Artefact on CT brain images caused by the presence of air bubbles in the cooling oil of the X-ray tube.

Introduction: We report a series of patients who had computed tomography (CT) of their brains which showed an uncommon artefact caused by excess air bubbles in the cooling oil around the X-ray tube.

Methods: In November and December 2015, it was recognised that artefacts appearing on CT brain images acquired at our department were caused by a scanner fault. The test images were reviewed and the service engineer for the CT scanner was questioned about the artefact cause.

Impact of dual energy characterization of urinary calculus on management.

Introduction: Dual energy CT (DECT) is a recent technique that is increasingly being used to differentiate between calcium and uric acid urinary tract calculi. The aim of this study is to determine if urinary calculi composition analysis determined by DECT scanning results in a change of patient management.

Method: All patients presenting with symptoms of renal colic, who had not previously undergone DECT scanning underwent DECT KUB.