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Introduction Quality in medical care must be measured in order to be improved. Trauma management is part of health care, and by definition, it must be checked constantly. The only way to measure quality and outcomes is to systematically accrue data and analyze them. Material and methods A systematic revision of the literature about quality indicators in trauma associated to an international consensus conference Results An internationally approved base core set of 82 trauma quality indicators was obtained: Indicators were divided into 6 fields: prevention, structure, process, outcome, post-traumatic management, and society integrational effects. Conclusion Present trauma quality indicator core set represents the result of an international effort aiming to provide a useful tool in quality evaluation and improvement. Further improvement may only be possible through international trauma registry development. This will allow for huge international data accrual permitting to evaluate results and compare outcomes.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision is a procedure consisting in the replacement of a single or multiple implant components and could take place once or more times (re-revision). The aim of this multicentre study is to evaluate the benefits of single component revision in respect of the principles that define implant stability. Two hundred and forty-two patients underwent THA revision at Orthopaedic Clinic of Pisa and Versilia (ITA) from January 2007 to December 2016. We have systematically excluded revisions due to septic or traumatic prosthesis loosening, revisions of both implant components (cotyle and stem) and replacement alone. To evaluate implant stability, we used preoperative X ray and intra-operative mechanical stress tests, applying accredited criteria. Two hundred and twenty-six patients (93%) underwent a single procedure of THA revision: 193 had cotyle replacement and 33 had femoral stem replacement. The remaining 16 (7 %) underwent at least two procedures: 10 of them had consecutive failure of the same component, while the other 6 had revision of the other component after the first procedure. Considering our cases series, we can assert that single component revision is the best choice when no signs of loosening are present on the remaining component. Nevertheless, an accurate evaluation with unanimous radiological criteria and intraoperative testing is essential for the surgeon to choose the most suitable treatment.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rare and life-threatening complication of deep neck space infection which occurs when infection spreads from the deep spaces of the neck, propagating within the soft tissue into the mediastinal spaces. The disease has a high mortality rate due to frequent delay in diagnosis and treatment. Computed Tomography (CT) is important in determining the level of infection, showing the presence and extension of fluid collections (with or without gas bubbles) and diffuse soft-tissue infiltration of the mediastinal fat, and indicating the best surgical approach and progress of treatment. Three cases of DNM evaluated with spiral CT from June 1999 to June 2001 are presented.

We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of unenhanced helical CT in the detection of stones in patients with suspected renal colic from ureteral stones and compared CT findings with the results of plain abdominal film and US.We reviewed the findings relative to 80 patients (age range 24-75) who came to our observation to the Emergency Department with acute flank pain. All patients had been examined with plain abdominal radiography, US and unenhanced helical CT.While abdominal radiography showed the presence of radiopaque stones in 38 patients only (47.5%), US demonstrated ureter dilatation in 72 patients and detected stones in 36 of them (45%). Helical CT performed best, depicting a stone in 72 patients (90%), with high sensitivity and specificity. Mean stone size was 3 mm, with 7 mm-1 mm range. The biggest stones were seen in 3 cases and the smallest ones in 34. In 8 patients with no signs of stones we found other extraurinary conditions, namely pancreatitis, diverticula, renal cancer. We also found a case of urinary tract infection.Thanks to its short execution time and accuracy, helical CT makes the examination of choice in patients with acute flank pain due to renal colic. It is also a most valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of other pathological causes of pain such as abdominal or pelvic masses and inflammatory conditions.

Small and large bowel mesenteric injuries from blunt abdominal trauma are rare and often difficult to diagnose. Computed Tomography used in cases of blunt abdominal trauma has been found sensitive in detection of bowel and mesenteric injuries and discrimination of operable from nonoperable candidates.A retrospective study of the CT examination of 24 patients, with surgically confirmed bowel and mesenteric injuries, was performed. Our goal was to evaluate the various CT signs of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury and the related frequency.Our series includes 24 patients, 16 of them (first group) were investigated with CT at Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, while the remaining 8 (second group) at University of Bari. Patients of the first group, 11 men and 5 women, age ranging from 18 to 77 years, were submitted to a conventional abdominal CT performed after i.v. administration of contrast media. Patients of the second group, 7 men and 1 woman, age ranging from 4 to 81 years, were submitted to helical CT performed with the following parameters: 10 mm slice thickness, 5-mm contiguous intervals from the level of the diaphragm to the pubic bone, pitch 1.5. Helical CT was performed in all cases before and after i.v. administration of contrast material injected at a rate of 3.5 ml/sec. A scanning delay of 40 seconds after the beginning of contrast injection was routinely used. In all patients the following CT signs were retrospectively searched on: peritoneal or retroperitoneal fluid, mesenteric hematoma, hazy streaky changes in mesenteric fat, high-density clot (sentinel clot) adjacent to the involved bowel, pneumoperitoneum, retropneumoperitoneum, extravasation of intravenous contrast material, bowel wall thickening.In the first group the following CT signs were observed: mesenteric hematoma (87.5%), hazy streaky changes in mesenteric fat (56.25%), peritoneal or retroperitoneal fluid (37.5%), sentinel clot (25%), bowel wall thickening (18.75%), extravasation of intravenous contrast material (12.5%). In the second group the following CT signs were observed: peritoneal or retroperitoneal fluid (87.5%), bowel wall thickening (50%), mesenteric hematoma (37.5%), sentinel clot (25%), pneumoperitoneum (12.5%), retropneumoperitoneum (12.5%), hazy streaky changes in mesenteric fat (12.5%).Bowel and mesenteric injuries from blunt trauma are infrequent and difficult to diagnose clinically, as the physical and laboratory findings may be subtle and are often overshadowed by other injuries in patients with multisystem trauma. CT represents a proven modality in the evaluation of bowel and mesenteric injuries: careful inspection and technique are required to detect often subtle findings. In our series of 24 patients with surgically confirmed bowel and mesenteric injuries, the presence of mesenteric hematoma and of peritoneal or retroperitoneal fluid were the more frequent CT signs observed. Radiologists may play a crucial role in the timely diagnosis of these injuries, allowing prompt and appropriate management of these patients.

Anatomical considerations and risks related to x-ray exposure make atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation in pediatric patients a concerning procedure. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of performing fluoroless slow-pathway cryoablation guided by the electroanatomic (EA) mapping in children and adolescents.Twenty-one consecutive patients (mean age 13.5 ± 2.4 years) symptomatic for AVNRT were prospectively enrolled to right atrium EA mapping and electrophysiological study prior to cryoablation. Cryoablation was guided by slow-pathway potential and performed using a 4-mm-tip catheter.Sustained slow-fast AVNRT was inducible in all the patients with a dual AV nodal physiology in 95%. Acute success was achieved in 100% of the patients with a median of two cryo-applications. Fluoroless ablation was feasible in 19 patients, while in two subjects 50 seconds and 45 seconds of x-ray were needed due to difficult progression of the catheters along the venous system. After a mean follow-up of 25 months, AVNRT recurred in five patients. All the recurrences were successfully treated with a second procedure. In three patients, a fluoroless cryoablation with a 6-mm-tip catheter was successfully performed, while in the remaining two patients, a single pulse of 60 seconds of radiofrequency energy was applied under fluoroscopic monitoring. No complications occurred.Combination of EA mapping systems and cryoablation may allow to perform fluoroless slow-pathway ablation for AVNRT in children and adolescents in the majority of patients. Fluoroless slow-pathway cryoablation showed a high efficacy and safety comparable to conventional fluoroscopy guided procedures.

Colonic diverticula are saccules made of colonic mucosa and submucosa that herniate from the colonic lumen through the muscular layer of the wall where straight vessels penetrate. Diverticula are localized in the sigmoid colon in 95% of cases. Bacteria pooling in the lumen may cause lumen erosion and eventually perforation. CT is a useful technique in this condition because it can demonstrate intra- and/or extramural inflammation. Aim of this retrospective study was to assess the capabilities of contrast-enhanced helical Computed Tomography (CT) in sigmoid diverticulitis, especially relative to selection of the appropriate treatment.We retrospectively reviewed the findings of 41 patients referred to our emergency department for diverticulitis. CT scans were performed 65 seconds after i.v. injection of nonionic contrast material (3 mL/s, 120 mL in all) administered by a CT-power injector. The following 7 CT findings were considered at least suggestive of acute diverticulitis: focal wall thickening, intramural abscess, inflammatory changes in the sigmoid mesentery root, pericolic fat inflammation or pericolic abscess formation, fistula, peritonitis. CT results were compared with surgical and physical findings.Based on CT findings, diverticulitis was classified as mild (25 patients) or severe (15 patients). In mild diverticulitis we found: focal sigmoid wall thickening (6 patients), intramural abscess (3 patients), sigmoid mesentery root thickening (5 patients), edema fluid (8 patients) and phlegmon (3 patients). In severe diverticulitis we found: sigmoid mesentery abscess (6 patients), fistula (5 patients) and peritonitis (4 patients). CT findings were questionable in 1 case and thus we could not exclude a perforated carcinoma.Contrast-enhanced helical CT is the imaging modality of choice in assessing mild or severe acute diverticulitis because it provides useful information for appropriate treatment planning in the emergency setting. This technique is most useful in questionable cases and in patients with suspected severe diverticulitis where a choice must be made between different treatment options.

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most frequent abdominal inflammatory processes. If untreated or misdiagnosed it can result in severe complications such as gallbladder rupture, abscesses, or peritonitis. We retrospectively reviewed a series of 71 consecutive patients with surgical confirmation of acute cholecystitis and now compare the results of the diagnostic techniques we used preoperatively.Over 16 months, 71 consecutive patients (42 women and 29 men; age range: 34-84 years, mean: 58) with acute abdominal pain were operated on for acute cholecystitis at Cardarelli Hospital, Naples. Abdominal plain film was performed in 65 of 71 cases, abdominal US in 69 and abdominal CT in 6. On abdominal plain films, we retrospectively searched the following signs: densities projected over the gallbladder, linear calcifications in gallbladder walls, gallbladder enlargement, focal gas collections within the gallbladder, and air-fluid levels in the gallbladder lumen. On US images we looked for: gallbladder wall thickening (3 mm), intraluminal content in the gallbladder, pericholecystic fluid, US Murphy's sign, and gallbladder distension. On CT images, we investigated: gallbladder distension, wall thickening, intraluminal content, pericholecystic fluid, and inflammatory changes in pericholecystic fat. Associated complications of cholecystitis were also searched on all images.On plain abdominal films we found densities projected over the gallbladder (16.9%) and linear calcifications in the gallbladder wall (4.6%). Abdominal US demonstrated gallbladder wall thickening (56.5%), one or more gallstone(s) (85.5%), pericholecystic fluid (14.5%), gallbladder distension (46.4%), and US Murphy's sign (39.1%). Abdominal CT showed gallbladder wall thickening (83.3%), gallbladder distension (66.6%), pericholecystic fluid (66.6%), gallstones (50%), inflammatory changes in pericholecystic fat (33.3%), and increased bile density (20 HU) (33.3%).US appears to be the most useful imaging technique in patients with suspected acute cholecystitis, for both screening and final diagnosis. CT plays a limited role in the early assessment of these patients, but can be a useful tool in diagnosing acute cholecystitis in patients with questionable physical findings or in investigating related complications.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent supraventricular arrhythmia. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality but its management is still under debate. The limited success of drug treatment has stimulated an exploration of interventional treatment options. Therefore, in the past decade, various ablative procedures, both surgical and transcatheter, have been proposed. Catheter ablation has involved mainly patients without structural heart disease. In the series published to date the percentage of patients with structural heart disease undergoing catheter ablation for AF is about 20%. These patients would benefit the most from the maintenance of sinus rhythm but on the other hand data show a higher post-procedural recurrence rate. In patients with valvular heart disease and indication to surgical repair or valvular replacement, surgical ablation is indicated in the majority of cases. Catheter ablation in patients with heart failure and AF should be considered when the occurrence of AF worsens the prognosis and the functional class and antiarrhythmic therapy has failed. In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and AF, the present data warrant an aggressive approach proposing catheter ablation early in the course of the disease when AF is paroxysmal, and electrical and structural remodeling does not impair its efficacy. However, these preliminary data need to be evaluated in a long-term follow-up to better define the role of catheter ablation in patients with AF and structural heart disease.

Laryngeal mucosal perforation is a frequent event whose diagnosis is based on clinical, laryngoscopic and CT findings.We reviewed retrospectively the data relative to 77 patients with blunt neck trauma examined October, 1991, to June, 1996. All patients were submitted to clinical examination first and then, to fiberoptic laryngoscopy and CT on the clinician's request.Nineteen patients with small skin tears and no signs and symptoms of laryngeal injury were immediately discharged while 37 patients were submitted to surgery: 17 to remove cerebral hematomas, 13 to stabilize cervical fractures and 7 because of hemodynamic instability. Twenty-one patients underwent laryngoscopy which showed laryngeal lesions in 12: wide mucosal disruption with fractures of the laryngeal skeleton and hematomas were observed, which needed immediate surgery with airway reconstruction in 7 cases; small mucosal tears and hematomas were seen and laryngeal CT examination was requested to establish the possibility of conservative management in 5 cases which are the subject of the present study. Laryngoscopic findings were: 1) laryngeal mucosal tear near the thyroid cartilage with quadrangular membrane edema, 2) thyroid mucosal tear with thyrohyoid muscle edema, 3) edema of the left false vocal cord, 4) edema of the oblique arytenoid muscle, 5) posterior cricothyroid muscle edema with bleeding near the cricoid ring. In cases 1, 2 and 3 CT showed gas bubbles in the paralaryngeal space, where laryngeal tear or edema were indicated at laryngoscopy.CT does show the "gas bubbles" in the paralaryngeal space when laryngoscopy cannot distinguish laryngeal mucosal perforation from tear.The routine use of CT in minor, laryngeal injuries in the emergency department is useful for the early diagnosis of laryngeal mucosal perforation.

Aim of this study was to assess the role of Computed Tomography (CT) in the management of acute laryngeal injuries by reviewing our 5 years' experience. From January, 1991, to November, 1996, sixteen patients with blunt trauma and 2 patients with penetrating injuries of the larynx underwent physical examination, laryngoscopy and CT; 2 of them underwent angiography too. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to Schaefer classification [13], first on the basis of physical examination, CT and laryngoscopy findings. The definitive group and therapy were decided on the basis of final spatial assessment. Physical examination diagnosed the presence and the anatomical level of laryngeal injuries in group I (4 patients); laryngoscopy and CT depicted the type of injury and suggested conservative management in 100% of cases. In group II (10 patients), conservative management was suggested by CT findings in the laryngeal, submucosal soft tissues and fascial plane injuries in 100% of cases. Physical examination findings were correct in 30% of cases, questionable in 30% and incorrect in 30%; the exam was not performed in 10% of cases. Finally, laryngoscopy findings were correct in 60% of cases, incorrect in 20% and not diagnostic in 20%. In group III (2 patients), exposed laryngeal injuries required immediate surgery. In group II, the selective application of CT was useful for assessing the degree of damage in 100% of cases and was helpful in planning conservative management. CT avoided surgery in one patient, showed laryngeal cartilaginous features in 2 patients and 2 pseudoaneurysmal injuries not suspected on the basis of physical examination findings.

The Authors report a series of seven obese women suffering from Benign Intracranial Hypertension (BIH), all submitted to radioisotopic cisternography. Cisternographic findings showed altered patterns of CSF clearance in all but one patient, suggesting that an increased arachnoid resistance to CSF efflux might be present in BIH of obese women. The pathophysiology of BIH is discussed: different pathogenetic mechanisms may contribute to its development with a relative importance depending on the specific etiology of the syndrome.

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is an uncommon form of atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia due to the presence of an accessory pathway characterized by slow and decremental retrograde conduction. We report a case of PJRT where we demonstrated the possibility of recording a distinct accessory pathway potential. Decremental retrograde conduction was evident using ventricular extrastimuli and it was also adenosine-sensitive. Delivering ventricular extrastimuli a prolongation of the accessory pathway potential-atrium interval was seen demonstrating that decremental conduction was located at the atrial insertion of the pathway. The accessory pathway was successfully ablated using the potential as the target of radiofrequency delivery. These electrophysiological findings seem to support the hypothesis that a nodal-like structure may be responsible for this arrhythmia.

Recently non-pharmacological therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been developed. The electrophysiological mechanisms of AF is thought to be the development of multiple reentrant wavelets circulating around anatomic barriers and variable regions of functional conduction block responsible of the perpetuation of the arrhythmia. Also the role of the triggering foci has been highlighted. To cure AF by means of non pharmacological therapy we may eliminate and/or modify the substrate. To better understand the mechanism underlying the AF and to choose the best ablation strategy is of fundamental importance to map the right and the left atrium during AF. Our experience shows that in chronic idiopathic AF disorganized atrial activity is observed at all atrial regions while in paroxysmal idiopathic AF the left septum and the right atrial posterior areas are highly disorganized while the lateral region shows more organized atrial electrical activity. Multipolar basket catheters are extremely useful in mapping right and left atrium in order to guide the best ablation strategy.

It has been suggested that some atrial regions may play a role in the maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF), whereas little is known about the presence of critical areas for the initiation of AF. It is conceivable that the identification of such critical areas may lead to more localized and selective strategies of ablative therapy.A patient suffering from paroxysmal AF was extensively mapped in both the atria with a multielectrode basket catheter in right atrium and two decapolar catheters placed in the coronary sinus and along the left septum. During the mapping, seven identical patterns of initiation of AF were recorded. AF was initiated by an atrial premature beat (APB) arising from the superior right septum, followed by a reentrant beat originating from the same area that slowly propagated through the atria and resulted in late activation of the right lateral wall. During sinus rhythm, the majority of the electrograms were single potentials, whereas during the APB, and particularly during the first atrial reentrant beat, a high percentage of fragmented complexes was present, mainly located in the right superior septum. These fragmented complexes were present in the same sites in each initiating episode and remarkably, they showed an almost identical morphology.This case suggests that in some patients the initiation of AF could be caused by reentrant circuits localized in specific atrial regions and the reentrant circuits could be identical in the different episodes of AF. This highlights the importance of increasing our understanding of the mechanisms of the initiation of AF so that we can identify any critical area involved in the genesis of AF where selective RF lesions may be effective in curing this arrhythmia.

Idiopathic verapamil-responsive left ventricular tachycardia (IVRLVT) is a rare, well known form of ventricular tachycardia. Issues concerning long-term prognosis, drug prophylaxis and non-pharmacological therapy are rarely reported in the literature. We report the long-term follow-up, the efficacy of various drugs in the prophylaxis and the role of catheter ablation in a large group of patients with IVRLVT.This retrospective study involves 37 patients with a mean age of 28.3 +/- 14.8 years at first IVRLVT episode. The tachycardia morphology was typically with a right bundle-branch block configuration in all cases, with left axis deviation in 33 and right axis deviation in 5 (one patient had the 2 morphologies). Four patients had a mitral valve prolapse; the remaining 33 patients had neither clinical nor echocardiographic signs of heart disease. Only sporadic ventricular extrasystoles were detected at Holter monitoring in 73% of cases; 30% of patients had positive criteria for the presence of late potentials at signal averaged ECG. During electrophysiologic study, the tachycardia could be easily induced in 91% of patients. Mean follow-up is 7.3 +/- 4.7 years; all patients are alive at the end of follow-up. A mean of 2.3 +/- 1.2 drugs was prescribed in 35 patients (94.6%); betablockers were effective in 66% of the cases, verapamil in 20%, class I drugs in 22%, class III drugs in 15%. Both the 2 patients, who never received prophylaxis, and the 4 who stopped medication, utilize verapamil in case of recurrences. Eight patients were submitted to catheter ablation, with DC shock the first 2 patients, with RF energy from the third on; all but one (with DC shock) were successfully cured.Long-term follow-up confirmed the good prognosis of this form of ventricular tachycardia; a new insight that has been addressed about prophylaxis is the high efficacy of betablockers in preventing relapse and the poor efficacy of verapamil per os in chronic prophylaxis. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is effective and safe, using the earliest ventricular potential and the pace-mapping reproducing the same morphology of the tachycardia in all the 12 leads as a marker to identify the site of RF application, and may be proposed to all patients suffering from frequent episodes of IVRLVT.

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most frequent supraventricular tachycardia. The reentry circuit had been said to be localized within the AV node for many years and the first non pharmacological therapy was the surgical or catheter ablation of the AV node. This was, however, too high a price for a generally well tolerated and non life-threatening arrhythmia. Only recently, the endocardial mapping and the results of surgical perinodal dissection showed that part of the reentry circuit was localized in the atrial myocardium near the AV node. The first approach was the ablation of the fast pathway as it is easier to map during AVNRT. However, this pathway is located very close to the AV node, so that its ablation is complicated by a percentage of AV block that is too high (6.2%) considering the good prognosis of this arrhythmia. In order to reduce this risk, the ablation of the slow pathway which is located more posteriorly and more distant from the AV node, was then proposed. Three different approaches have been suggested; one purely anatomic and the other two guided by electrophysiologic markers. If the posterior and middle part of the septum during sinus rhythm is mapped, more posteriorly, near the coronary sinus os, the sharp potential, described by Jackman, is recorded. It is a sharp spike with a high amplitude, associated with an atrial electrogram of very low amplitude. It cannot be modified by atrial pacing and may also be recorded during the uncommon form of AVNRT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The most frequent cause of pneumoperitoneum is gastroduodenal ulcer. Perforations of the small bowel are uncommon compared with perforations of the rest of the alimentary tract and radiological findings of jejunoileal perforation have not been frequently reported. The aim of our retrospective study was to assess the CT findings in 18 patients with jejunoileal perforation.We retrospectively reviewed the CT findings in 18 patients (12 men and 6 women, age ranging 14 to 84 years, mean age 42 years) operated for jejunoileal perforation at Cardarelli Hospital, Naples. CT examination was performed in all patients after i.v. injection of contrast medium and in two cases after oral contrast medium administration. Free intraperitoneal air, extravasation of ingested contrast media and visualization of a discontinuity in the bowel wall were considered direct findings of jejunoileal perforation, while intraperitoneal free fluid, thickened bowel wall and the presence of a streaky density within the mesentery were considered indirect diagnostic findings.The site of perforation was the jejunum in 6 cases and the ileum in 12 cases. The following CT findings were retrospectively observed: intraperitoneal free fluid (61%), free intraperitoneal air (33%), thickened bowel wall (22.2%), presence of a streaky density within the mesentery (5.5%). Visualization of a discontinuity in the bowel wall and extravasation of ingested contrast media were never seen. We observed two findings of perforation in 7 cases, and a single finding in 8 cases. CT examination was negative in 3 cases.Jejunoileal perforations are difficult to identify by CT. In our series, free intraperitoneal air, as a direct finding of perforation, was observed in 33% of cases, while free intraperitoneal fluid, as an indirect diagnostic finding, was the most frequent sign.

Gallstone ileus is a mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the impaction of one or more gallstones within the bowel lumen. The insidious clinical presentation and the lack of specific signs of biliary disease are responsible for the delayed preoperative diagnosis which leads to an overall mortality rate of 15%.A series of 9 consecutive patients (7 women and 2 men, age ranging from 17 to 83 years), with surgically proved gallstone ileus, was retrospectively reviewed: the authors report the radiologic procedures performed preoperatively and the diagnostic findings. Plain abdominal radiographs were performed in 4 of 9 patients, abdominal US in 4 and CT in 7 patients. All radiologic examinations were retrospectively reviewed by all authors independently, to recognize the different signs of gallstone ileus.The signs of Rigler's triad (small bowel obstruction, ectopic gallstones and air in the biliary tree) were observed on plain abdominal films in two cases, and ectopic gallstones and pneumobilia in two cases. The ectopic gallstones and the small bowel obstruction were demonstrated on abdominal US images in three cases. Rigler's triad was identified on abdominal CT images in 4 cases, while two findings (small bowel obstruction and ectopic gallstones) were observed in three cases.When the bowel is obstructed by a radiopaque calcified stone, plain radiographs and US of the abdomen are usually enough to diagnose gallstone ileus and no further studies are required.

Hardware removal after surgical treatment fracture is one of the most common procedures in orthopaedic daily activity. A percentage from 14.5 to 21 of total removal involves the ankle joint. Trying to reduce the important socio-economic impact of this surgical procedure, we thought to perform it using the Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia Without Tourniquet (WALANT), a particular technique presented by D. Lalonde that associated a local anaesthetic drug with epinephrine in order to obtain an effective haemostatic effect despite the lack of a tourniquet. Nowadays, the WALANT efficiency and safety in hand surgery is widely demonstrated in literature but there are no data about its use in lower limb extremity surgeries. Authors performed a randomized study with 60 patients whom underwent distal fibula hardware removal between 2014 and 2016; they were divided into two groups: Group A under loco-regional anaesthesia with tourniquet and Group B under WALANT. We did not find significant differences in term of maximum pain level felt during the anaesthesiologic and surgical procedure. However, the use of WALANT significantly reduced post-operative pain levels. The WALANT procedures also reduced the number of hospitalization days. No differences in term of post-operative complication rates were found. In conclusion, the WALANT can be considered as a suitable option for distal fibula hardware removal in selected patients; it shows important clinical and economic advantages compared to the traditional loco-regional anaesthesia with tourniquet. This study also lays the foundation for the use of the WALANT beyond the field of hand surgery only.

Generally, the induction of typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) occurs with a premature atrial stimulus that blocks in the fast pathway and proceeds down the slow pathway slowly enough to allow the refractory fast pathway time to recover. We describe two cases in which a typical AVNRT was induced in an unusual fashion.The first case is a 41-year-old man with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. During the electrophysiology study, the atrial extrastimulus inducing the typical AVNRT was conducted simultaneously over the fast (AH) and the slow pathway (AH'). A successful ablation of the slow pathway was performed. During the follow-up no recurrence was noted. The second case is a 52-year-old woman with a Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome due to a left posterior accessory pathway. After 5 minutes of atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) induced by a ventricular extrastimulus, a variability of the antegrade conduction was noted in presence of the same VA conduction. In fact, a short AH interval (fast pathway) alternated with a more prolonged AH intervals (slow pathway) that progressively lengthened until a typical AVNRT was induced. The ablation of the accessory pathway eliminated both tachycardias.A rare manifestation of dual atrioventricular nodal pathways is a double ventricular response to an atrial impulse that may cause a tachycardia with an atrioventricular conduction of 1:2. In our first case, an atrial extrastimulus was simultaneously conducted over the fast and the slow pathway inducing an AVNRT. This nodal reentry implies two different mechanisms: 1) a retrograde block on the slow pathway impeding the activation of the slow pathway from the impulse coming down the fast pathway, and 2) a critical slowing of conduction in the slow pathway to allow the recovery of excitability of the fast pathway. Interestingly, in the second case, during an AVRT the atrial impulse suddenly proceeded alternately over the fast and the slow pathway. The progressive slowing of conduction over the slow pathway until a certain point which allows the recovery of excitability of the fast pathway determines the AVNRT. This is a case of "tachycardia-induced tachycardia" as confirmed by the fact that the ablation of the accessory pathway eliminated both tachycardias.

We retrospectively evaluated the radiological findings observed at plain abdominal film, abdominal sonography and abdominal CT performed in 66 patients with surgically proven small bowel volvulus.Sixty-six patients (35 women and 31 men, ranging in age 38-77 years) with surgically proven small bowel volvulus were submitted to plain film, sonography and CT of the abdomen. Abdominal plain film was performed in the upright position (postero-anterior view) in 46 cases, and in the supine position in 20 cases. On plain abdominal film we evaluated the following findings: bowel loops dilatation, air-fluid levels and site of obstruction. At abdominal US, performed with 3.5 e 7.5 MHz probes, we retrospectively searched for: bowel loop dilatation, bowel wall thickening, peristalsis alteration, extraluminal fluid. CT was performed with a helical unit (thickness 4 mm, reconstruction interval 4 mm, pitch 1.5), after intravenous contrast agent (120 ml) infusion (3 ml/s, 55 s acquisition delay from bolus starting) and using a power injector. The following CT findings were searched for: whirl sign, beak sign, extraluminal fluid, bowel loop dilatation, bowel wall thickening, bowel wall or mesenteric alterations.Plain abdominal film showed the following findings: air-fluid levels (92.4% of cases), bowel loops dilatation (71.2%), site of obstruction (42.4%). Abdominal sonography demonstrated bowel loop dilatation (48.5%), extraluminal fluid (48.5%), peristalsis alteration (27.3%), bowel wall thickening (27.3%). The most frequent CT findings were: bowel loop dilatation (95.5%), bowel wall thickening (78.8%), beak sign (69.7%), mesenteric alterations (66.7%), extraluminal fluid (54.5%), whirl sign (13.6%).Air-fluid levels and bowel loop dilatation were the most frequent radiological findings in our series. Plain abdominal film allowed us to identify signs of obstruction, whereas signs of bowel wall necrosis were accurately shown by abdominal CT.

PURPOSE: The role of serum lactate measurement in patients with intestinal ischemia still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of arterial blood gas lactate concentrations in the patients with acute mesenteric ischemia and its different forms. METHODS: All the patients reporting abdominal pain associated with risk factors for mesenteric ischemia underwent arterial blood gas and contrast enhanced abdominal computer tomography (CT). RESULTS: At CT, 201 patients (70.7%) showed a nonischemic disease (group 1) and 83 patients (29.2%) showed findings of mesenteric ischemia. Out of these, 35 patients (42.1%) showed bowel ischemia secondary to non vascular causes (group 2) and 48 (57.8%) had a vascular intestinal ischemia (group 3). Out of these, 20 showed small bowel arterial occlusion (group 3a), 13 a small bowel nonocclusive ischemia (group 3b), 7 a venous small bowel occlusion (group 3c) and 8 showed isolated colonic ischemia (group 3d). The median lactate serum level was significantly higher in patients with vascular ischemia if compared with patients with nonischemic disease and secondary mesenteric ischemia (p < 0.0001; Kruskal-Wallis test). The areas under ROC curves for the lactate serum levels in the groups 2, 3, 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d were, respectively, 0.61, 0.85, 0.93, 0.93, 0.68 and 0.67. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial blood gas lactate levels seem to show good diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing small bowel arterial and nonocclusive ischemia and poor accuracy in diagnosing secondary mesenteric ischemia, small bowel venous ischemia and ischemic colitis.

BACKGROUND: In January 2010, the SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery), under the auspices of the EAES, decided to revisit the clinical recommendations for the role of laparoscopy in abdominal emergencies in adults, with the primary intent being to update the 2006 EAES indications and supplement the existing guidelines on specific diseases. METHODS: Other Italian surgical societies were invited into the Consensus to form a panel of 12 expert surgeons. In order to get a multidisciplinary panel, other stakeholders involved in abdominal emergencies were invited along with a patient's association. In November 2010, the panel met in Rome to discuss each chapter according to the Delphi method, producing key statements with a grade of recommendations followed by commentary to explain the rationale and the level of evidence behind the statements. Thereafter, the statements were presented to the Annual Congress of the EAES in June 2011. RESULTS: A thorough literature review was necessary to assess whether the recommendations issued in 2006 are still current. In many cases new studies allowed us to better clarify some issues (such as for diverticulitis, small bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, hernias, trauma), to confirm the key role of laparoscopy (such as for cholecystitis, gynecological disorders, nonspecific abdominal pain, appendicitis), but occasionally previous strong recommendations have to be challenged after review of recent research (such as for perforated peptic ulcer). CONCLUSIONS: Every surgeon has to develop his or her own approach, taking into account the clinical situation, her/his proficiency (and the experience of the team) with the various techniques, and the specific organizational setting in which she/he is working. This guideline has been developed bearing in mind that every surgeon could use the data reported to support her/his judgment.

Aims: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) causes high mortality and substantial societal burdens for healthcare systems (HSs). The risk of SCD is significantly increased in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction after myocardial infarction (MI). Current guidelines recommend re-evaluation of cardioverter-defibrillator implantation 40 days post-MI, earliest. Medical therapy alone does not provide sufficient protection against SCD, especially in the first month post-MI, and needs time. Consequently, there is a gap in care of high-risk patients upon hospital discharge. The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is a proven safe, effective therapy, which temporarily protects from SCD. Little information on WCD cost-effectiveness exists. We conducted this research to demonstrate the medical need of the device in the post-MI setting defining WCD cost-effectiveness. Methods & results: Based on a randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and Italian and international data, we developed a Markov-model comparing costs, patient survival, and quality-of-life, and calculated the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of a WCD vs. current standard of care in post-MI patients. The rather conservative base case analysis – based on the RCT intention-to-treat results - produced an ICER of €47,709 per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained, which is far lower than the accepted threshold of €60,000 in the Italian National HS. The ICER per Life Year (LY) gained was €38,276. Conclusion: WCD utilization in post-MI patients is clinically beneficial and cost-effective. While improving guideline directed patient care, the WCD can also contribute to a more efficient use of resources in the Italian HS, and potentially other HSs as well.

Purpose: Ablation index (AI) is a radiofrequency lesion quality marker. The AI value that allows effective and safe pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is still debated. We evaluated the incidence of acute and late PV reconnection (PVR) with different AI settings and its predictors. Methods: The Ablation Index Registry is a multicenter study that included patients with paroxysmal/persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent first-time ablation. Each operator performed the ablation using his preferred ablation catheter (ThermoCool® SmartTouch or Surround Flow) and AI setting (380 posterior-500 anterior and 330 posterior-450 anterior). We divided the study population into two groups according to the AI setting used: group 1 (330–450) and group 2 (380–500). Incidence of acute PVR was validated within 30 min after PVI, whereas the incidence of late PVR was evaluated at repeat procedure. Results: Overall, 490 patients were divided into groups 1 (258) and 2 (232). There was no significant difference in the procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and rate of the first-pass PVI between the two study groups. Acute PVR was observed in 5.6% PVs. The rate of acute PVR was slightly higher in group 2 (64/943, 6.8%, PVs) than in group 1 (48/1045, 4.6% PVs, p = 0.04). Thirty patients (6%) underwent a repeat procedure and late PVR was observed in 57/116 (49%) PVs (number of reconnected PV per patient of 1.9 ± 1.6). A similar rate of late PVR was found in the two study groups. No predictors of acute and late PVR were found. Conclusion: Ablation with a lower range of AI is highly effective and is not associated with a higher rate of acute and late PVR. No predictors of PV reconnection were found.

Contains fulltext : 238976.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) On January 2020, the WHO Director General declared that the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The world has faced a worldwide spread crisis and is still dealing with it. The present paper represents a white paper concerning the tough lessons we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, an international and heterogenous multidisciplinary panel of very differentiated people would like to share global experiences and lessons with all interested and especially those responsible for future healthcare decision making. With the present paper, international and heterogenous multidisciplinary panel of very differentiated people would like to share global experiences and lessons with all interested and especially those responsible for future healthcare decision making.

Background Ablation index (AI) is a new lesion quality marker that has been demonstrated to allow a high single-procedure arrhythmia-free survival in single-center studies. This prospective, multi-center study was designed to evaluate the reproducibility of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation guided by the AI. Methods A total of 490 consecutive patients with paroxysmal (80.4%) and persistent AF underwent first time PV isolation and were divided in four study groups according to operator's preference in choosing the ablation catheter (a contact force (ST) or contact force surround flow (STSF) catheter) and the AI setting (330-450 or 380-500 at anterior wall or posterior wall, respectively). Results At 12 months a high rate of freedom from AF recurrences was observed in patients with both paroxysmal and persistent AF (91% vs 83.3%; P = .039). There was no difference in the rate of AF recurrence among the four study groups (4.5% in group ST330-450, 12.2% in group ST 380-500, 14.9% in group STSF330-450, 9.4% in group STSF380-500; P = .083). Recurrence was also similar between patients treated with a ST (8%) or STSF catheter (12.1%; P = .2), and within patients targeting an AI settings of 330 to 450 (10.9%) or 380 to 500 (10.3%; P = .64). In patients with paroxysmal AF, there was no difference (P = .12) in the 1-year freedom from AF recurrence among 14 operators that performed ≥10 ablation procedure. Conclusions An ablation protocol respecting strict criteria for contiguity and quality lesion resulted in high rate of 1-year freedom from AF recurrence, irrespective of the ablation catheters, AI settings, and operator.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions embrace a large series of different conditions in which functional abnormalities of the pelvic floor lead to impairment in urinary and sexual functions and in rectal voiding. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in the evaluation of these patients, as well as the adoption of imaging studies adequate to explore the complex anatomy of the region and its dynamic functionality. Available imaging studies include: endoanal and transperineal ultrasound, X-ray defecography and MR defecography. The purpose of this review article is to illustrate the technique, indications, the current role, and diagnostic value of each one of these. The recent availability of new imaging techniques and related advantages will also be discussed.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is an uncommon disease and may be lethal if not treated adequately and promptly. In all settings, multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is the most valuable tool to assess the presence and extension of the disease when DNM is clinically suspected. The key point for an accurate diagnosis of descending necrotizing mediastinitis is to establish the pathway of spreading of the neck soft-tissue infection to the mediastinum on axial and reformatted multidetector row computed tomography images. The aims of this article are to describe the relevant anatomy of the pathways of neck infection to the mediastinum; to analyze the most characteristic computed tomography features of DNM, and to discuss the impact of computed tomography in the management and in the surgical therapy of these patients.

Objectives Direct puncture of subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for tumor ablation has been considered high risk due to a perceived increased incidence of hemorrhage or tumor seeding. The purpose of this retrospective multicenter study was to identify the rate of tumor seeding, hemorrhage and local tumor progression (LTP) associated with direct puncture radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) ablation of subcapsular HCC. Methods A multicenter, retrospective review of direct-puncture RF and MW performed on subcapsular HCC was conducted. Complications and local tumor progression were documented. Data was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests. Results The study group consisted of 60 cirrhotic patients (M/F = 43/17; mean age 69.6 years) with 67 subcapsular HCC (mean diameter 2.3 cm ± 1.0 cm) that were directly punctured for RF (n = 40) or MW (n = 27) under ultrasound (US) guidance. The mean follow-up period was 30.8 months. There were no hemorrhagic complications. The overall LTP rate was 13.4%. There was one case of tumor tract seeding in a patient who had undergone a percutaneous biopsy two weeks prior to RF. Conclusions Thermal ablation of HCC by direct puncture appears safe and effective. There were no cases of intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and tumor seeding was seen in a single case in which a preceding percutaneous biopsy had been performed.

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of plain chest radiography in the evaluation of patients with suspected foreign–body aspiration. During a 5–year period, 31 patients (18 men and 13 women; age range 6 months to 85 years) were referred to our observation for clinical suspicion of foreign–body aspiration. Clinically, the patients presented with cough in 27/31 cases (87.1%), decreased breath sounds in 22/31 (71%), choking in 18/31 (58.1%), fever in 7/31 (22.6%) and cyanosis in 5/31 (16.1%). Suspected foreign–body aspiration had occurred 2–72 h before hospitalisation. Within 2 h of hospitalisation, all patients underwent plain chest radiography performed in the upright position (two projections) in 10/31 (32.3%) patients and in the supine decubitus position in the remaining 21 (67.7%) patients. Plain chest radiography was subsequently integrated with multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of the chest in 3/31 (9.7%) patients and with bronchoscopy in 27/31 (87.1%) patients. Plain chest radiography showed the presence of a foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree in 7/31 (22.6%) patients, who subsequently underwent successful bronchoscopy in all cases. Foreign bodies included tooth fragment (three cases), nail (two cases), metallic spiral of a ball–point pen (one case) and an earring (one case). In the remaining 24/31 patients, plain chest radiography was positive in 14 cases, showing atelectasis (seven cases), pneumonia (six cases), pulmonary hyperinflation (one case) and pneumomediastinum (one case). Such findings had been caused by an aspirated foreign body, which was subsequently removed by means of bronchoscopy in all 14 patients. Moreover, three of the remaining ten patients with negative plain chest radiograph were submitted to MSCT of the chest, which required in 1 case tracheobronchial aspiration of a foreign body that was subsequently removed by means of bronchoscopy. Overall, plain chest radiography showed the presence of foreign–body aspiration and/or pleuroparenchymal lesions in 21/31 patients (67.7%); bronchoscopy was positive in 23/27 patients (85.2%), localising the foreign body in the right main bronchus in 16/27 patients (59.3%), left main bronchus in 7/27 patients (25.9%), intermediate bronchus in 2/27 patients (7.4%) and right lower lobe bronchus in 2/27 patients (7.4%). No late complications were observed within 6 months of hospital discharge. Plain chest radiography remains the initial imaging modality for patients with clinically suspected tracheobronchial aspiration of a foreign body. Nevertheless, in the case of negative chest radiography and a clinical suspicion of foreign–body aspiration, MSCT—possibly integrated with virtual bronchoscopy—should be considered in order to avoid unnecessary bronchoscopy.

Mesenteric ischemia presents as an abdominal emergency due to decreased intestinal blood flow secondary to mesenteric arterial vascular hypoperfusion, occlusion, or impaired venous drainage [1]. The small bowel or colon may be involved. Distinction between intestinal ischemia and infarction sometimes is not considered adequately in the interpretative process: the ischemia may be a transient and a totally reversible event, whereas infarction may be one of the possible consequences that requires surgical or interventional management. Despite continuing advances in imaging and surgical techniques, early detection of intestinal ischemia before infarction develops remains difficult [2]. Early diagnosis is important to improve survival rates [2, 3]; in most cases of late or missed diagnosis, mortality rate from intestinal infarction is very high, from 60% to 90% [4–6]. Prognosis of an ischemic intestinal insult depends upon clinical factors, such as its acuteness, duration and severity, the presence of collateral vascular circulation, the response of the mesenteric vascular branches and intestinal wall to the injury [7], extent of intestinal involvement, and the timeliness of diagnosis and intervention. From a phase in which the intestinal vascular injury may be suspected and the imaging findings of ischemia noted, the severity of mural damage may proceed rapidly to infarction with dire consequences. Differences in bowel wall findings may be appreciable between small bowel arterial and venous infarctions [8–10]. Radiologic descriptions of intestinal ischemia and infarction reported in the literature are rich [10–13] but not pathognomonic. Currently, there is no report of a direct correlation between bowel wall findings and a confirmed diagnosis of ischemia or infarction. Most literature on this topic is characterized by nonhomogeneous material and methodology of study. Some parameters regarding the timing of imaging in which studies are performed, intravenous and/or oral contrast medium administration, dynamics of the acute vascular injury, and the different etiologies (superior or inferior venous or arterial mesenteric vessels, occlusive or nonocclusive event) are sometimes difficult to summarize in a comparative classification. However, diagnostic imaging may play a pivotal role in the detection of the degree and severity of intestinal ischemia and assessment for evidence of infarction. In the following sections, imaging findings (wall thickness and enhancement, caliber of intestinal loops, presence of air-fluid levels, intestinal peristalsis, mesenteric arterial and venous vessel viabilities, mural and/or portal/mesenteric pneumatosis) from different method of study (abdominal plain film, sonography [US], and computed tomography [CT]) will be correlated to various phases of intestinal changes from ischemia and infarction due to mesenteric vessels hypoperfusion or occlusion based on experience in our institutions.

The role of several imaging techniques in patients submitted to pancreatic surgery with special emphasis to single-slice helical computed tomography (CT) and multidetector-row CT (MDCT) was reviewed. Several surgical options may be performed such as Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, central pancreatectomy, and total pancreatectomy. Ultrasound examination may be used to detect peritoneal fluid in the early post-operative period as well as lesion recurrence in long-term follow-up. Radiological gastrointestinal studies has a major role in evaluation of intestinal functionality. In spite of the advent of other imaging modalities, CT is the most effective after pancreatic surgery. On post-operative CT, the most common findings were small fluid peritoneal or pancreatic collections, stranding of the mesenteric fat with perivascular cuffing, reactive adenopathy and pneumobilia. In addition, CT may demonstrate early (leakage of anastomosis, pancreatico-jejunal fistula, haemorrage, acute pancreatitis of the remnant pancreas, peritonitis), and late (chronic fistula, abscess, aneurysms, anastomotic bilio-digestive stenosis, perianastomotic ulcers, biloma, and intra-abdominal bleeding) surgical complications. In the follow-up evaluation, CT may show tumor recurrence, liver and lymph nodes metastasis. Magnetic resonance may be used as alternative imaging modality to CT, when renal insufficiency or contrast sensitivity prevents the use of iodinated i.v. contrast material or when the biliary tree study is primarily requested. The knowledge of the type of surgical procedures, the proper identification of the anastomoses as well as the normal post-operative imaging appearances are essential for an accurate detection of the complications and recurrent disease.

Body packing represents the concealment of illegal substances in a person's body with the aim of smuggling. “Body packers” either swallow drug-filled packets or introduce drug-filled packets into their bodies rectally or vaginally with the purpose of concealing them. The three main smuggled drugs are cocaine, heroin and cannabis products. Body packing represents a serious risk of acute narcotic toxicity from drug exposure, intestinal obstruction owing to pellet impaction and bowel perforation with consequent abdominal sepsis. A suspected body packer is generally admitted to hospital to perform imaging investigations and confirm the presence of drugs in his/her body. Radiological imaging methods are essential to diagnose body packing and to detect potential complications. Increasing sophistication of traffickers and improvements in packaging add to the detection difficulty. Radiologists should be aware of the appearance of drug packets in a range of imaging modalities. This article informs physicians about the challenging aspects of body packing, its background and medicolegal issues, what imaging methods can be used and what criteria are necessary to perform a correct diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of conventional radiology on the assessment of causes of death of human beings after a building collapse and to establish whether the radiographic approach is useful and justifiable.Eight victims of a building collapse were subjected to autopsy, toxicology and radiographic examinations of the entire body. The autopsy findings, classified into three groups according to the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), were compared with radiographic findings.The death of the three individuals in group 1 was ascribed to mechanical asphyxia. Costal fractures, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema were detected in one case only. The three individuals in group 2 died of mechanical asphyxia associated with cerebral injuries in all cases, abdominal injuries in two and cardiac injuries in one. Plain films showed skull fracture in one case, air within the cardiac chambers in another and diaphragmatic injuries in the third. The two individuals in group 3 died of injuries not compatible with life at the cardiac and abdominal level in both cases and at the cerebral level in one. Radiography showed multiple fractures of the cranium associated with diaphragmatic injuries in one case only. No significant pleuropulmonary radiographic findings were detected in any of the eight victims. Paralytic ileus, identified in all patients, is not strictly correlated to abdominal injuries. Skeletal injuries were all confirmed at conventional radiography.Conventional radiography allows for the overall assessment of skeletal injuries. Radiographic findings provide limited information about the causes of death, whereas findings related to the concomitant causes of death are more frequent. Conventional radiography should be considered inadequate, especially if the potential of the modern software tools available on current computed tomography and magnetic resonance images is considered.

Facial injuries are common and must be radiologically evaluated to detect fractures, to determine their morphology and topography, and to assess adjacent soft-tissue damage. Spiral multislice computed tomography is progressively replacing conventional films for mandible traumatic lesions because it reveals the multiplicity of fragments, the degree of dislocation and rotation, and the extent of skull base involvement. Computed tomography is also very useful in the evaluation of condylar fractures, to determine the best choice for surgical treatment, open or close. 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography images can display condylar fractures, but also all mandibular fractures, accurately and directly, and are very useful for surgeons to select treating methods of condylar fractures. The demonstration by imaging of the involvement of key anatomic structures is essential to classify correctly the trauma and to select the best management.

Injuries to the small and large intestine from blunt trauma represent a defined clinical entity, often not easy to correctly diagnose in emergency but extremely important for the therapeutic assessment of patients. This article summarizes the MDCT spectrum of findings in intestinal blunt lesions, from functional disorders to hemorrhage and perforation.

In the past 20 years, emergency care concept has substantially changed on a cultural point of view, going well beyond the boundaries of medical science. It is now a general understanding that the real enemy of the critical patient is time; thus, functional organisation and collocation of human and technological resources in the emergency department (ED) can help avoid the loss of human lives. This “cultural revolution” led to the creation and development of structural and organisational models (layouts) of EDs. Now, emergency radiology has a central role in ED organisation, and the radiologist, providing 24–h coverage in the emergency room, is crucial for the correct diagnostic approach and rapid management of trauma. If this is the cultural background to the “emergency care” concept, an overview of such care in our country shows great differences from a structural, technological and organisational point of view. The presence of the radiologist providing 24–h coverage in the emergency room is still uncommon in many EDs The qualification of emergency care must be sought by studying the needs of the population and by seeking qualified personnel with high professional skill levels. All this must be understood and pursued by politicians and health care managers whose aim should be to coordinate and check the measures and human resources applied to the system. This process necessarily involves rewarding those health care professionals who prove to be up to the job.

Evaluation of acute breast injury depends largely on the findings at physical examination. Patients may not initially remember the traumatic event to the breast, and mammography may be the first radiographic study to suggest this history, particularly if it shows findings of fat necrosis. Clinical, mammographic and sonographic findings resulting from non-iatrogenic trauma to the breast can be mistaken for signs of malignancy, especially because trauma often is not considered as a cause for such findings. In this paper some of the manifestations of blunt traumatic injury to the breast are presented. Familiarity with mammographic and sonographic findings of breast trauma is essential for the radiologist to avoid unnecessary biopsy and to avoid overlooking breast cancer.

Purpose To evaluate the role of chest radiography, single-slice CT and 16-row MDCT in the direct evidence of tracheobronchial injuries. Methods Patients with acute tracheobronchial injury were identified from the registry of our level 1 trauma center during a 5-year period ending July 2005. Findings at chest radiograph and CT were compared to those shown at bronchoscopy. Results Eighteen patients with tracheobronchial injury – three patients with cervical trachea injury, eight with thoracic trachea injury and seven with bronchial injury – were identified. Twelve patients had a blunt trauma (67%), six patients had a penetrating (iatrogenic) injury (33%). Chest radiograph directly identified the site of tracheal injury in four cases, showing overdistension of the endotracheal cuff in three cases and displacement of the endotracheal tube in one case. At the level of the bronchi, chest radiograph demonstrated only one injury. CT directly identified the site of tracheal injury in all the cases showing the overdistension of the endotracheal cuff at the level of the thoracic trachea (three cases), posterior herniation of the endotracheal cuff at the thoracic trachea (three cases), lateral endotracheal cuff herniation at the thoracic trachea (one case), tracheal wall discontinuity at the cervical (one case) and at the thoracic trachea (one case) and displacement of endotracheal tube at the cervical trachea (two cases). At the level of the bronchi, CT correctly showed the site of injury in six case including: discontinuity of the left main bronchial wall (two cases), the “fallen lung” sign (one case), right main bronchial wall enlargement (one case), discontinuity of the right middle bronchial wall (two cases). In one case, CT showed just direct “air leak” at the level of the carina suggesting main bronchus injury. This finding was confirmed by bronchoscopy. Conclusion Chest radiograph was helpful for the assessment of iatrogenic tracheal injuries. CT detected the site of blunt tracheobronchial injuries in 94% of the cases. Multiplanar 16-row MDCT reconstructions, were essential for the optimal surgical approach.

In this pictorial essay, we consider the post operative MDCT findings after liver resection, transplantation, surgical managed major trauma and radiofrequency ablation of focal lesions. Common complications such as fluid collections, hemorrhage, biloma, vascular disease, hematoma, abscesses will be also considered.

Introduction: Splenic and renal infarctions are usually related to vascular disease or haematologic abnormalities. Their association is infrequent and rarely observed in trauma. In this study, we analyze our data to look at the occurrence of renal and splenic infarctions based on CT findings in a period of 4 years. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings of 84 patients admitted to our Department of Diagnostic Imaging from June 1998 to December 2002, who underwent emergency abdominal spiral CT examination and in whom there was evidence of splenic and/or renal infarction. Results: We found 40 cases of splenic infarction and 54 cases of renal infarction, associated in 10 patients. In 26 patients, there was also evidence of intestinal infarction. A traumatic origin was found in 19 cases; non-traumatic causes were found in 65 patients. Association between renal and splenic infarction in the same patient was related to trauma in two cases. Conclusions: Although renal and splenic infarctions are a common manifestation of cardiac thromboembolism, other systemic pathologies, infections or trauma may lead to this occurrence. Renal infarction may be clinically and/or surgically managed with success in most cases. There are potential complications in splenic infarction, such as development of pseudocysts, abscesses, hemorrhage, subcapsular haematoma or splenic rupture; splenectomy in these cases may be necessary. Some patients with splenic and/or renal infarction may be clinically asymptomatic. The high accuracy of CT examination is needed to allow a correct evaluation of infarcted organs.

The CT diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injuries is difficult and warrants optimal technique and skilled interpretation. We retrospectively reviewed 36 consecutive patients with blunt traumatic injuries to the bowel and mesentery at our regional level I trauma center during the past 3 years. Physical examination, laboratory, Computed tomographic (CT), and intraoperative findings were compared. Surgically proven bowel injuries (13 cases) occurred in the duodenum (three cases), ileum (two cases), jejunum (two cases), colon (three cases), and stomach (three cases). CT findings considered specific of bowel rupture were observed in 5/13 patients including: extraluminal oral contrast or luminal content extravasation (four cases) and discontinuity of hollow viscus wall (one case). In the remaining 8/13 CT findings considered suggestive of bowel injury consisted of: pneumoperitoneum (six), gas bubbles close to the injured hollow viscus (three), thickened (>4-5mm) bowel wall (five), bowel wall hematoma (three), intraperitoneal fluid of unknown source (three). Mesenteric injury (23 cases) were surgically observed at the level of the mesenteric vessels (17 cases), legament of Treitz (two cases), gastro-duodenal artery (one case), transverse (one case) and sigmoid mesocolon (one case). CT finding considered specific of mesenteric laceration was active extravasation of contrast material from the mesenteric vessels (10 cases). CT findings suggestive of mesenteric injury (13 cases) consisted of: mesenteric hematoma (five) and/or high attenuation fluid collections, within the mesenteric root (eight) and folds (four). Helical CT is sensitive in the identification of bowel and mesenteric injury after blunt trauma providing a wide spectrum of findings. However, CT cannot be used as the sole indicator in cases with isolated thichened bowel wall, mesenteric hematoma, bowel hematoma, pneumoperitoneum or gas bubbles. Persistent, active extravasation of intravenous constrast medium from the mesenteric vessels, in isolation or associated with further injuries, requires immediate exploration and repair; disruption of bowel wall and extravasation of oral contrast are definite signs of bowel rupture. Close clinical observation, monitoring, and surgical expertise are mandatory for appropriate management.

Leiomyosarcoma is a mesodermal malignant neoplasm affecting the small intestine. Usually, the clinical signs are not specific and most commonly related to intestinal bleeding or obstruction. We report the case of a 71-year-old woman presenting anemia and melena: there was no evidence of abdominal palpable mass and endoscopic examinations were negative for pathologic findings. We performed sonography and CT-enterclysis. We detected a small jejunal mass presenting a heterogeneous density and echogenicity pattern, with some large peripheral calcifications. Histologic examination after surgery revealed the lesion to be a small bowel leiomyosarcoma.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the value of contrast-enhanced helical CT for detecting and managing acute thoracic aortic injury (ATAI). Between June 1995 and February 2000, 1419 consecutive chest CT examinations were performed in the setting of major blunt trauma. The following CT findings were considered indicative of ATAI: intimal flap; pseudoaneurysm; contour irregularity; lumen abnormality; and extravasation of contrast material. On the basis of these direct findings no further diagnostic investigations were performed. Isolated mediastinal hematoma on CT scans was considered an indirect sign of ATAI: In these cases, thoracic aortography was performed even if CT indicated normal aorta. Seventy-seven patients had abnormal CT scans: Among the 23 patients with direct CT signs, acute thoracic aortic injuries was confirmed at thoracotomy in 21. Two false-positive cases were observed. The 54 remaining patients had isolated mediastinal hematoma without aortic injuries at CT and corresponding negative angiograms. The 1342 patients with negative CT scans were included in the 8-month follow-up program and did not show any adverse sequela based on clinical and radiographic criteria. Contrast-enhanced helical CT has a critical role in the exclusion of thoracic aortic injuries in patient with major blunt chest trauma and prevents unnecessary thoracic aortography. Direct CT signs of ATAI do not require further diagnostic investigations to confirm the diagnosis: Isolated aortic bands or contour vessel abnormalities should be first considered as possible artifacts or related to non-traumatic etiologies especially when mediastinal hematoma is absent. In cases of isolated mediastinal hematoma other possible sources of bleeding should be considered before directing patients to thoracic aortography.