ABSTRACT
Appendiceal neoplasms are rare and often only discovered incidentally during surgery performed for acute appendicitis. Computed tomography (CT) has been demonstrated to be a reliable technique for accurately establishing the preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal neoplasms that manifest as acute appendicitis through the presence of certain imaging findings. Other manifestations of appendiceal neoplasms include appendiceal mass, mucocoele, localised abscess formation, ileus, increasing abdominal girth from pseudomyxoma peritonei, and intussusception. This pictorial essay illustrates varied CT findings of neoplasms of the appendix, with emphasis on the more commonly encountered manifestations of these tumours.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new technological innovation that utilises fl at-panel detector technology to obtain CT-like images. The key strength of a CBCT system is that cross-sectional imaging can be obtained using the angiographic fl at panel unit without having to move the patient, allowing the radiologist to obtain soft tissue imaging during the procedure. This allows treatment planning, guidance, and assessment of outcome to be performed in one interventional suite.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>From December 2008 to June 2009, 24 CBCT scans were performed during vascular interventional procedures on our department's newly installed multi-axis fl at panel angiographic unit.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ten cases were performed for hepatic trans-arterial chemoembolisation, 9 cases for hepatic arterial Yttrium-90 infusion, while 5 cases were for other indications. CBCT was found to be useful in 20 of the 24 cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our early experience showed that CBCT was useful in impacting decisions during selected vascular interventional procedures. As CBCT technology improves, we can foresee wider applications of this technology.</p>