Preliminary Diagnosis: Testicular torsion 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 diagnosis of testicular torsion. Advantages Highly portable Does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. Highly specific and sensitive…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Scleroderma I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Fluoroscopic guided double contrasted upper GI examination with a small bowel follow through. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing scleroderma. Advantages Details the GI system for any mucosal abnormalities secondary to scleroderma. Disadvantages Limited in evaluating the surrounding…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Mesothelioma I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Chest x-ray, PA and lateral view II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of mesothelioma. Advantages Highly portable and fast imaging modality. Exposes the patient to minimal ionizing radiation. Relatively inexpensive imaging modality. Disadvantages Less sensitive and specific in…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Melanoma I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis Primary lesions are not commonly imaged. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of melanoma. Not applicable III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique? Not applicable IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available? CT with contrast…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Esophagitis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Double contrasted fluoroscopic evaluation of the esophagus using effervescent granules, thin and thick liquid barium, and a barium pill II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of esophagitis. Advantages Relatively quick, highly portable imaging modality Offers exquisite visualization of…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Endometriosis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Pelvic ultrasound. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing endometriosis. Advantages Does not use ionizing radiation. Can easily evaluate the involved structures. Disadvantages Cannot exam all parts of the lower abdomen and pelvis. Requires a skilled technician. May be…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Cerebral Edema I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Noncontrast CT of the brain II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of cerebral edema. Advantages Relatively inexpensive and efficient way of imaging the brain for parenchymal edema Best for evaluating for any associated osseous abnormality, i.e., cerebral…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Bronchiectasis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Chest radiograph: PA and lateral views II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Advantages Relatively inexpensive and fast imaging modality Highly portable Exposes the patient to minimal ionizing radiation Disadvantages Less sensitive and specific in locating the…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Amyloidosis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Amyloidosis is a histological diagnosis. However, some imaging modalities may suggest amyloidosis in the correct clinical setting. A first-line imaging modality is CT imaging of the area of interest with IV and oral contrast. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Testicular Cancer I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Ultrasound of the scrotum and bilateral testicles. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing testicular cancer. Advantages Highly portable and does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. Details the velocity and direction of vascular flow. May help guide…
