[Iodinated contrast media and iodine allergy: myth or reality?]

The term "iodine allergy" is an old phrase that refers to a reaction to iodinated contrast media. After a brief review of definitions, pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors of this clinical entity, management is urged immediate and delayed according to the most recent recommendations from the literature. We underline that iodine allergy, as such, does not really exist.

[Imaging-guided percutaneous spinal biopsy]

The aim of this article is to present the value and limitations of image-guided percutaneous biopsy in spinal disorders. The indications and contraindications of percutaneous spinal biopsy and the different techniques and materials used are discussed. The decision for this type of biopsy and the choice of technique should be made by a multidisciplinary team. Percutaneous spinal biopsy is a safe, inexpensive and possible as an outpatient. The effectiveness of percutaneous spinal biopsy is around 70%.

[Bronchial artery ligation for the management of hemoptysis]

Hemoptysis is defined by the expectoration of blood from infra-glottal airway. Massive hemoptysis can be a life-threatening intrathoracic disease that requires urgent investigations and management. The chest radiography and the computed tomography (CT) are useful to localize the bleeding site and to identify the cause of hemoptysis. Bronchial artery embolization is the most effective nonsurgical treatment in the management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis. This article reviews the role of radiology in the diagnosis and treatment of hemoptysis.

[Imaging in ankle traumas with special attention to fractures and their mechanisms]

The ankle is the most frequently injured joint. The most common causes include sports injuries, highway accidents and household or workplace accidents. The therapeutic decision is based on radiological and clinical interpretation. This article aims to assist the clinician in deciding the role of radiography in diagnosis, care and treatment. It is also a reminder for the radiologist.

Ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is known to be an effective palliative treatment in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although TACE can control tumour growth and palliate the patients, complications of TACE with significant morbidity are well known and adversely affect the outcome of patients. Necrotic tumor rupture is a serious complication of TACE and has a high mortality rate. We report a case of ruptured HCC followingTACE in a 78-year-old male patient who subsequently developed peritonitis and pneumoperitoneum. This case gives us the opportunity to underline the importance of such complications and demonstrates the utility of CT imaging for diagnosis and management of patients with ruptured HCC.

[A tenacious lameness in a 2-year-old child]

Spondylodiscitis, a septic infection of the intervertebral disc Spondylodiscitis, a septic infection of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebrae, is an unusual infection, mainly affecting children and elderly people. It is classically associated with tuberculosis, but other germs such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes or mitis, and some even more unususal ones (e.g. Kingella kingae), are often encountered in our countries. Non tuberculous spondylodiscitis is found in approximately 2% of pediatric bone infections. Medullar compression and bone destruction can occur, especially when diagnosis is delayed, hence the value of early diagnosis and treatment. We report the case of a non tuberculous spondylodiscitis occurring in a 22 month-old baby