Objective To describe some unenhanced spiral CT imaging signs that can clue to acute pulmonary embolism.Methods By retrospectively analyzing spiral CT imaging of acute pulmonary embolism proved by clinical treatment in 49 cases, some noticeable abnormal imaging signs were found.Results Among the 49 cases, 10 cases had abnormal attenuation changes in the pulmonary arteries, 6 of them had local high-attenuation centrally and 4 of them had local low-attenuation centrally.Conclusion The final diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism depends on enhanced CT scan.But for cases that they could not use contrast media or cases that they only underwent unenhanced CT because of nonspecific heart-pulmonary symptom, abnormal attenuation changes of pulmonary arteries can clue to acute pulmonary embolism.

Objective To discuss the noticeable problems in the radiological diagnosis of thoracic sarcoidosis through retrospective analysis of misdiagnosis. Methods Imaging examinations of 32 misdiagnosed cases with thoracic sarcoidosis including chest radiography, CT, and their clinical data were reviewed. The final diagnosis was made by pathology (9 cases) and clinical therapy (23 cases). Results Enlarged thoracic lymph nodes were detected in all cases. 23 of them presented mediastinal lymph node enlargement associated with bilateral hilar lymph node enlargement, 5 of them had mediastinal lymph node enlargement and unilateral hilar lymph node enlargement, and 4 of them had mediastinal lymph node enlargement without hilar lymph node enlargement. In these cases, 24 had pulmonary abnormalities. 19 of them showed multiple pulmonary nodes, 4 of them had patchy pulmonary shadows, and another 1 had pulmonary fibrosis. Pleural lesions included 2 hydrothorax and 1 multiple pleural nodes, and all of pleural lesions were associated with multiple pulmonary nodes. Conclusion When the radiological findings of thoracic sarcoidosis are atypical, the diagnosis is difficult and must combine with the clinical findings, or the outcome of the treatment.

BACKGROUND:It remains controversial in term of efficacy for the lightweight mesh and heavyweight mesh in inguinal hernia repair.
OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical therapeutic effects of lightweight mesh and heavyweight mesh in open methods of inguinal hernia repair with Meta-analysis.
METHODS:Comprehensive electronic search strategies were developed using the fol owing electronic databases:PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, Ovid, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang and FMJS. The Literature published before February 2013 was searched. The randomized control ed trials about comparing lightweight mesh and heavyweight mesh in open methods of inguinal hernia repair were included. A data-extraction sheet was developed based on the preset standards. The data from eligible studies were pooled using RevMan5.1 software through Meta-analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Eighteen trials with a total of 4 450 hernias met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that there was a statistical difference between lightweight mesh group and the heavyweight mesh group on short-term pain [odd ratio (OR)=0.57, 95%confidence interval (CI) (0.43, 0.74), P<0.05] and a reduced risk of developing foreign body sensations [OR=0.49, 95%CI (0.35, 0.69), P<0.05]. No significant differences were found between the two groups in recurrence rate, testicular atrophy, seroma, hematoma, wound infection, urine retention (P>0.5). According to limited evidence, there are some findings as fol ows:the lightweight mesh is of feasibility, safety and effectiveness for inguinal hernia repair. Because of the limits of sample and quality, more large-sample and high-quality trials are required to make a definite clinical evidence to use lightweight mesh for inguinal hernia repair.