Specific Computed Tomography Findings Research Articles

Analysis of CT and MRI Manifestations of Joubert Syndrome.

To investigate the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations of Joubert syndrome (JS). In this retrospective analysis, we investigated the clinical and imaging characteristics of JS in a cohort of twelve pediatric patients with confirmed diagnoses. Specifically, we analyzed both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations in this population. CTs were performed on four patients and MRIs were performed on twelve, respectively. JS is characterized by specific CT and MRI findings, including midline fissure, batwing, or triangular formations of the fourth ventricle between the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, and molar sign at the midbrain level. All twelve cases in this cohort exhibited these traits, along with other cerebral abnormalities, such as dysplasia of the corpus callosum in two cases, gray matter heterotopia in one case, and occipital meningocele in one case. JS has distinctive CT and MRI characteristics that can be clinically identified.

Characterizing morphologic subtypes of high-grade serous ovarian cancer by CT: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveA novel classification system of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma based on gross morphology observed at pre-treatment laparoscopy was recently defined. The purpose of this study was to identify radiographic features...

Imaging Signs for Determining Surgery Timing of Acute Intestinal Obstruction.

We aimed to analyze the computed tomography (CT) imaging signs of bowel wall ischemia in patients with acute intestinal obstruction and construct an imaging prediction model to guide clinical treatment. The CT imaging signs of patients with acute intestinal obstruction diagnosed in our center in recent 6 years were collected for retrospective analysis. The etiology of intestinal obstruction and incidence rate of bowel wall ischemia were recorded, and the specific CT findings of bowel wall ischemia, including mesenteric edema, bowel wall thickening, and fish tooth sign, were analyzed. Among the 302 patients selected, 130 surgically treated patients were eligible for analysis. Bowel wall ischemia in acute intestinal obstruction showed an incidence rate of 14.90%, and the incidence rates of bowel wall ischemia in intra-abdominal hernia, intussusception, incarcerated external abdominal hernia, and volvulus were about 92.30%, 50%, 35.71%, 33.33%, and 12.59%, respectively. The incidence rate of bowel wall ischemia in simple adhesive intestinal obstruction was about 12.59%, and that in malignancy-induced intestinal obstruction was about 6.56%. Univariate analysis revealed 5 factors with statistical significance, including bowel wall thickening, mesenteric edema, bowel wall pneumatosis, ascites, and fish tooth sign. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that fish tooth sign, bowel wall thickening, and mesenteric edema were able to predict bowel wall ischemia, and the corresponding partial regression coefficients were 2.164, 1.129, and 1.173, odds ratios (ORs) were 8.707, 3.093, and 3.232, sensitivity was 0.356, 0.400, and 0.844, and specificity was 0.859, 0.835, and 0.529, respectively. Imaging signs of bowel wall thickening, mesenteric edema, and fish tooth sign are valuable in predicting bowel wall ischemia, among which bowel wall thickening and mesenteric edema have relatively high specificity and fish tooth sign has a relatively high sensitivity. Furthermore, a fish tooth sign has the most favorable predictive value for bowel wall ischemia in acute intestinal obstruction, followed by bowel wall thickening and mesenteric edema.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction: Single band or matted adhesions? A predictive model based on computed tomography scan.

Preoperative identification of the cause of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is crucial for decision making. Some computed tomography (CT) findings can be indicative of single adhesive bands or matted adhesions. Our aim was to build a predictive model based on CT data to discriminate ASBO due to single adhesive band or matted adhesions. A retrospective single center study was conducted, covering all consecutive patients with a preoperative CT scan, undergoing urgent surgery for ASBO between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2017. Preoperative CT scans were blindly reviewed, and all the CT findings indicative of single adhesive band or matted adhesions described in literature were recorded. According to intraoperative findings, ASBOs were retrospectively classified into single band and matted ASBO. All observed CT findings were compared between the two groups. A predictive model based on logistic regression was developed, and its ability was quantified by discrimination and calibration. Internal cross-validation was conducted by bootstrap resampling. A total of 116 patients were analyzed (males, 53.5%; median age, 68 years; single band ASBO in 65.5% of cases). The odds of single band ASBO were increased four times in presence of complete obstruction (odds ratios, 4.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-12.56) and seven times in presence of fat notch sign (odds ratios, 7.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.83-40.03). The predictive model combining all CT findings had an accuracy of 86% in single band ASBO prediction. Accuracy decreased to 79% in the internal validation. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated at different cut-points of the predicted risk: using a 0.70 cut-point, the specificity is 80%, the sensitivity is 68%, and the positive and negative predictive values are 87% and 57%, respectively. The proposed predictive model based on combination of specific CT findings may elucidate whether ASBO is caused by single bands or matted adhesions and, consequently, influence the clinical pathway. Prognostic study, level IV.

The role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative pediatric cochlear implantation work-up in academic institutions

Objective The goal of the study is to investigate the association of pertinent preoperative temporal bone computed tomography (CT) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and intraoperative surgical findings and complications of pediatric cochlear implantation reported in academic settings. Methods This is a retrospective review of cochlear implant patients who received a pre-operative temporal bone CT and MRI of the brain between 2005 and 2012 at academic pediatric otolaryngology practices within children’s hospitals in the United States and France. Scans were reviewed in a double-blind fashion and compared to intraoperative findings. Results 91 children were analyzed (mean age 5.54 +/− 0.58 years). A small facial recess identified on CT was associated with difficult insertion of electrodes (P = 0.0003). A prominent sigmoid sinus noted on CT was associated of difficult insertion of electrodes (P = 0.01), iatrogenic tegmen dehiscence (P = 0.005), as well as difficult round window access (P = 0.025). No specific CT finding was found to be associated with external auditory canal injury, perilymphatic gusher, or iatrogenic facial nerve injury. MRI brain and internal auditory canal findings were not predictive of surgical outcomes. Conclusions Preoperative CT and MRI remain an important planning tool for pediatric cochlear implantation, particularly in academic institutions. The findings of our study demonstrate that a detailed assessment of both preoperative CT and MRI are valuable for teaching and surgical planning.

CT FINDINGS IN 30-DAY COPD READMISSIONS

SESSION TITLE: Late-breaking Abstract Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 PURPOSE: The course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the United States, is characterized by exacerbations. Recurrent exacerbations are currently the third leading cause of 30-day readmissions among Medicare patients with substantial cost burden. Computed tomography (CT) imaging has been used in defining phenotypes in COPD with poor clinical outcomes. However, CT findings in patients readmitted within 30 days of an acute exacerbation have not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any specific CT findings in this population could influence management of acute exacerbations of COPD. METHODS: This was a single center, retrospective study conducted in a university hospital with local IRB approval. CT scan findings in patients with COPD readmitted within 30-days of a hospitalization between December 2017 and November 2019 were evaluated. We included patients who had a chest CT performed on their readmission as part of routine care. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: We included 84 patients (mean age 66±9.8 years). Of these, 47 (55%) were males and 41 (49%) were current smokers. The average length of time out of the hospital was 15.2±8.3 days. There were 71 patients with a principal admitting diagnosis of COPD exacerbation or pneumonia. The predominant CT findings were airspace consolidation (46%), emphysema (46%), mucus plugging/retained airway secretions (30%), mediastinal/hilar adenopathy (30%), pulmonary nodules (28%) and bronchial wall thickening (26%). An increased pulmonary artery diameter, suggesting pulmonary hypertension, was noted in 18 (25%) patients. CT pulmonary angiograms were performed in thirty-seven (52%) studies with pulmonary emboli detected in only 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: CT findings in 30-day COPD readmissions are widely varied. However, airspace consolidations, emphysema, retained airway secretions and enlargement of the pulmonary arteries were common findings. Contrary to popular belief, prevalence of pulmonary embolism was low in our patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Focusing on airway clearance therapies could be beneficial in the management of patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Isaac Biney, source=Web Response Advisory Committee Member relationship with Boehringer-Ingelheim Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 07/18/2020 by Rajiv Dhand, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Advisory Committee Member relationship with GSK Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 07/18/2020 by Rajiv Dhand, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Advisory Committee Member relationship with Mylan Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 07/18/2020 by Rajiv Dhand, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Advisory Committee Member relationship with Teva Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 07/18/2020 by Rajiv Dhand, source=Web Response, value=Consulting Advisory Committee Member relationship with Astra Zeneca Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 07/18/2020 by Rajiv Dhand, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee No relevant relationships by Tina Dudney, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jennifer Ferris, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Jeffrey Peeke; no disclosure on file for James Shamiyeh

Predictors of COVID-19 severity: A literature review.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a rapidly evolving global emergency that continues to strain healthcare systems. Emerging research describes a plethora of patient factors-including demographic, clinical, immunologic, hematological, biochemical, and radiographic findings-that may be of utility to clinicians to predict COVID-19 severity and mortality. We present a synthesis of the current literature pertaining to factors predictive of COVID-19 clinical course and outcomes. Findings associated with increased disease severity and/or mortality include age > 55 years, multiple pre-existing comorbidities, hypoxia, specific computed tomography findings indicative of extensive lung involvement, diverse laboratory test abnormalities, and biomarkers of end-organ dysfunction. Hypothesis-driven research is critical to identify the key evidence-based prognostic factors that will inform the design of intervention studies to improve the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and to appropriately allocate scarce resources.

Can peritoneal thickening and enhancement be used to determine perforation in patients with acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common cause of abdominal pain in developed countries. In patients with suspected AA, computed tomography (CT) is considered as the gold standard with the highest sensitivity and specificity, and it is also an im-portant modality, especially in patients with complicated AA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate age and laboratory findings, as well as specific CT findings in differentiating between perforated and non-perforated appendicitis. We retrospectively analyzed 252 patients diagnosed with AA and underwent appendectomy between November 2015 and December 2019 in Somalia Mogadishu Recep Tayyip Erdogan Education and Research Hospital. Patients under 18 years of age and those with no pre-operative CT scans were excluded from the study. The demographic, laboratory, CT findings, and pathological data of all patients were evaluated. This study included 80 patients, 32 (40%) classified as perforated appendicitis (Group-1) and 48 (60%) as non-perforated appendicitis (Group-2). The C-reactive protein value was found to be statistically higher in Group-1 than in Group-2 (177.5±118.9 and 100.2±87.3 mg / L, respectively; p=0.001). The appendix lumen diameter (p=0.002), appendix wall defect (p<0.001), peritoneal thickening and enhancement (p<0.001), ascites (p=0.031), intra-abdominal abscess (p=0.003), jejunal thickening (p=0.019), ileal thick-ening (p=0.008), and ileus (p=0.035) values were significantly higher in Group-1. In the binominal logistic regression analysis performed with statistically significant data, an appendiceal wall defect (OR: 0.069, 95% CI=0.014-0.327, p=0.001) and peritoneal thickening and enhancement (OR: 0.131, 95% CI=0.024-0.714, p=0.019) were identified as independent variables for perforated appendicitis. Among CT findings, appendix wall defects and peritoneal thickening and enhancement play an important role in detecting perforation.

Displacement of the transverse colon is a highly specific computed tomography finding for the preoperative diagnosis of a transomental hernia.

A transomental hernia (TOH) is a rare type of internal hernia and is associated with a high strangulation rate and high mortality rate. Displacement of the transverse colon on computed tomography (CT) may be specific to a TOH and may facilitate an early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a novel approach assessing displacement of the transverse colon for the preoperative diagnosis of a TOH. We retrospectively reviewed the CT and operative data of 113 patients who underwent surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO) between 2011 and 2018. The proportion of transverse colon loops posterior to dilated intestinal loops (PTPI) was calculated. The patients were divided into a TOH group (n = 7) and other SBO group (n = 106). The median PTPI was significantly higher in the TOH group than in the other SBO group (67% [0-97%] vs. 0% [0-100%], Wilcoxon's test, p = 0.03). A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that when the PTPI was ≥ 57%, its sensitivity and specificity for a TOH were 71% and 94%, respectively. The PTPI is a reliable quantitative measure to distinguish a TOH from other types of SBOs.

Flexor Enthesopathy of the Elbow in Three Dogs: Imaging and Surgery

The aim of the study was to describe the radiographic and computed tomography (CT), findings in three dogs with elbow flexor enthesopathy. The study was a clinical one with client-owned dogs. In two dogs, lameness was localized to the elbow by clinical examination. Radiographic examination and CT were performed, and flexor enthesopaty was observed also in the third dog as an incidental finding. Flexorenthesopathy was diagnosed in all three dogs (4 joints) by combining the minimal radiographic changes with specific CT findings. Conservative and surgical treatment were performed. In all joints, any other pathology were excluded. In all three dogs, the elbow condition improved on long-term. Flexor enthesopathy at the medial epicondyle is an unrecognized condition and is a possible cause of elbow lameness in the dog.

P1.14-27 Differentiation Between Each Thymic Epithelial Tumor According to WHO Classification Scheme by Using MDCT Findings

Thymic epithelial tumors are the uncommon mediastinal tumors but are the most common primary tumors of the anterior mediastinum. Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for assessment in patients suspected thymic epithelial tumor. The objectives of this study were to assess the CT features of various types of thymic epithelial tumors on the basis of the 2004 WHO classification and to identify the specific CT findings for differentiation between each thymic epithelial tumor. A retrospective study reviewed CT findings of 35 patients with thymic epithelial tumors, who underwent surgical resection from January 2010 to April 2017 and had available pre-operative chest CT study. The tumors were reclassified into six types of thymic epithelial tumors (A, AB, B1, B2, B3 and thymic carcinoma) on the basis of the 2004 WHO classification system. The CT findings including the size (longest diameter), margin, shape, presence of focal area of low attenuation of necrosis or cystic change, mediastinal fat invasion, great vessels invasion, degree and pattern of tumor enhancement, presence of tumor calcification and presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy (short axis diameter more than 10 mm), the presences of pleural effusion, pleural mass, pulmonary nodule, pericardial effusion and extrathoracic metastasis were evaluated. Our study consisted of 20 (57.14%) men and 15 (42.86%) women, age 15-78 years (mean 51.25 years). Pathological proven into 30 thymomas (85.71%) and 5 cases (14.29%) of thymic carcinomas. The 30 thymomas were classified according to WHO classification; type A in 5 (14.29%), type AB in 4 (11.43%), type B1 in 5 (14.29%), type B2 in 9 (25.71%), and type B3 in 7 (20%) patients. The tumor sizes of type A, AB, B1, B2 and B3 thymomas and thymic carcinoma were 6.2±1.97, 8.1±2.17, 4.9±2.47, 6.8±3.04, 4.7±1.87, and 9.6±2.78 cm, respectively. No definite CT manifestation that distinguishes between each different WHO pathological type of thymoma with statistical significance. The tumor dimension > 8 cm, irregular margin, mediastinal fat invasion, great vessel invasion, lymphadenopathy, pericardial effusion and extrathoracic metastasis could differentiate between thymoma and thymic carcinoma (P-value <0.05). Great vessel invasion and extrathoracic metastasis had high sensitivity (80%), specificity (100%), PPV (100%) and NPV (96.77%) for diagnosis thymic carcinoma. No definite CT manifestation that distinguishes between each different WHO pathological types of thymomas. Tumor size more than 8 cm, irregular margin, presence of mediastinal fat invasion, great vessel invasion, mediastinal lymphadenopathy or extrathoracic metastasis favors the diagnosis of thymic carcinoma.

Radiological imaging of acute infectious and non-infectious enterocolitis

Computed tomography (CT) is often used as the initial diagnostic test in patients with inflammatory and infectious types of enterocolitis. The differential diagnosis is broad, including infectious, non-infectious and vascular causes, which have substantially different management strategies. Although a definitive diagnosis often relies on endoscopic biopsy results, stool culture results or other clinical features, radiologists often help to guide the diagnosis. This article reviews the CT appearance of different infectious and inflammatory forms of enterocolitis. General and specific intramural and extramural CT findings in the small bowel and colon are discussed. Added focus is placed on distribution patterns and medication side effects that can act as important diagnostic clues. Infectious enterocolitis is due to bowel inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which show a preferential localization. Pancolitis can be seen with Clostridium difficile with the relatively specific CT finding of the "giraffe coat" sign. Inflammatory enterocolitis can be primary (inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis) or secondary (radiation therapy, graft versus host disease etc.). Ischemic colitis and enteritis can result from arterial compromise, low flow states that globally reduce perfusion or venous insufficiency. The CT appearance varies depending on the cause, the time of onset and grade of reperfusion. Knowledge of characteristic mural and extramural CT of MRI findings, geographic distributions and therapy effects help to guide the differential diagnostics in inflammatory and infectious types of enterocolitis.

Presence of Air Trapping and Mosaic Attenuation on Chest Computed Tomography Predicts Survival in Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

Significant heterogeneity of computed tomography (CT) presentation exists within chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). There are limited data aimed at delineating the prognostic value of specific CT features, distribution, and patterns in chronic HP. To examine whether the presence of CT mosaic attenuation (MA) and air trapping (AT), and the distribution or patterns of fibrosis impact survival in subjects with chronic HP. We retrospectively identified 110 consecutively enrolled, well-characterized, biopsy-proven adult subjects with chronic HP between 1982 and 2015 from the National Jewish Health interstitial lung disease research database. The first available CT scan of diagnostic quality from each subject was formally evaluated for specific CT findings associated with chronic HP and for overall CT pattern. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors in time-to-death analysis, and bootstrap analysis was performed for internal model validation. Fibrotic HP (65%; 72/110) was most often peripheral in the axial plane and lower lung preponderant. The distribution of lung disease in those without fibrosis was most often axially and zonally diffuse. There was no association between survival and CT distribution or CT pattern in the whole cohort or within the fibrotic subset of subjects. After multivariate adjustment, AT/MA was independently associated with survival in the whole cohort (HR = 0.26; 95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.97). Results were similar after restricting the analyses to fibrotic HP cases. Among subjects with chronic HP, the presence of CT AT/MA may identify subjects with better prognosis.

Cholesteatoma of Maxillary Sinus: What Is the Best Surgical Approach?

Cholesteatoma is a relatively common disease entity within the middle ear or mastoid cavity but cholesteatoma of the paranasal sinuses is a rare diseases entity, especially in the maxillary sinus. As the authors recently experienced a patient of maxillary sinus cholesteatoma, the authors tried to review all the literatures previously reported on the "Cholesteatoma of the maxillary sinus." The aim of this study was to describe authors' recent experience and review previously reported patients of cholesteatoma of the maxillary sinus. Additionally, it is to describe the clinical features focusing on the computed tomography findings and to elucidate which approach may be best for complete excision. The authors thoroughly reviewed 10 patient reports written in English regarding the cholesteatoma of maxillary sinus which have been published since the 1980s. Based on authors' review, the authors suggest some conclusions. First, the diagnosis of cholesteatoma, although rare, should be considered for any slowly expansile lesion of the maxillary sinus. Second, there was no specific computed tomography finding that was helpful for the diagnosis of maxillary sinus cholesteatoma. Last, the surgical approach to cholesteatoma of the maxillary sinus should be chosen to allow visibility and complete removal according to the size, location, and extent of diseases.

Preoperative Identification of a Prognostic Factor for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Using Multiphase Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography.

To find predictive factors among computed tomography (CT) findings to identify pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors G2 of World Health Organization classification. Thirty-seven patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors underwent multiphase contrast enhanced CT (unenhanced, arterial, pancreatic, portal and equilibrium phase), and attenuation values and imaging findings were examined. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed, and association between imaging findings and World Health Organization classification was evaluated. Mean CT attenuation value of NET G1 was significantly higher than that of NET G2 throughout the arterial, pancreatic, and portal phases. Receiver operating characteristic analysis according to tumor size revealed sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 92.0% and area under the curve (AUC): 0.853, whereas that of corrected true enhancement values in the pancreatic phase revealed sensitivity: 91.7%, specificity: 84.0% and AUC: 0.897, which showed the highest AUC. Specific CT findings, such as irregular tumor contour, vessel involvement, and cystic degeneration/necrosis, were significantly associated with NET G2, but not to the extent of CT attenuation value and tumor size. The CT enhancement in the pancreatic phase, and irregularity, vessel involvement, and cystic degeneration/necrosis were significant predictors of NET G2. These parameters might help in differentiating between NET G1 and G2, providing a basis for appropriate treatment.

Chapter 30 - Imaging of skull base lesions

Skull base imaging requires a thorough knowledge of the complex anatomy of this region, including the numerous fissures and foramina and the major neurovascular structures that traverse them. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play complementary roles in imaging of the skull base. MR is the preferred modality for evaluation of the soft tissues, the cranial nerves, and the medullary spaces of bone, while CT is preferred for demonstrating thin cortical bone structure. The anatomic location and origin of a lesion as well as the specific CT and MR findings can often narrow the differential diagnosis to a short list of possibilities. However, the primary role of the imaging specialist in evaluating the skull base is usually to define the extent of the lesion and determine its relationship to vital neurovascular structures. Technologic advances in imaging and radiation therapy, as well as surgical technique, have allowed for more aggressive approaches and improved outcomes, further emphasizing the importance of precise preoperative mapping of skull base lesions via imaging. Tumors arising from and affecting the cranial nerves at the skull base are considered here.

A retrospective analysis of computed tomography findings in patients with pulmonary complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to review the high-resolution computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with pulmonary complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and to evaluate the relationship between CT findings and clinical outcomes. Patients and methodsWe collected the clinical data in 96 consecutive patients who underwent CT scan for pulmonary complications after allogeneic HSCT and analyzed the relationships among these clinical characteristics, CT findings and clinical responses. Radiologists who were blinded to clinical information evaluated the CT findings. ResultsIn multivariate analyses, the presence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and non-segmental multiple consolidations were significantly associated with a poor response to antimicrobial therapies, and the disease risk was significantly associated with a poor corticosteroid response. In addition, the existence of cavity formation and pleural effusion were significantly associated with a fatal prognosis. Twenty-five patients underwent bronchoscopic examination and 4 of them also underwent transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), but diagnostic information was not obtained in 15 patients. There was no significant association between specific CT findings and the diagnosis based on bronchoscopic examination. ConclusionsNo specific CT finding was identified as a predictor for either an antimicrobial response or for a corticosteroid response in this study. The presence of cavity formation and pleural effusion may predict a poor prognosis.

Postoperative CT in pancreas transplantation

To examine the usage and value of computed tomography (CT) following simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplantation. Indications for postoperative CT, key findings, and their influence on management were determined by retrospective analysis. Ninety-eight patients underwent 313 CT examinations. Common indications for the examinations included suspected intra-abdominal collection (31.1%) and elevated serum amylase/lipase (24.1%). CT findings most frequently showed non-specific mild inflammation (27.6%), a normal scan (17.1%) and fluid collections (16.3%). High capillary blood glucose (CBG) was associated with resultant CT demonstration of graft vascular abnormalities, but otherwise, particular clinical indications were not associated with specific CT findings. Clinical findings in patients with SPK transplants are non-specific. The pattern of abnormalities encountered is significantly different to those seen in native pancreatic disease and demands a tailored protocol. CT enables accurate depiction of vascular abnormalities and fluid collections, thus reducing the number of surgical interventions that might otherwise be required. Elevated CBG should prompt urgent CT to exclude potentially reversible vascular complications.

Intracranial pressure monitoring and inpatient mortality in severe traumatic brain injury: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Although intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recommended by the Brain Trauma Foundation, the benefits remain controversial. We sought to determine the impact of ICP monitor placement on inpatient mortality within a regional trauma system after correcting for selection bias through propensity score matching. Data were collected on all severe TBI cases presenting to 14 trauma centers during the 2-year study period (2009-2010). Inclusion criteria were as follows: blunt injury, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or lower in the emergency department, and abnormal intracranial findings on head computed tomography (CT). Two separate multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict ICP monitor placement and inpatient mortality after controlling for demographics, severity of injury, comorbidities, and TBI-specific variables (GCS score, pupil reactivity, international normalized ratio, and nine specific head CT findings). To account for selection bias, we developed a propensity score-matched model to estimate the "true" effect of ICP monitoring on in-hospital mortality. A total of 844 patients met inclusion criteria; 22 died on arrival to the emergency department. Inpatient mortality was 38.8%; 46.0% of the patients underwent ICP monitor placement. Unadjusted mortality rates were significantly lower in the ICP monitoring group (30.7% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.001). ICP monitor placement was positively associated with CT findings of subdural hematoma, intraparenchymal contusion, and mass effect and negatively associated with age, alcoholism, and elevated international normalized ratio. After adjusting for selection bias via propensity score matching, ICP monitor placement was associated with an 8.3 percentage point reduction in the risk-adjusted mortality rate. ICP monitor placement occurred in only 46% of eligible patients but was associated with significantly decreased mortality after adjusting for baseline risk profile and the propensity to undergo monitoring. As the individual impact of ICP monitoring may vary, future efforts must determine who stands to benefit from invasive monitoring techniques. Therapeutic/care management study, level III.

Incidental Pancreatic Lipomas Diagnosed by Computed Tomography

Fatty tumours of the pancreas are rarely reported. With the advent of the imaging techniques, diagnosis of such tumours based on radiologic imaging is increasing.Between June 2006 and June 2012, four patients with pancreatic lipomas that were diagnosed by computed tomography were reviewed retrospectively with regard to their imaging findings. There were 3 male and one female patient with a mean age of 60.8 years (from 53 to 67 years).A single well-bordered nodular fatty lesion with well-delineated thin homogeneous capsule was seen in all patients. The mean densitometric measurement of the lesions was -76 Hounsfield units (HU) (from -83 HU to -63 HU). The size of the lesions was from 7 mm to 12 mm with a mean of 8.75mm. They were located in the tail, body and neck of the pancreas in two, one and one patient, respectively. There was no associated pancreatobiliary pathology. Histopathologic evaluation was not planned because of their incidental diagnosis in these asymptomatic patients.Pancreatic lipomas are silent lesions, incidentally found during imaging procedures. They have specific computed tomography findings and do not require any additional diagnostic imaging.Pankreasın yağlı tümörleri nadiren bildirilmektedir. Görüntüleme yöntemlerinin yaygınlaşması ile bu tür tümörlerin radyolojik görüntüleme temelli tanısı giderek artmaktadır.Haziran 2006–2012 dönemi arasında bilgisayarlı tomografi ile tanı konulan pankreas lipomlu dört hasta, görüntüleme bulguları açısından retrospektif olarak değerlendirildi. Ortalama yaşı 60.8 yıl (değer aralığı 53–67 yıl) olan 3 erkek ve bir kadın hasta vardı.Hastaların tamamında, ince homojen kapsüllü ve düzenli sınırlı nodüler yağlı tek bir lezyon görüldü. Ortalama densitometrik ölçüm değeri −76 Hounsfield ünitesi (HU) (değer aralığı −83 ile −63 arası) idi. Lezyonların büyüklüğü 7 ile 12 mm arası (ortalama 8,75 mm) değişiyordu. İki hastada kuyrukta olmak üzere, diğerleri gövde ve boyun bölgesi yerleşimli idi. Eşlik eden pankreatobiliyer patoloji yoktu. Asemptomatik hastalarda rastlantısal tanı nedeniyle, histopatolojik inceleme planlanmadı.Pankreas lipomları görüntüleme yöntemleri esnasında rastlantısal olarak görülen sessiz lezyonlardır. Spesifik tanısal bulguları olması nedeniyle ilave girişimlere ihtiyaç yoktur.