Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S E Mirvis

Publications and source records attributed to S E Mirvis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Imaging of diaphragmatic injuries.

Multiple imaging modalities are available for the preoperative diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury. Chest radiographs are the initial and most commonly performed imaging study to evaluate the diaphragm after trauma. When chest radiography is indeterminate, spiral computed tomography (CT) with thin sections and reformatted images is the next study of choice, particularly because most hemodynamically stable patients with blunt diaphragm injury will require an admission CT examination to evaluate the extent and anatomical sites of coexisting thoracoabdominal injuries. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to evaluate the diaphragm for patients with clinical suspicion but an indeterminate diagnosis after chest radiography and spiral CT.

Diaphragm↗
PubMed2000

Using CT to diagnose traumatic lumbar hernia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the CT findings of traumatic lumbar hernia in 15 patients and to discuss the mechanism and treatment of injury. CONCLUSION: CT can reveal traumatic lumbar hernia and show both the anatomy of disrupted muscular layers and the presence of herniated intraabdominal viscera or retroperitoneal fat.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2000

MR imaging of thoracic trauma.

Although MR imaging and MR angiography should not be considered a primary study for patients sustaining blunt or penetrating thoracic trauma, it has achieved importance as an ancillary problem-solving modality. In general, the authors have found MR imaging to be a useful ancillary study to confirm or exclude diaphragm injury, if spiral CT scan with reformations are equivocal; to help assess the aorta and mediastinum in cases of potential injury that are not clarified by CT scan or thoracic angiography; and to identify the true origin of trauma-related masses that may simulate thoracic neoplasms.

Aorta↗
PubMed1999

Imaging diagnosis of nonaortic thoracic injury.

Chest radiographs remain the initial imaging modality to rapidly screen patients with blunt chest trauma. Spiral CT is more sensitive and specific in diagnosing most thoracic pathology seen in blunt trauma patients. This article reviews the major clinical and radiologic findings that occur with blunt injuries to the chest, excluding mediastinal vascular injuries.

Diaphragm↗
PubMed1999

Use of portable CT in the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Experiences in the admitting area, ICU, and operating room.

The author's experience with portable CT has been positive. Nurses and clinical physicians have been pleased with this new imaging capability also, and have written testimonial letters endorsing its value. Recently, the STC extended availability of the mobile CT to the University of Maryland Hospital, an adjoining 600-bed center with numerous medical and surgical patients in ICU. They are particularly interested in assessing use of portable CT in the neonatal ICU, where patient transport outside the unit is particularly difficult and dangerous. Technical improvements for portable CT are in development. Soon, helical volume scanning will be available, allowing faster image acquisition and better two- and three-dimensional image reformations (Fig. 12). A new, more powerful x-ray tube is in development that will permit more slices to be acquired without tube cooling interruptions. Gantry translate capability coupled with a radiolucent backboard extender has the potential to permit scanning of the head, neck, spine, face, and upper torso without the patient being moved from the ICU bed. For applications in head, face, and neck surgery, a radiolucent cranial fixation device also has been developed. Other potential improvements include extended battery power for more scanning between charges, a larger tube heat unit storage for extended scanning situations, decreased system weight for easier transport, and more detector efficiency for improved image quality while maintaining significant dose reduction over conventional scanning. The capability of portable CT scanning for emergency, intensive care, and intraoperative studies exists now. The commercially marketed cost for this system is between $400,000 and $500,000. Further studies are anticipated to clarify the economic and clinical benefits of this technology.

Admitting Department, Hospital↗
PubMed1999

Hemoperitoneum as the sole indicator of abdominal visceral injuries: a potential limitation of screening abdominal US for trauma.

PURPOSE: To determine, at screening ultrasonography, the prevalence, severity, and clinical outcome of clinically important abdominal visceral injuries, without associated hemoperitoneum, that result from blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) was performed at admission in 466 patients with visceral injury. A retrospective review was performed of findings from surgery and contrast material-enhanced spiral and conventional CT performed to verify abdominal visceral injuries in 467 (4%) of 11,188 patients with blunt trauma. These patients were admitted to a level 1 trauma center over 33 months to determine the presence of hemoperitoneum and to identify the grade of injury. Medical records of patients with abdominal visceral injury without hemoperitoneum were reviewed for the management required and for results of focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST). RESULTS: A total of 575 abdominal visceral injuries were identified at CT and/or surgery. Findings of CT at admission (n = 156) and of surgery (n = 1) revealed no evidence of hemoperitoneum in 157 (34%) patients with abdominal visceral injury; 26 (17%) of whom also had negative FAST studies. Abdominal visceral injuries diagnosed in patients without hemoperitoneum included 57 (27%) of 210 splenic injuries, 71 (34%) of 206 hepatic injuries, 30 (48%) of 63 renal injuries, four (11%) of 35 mesenteric injuries, and two (29%) of seven pancreatic injuries. Surgical and/or angiographic intervention was required in 26 (17%) patients without hemoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Reliance on the presence of hemoperitoneum as the sole indicator of abdominal visceral injury limits the value of FAST as a screening diagnostic modality for patients who sustain blunt abdominal trauma.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1999

Portable CT: assessing thoracic disease in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of a portable CT scanner to evaluate and treat thoracic disease in patients in the intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients who were being treated in the intensive care unit underwent 20 portable CT scans. Twice a CT scan was obtained to guide an interventional chest procedure. The remaining 18 scans were assessed for findings not evident on portable chest radiography and for findings that altered treatment. Image quality was judged in comparison with fixed CT scans. RESULTS: Unsuspected abnormalities, most relating to the pleura or chest wall, were found in 13 of the 17 available portable CT scans. Treatment was affected in four (25%) of the 16 cases in which medical records were available for review. Two interventional procedures were performed successfully using portable CT guidance. Scan quality was judged to be comparable with that of fixed CT for mediastinal windows and somewhat inferior for lung windows. CONCLUSION: Portable CT gives images of diagnostic quality and allows confident guidance during interventional procedures in critically ill patients who therefore need not leave the intensive care unit environment.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Helical CT of diaphragmatic rupture caused by blunt trauma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of helical CT with sagittal and coronal reformatted images in detecting diaphragmatic rupture after blunt trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chest and abdominal helical CT scans obtained in 41 patients with suspected diaphragmatic injury after major blunt trauma were reviewed by three observers who were unaware of surgical findings. Coronal and sagittal reformatted images were reviewed for each patient as well. Findings consistent with diaphragmatic injury, such as waistlike constriction of abdominal viscera (i.e., the "collar sign"), intrathoracic herniation of abdominal contents, and diaphragmatic discontinuity were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity of helical CT were calculated on the basis of surgical findings and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Helical CT was performed preoperatively in 23 patients with diaphragmatic rupture (left, n = 17; right, n = 5; bilateral, n = 1). An additional 18 patients underwent helical CT to further evaluate suspicious findings seen on chest radiography at admission and were found to have an intact diaphragm. Sensitivity for detecting left-sided diaphragmatic rupture was 78% and specificity was 100%. Sensitivity for the detection of right-sided diaphragmatic rupture was 50% and specificity was 100%. The most common CT finding of diaphragmatic rupture was the collar sign, identified in 15 patients (sensitivity, 63%; specificity, 100%). Diaphragmatic discontinuity was seen in four patients. CONCLUSION: Helical CT, especially with the aid of reformatted images, is useful in the diagnosis of acute diaphragmatic rupture after blunt trauma. Helical CT can be used to detect 78% of left-sided and 50% of right-sided injuries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

CT scan evaluation of blunt hepatic trauma.

Information provided by CT scan allows for determination of the extent of liver injury and identification of other nonhepatic abdominal injuries. This information, coupled with clinical assessment, can be used to optimize management. Contrast-enhanced CT scan can monitor progression or resolution of hepatic injuries, detect complications, and guide percutaneous treatment of some complications. This article discusses CT scanning technique; classification, sites, and mechanisms of liver injury; CT scan appearance of liver injury; and complications of hepatic trauma.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Use of spiral computed tomography for the assessment of blunt trauma patients with potential aortic injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the accuracy of contrast-enhanced spiral thoracic computed tomography (CEST-CT) for direct detection of traumatic aortic injury resulting from blunt thoracic trauma. METHODS: During a 25-month period, all blunt trauma patients who had abnormal mediastinal contours on admission chest radiographs underwent CEST-CT. The presence and location of mediastinal blood and any direct signs of aortic injury, such as pseudoaneurysm, were recorded. Computed tomographic results were compared with results of aortography, when performed, surgery, or clinical status at discharge. RESULTS: There were 7,826 patients classified as having blunt trauma admitted during the study. Of these, 1,104 (14.3%) had CEST-CT performed. Mediastinal hemorrhage was detected on 118 (10.7%) of all thoracic computed tomographic scans. Direct evidence of aortic injury was detected in 24 patients (20.3%) with mediastinal hemorrhage and 2.2% of all patients undergoing CEST-CT. In this prospective series, CEST-CT was 100% sensitive based on clinical follow-up; it was 99.7% specific, with 89% positive and 100% negative predictive values and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 99.7%. CONCLUSION: CEST-CT is a valuable ancillary study for the detection of traumatic aortic injury. Spiral computed tomography is accurate for the detection and localization of both hemomediastinum and direct signs of aortic injury.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Imaging of acute thoracic aortic injury due to blunt trauma: a review.

Much recent work on the use of computed tomography (CT) and transesophageal echocardiography in screening for and facilitating the diagnosis of acute thoracic aortic injury in the patient with blunt chest trauma has shown favorable results. This has led some physicians to question whether conventional thoracic aortography is still the reference standard. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the epidemiology and pathophysiology of acute thoracic aortic injury, the current status of the individual imaging modalities in use, and the surgeon's perspective. Despite a burgeoning literature and a confounding array of clinical and imaging advances, timely diagnosis of acute thoracic aortic injury remains a challenge. To overcome this problem, some trauma centers have used CT, transesophageal echocardiography, or both, in their diagnostic algorithm for acute thoracic aortic injury. These diagnostic algorithms are individually tailored by each institution and are still under investigation; therefore, no definite conclusions can be reached.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Budd-Chiari syndrome resulting from intrahepatic IVC compression secondary to blunt hepatic trauma.

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction (Budd-Chiari syndrome)is a rare sequel of abdominal trauma. Three cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome resulting from obstruction to the intrahepatic IVC by liver injury are reported. The CT findings include extrinsic compression of the intrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) by intraparenchymal and/or subcapsular hepatic haematoma, non-visualization or narrowing of one or more main hepatic veins with intravenous contrast-enhanced CT, and accumulation of low attenuation ascites. This entity should be distinguished from intraperitoneal bile leak or hemoperitoneum associated with major liver injury with which it could be confused. Decompression of the IVC and hepatic veins by surgical or percutaneous drainage of intrahepatic or subcapsular hematoma was curative in two of the three patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Computed tomography of malpositioned thoracostomy drains: a pictorial essay.

Chest drain placement is essential to the management of patients with abnormal thoracic collections of air or fluid. Frequently, in these critically ill patients, drain position can only be assessed by portable frontal radiographs. However, evaluation by axial chest CT in some cases reveals unexpected malplacement that may prompt repositioning to reduce morbidity and improve drain function.

Chest Tubes↗
PubMed1997

Computed tomography exclusion of osseous paranasal sinus injury in blunt trauma patients: the "clear sinus" sign.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was designed to assess the association of clear paranasal sinuses (no free fluid) as shown by facial computed tomography (CT) with the absence of fractures involving the paranasal sinus walls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All facial CT scans performed during a 12-month period to rule out maxillofacial injury in blunt trauma patients were reviewed. The scans were made using 5-mm slice thickness and 4-mm table incrementation. They were assessed for the presence or absence of free paranasal sinus fluid (hemorrhage) and the presence and location of facial fractures. RESULTS: A total of 366 CT scans of the face were performed during the study. Among them, 180 scans (49%) were identified that showed no evidence of free paranasal fluid. Twenty-two (12%) of these 180 CT studies showed isolated nasal fractures (n = 13) or zygomatic arch fractures (n = 9). No patient without free paranasal sinus fluid had any midfacial fracture involving a paranasal sinus wall (P < .001 by Fischer exact test). CONCLUSION: The absence of free paranasal sinus fluid after facial trauma is a highly reliable criterion to exclude fractures involving the paranasal sinus walls. Other fractures involving osseous structures not contiguous with the paranasal sinus walls, such as nasal or zygomatic arch fractures, are not excluded. The CT "clear sinus" sign is a simple, rapid method to exclude paranasal sinus fractures.

Exudates and Transudates↗
PubMed1997

Abdominal injuries without hemoperitoneum: a potential limitation of focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST)

BACKGROUND: Focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) relies on hemoperitoneum to identify patients with injury. Blunt trauma victims (BTVs) with abdominal injury, but without hemoperitoneum, on admission are at risk for missed injury. METHODS: Clinical, radiologic, and FAST data were collected prospectively on BTVs over a 12-month period. All patients with FAST-negative for hemoperitoneum were further analyzed. Examination findings and associated injuries were evaluated for association with abdominal lesions. RESULTS: Of 772 BTVs undergoing FAST, 52 (7%) had abdominal injury. Fifteen of 52 (29%) had no hemoperitoneum by admission computed tomographic scan, and all had FAST interpreted as negative. Four patients with splenic injury underwent laparotomy. Six other patients with splenic injury and five patients with hepatic injury were managed nonoperatively. Clinical risk factors significantly associated with abdominal injury in BTVs without hemoperitoneum include: abrasion, contusion, pain, or tenderness in the lower chest or upper abdomen; pulmonary contusion; lower rib fractures; hemo- or pneumothorax; hematuria; pelvic fracture; and thoracolumbar spine fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 29% of abdominal injuries may be missed if BTVs are evaluated with admission FAST as the sole diagnostic tool. Consideration of examination findings and associated injuries should reduce the risk of missed abdominal injury in BTVs with negative FAST results.

Abdominal Injuries↗