A common denominator in the etiology of adult respiratory distress syndrome.

The initiating factor in ARDS is a matter of controversy. Some investigators relate ARDS development to diffuse pulmonary microemboli after stress ranging from sepsis to non-thoracic and thoracic trauma. Others indicate hyperoxic exposure as the causative agent. This investigation looked for a common factor in ischemia and hyperoxic exposure in lung which could cause the genesis of ARDS. Studies of oxidative phosphorylation, succinate dehydrogenase activity and ATP level were performed on ischemic and 100% O2 exposed lung. Results in both showed decreased respiration rate below the basal rate, decreased SDH activity, followed by marked decrease in ATP levels in pulmonary tissue. Decrease in respiration (ATP production) capacity and ATP levels in ischemic lung were such that normal cell functions could not be sustained if returned to normal circulation. Hyperbaric O2 therapy would subsequently decrease energy metabolism in regions of normal circulation and in previously ischemic regions.

Tomographic diagnosis of palatal defects.

We present the results of a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of palatal tomography in patients suspected of having palatal defects not detectable by other methods. Twelve patients were involved in the projects, ranging in age from 3 to 11 years. There were 8 boys and 4 girls. Each patient was evaluated with voice recordings, lateral cineradiographic x-rays, and palatal tomograms. Nine of the 12 patients were found by tomography to have palatal defects that had not been detected either by cineradiography or by clinical investigation, including physical examination of the palate. The results of this study are presented with clinical findings.

Diagnosis of palatal defects by trispiral tomography: a pilot study.

A pilot study is presented in which 12 selected patients, ages 3-11 years, were evaluated for a palatal defect utilizing trispiral tomography. Each patient, because of speech and hearing abnormalities, was evaluated by a speech pathologist and an otolaryngolgist and voice recordings, audiometry, tympanometry and plain and cine radiographic X-rays were obtained. Those children with speech and hearing abnormalities in whom the question of a palatal defect was raised underwent trispiral palatal tomography. Nine of the 12 patients selected for tomography demonstrated a palatal defect that was not detected by other means. Trispiral tomography appears to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of suspected palatal defects in selected patients.

Exostosis of the mandibular coronoid process.

Abnormal enlargement of one or both mandibular coronoid processes may lead to a limited mandibular excursion. A case of unilateral coronoid process exostosis severely limiting mandibular function is described. A review of the literature pertinent to this uncommon abnormality is presented. The various entities of coronoid process osteochondroma, osteoma, exostosis, hypertrophy and developmental anomaly, all producing a similar picture of coronoid process enlargement are discussed. The proper use of the available radiographic techniques simplifies the diagnosis of these uncommon maladies, as long as a coronoid process abnormality is considered in the differential diagnosis of restricted mandibular movement.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis.

Nine cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis are reviewed. Eight patients had diabetes and 7 had symptoms related to the orbit. Roentgen analysis of focal bone destruction and uniform mucosal thickening will frequently suggest the diagnosis. Mucormycosis should be suspected in the diabetic patient with destruction of the walls of the bony sinuses, especially when multiple sinus involvement suggests an etiology other than neoplasm.