Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies

A special issue of Tomography (ISSN 2379-139X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 46458

Special Issue Editors

Department of Radiology, Ospedale del Mare-ASLNa1 Centro, 80147 Napoli, Italy
Interests: ultrasound; computed tomography; emergency radiology; chest imaging; gastrointestinal imaging; urinary imaging; emergency ultrasound; trauma imaging; bowel imaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. Department of Radiology, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, TS4 3BW Middlesbrough, UK
2. Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Interests: computed tomography; emergency radiology; chest imaging; gastrointestinal imaging; urinary imaging; trauma imaging; bowel imaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Non-traumatic emergencies include a wide spectrum of clinical entities that often require a prompt imaging assessment to prevent potentially serious or irreversible conditions. Non-traumatic emergencies represent a large number of requests for referrals to any emergency department that does not necessarily share the same approaches, protocols, or guidelines. However, the demand of diagnostic imaging in the ER department has risen dramatically and the role of 24/7 radiologists, as members of ER teams, has become more effective. In this issue, the complexity of some relevant pathological entities will be illustrated, emphasizing the role of the state-of-the-art imaging, the clues to diagnosis and the impact on the management decision process.

Dr. Stefania Tamburrini
Prof. Dr. Mariano Scaglione
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • ultrasound
  • computed tomography
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • emergency radiology
  • chest imaging
  • gastrointestinal imaging
  • urinary imaging
  • emergency ultrasound
  • bowel imaging
  • vascular imaging
  • emergency CT
  • emergency MRI

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 189 KiB  
Editorial
Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies
by Mariano Scaglione, Salvatore Masala, Francesca Iacobellis, Michele Tonerini, Giacomo Sica, Carlo Liguori, Luca Saba and Stefania Tamburrini
Tomography 2023, 9(3), 1133-1136; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography9030093 - 12 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 881
Abstract
“Emergency” is a scenario that every medical professional must face since the first day of her/his career [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)

Research

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13 pages, 2211 KiB  
Article
Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hematoma Treated with Percutaneous Transarterial Embolization in COVID-19 Era: Diagnostic Findings and Procedural Outcome
by Francesco Tiralongo, Salvatore Seminatore, Stefano Di Pietro, Giulio Distefano, Federica Galioto, Francesco Vacirca, Francesco Giurazza, Stefano Palmucci, Massimo Venturini, Mariano Scaglione and Antonio Basile
Tomography 2022, 8(3), 1228-1240; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8030101 - 01 May 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3054
Abstract
(1) Background: Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematomas are a relatively common occurrence in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 related pneumonia, and endovascular treatment of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) may be a life-saving procedure after failure of medical and supportive therapy. The aim of our study was to [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematomas are a relatively common occurrence in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 related pneumonia, and endovascular treatment of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) may be a life-saving procedure after failure of medical and supportive therapy. The aim of our study was to evaluate spontaneous retroperitoneal hematomas in the COVID-19 era, focusing on their imaging features at CTA and DSA and on the safety, as well as technical and clinical success, of TAE, comparing patients affected by COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. (2) Materials and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 24 patients with spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma who underwent TAE; of these, 10 were hospitalized for COVID-19-related pneumonia, while the other 14 were without COVID-19 infection. We evaluated the demographic data, hemoglobin values before and after the procedure, preprocedural aPTT, preprocedural INR, diagnostic and interventional imaging findings, procedural outcome (technical success) and survival periprocedural (clinical success), and major and minor complications. (3) Results: The mean age of the study population was 72.7 ± 11.2 years. CTA revealed signs of active bleeding in 20 patients (83%). DSA showed signs of active bleeding in 20 patients (83%). In four patients (17%), blind embolization was performed. The overall technical success rate was 100%. Clinical success was achieved in 17 patients (71%), while seven patients (29%) rebled within 96 h, and all of them were retreated. No major periprocedural complication was reported. The comparison between the two groups did not show statistically significant differences for gender, mean age, mean pre- and postprocedural hemoglobin, aPTT and INR, mean hematoma volume (cm3), or mean delay between CT and DSA. Active bleeding at CTA was detected in 90% of COVID-19 patients and 79% of non-COVID-19 patients (p = 0.61). At DSA, active bleeding was assessed in eight out of 10 (80%) patients in the COVID-19 group and 12 out of 14 (86%) patients in the non-COVID-19 group (p = 1). Technical success was obtained in 100% of patients in both groups. Clinical success rates were 70% for COVID-19 group and 71% for the non-COVID-19 group. We found no statistical significance between the clinical success rates of retroperitoneal spontaneous hematoma embolization in patients with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection. (4) Conclusions: We suggest that, similar to what has been reported in other studies in non-COVID-19 patients, TAE should be considered an important safe, effective, and potentially life-saving option for the management and the treatment of patients affected by COVID-19 who present with spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma and who could not benefit from conservative treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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11 pages, 824 KiB  
Article
Intracranial Hemorrhage from Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: What Can We Find with CT Angiography?
by Alberto Negro, Francesco Somma, Valeria Piscitelli, Giuseppe Maria Ernesto La Tessa, Carmine Sicignano, Fabrizio Fasano, Stefania Tamburrini, Ottavia Vargas, Gianvito Pace, Michele Iannuzzi, Alessandro Villa, Luigi Della Gatta, Carmela Chiaramonte, Ferdinando Caranci, Fabio Tortora and Vincenzo D’Agostino
Tomography 2021, 7(4), 804-814; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography7040068 - 25 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2732
Abstract
(1) Background: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) represent a rare acquired intracranial vascular malformation, with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms, which make their diagnosis difficult. Intracranial hemorrhage is one of the most serious clinical manifestations. In this paper the authors’ goal was [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) represent a rare acquired intracranial vascular malformation, with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms, which make their diagnosis difficult. Intracranial hemorrhage is one of the most serious clinical manifestations. In this paper the authors’ goal was to verify the accuracy and utility of contrast-enhanced brain CT angiography (CTA) for the identification and the characterization of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in patients who presented with brain hemorrhage compared to 3D digital subtraction angiography (3D DSA); (2) a retrospective study of 26 patients with DAVFs who presented with intracranial hemorrhage to our institution was performed. The information reviewed included clinical presentation, location and size of hemorrhage, brain CTA and 3D DSA findings; (3) results: 61% (16/26) of DAVFs were identified by CTA. The vast majority of patients were male (69%, 18/26) and the most common presenting symptom was sudden onset headache. All DAVFs had cortical venous drainage and about one-third were associated with a venous varix. The most common location was tentorial (73%, 19/26); (4) conclusions: CTA can represent a valid alternative diagnostic method to 3D DSA for the study of DAVF in the initial and preliminary diagnostic approach, especially in emergency situations. In fact, it represents a fast, inexpensive, non-invasive and above all, easily accessible and available diagnostic technique, unlike DSA or MRI, allowing to provide information necessary for the identification, classification and treatment planning of DAVFs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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Review

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12 pages, 1841 KiB  
Review
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Compared with MRI and CT in the Evaluation of Post-Renal Transplant Complications
by Emanuele David, Giovanni Del Gaudio, Francesco Maria Drudi, Vincenzo Dolcetti, Patrizia Pacini, Antonio Granata, Renzo Pretagostini, Manuela Garofalo, Antonio Basile, Maria Irene Bellini, Vito D’Andrea, Mariano Scaglione, Richard Barr and Vito Cantisani
Tomography 2022, 8(4), 1704-1715; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8040143 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2577
Abstract
Renal transplantation (RT) is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease, significantly improving patients’ survival and quality of life. However, approximately 3–23% of patients encounter post-operative complications, and radiology plays a major role for their early detection and treatment or follow-up planning. [...] Read more.
Renal transplantation (RT) is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease, significantly improving patients’ survival and quality of life. However, approximately 3–23% of patients encounter post-operative complications, and radiology plays a major role for their early detection and treatment or follow-up planning. CT and MRI are excellent imaging modalities to evaluate renal transplant post-operative course; nevertheless, they are both associated with a high cost and low accessibility, as well as some contraindications, making them not feasible for all patients. In particular, gadolinium-based contrast can lead to the rare condition of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and iodine-based contrast can lead to contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). CT also exposes the patients who may require multiple examinations to ionizing radiation. Therefore, considering the overall advantages and disadvantages, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is presently considered an effective first-line imaging modality for post-operative early and long-term follow-up in RT, reducing the need for biopsies and providing adequate guidance for drainage procedures. Hence, this paper aims to review the updated knowledge on CEUS compared with CT and MRI for the evaluation of RT renal transplant complications; advantages, limitations, and possible recommendations are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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15 pages, 3629 KiB  
Review
Role of CT and MRI in Cardiac Emergencies
by Carlo Liguori, Stefania Tamburrini, Giovanni Ferrandino, Silvio Leboffe, Nicola Rosano and Ines Marano
Tomography 2022, 8(3), 1386-1400; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8030112 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2995
Abstract
Current strategies for the evaluation of patients with chest pain have significantly changed thanks to the implemented potentiality of CT and MRI. The possible fatal consequences and high malpractice costs of missed acute coronary syndromes lead to unnecessary hospital admissions every year. CT [...] Read more.
Current strategies for the evaluation of patients with chest pain have significantly changed thanks to the implemented potentiality of CT and MRI. The possible fatal consequences and high malpractice costs of missed acute coronary syndromes lead to unnecessary hospital admissions every year. CT provides consistent diagnostic support, mainly in suspected coronary disease in patients with a low or intermediate pre-test risk. Moreover, it can gain information in the case of cardiac involvement in pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. MRI, on the other hand, has a leading role in the condition of myocardial damage irrespective of the underlying inflammatory or stress related etiology. This article discusses how radiology techniques (CT and MRI) can impact the diagnostic workflow of the most common cardiac and vascular pathologies that are responsible for non-traumatic chest pain admissions to the Emergency Department. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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13 pages, 9469 KiB  
Review
Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Findings of Complications of Acute Cholecystitis. A Pictorial Essay
by Fabio Sandomenico, Luca Sanduzzi, Emilia La Verde, Emilio Vicenzo, Luigi Pirolo, Salvatore Maione, Francesca Rosa Setola, Valeria Macchia, Umberto Dello Iacono, Domenico Barbato, Gaia Peluso, Michele Santangelo and Arturo Brunetti
Tomography 2022, 8(2), 1159-1171; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8020095 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3874
Abstract
Acute cholecystitis stands out as one of the most common surgical pathologies that should always be considered in a right-upper abdominal pain emergency. For this, the importance of a correct diagnosis is well described. However, it has been demonstrated that the simple combination [...] Read more.
Acute cholecystitis stands out as one of the most common surgical pathologies that should always be considered in a right-upper abdominal pain emergency. For this, the importance of a correct diagnosis is well described. However, it has been demonstrated that the simple combination of clinical (pain, Murphy’s sign) and laboratory (leukocytosis) parameters alone does not provide for ruling in or ruling out the diagnosis of this condition, unless accompanied by a radiological exam. For a long time, and still today, ultrasonography (US) is by far the first-to-proceed radiologic exam to perform, thanks to its rapidity and very high sensibility and specificity for the diagnosis of simple acute cholecystitis. However, acute cholecystitis can undergo some complications that US struggles to find. In addition to that, studies suggest that multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is superior in showing complicated forms of cholecystitis in relation to sensibility and specificity and for its capability of reformatting multiplanar (MPR) reconstructions that give a more detailed view of complications. They have shown to be useful for a precise evaluation of vascular complications, the anatomy of the biliary tree, and the extension of inflammation to surrounding structures (i.e., colitis). Therefore, based also on our experience, in patients with atypical presentation, or in cases with high suspicion for a complicated form, a MDCT abdomen scan is performed. In this review, the principal findings are listed and described to create a CT classification of acute complications based on anatomical and topographic criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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11 pages, 2412 KiB  
Review
Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Prognostic Role of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)
by Giulia Zantonelli, Diletta Cozzi, Alessandra Bindi, Edoardo Cavigli, Chiara Moroni, Silvia Luvarà, Giulia Grazzini, Ginevra Danti, Vincenza Granata and Vittorio Miele
Tomography 2022, 8(1), 529-539; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8010042 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 10233
Abstract
Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) is considered the gold standard diagnostic technique in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism in emergency departments. Several studies have been conducted on the predictive value of CTPA on the outcomes of pulmonary embolism (PE). The purpose of [...] Read more.
Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) is considered the gold standard diagnostic technique in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism in emergency departments. Several studies have been conducted on the predictive value of CTPA on the outcomes of pulmonary embolism (PE). The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of the literature reporting imaging parameters and quantitative CT scores to predict the severity of PE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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29 pages, 11134 KiB  
Review
MDCT Imaging of Non-Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Emergencies and Its Impact on Diagnosis and Management—A Reappraisal
by Tullio Valente, Giacomo Sica, Giorgio Bocchini, Federica Romano, Francesco Lassandro, Gaetano Rea, Emanuele Muto, Antonio Pinto, Francesca Iacobellis, Paola Crivelli, Ahmad Abu-Omar and Mariano Scaglione
Tomography 2022, 8(1), 200-228; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8010017 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 9092
Abstract
Non-traumatic thoracic aorta emergencies are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diseases of the intimomedial layers (aortic dissection and variants) have been grouped under the common term of acute aortic syndrome because they are life-threatening conditions clinically indistinguishable on presentation. Patients with aortic [...] Read more.
Non-traumatic thoracic aorta emergencies are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diseases of the intimomedial layers (aortic dissection and variants) have been grouped under the common term of acute aortic syndrome because they are life-threatening conditions clinically indistinguishable on presentation. Patients with aortic dissection may present with a wide variety of symptoms secondary to the pattern of dissection and end organ malperfusion. Other conditions may be seen in patients with acute symptoms, including ruptured and unstable thoracic aortic aneurysm, iatrogenic or infective pseudoaneurysms, aortic fistula, acute aortic thrombus/occlusive disease, and vasculitis. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the patient’s management and care. In the emergency room, chest X-ray is the initial imaging test offering a screening evaluation for alternative common differential diagnoses and a preliminary assessment of the mediastinal dimensions. State-of-the-art multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides a widely available, rapid, replicable, noninvasive diagnostic imaging with sensitivity approaching 100%. It is an impressive tool in decision-making process with a deep impact on treatment including endovascular or open surgical or conservative treatment. Radiologists must be familiar with the spectrum of these entities to help triage patients appropriately and efficiently. Understanding the imaging findings and proper measurement techniques allow the radiologist to suggest the most appropriate next management step. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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Other

11 pages, 3661 KiB  
Essay
Systemic Emergencies in COVID-19 Patient: A Pictorial Review
by Marco Albanesi, Diletta Cozzi, Edoardo Cavigli, Chiara Moroni, Gianluca Frezzetti, Lina Bartolini and Vittorio Miele
Tomography 2022, 8(2), 1041-1051; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8020084 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1907
Abstract
Since the first report of the outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, as of 1 September 2021, the World Health Organization has confirmed more than 239 million cases of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infectious disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with more [...] Read more.
Since the first report of the outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, as of 1 September 2021, the World Health Organization has confirmed more than 239 million cases of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infectious disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with more than 4.5 million deaths. Although SARS-CoV-2 mainly involves the respiratory tract, it is considered to be a systemic disease. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of all manifestations of COVID-19 disease, as well as its related complications. The figure of the radiologist is fundamental in the management and treatment of the patient. The authors try to provide a systematic approach based on an imaging review of major multi-organ manifestations of this infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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17 pages, 6412 KiB  
Concept Paper
The “Black Pattern”, a Simplified Ultrasound Approach to Non-Traumatic Abdominal Emergencies
by Stefania Tamburrini, Letizia Consoli, Marco Garrone, Giuseppe Sfuncia, Marina Lugarà, Maria Gabriella Coppola, Miryam Piccirillo, Roberta Toto, Salvatore Massimo Stella, Soccorsa Sofia, Mario Scuderi and Orlando Catalano
Tomography 2022, 8(2), 798-814; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tomography8020066 - 15 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7450
Abstract
Background: A key issue in abdominal US is the assessment of fluid, which is usually anechoic, thus appearing “black”. Our approach focuses on searching for fluid in non-traumatic patients, providing a new, simplified method for point-of-care US (POCUS). Objective: Fluid assessment is based [...] Read more.
Background: A key issue in abdominal US is the assessment of fluid, which is usually anechoic, thus appearing “black”. Our approach focuses on searching for fluid in non-traumatic patients, providing a new, simplified method for point-of-care US (POCUS). Objective: Fluid assessment is based on a three-step analysis that we can thus summarize. 1. Look for black where it should not be. This means searching for effusions or collections. 2. Check if black is too much. This means evaluating anatomical landmarks where fluid should normally be present but may be abnormally abundant. 3. Look for black that is not clearly black. This means evaluating fluid aspects, whether wholly anechoic or not (suggesting heterogeneous or corpusculated fluid). Discussion: Using this simple method focused on US fluid presence and appearance should help clinicians to make a timely diagnosis. Although our simplified, systematic algorithm of POCUS may identify abnormalities; this usually entails a second-level imaging. An accurate knowledge of the physio–pathological and anatomical ultrasound bases remains essential in applying this algorithm. Conclusion: The black pattern approach in non -traumatic emergencies may be applied to a broad spectrum of abnormalities. It may represent a valuable aid for emergency physicians, especially if inexperienced, involved in a variety of non-traumatic scenarios. It may also be a simple and effective teaching aid for US beginners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Non-Traumatic Emergencies)
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