Recommendations for accurate CT diagnosis of suspected acute aortic syndrome (AAS)--on behalf of the British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (BSCI)/British Society of Cardiovascular CT (BSCCT).

Accurate and timely assessment of suspected acute aortic syndrome is crucial in this life-threatening condition. Imaging with CT plays a central role in the diagnosis to allow expedited management. Diagnosis can be made using locally available expertise with optimized scanning parameters, making full use of recent advances in CT technology. Each imaging centre must optimize their protocols to allow accurate diagnosis, to optimize radiation dose and in particular to reduce the risk of false-positive diagnosis that may simulate disease. This document outlines the principles for the acquisition of motion-free imaging of the aorta in this context.

Osteomyelitis of the iliac crest: a rare complication following perforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency with numerous postoperative infective complications. We report an unusual case of iliac crest osteomyelitis as a late complication following emergency appendectomy for perforated gangrenous appendicitis. METHODS: Review of the pertinent English language literature. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the English literature to describe iliac crest osteomyelitis as an infective complication of perforated gangrenous appendicitis. The diagnosis was made with the aid of magnetic resonance imaging and radioisotope bone scans. The complication was treated successfully with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Iliac crest osteomyelitis is indeed a rare complication of appendicitis. A heightened awareness and better understanding of this complication would necessitate early diagnosis and treatment.

Large bilateral coronary artery fistulae.

We describe a case of impressive/large bilateral coronary artery fistulae in a patient who developed transient symptoms of palpitations during pregnancy. As this woman remained asymptomatic and her haemodynamic reserves during multiple pregnancies had been good, it was decided to apply a conservative approach. Consideration, in certain circumstances, should be given as to closure of these fistulae, in view of the potential to develop pulmonary hypertension as a result of a significant cardiovascular shunt.

Large, unruptured, non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.

We report the case of a 73-year-old previously fit man who presented with a 10-month history of worsening dyspnoea on exertion. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mass in the right ventricle. The diagnosis of non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent surgical removal of the aneurysm with uneventful recovery. Since this rare anomaly may arise from different aetiological backgrounds, it is important to consider this condition in the differential diagnosis and diagnostic process in order to deliver prompt, and potentially life-saving, treatment.

Acrobatic vascular disease.

Athletes performing repetitive movements can develop arterial injuries. These are uncommon. We present a case of bilateral subclavian/axillary artery stenosis in a female patient referred to the rapid access chest pain clinic with a presumptive diagnosis of angina. Her symptoms were related to limb ischemia rather than cardiac insufficiency. Detailed history from this patient revealed that she had spent 8 years working as an acrobat being swung by the arms twice daily during performances.