Advantages Of Multidetector Computed Tomography Research Articles

English

BACKGROUND Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the imaging of choice and the most commonly used investigation in head and neck lesions, because of its fast and readily available nature. Our study focused on contrast enhanced multidetector CT profile of neck masses in determining their nature among different demographic profile. It provides volumetric helical data, optimal multiplanar and 3D reconstructions. METHODS This is a retrospective observational study carried out in the Department of Radiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, among 60 cases of clinically diagnosed neck masses, from December 2011 to June 2013. All patients were selected from out-patient departments (OPD) and indoor wards of various departments (mostly from ENT department). Few cases were also taken from Dr. B. Baruah Cancer Institute. Patients from both sexes and all ages were included as part of the study. Chi square test/Fischer exact test have been used to find the significance of association of CT scan findings with the final diagnosis. Diagnostic statistics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy have been used to find the correlation of CT scan with the final diagnosis. RESULTS Thin slice scanning with thinner reconstructions, maximum intensity production (MIP), shaded surface display (SSD), multiplanar reformation (MPR) and curved reformatted images are the advantages of MDCT. CT has 100 % accuracy in bony involvement detection and 96 % accuracy in neck lesion diagnosis. Therefore, CT can accurately localise and characterise the neck lesions. CONCLUSIONS The neck lesion location and its characteristics determination has significantly improved because of computed tomography. Bone erosions and expansion are accurately determined by a CT scan. CT scan can accurately delineate the disease that provides a definite pre-operative diagnosis, planning radiotherapy ports and post therapy follow up. KEYWORDS Bone Invasion, Lymph Nodes, Neck Space Extensions, Multidetector-CT

Dual-Energy CT for Pulmonary Embolism: Current and Evolving Clinical Applications

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal disease if the diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Currently, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is considered the standard imaging method for diagnosing PE. Dual-energy CT (DECT) has the advantages of MDCT and can provide functional information for patients with PE. The aim of this review is to present the potential clinical applications of DECT in PE, focusing on the diagnosis and risk stratification of PE.

Imaging Evaluation of Adult Spinal Injuries: Emphasis on Multidetector CT in Cervical Spine Trauma

As computed tomography (CT) technology has evolved, multidetector CT has become an integral part of the initial assessment of many injured patients, and the spine is easily included in the total body screening performed in patients with severe blunt polytrauma. Despite all the advantages of multidetector CT, clearing the spine in which injury is suspected continues to be a daily challenge in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to present the evidence and the controversies surrounding the practice of imaging in patients suspected of having spine injury. The discussion is centered on the increasing reliance on multidetector CT in the work-up of these patients but also considers the important contributions of clinical trials to select patient for appropriate imaging on the basis of risk and probability of injury. Available protocols, injury classification systems, and issues awaiting future research are addressed.

Magnetic Resonance Enterography Findings in Crohn′s disease in the Pediatric Population and Correlation with Fluoroscopic and Multidetector Computed Tomographic Techniques

Traditionally, fluoroscopic examinations such as enteroclysis, upper GI studies, and small bowel follow through exams have been the procedures of choice in evaluating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric populations. With the advent of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), it has subsequently become a complementary examination in imaging inflammatory bowel disease. A major advantage of MDCT over fluoroscopic examination is its ability to directly visualize bowel mucosa, as well as demonstrate extra-enteric complications of IBD such as abscesses, fistulae, and sinus tracts. The major disadvantage of CT however is exposure to ionizing radiation, especially in IBD patients of the pediatric age group who maybe repeatedly imaged due to exacerbations. As a result, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is becoming increasingly important in the evaluation and follow-up of pediatric patients with IBD. This pictorial essay will summarize the multi-modality imaging findings of IBD with emphasis on MRE including the imaging protocol and procedure. For the purposes of this article, patients less than 17 years of age have been considered to represent the pediatric population.

Gastric volvulus through a Morgagni hernia: multidetector computed tomography diagnosis

Hernia through the foramen of Morgagni (HM) is uncommon in adults, accounting for only 3% of all treated diaphragmatic hernias. We report a very rare case of acute gastric volvulus producing within this type of hernia. It was found in an 81-year-old man presenting with symptoms of acute gastric outlet obstruction. The diagnosis was first suspected on plain abdominal and chest radiographs, but a safe and complete anatomic preoperative diagnosis was clearly achieved with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). The paper refers to the basic anatomy, clinical symptoms, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations for HM and emphasizes the major advantages of MDCT in acute surgical conditions implicating the thoracic abdominal junction.