CT signs of hypovolemic shock complex in patients with non-traumatic shock.

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of hypovolemic shock complex (HSC) signs on CT in patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with undifferentiated non-traumatic shock. Secondary aim was to assess the correlation between HSC signs and all-cause mortality. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included 100 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced thoraco-abdominal CT in the ED to evaluate the etiology for non-traumatic undifferentiated shock. All patients were retrospectively assigned a shock subtype (i.e., distributive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, obstructive, multifactorial, and unknown) based on medical records. Patients' demographics and time to all-cause mortality up to 90 days were collected. All CT studies were re-assessed for the presence of HSC signs. Correlation between HSC signs, mortality and shock subtype was assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 58% (58/100) of all patients had at least one HSC sign. Flattened inferior vena cava and adrenal hyper-enhancement were the most common HSC signs (27.3%, 27/99; in both). Overall mortality was 59% (59/100). When evaluated separately, shock liver was the only HSC sign to significantly correlate with increased mortality (84.6% vs. 55.2%, p = .04). However, patients with at least two HSC signs had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to patients without any HSC signs (73.5% vs. 45.2%, p = .017). CONCLUSION: Most patients with non-traumatic shock had at least one HSC sign. Mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with two or more HSC signs compared to patients without any signs. Patients with shock liver sign had significantly higher mortality rates.

The use of contrast enhanced thoraco-abdominal CT in patients with non-traumatic undifferentiated hemodynamic shock.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) in patients with undifferentiated shock in the emergency department (ED). Secondary aim was to assess common etiologies for undifferentiated shock. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study evaluating patients with undifferentiated shock who underwent a dedicated "shock protocol" CT in the ED. CT included a non-contrast thoraco-abdominal scan followed by arterial thoraco-abdominal and abdominal portal phases. Patients' clinical records, laboratory, imaging data and all-cause 90-days mortality were collected. Patients' shock category (i.e., distributive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, obstructive, multifactorial, and unknown) and etiology for shock were retrospectively determined based on patients' medical records. Effect of CT on patients' diagnosis and management was assessed based on physicians' reports before and after CT. RESULTS: Overall, 102 patients were scanned between December 2018 and December 2020. Distributive shock was the most prevalent type with 47.1% of all patients (48/102), followed by hypovolemic shock (17/102, 16.7%). Based on clinical data and CT reports, shock etiology was diagnosed for 89.2% (91/102) patients. Sepsis was the most common etiology in 50% of patients, followed by non-traumatic hemorrhage (15/102, 14.7%). Overall, 90-day mortality was 58.8%. Shock protocol CT led to change in differential diagnosis in 49% of patients and to change in management in 42.2%. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced shock protocol CT can help in shock differentiation, assessment of etiology and in management of patients presenting to the ED with undifferentiated shock.

Trend in radiologist workload compared to number of admissions in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Recent years have shown an increase in radiologists' workload, both during regular working hours and during on-call. We aimed to quantify the 8-year trend in on-call workload in a large tertiary academic medical center, and to compare the workload growth rate to emergency department (ED) visits growth rate during the same period. METHODS: The number of computed tomography (CT) studies during on-call hours (weekdays between 3.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m., and weekends) between 2012 and 2019 was extracted from our hospital's Radiologic Information System. To estimate the on-call workload, all studies were converted to relative value units (RVUs) using the US Medicare physician reimbursement tables. The Kendall's tau b test was used to assess the temporal trend. RESULTS: Overall, on-call CT RVUs increased by 52% (Kendall's tau b = 0.776, p = 0.001) while ED visit rate grew by 23% with a weaker correlation coefficient (Kendall's tau b = 0.323, p = 0.009). RVUs of brain CT, the most prevalent examination type, increased by 33%, while abdominal CT, the second most prevalent examination, increased by 70%. Thoracic-lumbar spine CT examinations increased by 1375% and head and neck CT angiography examinations (stroke protocol and CT-Venography) grew by 287%. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologists' on-call workload more than doubled the growth rate of ED visits over an 8-year period. Radiologists, radiographers and on-call ED workforce should be adjusted to accommodate these evolving changes to enhance quality and safety of patient care and to avoid caregivers' burnout.

Very low-dose computerized tomography for confirmation of urinary stone presence.

PURPOSE: To determine whether a modified non-contrast very low-dose computed tomography (VLD-CT) protocol is applicable for confirmation of known urolithiasis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Consecutive adult patients with a CT scan showing urinary tract stone(s) between 6/2017-12/2018 were included. They were referred to a modified VLD-CT protocol if stone presence was equivocal or if stone location needed reassessment before an endourological interventional procedure. The scanned area was limited to the level of initial stone location caudally. Data on patients' demographics andbody mass index, were collected. The scanned length and radiation dose were calculated. Images were reviewed by two radiologists who assessed stone size and location. Follow-up reference standard included stone passage, surgical removal, and other imaging and clinical information. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients [63 stones, mean BMI 28.7 (range 19-41.9)] were included. VLD-CTs revealed 31 stones in 31 patients, with a mean stone length of 5.5 mm. Fifteen stones remained at the same location, and 16 had migrated, of which two appeared in the bladder. Thirty-two stones were not observed on VLD-CT. The mean span scanned on the VLD-CT was 274 mm (± 80). The average radiation exposure was 1.47 mGy (range 1.09-3.3), and the absorbed dose was 0.77 mSv (range 0.39-1.43), compared to 10.24 mGy (range 1.75-28.9) and 7.87 mSv (range 1.44-18.5) in the previous scan. The mean radiation dose reduction between scans was 89%. On follow-up, all VLD-CT findings were confirmed. CONCLUSION: A modified imaging protocol is applicable for confirmation of stone presence and location by utilizing very low-dose radiation exposure.

Emergency department point-of-care ultrasonography improves time to pericardiocentesis for clinically significant effusions.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the utility of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to identify and guide treatment of tamponade or clinically significant pericardial effusions in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of non-trauma patients who were diagnosed with large pericardial effusions or tamponade by the ED physician using POCUS. The control group was composed of those patients later diagnosed on the medical wards or incidentally in the ED by other means such as a computed tomography. The following data were abstracted from the patient's file: demographics, medical background, electrocardiogram results, chest radiograph readings, echocardiogram results, and patient outcomes. RESULTS: There were 18 patients in the POCUS arm and 55 in the control group. The POCUS arm had a decreased time to pericardiocentesis (11.3 vs. 70.2 hours, P=0.055) as well as a shorter length of stay (5.1 vs. 7.0 days, P=0.222). A decreased volume of pericardial fluid was drained (661 vs. 826 mL, P=0.139) in the group diagnosed by POCUS. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that POCUS may effectively identify pericardial effusions and guide appropriate treatment, leading to a decreased time to pericardiocentesis and decreased length of hospital stay. Pericardial tamponade or a large pericardial effusion should be considered in all patients presenting to the ED with clinical, radiographic, or electrocardiographic signs of cardiovascular compromise.

Overuse of Head CT Examinations for the Investigation of Minor Head Trauma: Analysis of Contributing Factors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the amount of CT studies performed in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital that are not indicated by Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR) guidelines and to analyze factors that contribute to unnecessary examinations. METHODS: A total of 955 brain CT examinations performed for minor head injuries were randomly retrospectively selected. Medical records were assessed for the following parameters: demographics, cause of head trauma, and referring physician's seniority and specialty. For each CT scan, it was determined whether the CT referral met the CCHR criteria. The CT interpretations of patients under 65 years of age were evaluated to assess the sensitivity and negative predictive value of the CCHR criteria. RESULTS: A total of 104 examinations (10.9%) were not indicated according to the CCHR, but in patients younger than 65 years, 104 of 279 examinations (37.3%) were not indicated. Neurologists conducted more unwarranted CT studies (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; P = .011), whereas surgeons tended to order fewer studies (OR, 0.676; P = .126). There was no statistically significant difference between the seniority of the referring physician and over-referral (P = .181). Four-wheel motor vehicle accidents (OR, 2.789; P = .001) and a hit on the head by an object (OR, 2.843; P = .006) were associated with a higher rate of nonindicated CT examinations. The CCHR had sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% for either brain hemorrhage or fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Overuse of CT examinations for minor head injuries was demonstrated, especially in young patients, with an excess of 37.3%. Contributing factors are referring physician specialty and injury mechanism. Analysis of overuse causes can be implemented for education programs and for computerized referring protocols.

Can Unenhanced CT Findings Predict Interventional Versus Conservative Treatment in Acute Renal Colic?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of clinical parameters and radiologic findings on unenhanced CT to the choice between interventional and conservative management for patients with acute renal colic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unenhanced CT records of 183 consecutive patients with acute renal colic were retrospectively reviewed. Urolithiasis was confirmed at both unenhanced CT and clinical follow-up findings of 80 patients (study group). Clinical parameters (signs of infection and renal indexes) and unenhanced CT findings (tissue rim sign, hydronephrosis, perinephric and periureteral edema, ureteral dilatation, renal attenuation, and stone characteristics) were graded and correlated with the choice of clinical management. ROC analysis was constructed for the most statistically significant parameters. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (52%) were treated conservatively and 38 (48%) underwent interventional treatments. The relationship between shivering, fever, and leukocytosis and interventional treatment had low sensitivity (29%, 26%, and 16%, respectively) but very high specificity (98%, 95%, and 98%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Stone size and density were statistically significantly different between patients treated conservatively and those treated interventionally (size, 4.6 vs 6.7 mm; density, 730 vs 910 HU; p < 0.01). Stones larger than 6.5 mm with an attenuation value greater than 1100 HU and that were proximally located were more likely to be treated interventionally. CONCLUSION: Larger stone size, higher density, proximal location, and complaints of shivering, fever, and leukocytosis are the most important parameters for predicting invasive management of acute renal colic. Other clinical and radiologic information may be useful as supportive findings but do not predict the choice of patient management.

Role of Emergency Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Workup of Suspected Appendicitis in Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women with acute abdominal pain pose a diagnostic challenge. Delay in diagnosis may result in significant risk to the fetus. The preferred diagnostic modality is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), since ultrasonography is often inconclusive, and computed tomography (CT) would expose the fetus to ionizing radiation. OBJECTIVES: To describe the process in setting up an around-the-clock MRI service for diagnosing appendicitis in pregnant women and to evaluate the contribution of abdominal MR in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive pregnant women presenting with acute abdominal pain over a 6 year period who underwent MRI studies. A workflow that involved a multidisciplinary team was developed. A modified MRI protocol adapted to pregnancy was formulated. Data regarding patients' characteristics, imaging reports and outcome were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: 49 pregnant women with suspected appendicitis were enrolled. Physical examination was followed by ultrasound: when positive, the patients were referred for MR scan or surgery treatment; when the ultrasound was inconclusive, MR scan was performed. In 88% of women appendicitis was ruled out and surgery was prevented. MRI diagnosed all cases with acute appendicitis and one case was inconclusive. The overall statistical performance of the study shows a negative predictive value of 100% (95%CI 91.9-100%) and positive predictive value of 83.3% (95%CI 35.9-99.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Creation of an around-the-clock imaging service using abdominal MRI with the establishment of a workflow chart using a dedicated MR protocol is feasible. It provides a safe way to rule out appendicitis and to avoid futile surgery in pregnant women.

Volvulus and bowel obstruction in ATR-X syndrome-clinical report and review of literature.

Alpha thalassemia-mental retardation, X-linked (ATR-X) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with a variety of clinical manifestations. Gastrointestinal symptoms described in this syndrome include difficulties in feeding, regurgitation and vomiting which may lead to aspiration pneumonia, abdominal pain, distention, and constipation. We present a 19-year-old male diagnosed with ATR-X syndrome, who suffered from recurrent colonic volvulus that ultimately led to bowel necrosis with severe septic shock requiring emergent surgical intervention. During 1 year, the patient was readmitted four times due to poor oral intake, dehydration and abdominal distention. Investigation revealed partial small bowel volvulus which resolved with non-operative treatment. Small and large bowel volvulus are uncommon and life-threatening gastrointestinal manifestations of ATR-X patients, which may contribute to the common phenomenon of prolonged food refusal in these patients.

The role of early postmortem CT in the evaluation of support-line misplacement in patients with severe trauma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the role of early postmortem CT in evaluating support-line misplacement to improve future treatment in the trauma setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all postmortem CT examinations that were performed for trauma patients within the 1st hour after declaration of death in our tertiary medical center between August 1, 2008, and August 31, 2013. Correct placement of the following support lines was evaluated: endotracheal tubes (ETTs), chest drains, central venous catheters (CVCs), and nasogastric tubes (NGTs). Prehospital resuscitation efforts were started in all cases. RESULTS: Early postmortem CT was performed on average 22 minutes after declaration of death in 25 consecutive patients with severe trauma. Overall, 14 subjects (56%) had suboptimal or misplaced support lines. Of ETTs inserted into 18 trauma victims; three (17%) were mislaid in the right main bronchus and five (28%) were near or at the level of the carina. Of chest drains inserted into 13 subjects, 10 were suboptimally positioned (77%). Of CVCs inserted into eight subjects (seven femoral and one brachiocephalic), one femoral CVC (13%) was malpositioned in the soft tissues of the pelvis. Of NGTs inserted in five trauma victims, one was folded within the pharynx. CONCLUSION: Early postmortem CT for patients who have experienced severe poly-trauma can be of important educational value to radiologists and the trauma teams, providing immediate feedback regarding the location of the support lines and possibly contributing to improved training and command of the learning curve by medical staff.

Radiographic features of intracorporeally smuggled liquid cocaine.

PURPOSE: The radiological features of intracorporeally smuggled cocaine powder are well-established. Liquid cocaine is a novel method for intracorporeal drug smuggling. We describe radiological features of liquid cocaine on abdominal plain films and computerized tomographic (CT) scans and compare them to those of cocaine powder. METHODS: Twenty-five suspected cocaine smugglers (13 males, 12 females, average age 38 years) underwent abdominal plain film radiography for drug detection between 2010 and 2014. Ten of them also underwent a CT scan. Eight were found to be smuggling cocaine powder and 17 were found to be smuggling liquid cocaine. We identified two new imaging characteristics unique to intracorporeal liquid cocaine on both plain films and CT scans, and compared them to the radiological features of cocaine powder. RESULTS: The radiological features of intraabdominal liquid cocaine packets on plain abdominal films (n = 17) were similar in opacity to bowel content and had an irregular shape that conformed to the intestinal contour. We identified what we termed "thin lucent lines" that were created by gas trapped between the packets. Four CT scans revealed that liquid cocaine was hyperdense compared to bowel content, that the packets had irregular shapes, and that the gas trapped between the packets formed a "jigsaw" pattern, a heretofore non-described finding that was present in all four scans. CONCLUSIONS: Liquid cocaine has several unique imaging features that assist its detection on abdominal plain film. A CT scan can assist detection in inconclusive cases by demonstrating hyperdense irregular packets of liquid cocaine and a "jigsaw" pattern of gas between them.

"Body packers" in Israel: a case series.

BACKGROUND: "Body packers" swallow multiple packets filled with illicit drugs, mainly cocaine, in order to smuggle them across international borders. In recent years, an increasing number of body packers have been hospitalized after their detention by the police upon arrival in Israel. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the clinical features and outcomes of body packers hospitalized at the Sheba Medical Center. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series of body packers hospitalized between January 2010 and October 2012 in our medical center. Electronic medical records and imaging files were reviewed to extract clinical, laboratory and radiological data as well as details on medical treatments. RESULTS: We identified 23 body packers (mean age 38 +/- 10 years), 20 of whom smuggled cocaine from South America. The number of packets transported ranged from 1 to 242 (median 42) and duration of hospitalization from 1 to 14 days (median 2). Two subjects required surgical intervention. All others were treated conservatively by polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution, laxatives, or watchful waiting. Ten patients underwent a urinary screen for illicit drugs, 7 of whom tested positive for cocaine and 2 for cannabinoids. Abdominal X-rays were performed in all patients at admission, and 14 had follow-up imaging, including abdominal CT scans without contrast media in 8. CONCLUSIONS: The main treatment goals for body packers are the rapid excretion of drug packets and early detection of complications, i.e., drug intoxication and bowel obstruction. We suggest the use of a structured treatment approach for the in-hospital management of body packers.

Optimization of 64-MDCT urography: effect of dual-phase imaging with furosemide on collecting system opacification and radiation dose.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare opacification of the urinary collecting system and radiation dose associated with three-phase 64-MDCT urographic protocols and those associated with a split-bolus dual-phase protocol including furosemide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images from 150 CT urographic examinations performed with three scanning protocols were retrospectively evaluated. Group A consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a three-phase protocol with saline infusion. Group B consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a reduced-radiation three-phase protocol with saline. Group C consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a dual-phase split-bolus protocol that included a low-dose furosemide injection. Opacification of the urinary collecting system was evaluated with segmental binary scoring. Contrast artifacts were evaluated, and radiation doses were recorded. Results were compared by analysis of variance. RESULTS: A significant reduction in mean effective radiation dose was found between groups A and B (p < 0.001) and between groups B and C (p < 0.001), resulting in 65% reduction between groups A and C (p < 0.001). This reduction did not significantly affect opacification score in any of the 12 urinary segments (p = 0.079). In addition, dense contrast artifacts overlying the renal parenchyma observed with the three-phase protocols (groups A and B) were avoided with the dual-phase protocol (group C) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A dual-phase protocol with furosemide injection is the preferable technique for CT urography. In comparison with commonly used three-phase protocols, the dual-phase protocol significantly reduces radiation exposure dose without reduction in image quality.

[Clinical-pathological conference: multiple pulmonary nodules in a 63 year old woman].

The clinical-pathological conference portrayed in this article took place at the Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, IsraeL. A 63 year old woman was hospitalized due to a gradually increasing dyspnea. The discussion entailed the differential diagnosis based on the complex past medical history of this patient, the history of the present illness, the Laboratory results and the imaging studies. Thereupon, the aim was to attempt to point out the most probable clinical diagnosis. This article concludes with the pathological discussion and the final anatomical diagnosis. .

A giant left ventricular pseudoaneurysm as a late sequela of aortic valve endocarditis.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of infective endocarditis, usually presenting within several weeks of the infective episode. We describe a 37-year-old man who presented with exertional dyspnea nearly a year after a prolonged hospitalization for lung abscess. Imaging studies showed new aortic valve regurgitation and a giant pseudoaneurysm extending inferoposteriorly from the left ventricle. At thoracotomy, a perforated aortic valve was found, suggesting a healed endocarditis. The patient underwent successful aneurysmectomy and patch closure with aortic valve repair. This case underscores the potential for very late nonvalvular cardiac complications of infective endocarditis and is also distinctive because of the large size of the pseudoaneurysm.

Vascular lesions of the renal sinus.

The renal sinus contains within it the collecting system of the kidney as well as lymphatics, nerves, and renovascular structures. This area may be affected by a large variety of pathological conditions arising from the various tissues in this site. Vascular lesions of the renal sinus are uncommon and may present clinically with acute symptoms and on imaging as a mass lesion. Awareness of the different vascular lesions affecting this area is essential for establishing the correct diagnosis and for appropriate treatment. The role of computed tomography is emphasized because it is the most commonly used modality to evaluate acute abdominal conditions as well as suspected renal masses, and the diagnosis can usually be made without the need for additional imaging modalities.