Preliminary Diagnosis: Renal Cell Carcinoma I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Gray scale and Color Doppler sonographic evaluation of the kidneys. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing renal cell carcinoma. Advantages Highly portable and a relatively inexpensive imaging modality. Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. Details…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Hepatocellular Carcinoma I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Triple phase CT of the liver II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Advantages Gold standard in liver imaging Adequately able to detect and differentiate all hepatic lesions May help direct biopsy and treatment Better…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Ultrasound of the pelvis. (Transvaginal approach offers more exquisite imaging compared to a transabdominal approach.) II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease. Advantages Highly portable imaging modality. Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation.…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Epididymitis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Gray Scale and Color Doppler sonographic evaluation of the bilateral testicles and epididymi. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing epididymitis. Advantages Offers great portability. Does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. Very quick to perform. Able to…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Urethritis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? No specific imaging is required for uncomplicated urethritis. However, imaging may be warranted in those with complicated urethritis. The first line imaging modality is ultrasound of the urinary bladder and limited visualized urethra. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Meniere's Disease I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis CT temporal bone without contrast II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of Meniere's disease. Advantages Relatively inexpensive, fast imaging modality Better adept in detailing and characterizing the osseous structures than other imaging techniques Disadvantages Exposes the patients…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Pneumonia I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Chest x-ray, PA, and lateral. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing pneumonia. Advantages Highly portable and inexpensive imaging modality. Relatively fast imaging modality. Exposes the patient to minimal ionizing radiation. Sensitive in diagnosing pneumonia. Disadvantages Less adept in…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Endocarditis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Echocardiogram. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing endocarditis. Advantages Highly portable, quick imaging modality, Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. Less expensive compared to MR imaging. Able to evaluate the cardiac structures with great specificity and able…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Pharyngitis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? CT soft tissue of the neck with contrast. Pharyngitis is a clinical diagnosis. However, imaging may aid in diagnosis or evaluate for secondary complications. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing pharyngitis. Advantages Highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Otitis Media I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? CT temporal bone without contrast II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of otitis media. Advantages Relatively inexpensive, fast imaging modality Highly specific and sensitive in evaluating the osseous structures and exquisitely details any osseous erosion, sclerosis, or…
