Course and variation of the intercostal artery by CT scan.

Background: It is conventionally taught that the intercostal artery is shielded in the intercostal groove of the superior rib. The continuous course and variability of the intercostal artery, and factors that may influence them, have not been described in a large number of arteries in vivo.

Methods: Maximal intensity projection reformats in the coronal plane were produced from CT scan pulmonary angiograms to identify the posterolateral course of the intercostal artery (seventh to 11th rib spaces).

Are occult pneumothoraces truly occult or simply missed?

Background: Nonradiologists typically diagnose pneumothoraces (PTX) based on a visible pleural stripe. PTXs not seen on supine AP chest radiographs (CXR), but appreciated on a computed tomographic (CT) scan, termed occult pneumothoraces (OPTX), are increasingly common. The purpose was to (1) determine whether perceived OPTXs were truly occult or simply missed and (2) address factors that contribute to the poor sensitivity of the supine CXR.

Pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients: CT findings in 12 patients.

Objective: The aim of our study was to review the CT findings of pulmonary cryptococcosis in 12 immunocompetent patients.

Conclusion: The CT manifestations of pulmonary cryptococcosis consist of pulmonary nodules or masses measuring 5-52 mm in diameter and focal areas of consolidation. The nodules and masses have a predominantly peripheral distribution in 80% of the cases.