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: Sarcoidosis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Plain radiography. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing sarcoidosis. Advantages Highly portable and quick imaging modality. Exposes patients to negligible ionizing radiation. Disadvantages Poorly sensitive and limited specificity in evaluating for sarcoidosis. Does not help in treatment, therapy,…
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: Hydrocephalus 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 hydrocephalus. Advantages Less expensive and faster to perform than MR imaging Disadvantages Exposes patients to ionizing radiation III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis 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 hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Advantages Fast and portable imaging modality Exposes patients to minimal ionizing radiation Disadvantages Less sensitive and specific in diagnosing a primary pulmonary…
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: 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…
