Mini Atlas of Emergency Imaging

Gives details on how contrast-enhanced spiral CT and high field MRI has revolutionised the work-up and diagnosis of the trauma and emergency patient.

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This new title in the miniseries gives details on how contrast-enhanced spiral CT and high field MRI has revolutionised the work-up and diagnosis of the trauma and emergency patient. State-of-the-art CT and MRI technology with multislice capabilities allows for rapid breath-hold scanning, permitting greater coverage with greater spatial detail. CT may be performed in hemodynamically stable patients in whom injury is suspected in much less time than in the recent past with greater accuracy and diagnostic confidence. These capabilities have led to a dramatic decrease in surgical exploration for often minor injuries, improved triage by presenting the total spectrum of injuries, permitted recognition of clinically unanticipated injuries, and fostered earlier discharge of patients without significant injury with a high level of confidence. These influences have, in turn, led to a decrease in costs of patient management and, most likely, improved overall clinical outcomes.