Publications by authors named "Erin Opfer"

Cross-sectional cardiac imaging plays an essential role in the evaluation of pediatric patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. While the focus of cardiac imaging is primarily on evaluating cardiac structures, it also provides valuable insights into extracardiac structures and associated abnormalities. The radiologists and cardiologists interpreting these exams play a critical role in recognizing these findings and providing recommendations for follow-up testing when indicated.

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Diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) relies heavily on imaging, but uncertainty in the language used in imaging reports can result in ambiguity, miscommunication, and potential diagnostic errors. To determine the degree of uncertainty in reporting imaging findings for NEC, we conducted a secondary analysis of the data from a previously completed pilot diagnostic randomized controlled trial (2019-2020). The study population comprised sixteen preterm infants with suspected NEC randomized to abdominal radiographs (AXRs) or AXR + bowel ultrasound (BUS).

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Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and MR venography imaging with contrast and non-contrast techniques are widely used for pediatric vascular imaging. However, as with any MRI examination, imaging the pediatric population can be challenging because of patient motion, which sometimes requires sedation. There are multiple benefits of non-contrast MR angiographic techniques, including the ability to repeat sequences if motion is present, the decreased need for sedation, and avoidance of potential risks associated with gadolinium administration and radiation exposure.

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We conducted a pilot diagnostic randomized clinical trial (RCT) to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of adding bowel ultrasound (BUS) to the diagnostic evaluation for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Infants ≤ 32 weeks' gestational age with NEC concern were randomized to undergo abdominal X-ray (AXR) or AXR + BUS. The primary outcome was study feasibility.

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Diffuse Lipomatosis is a dermatological lesion consisting of a poorly circumscribed, infiltrative overgrowth of mature adipose tissue that usually affects the trunk and the extremities. The lesions in the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) are usually hamartomatous in nature, but lesions arising from adipocytes are rare. There are only three previous reports of association of TSC with diffuse lipomatosis.

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Article Synopsis
  • Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants and is a leading cause of complications and death in this population.
  • Recent studies highlight the advantages of using bowel ultrasound (BUS) for diagnosing and managing NEC, but its implementation in clinical settings has been slow.
  • This manuscript aims to outline a structured approach to integrate BUS into everyday practices for effectively diagnosing and managing NEC.
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We report a rare case of anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery from the posterior/non-coronary sinus of Valsalva in a 9-year-old male diagnosed during the workup of premature ventricular contractions. The finding was initially noted on transthoracic echocardiogram and further confirmed with computed tomography. The anomalous coronary artery shows a wide ostium with no intramural or interarterial course.

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Cardiac imaging plays a key role in the accurate diagnosis of pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD). Echocardiography and catheter angiography are traditionally used to delineate cardiac anatomy. CT and MRI imaging offer a non-invasive way to image cardiovascular anatomy which can be used in conjunction with echocardiography for the diagnosis and treatment planning for CHD.

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Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a potentially fatal complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Traditional ultrasound (US) has poor sensitivity and specificity. US shear wave elastography (SWE) is a newer technology that measures liver stiffness.

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Recent publications argue that classic metaphyseal fractures are caused by rickets as opposed to trauma. Previous case reports of accidental traumatic classic metaphyseal fractures have been discounted due to lack of identification of the fracture at the time of the traumatic event, and lack of an evaluation for boney metabolic disorders. We report a case of a 20 day old male with a diagnosis of congenital vertical talus who sustained a classic metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia during manipulation in preparation for intravenous line placement.

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Background. The upper anterior abdominal wall is a very unusual location for an ectopic pregnancy making optimal management uncertain. Case.

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