ABSTRACT
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive analysis technique allowing fast and high-quality cross-sectional imaging of scattering media. OCT is based on the physical phenomenon of low coherence interferometry and is thus well suited to image layered structures. In this paper, high-speed spectral domain OCT was used for the characterization of pharmaceutical tablet coatings, sampled at different stages of an industrial drum spray coating process, comprising tablets with a coating thickness ranging from uncoated to a target coating thickness of about 70 µm. In addition to the OCT investigation of layer thickness and homogeneity, tablet weight gain and tablet diameters were determined on a single-tablet level. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied for referencing the coating thickness obtained with OCT. We demonstrated that OCT allows rapid evaluation of coating properties, such as thickness and homogeneity independently from variations of the tablet core. In contrast to indirect methods, deviations observed with OCT can be related directly to the coating properties. Furthermore, for an extended morphological coating characterization, three dimensional images were reconstructed. Pending further developments, the high axial resolution and fast data acquisition rate of OCT has the potential for highly accurate, fast and low-cost coating control during and after manufacturing.
Subject(s)
Tablets, Enteric-Coated/chemistry , Technology, Pharmaceutical/methods , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Equipment Design , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Quality Control , Reference Standards , Surface Properties , Tablets, Enteric-Coated/standards , Technology, Pharmaceutical/instrumentationABSTRACT
We report on the contribution of real-time sonography in comparison to plain radiographs to the assessment of fracture healing of 121 patients suffering fractures of the long bones of the lower limbs. Sonographic morphology of periosteal callus metamorphosis shows basically a persistent increase of echogenicity representing the temporal range from fracture haematoma to the "woven bone". Further criteria are the homogeneity of structure and the development of a marginal interface. Nonunion radiologically classified into hypertrophic and atrophic types may also be differentiated by sonographic criteria and may influence proper orthopaedic management. Regarding sonographic methods using an A-mode amplitude signal, the morphologic assessment of callus metamorphosis is more likely to be translated into clinical practice. Although it yields a variety of information, sonography will be unable to replace radiography due to methodical limitations.
Subject(s)
Bony Callus/pathology , Fractures, Closed/diagnosis , Periosteum/pathology , Ultrasonography , Adult , Child , Follow-Up Studies , Fractures, Closed/pathology , Humans , Pseudarthrosis/diagnosis , Pseudarthrosis/pathology , Time Factors , Wound HealingABSTRACT
Rupture of the spleen occurred in five patients (aged 44-59 years) in the course of chronic or chronic recurrent pancreatitis. In three patients the rupture was a consequence of perisplenic adhesions associated with subclinical chronic pancreatitis, in another there was direct enzymatic erosion of the splenic capsule via the phrenicosplenic ligament, and in the fifth patient haemorrhagic infarction followed splenic venous thrombosis. In four patient there was a history of chronic pancreatitis related to alcohol abuse. On admission all patients complained of breathing-related pains radiating into the shoulder. Three patients also had abnormal radiological signs in the left lower lung field (high diaphragm, effusion, infiltration). The findings can be explained pathogenetically by infiltration of the phrenicosplenic ligament which connects the tail of the pancreas with the splenic hilus and the diaphragm. The final diagnostic confirmation and indication for surgery was in all cases made by computed tomography. This is thus the imaging procedure of choice if splenic involvement is suspected in the course of chronic pancreatitis.
Subject(s)
Hemorrhage/etiology , Pancreatitis/complications , Splenic Diseases/etiology , Splenic Rupture/etiology , Chronic Disease , Humans , Middle Aged , Recurrence , Rupture, Spontaneous , Tissue Adhesions , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Ultrasonography (7.5 MHz linear scan) was employed in 129 patients with pathologic conditions of the front parts of the knee and its value was compared with other imaging modalities (x-ray, CT). Surgical or arthroscopic correlation was available in 75 patients (43 with injuries, 32 non-traumatic). In view of its high sensitivity and positive predictive value we suggest the use of sonography in these applications: 1. Differential diagnosis of periarticular swellings 2. Lesions of the knee extensor mechanism 3. Documentation of stability tests 4. Lesions of the intercondylar cartilage 5. Follow-up of therapy effects On account of the low sensitivity we do not recommend regular sonographic examination of menisci with linear scans.
Subject(s)
Knee Injuries/diagnosis , Ultrasonography/instrumentation , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Joint Instability/diagnosis , Knee Joint/pathology , Ligaments, Articular/injuries , Male , Middle Aged , Tendon InjuriesABSTRACT
A 65-year-old man under the influence of alcohol sustained blunt trauma to the abdomen in an accident while riding a motorcycle. An intramural haematoma of the gall-bladder was demonstrated by computed tomography: peritoneal lavage was negative. About five hours later the gall-bladder ruptured, as confirmed at laparotomy. The postoperative course after cholecystectomy was uneventful.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries/complications , Gallbladder Diseases/etiology , Gallbladder/injuries , Hematoma/etiology , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/complications , Accidents, Traffic , Aged , Cholecystectomy , Gallbladder Diseases/complications , Hematoma/complications , Humans , Male , Rupture , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Because of unusual anatomy and function the long head of the biceps brachii (LHB) is often subject to pathologic changes. On reviewing 354 sonographies of the shoulder (7.5 MHz), it was found that 61 (= 17%) abnormal findings of the LHB were reported such as degenerative changes accompanying impingement stadium II and III (atrophy, hypertrophy, effusion), intracapsular ruptures, acute isolated tenosynovitis and bony changes of the sulcus (bony spurs, shallow and dysplastic sulcus with subluxation of the LHB). Each abnormal finding was confirmed by x-ray and arthrography (some via CT) and compared with sonographic report. There seems to be a strikingly high percentage of rotator cuff tears connected with lesions of the LHB and the reduced filling of the sheath of the LHB, if combined lesions were apparent elsewhere in the shoulder. We consider sonography to be the method of choice in the assessment of LHB injuries; in case of verified lesion of the LHB, other pathologic conditions elsewhere in the shoulder are likely.
Subject(s)
Tendinopathy/diagnosis , Tendon Injuries/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Arthrography , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Rupture , Shoulder/diagnostic imaging , Shoulder/pathology , Shoulder Injuries , Shoulder Joint/diagnostic imaging , Shoulder Joint/pathology , Tendinopathy/etiology , Tendon Injuries/etiology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
We consider CT to be suitable for investigating the following lesions of the rotator cuff: 1) tendopathia calcarea. 2) Rotator cuff atrophy suitable for surgery. 3) Bone defects. 4) Inflammatory changes with effusions. For demonstrating rotator cuff defects that might require surgery, we recommend CT arthrography, if possible with sagittal sections. This is particularly the case for younger patients with a history of trauma and evidence of a complex shoulder injury and in cases with persistent symptoms after surgical intervention of ineffective conservative treatment. CT, however, is only indicated if sonography supplies limited information or if sonography is negative with positive clinical findings.
Subject(s)
Shoulder Injuries , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Arthrography , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Shoulder Joint/diagnostic imaging , Shoulder Joint/pathology , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
The alimentary tract is frequently used as a hiding place for the transportation of drugs. We report on the cases of two smugglers with drug packages ("body packing") in the gastrointestinal tract. Radiological techniques provide the best method of diagnosis. The clinical problems and symptoms of acute drug intoxication are presented.
Subject(s)
Cocaine , Digestive System/diagnostic imaging , Drug and Narcotic Control/legislation & jurisprudence , Foreign Bodies/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Austria , Humans , Male , RadiographyABSTRACT
Disturbances in the region of insertion or point of attachment of ligaments or tendons to the bones (known as "enthesopathy") comprise, besides endocrinological and metabolic diseases, mainly traumatic, inflammatory and degenerative changes. The two imaging methods that are most suitable for investigating the soft parts are sonography and magnetic resonance tomography. Sonography has become the most widely used diagnostic tool for tendon lesions in sports due to its ability to analyse muscles and ligaments in any desired projection and functional state on a "real time" basis. Within just one year (1987) we examined sonographically 86 sportsmen clinically suspected of lesions of tendons and paid particular attention to documentation of sonomorphological changes of the tendons and peritendonous soft parts, as well as to the objectivation of treatment effects in follow-ups. Advantages of real time sonography in anomalies of tendons are: 1. confirmation of rupture if clinical signs and symptoms are vague; 2. differentiation between intratendinous and peritendinous structural changes; 3. diagnosis and follow-up control in lesions of the apophysis in adolescents without risk of irradiation exposure; 4. non-invasive follow-ups and objectivation of treatment effects in conservative and surgical treatment; 5. diagnostic on-target sonographically controlled aspiration of synovial fluid; 6. dynamic assessment of function of tendon play under real time conditions. Hence, sonography of the soft parts should be used as the method of choice to clarify any lesions of tendons and ligaments, since it is an easily appreciated, readily available, low-cost and sensitive imaging method.
Subject(s)
Athletic Injuries/diagnosis , Sports , Tendon Injuries/diagnosis , Ultrasonography , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Rupture , Tendinopathy/diagnosis , Tendons/pathologyABSTRACT
In 250 examinations of 86 patients, high resolution real time sonography with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer proved to be a readily available, low-cost and significantly relevant imaging method in diagnosis and follow-up of muscular lesions in sportsmen. The method offers a high measure of safety in excluding rupture or in enabling differential diagnosis between partial muscular rupture and muscular spasm, so that the choice of treatment can be decisively influenced by sonography. Hence, rapid rehabilitation, which is so essential in competitive sport, is speeded up even further. In extensive ruptures or rupture haematoma, therapeutic ultrasound-guided puncture can be performed or indication for surgery can be facilitated in subtotal or complete tears of a muscle that is important for high-level performance.
