ABSTRACT
Torsion of the nongravid uterus is a rare but potentially fatal acute abdominal condition. The non-specific clinical presentation of this condition makes preoperative diagnosis difficult. We describe a patient with uterine torsion in whom the diagnosis was made using contrast-enhanced computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction. Features of uterine torsion and its complications can be demonstrated by computed tomography, which is an important means of making a preoperative diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Torsion Abnormality/diagnosis , Uterine Diseases/diagnosis , Contrast Media , Female , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Gout is a common metabolic disease but spinal gout is rare. We report a case of gouty arthritis affecting the thoracic spine in a 76-year-old male patient with a long history of tophaceous gout who presented with bilateral lower limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging of his thoracic spine revealed erosions in the left pedicles of T8 and T10. The initial imaging diagnosis was metastatic disease. A computed tomography-guided biopsy of the T10 lesion was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of gout. We advocate the use of computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy for diagnosing spinal gout because the imaging features are non-specific, metastasis and spondylodiscitis being important mimickers.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Gouty/diagnosis , Spinal Diseases/diagnosis , Aged , Biopsy , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male , Spinal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Spinal Neoplasms/secondary , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Cervical spondylolysis is an uncommon entity. It is important to recognise its characteristic radiological features and differentiate it from acute cervical fractures or dislocations in patients with neck injuries. We report the relevant clinical and radiological findings seen in a young Chinese woman managed in our hospital after a neck injury who was ultimately diagnosed with bilateral cervical spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis at C6.
Subject(s)
Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging , Neck Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Spondylolisthesis/diagnostic imaging , Spondylosis/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Accidents, Traffic , Asian People , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Incidental Findings , Injury Severity Score , Neck Injuries/therapy , Risk Assessment , Spondylolisthesis/diagnosis , Spondylolisthesis/therapy , Spondylosis/diagnosis , Spondylosis/therapy , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To describe the sonographic appearance of Achilles tendon in normal subjects and patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy with the aim of establishing diagnostic sonographic criteria for Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, case-control sonographic study of the Achilles tendon was undertaken. Thirty tendons in 21 patients and 100 tendons in 50 control subjects were selected. Sonographic assessment included tendon thickness, echogenicity, fibrillar pattern, and presence of calcifications. Power Doppler imaging was used to assess tendon vascularity. Paratendinous structures and plantar fascia were also examined. RESULTS: Tendinopathic tendons were larger than normal tendons in both cross-sectional area and antero-posterior diameter. Hypoechoic areas within the tendon were more commonly seen in patients. Disruption of fibrillar pattern, increase in tendon vascularity, increased Kager's fat pad echogenicity, and paratenon thickening were solely seen in patients. Fluid in the retrocalcaneal bursa and calcaneal bony abnormalities were seen in both groups without a significant difference. CONCLUSION: Achilles tendinopathy results in enlargement, particularly of the mid- and distal portions of the tendon, disruption of fibrillar pattern, and increase in tendon vascularity. Additional signs are increased Kager's fat pad echogenicity and paratenon thickening. Tendon calcification, changes in retrocalcaneal bursae, and calcaneal contour are not specific for Achilles tendinopathy.
