Síndrome de Wilkie como reto diagnóstico en obstrucción intestinal: reporte de caso / Wilkie syndrome as a diagnostic challenge in intestinal obstruction: case report

RESUMEN El síndrome de Wilkie es una patología poco frecuente que genera un cuadro de obstrucción intestinal, debido a la disminución del ángulo aortomesentérico comprometiendo la tercera porción del duodeno. Describimos el caso de una paciente de 18 años de edad, diagnosticada con síndrome de Wilkie, con cuadro clínico de obstrucción intestinal y pérdida de peso. El diagnóstico se realizó con tomografía abdominal. El síndrome de Wilkie es una patología rara, que se vuelve un reto diagnóstico, por presentar un cuadro similar a otras patologías más comunes. Recomendamos que se sospeche ante un cuadro de obstrucción duodenal.

ABSTRACT Wilkie syndrome is a rare pathology that generates intestinal obstruction due to a decrease of the aortomesenteric angle compromising the third portion of the duodenum. We describe a case of an 18-year-old female patient, diagnosed with Wilkie syndrome, with clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction and weight loss. The diagnosis was made with abdominal CT. Wilkie syndrome is a rare pathology, which becomes a diagnostic challenge because it presents a similar picture to other more common pathologies. We recommend that it should be suspected in the presence of duodenal obstruction.

Neumoencéfalo como complicación de bloqueo regional epidural por radiculopatía lumbosacra / Pneumocephalus as a Complication of Regional Epidural Block Due to Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Introducción: El neumoencéfalo (sinonimia: aerocele o neumatocele intracerebral), se define como la presencia de gas dentro de cualquiera de los compartimentos intracraneales (intraventricular, intraparenquimatosa, subaracnoidea, subdural y epidural). Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos clínicos, estudios complementarios, conducta terapéutica y evolución de un caso con neumoencéfalo como complicación de bloqueo regional epidural por radiculopatía lumbosacra. Presentación de caso: Se presentó un paciente masculino de 57 años de edad que comenzó con un cuadro súbito de desorientación, excitabilidad psicomotriz y convulsiones tónico-clónicas, a partir de una inyección epidural de metilprednisolona como método analgésico. Conclusiones: El caso presentado exhibió manifestaciones neurológicas inespecíficas, la aparición súbita posterior al proceder invasivo hizo sospechar en un evento neurológico agudo o fenómeno tromboembólico. Los estudios complementarios como la tomografía axial computarizada craneal simple, permitió su diagnóstico para tener una conducta consecuente. El manejo conservador del neumoencéfalo como complicación del uso de anestesia epidural, constituyó una conducta terapéutica eficaz y repercutió en la satisfactoria evolución del paciente(AU)

Introduction: Pneumocephalus (synonym: aerocele or intracerebral pneumatocele), is defined as the presence of gas within any of the intracranial compartments (intraventricular, intraparenchymal, subarachnoid, subdural and epidural). Objective: To describe the clinical findings, complementary studies, therapeutic conduct and evolution of a case with pneumocephalus as a complication of regional epidural block due to lumbosacral radiculopathy Case presentation: A 57-year-old male patient was presented who began with a sudden episode of disorientation, psychomotor excitability and tonic-clonic seizures, following an epidural injection of methylprednisolone as an analgesic method. Conclusions: The case presented exhibited non-specific neurological manifestations, the sudden appearance after the invasive procedure raised suspicion of an acute neurological event or thromboembolic phenomenon. Complementary studies such as simple cranial computed axial tomography, allowed its diagnosis to have a consistent conduct. The conservative management of pneumocephalus as a complication of the use of epidural anesthesia constituted an effective therapeutic approach and had an impact on the patient's satisfactory evolution(AU)

Algoritmo para la indicación del estudio por imágenes en pacientes politraumatizados

Introducción: En los últimos años se han producido cambios profundos en el manejo del paciente politraumatizado. A la vez, se han desarrollado nuevos conceptos en relación con las posibles complicaciones, los esquemas de tratamiento y las escalas pronósticas, así como en la identificación de elementos relacionados con su evolución para determinar, de manera precoz, las lesiones que amenazan la vida y precisan de un control quirúrgico inmediato o de intervencionismo radiológico. La tomografía computarizada multicorte y otros estudios imagenológicos permiten la obtención de imágenes de las estructuras corporales por planos, y proporcionan información muy detallada y útil para el diagnóstico; sin embargo, no existe consenso a la hora de indicar uno u otro en el trauma. Objetivo: Elaborar un algoritmo para la indicación eficiente de los estudios imagenológicos en el paciente politraumatizado. Materiales y métodos: Se ejecutó una investigación de desarrollo tecnológico, donde el universo de trabajo estuvo conformado por 43 pacientes con criterio de politrauma -que necesitaron estudios imagenológicos-, ingresados en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, en el período comprendido entre marzo de 2020 y marzo de 2021. Resultados: Se elaboró un algoritmo para estandarizar la indicación de estudios imagenológicos en el trauma. Este trabajo considera la seguridad y protección del paciente, y el cuidado de la vida útil del equipo de tomografía axial computarizada. Conclusión: El algoritmo diseñado viabiliza la toma de decisiones respecto al uso de recursos imagenológicos en la atención a los pacientes politraumatizados.

Introduction: In recent years there have been profound changes in the management of poly-traumatized patients. At the same time, new concepts have been developed in relation to possible complications, treatment schemes and prognostic scales, as well as in the identification of elements related with its evolution to early determine the life-threatening lesions and require immediate surgical control or radiological intervention. Multislice computed tomography and other imaging studies allow obtaining images of body structures by planes and provide very detailed and useful information for the diagnosis; nevertheless there is no consensus when it comes to indicating one or the other in trauma. Objective: To develop an algorithm for the efficient indication of imaging study in the poly-traumatized patient. Materials and methods: A technological development research was carried out, where the working universe was made up by 43 patients with polytrauma criteria -who needed imaging studies- admitted to the Clinical Surgical University Hospital Faustino Perez, in the period between March 2020 and March 2021. Results: An algorithm was developed for standardizing the indication of imaging studies in trauma. This work considers the safety and protection of the patient, and the care of the life of the computed axial tomography equipment. Conclusions: The developed algorithm enables decision-making regarding the use of imaging resources in the care of poly-traumatized patients.

Equinococosis esplénica primaria con breve revisión de literatura: a propósito de un caso

Introducción: La equinococosis esplénica es una enfermedad zoonótica adquirida de forma accidental por el humano como huésped intermediario. Reporte de caso: paciente mujer de 26 años de edad, con dolor abdominal localizado en hipocondrio izquierdo, moderada intensidad, calmaba con antiespasmódicos endovenosos; antecedente de dolor abdominal de larga data y procedente de región de Huancavelica, Perú hace 6 años. En examen clínico del abdomen: ruidos hidroaéreos; presentes, simétrico, blando, depresible, doloroso a la palpación en hipocondrio izquierdo, impresiona esplenomegalia, timpanismo conservado; en ecografía menciona quiste hidatídico a nivel del bazo Gharbi IV; en tomografía abdominopélvica con contraste muestra bazo con lesión quística heterogénea, de pared parcialmente calcificada y áreas de densidad grasa que se extiende hasta ligamento gastroesplénico, con diámetro de 73 mm x 54 mm; concluyendo equinococosis extrahepática (equinococosis esplénica), realizándose esplenectomía total. Conclusión: enfermedad rara, incluso en áreas endémicas, que plantea desafíos para su diagnóstico y tratamiento.

SUMMARY Introduction: Splenic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease accidentally acquired by humans as an intermediate host. Case report: a 26-year-old female patient with abdominal pain located in the left hypochondrium, moderate intensity, calmed with intravenous antispasmodics; a history of long-standing abdominal pain and from the Huancavelica region, Peru, 6 years ago. On clinical examination of the abdomen: hydro-air sounds; present, symmetrical, soft, depressible, painful on palpation in the left hypochondrium, impression of splenomegaly, preserved tympany; the ultrasound mentions a hydatid cyst at the level of the spleen Gharbi IV; Contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic tomography shows a spleen with a heterogeneous cystic lesion, with a partially calcified wall and areas of fatty density that extend to the gastrosplenic ligament, with a diameter of 73 mm x 54 mm; concluding extrahepatic echinococcosis (splenic echinococcosis), performing total splenectomy. Conclusion: rare disease, even in endemic areas, which poses challenges for its diagnosis and treatment.

Imaging of Sella and Parasellar Region.

The sellar and parasellar region is complex, with a unique meningeal, neural, vascular, and bony anatomy. Understanding the imaging anatomy is critical for accurate imaging interpretation. resonance (MR) imaging is the primary modality for pituitary imaging, whereas computed tomography may be used when MR imaging is contraindicated, and provides complementary bony anatomic information. This article reviews embryology and anatomy of the sellar and parasellar region. Imaging appearances of pituitary adenomas, Rathke cleft cysts, meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, arachnoid cysts, vascular disorders, infectious abnormalities, and pituitary apoplexy are discussed and illustrated.

Initial diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in patients presenting to the emergency department: Imaging and clinical findings at a single institution.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings along with treatment and outcomes associated with patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) who were subsequently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: 591 patients with HIV and available imaging studies presenting to our hospital's ED between 2004 and 2019 were identified in the medical record. Following initial review, we identified 19 patients who were diagnosed with HIV within one week after an initial ED visit and also had received CT imaging during the ED visit. Demographic, clinical, treatment, imaging, and outcome data were reviewed and recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Among this 19-patient cohort, the most common indication for HIV testing was oral/esophageal candidiasis (n = 8, 42%). 12 patients presented with an AIDS-defining illness upon initial diagnosis; the most common were esophageal candidiasis (4) and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) (3). 10 patients (59%) presented with CD4+ counts <200 cells/L. The most common imaging findings were liver abnormalities (n = 9, 47%). Five of the 19 patients were confirmed deceased at the time of this study, with the median time from diagnosis to death of 5.6 months (range 8 days-14 months). CONCLUSION: Our series demonstrates the breadth of potential imaging findings and clinical presentations of late-stage HIV in the emergency setting, including common AIDS-defining illnesses such as PJP and PML. Although the incidence of these conditions is decreasing, maintaining awareness of their clinical and imaging findings, as well as the potential for multi-organ involvement, is essential due to the possibility of rapid decline in these patients.

Hemorragia talámica izquierda espontánea: caso ilustrativo / Spontaneous Left Talamic Hemorrhage: Illustrative Case

RESUMEN La hemorragia talámica pertenece al grupo de las hemorragias intracerebrales de etiología no traumática o quirúrgica. Es una entidad relativamente infrecuente y tiene una prevalencia de 6-15 % de los casos dentro de dicho grupo. El tálamo es una estructura anatómica donde convergen múltiples vías neuronales, por lo tanto, sus manifestaciones clínicas no están totalmente descritas. A pesar de ello, se conoce que su presentación clínica más frecuente está asociada al síndrome sensitivo de Déjerine-Roussy, caracterizado por intenso dolor neuropático, alodinia contralateral a la lesión, hemiparesia y hemiataxia. La hemorragia talámica también se puede presentar con alteraciones de la memoria, sueño, emociones y procesamiento de información sensitiva. Se presenta un caso de hemorragia talámica izquierda espontánea en un paciente de 71 años que debutó con cambios en su comportamiento, bradipsiquia y amnesia anterógrada, con posterior recuperación completa de su estado cognitivo y psicológico antes de los 8 días y con hallazgos normales en la panangiografía.

ABSTRACT Thalamic hemorrhage belongs to the group of intracerebral hemorrhages of non-traumatic or surgical etiology. It is relatively rare and has a prevalence of 6-15% of cases. The thalamus is an anatomical structure where multiple neural pathways converge; therefore, its clinical manifestations are not fully described. Despite this, it is known that its most frequent clinical presentation is associated with the Dejerine-Roussy sensory syndrome, characterized by intense neuropathic pain, allodynia contralateral to the lesion, hemiparesis and hemiataxia. Thalamic hemorrhage can also present with alterations in memory, sleep, emotions, and the processing of sensitive information. We present a case of spontaneous left thalamic hemorrhage in a 71-year-old patient who presented with changes in his behavior, bradypsy-chia, and anterograde amnesia, with subsequent complete recovery of his cognitive and psychological state before 8 days and with normal findings in the panangiography.

Diagnostic utility of computed tomography in patients presenting to the emergency department with unintended weight loss.

PURPOSE: Unintended weight loss (UWL) is a common presenting symptom in the emergency department (ED) with several etiologies. Our study looks to evaluate the diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of UWL in the ED. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent CT of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis in the ED at our institution for the diagnosis of UWL from 2004 to 2020 and retrospectively reviewed their clinical history and imaging. CT findings were organized into 4 types: (1) definite cause for UWL identified, (2) possible findings for UWL, (3) incidental findings unrelated to UWL, and (4) normal scan. Associations between clinical and laboratory findings with positive CT scans were also examined. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three eligible patients were identified; 40 patients were excluded due to history of malignancy or inadequate follow-up. One hundred thirty-three patients were included in the final cohort. Overall, the most common causes of UWL were non-malignant gastrointestinal (GI) conditions (n = 41, 30%) and cancer (n = 30, 23%). True-positive CT findings were identified in 48.8% of patients (65/133). Elevated white blood cell counts (p = <0.0001) and physical exam abnormalities (p = 0.02) were both significantly associated with CT abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The use of CT scanning in the evaluation of UWL in the ED yielded a diagnosis in approximately half of all cases, indicating good diagnostic value. The most common causes of UWL were non-malignant GI conditions and cancer in this cohort.

Diferencias en la morfología ósea entre el lado desplazado y contralateral en pacientes con asimetría facial: Estudio 3D-TC / Bone morphology differences between displaced and contralateral side in patients with facial asymmetry: 3D-CT study / Diferenças na morfologia óssea entre o lado deslocado e o lado contralateral em pacientes com assimetria facial: estudo 3D-CT

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: Las asimetrías faciales son un motivo de consulta estética y funcional frecuente (35%) en la consulta de cirugía maxilofacial. Describir las variaciones morfológicas óseas craneofaciales en pacientes con asimetría facial. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, en 53 pacientes (23 hombres, 30 mujeres) con asimetría facial. Mediante tomografía axial computarizada y reconstrucción 3D se describieron las características anatómicas del lado largo que expone la asimetría y del lado contralateral (lado corto hacia donde se desvía la mandíbula), en los planos frontal y sagital. Resultados: Se identificaron cinco categorías de asimetría facial: Elongación hemimandibular, (EH, n = 26; 49%) Hiperplasia hemimandibular (n = 4; 7.5%), Prognatismo mandibular asimétrico (PMA, n = 14; 25,4%), Asimetría de cavidad glenoidea, (n = 2; 3.8%) y laterognatismo funcional (n = 7; 13,2%). En 64.1% de los casos la desviación mandibular era del lado izquierdo. En el plano frontal se observó mayor distancia desde el plano medio sagital a los puntos malar, yugal y gonion en el lado contralateral (p<0.05). En el plano sagital, el ancho de la rama mandibular era mayor en el lado desplazado (p<0.05) y la longitud del cuerpo mandibular era mayor en el lado contralateral (p<0.001). en las asimetrías más prevalentes (EH y PMA), la presencia de una desviación de la sínfisis > 5.1mm da mayor probabilidad de EH [OR: 4.05, IC95%: 1.02-16.0]. Conclusión: Los pacientes con asimetría facial presentaron diferencias morfológicas craneofaciales en los planos frontal y sagital, que ayudan a identificar las diferentes entidades que causan esta alteración.

Abstract Introduction and objetive: Facial asymmetries are a frequent esthetic and functional problem.To describe the craniofacial morphologic variability, in patients with facial asymmetry. Materials and methods: 53 patients (23 men and 30 women) with facial asymmetry were studied using 3D computed axial tomography reconstruction. The long side, exhibiting the asymmetry, and the contralateral side (shorter side presenting mandibular deviation), were compared in frontal and sagittal planes. Results: Five kinds of facial asymmetry were identified: Hemimandibular elongation (HE, n = 26; 49%) Hemimandibular hyperplasia (n = 4; 7.5%), asymmetric mandibular prognathism (PMA, n = 14; 25.4%), glenoid fossa asymmetry (n = 2; 3.8%) and functional laterognathism. (n = 7; 13,2%). 64.1% cases had left side mandibular deviation. In the frontal plane the distance from the mid-sagittal plane to malar, yugal and gonion point was higher in the contralateral side (p<0.05). In the sagittal plane mandibular ramus width was higher in the displaced side (p<0.05) and mandibular body length was higher in the contralateral side (p<0.001). Regarding the two most prevalent groups (HE and AMP), the presence of a symphysis deviation > 5.1mm is associated to higher probability of having HE [OR: 4.05, CI 95%: 1.02-16.0]. Conclusion: Patients with facial asymmetry present craniofacial morphological side differences in the frontal and sagittal planes, useful to identify different entities that cause this alteration.

Resumo Introdução y objectivo: As assimetrias faciais são um motivo frequente de consulta estética e funcional (35%) na cirurgia maxilofacial. Descrever as variações morfológicas do osso craniofacial em pacientes com assimetria facial. Materiais e métodos: Estudo descritivo, em 53 pacientes (23 homens, 30 mulheres) com assimetria facial. Através de tomografia axial computorizada e reconstrução 3D, foram descritas as características anatómicas do lado longo expondo a assimetria e do lado contralateral (lado curto para o qual a mandíbula é desviada), nos planos frontal e sagital. Resultados: Foram identificadas cinco categorias de assimetria facial: alongamento hemimandibular, (EH, n = 26; 49%) hiperplasia hemimandibular, (n = 4; 7,5%), prognatismo assimétrico mandibular, (PMA, n = 14; 25,4%), assimetria da cavidade glenoidal, (n = 2; 3,8%) e laterognatismo funcional, (n = 7; 13,2%). Em 64,1% dos casos, o desvio mandibular foi do lado esquerdo. No plano frontal havia uma maior distância do plano médio sagital aos pontos malar, yugal e gonion do lado contralateral (p<0,05). No plano sagital, a largura do ramo mandibular foi maior no lado deslocado (p<0,05) e o comprimento do corpo mandibular foi maior no lado contralateral (p<0,001). Nas assimetrias mais prevalentes (HD e PMA), a presença de um desvio da sínfise > 5,1mm dá uma maior probabilidade de HD [OU: 4,05, IC 95%: 1,02-16,0]. Conclusão: Os pacientes com assimetria facial apresentaram diferenças morfológicas craniofaciais nos planos frontal e sagital, que ajudam a identificar as diferentes entidades causadoras desta alteração.

Reduction of olfactory and respiratory turbinates in the transition of whales from land to sea: the semiaquatic middle Eocene Aegyptocetus tarfa.

Ethmoturbinates, nasoturbinates, and maxilloturbinates are well developed in the narial tract of land-dwelling artiodactyls ancestral to whales, but these are greatly reduced or lost entirely in modern whales. Aegyptocetus tarfa is a semiaquatic protocetid from the middle Eocene of Egypt. Computed axial tomography scans of the skull show that A. tarfa retained all three sets of turbinates like a land mammal. It is intermediate between terrestrial artiodactyls and aquatic whales in reduction of the turbinates. Ethmoturbinates in A. tarfa have 26% of the surface area expected for an artiodactyl. These have an olfactory function and indicate that early whales retained a sense of smell in the transition from land to sea. Maxilloturbinates in A. tarfa have 6% of the surface area expected for an artiodactyl. These have a respiratory function and their markedly reduced size suggests that rapid inhalation and exhalation was already more important than warming and humidifying air, in contrast to extant land mammals. Finally, the maxilloturbinates of A. tarfa, although greatly reduced, still show some degree of similarity to those of artiodactyls, supporting the phylogenetic affinity of cetaceans and artiodactyls based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Machine Learning Techniques Applied to Dose Prediction in Computed Tomography Tests.

Increasingly more patients exposed to radiation from computed axial tomography (CT) will have a greater risk of developing tumors or cancer that are caused by cell mutation in the future. A minor dose level would decrease the number of these possible cases. However, this framework can result in medical specialists (radiologists) not being able to detect anomalies or lesions. This work explores a way of addressing these concerns, achieving the reduction of unnecessary radiation without compromising the diagnosis. We contribute with a novel methodology in the CT area to predict the precise radiation that a patient should be given to accomplish this goal. Specifically, from a real dataset composed of the dose data of over fifty thousand patients that have been classified into standardized protocols (skull, abdomen, thorax, pelvis, etc.), we eliminate atypical information (outliers), to later generate regression curves employing diverse well-known Machine Learning techniques. As a result, we have chosen the best analytical technique per protocol; a selection that was thoroughly carried out according to traditional dosimetry parameters to accurately quantify the dose level that the radiologist should apply in each CT test.

Headache Caused by Sinus Disease.

Headaches and sinus disease are common reasons to seek medical care, with marked worldwide prevalence and large socioeconomic burdens. Headaches caused by sinus diseases are rare; many "rhinogenic headaches" are actually migraines. The similar symptoms may result from autonomic dysfunction and trigeminovascular pathways. Using the mnemonic ACHE, this article presents key Anatomy, Clinical cases, How to image, Essential clinical and radiographic features that help the radiologist, otolaryngologist, and neurologist evaluate sinus disease and headaches.

Correlation of preoperative findings in computed axial tomography with the presence of difficult airway in patients undergoing head and neck otorhinolaryngological surgery. / Correlación de hallazgos preoperatorios en la tomografía axial computarizada con la presencia de vía aérea difícil en pacientes intervenidos mediante cirugía otorrinolaringológica de cabeza y cuello.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a correlation between 4 measurements made on preoperative computed axial tomography and the presence of difficult airway, as well as its clinical prediction in patients undergoing otorhinolaryngological surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was carried out using the information gathered from the clinical notes of 104 patients undergoing general anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation for oncological otorhinolaryngological surgery over a period of 36 months. Based on the findings in the preoperative imaging tests, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, where the dependent variable was the presence of extreme grades of visualization of the glottis visualisation (Cormack III-IV) or the presence of predictors of difficult intubation (Mallampati III-IV). This resulted in a total of 4 tomographic and clinical factors of difficult airway being introduced in this model. RESULTS: In the Cormack III-IV group, the results were not statistically significant in the multivariate model when compared to the tomography predictors, distance from epiglottis to posterior pharyngeal wall (95% CI; 0.030 - 2.31, P<.05), and the distance from the base of the tongue to the posterior pharyngeal wall (95% CI; 0.018-1.37, P<.05). In the Mallampati III-IV group, in the multivariate model only the distance from the vocal cords to the posterior pharyngeal wall showed clinically significant results (95% CI; 0.104 - 8.53, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the approach to the airway, reliance on predictors is based on physical examination to anticipate situations that put oxygenation and ventilation of the patients at risk. There are still insufficient data to recommend imaging tests in this area, however it seems that in the future they may be added to the diagnostic performance of physical examination as predictors of difficult airway.

Increase in computed tomography in Australia driven mainly by practice change: A decomposition analysis.

BACKGROUND: Publicly funded computed tomography (CT) procedure descriptions in Australia often specify the body site, rather than indication for use. This study aimed to evaluate the relative contribution of demographic versus non-demographic factors in driving the increase in CT services in Australia. METHODS: A decomposition analysis was conducted to assess the proportion of additional CT attributable to changing population structure, CT use on a per capita basis (CPC, a proxy for change in practice) and/or cost of CT. Aggregated Medicare usage and billing data were obtained for selected years between 1993/4 and 2012/3. RESULTS: The number of billed CT scans rose from 33 per annum per 1000 of population in 1993/94 (total 572,925) to 112 per 1000 by 2012/13 (total 2,540,546). The respective cost to Medicare rose from $145.7 million to $790.7 million. Change in CPC was the most important factor accounting for changes in CT services (88%) and cost (65%) over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: While this study cannot conclude if the increase is appropriate, it does represent a shift in how CT is used, relative to when many CT services were listed for public funding. This 'scope shift' poses questions as to need for and frequency of retrospective/ongoing review of publicly funded services, as medical advances and other demand- or supply-side factors change the way health services are used.

Diplopia: What to Double Check in Radiographic Imaging of Double Vision.

When patients see double with both eyes open, known as "binocular diplopia," this may be a harbinger of underlying life-threatening causes. This article presents pertinent anatomy, critical abnormality, and radiographic features that should be double checked for in diplopia. Key areas requiring a double check using the acronym VISION include Vascular, Infectious and Inflammatory, the Scalp for giant cell arteritis, Sphenoid and Skull base in trauma, Increased intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri), Onset of new headaches or psychosis, and Neoplasm. This article reviews the pertinent abnormalities and radiographic imaging critical to assess in patients with diplopia.

An appraisal of the computed axial tomographic appearance of the human mesentery based on mesenteric contiguity from the duodenojejunal flexure to the mesorectal level.

OBJECTIVE: The human mesentery is now regarded as contiguous from the duodenojejunal (DJ) to anorectal level. This interpretation prompts re-appraisal of computed tomography (CT) images of the mesentery. METHODS: A digital model and reference atlas of the mesentery were generated using the full-colour data set of the Visible Human Project (VHP). Seventy one normal abdominal CT images were examined to identify mesenteric regions. CT appearances were correlated with cadaveric and histological appearances at corresponding levels. RESULTS: Ascending, descending and sigmoid mesocolons were identifiable in 75%, 86% and 88% of the CTs, respectively. Flexural contiguity was evident in 66%, 68%, 71% and 80% for the ileocaecal, hepatic, splenic and rectosigmoid flexures, respectively. A posterior mesocolic boundary corresponding to the anterior renal fascia was evident in 40% and 54% of cases on the right and left, respectively. The anterior pararenal space (in front of the boundary) corresponded to the mesocolon. CONCLUSIONS: Using the VHP, a mesenteric digital model and reference atlas were developed. This enabled re-appraisal of CT images of the mesentery, in which contiguous flexural and non-flexural mesenteric regions were repeatedly identifiable. The anterior pararenal space corresponded to the mesocolon. KEY POINTS: The Visible Human Project (VHP) allows direct identification of mesenteric structures. Correlating CT and VHP allows identification of flexural and non-flexural mesenteric components. Radiologic appearance of intraperitoneal structures is assessed, starting from a mesenteric platform.

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy plus bevacizumab after response to bevacizumab plus irinotecan as a rescue treatment for high-grade gliomas.

AIM: To evaluate the possibility of implementing a new scheme of rescue treatment after relapse or progression of high-grade glioma (HGG) treated at the first-line with bevacizumab and irinotecan (BVZ+CPT11), evaluating the response and toxicity of associating BVZ and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (BVZ+FSRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 59 patients with relapse of HGG. Nine patients with HGG relapse after treatment using the Stupp protocol that were treated with BVZ+CPT11 for progression between July 2007 and August 2012, after which the response was assessed according to the Revised Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria. BVZ was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg and FSRT up to a prescribed dose of 30 Gy, 500 cGy per fraction, three days a week. The median follow-up was 38 months. RESULTS: The treatment was well-tolerated by all patients. The response after nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3-6 months was progression in two patients, stable disease in four, and three patients had a partial response. The median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis until death or the last control was 36.8 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.8 months. The results from tumour sub-group analysis indicated that the PFS was not statistically significant although it seemed that it was higher in grade-III. The OS was higher in grade-III gliomas. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of BVZ+FSRT as a second-line HGG relapse rescue treatment is well-tolerated and seems to offer promising results. We believe that multi-centre prospective studies are needed to determine the long-term efficacy and toxicity of this therapeutic approach.

The functional aortic annulus in the 3D era: focus on transcatheter aortic valve replacement for the perioperative echocardiographer.

The functional aortic annulus represents a sound clinical framework for understanding the components of the aortic root complex. Recent three-dimensional imaging analysis has demonstrated that the aortic annulus frequently is elliptical rather than circular. Comprehensive three-dimensional quantification of this aortic annular geometry by transesophageal echocardiography and/or multidetector computed tomography is essential to guide precise prosthesis sizing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement to minimize paravalvular leak for optimal clinical outcome. Furthermore, three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography accurately can quantify additional parameters of the functional aortic annulus such as coronary height for complete sizing profiles for all valve types in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Although it is maturing rapidly as a clinical imaging modality, its role in transcatheter aortic valve replacement is seen best as complementary to multidetector computed tomography in a multidisciplinary heart team model.