Imaging considerations in the geriatric emergency department patient

This article has reviewed the imaging modalities for clinical problems that are prevalent or problematic in the geriatric Emergency Department population. Geriatric patients may present with atypical symptoms that mask serious illness: diagnostic imaging begins with a high index of suspicion and the choice of the proper imaging modality. For certain problems, such as skeletal trauma and chest complaints, conventional radiography provides an excellent screening examination. For other problems--abdominal, vascular, and central nervous system disorders--computed tomography, ultrasound, and radionuclide scanning have become important primary imaging modalities. Since the emergency physician is in a position to direct the initial imaging of the patient, he or she must weight the factors of cost, invasiveness, and accuracy of the diagnostic modalities available at the institution. Emergency radiology is a growing field. References have been included in the reference list for general emergency radiology, specific modalities, and specific anatomic areas. In addition, there are resources that document pitfalls in imaging; the Keats volume is indispensable both in the Emergency Department and in the Radiology Department.