Gadolinium-based contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a predictor of postmeningitic hearing loss in children.

Objective: To determine if Gadolinium-based enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (GdMRI) can be used to predict sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in pediatric patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Study: Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Use of an Amplatz dilator to facilitate transrectal abscess drainage in children.

Image-guided transrectal drainage is an effective treatment option for many deep pelvic abscesses in children. Currently, a variety of imaging and catheter techniques are used to access and drain these abscesses. The present report describes an approach for introducing the transrectal catheter by using transabdominal ultrasound guidance to direct transrectal advancement of an Amplatz dilator with coaxial placement of the metal cannula and inner trocar from a pigtail catheter set, followed by placement of the pigtail catheter via Seldinger technique.

Live 3D guidance in the interventional radiology suite.

Objective: The development of a C-arm cone-beam CT unit coupled with flat detectors has markedly increased anatomic visualization capabilities for interventional radiology procedures. We present technology in which fluoroscopy and 3D imaging from a cone-beam CT-flat-detector C-arm unit are combined with an integrated tracking and navigation system. A description of the technology and representative clinical cases are presented.

MRI appearance of chondral delamination injuries of the knee.

Objective: We describe the MRI appearance of five cases of chondral delamination of the knee.

Conclusion: Chondral delamination injuries of the knee show increased linear signal abnormality at the junction of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone on T2-weighted (fast spin-echo) images of the knee. Identifying and treating these lesions results in an improved prognosis for patients with this injury.