Multidetector computed tomography of spontaneous versus secondary pneumomediastinum in 89 patients: can multidetector computed tomography be used to reliably distinguish between the 2 entities?

Purpose: To analyze the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of spontaneous pneumomediastinum (PM) to determine whether MDCT can reliably differentiate spontaneous from secondary PM.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective clinical and chest MDCT analysis of all patients diagnosed with spontaneous PM over an 8-year period was performed. Radiologic comparison was undertaken with patients diagnosed with secondary PM from a central airways defect, esophageal rupture, or recent intervention in the airway or esophagus.

Borne identity: CT imaging of vascular infections.

Vascular infections present in a multitude of ways with computed tomography (CT) aiding in the diagnosis of many of the uncommon vascular infections, which are equally dangerous and carry severe life-threatening consequences if untreated from a delay in diagnosis. This pictorial review aims to discuss and illustrate the CT findings of the following vascular infections including aortitis, mycotic aneurysms, infective endocarditis, septic thrombophlebitis in the chest and abdomen, and Kawasaki disease. Recognition and prompt diagnosis of these uncommon vascular infections are critical to the initiation of the appropriate management and therapy.

A prospective comparison of the impact of uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, and hysterectomy on ovarian function.

Purpose: To prospectively compare uterine artery embolization (UAE) versus myomectomy and hysterectomy with regard to ovarian function as measured by postprocedure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and symptoms.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-five patients were prospectively enrolled in the study: 33 patients who underwent UAE, seven who underwent myomectomy, and 15 who underwent hysterectomy. Patients had serum FSH and estradiol levels measured on the third day of the menstrual cycle before their procedure and at regular follow-up visits for as long as 6 months.

Endovascular treatment of vertebral artery steal syndrome from an arteriovenous fistula between the internal mammary artery and superior vena cava.

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency resulting from subclavian steal syndrome and high flow through hemodialysis fistulas has been described. The present report describes a case of vertebral artery steal syndrome from an arteriovenous (AV) fistula between the right internal mammary artery and superior vena cava with the unusual pattern of antegrade flow through the vertebral artery in the setting of classic symptoms of steal. The AV fistula likely developed during earlier cardiac catheterizations.

Fiber formation in water by a mono-urea dicarboxylic acid.

Fibers formed by a mono-urea dicarboxylic acid derivative in water were analyzed by SEM, IR and XRD. The resulting data were used to develop a model of the molecular aggregation leading to fiber formation.