Core curriculum illustration: pneumothorax.

This is the fourth installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at http://www.

A prospective comparison of laparoscopic ultrasound vs intraoperative cholangiogram during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: The laparoscopic ultrasound (US) probe provides a new modality for evaluating biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods: We performed a laparoscopic US examination in 65 patients without suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones prior to the performance of a laparoscopic cholangiogram (IOC). We then compared the cost, time required, surgeon's assessment of difficulty, and interpretations of findings.

Safety and efficacy of kidney transplant biopsy: Tru-Cut needle vs sonographically guided Biopty gun.

Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of using a 14-gauge Tru-Cut needle without imaging guidance vs using an 18-gauge Biopty gun with sonographic guidance for percutaneous biopsy of kidney transplants.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 105 biopsies (in 68 patients) in which the Biopty gun with an 18-gauge needle was used and data from 100 biopsies (in 64 patients) in which a 14-gauge Tru-Cut needle was used.

Results: Significantly fewer major complications (p = .

Carpal tunnel syndrome: the role of radiography.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common neurologic condition that is evaluated often using radiography. An overview of carpal tunnel syndrome and its diagnosis is presented, along with methods for radiographic evaluation of this condition.

Esophageal motility studies in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

Esophageal motility was assessed in 40 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon by barium cineesophagram and radionuclide transit. Nineteen were further evaluated by esophageal manometry. Barium cineesophagram and radionuclide transit findings were discordant in 33%.

High-resolution computed tomography of the wrist in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

High resolution computed tomography (CT) was used to scan the wrists of 19 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Thirteen normal volunteers were used as controls. Measurements obtained from the CT images included the cross-sectional area of the carpal tunnel, the relative amount of synovium within the carpal tunnel, the attenuation coefficient of the carpal tunnel, and the thickness of the transverse carpal ligament.

Central bronchial displacement with large posterior pleural collections. Findings on the lateral chest radiograph and CT scans.

The central bronchi have a characteristic orientation and relation to each other on lateral chest radiographs and computed tomograms. Twelve patients with proven unilateral large pleural collections all demonstrated ipsilateral forward central bronchial displacement on their lateral chest radiographs. Each of the eight patients who had computed tomograms also had similar displacement.

Computed tomographic demonstration of cervical abscess and jugular vein thrombosis. A complication of intravenous drug abuse in the neck.

Cervical abscess and internal jugular vein thrombosis occurred in a 36-year-old man with a history of drug abuse. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography correctly identified the pathologic abnormalities that were surgically confirmed. We stress the use of CT in the evaluation of this condition.