Utility of the coned-down lateral view of the lumbosacral spine.

Objective: At certain institutions and radiology practices, a routine lumbar radiographic exam may include 3 views: AP, lateral, and coned-down lateral of the lumbosacral junction. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the third coned-down-lateral view adds significant diagnostic information regarding pathology at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study includes patients (n = 74) who had a 3-view radiographic exam of the lumbar spine, as well as a CT or MRI within six months.

Clearing the Congestion: Chest Radiography and BNP to Rule-out Congestive Heart Failure.

Purpose: Ruling out congestive heart failure (CHF) is clinically important in Emergency Department (ED) patients. Normal serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) represents an important reference standard for excluding CHF. Results of chest radiographs (CXR) are also considered and, when discordant with BNP levels, may result in a clinical dilemma.

Intraoperative radiography for evaluation of surgical miscounts.

Purpose: Retained surgical items result in substantial morbidity, health care-related expense, and legal liability. This study determines the performance of a protocol for locating surgical items after a miscount, in which intraoperative radiography included a radiograph of the unaccounted for item.

Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained.