Penetrating XXXX : helical CT angiography for initial evaluation.

@entity1 @entity455 @entity9389 @entity432 @entity1317 @entity715 @entity2849
PURPOSE: To report an experience with helical computed tomographic (CT) angiography as the initial procedure to rule out @entity455 caused by penetrating @entity9389 . MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 27 months, 175 @entity1 were referred for helical CT angiography of the neck because of clinical suspicion of @entity1317 . The protocol included a 100-mL bolus of nonionic contrast material injected at 4.5 mL/sec, with 11-second scanning delay, 3-mm collimation, and pitch of 1.3-2.0. CT images were interpreted prospectively by the emergency radiologist, and two radiologists retrospectively interpreted studies with consensus. Outcome was determined with examination of @entity1 and their charts. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Studies in two @entity1 were considered inadequate for diagnosis; these @entity1 were referred for conventional arteriography and had normal findings. In 27 @entity1 (15.6%), @entity455 were detected. One @entity1 had two @entity1317 . Lesions demonstrated with helical CT angiography were @entity432 (n = 14), @entity2849 (n = 8), @entity2849 and arteriovenous fistulae (n = 4), and partial @entity715 (n = 2). The remaining 146 @entity1 had normal arteries. On the basis of these findings, @entity1 were treated with surgery (n = 21), endovascular intervention (n = 7), and observation alone (n = 146). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that helical CT angiography can be used as the initial method for evaluation in @entity1 with possible @entity1317 of the neck.
