[Contrast media in venous digital angiography: ionic or non-ionic?]. / Mezzi di contrasto in angiografia digitale per via venosa (ADV): ionici o non ionici?

Nonionic contrast media (cm) are more and more widely employed in vascular radiology. These cm are the choice in some conventional arteriographies owing to their better tolerability. In intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) the analysis of the personal material and of the literature allows to state that: the image quality with ionic and non ionic cm is similar; the tolerability of nonionic cm is slightly superior; the cardiac and renal toxicity of nonionic cm is slightly lower; reactions to nonionic cm take place with a lower frequency; the price of nonionic cm is considerably higher. Therefore nonionic cm seem to be slightly superior to ionic agents on the basis of these data and they should be theoretically preferred. The only doubt to their routine use in intravenous DSA is the high cost. Therefore we prefer to employ them in risk patients only, as ionic cm in current use are safe and cheap.

Three-dimensional computed tomography of the acetabulum.

Acetabular fractures represent a complex variety that are classified in different types. Conventional radiology is often inadequate to demonstrate and classify the fractures. Computed tomography (CT) has already been shown to be superior in this field. A further advantage of CT is represented by the recent availability of three-dimensional (3D) images that are realized from axial CT scans by means of a new software. The Authors report the applications of this new software to the study of the normal acetabulum and in patients with fractures. 3D images allows an effective demonstration of the fracture, its irradiation and the dislocation of bone fragments. The information is contained in one or few images rather than many axial images. Therefore the role of 3D images may be considered complementary to axial CT scans.

[Sialography, echography and computerized tomography in the study of the parotid region]. / Scialografia, ecografia e tomografia computerizzata nello studio della regione parotidea.

The diagnostic accuracy of sialography and ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of parotid masses is evaluated. Furthermore the role of computed tomography (CT) in this pathology is discussed. In the personal experience US proved to be the best method in the recognition of a parotid tumor while sialography was superior in defining the intra or extraparotid site. The two investigations showed the same accuracy in the definition of benign or malignant nature of the mass. Therefore we consider US the only investigation in most instances; sialography could be performed when the site of the lesion is uncertain or an inflammatory lesion is suspected. CT is never the first investigation; its use is limited to a low number of cases, mainly for the evaluation of large masses and when the association US-sialography does not allow a sure diagnosis.

Computed tomographic follow-up in a case of Addison's disease.

Addison's disease of the adrenal glands presents with different pathological findings depending on the stage. In the acute phase the adrenal glands are bilaterally enlarged while in the chronic phase the glands are small and calcified. A case of Addison's disease with follow-up over a period of a year by CT is reported. CT showed the evolution of the adrenal glands from bilateral masses to small calcified glands. The differential diagnostic problems in the acute phase are also discussed.

[Computed tomography of the femur head. Normal aspects and appearance in aseptic necrosis]. / Tomografia computerizzata delle teste femorali. Aspetti normali ed in corso di necrosi asettica.

The diagnostic value of Computed Tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of the aseptic necrosis of the femoral head is discussed. The CT findings in the different evolutive stages are reported and the respective diagnostic value of Conventional Radiology and CT are discussed. The CT findings of femoral head necrosis in the early phases are emphasized. The capability of CT to demonstrate structural changes in femoral heads with regular morphology allows to consider this technique when there exists a clinical doubt of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and in risk patients.