Computed Tomography (CT) of Blunt Abdominal Trauma: The Frequency of Incidental Findings, how it was Documented in Radiology Report and the Implication of These Findings to Acute Trauma Care.

The wide use of computed tomography (CT) scanning for patients with blunt abdominal trauma can reveal incidental findings that vary in their importance. We evaluated these findings, how it was reported by radiologists and its implication on the trauma care. In 30 out of 154 patients, 32 incidental findings were discovered (19.5%). Out of these 32 findings, only 3 cases (9.4%) were considered significant and required immediate attention from the managing team. In all these 3 cases, the findings were described in the body of the report and highlighted in the conclusion section at the end of the radiology report. However, similar reporting style was used in only 58.4% of cases with moderate clinical concern and 23.5% of cases with little clinical concern. In 41.2% of cases with little concern, the incidental findings were not mentioned in the radiology report. In conclusion, incidental findings in CT scan performed for blunt abdominal trauma were common but many were clinically insignificant. There is little consistency in radiology reporting of these findings especially those with moderate and little clinical concern.

Pituitary apoplexy: a rare cause of middle cerebral artery infarction.

Pituitary apoplexy is a well-known complication of a pituitary adenoma. However, an ischaemic event caused by pituitary apoplexy is rare. We reported a case of pituitary apoplexy with middle cerebral artery infarction in a 44-year old man who presented with a sudden onset of altered sensorium. Vasospasm is the most likely underlying cause of the infarction in this case secondary to transdiaphragmatic rupture of the sella tumour into the subarachnoid space.

Non-contrast Computed Tomography in Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A Pictorial Review.

Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) remains a widely used imaging technique and plays an important role in the evaluation of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. However, the task of identifying the signs of acute ischaemia and quantifying areas of brain involvement on NCCT scan is not easy due to its subtle findings. The reliability of early ischemic sign detection can be improved with experience, clinical history and the use of stroke window width and level on viewing the images. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was developed to overcome the difficulty of volume estimation in patients eligible for thrombolysis. It is a systematic, robust and practical method that can standardized the detection and reporting of the extent of acute ischaemic stroke. This article serves as an educational material that illustrates those findings which are important for all clinicians involved in acute stroke care.

Computed tomography (CT) in blunt liver injury: a pictorial essay.

Computed tomography (CT) is widely used in assessing clinically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma. In these patients, liver is one of the commonest organs being injured and CT can accurately identify and assess the extent of the injury. The CT features of blunt liver trauma include laceration, subcapsular or parenchymal haematomas, active haemorrhage and vascular injuries. Widespread use of CT has notably influenced the management of blunt liver injury from routine surgical to nonsurgical management. We present pictorial illustrations of various liver injuries depicted on CT in patients with blunt trauma.