Dry imaging cameras are important hard copy devices in radiology. Using dry imaging camera, multiformat images of digital modalities in radiology are created from a sealed unit of unexposed films. The functioning of a modern dry camera, involves a blend of concurrent processes, in areas of diverse sciences like computers, mechanics, thermal, optics, electricity and radiography. Broadly, hard copy devices are classified as laser and non laser based technology. When compared with the working knowledge and technical awareness of different modalities in radiology, the understanding of a dry imaging camera is often superficial and neglected. To fill this void, this article outlines the key features of a modern dry camera and its important issues that impact radiology workflow.

Three-dimensional (3D) constructive interference in steady state (CISS) is a gradient-echo MRI sequence that is used to investigate a wide range of pathologies when routine MRI sequences do not provide the desired anatomic information. The increased sensitivity of the 3D CISS sequence is an outcome of the accentuation of the T2 values between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pathological structures. Apart from its well-recognized applications in the evaluation of the cranial nerves, CSF rhinorrhea and aqueduct stenosis, we have found the CISS sequence to be useful for the cisternal spaces, cavernous sinuses and the ventricular system, where it is useful for detecting subtle CSF-intensity lesions that may be missed on routine spin-echo sequences. This information helps in the management of these conditions. After a brief overview of the physics behind this sequence, we illustrate its clinical applications with representative cases and discuss its potential role in imaging protocols.

The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body, and anterior instability is the most common type of shoulder instability. Depending on the etiology and the age of the patient, there may be associated injuries, for example, to the anterior-inferior labro-ligamentous structures (in young individuals with traumatic instability) or to the bony components (commoner in the elderly), which are best visualized using MRI and MR arthrography. Anterior instability is associated with a Bankart lesion and its variants and abnormalities of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL), whereas posterior instability is associated with reverse Bankart and reverse Hill-Sachs lesions. Cases of multidirectional instability often have no labral pathology on imaging but show specific osseous changes including increased chondrolabral retroversion. This article reviews the relevant anatomy in brief and describes the MRI findings in each type, with the imaging features of the common abnormalities.

Synchondrosis ischiopubic syndrome (SIS), also known as van Neck-Odelberg disease, is a syndrome characterized by an atypical ossification pattern of the ischiopubic synchondrosis. Its radiological features may mimic stress fracture, neoplasm, osteomyelitis, or posttraumatic osteolysis, causing problems in diagnosis, sometimes leading to unnecessary workup. We report two cases in which the correlation between the clinical and multimodality imaging data enabled the correct diagnosis of SIS.

The MRI findings in a case of decubital ischemic fasciitis located posterolateral to the right greater trochanter, in a 72-year-old woman, are presented. Decubital ischemic fasciitis is an uncommon entity encountered mostly in debilitated, elderly patients, in the deep subcutaneous tissue, at pressure points or bony prominences. It can simulate soft-tissue sarcomas. Recognition of this lesion radiologically is important to prevent unnecessary interventions.

Aims: To evaluate the outcome following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and to identify the predictors of survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Material and Methods: HCC patients reporting to our hospital (2001-2007) were subjected to clinical, biochemical, and radiological examination. TACE was performed in those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Follow-up assessment was done with multiphase CT scan of the liver at 1, 3, and 6 months. Tumor response and survival rate were estimated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done for determinants of survival. Results: A total of 73 patients (69 males, 4 females; mean age 49±13.4 years) were subjected to 123 sessions of TACE. The Child's classification was: A - 56 patients and B - 17 patients. Barcelona Clinic staging was: A - 20 patients, B - 38 patients, and C - 15 patients. Tumor size was ≤5cm in 28 (38%) patients, >5-10 cm in 28 (38%) patients, and >10 cm in 17 (23%) patients. Median follow-up was for 12 months (range: 1-77 months). No significant postprocedure complications were encountered. Overall survival rate was 66%, 47%, and 36.4% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Tumor size emerged as an important predictor of survival. Conclusion: TACE offers a reasonable palliative therapy for HCC. Initial tumor size is an independent predictor of survival.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an established alternative treatment to surgery and intra-arterial chemotherapy, usually performed under contrast-enhanced CT scan guidance. We describe our experience with the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast dynamics analysis for planning and monitoring RFA in a patient with HCC.

ST segment elevation is an important electrocardiographic (ECG) change that is typically found in acute myocardial infarction, but may also be seen in a variety of other conditions. MRI plays an important role in the evaluation of these patients. MRI not only establishes the diagnosis, which is essential for appropriate management, but also helps in the assessment of other factors that are important for risk stratification. In this review, we discuss the common and uncommon causes of ST segment elevation and the role of MRI in the evaluation of these disease processes.

Objective: To evaluate the value of USG as a diagnostic tool to locate nonpalpable testis (NPT), using a new technique of tracking the spermatic cord. Materials and Methods: This technique was used in 197 instances of NPT over a period of 7 years. The presence or absence of the cord in the inguinal canal was recorded. The visualized spermatic cord was tracked down to the testis in extra-abdominal location. If spermatic cord was not visualized, the USG was extended up to look for intra-abdominal testis. The location and size of the testis were recorded, and the findings were compared with those seen at surgery. Results: The status of NPT was predicted by sonography in 191 instances. The testis was canalicular in position in 53, abdominal in 76, ascending in 5, ectopic in 8, and moving in 5 cases. There were three instances of tumor in the NPT and one case of torsion. The testes were atrophic in 36 instances. The testis was not visualized by USG in 10 instances. In four of them, spermatic cord was seen in inguinal canal, indicating vanished testes. In one patient, there was an atrophic testis with inguinal hernia. Diagnostic laparoscopy was necessary in only five cases and showed abdominal testes in two cases and the cord entering the internal ring in three cases. There were one false-positive and four false-negative results with this technique. Conclusion: USG, with the tracking the cord technique, is a sensitive diagnostic tool in NPT. It is useful for selecting the ideal therapeutic surgical approach and helps avoid diagnostic laparoscopy in most of the patients.

Objective: Emphysematous cholecystitis is a severe form of acute cholecystitis and can be rapidly fatal. We present the imaging features of nine patients with proven emphysematous cholecystitis.

The ileosigmoid knot is an uncommon but life-threatening cause of closed loop intestinal obstruction. Its treatment is different from a simple volvulus in that it has to be operated upon immediately. Preoperative CT scan diagnosis and prompt treatment can lead to a good outcome. Findings of simultaneous ileal and sigmoid ischemia with non-ischemic colon interposed in between should, in an appropriate clinical setting, indicate this condition. The presence of the whirl sign, medially deviated distal descending colon and cecum, and mesenteric vascular structures from the superior mesenteric vessels that converge toward the sigmoid colon on CT scan help clinch the diagnosis.

Serous psammomacarcinoma of ovary is a rare ovarian carcinoma. We present the imaging features of this condition in a patient with a probable metastatic subcutaneous nodule.