scholarly journals Use of Computed Tomography Compression Ratio in Diagnosis of Disc Injuries and Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injuries in Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Compression Fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Liu ◽  
Dan Zhong ◽  
Aihong Cao

Background: Osteoporotic compression fractures are common among the elderly. It is important to predict the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) and disc injuries in computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications. Objectives: To determine the role of the CT compression ratio (CTCR) in diagnosing PLC and disc injuries and to compare it with the loss of vertebral body height (LOVBH) in osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Patients and Methods: A total of 91 consecutive patients with vertebral fractures were included as the study population. The PLC and disc injuries were assessed using MRI, and the following radiological parameters were determined based on CT scans for further MRI examinations: CTCR, LOVBH, local kyphosis (LK), interspinous widening (ISW), vertebral translation (VBT), and posterior structures fractures (PSF). Statistical analysis was performed to identify the diagnostic value of CT features in PLC and disc injuries. Results: The PLC injuries were detected in 9/91 cases, and the number of disc injuries was 47/91. Neither CTCR nor LOVBH was associated with PLC injuries (P > 0.05). However, the CTCR was associated with disc injuries (P < 0.05), with an optimal threshold of 1.755 (sensitivity, 68.1%; specificity, 79.5%), while the LOVBH was not significantly associated with disc injuries. Based on the results, VBT was significantly related to PLC and disc injuries (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The injured vertebral CTCR was associated with disc injuries rather than PLC injuries, suggesting that compression fractures are relatively stable with less PLC injury. Overall, CTCR is a useful indicator reflecting the compression degree of the injured vertebrae; it is also a valid predictor of disc injuries.

2009 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
R.M. Maksimovic ◽  
B.A. Banko ◽  
J.P. Milovanovic

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment planning in patients with diseases of the larynx. The aim of this article is to describe the role of these methods in assessment of the laringeal diseases and key local anatomic characteristics important for spread of the disease. CT and MRI have a valuable contribution to the staging of the tumors due to the possibility to show the relationship to the ventricular complex, involvement of the subumucosal spaces, defining craniocaudal and anterposterior extension, laringeal cartilage invasion, as well as regional lymph node metastases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 030006052093015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Schwarze ◽  
Constantin Marschner ◽  
Wiebke Völckers ◽  
Sergio Grosu ◽  
Giovanna Negrão de Figueiredo ◽  
...  

Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common cause of primary liver cancer. A major part of diagnostic HCC work-up is based on imaging findings from sonography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows for the dynamic assessment of the microperfusion pattern of suspicious liver lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS compared with CT scans for assessing HCC. Methods We performed a retrospective, single-center study between 2004 and 2018 on 234 patients with suspicious liver lesions who underwent CEUS and CT examinations. All patients underwent native B-mode, color Doppler and CEUS after providing informed consent. Every CEUS examination was performed and interpreted by a single experienced radiologist (European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology level 3). Results CEUS was performed on all included patients without occurrence of any adverse effects. CEUS showed a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 70%, a positive predictive value of 93% and a negative predictive value of 72% for analyzing HCC compared with CT as the diagnostic gold standard. Conclusions CEUS has an excellent safety profile and shows a high diagnostic accuracy in assessing HCC compared with corresponding results from CT scans.


2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Enrico Bellato ◽  
Riccardo Giai Via ◽  
Daniel Bachman ◽  
Ilaria Zorzolo ◽  
Antonio Marmotti ◽  
...  

Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are rare, frequently comminuted, and are without consensus for treatment. The aim of this paper is to review the current concepts on the diagnosis, classification, treatment options, surgical approaches, and complications of capitellar and trochlear fractures. Computed Tomography (CT) scans, along with the Dubberley classification, are extremely helpful in the decision-making process. Most of the fractures necessitate open reduction and internal fixation, although elbow arthroplasty is an option for comminuted fractures in the elderly low-demand patient. Stiffness is the most common complication after fixation, although reoperation is infrequent.


2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen M Bradfield

Twelve months ago, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) called upon the Federal Labor Government to implement a previous coalition policy allowing general practitioners to directly refer patients for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the knee and brain. To support their position, the AMA commissioned a University of Sydney report evaluating the health care and economic outcomes of the policy. The AMA reported that the results supported the policy and would result in a $42 million saving from fewer computed tomography (CT) scans and fewer specialist referrals and consultations. Arguably, this was not an accurate portrayal of the results. Further research is needed, and ongoing dialogue with radiologists and other key stakeholders is urged, to ensure that access to MRI facilities will continue to meet future demand and that GPs will be adequately trained in utilising MRI services.


1981 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 579-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
William H. Friedman ◽  
Carol R. Archer ◽  
Vernon L. Yeager ◽  
George P. Katsantonis

The computed tomography (CT) scans and laryngograms of 25 patients with laryngeal cancer were compared and evaluated in an assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of each modality in the supraglottis glottic, and subglottic regions. Fourth generation scanners were used in these patients, all of whom subsequently underwent laryngectomy or partial laryngectomy. The clinical superiority of CT scanning was evident in several areas—confirming clinical impressions that laryngography is not as accurate as CT, is frequently misleading, and offers no significant advantages over CT. In this regard, we now believe that computed tomography is the most important radiologic adjunct in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, and we no longer order the laryngogram on a routine basis.


2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822110468
Author(s):  
Zachariah W. Pinter ◽  
Ryder Reed ◽  
Sarah E. Townsley ◽  
Anthony L Mikula ◽  
Lauren Dittman ◽  
...  

Study Design Retrospective cohort study Objective Substantial variability in both the measurement and classification of subsidence limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn from previous studies. The purpose of this study was to precisely characterize patterns of cervical cage subsidence utilizing computed tomography (CT) scans, determine risk factors for cervical cage subsidence, and investigate the impact of subsidence on pseudarthrosis rates. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent one- to three-levels of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) utilizing titanium interbodies with anterior plating between the years 2018 and 2020. Subsidence measurements were performed by two independent reviewers on CT scans obtained 6 months postoperatively. Subsidence was then classified as mild if subsidence into the inferior and superior endplate were both ≤2 mm, moderate if the worst subsidence into the inferior or superior endplate was between 2 to 4 mm, or severe if the worst subsidence into the inferior or superior endplate was ≥4 mm. Results A total of 51 patients (100 levels) were included in this study. A total of 48 levels demonstrated mild subsidence (≤2 mm), 38 demonstrated moderate subsidence (2-4 mm), and 14 demonstrated severe subsidence (≥4 mm). Risk factors for severe subsidence included male gender, multilevel constructs, greater mean vertebral height loss, increased cage height, lower Taillard index, and lower screw tip to vertebral body height ratio. Severe subsidence was not associated with an increased rate of pseudarthrosis. Conclusion Following ACDF with titanium cervical cages, subsidence is an anticipated postoperative occurrence and is not associated with an increased risk of pseudarthrosis.


2014 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Heikal ◽  
P Riou ◽  
L Jones

Introduction Fractured neck of femur (NOF) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately 4% of patients with an initial normal hip x-ray in the emergency department (ED) will in fact have an occult fracture. In cases where there is ongoing clinical suspicion of NOF fracture despite a normal hip x-ray, alternative imaging should be used. Although available evidence supports the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for this, it is often not readily accessible from the ED. In our department, it is common practice to request computed tomography (CT). Methods A historical review was undertaken of all patients who presented between October 2007 and January 2011 who had CT requested by ED staff. Patients included in the study were those who presented following low impact trauma in whom fractured NOF was suspected despite a normal x-ray. Results Of the 65 included patients, fractures (pelvic and hip) were identified in 38 patients on CT. Fractured NOFs were found in 13 patients. Acetabular fractures were found in nine patients, five of whom required further orthopaedic management. One patient went on to have MRI to confirm the diagnosis of an impacted NOF fracture, suspected both on x-ray and CT. Further review was undertaken of the medical notes of discharged patients to identify any who reattended or required further imaging. No such cases were found. Conclusions This review has shown the use of CT to be a practical approach to improving the care of patients with occult hip fractures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Gascho ◽  
Niklaus Zoelch ◽  
Eva Deininger-Czermak ◽  
Carlo Tappero ◽  
Henning Richter ◽  
...  

Introduction Special deformation bullets were developed for police forces to achieve a defined penetration depth (avoiding over-penetration) and a controlled energy transfer (avoiding collateral damage). This article focuses on Action 4, SECA and QD-PEP bullets. These 9 mm bullets were specially designed for controlled deformation. The characteristic slight mushrooming with a front cross-section of approximately 11.5 mm after entering a ballistic simulant was verified in ballistic tests. To achieve such slight mushrooming, the projectile’s core is hollowed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of visualising the hollowed cores of Action 4, SECA and QD-PEP bullets using a standard clinical computed tomography (CT) scanner for non-invasive identification of these special bullets from police ammunitions. Methods First, undeformed specimens were scanned to reveal the shape of the hollowed core of each type of special bullet. Second, Action 4, SECA and QD-PEP bullets were fired towards animal cadaver models to visualise their hollow core after deformation inside biological tissue. Third, two reviewers were tasked with identifying special bullets from police ammunition (Action 4 bullets: n = 3) among 10 CT examinations of humans with lodged projectiles who were selected by the supervisor of the study. Results The CT scans of the undeformed specimens revealed the special design of the bullets’ metal core. All special bullets from police ammunitions that were fired towards an animal cadaver model demonstrated the characteristic slight mushrooming. In accordance with the CT scans of the undeformed bullets, visualisation of the individual internal cavities of the special bullets allowed the Action 4, SECA and QD-PEP bullets to be clearly distinguished. With regard to the real forensic cases, both reviewers clearly identified each of the three Action 4 bullets among all other lodged projectiles. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of identifying Action 4, SECA and QD-PEP bullets from special police ammunitions by CT. The individual shapes of the cavity inside the bullets were clearly visible on CT. In situ identification of these bullets can aid in the assessment of injuries, and since these bullets are fabricated from non-ferromagnetic metals, their clear identification allows for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the risk of bullet movement inside the body due to the magnetic pull of the MRI unit. Furthermore, this approach could be of great interest to forensic investigators if patients who received gunshot wounds underwent non-operative treatments and the projectile remains in the body. Since the use of CT is also increasing for medico-legal post-mortem examinations, the identification of lodged projectiles is of interest for a virtual autopsy or ‘Virtopsy’.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596712110226
Author(s):  
Devon E. Anderson ◽  
Eric A. Bogner ◽  
Scott R. Schiffman ◽  
Scott A. Rodeo ◽  
Jack Wiedrick ◽  
...  

Background: Studies have reported favorable clinical outcomes after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation to treat osteochondral defects and have demonstrated that healing of the osseous component may be critical to outcomes. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal modality to evaluate osseous healing. Purpose: To define parameters for OCA healing using computed tomography (CT) and to investigate whether osseous healing identified using CT is correlated with improved pain and function on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) collected closest in time to the postoperative CT scan and at final follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Of 118 patients who underwent OCA transplantation for articular cartilage defects of the knee over the 10-year study period, 60 were included in final analysis based on completion of CT scans at 5.8 ± 1.9 months postoperatively and PROs collected preoperatively and postoperatively. CT parameters, including osseous incorporation, bone density, subchondral bone congruency, and cystic changes, were summarized for each patient relative to the cohort. Parameters were assessed for inter- and intrarater reliability as well as for covariation with patient characteristics and surgical variables. Structural equation modeling was used to assess correlation of CT parameters with change in PROs from preoperatively to those collected closest in time to CT acquisition and at the final follow-up. Results: Bone incorporation was the most reliable CT parameter. The summarized scores for CT scans were normally distributed across the study population. Variance in CT parameters was independent of age, sex, body mass index, prior surgery, number of grafts, lesion size, and location. No significant correlation ( P > .12 across all comparisons) was identified for any combination of CT parameter and change in PROs from baseline for outcomes collected either closest to CT acquisition or at the final follow-up (mean, 38.2 ± 19.9 months; range, 11.6-84.9 months). There was a uniformly positive association between change in PROs and host bone density but not graft bone density, independent of patient characteristics and surgical factors. Conclusion: CT parameters were independent of clinical or patient variables within the study population, and osseous incorporation was the most reliable CT parameter. Metrics collected from a single postoperative CT scan was not correlated with clinical outcomes at ≥6-month longitudinal follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norafida Bahari ◽  
Nik Azuan Nik Ismail ◽  
Jegan Thanabalan ◽  
Ahmad Sobri Muda

In this article, we evaluate the effectiveness of Cone Beam Computed Tomography, through a case study, in assessing the complication of intracranial bleeding during an endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformation when compared to Multislice-Detector Computed Tomography performed immediately after the procedure. The image quality of Cone Beam Computed Tomography has enough diagnostic value in differentiating between haemorrhage, embolic materials and the arteriovenous malformation nidus to facilitate physicians to decide for further management of the patient.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document