Radiology MRI

CT of the 6 years old with thalassemia showing extensive hypertrophy of the diploic spaces mostly in the maxillary walls, skull base and frontal bones. Note obliteration of the maxillary, sphenoid and frontal sinuses. Also note increased trabeculation in the diploë. This results from bone marrow hypertrophy due to ineffective erythropoiesis. See also: The Hair-on-End Sign by Margaret A. Hollar - article from Radiology

Cavum Velum Interpositum as incidental finding on CT.

I have just finished listening to the latest book by Atul Gawande - The Checklist Manifesto. I was looking forward to this book after reading his previous  Complications book. The general style of writing is very honest, catching and inspiring. However what I mostly liked in Complications was the interesting medical cases presented with a very exciting narrative. The Checklist is somehow disappointing in this. There are fewer medical cases and plenty of aviation and real estate stories. This time I have chosen for the audiobook instead of classical paper book. It is interesting to confront those two different types of book "reading" experiences. Audiobooks allow for time efficient absorption of the reading material. Since I walk a lot an audiobook is a great alternative for me. However the traditional paper book allows to read more carefully, come back and re-read some parts of it. Audiobooks are more prone to distractions and missing some interesting points. In case of The ...

Today a bit of positive humor in normal anatomy. Note a peace sign in the odontoid process at the upper image that corresponds with closed ossification centers. Lower image shows a heart sign that is a normal configuration of the spinous process of the second cervical vertebra (C2) - same vertebra as above. Example of "positive reading" of the radiology images. ;-)

Note vertical subluxation of the odontoid process into the foramen magnum. Also known as basilar impression. Most likely caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However list of differential diagnosis is large. See also: Rheumatoid Arthritis with Vertical Subluxation from Neuroradiology On The Net Blog

I have just finished reading this excellent book. I can highly recommend it. At first when I heard about it I was sceptic. Subject is very delicate and difficult to portray. I was afraid that the book would be addressed to the general public but to my very positive surprise it is so well written that it is a great read for both general and medical readers. Book is presenting a number of interesting medical cases and doing it in a very absorbing way. Atul not only describes the cases but uses them to discuss various delicate issues we, doctors, are dealing with in our daily practice. I very much agree with the points of view presented by the author. Looking forward to read more from Atul Gawande. Great job! Thank you.