluated in T2 weighted image, and MRI is suitable for staging of locally advanced tumor. In prostatic cancer, visualization of periprostatic plexus and differentiation between internal and external gland may enable local staging and identification of low stage tumors.     

Incidental findings on whole-body trauma computed tomography: Experience at a major trauma centre

IntroductionThe use of total-body computed tomography (CT) scanning in the evaluation of multiply injured patients is increasing, and their liberal use has stirred debate as to the added benefit relative to the risk of radiation exposure and inappropriate use of limited healthcare resources. Findings unrelated to the clinician's reasons for requesting the radiological examination are often uncovered due to the comprehensive nature of the evaluation at a trauma centre. However, some of these findings are outside the expertise of the trauma team who initially organised the scan and this may lead to uncertainty over who is best qualified to follow-up the incidental finding. We aim to evaluate the frequency of incidental findings on whole body trauma CT scans in a consecutive series of trauma admissions to our unit.Materials and methodsWe identified 104 consecutive major trauma patients who received a whole-body trauma CT (head, cervical spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis) from Jan 2013 to Dec 2013 in our unit (out of a total of 976 trauma admissions in the same year). Patient-specific information was extracted from computerised hospital databases containing admission and progress notes, radiological reports, operation notes and pathology reports.Results57 patients (54.8%) had incidental findings identified on the radiologist report, with a total of 114 individual incidental findings. 6 (5.8%) patients had potentially severe findings that required further diagnostic work up; 65 (62.5%) patients had diagnostic workup dependant on their symptoms, and 43 (41.3%) patients had incidental findings of minor concern which required no follow up.Discussion and conclusionsOur findings reflect the literature noting that incidental findings are increasingly common due to the central diagnostic role of CT imaging in trauma care, but also due to advances in imaging techniques and quality. In keeping with published literature, we note that increased age is associated with an increased incidence of “incidental findings” and this will continue to rise with the ageing population and the mandatory nature of trauma CTs.     

Incidental computed tomography diagnosis of a rare triad consisting of absence of coronary sinus, persistent left superior vena cava, and scimitar syndrome

We report a case of an unusual congenital triad consisting of absence of coronary sinus, persistent left superior vena cava and scimitar syndrome incidentally found in a CT-scan performed on a female complaining of exertional dyspnea.     

Intravenous leiomyomatosis: diagnosis and follow-up with multislice computed tomography

Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare disease, which appears histologically benign but is clinically aggressive. It is characterized by the intraluminal growth of leiomyomas in the intrauterine and systemic veins. Intravenous leiomyomatosis was reported to have originated in the uterus and extended into the right ventricle via the inferior vena cava (IVC). In these circumstances, it is fatal. Multislice compute tomography (MSCT) allows an early and accurate preoperative diagnosis, resulting in a higher rate of surgical resection and improved survival. The authors present 3 cases of intravenous leiomyomatosis with a history of uterine leiomyoma and hysterectomy. The lesions were found to have extended through the IVC into the right cardiac cavities and were confirmed to be intravenous leiomyomatosis by surgery.     

Morgagni hernia: diagnosis with multidetector computed tomography and treatment

Purpose  

We aimed to retrospectively evaluate morbidity, mortality and treatment outcomes in 12 cases of Morgagni hernia diagnosed with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and treated appropriately.     

Lisfranc fracture-dislocation in patients with multiple trauma: diagnosis with multidetector computed tomography

BACKGROUND: We assessed acute phase multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of Lisfranc fracture-dislocations in patients with multiple trauma referred to a Level I trauma center over a 29-month period. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty two patients (208 male and 74 female) between the ages of 13 and 89 (mean 42) years had, at the request of emergency room physicians, MDCT of the foot and ankle after acute injury. RESULTS: A total of 21 Lisfranc fracture-dislocations were found in 19 (7%) patients. Two main injury mechanisms were established: falling from high places in 10 injuries (48%) and traffic accidents in five (24%). Primary radiographs were available in 17 (81%) feet, and four (24%) had false negative radiographic results when compared to MDCT. In all Lisfranc fracture-dislocations MDCT showed the joint anatomy and the extent of dislocation better than primary radiographs, and in six (46%) of 13 true positive primary radiographs, MDCT revealed additional occult fractures in the Lisfranc joint. Multidetector CT revealed additional occult fractures in other parts of the foot and ankle in six (35%) of 17 feet. CONCLUSIONS: Standard radiography remains a primary diagnostic modality in acute foot and ankle trauma. Multidetector CT with high-quality multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) is recommended as a complementary examination in high-energy injury in patients with multiple trauma or in patients in whom radiographic images are equivocal. This may reveal Lisfranc fracture-dislocations, show the extent of the fracture-dislocation, and reveal occult fractures in other parts of the foot and ankle.     

Splenic flexure volvulus in association with Chilaiditi syndrome: report of a case.

Hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the intestine, or Chilaiditi syndrome, is uncommon and typically asymptomatic, but it can be associated with symptoms ranging from intermittent, mild abdominal pain to acute intestinal obstruction. Factors such as the interruption or absence of peritoneal attachments and redundant colon with a long mesentery predispose to both Chilaiditi syndrome and colonic volvulus. The presence of hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the intestine requires no specific treatment in the absence of symptoms. Colonic volvulus in association with Chilaiditi syndrome is treated based on the location of the volvulus. Volvulus of the splenic flexure is typically treated with resection and primary anastomosis. We report only the third case of colonic volvulus in association with Chilaiditi syndrome and the first with volvulus of the splenic flexure.     

Musculoskeletal complications of Crohn's disease: the role of computed tomography in diagnosis and patient management

The delayed diagnosis of musculoskeletal complications of Crohn's disease may produce major morbidity in patients. This study compared abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) with conventional radiography in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal complications in 23 of 552 patients with Crohn's disease examined by CT over a 7-year period. Surgical confirmation was available in 15 of 21 patients. The clinical features of psoas/gluteal abscesses, abdominal wall fistulae, and sacral osteomyelitis are described. Because the clinical manifestations of these musculoskeletal complications are often nonspecific, CT is often useful in diagnosing and directing therapeutic interventions.     

Incidental findings in brain computed tomography scans of 3000 head trauma patients

BACKGROUND: Limited reports exist about intracranial incidental findings on computed tomography (CT) imaging. We studied the frequency of incidental findings on 3000 brain CT scans of trauma patients. METHODS: Three thousands standard brain CT scans of trauma patients were evaluated for some incidental findings. Cisterna magna was evaluated in 1500 CT scans. RESULTS: In this study we found 30 incidental abnormalities that include 8 cases of tumor: 3 meningioma, 2 craniopharyngioma, 1 oligodendroglioma, 1 low-grade astrocytoma, and 1 medulloblastoma. Suspect osteoma was found in 3 cases. In 3 cases, abnormal calcification was found in pineal region, basal ganglia, and temporal horn area. Three suspect lipomas were found in midline and near midline of the brain. Arachnoid cyst was found in 7 cases and hydrocephaly in 3 cases. Large cisterna magna (>10 cm(3)) was found in 11 cases. CONCLUSION: Cisterna magna enlargement was the most common incidental finding and brain tumor and arachnoid cyst were next in frequency.     

Pelvic lipomatosis: diagnosis using computed tomography.

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare, benign disease in which the characteristic roentgenographic findings may mimic those of pelvic malignancy. In the past more than two-thirds of reported cases have been explored surgically for diagnosis. We present 2 cases to demonstrate how the definitive diagnosis of pelvic lipomatosis can be made with the aid of computed tomography to avoid invasive techniques.     

Popliteal artery entrapment: diagnosis by computed tomography

Popliteal artery entrapment by an anomalous band of the gastrocnemius muscle is uncommon. In cases where popliteal artery occlusion has occurred, the diagnosis is difficult to establish. A case is presented in which computed axial tomography of the popliteal space established the diagnosis of popliteal artery thrombosis caused by entrapment when other diagnostic modalities were inconclusive. Computed axial tomography provides precise anatomic display of the muscle structure of the popliteal fossa and should be an important diagnostic tool in patients suspected to have popliteal artery entrapment.     

Dyspnea and large bowel obstruction: a misleading Chilaiditi syndrome

Chilaiditi sign is named after the Greek radiologist Demetrius Chilaiditi who first described it when he was working in Vienna In (1910), and it is an incidental radiographic finding. This sign can be more frequently mistaken for pneumoperitoneum which is usually an indication of bowel perforation and can lead to needless surgical intervention. There are several case report reported in literature that describe the association between colonic volvulus and Chilaiditi syndrome that underline the frequent association between these anatomical condition instead no previous report described the association between Chilaiditi syndrome and large bowel obstruction secondary to a malignant sigmoid stenosis in a man presenting with symptoms and signs of upper respiratory distress combined with subacute bowel obstruction.     

Cranial epidermoid tumors: diagnosis by computed tomography

Using seven illustrative cases, the authors discuss the computerized tomographic (CT) appearance of cranial epidermoid tumors. These tumors are of low density (-2 to +10 EMI units), seldom show calcification, and do not enhance with contrast medium. Their differentiation from dermoid tumors and craniopharyngiomas is also discussed.