Dual-Energy Computed Tomography and Beyond: Musculoskeletal System.

Traditional monoenergetic computed tomography (CT) scans in musculoskeletal imaging provide excellent detail of bones but are limited in the evaluation of soft tissues. Dual-energy CT (DECT) overcomes many of the traditional limitations of CT and offers anatomical details previously seen only on MR imaging. In addition, DECT has benefits in the evaluation and characterization of arthropathies, bone marrow edema, and collagen applications in the evaluation of tendons, ligaments, and vertebral discs. There is current ongoing research in the application of DECT in arthrography and bone mineral density calculation.

Ruptured Appendiceal Mucocele Presenting as a Ventral Hernia: A Case Report of a Rare Presentation of Appendiceal Mucocele.

Mucocele of the appendix (MA) is a rare disease characterized by chronic accumulation of mucin within an appendix. Although MA can be an asymptomatic finding, some patients with MA may present with right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain, pelvic pain, or even hernias. The later presentation is usually related to rupture of the mucin-filled appendix, a condition referred to as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Herein, we present a case of ruptured MA presenting as an irreducible paraumbilical hernia, where the patient presented with a lump to the surgical clinic. computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed an RLQ lesion extending through the hernial neck. Further characterization of the lesion was performed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealing an appendiceal origin of the lesion. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy during which an omental sample was taken. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of metastasizing low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. We believe that our case is unique due to the rarity of ruptured MA as well as the rarity of it presenting as a paraumbilical hernia.