ABSTRACT
The reliability of ultrasonography in diagnosing ureteral obstruction caused by calculus was prospectively investigated. In 60 consecutive cases sonograms were compared with excretory urograms. The sonographic diagnosis was correct in 27 (79%) of the 34 cases shown by urography to have ureteral obstruction, and the sonograms showed the causal calculus in 17. The rate of false negative sonographic diagnosis was thus 21%. In two patients with no urographic abnormality, the sonograms indicated ureteral calculus without signs of obstruction. Ultrasonography may be used as an alternative to emergency urography for initial imaging in cases of suspected ureteral obstruction, but urography remains the standard method for evaluating the obstructed urinary tract, due to its greater accuracy and ability to assess renal function.
Subject(s)
Ultrasonography , Ureteral Calculi/diagnosis , Ureteral Obstruction/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Ureteral Calculi/complications , Ureteral Obstruction/etiology , Urinary Tract/pathology , UrographyABSTRACT
A prospective study of 110 patients having iohexol lumbar myelograms indicates that patient positioning does not significantly influence the frequency of adverse postprocedural reactions. Thus, after the procedure, patients may be allowed to choose either ambulation or bed rest with their heads raised.
Subject(s)
Iohexol/adverse effects , Myelography/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Bed Rest , Female , Humans , Locomotion , Male , Middle Aged , Posture , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
The laboratory summary sheets and patient charts concerning 500 consecutive myelograms were reviewed to see whether a routine cerebro-spinal fluid analysis at the time of a neuroradiological procedure made any significant diagnostic contribution. A relatively high frequency of abnormal findings was noted but in no case was significant clinical information obtained. Routine cerebrospinal fluid analysis during myelography does not on the basis of this study seem appropriate.
Subject(s)
Cerebrospinal Fluid/analysis , Myelography , Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins/analysis , Humans , Neuroradiography , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
A prospective clinical study was made in order to determine the value of routine sonography in conjunction with plain abdominal films on 150 patients with acute abdominal symptoms. In 23% important diagnostic information was achieved, most commonly in acute biliary disease. Less important pathological entities were revealed in 21% of the patients. In 1% sonography yielded misleading information. The use of sonography should be increased and it might be recommended as an adjunct to plain film evaluation in patients with acute abdomen if plain films do not reveal the reason for abdominal symptoms.
