The Golden S Sign – Right Upper Lobe Collapse
History: middle aged female with cough. This is a nice example of right upper lobe collapse and the classic Golden S sign, which is the elevated minor fissure convex inferiorly on the proximal/medial portion and concave inferiorly on the distal or lateral portion. This sign is classically seen with post-obstructive atelectasis due to a central […]
Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema Mnemonic – NOT CARDIAC
This mnemonic has been commonly used to recall the non-cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema: N – Near drowning O – oxygen therapy T – Transfusion related acute lung injury or Trauma C – CNS (neurogenic pulmonary edema) A – Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, aspiration, altitude (high altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE) R – renal disorder or […]
Osteochondral Injury
History: adult male with ankle pain. This is the appearance of osteochondral injuries on plain radiography and MRI. The term osteochondral lesion has been broadly applied to include abnormalities of the bone and cartilage that are not acute. In the ankle, osteochondral injuries are most common at the middle third of the lateral talar dome […]
The Radiologist – Technologist Relationship
Recently I came across an extremely useful blog resource written by self-published author and lead radiology technologist Jeremy Enfinger. His blog is Topics in Radiography and his book Becoming a Radiologic Technologist can be found here. Today we have the privilege of a guest post by Jeremy regarding a crucial topic – the relationship between radiologists […]
Pes Planus
History: 35 year old male with foot pain. This is the appearance of pes planus, or flatfoot, which occurs in up to 20% of adults with no other abnormalities. There are many contributors to pes planus deformity, including hindfoot valgus shown by increased talocalcaneal angle to greater than 45 degrees, midfoot sag or lisfranc ligament […]
Diabetic Foot Complications
History: 50 year old male with uncontrolled diabetes. This is a common appearance in patients with uncontrolled diabetes and osteomyelitis of the foot. There are many muskuloskeletal complications of diabetes, most of which predominantly affect the feet. Most commonly is ulceration, cellulitis or abscess formation. Diabetic patient’s frequently develop peripheral neuropathy and therefore have difficulty […]
Diffuse Cerebral Edema
History: status post trauma with severe blood loss. This is a case of diffuse cerebral edema secondary to exsanguination. The pathophysiology of diffuse cerebral edema in the case of exsanguination involves global brain ischemia secondary to hypoperfusion from hypovolemic shock. Brain ischemia leads to anaerobic metabolism that produces less adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and more lactate. […]
Malleolar Fractures
History: Middle aged male with ankle pain. Malleolar fractures are classified mainly by two classification systems, the Weber system and the Lauge-Hansen system. There are three main types of Weber fractures (A,B, and C). The Lauge-Hansen system is much more complex and divides the fractures into their mechanisms, including supination/adduction, supination/external rotation, pronation/abduction, and pronation/external […]
Hip Osteoarthritis
History: 65 year old male with bilateral hip pain. This case illustrates the classic findings of hip osteoarthritis including joint space narrowing, subchondral cysts, and osteophytes or osseous productive changes. Osteoarthritis most commonly presents with morning stiffness and pain related to use, and is very common in patients older than 65 years of age. It […]
Thoracic Spine Compression Fractures – Vertebra Plana
History: elderly female with back pain and deformity. This is a case of multiple thoracic spine pathologic compression fractures secondary to osteoporosis in an elderly female patient. Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone mineral density that places patients at risk for fracture. Causes of osteoporosis include prolonged steroid use, post-menopausal state, and normal aging, […]