ABSTRACT
The pharynx and larynx represent very sophisticated regions and may be involved in a diverse range of pathologic conditions. Evaluation of the head and neck has developed significantly with the establishment of CT and MRI as they provide true insights into the endoscopically blind areas as well as depth of tumor infiltration, its submucosal growth and contralateral involvement, cartilage invasion, bone marrow invasion, and nonpalpable adenopathy. Inflammations in the head and neck region are only exceptionally imaged with CT or MRI; indications are the diagnosis of retrotonsillar and parapharyngeal abscesses and ensuing complications. The different imaging modalities of malignant pharyngeal and laryngeal tumors and their differential diagnosis are presented in this paper.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Diseases/diagnosis , Laryngeal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Larynx/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pharyngeal Diseases/diagnosis , Pharynx/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Angiography, Digital Subtraction , Esophagus/pathology , Humans , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Pharyngeal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Prognosis , Thyroid Gland/pathology , Trachea/pathologyABSTRACT
Until 1996, treatment of strokes consisted exclusively of efforts to prevent recurrence. The development of intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis changed the approach to a causal therapy. This article provides an overview of state-of-the-art intravenous and intra-arterial therapeutic concepts and attempts to define the position of the local intra-arterial fibrinolysis approach.
Subject(s)
Fibrinolytic Agents/administration & dosage , Injections, Intra-Arterial/methods , Injections, Intravenous/methods , Middle Cerebral Artery/drug effects , Middle Cerebral Artery/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/therapy , Thrombolytic Therapy/methods , Humans , Radiography , Treatment OutcomeSubject(s)
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/secondary , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/diagnosis , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/secondary , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Diagnosis, Differential , Dura Mater/pathology , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Thoracic Vertebrae/pathologyABSTRACT
With increased capitation and managed care competition, health care systems must demonstrate effective health services with predictable costs, timing, transitions, and health outcomes. By involving patients, payers, and multiple providers, a health care system can design integrated clinical and support processes across the continuum for defined populations. The goals are lower costs, increased payer and patient satisfaction, and improved health status. This article shares examples and experiences from four health care systems that teamed with Premier, Inc., to design an integrated services sequence for defined populations.
