Comparison between the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in ICU patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Purpose: To characterize and compare the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in intensive care patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Methods: Participants of this study were 113 adults diagnosed with TBI. Data collection stage involved: clinical assessment of the risk for bronchoaspiration performed by a speech-language therapist; assessment of the functional level of swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS ); assessment of the patient' health status (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment - SOFA).

Swallowing sounds in speech therapy practice: a critical analysis of the literature.

This study aimed to investigate international scientific papers published on the subject of cervical auscultation and its use in speech therapy. The study involved a qualitative review of the literature spanning the last 10 years. Articles were selected from the PubMed database using the following keywords: cervical auscultation, swallowing and swallowing disorders.

Unusual complication after left-lobe liver biopsy for diffuse liver disease: severe bleeding from the superior epigastric artery.

Objective: Imaging-guided parenchymal liver biopsy for diffuse liver disease is increasingly performed via an epigastric route from the left lobe, as opposed to the more traditional intercostal right-sided approach.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all liver biopsies performed at our department for 3 years (July 2007 through June 2010). A total of 1028 liver biopsies were performed during this period.

Core biopsy with curved needle technique.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the technique and study the feasibility of curved needle biopsy performed with a coaxial core biopsy system.

Conclusion: Curved core needle biopsy is a simple and feasible technique with a high technical success rate even with suboptimal coaxial needle placement. With the technique, different parts of a focal lesion can be biopsied without manipulation of the coaxial needle.

Double-contrast barium enema: use in practice and implications for CT colonography.

Objective: This study examines the use and yield of double-contrast barium enemas (DCBEs) for colorectal polyp detection in current clinical practice outside the research setting.

Materials And Methods: My colleagues and I retrospectively reviewed adult DCBE studies performed in routine clinical practice at a single academic institution from 2001 through 2004 by reviewing the official radiology and colonoscopy reports. Data were collected on indications for a DCBE, number of positive and negative DCBE reports, results of a DCBE after failed colonoscopy, and professional profiles of the radiologists who performed the DCBEs.

Automated volumetry at CT colonography: a phantom study.

Rationale And Objectives: To assess the performance of a computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithm for measuring polyp-like structures on CT colonography (CTC) images of a phantom.

Materials And Methods: We constructed a Plexiglas phantom to which we affixed a series of idealized Plexiglas polyp-like objects, including spheres and hemispheres. We imaged the phantom in a four-channel detector CT scanner at a 1.

Consensus on current clinical practice of virtual colonoscopy.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine the current opinions regarding the performance, interpretation, reporting, and clinical role of virtual colonoscopy among a group of selected experts to develop a consensus statement.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 33 selected experts in virtual colonoscopy. Responses were tabulated and results were used to develop a consensus statement.

Interventional approach to pancreatic fluid collections.

Interventional radiologic catheter drainage may be an effective therapeutic approach to fluid collections complicating acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic pseudocysts and abscess are the most common conditions requiring radiologic intervention. Imaging guidance is best performed under CT control allowing precise definition of access route, catheter placement, and response.

Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance: clinical guidelines and rationale-Update based on new evidence.

We have updated guidelines for screening for colorectal cancer. The original guidelines were prepared by a panel convened by the U.S.

Colon cancer screening with virtual colonoscopy: promise, polyps, politics.

Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) promises to become a primary method for colorectal cancer screening and return radiologists to a major role in colon cancer prevention. Results from major centers in the United States show accuracy to be comparable to conventional colonoscopy for detection of polyps of significant size--that is, greater than 10 mm--with few false-positives. The advent of virtual colonoscopy has also heightened awareness of the natural history of colonic polyps, particularly in terms of identifying an appropriate target size for detection in colorectal screening programs.

Virtual colonoscopy--technique and applications.

Virtual colonoscopy is a new method for evaluating the colon which uses thin section computed tomography of the clean air distended colon. The acquired computed tomography data is then subjected to computer manipulation to demonstrate the colonic mucosa. It is a safe, non-invasive, well-tolerated method that has potential as a method of colorectal cancer screening.

Periventricular leukomalacia: relationship between lateral ventricular volume on brain MR images and severity of cognitive and motor impairment.

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of lateral ventricular volume measurements in predicting motor and cognitive impairment severity in children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), with or without seizures.

Materials And Methods: The charts of children with spastic cerebral palsy and PVL documented on brain magnetic resonance (MR) images were reviewed. Affected children were grouped by motor and cognitive impairment severity and seizure disorder.

A comparison of virtual and conventional colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal polyps.

Background: Virtual colonoscopy is a new method of imaging the colon in which thin-section, helical computed tomography (CT) is used to generate high-resolution, two-dimensional axial images. Three-dimensional images of the colon simulating those obtained with conventional colonoscopy are then reconstructed off-line. We compared the performance of virtual and conventional colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal polyps.

Biliopancreatic malignancy current diagnostic possibilities: an overview.

Modern imaging of pancreatic cancer remains a daily challenge both for detection and staging. Helical CT scanning, MRI, and more recently endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) all contribute. Demonstration of local vascular anatomy for assessing resectability is increasingly performed by non-invasive methods such as CT and MR angiography avoiding the need for traditional catheter angiograms.

MRI and MRCP in pancreaticobiliary malignancy.

Ultrasonography and CT scanning have been the standard techniques for demonstrating pancreatic carcinoma, although MR and more recently even endoscopic ultrasound have shown excellent results. MRCP is a specialized MR technique that shows fluid containing structures in a 2D image display similar to direct ERCP findings. Accuracy of MRCP (sensitivity, specificity) equals or exceeds ERCP for both biliary and pancreatic duct morphology.