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This article will review the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with portal vein aneurysms (including presentation of several case examples) and discuss imaging criteria and management options. Given the extreme rarity of portal vein aneurysms, as well as a lack of familiarity with the entity on the part of radiologists, the diagnosis can often be overlooked. Appreciation of the most commonly used diagnostic criteria, as well as the role of CT in the appropriate follow-up of these patients, is critical in ensuring appropriate management. In particular, the significance of these aneurysms must be appreciated in the emergency setting, as portal vein aneurysms can rarely present with symptoms of abdominal pain and other complications (such as thrombosis, portal hypertension, rupture, embolism, and compression of the duodenum and inferior vena cava) making surgical repair necessary.

Recent software developments enable interactive, real-time axial, 2D and 3D CT display on an iPad by cloud computing from a server for remote rendering. The purpose of this study was to compare radiologists' interpretative performance on the iPad to interpretation on the conventional picture archive and communication system (PACS). Fifty de-identified contrast-enhanced CT exams performed for suspected pulmonary embolism were compiled as an educational tool to prepare our residents for night call. Two junior radiology attendings blindly interpreted the cases twice, one reader used the PACS first, and the other interpreted on the iPad first. After an interval of at least 2 weeks, the cases were reinterpreted in different order using the other display technique. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for identification of pulmonary embolism were compared for each interpretation method. Pulmonary embolism was present in 25 patients, ranging from main pulmonary artery to subsegmental thrombi. Both readers interpreted 98 % of cases correctly regardless of display platform. There was no significant difference in sensitivity (98 vs 100 %, p = 1.0), specificity (98 vs 96 %, p = 1.0), or accuracy (98 vs 98 %, p = 1.0) for interpretation with the iPad vs the PACS, respectively. CT interpretation on an iPad enabled accurate identification of pulmonary embolism, equivalent to display on the PACS. This mobile device has the potential to expand radiologists' availability for consultation and expedite emergency patient management.

Gastric pneumatosis is rare, with causes ranging from benign to lethal. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to present a series of cases of gastric pneumatosis, review the causes, and demonstrate how computed tomography (CT) can help guide management. A range of primary gastric pathology can cause air in the wall of the stomach. However, gastric pneumatosis may reflect intraabdominal pathology arising from other hollow viscera, with indicators of the extragastric etiology on CT.

To encourage routine use of 2D multiplanar reconstructions (MRPs) and 3D renderings when interpreting noncontrast computed tomography (CT) of the kidney, as this practice can unveil findings related to the kidney or its vasculature that are not apparent on axial sections. Inspecting the kidneys or characterizing CT findings with both axial sections and MPRs may facilitate identification of vascular and neoplastic pathology.

Advancements in both CT scanner technology and three-dimensional (3D) imaging software have now made it feasible to image patients with acute GI bleeding in an effort to identify the bleeding source. This pictorial essay will explore the potential role of utilizing 64 MDCT and 3D imaging in patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. A discussion of current technology, appropriate CT protocols, and interpretation strategies will be included.

Mucormycosis is an uncommon fungal infection primarily seen in immunocompromised patients. We present a patient whose hospital course was rapidly complicated by invasive mucormycosis, which caused his death. Computed tomography (CT) was very helpful in characterizing the extent of involvement and directing clinical management.

The purpose of this study is to characterize the caliber of the normal appendix and the effect of luminal content on appendiceal diameter in adults using thin section intravenous (IV) contrast enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). A retrospective review was conducted using the MDCT datasets from 82 adults being screened as potential renal donors. The four-channel CT technique included IV contrast and 1-mm collimation. Arterial phase scans were reviewed by two radiologists blinded to surgical history, to evaluate the following parameters related to the appendix: quality of visualization, origin and course relative to the cecum, maximum cross-sectional diameter of the lumen and luminal contents at the point of measurement, appearance of the periappendiceal fat, and presence of any luminal calcification. Medical records were reviewed to determine which subjects had reported a previous appendectomy or to confirm the absence of symptoms in any subjects with findings suspicious for appendicitis. The appendix was visualized in 72 of the 77 subjects who did not report an appendectomy (94%). The mean diameter of the collapsed appendix was 5 mm (range: 3-7 mm) and the air-distended appendix, 7 mm (range: 4-10 mm). Sixteen to 17% of the collapsed appendices measured 7 mm in diameter. Minimal periappendiceal stranding was identified in 2/72 subjects (3%). Chart notes from within 24 h of the MDCT confirmed no signs or symptoms of appendicitis in cases that demonstrated any CT finding suspicious for appendicitis. In this healthy, adult population, the collapsed appendix measured up to 7 mm at MDCT. Air distention of the lumen results in a wider diameter, up to 10 mm.

Ascariasis is the most common helminth infection in the world and is a common cause of abdominal symptoms worldwide. Although rare in the United States, isolated cases do occur in the Southwestern States. We present a case of a 34-year-old woman who presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and diarrhea. The diagnosis of ascariasis was made on CT scan.

Retained foreign bodies in the abdomen and pelvis are an uncommon occurrence after surgical operations but have serious medicolegal implications. The radiologist plays an important role in suggesting the diagnosis of a retained foreign body. This article reviews the use of three-dimensional CT as a problem-solving tool in the identification, localization, and presurgical planning of retained surgical foreign bodies.