African American female basketball players: an examination of alcohol and drug behaviors.

The use of drugs and alcohol by National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I African American female basketball players and their reasons for using these substances were examined. The investigation is part of a broader study investigating the use of alcohol, weight-loss products, tobacco, amphetamines, and anabolic steroids by female college athletes. Of the 50 athletes in this study, 72% reported having consumed alcoholic beverages, and 46% had engaged in binge drinking. Only 8% reported using either weight-loss or tobacco products, and there were no reports of using amphetamines or anabolic steroids. Usage patterns indicated that the athletes in the study were aware of the short-term negative effects of alcohol and tobacco; those respondents who did use these products greatly reduced their consumption during the competitive season. Factors found to influence use include social and peer influences and coaches' rules.

Angiography is useful in detecting the source of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin.

The treatment of patients with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding can be a frustrating diagnostic challenge. In the past 10-15 years, a variety of new diagnostic procedures (e.g., fiber-optic endoscopy, scintigraphy, and double-contrast barium studies) have become available to examine these patients. Despite these new procedures, a small number of patients continue to bleed without a defined cause. We sought to evaluate the role of visceral angiography in patients with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding in whom findings on an extensive noninvasive workup have been normal. Between 1983 and 1990, we obtained angiograms on 36 such patients. The cause of bleeding was established by angiography in 16 patients (44%). In 11 of these 16, angiography revealed only a structural abnormality without active bleeding. Twenty patients had normal angiographic findings. No angiograms were false-positive, but three were false-negative (8%). No complication occurred as a result of the angiographic procedures. Our experience shows that visceral angiography can provide a positive diagnosis in a significant number of patients with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin in whom all other diagnostic measures have been unrevealing. Despite improvements in noninvasive diagnostic techniques, angiography still remains an important tool for examining this group of patients.

Choledochoscopic stone removal through a T-tube tract: experience in 75 consecutive patients.

Retained biliary stones remain a common clinical problem in patients after surgery. Since 1984, the authors have used choledochoscopy in the treatment of suspected retained biliary stones in 75 patients. These procedures were performed in the radiology department with use of local anesthesia supplemented by an intravenously administered sedative and analgesic. A 15-F flexible fiberoptic choledochoscope was used. Fifty-one of the 75 patients were treated as outpatients. Treatment was successful in 74 of 75 patients; in one patient, intrahepatic stones were not completely removed. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy was used to fragment calculi in 11 patients (15%). Biopsies were performed in four patients (5%). Five minor complications occurred; three required overnight admission. Choledochoscopic-assisted removal of retained biliary calculi is a highly effective and safe procedure. Advantages over standard fluoroscopic stone removal include the ability to directly visualize and fragment adherent or impacted stones and visualize noncalculous filling defects, such as air bubbles, mucus, and biliary tumors.

Rigid subtalar joint--a radiographic spectrum.

A painful or rigid subtalar joint is a common clinical problem. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be useful in evaluating tarsal coalition, but several other pathologic processes with a similar clinical presentation may affect the subtalar joint. Findings from 45 radiographically abnormal subtalar joints are presented, including examples of three different patterns of subtalar tarsal coalition, arthritis, infection, trauma and postsurgical changes. Knowledge of different causes of subtalar pathology may permit ready explanation of symptomatology related to the subtalar joint.