The authors make the point that completion appendectomy in cases of stump appendicitis should be performed laparoscopically when possible guided by CT scan findings.

Ultrasonography (US) has a fundamental role in the initial examination of patients who present with symptoms indicating abnormalities of the inguinal canal (IC), an area known for its complex anatomy. A thorough understanding of the embryologic and imaging characteristics of the contents of the IC is essential for any general radiologist. Moreover, an awareness of the various pathologic conditions that can affect IC structures is crucial to preventing misdiagnoses and ensuring optimal patient care. Early detection of IC abnormalities can reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality and facilitate proper treatment. Abnormalities may be related to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which can result in development of direct inguinal hernias and varicoceles, or to congenital anomalies of the processus vaginalis, which can result in development of indirect hernias and hydroceles. US is also helpful in assessing postoperative complications of hernia repair, such as hematoma, seroma, abscess, and hernia recurrence. In addition, it is often the modality initially used to detect neoplasms arising from or invading the IC. US is an important tool in the examination of patients suspected of having undescended testes or posttraumatic testicular retraction and is essential for the examination of patients suspected of having torsion or infectious inflammatory conditions of the spermatic cord. Online supplemental material is available for this article. RSNA, 2016.

A 29% decrease in CTDI(vol) and a 20% decrease in DLP were obtained in scans with ASIR compared with scans without ASIR, without a quantitative loss of image quality.

Therapeutic study, level III.

Many women with ovarian torsion present with nonspecific abdominal/pelvic pain and initially receive computed tomography (CT). We hypothesize that the CT scans preformed on these women will all show abnormalities of the involved ovary. Our purpose is to review cases of surgically proven ovarian torsion at our institution over the last 20 years, assessing CT findings in women with ovarian torsion. A retrospective review of all patients at our institution with surgically proven ovarian torsion from 1985-2005 was conducted. Two physicians reviewed available CT reports, and a radiologist reviewed all available images. CT was obtained in 33% of the 167 patients. Dictated reports were available for 28 studies; all described an enlarged ovary, ovarian cyst, or adnexal mass of the involved ovary. Radiologist review of the available CT images confirmed these findings. This series supports the claim that a CT scan with well-visualized normal appearing ovaries rules out ovarian torsion, while abnormal pelvic findings or failure to visualize the ovaries in women with pelvic pain necessitates further evaluation of torsion.