Ability of specific and nonspecific signs of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of blunt surgically important bowel and mesenteric injuries.

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of MDCT in the evaluation of blunt surgically relevant bowel and/or mesenteric injuries (BMIs) using single specific CT signs together with specific pairs of nonspecific signs.

Methods: Fifty-four patients examined with MDCT were divided into two groups: a 'surgical' group of 20 patients-which underwent surgery for blunt BMIs-and a control group of 34 'nonsurgical' trauma patients. Two radiologists with different experience performed a double-blind retrospective evaluation of the images, classifying the patients in the two groups by using only single specific signs; then, the images were reviewed in consensus with a third radiologist and sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Multislice computed tomography with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in the study of intestinal and ureteral endometriosis.

This study evaluates retrospectively the accuracy and reproducibility of multislice computed tomography with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in diagnosing bowel (BE) and ureteral (UE) endometriosis. Sixty-four patients underwent MSCT-c and videolaparoscopic surgery. Two radiologists reviewed MSCT-c examinations: sensitivity and specificity were calculated, considering histological exam as reference standard.

Preoperative assessment of rectal cancer stage: state of the art.

Rectal cancer is one of the most common tumors worldwide; it accounts for approximately 25-30% of cancers arising in the large bowel. Owing to greater distribution of screening programs and better attention from both patients and General Practitioners to this disease, in recent years we have observed an increasing number of cases diagnosed in the early stages, with a consequent better prognosis. The improved 5-year survival is also partially due to better, and more accurate, diagnostic techniques and to more curative treatments.