Robert A Novelline

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the frequency, sensitivity, and specificity of the individual signs of diverticulitis using helical CT with colonic contrast material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1997 and September 1999, 312 patients with suspected diverticulitis were examined on helical CT using rectally administered colonic contrast material. CT scans that were positive for diverticulitis or indeterminate were rereviewed by two radiologists; CT interpretations ...

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering high-energy injuries are at risk for occult thoracic and lumbar spine fractures, and the standard of care includes radiographic spine screening. Most such patients require computed tomographic (CT) scanning to screen for chest and/or abdominal visceral injury. Helical CT (HCT) scanning represents a major technologic change that allows data to be reformatted after the patient has left the radiology suite. We explored the possibility of using reformatted ...

HYPOTHESIS: In contrast to previous beliefs, we hypothesize that computed tomography (CT) scanning is sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs).

DESIGN: Retrospective and prospective case series.

SETTING: Academic medical center.

PATIENTS: Patients who were clinically suspected of having NSTIs from January 1, 2003, through April 30, 2009, and who underwent imaging with a 16- or 64-section helical CT scanner were studied. The CT result was ...

BACKGROUND: In patients with clinically suspected appendicitis, computed tomography (CT) is diagnostically accurate. However, the effect of routine CT of the appendix on the treatment of such patients and the use of hospital resources is unknown.

METHODS: We performed appendiceal CT on 100 consecutive patients in the emergency department who, on the basis of history, physical examination, and laboratory results, were to be hospitalized for observation for suspected appendicitis or for ...

Adrenal injuries, although an uncommon consequence of abdominal trauma, are important to recognize. If bilateral, adrenal trauma could result in life-threatening adrenal insufficiency. Furthermore, in the setting of trauma, adrenal injury can point to other concomitant injuries and has been associated with overall increased morbidity and mortality. In the past, before the advent of computed tomography (CT), detection was difficult, and the diagnosis was often made only at surgery or ...

Fournier gangrene is a rapidly progressing necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal, perianal, or genital regions and constitutes a true surgical emergency with a potentially high mortality rate. Although the diagnosis of Fournier gangrene is often made clinically, emergency computed tomography (CT) can lead to early diagnosis with accurate assessment of disease extent. CT not only helps evaluate the perineal structures that can become involved by Fournier gangrene, but also helps ...

Acute epiploic appendagitis most commonly manifests with acute lower quadrant pain. Its clinical features are similar to those of acute diverticulitis or, less commonly, acute appendicitis. The conditions that may mimic acute epiploic appendagitis at computed tomography (CT) include acute omental infarction, mesenteric panniculitis, fat-containing tumor, and primary and secondary acute inflammatory processes in the large bowel (eg, diverticulitis and appendicitis). Whereas the location ...

OBJECTIVE: CT cystography has replaced conventional cystography in the evaluation of patients with suspected bladder rupture in most trauma centers. We performed this retrospective review to determine the accuracy of CT cystography and the role of multiplanar reformation in the diagnosis of bladder injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient cohort was composed of trauma patients with clinically or CT-suspected bladder ruptures who were evaluated with CT cystography using two different ...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of appendiceal computed tomography (CT) availability on negative appendectomy and appendiceal perforation rates.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Appendiceal CT is 98% accurate. However, its impact on negative appendectomy and appendiceal perforation rates has not been reported.

METHODS: The authors reviewed the medical records of 493 consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy between 1992 and 1995, 209 consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy in 1997 ...

OBJECTIVE: Colonic contrast material evaluation of suspected appendicitis in pediatric patients is technically more challenging than in adults because less intraabdominal fat is present. To determine the accuracy and feasibility of focused CT for pediatric patients, we carried out this retrospective investigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 1995 and July 1999, 199 pediatric patients (1-18 years old; mean age, 12 years) were examined with focused CT in the emergency division ...