Pigmented (melanotic) schwannomas of the spinal canal.

Primary pigmented neoplasms of the nervous system are rare tumors. The literature suggests that they behave aggressively and carry a guarded prognosis. We present 2 patients with pigmented schwannomas of spinal nerves who following therapy are alive, functioning and without evidence of tumor 14 and 17 years later. We wish to emphasize that the presence of melanin alone does not equate with a malignant course. The literature is reviewed and theories of histogenesis for these unusual lesions are discussed.

Xeroradiography in the evaluation of acquired airway abnormalities in children.

Xeroradiography of the neck was performed on 36 children with suggested or known acquired tracheal abnormalities. The information obtained from the lateral projection xeroradiograph was superior in selected cases to the conventional soft tissue roentgenogram. In these cases, the information obtained justified the increased (12-fold) radiation exposure and obviated the need for positive contrast examination. This procedure should be considered in any case in which a fluoroscopic contrast examination is indicated.

Estrogen and the postmenopausal breast. Mammographic considerations.

Postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy may produce changes in the breast demonstrable as cystic or dysplastic by mammography. Following cessation of hormone therapy, radiological regression of these changes may be seen. We suggest that in certain patients estrogen replacement therapy be discontinued in an attempt to reverse these dysplastic changes. Reliable radiologic as well as clinical evaluation of the breasts may be enhanced thereby, and if the presence of an associated malignant neoplasm is marked, it will be clarified radiologically and clinically.

Radiology of the gastrointestinal abnormalities seen in patients with adult hepatorenal polycystic disease.

A review of 97 patients with adult hepatorenal polycystic disease (AHRPD) revealed a significant number of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms as the initial or primary manifestation of their disease. The typical appearance of the gastrointestinal barium examinations is presented.

Suture granuloma of the stomach following total colectomy.

Stitch granuloma is rarely a consideration in the differential diagnosis of stomach lesions. This report documents the occurrence of a granulomatous mass of gastric origin simulating an intramural tumor.

Intrathoracic goitre: a cause of the superior vena cava syndrome.

Benign lesions of the mediastinum rarely produce obstruction of the innominate vessels. Two patients with intrathoracic goitre are described who presented with the superior vena cava syndrome. Venography in each case demonstrated the extent of obstruction and degree of collateral circulation. Early recognition of the association of intrathoracic goitre and superior vena caval obstruction may lead to clinical improvement with surgical treatment.

A nontraumatic para-aortic lymphocele complicating nephrolithiasis.

Many cases of traumatic para-aortic lymphocele have been reported. Recently, a case of nontraumatic para-aortic lymphocele was investigated. The etiologic consideration for this lymphocele formation is either a localized inflammatory process, or fibrosis induced by prior passage of calculi.

An aid in sialographic studies. A newly devised curved sialographic obturator cannula.

A newly devised curved side-hole cannula for use in sialographic procedures is presented. A tapered metallic cuff serves as a retention plug to prevent backflow and escape of the contrast medium.

Urography in preoperative evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Ultrasound is a commonly used and accurate method to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. A case of abdominal aortic aneurysm, diagnosed by ultrasound, which at surgery was found to have an overlying horseshoe kidney with multiple renal vessels is reported. The clot surrounding the aneurysm most likely prevented demonstration of the isthmus of the horseshoe kidney by echography. Since preservation of renal blood supply is crucial, urography should routinely be performed prior to surgery to discover such anomalies.