The limitations of carotid sonography: interpretive and technology-related errors.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared carotid artery sonography with angiography to determine, in retrospect, which types of sonographic errors arose from incorrect interpretation of sonographic images and which errors could be ascribed to the limitations of sonographic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of all patients who underwent carotid artery sonography and angiography between 1993 and 1997 at our institution revealed 66 patients with complete sets of studies, yielding 132 examinations (right or left). Studies were not reinterpreted and angiography was considered to be the gold standard. Only stenoses of 60% or greater were included in our study. If the degree or location of stenosis differed on the two imaging studies, they were reviewed together to classify the type of sonographic error. RESULTS: We found complete agreement of sonography and angiography in 115 cases (87%) and discrepancies in 17 (13%). Thirteen of 17 sonographic errors were false-positive interpretations and three were false-negative interpretations. One was an error in location. Retrospective review showed seven interpretive errors. In all these cases, the color Doppler image better revealed the degree of stenosis. Other complicating factors included inconsistencies between absolute velocities, velocity ratios, and waveforms obtained while a patient was being treated with an intraaortic balloon pump. In the other 10 discrepancies, the sonographic interpretation was accurate. Seven of these cases were false-positive interpretations in patients with contralateral occlusions or stenoses. The other three cases in this group showed long segments of stenosis, ulcerations, or tortuous vessels on angiography. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that increased accuracy can be achieved in the interpretation of carotid artery sonography by meticulous attention to the color image. When color Doppler sonography is technically limited by tortuosity or ulceration, or if significant contralateral disease is present, misinterpretation is more likely.

Self-reported signs and symptoms in breast implant patients with novel antibodies to silicone surface associated antigens [anti-SSAA(x)].

In research animals, the immune adjuvant activity of silicone in eliciting antibodies to associated protein antigens is now well established. In humans, the immune adjuvant activity of silicone remains controversial. Clusters of data from various research groups are beginning to define the boundary conditions for future large epidemiological studies. In that spirit, this manuscript reports pilot clinical data from a serological study conducted 3 years ago and reported previously in this journal. Sera from a self-selected symptomatic population of patients with breast implants were assayed for elevated concentrations of antibodies showing binding avidity to silicone surface associated antigens [anti-SSAA(x)]. In that study of 249 patients, two distinct statistically significant subgroups were identified on the basis of the serological assay alone: patients without any elevated anti-SSAA(x) (negative) and patients with elevated anti-SSAA(x) (positive) (p < 0.001). In this study, a clinical survey returned by 226 of those patients was correlated with the previously acquired serological findings. The 11 most common clinical complaints reported by the 199 anti-SSAA(x) negative patients and by the 27 anti-SSAA(x) positive were compared and their frequencies analyzed. The 199 anti-SSAA(x) negative patients, as a group, showed a lower frequency of a variety of signs and symptoms compared to the 27 anti-SSAA(x) positive patients. Statistically significant differences were seen in three of the symptoms: fever, foot pain, and sleep disturbance (p < 0.05). In addition, the syndrome of fever in the absence of local chest pain was a significantly associated with anti-SSAA(x) positivity (p < 0.001).

A pathophysiological examination of the biophysics and bioreactivity of silicone breast implants.

Historically, silicones have been considered biologically inert materials, and have therefore been used widely in a variety of medical applications. Recently, controversy has arisen concerning the bioreactivity of silicone; reports of adverse inflammatory and immunological complications that may be evoked by silicone breast implants have appeared in the medical literature and have received great attention from the lay press. The phenomena said to be associated with silicones may be attributed pathophysiologically to the inherent surface activity of silicone. The human body's initial response to the silicone of breast implants is the adsorption of various plasma proteins, including clotting and complement proteins, to the implant surface. Other macromolecules in the biological milieu may follow. The conformational integrity of this adsorbed macromolecular layer affects much of the subsequent biological reaction. Clinically silent inflammation, locally significant inflammation, inflammation with constitutional symptoms, and inflammation with immunological activation are possible consequences.

The Maquet principle. Anterior displacement of the tibial tubercle in the treatment of patellofemoral disorders: radiologic appearance.

Anterior displacement of the tibial tubercle is a well-accepted orthopedic procedure in the treatment of certain patellofemoral disorders. The radiologic appearance of surgical procedures utilizing the Maquet principle has not been described in the radiologic literature. Familiarity with the physiologic and biochemical basis for the procedure and its postoperative appearance is necessary for appropriate roentgenographic evaluation and the radiographic recognition of complications.

Ainhum--an unusual presentation involving the second toe in a white male.

Ainhum (dactolysis spontanea) is most frequently seen involving the fifth toes of black men. An atypical case involving the second toes bilaterally in a white male is presented. The differential diagnosis, radiological findings and pathological appearance of this rare entity are discussed.

Hemangioma of bone arising in the maxilla.

Hemangioma of the maxilla is a rare lesion with a variable and atypical radiographic appearance. A case presenting as an expansile, destructive antral mass is reported. The radiographic workup, differential diagnosis, pathology, and treatment of this rare lesion are discussed.