Comparative assessment of CT and sonographic techniques for appendiceal imaging.

Objective: We performed a comparative assessment of CT and sonographic techniques used to assess appendicitis.

Materials And Methods: One hundred patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis were examined with sonography, unenhanced focused appendiceal CT, complete abdominopelvic CT using IV contrast material, focused appendiceal CT with colonic contrast material, and repeated sonography with colonic contrast material. Each sonogram was videotaped for subsequent interpretation by three radiologists and two sonographers.

Determination of inferior vena cava diameter in the angiography suite: comparison of three common methods.

Purpose: Significant inferior vena cava (IVC) filter migration has been associated with deployment of some filter types in IVCs measuring more than 28 mm in diameter at inferior vena cavography. The purposes of this study were to (a) determine if significant differences exist between IVC measurements obtained using a gold standard technique and two other widely accepted methods, and (b) if differences exist, how often do these differences cause incorrect IVC sizing around a diameter of 28 mm, with its associated filter migration issues.

Materials And Methods: One hundred thirteen consecutive inferior vena cavograms were retrospectively reviewed.

Recurrent abdominal abscess secondary to a dropped laparoscopic clip: CT imaging.

Since being introduced in 1987, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has quickly become the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstone disease. Computed tomography is an excellent method to evaluate the laparoscopic patient in whom postoperative complication is suspected.

Interactive method of informing patients of the risks of intravenous contrast media.

Purpose: To evaluate interactive computer-based informed consent for use of contrast material versus the same information in a written format.

Materials And Methods: Patients (n = 160) referred for radiologic examination with intravenous contrast material were block randomized (sex, age, and previous exposure to contrast material) into two groups and were provided either written or computer-based (video) informed consent.

Results: The female patients in the video group scored better on the test than those in the group with the written consent form.

Transmural thoracic lipoma: CT and MRI features.

Lipomas are common benign neoplasms of the chest wall. However, their extension from the pleural space through the ribs into the superficial tissues of the chest wall has been described only twice previously, both by computed tomography (CT). A case is presented of a transmural chest wall lipoma diagnosed by MRI with CT correlation.