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Computed Tomography Scanning (computed + tomography_scanning)
Selected AbstractsPrimary Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma: Surgical Management and Differential Diagnosis with Pulmonary Embolism and Pulmonary Valve StenosisJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 6 2009Xiao-Peng Hu M.D. We present six cases of primary pulmonary artery sarcomas and discuss clinical features, differential diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcome of the tumors. Methods: Between January 1994 and July 2008, six patients were identified with the disease during operation. Three patients were initially diagnosed with pulmonary valve stenosis, and two patients had a presumptive diagnosis of chronic pulmonary embolism. Two patients had simple or partial tumor resection. Four patients had radical tumor resection and homograft reconstruction of the pulmonary arteries. Results: Histological examinations showed five malignant mesenchymomas and one fibrosarcoma. One patient died of refractory pulmonary hypertension during operation. Two patients died 4 months postoperatively because of brain metastases. Two patients were alive for 3 and 9 months, respectively after the operation with recurrent tumor. One patient is alive even 2 years after resection with no signs of recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions: Because of similar clinical features, pulmonary artery sarcomas are often confused with other pulmonary vascular obstructive diseases. Computed tomography scanning and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging could be useful methods for differential diagnosis. The prognosis is very poor. The survival time after resection varies from several months to several years depending on the presence of recurrence or metastasis. Early diagnosis and radical surgical resection presents the only opportunity for a potential cure. [source] National Study on Emergency Department Visits for Transient Ischemic Attack, 1992,2001ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2006Jonathan A. Edlow MD Abstract Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of U.S. emergency department (ED) visits for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and to measure rates of antiplatelet medication use, neuroimaging, and hospitalization during a ten-year time period. Methods: The authors obtained data from the 1992,2001 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. TIA cases were identified by having ICD-9 code 435. Results: From 1992 to 2001, there were 769 cases, representing 2,969,000 ED visits for TIA. The population rate of 1.1 ED visits per 1,000 U.S. population (95% CI = 0.92 to 1.30) was stable over time. TIA was diagnosed in 0.3% of all ED visits. Physicians administered aspirin and other antiplatelet agents to a small percentage of patients, and 42% of TIA patients (95% CI = 29% to 55%) received no medications at all in the ED. Too few data points existed to measure a statistically valid trend over time. Physicians performed computed tomography scanning in 56% (95% CI = 45% to 66%) of cases and performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in < 5% of cases, and there was a trend toward increased imaging over time. Admission rates did not increase during the ten-year period, with 54% (95% CI = 42% to 67%) admitted. Regional differences were noted, however, with the highest admission rate found in the Northeast (68%). Conclusions: Between 1992 and 2001, the population rate of ED visits for TIA was stable, as were admission rates (54%). Antiplatelet medications appear to be underutilized and to be discordant with published guidelines. Neuroimaging increased significantly. These findings may reflect the limited evidence base for the guidelines, educational deficits, or other barriers to guideline implementation. [source] Radiation exposure and the justification of computed tomography scanning in an Australian hospital emergency departmentINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 11 2009M. Street Abstract In an emergency department (ED), computed tomography (CT) is particularly beneficial in the investigation of high-speed trauma patients. With the advent of multidetector CT (MDCT) scanners, it is becoming faster and easier to conduct scans. In recent years, this has become evident with an increasing number of CT requests. Patients who have multiple CT scans during their hospital stay can receive radiation doses that have an increased theoretical risk of induction of cancer. It is essential that the clinical justification for each CT scan be considered on an individual basis and that due consideration is given to the radiation risk and possible diagnostic benefit. The current lack of a central State or Commonwealth data repository for medical images is a contributing factor to excessive radiation dosage to the population. The principles of justification and radiation risks are discussed in this study. [source] Severe traumatic brain injury: maximizing outcomesMOUNT SINAI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE: A JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Mary E. Tang MD Abstract Severe traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. The initial management of traumatic brain injury involves early resuscitation, computed tomography scanning, and surgical evacuation of mass lesions, when indicated. Recent research suggests that the prevention and treatment of secondary brain injury decrease mortality and improve outcomes. Specifically, treatment should address not only cerebral protection but also prevention of injury to other organ systems. To achieve the best outcomes, attention must be focused on optimizing blood pressure and brain tissue oxygenation, maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion pressures, and preventing seizures. In addition, maximizing good outcomes depends on proactively addressing the risk of common sequelae of brain injury, including infection, deep venous thrombosis, and inadequate nutrition. Guidelines developed for the management of severe traumatic brain injury have dramatically improved functional neurological outcomes. Mt Sinai J Med 76:119,128, 2009. © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine [source] | ||||||||||