Learning objectives
To demonstrate critical findings seen on the scout views of CT and MRI exams that were instrumental in patient management and in some cases,
proved to be life-saving.
Background
Scoutimages onlyaccount for4% of the radiation dose for the chest and abdomen.Their main use is for technologists toplan the region of interestfor subsequent CT or MRI scan.
Scout images canoccasionallyreveal criticalfindings not visualized on the CT and MR study due to their smaller view,
thus it is important to always look at the scout images.
Findings and procedure details
We present multiple cases that had significant findings on the scout images,
many of which are not included in the FOV of the CT or MRI images.Thisdemonstrates the importance of routine inspection of the scout images.
Case 1 (Fig.
1)
80 year-old male with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
The scout image shows a foreign body projectingover the epiglottis/larynx (Fig A and B),
not seenon theCT brain images.
Previous CT scout views show the dentures in their previous normal location (Fig.C and D).
Case 2 (Fig.
2)...
Conclusion
Scout views are animportant part of any CT or MRI examination.
Radiologists should carefully review the scout images in order to detect potentially significant findings that may or may not be included in the FOV of the study.
A missed finding on scout views may lead to a delay in patient care/management and may have medico-legal implications.
Personal information
Contact details:
Presenting Author/Corresponding Author
Dr.Shaista Riaz
Neuroradiology Fellow
Department of Radiology
McGill University Health Centre
Montreal,Canada
Email:
[email protected]
Department of Radiology
Neuroradiology Section,
McGill University Health Centre,
Montreal,
Canada.
Shaista riaz
Jeffrey Chankowsky
Carlos Torres
M.
D.
Cortes
G.
Linnell
M.C.
Lacasse
S.
Lam
Raquel Z.
del Carpio-O'Donovan
Consultant Surgeon
9.Dr.Riaz Ahmed Khokhar
[email protected]
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