MRI assessment of velopharyngeal dysfunction: A comprehensive primer for radiologists.

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) is a condition where the velopharyngeal mechanism fails to close properly, resulting in nasal air escape during speech and hypernasal resonance. VPD is common in patients with cleft palate and presents significant challenges, often necessitating advanced imaging techniques for surgical treatment planning. Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enhanced the capability to obtain detailed static images of velopharyngeal structures at rest and during sustained phonation, which are comparable or superior to traditional technologies.

Child with small bowel obstruction and perforation secondary to ileal bezoar.

Bezoars are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, but morbidity and mortality of late diagnosis and complication are high. Generally, bezoars remain in the region of the stomach; however, infrequently, they will pass to the small bowel. The clinical diagnosis of bezoar is challenging, and initial radiographs are frequently nondiagnostic.