Radiologists in emergency department settings are uniquely positioned to identify and provide effective, appropriate care to vulnerable patient populations. Emergency Imaging of At-Risk Patients fills a void in the literature by illustrating challenges in emergency and trauma imaging of vulnerable patients using a head-to-toe approach. Drawing on the vast clinical experience of emergency and trauma radiologists from the largest academic medical centers across North America, this reference presents basic and advanced emergency imaging concepts, relevant case studies, current controversies and protocols, and subtle imaging findings that help guide clinicians to efficient and accurate diagnoses and treatments.



Provides a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to imaging of non-traumatic and traumatic emergencies in at-risk patients.


Covers acute brain, thoracic, abdominal, and musculoskeletal conditions, including the unique challenges of imaging pregnant, geriatric, bariatric, cancer, immunocompromised, and pediatric patients, as well as patients using recreational drugs.


Describes specific applications of ultrasound, MRI, radiography, and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).


Reviews recent imaging-related clinical literature and appropriate criteria and guidelines.


A valuable tool for emergency and general radiologists, as well as pediatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists, orthopedic, trauma surgeons, and trainees in all specialties.


Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.




About Michael N. Patlas


Michael N. Patlas, MD, FRCPC, FASER,FCAR, FSAR, is a Professor of Radiology and Emergency/Trauma Imaging Section Chief in the Department of Radiology, McMaster University. He is an Editor-in-Chief for Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal and five radiology books, and author of over 170 peer-reviewed papers, editorials and book chapters. His Editorial Board memberships (past or current) include journals such as AJR, Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, La Radiologia Medica, Emergency Radiology, CPDR, Current Radiology Reports and Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science. Dr.Patlas is a Vice President of Canadian Emergency, Trauma and Acute Care Radiology Society. He is an honored fellow of the American Society of Emergency Radiology, the Canadian Association of Radiologists, and the Society of Abdominal Radiology. Dr.Patlas received Gold Medal from the European Society of Emergency Radiology in 2022.




Evidence-based approach to imaging interpretation in vulnerable patients with acute non-traumatic and traumatic conditions
Imaging of unique neurological emergencies in geriatric patients
Imaging of neurological emergencies in oncologic patients including emergencies related to administration of cancer medications
Imaging of chest emergencies in pregnant patient with special focus on imaging of pulmonary embolism
Imaging of unique abdominal and pelvic emergencies in oncologic patients including acute presentations of malignancies and cancer drug-related complications
Imaging of common non traumatic emergencies in pregnant patient including appendicitis and renal colic
Imaging of abdominal trauma in pregnant patient
Imaging of bariatric patients with special focus on complications of bariatric surgery
Imaging of abdominal emergencies in geriatric patient with focus on special considerations (cardiac output, renal failure), alterations in appearance of normal (biliary ectasia)
Imaging of musculoskeletal manifestations related to recreational drug use
Adequate image choice for age; utilization of fast imaging; acute emergency complications in chronically ill child; imaging in battered child syndrome
Acute chest and abdominal presentations in chronically ill child; imaging in battered child syndrome