The use of nuclear medicine techniques in the emergency department.

Nuclear medicine techniques have received little attention in the practice of emergency medicine, yet radionuclide imaging can provide valuable and unique information in the management of acutely ill patients. In this review, emphasis is placed on the role of these techniques in patients with bone injuries, non-traumatic bone pain and in those with pleuritic chest pain. New developments such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in myocardial infarction are outlined and older techniques such as scrotal scintigraphy are reviewed. Radionuclide techniques are discussed in a clinical context and in relation to alternative imaging modalities or strategies that may be available to the emergency medicine physician. Aspects of a 24 hour nuclear medicine service are considered.

Pelvic digit: an uncommon developmental anomaly.

The radiological features of seven cases of pelvic digit discovered incidentally on plain radiographs are described and differentiation from other causes of new bone formation is discussed. Its recognition as a benign anomaly is important to avoid unnecessary investigation or intervention. An embryological theory of development of pelvic digit is proposed.