Current multiplanar imaging of the stapes.

PURPOSE: CT analysis of the stapes is difficult in the axial plane (AP), because of its oblique orientation. Oblique axial reformations could provide a more precise analysis of the stapes in normal and pathologic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT of the temporal bone was performed in 31 patients. Only the normal side was examined in the AP and oblique axial plane (OAP), in the plane of the stapes superstructure. Conspicuousness of each stapes component was evaluated in both planes by 2 independent readers. Reproducibility between the 2 readers (R1 and R2) and comparison of conspicuousness between the AP and the OAP in the analysis of the stapes crura were evaluated. The normal position of the stapes arch in relationship to the footplate was determined in the OAP by using biometric landmarks. RESULTS: Conspicuousness of the stapes crura was increased by using OAP. The conspicuousness of the anterior crus was enhanced in 38% with the OAP according to R1 (P < .05) and 32% according to R2 (P < .05). The conspicuousness of the posterior crus was enhanced in 35% with the OAP according to R1 (P < .05), but not significantly enhanced in 22% with the OAP according to R2 (P = .095). Analysis of conspicuousness of the stapes crura was reproducible according to the kappa test. A perpendicular line to the footplate intersecting its midportion crosses the stapes head and the long process of the incus in the OAP in normal patients. CONCLUSION: OAP could enhance the CT analysis of the stapes and provide useful biometric landmarks in pathologic conditions.

[Contribution of the latest generation CT in preoperative assessment of kidney cancer]. / Apport du scanner de dernière génération dans le bilan pré-opératoire du cancer du rein.

Technological progress in medical imaging runs in parallel to progress in computers, with an ever-increasing image acquisition rate and increasingly fine image reconstruction. Following the appearance, several years ago, of spiral acquisition CT, the multiplication of detectors (multi-array CT) has opened up new possibilities for investigation, especially in the field of renal tumours, where CT is now the first-line investigation due to the information obtained for characterization, vascular anatomical relations, and staging. The development of partial surgery (in which the detection of satellite lesions is essential) and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery will be able to take full advantage of this progress in imaging by anticipating operative difficulties (number of tumours, situation and branches of arteries and veins or their collaterals, venous thrombus, relations with the urinary tract). Volume acquisition allows representation of these elements in the various dimensions, facilitating interpretation of the images.

Imaging of diaphragmatic injury: a diagnostic challenge?

Diaphragmatic injuries occur in 0.8%-8% of patients after blunt trauma. Although the diagnosis may be obvious at standard chest radiography or computed tomography (CT) in most situations, some more subtle signs require careful analysis of CT images and examination with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in some specific situations. Each method of imaging evaluation has advantages and pitfalls according to the type of diaphragmatic rupture. MR imaging with breath-hold acquisition permits good visualization of diaphragmatic abnormalities, but this technique cannot be performed in emergency situations. Because of a dramatic reduction in motion and beam-hardening artifacts and significant improvement of spatial resolution, especially along the z axis, helical CT and multisection CT allow better demonstration of the most subtle signs, such as a focal indentation of the liver or a right-sided collar sign. In addition, helical CT and multisection CT are useful tools in the evaluation of patients with multiple traumatic injuries.