Acute CT

Acute CT is an exciting and challenging area of radiology which has largely replaced the more traditional forms of imaging in terms of emergency practice. Radiologists, radiographers, and anyone who is involved in acute CT imaging and its interpretation, need to keep abreast with the latest techniques in order to optimise the examination and gain the maximum diagnostic information from the images generated. Acute CT: A Primer of Emergency Imaging is a precise, up to date and comprehensive volume of a size and format that lends itself to easy reference. It forms an ideal bench book or pocket companion for junior radiologists who often have to deal with the demands of on-call practice. State-of-the art CT imaging protocols in the emergency and trauma setting are included along with protocol for the optimum use of contrast agents. The common emergency conditions and their differential diagnoses are presented in an easily read and understood format. This involves a 4-step practical approach: 1) appropriate imaging protocol and technique for a particular clinical problem or body part under investigation 2) narrative outlining the expected classical imaging features, the less common findings occasionally encountered, and the differential diagnosis 3) schematic of the key imaging findings. CT images of the findings in a classical presentation, potential pitfalls with interpretation, and examples of more atypical findings 4) advice on formulating an acute report and answering what the clinicians need to know to help with management decisions Acute CT reporting is carried out by both radiologists and non-radiologists and this book is designed with all groups in mind. It will be an ideal handbook for clinicians worldwide who are involved in this area, and will be of great use to those studying for Royal College and Boards exams, as well as to trainee and practicing radiographers. BMA Judges' Comments: "This book is good at making simple explanations of complex radiology. This is a small book on emergency radiology which is easily readable. While it is aimed at the on call junior radiologist for rapid reference, it covers its field very well without being too long and I would thoroughly recommend that any trainee or consultant emergency physician should read it. It explains the indications, limitations and findings on emergency CTs very well for the relatively inexperienced radiologist or emergency physician." * Provides junior radiologists with a concise overview of the commoner out-of-hours imaging situations that they may be faced with * Describes expected CT signs for each condition and emphasize potential pitfalls that might be encountered * Consistent approach to each topic enables the reader to quickly glean the key information Table of Contents: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. CT TECHNIQUES Multidetector computed tomography PACS (picture archiving and communication systems) Contrast agents used in acute CT Radiation issues 3. TRAUMA Overview Cervical spine Thoracic and lumbar spine injuries Facial injuries Pelvis Spleen Liver Renal Tract Urinary bladder Pancreas Bowel and mesentery Gallbladder What to look for on CT Shock Paediatric cervical spine injury Non-accidental paediatric trauma Central nervous system injury Paediatric mesenteric and bowel injury Hypoperfusion complex Base of skull fracture Diffuse axonal injury 4. ABDOMEN AND PELVIS Acute appendicitis Acute cholecystitis Acute pancreatitis Acute diverticulitis Acute colitis Small bowel obstruction Large bowel obstruction Acute bowel ischaemia Renal colic Acute abdomen: gynaecological causes The postoperative abdomen 5. PAEDIATRICS The acute paediatric abdomen Deep neck infections in children 6. CARDIAC AND VASCULAR Aortic dissection Coronary artery evaluation Pulmonary artery evaluation Triple rule-out scan Infected (mycotic) aneurysms Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer Abdominal aortic aneurysm Gastrointestinal bleed Limb angiography 7. ACUTE NEURORADIOLOGY Subarachnoid haemorrhage Subdural haematoma Extradural haematoma Ischaemic stroke Cerebral venous thrombosis Meningitis Enceophalitis Cerebral abscess Hydrocephalus The post-surgical brain APPENDIX Management of acute adverse reactions to iodinated contrast Management Medications used to treat adverse reactions to contrast About the Author(s): Saeed Mirsadraee MD PhD MRCS FRCR Specialist Registrar in Clinical Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK Kshitij Mankad MBBS MRCP FRCR Specialist Registrar in Clinical Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK Alan Chalmers MBChB MRCP FRCR Consultant Radiologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK