MR and CT angiography in the diagnosis of vasculitides.

Vasculitides represent the wide-ranging series of complex inflammatory diseases that involve inflammation of blood vessel walls. These conditions are characterized according to the caliber of the predominantly involved vessels. The work-up of vasculitides often includes imaging to narrow a differential diagnosis and guide management.

Pneumothorax in the Setting of Spinal Surgery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

The purpose of this paper is to review the occurrence and management of a tension pneumothorax, which was exacerbated status post posterior spinal surgery. A retrospective review of intraoperative reports, imaging, and pertinent medical records was conducted for a patient who underwent posterior spinal surgery with a tiny apical pneumothorax, which subsequently developed into a major pneumothorax. The clinical signs imperative to recognition and prompt treatment are discussed.

Embolic Events After Computed Tomography Contrast Injection in Patients With Interatrial Shunts: A Cohort Study.

Background: Patients with interatrial shunts (patient foramen ovale/atrial septal defect) are potentially at increased risk for paradoxical air embolism following computed tomography (CT) scans with intravenous (IV) contrast media injection. IV in-line filters aim to prevent such embolisms but are not compatible with power injection required for diagnostic CT.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the incidence of paradoxical embolism to the heart and brain in patients with an interatrial shunt is higher compared with controls within 48 hours following injection of IV contrast media without IV in-line filter.

Pathologic Fracture as Presentation of Generalized Lymphangiomatosis in an Eight-Year-Old: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pathologic fractures commonly occur secondary to abnormal skeletal physiology in the context of benign or malignant lesions. Rarely, pathologic fractures may occur in the context of a lymphatic abnormality, such as generalized lymphangiomatosis. This rare disorder is characterized by variable presentations in a broad age range of patients.