Penetrating neck trauma: radiological predictors of vascular injury.

PURPOSE: Vascular injury in penetrating neck trauma predicts a poorer outcome and usually requires surgical neck exploration. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is a readily available non-invasive diagnostic tool that can identify direct and indirect signs of vascular injury in stable patients. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of radiological signs of vascular injury on MDCT, and their implications on patient management in the setting of penetrating neck trauma. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of penetrating neck injuries (PNI) between 2012 and 2018 in a UK major trauma centre was performed. Clinical data and operative findings were compared with radiological findings on MDCT performed at the time of admission. RESULTS: 157 patients were identified with PNI in the study period, with 67 meeting inclusion criteria. The predictive value of indirect radiological signs of vascular injury alone was low, with only 12.1% of these patients having significant vascular injury found at neck exploration. However, the combined use of direct radiological signs with clinical signs resulted in a specificity of 97.7% for vascular injury. CONCLUSIONS: The use of direct and indirect radiological signs of vascular injury can increase the accuracy of diagnosis when used in conjunction with clinical signs. Combining clinical assessment and radiological investigation, specifically contrast-enhanced MDCT, improves the specificity in pre-operative assessment of potential vascular injury in PNI. MDCT is recommended in stable patients with clinical signs of vascular injury to reduce the rate of negative neck exploration.

Evidence for the approach to the diagnostic evaluation of squamous cell carcinoma occult primary tumors of the head and neck.

Metastases to the cervical lymph nodes from a occult primary (CUP) of head and neck squamous carcinomas has been increasing in presentation (HNSCC). Modern diagnostic workup, including clinical evaluation, conventional imaging, FDG-PET/CT and panendoscopy/tonsillectomy enables detection of the primary site in over half of all cases, and is associated with significantly improved survival rates. Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of novel molecular pathology and transoral surgical techniques in improving diagnosis and treatment. We present a new, evidence-based protocol incorporating these novel diagnostic modalities. It aims to identify the site of the primary tumor, and determine the stage of the disease, including extranodal extension. This information can personalise treatment recommendations, rationalise combinations of treatment modalities, and thereby potentially minimise toxicity and improving functional outcomes.

Can Preoperative High Resolution Computed Tomography Be Rationalized in Adult Cochlear Implant Candidates?

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether criteria can be used to identify patients who do not need high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans before cochlear implant operations, by retrospectively applying a preoperative selection pathway, the Cambridge Cochlear Implant Protocol (CCIP). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK (QEHB). PATIENTS: One hundred adult patients receiving primary cochlear implantation (CI) operations from April 2015 to July 2016 performed at the QEHB who received preoperative HRCTs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Etiology of hearing loss and anatomical abnormalities were collected by reanalyzing HRCT scans. Patients were retrospectively grouped according to criteria to restrict HRCT use derived from the Cambridge Cochlear Implant Programme (CCIP). The two main outcomes, recorded management change and significant abnormalities, were compared between the two CCIP groups, scanned and not scanned. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients had significant abnormalities detected on imaging, 16 in the scanned group and 10 in the not scanned group (p = 0.152). Five patients had a recorded management change as a result of HRCT scan, four scanned group, one not scanned group (p = 0.107). Significant abnormalities and recorded management change were seen across all etiological subgroups of hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The anatomy within the temporal bone is variable amongst CI recipients. Recorded management change and significant abnormalities occurred in both CCIP groups and across many etiologies of hearing loss patients. No specific group, based on the etiology of their hearing loss could be identified that do not require preoperative HRCT. Therefore, it is recommended that all CI patients should continue to receive preoperative HRCT imaging.

A Comparison of Cochlear Nerve Size in Normal-Hearing Adults Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear implantation is a clinical and cost-effective treatment for severe hearing loss. Cochlear nerve size assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been investigated for use as a prognostic indicator following cochlear implantation. This study aimed to further that research by assessing nerve size in normal-hearing adults for symmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with tinnitus presenting to our center retrospectively had their nerve size assessed by MRI. RESULTS: The study found no significant differences between right and left cochlear nerves in normal-hearing adults, supporting our hypothesis of symmetry in these individuals. This was a previously unproven and uninvestigated hypothesis. CONCLUSION: Nerve size assessment should remain an active area of research in otological disease.

Cone beam CT paranasal sinuses versus standard multidetector and low dose multidetector CT studies.

UNLABELLED: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a promising modality for quick outpatient imaging with lower radiation dose and less metal artifact when compared to conventional CT (MDCT) scans. This article will be providing evidence on the diagnostic and treatment-planning applications of CBCT in sinus imaging, mainly, in patients with chronic sinusitis for surgical planning, which retrospectively assessed 21 patients over a period of one year at Queen Elisabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. The main objective was to compare the absorbed dose of radiation from CBCT and conventional CT, and to compare the clarity and image quality for important structures in sinus anatomy in patients with sinus disease meriting CT scan imaging. Results of the mean effective dose of twenty-one consecutive CBCTs of paranasal sinuses were 0.27 mSv (range 0.05-0.48 mSv). This dose was approximately 40% lower when compared to a similar cohort of standard MDCT examinations and 30% lower when compared to low dose sinus CT scans. The visualization of high-contrast bone morphology on CBCT was comparable to standard sinus CT, allowing clear delineation of the principal surgically relevant osseous structures. Soft tissue visibility was however limited. We concluded that, CBCT scan provides a fast and efficient alternative to conventional CT with substantial radiation dose reduction and low dose MDCT techniques. However for more advanced sinus disease, conventional CT scan is preferable. OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to compare the absorbed dose in the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and conventional CT and to compare the clarity and image quality for important structures in sinus anatomy. DESIGN: Retrospective scan review. SETTING: We compared both the image characteristics and the effective dose used in CBCT and conventional MDCT sinus imaging, performed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham over a 1 year period. PARTICIPANTS: Patient with sinus disease meriting CT scan imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Comparison of effective dose exposure and image quality. RESULTS: The mean effective dose of twenty one consecutive CBCTs of paranasal sinuses performed in our institution over a one year period was 0.27 mSv (range 0.05-0.48 mSv). The dose was approximately 40% lower when compared to a similar cohort of standard MDCT examinations and 30% lower when compared to low dose sinus CT scans. The visualization of high-contrast bone morphology on CBCT was comparable to standard sinus CT, allowing clear delineation of the principal surgically relevant osseous structures. Soft tissue visibility was however limited. CONCLUSION: Cone beam CT scan is a quick and efficient alternative to conventional CT with substantial radiation dose reduction over conventional and low dose MDCT techniques. However for more advanced sinus disease, conventional CT scan is preferable.

Cerebrospinal fluid pressure and the eye.

Cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) interacts with intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure to exert a major influence upon the eye, particularly the optic nerve head region. There is increased interest regarding the influence of CSFP upon disorders affecting this region, in particular glaucoma and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Additionally, a high proportion of astronauts develop features similar to idiopathic intracranial hypertension that persist for years after returning to Earth. The factors that affect the CSFP influence upon the optic nerve and globe are likely to influence the outcome of various ophthalmic disorders.