Computed tomography in the evaluation of spinal aneurysmal bone cyst.

Computed tomographic findings in three cases of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) are reported. Although conventional radiography is usually adequate in the demonstration of an expansile osteolytic cavity, CT may provide additional information about tumour characteristics, localization and extent, show the lesion's relation to the spinal cord and thus be of great help in preoperative planning.

CT characterization of multivesicular hydatid cysts.

One hundred seventy-eight abdominal multivesicular hydatid cysts were classified into three types (A, B, C) based on CT densities and morphology of cysts. The CT density of viable daughter cysts was always appreciably lower than those of mother hydatid cysts. This density differential between mother and daughter hydatid cyst fluid is a useful diagnostic sign.

The diagnostic value of xero-mammography in clinically occult breast carcinoma.

Seventy-four clinically occult breast carcinomas were detected in 7535 patients who were examined clinically and by xeromammography. The criteria by which a diagnosis of clinically occult breast carcinoma was established are described in detail. The most frequent finding of a clinically occult breast carcinoma in the xeromammogram was an irregular mass density 1 cm in diameter or less with microcalcifications. Axillary lymph node metastases were present in 29.7% of the total group of patients, which is much fewer than what might have been expected if the carcinomas had been discovered by palpation during the clinical examination or by the patient herself. This means a better prognosis and a lower death rate from breast carcinoma. Screening xeromammography is encouraged for all women after the age of 40, especially for those who belong to the high-risk group, even though they are quite asymptomatic, as there is hope of detecting cancers before they become palpable.

Computed tomography of ovarian carcinoma.

Forty-seven patients with ovarian carcinoma were examined with computed tomography (CT). Fourteen were evaluated before laparotomy (group I), 25 following surgical treatment (group II), and 8 were followed by CT in the course, or following chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy (group III). CT provided accurate estimates of the size, shape and structure of the ovarian tumor in 8 patients in group I and contributed to diagnosis in 3 others. Primary ovarian tumors were incorrectly diagnosed in 3 cases. CT examination was valuable for detection of metastases in the mesenterium, omentum, peritoneum, abdominal organs and lymph nodes. The detection of small (1 cm diameter) metastatic implants on the peritoneal surface, omentum and liver capsule was facilitated by the presence of ascites. CT proved useful for patient follow-up, either after surgical treatment or when chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy was used.

The use of computed tomography in the assessment of cardiac masses.

Computed tomography has been found to be a useful tool in the evaluation of cardiac masses. It can be most effacious in the detection of a lesion and in the delineation of its size and location, as well as the demonstration of its relationships to intra- and extracardiac structures. It can be especially useful in areas of the heart where echocardiography can be difficult. This is particularly true for the left atrium, where lesions such as small thrombi can be missed.

The diagnostic importance of the recognition of the inferior vena cava abnormalities on CT-examinations.

Two unusual variations of the Vena cava inferior, as shown by CT examinations, are reported and characteristic X-rays, as well as CT scans, are presented. The first case shows an IVC course to the left of the aorta and the second case absence of the intrahepatic portion of the IVC with azygos continuation. Difficulties in the differential diagnosis are analyzed and discussed, both demonstrated by plain X-rays and CT scans.

Cushing's syndrome with an apparently normal CT scan.

A case of Cushing's syndrome is described in which the CT scan was considered as normal. The diagnosis was established with selective venography and blood sampling and was verified surgically.

Papanicolaou test of the nasopharynx in a radiotherapy department.

Radiotherapists are often asked to irradiate patients with metastases in lymph nodes in the cervical area from an unknown primary carcinoma. In our department we use indirect mirror examination, finger palpation and cytology of smears from the nasopharynx, in case the primary is located there. The same method is used before radiotherapy of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, during treatment and at their follow up examinations. We found cytology of the nasopharynx very useful in managing these patients.

Selective testicular venography for the localization of undescended testicles.

Percutaneous venography of the internal spermatic vein was performed for the localization of unpalpable testicles in 5 patients varying from 4 to 45 years of age. The catheterization of the vein on the left side was successful in all 5 cases; and the testicle was localized and verified by surgery in all but one case in which a competent valve prevented the retrograde filling of the whole length of the vein down to the testicle. In the two patients with bilateral undescended testicles the right internal vein could not be identified in one patient, and in the other patient a semiselective injection was done into that vein which appeared to represent the spermatic vein, but the examination was not conclusive.

Percutaneous arterial embolization in the kidneys of dogs: a comparative study of eight different materials.

Forty-one dogs were subjected to percutaneous arterial embolization of branches of the renal artery or its main trunk with or without prior injury to the kidney, with eight different materials, i.e., homologous blood clot, muscle, fat, fascia, barium sulphate, plain catgut, gelfoam and polyvinyl alcohol (Ivalon). From the immediate observations made, as well as the haemodynamic, angiographic and histological studies over a period ranging from 24 h to several weeks, it was concluded that Ivalon was the best material for arterial embolization.

A comparative study of the degree of arterial recanalization in kidneys of dogs following transcatheter embolization with eight different materials.

41 dogs were subjected to percutaneous arterial embolization of branches or the main trunk of the renal artery with or without prior injury to the kidney. 8 materials were used: homologous blood clot, muscle, fat, fascia, barium sulfate, plain catgut, gelfoam and polyvinyl alcohol (Ivalon). From the angiographic investigation over a relatively long period, it was observed that complete recanalization of the embolized vessels occurred only with blood clot and gelfoam; partial recanalization, with muscle fat and plain catgut; and no recanalization at all with fat, barium sulfate and Ivalon.

Unilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis.

A case of unilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis is presented in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The diagnosis was established from the presence of gas in the renal parenchyma, the pelvicalyceal system and the ureter. The patient was treated with a prolonged course of antibiotics and the function of the left kidney returned to normal.