ABSTRACT
Multislice computed tomography provides high spatial and temporal resolution images in addition to high quality multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions. As a result of this diagnostic efficacy, the Computed Tomography Urography (Uro-CT) has become the technique of choice for evaluating the urinary tract, virtually replacing the traditional urography examination. At Padre Hurtado Hospital, Santiago, Chile, we conducted a retrospective analysis to review our experience with Uro-CT scanning and split bolus technique, which has the potential to yield a synchronous nephrographic and excretory phase of the urinary system, thus reducing radiation dose for patients, number of images and costs generated by MDCT urography. A series of 31 cases is presented, along with description of techniques applied as well as study main findings.
La tomografía computada multicorte permite obtener imágenes de alta resolución espacial y temporal además de reconstrucciones multiplananes y tridimensionales de gran calidad, lo que ha hecho que la Urografía por Tomografía Computada (UroTAC) se convierta en la técnica de elección para la evaluación del tracto urinario, reemplazando prácticamente a la urografía tradicional. En el Hospital Padre Hurtado, revisamos nuestra experiencia con UroTAC y técnica de "split bolus" que permite obtener simultáneamente una fase nefrográfica y excretora del sistema urinario mediante una sola adquisición, lo que disminuye la dosis de radiación al paciente, el número de imágenes y los costos de la UroTAC estándar. Presentamos una serie de 31 pacientes estudiados, describiendo la técnica y los principales hallazgos obtenidos en ellos.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Middle Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female Urogenital Diseases , Male Urogenital Diseases , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Urography/methods , Radiation Dosage , Urologic Diseases , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Falls are an important cause of disability and mortality among elderly subjects. AIM: To study the features and incidence of falls in institutionalized elderly subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective recording of all falls, occurring in a period of eight months, to 453 subjects older than 60 years, living a home for the elderly. Evaluation of functional status of subjects suffering falls, using the Spanish Red Cross score. One hundred and two subjects living in the same place, but not suffering falls, were considered as controls. RESULTS: One hundred and three subjects, aged 80 +/- 6 years (24 per cent of the sample) suffered falls. Most falls were during the day and while walking. Seventy percent of subjects suffering falls did not have a history of previous falls. Nine percent of those falling, suffered a fracture. Compared to controls, falling subjects had a more deteriorated functional and mental status and consumed more benzodiazepines and neuroleptics. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between functional status and psychotropic medication consumption and the incidence of falls in institutionalized elderly subjects.