Noninvasive Physiologic Vascular Studies: A Guide to Diagnosing Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Noninvasive physiologic vascular studies play an important role in the diagnosis and characterization in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower extremity. These studies evaluate the physiologic parameters of blood flow through segmental arterial pressures, Doppler waveforms, and pulse volume recordings. Collectively, they comprise a powerful toolset for defining the functionality of the arterial system, localizing the site of disease, and providing prognostic data. This technology has been widely adopted by diverse medical specialty practitioners, including radiologists, surgeons, cardiologists, and primary care providers. The use of these studies increased substantially between 2000 and 2010. Although they do not employ imaging, they remain a critical component for a comprehensive radiologic vascular laboratory. A strong presence of radiology in the diagnosis of PAD adds value in that radiologists have shifted to noninvasive alternatives to diagnostic catheter angiography (DCA), such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, which provide a more efficient, less-expensive, and lower-risk alternative. Other specialties have increased the use of DCA during the same period. The authors provide a review of the relevant anatomy and physiology of PAD as well as the associated clinical implications. In addition, guidelines for interpreting the ankle-brachial index, segmental pressures, Doppler waveforms, and pulse volume recordings are reviewed as well as potential limitations of these studies. Noninvasive physiologic vascular studies are provided here for review with associated correlating angiographic, CT, and/or MR findings covering the segmental distribution of PAD as well as select nonatherosclerotic diagnoses. ©RSNA, 2016.

A case report: Multaq-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

A 71-year-old white male presented to the emergency department complaining of a worsening lower extremity rash. Thirteen days before presentation, the patient was placed on Multaq (dronedarone) for his paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Biopsy-proven leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) was diagnosed, and causes for the condition other than drug-induced were investigated and ruled out. Rash has been cited as a possible side effect of Multaq; however, a literature search has revealed this to be the first documented case of likely multaq-induced LV. Other patients on Multaq therapy should be monitored for signs and symptoms of LV and be referred to an acute care setting as indicated.

En Bloc Resection of Cervical Spine Osteoid Osteoma With O-Arm-Assisted 3D Navigation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 22-year-old man presented with long-standing, progressive neck pain of unknown etiology. Investigation revealed a cervical spine osteoid osteoma affecting the right C4-5 facet joint. He underwent minimally invasive en bloc resection with O-arm-assisted 3-dimensional navigation without introducing iatrogenic spinal instability. Symptoms resolved after surgery, without recurrence or instability at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cervical spine osteoid osteoma is a tumor that presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Achieving precise, complete resection of the tumor with a minimally invasive approach while avoiding spinal instrumentation and arthrodesis is paramount to excellent surgical outcomes.

Systemic Vasculopathies: Imaging and Management.

Systemic vasculopathies represent a wide spectrum of heterogeneous vascular disorders characterized by variable target vessel involvement, vascular abnormalities, and end organ damage. The revised 2012 Chapel Hill Consensus Conference scheme classifies systemic vasculitis syndromes into primary systemic, secondary systemic, single-vessel, and variable-vessel vasculitis categories with associated management implications. Multimodality imaging not only allows diagnosis, characterization, and localization of vascular abnormalities but also permits evaluation of natural history and complications, thus, facilitating optimal patient management. This article discusses epidemiologic and radiologic characteristics of several common systemic vasculopathies with an emphasis on the role of endovascular therapy for management of select disorders.