ABSTRACT
Mondor's disease is a rare benign condition characterized by thrombophlebitis of superficial veins of the chest and the breast. Typically, there is a spontaneous onset of tenderness and redness due to a cord-like induration on the lateral thoracic wall. It is a self-limiting disease that should be distinguished from breast cancer. In general, the combination of clinical symptoms and mammography confirms the diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Breast Diseases/diagnosis , Breast/blood supply , Thrombophlebitis/diagnosis , Adult , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , MammographyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of glenoid bone loss estimations based on either axial computed tomography (CT) series or single sagittal ("en face" to glenoid) CT reconstructions, and to assess their accuracy by comparing with actual CT-based bone loss measurements, in patients with anterior glenohumeral instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In two separate series of patients diagnosed with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability, glenoid bone loss was estimated on axial CT series and on the most lateral sagittal (en face) glenoid view by two blinded radiologists. Additionally, in the second series of patients, glenoid defects were measured on sagittal CT reconstructions by an independent observer. RESULTS: In both series, larger defects were estimated when based on sagittal CT images compared to axial views. In the second series, mean measured bone loss was 11.5% (SD = 6.0) of the total original glenoid area, with estimations of 9.6% (SD = 7.2) and 7.8% (SD = 4.2) for sagittal and axial views, respectively. Correlations of defect estimations with actual measurements were fair to poor; glenoid defects tended to be underestimated, especially when based on axial views. CONCLUSION: CT-based estimations of glenoid bone defects are inaccurate. Especially for axial views, there is a high chance of glenoid defect underestimation. When using glenoid bone loss quantification in therapeutic decision-making, measuring the defect instead of estimating is strongly advised.
Subject(s)
Bone Resorption/pathology , Glenoid Cavity/pathology , Shoulder Dislocation/diagnosis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Glenoid Cavity/abnormalities , Humans , Observer Variation , Recurrence , Reproducibility of Results , Shoulder Dislocation/therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is a severe disease with unpredictable course and outcomes. It is especially hard to identify early those patients who will have a fulminant course. In a prospective observational study, we tested the hypothesis that the CT Severity Index (CTSI), established within 48hours after admission, is prognostic for morbidity and mortality and can predict the necessity for admission to an ICU. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1994 to October 2002, all patients with the diagnosis of first time acute pancreatitis underwent spiral CT with intravenous contrast within 48hours of admission. The extent of inflammation and necrosis was assessed to define the CTSI. Patients were initially managed in an ICU in a standardized fashion. Complications and mortality were registered in a systematic manner. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were admitted with acute pancreatitis. The overall complication rate was 57%; mortality was 9%. In patients with a CTSI of 0 to 3, these rates were 42% and 2%, respectively; in those with CTSI of 4 to 6, 81% and 19%, respectively; and in those with CTSI of 7 to 10, 100% and 33%, respectively. Outcomes of subsequent CT scans did not alter the initial prognosis. Early CTSI correlated well with the incidence of complications, sepsis, mortality, and necessity for ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: Acute pancreatitis is associated with marked morbidity and mortality. Initial admission to an ICU and standardized conservative treatment are justified for all patients. Early establishment of the CTSI is an excellent prognostic tool for complications and mortality. Patients with a CTSI of 0 to 3 can safely be discharged from the ICU.
