Cardiac conduction devices (CCDs) depend on correct anatomic positioning to function properly. Chest radiography is the preferred imaging modality to evaluate CCD's anatomic location, lead wire integrity, and help in identifying several complications. In this pictorial review, our goal is to familiarize radiologists with CCD implantation techniques, appropriate positioning of the device, common causes of malfunction, methods to improve report accuracy, and assure maximal therapeutic benefit.
Patient: Female, 34Final Diagnosis: Round ligament varicesSymptoms: Inguinal mass/inflammationMedication: —Clinical Procedure: UltrasoundSpecialty: RadiologyObjective:Challenging differential diagnosisBackground:Round ligament varices (RLV) are rare and are almost exclusively seen in pregnant women. RLV may clinically resemble an inguinal hernia, inguinal mass, or other pathology involving the inguinal canal and round ligament. Ultrasound imaging is important to make the diagnosis of RLV.Case Report:A 34-year-old Hispanic woman, gravida 1 para 0, at 34 weeks gestation, presented to our outpatient department with a complaint of a small, painless, reducible right inguinal mass. Gray-scale sonography showed an asymmetric right inguinal anechoic mass composed of multiple serpentine tubular channels, which became more prominent when the patient performed a Valsalva maneuver. Color Doppler ultrasound imaging showed a hyper vascular structure with a venous flow pattern, consistent with RLV. The patient was treated conservatively and had an uneventful vaginal delivery at 38 weeks gestation. At two weeks postpartum, the RLV spontaneously regressed and her symptoms completely resolved.Conclusions:RLV is a rare condition that should be recognized and diagnosed promptly to prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary surgical exploration. Ultrasound is the diagnostic imaging procedure of choice for the diagnosis of RLV, as well as for patient follow-up and to exclude possible complications associated with RLV.
Patient: Male, 23Final Diagnosis: Spontaneous coronary artery dissectionSymptoms: Chest discomfort • chest painMedication: —Clinical Procedure: Coronary computed tomography angiographySpecialty: RadiologyObjective:Rare diseaseBackground:Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has gained wide acceptance in the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Of particular clinical interest is its ability to non-invasively evaluate coronary arteries in patients presenting to the emergency room. In acute coronary syndromes, myocardial ischemia is most often caused by atherosclerosis. We present a case of a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which was initially evaluated with MDCT and followed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). We discuss the findings and role of each modality with particular attention to coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in the diagnosis and management of SCAD. As the use of CCTA in the emergency department continues to rise, radiologists must become familiar with CT appearance of SCAD.Case Report:We report the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) findings in a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection of the left anterior descending artery in a previously healthy 23-year-old man. The role of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in diagnosis and management of this potentially life-threatening condition is discussed.Conclusions:In the clinical setting of acute coronary syndrome, SCAD must be a consideration, particularly in young patients without clear risk factors for coronary artery disease and in women in the peripartum period. CCTA is a very helpful diagnostic tool to diagnose the condition in a non-invasive manner and to follow up after treatment.
Patient: Female, 13Final Diagnosis: Left upper quadrant appendicitisSymptoms: Left upper quadrant abdominal painMedication: —Clinical Procedure: Laparoscopic ladd’s procedureSpecialty: SurgeryObjective:Congenital defects/diseasesBackground:Appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain requiring emergent surgical intervention. Although typically presenting as right lower-quadrant pain, in rare cases it may present as left upper-quadrant pain secondary to abnormal position due to intestinal malrotation. Since atypical presentations may result in diagnostic and management delay, increasing morbidity and mortality, accurate and prompt diagnosis is important. Therefore, acute appendicitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of left upper-quadrant abdominal pain. In this setting, medical imaging plays a key role in diagnosis. We report a case of a 13-year-old female with undiagnosed intestinal malrotation presenting with left-sided acute appendicitis.Case Report:A 13-year-old Hispanic female presented at the emergency room with anorexia and left upper-quadrant abdominal pain with involuntary guarding. The laboratory work-up was remarkable for elevated white blood cell count and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A nasogastric tube was placed and abdominal x-rays performed to rule-out bowel obstruction, showing distended bowel loops throughout all abdominal quadrants, with sigmoid and proximal rectal gas, raising concern for ileus rather than an obstructive pattern. Lack of symptomatic improvement prompted an IV contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT, revealing intestinal malrotation and with an inflamed left upper-quadrant appendix. Surgical management proceeded with a laparoscopic Ladd’s procedure.Conclusions:Acute appendicitis may present with atypical symptoms due to unusual appendix locations, such as in malrotation. Most cases are asymptomatic until development of acute complications, requiring imaging for diagnosis. Clinicians and radiologists should have a high index of suspicion and knowledge of its clinical presentations to achieve early diagnosis and intervention.
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