Articles
Articles are a collaborative effort to provide a single canonical page on all topics relevant to the practice of radiology. As such, articles are written and continuously improved upon by countless contributing members. Our dedicated editors oversee each edit for accuracy and style. Find out more about articles.
More than 200 results
Article
Submucosal leiomyoma in the exam
Getting a film with submucosal fibroid in the exam is one of the many exam set-pieces that can be prepared for.
Description
Transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound scans show an anteverted uterus with endometrium that is 7 mm wide and has a trilaminar appearance indicative of the pe...
Article
Placental abruption in the exam
Getting a film with placental abruption (premature separation of placenta from uterus) in the exam is one of the many exam set-pieces that can be prepared for.
Description
Transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound show a single live fetus with gestational age of 27 weeks. The cervix i...
Article
Polycystic ovarian syndrome in the exam
Getting a film with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in a subfertile patient is one of the many exam set-pieces that can be prepared for.
Description
Transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound shows an anteverted uterus with a normal size. There is diffuse thickening of the endometri...
Article
Stieda fracture
Stieda fractures refer to a bony avulsion injury of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) at the medial femoral condyle. When it fails to unite, it is known as a Pellegrini Stieda lesion.
It should not be confused with a Stieda process fracture of the talus.
Clinical presentation
Avulsion of t...
Article
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a score calculated from 11 components and is used to quantify the severity of strokes. The modified version of the score, the modified NOH Stroke Scale (mNIHSS), which is slightly simpler because it eliminates three components of the NIHS...
Article
First metatarsal axis
The first metatarsal axis is represented by a line drawn down the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the first metatarsal. It can be drawn on lateral and DP radiographs and is used to measure the:
first metatarsal inclination angle
talo-first metatarsal angle
Article
Weightbearing foot series (an approach)
Reporting a weightbearing foot series can be a daunting process if you are inexperienced and often results in the films being left for somebody else to report. This article attempts to demystify the whole process by providing a structured approach to their reporting.
Technique
The weightbearin...
Article
Fetal MCA systolic/diastolic ratio
Fetal MCA systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio is an important parameter in fetal middle cerebral arterial Doppler assessment. It is a useful predictor of fetal distress and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Interpretation
Normal
During pregnancy the middle cerebral (and other intracranial)...
Article
Big rib sign
The big rib sign is a sign to differentiate right and left ribs on lateral chest radiographs.
It exploits a technique of magnification differences on lateral projections between right and left ribs. For example, on right lateral projections the left ribs appear larger than right ribs.
This s...
Article
APPEND score
The APPEND score is a clinical decision rule and predictor of the likelihood of acute appendicitis.
Criteria
Each of the following is worth 1 point 1:
male gender
anorexia
migratory pain
localized peritonism
elevated CRP >15 mg/L
neutrophilia >7.5x109/L
APPEND refers to the mnemonic:
A...
Article
Lobar collapse (summary)
This is a basic article for medical students and other non-radiologists
Lobar collapse is relatively common and occurs following obstruction of a bronchus. Gas is resorbed from the lung parenchyma distal to the obstruction resulting in the collapse of the lung, with volume reduction and negativ...
Article
Follicular monitoring
Follicular monitoring or follicular study is a vital component of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) assessment and timing. It basically employs a simple technique for assessing ovarian follicles at regular intervals and documenting the pathway to ovulation.
Physiology
Journey to ovulation begins d...
Article
Ground-glass opacification
Ground-glass opacification/opacity (GGO) is a descriptive term referring to an area of increased attenuation in the lung on computed tomography (CT) with preserved bronchial and vascular markings. It is a non-specific sign with a wide etiology including infection, chronic interstitial disease an...
Article
Voiding cystourethrography
Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), also known as a micturating cystourethrography (MCU), is a fluoroscopic study of the lower urinary tract in which contrast is introduced into the bladder via a catheter. The purpose of the examination is to assess the bladder, urethra, postoperative anatomy an...
Article
Retained barium in appendix
Retained barium in appendix refers to the presence of barium in appendix beyond 72 hours from the start of procedure.
Proposed significance
Previously used as a sign of appendicitis.
Actual significance
Retained barium outlining the appendiceal lumen allows evaluation of its width and contou...
Article
Densitometric vertebral fracture assessment
Densitometric vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) is an image of the lumbar and thoracic spine acquired on dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners, for the purpose of diagnosing osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
Terminology
The technique is available on DXA scanners under a variety of...
Article
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical condition involving the bladder (cystitis) and kidneys (pyelonephritis). It is commonly divided into 'uncomplicated' and 'complicated' infections.
Clinical presentation
painful urination
strangury
bloody, dark, cloudy urine
urinary frequen...
Article
Wrist radiograph (an approach)
Wrist radiographs are ubiquitous on any night of the week in emergency departments, especially when pavements are icy!
Systematic review
Choosing a search strategy and utilizing it consistently is a helpful method to overcome common errors seen in diagnostic radiology. The order in which you ...
Article
Shoulder radiograph (an approach)
Shoulder radiographs are common films to see in the Emergency Department, especially during the weekend after sporting events.
Systematic review
Choosing a search strategy and utilizing it consistently is a helpful method to overcome common errors seen in diagnostic radiology. The order in whi...
Article
Intracranial non-neoplastic cysts
Intracranial non-neoplastic cysts are common findings on MRI and CT brain scans.
Location-based diagnostic approach
A location-based approach is useful in establishing an appropriate diagnosis; some locations are virtually pathognomonic for certain lesions e.g. colloid cyst.
Many cysts may oc...
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.