Preliminary Diagnosis: Vertebrobasilar insufficiency I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis Non-contrast CT of the head with CTA of the head and neck is the first-line imaging modality. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Advantages Relatively fast and inexpensive imaging modality compared with companion MR/MRA…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Vasculitis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? MR imaging (with and without contrast) of the area of concern. MRA (with and/or without contrast) imaging may additionally be performed. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing vasculitis. Advantages Highly sensitive and specific in detecting, detailing, and characterizing…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Varicose Veins I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Ultrasound of the vessel of concern. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing varicose veins. Advantages Highly portable imaging modality. Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation.Continue Reading Highly adept in detailing the velocity and directionality of the…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Trigeminal neuralgia I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis Contrast MR of the brain according to trigeminal protocol with thin axial cuts II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia. Advantages Able to exquisitely detail the trigeminal nerves from the root entry zone distally through…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Tricuspid stenosis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Echocardiography (transesophageal offers better resolution compared with transthoracic) II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of tricuspid stenosis. Advantages Highly portable, fast, and relatively inexpensive imaging modality. Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation.Continue Reading Offers exquisite visualization…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Tricuspid regurgitation I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis Transthoracic 2-D echocardiography II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation. Advantages Offers exquisite anatomical and functional imaging. Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. Detects pressure gradients and velocities across a diseased valve and helps…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Tracheomalacia I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis Dynamic airway fluoroscopy. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of tracheomalacia. Advantages Highly portable, inexpensive, and fast imaging modality. Highly sensitive for tracheomalacia Exposes patients to minimal ionizing radiation.Continue Reading Disadvantages Low specificity for detailing findings of tracheomalacia…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Tracheal stenosis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis CT soft tissue of the neck with contrast (thin section, 1-2 mm helical cuts with secondary 2- and 3-dimensional reformations, allowing virtual endoscopy) II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of tracheal stenosis. Advantages Highly sensitive and specific…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Toxic Megacolon I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Plain radiograph of the abdomen and pelvis. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing toxic megacolon. Advantages Highly portable and relatively inexpensive imaging modality. Exposes patients to minimal ionizing radiation.Continue Reading Moderately sensitive and moderately specific for diagnosing…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Thyroiditis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Ultrasound of the thyroid gland. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing thyroiditis. Advantages Highly portable imaging modality. Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation.Continue Reading Offers exquisite detail of the vascularity of the thyroid bed. May guide percutaneous…
