Uncommon causes of acute abdominal pain: multidetector computed tomography pearls and pitfalls for the radiologist on call.

We review uncommon causes of acute abdominal pain in which inconclusive multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) studies were followed by emergency surgery and unexpected diagnoses. Despite dedicated protocols and technical advances, MDCT of uncommon causes of acute abdominal pain still represents a significant challenge for the radiologist on call. We emphasize diagnostic pearls and pitfalls that may help the radiologist on call identify or suspect these uncommon causes of acute abdominal pain on MDCT.

MDCT of abdominal wall lumbar hernias: anatomical review, pathologic findings and differential diagnosis.

Purpose: To review the anatomical landmarks of the abdominal wall lumbar region and its normal appearance on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and to briefly describe the MDCT features of lumbar hernias.

Methods: We performed a retrospective search of the imaging report database from November 2007 to October 2011. We retrieved the clinical data and MDCT studies of patients suffering from abdominal wall lumbar hernias.

MDCT of variations and anomalies of the neural arch and its processes: part 2--articular processes, transverse processes, and high cervical spine.

Objective: The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the variations and anomalies of the neural arch and its processes with a focus on the articular and transverse processes. We also discuss variations and anomalies of the neural arch at the high cervical spine.

Conclusion: Variations and anomalies of the neural arch and its processes may be identified on MDCT studies.

MDCT of variations and anomalies of the neural arch and its processes: part 1--pedicles, pars interarticularis, laminae, and spinous process.

Objective: The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the anatomic variations and congenital anomalies of the neural arch and its processes as seen on MDCT images of the spine.

Conclusion: Variations and anomalies of the pedicles, pars interarticularis, laminae, and spinous processes may be readily identified on MDCT studies. Familiarity with their MDCT appearances is required for characterization and differential diagnosis and may help assess their potential clinical relevance.