Comparison of conventional angioplasty with the Palmaz stent in the treatment of abdominal aortic stenoses from the STAR registry. SCVIR Transluminal Angioplasty and Revascularization.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare the safety and short-term efficacy of conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and PTA with the Palmaz balloon-expandable intravascular stent for the treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic atherosclerotic stenoses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 25 patients with infrarenal aortic stenoses treated by means of percutaneous techniques were retrieved from the SCVIR Transluminal Angioplasty and Revascularization (STAR) Registry and analyzed. Thirteen patients were treated with PTA alone and 12 were treated with the Palmaz intravascular stent. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 92% of patients treated with PTA alone and in 100% of those treated with the Palmaz stent. Significant improvements in lesion morphology, hemodynamics, clinical status, and ankle arm indexes were shown in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in percent stenosis reduction, decrease in trans-stenotic gradient, or initial clinical outcome between the group treated by means of PTA and the group treated by means of PTA with the Palmaz stent. CONCLUSIONS: PTA and intravascular stent placement of atherosclerotic stenoses involving the infrarenal aorta are both safe and efficacious therapeutic modalities. At present, it does not appear that primary stent placement confers any short-term benefits over technically successful PTA in aortic stenoses.

Colitis: use of CT findings in differential diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether colitides can be differentiated based on computed tomographic (CT) features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT scans of 117 patients with documented colitis and colon wall thickening were reviewed. Features evaluated included mural thickness and homogeneity, distribution of bowel involvement, and associated mesenteric and small bowel disease. RESULTS: The mean colon wall thickness in Crohn colitis (11.0 mm +/- 5.1) was significantly greater than in ulcerative colitis (7.8 mm +/- 1.9) (P < .002). Submucosal fat deposition, not observed in the acute colitides, was present significantly more often in ulcerative (61%) than in Crohn colitis (8%) (P = .0001). Exclusive involvement of the right colon and small bowel was most frequent with Crohn and infectious colitis. Abscess was associated almost exclusively with Crohn colitis (35%) but was seen in one patient with radiation colitis. CONCLUSION: Although many CT findings in patients with colitis are nonspecific, some features are helpful in suggesting a specific diagnosis.

Pulmonary manifestations of cryptococcosis in patients with AIDS: CT features.

The computed tomographic (CT) scans and chest radiographs of 10 patients with AIDS and proven pulmonary cryptococcal infections were reviewed. In seven patients (70%), CT demonstrated pulmonary opacities that ranged in appearance from a perihilar interstitial pattern to an area of dense alveolar consolidation. Corresponding chest radiographs were less accurate in detecting interstitial opacities (2 of 5 patients, 40%) than the alveolar opacities (4 of 5 patients, 80%). Pulmonary nodules were identified in three patients (30%) by CT but were identifiable on the chest radiograph in only one patient (10%). The chest radiograph suggested hilar adenopathy in three patients although CT confirmed hilar adenopathy in only one patient. In one patient, a small pleural effusion, not appreciated on the chest radiograph, was detected by CT. CT may add additional information in the diagnosis of pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans.

Congenital and acquired orthopedic abnormalities in patients with myelomeningocele.

This article presents a radiologic review of the spectrum of acquired and congenital orthopedic abnormalities found in patients with myelomeningocele. These abnormalities are caused predominantly by muscle imbalance, paralysis, and decreased sensation in the lower extremity. Iatrogenic injury, such as a postoperative tethered cord, may also cause bone abnormalities. Selected images were obtained from more than 800 children. Important entities presented include spinal curvatures such as kyphosis, scoliosis, and lordosis; subluxation and dislocation of the hip, coxa valga, contractures of the hip, and femoral torsion; knee deformities; rotational abnormalities of the lower extremity and external and internal torsion; ankle and foot abnormalities such as ankle valgus, calcaneus foot, congenital vertical talus (rocker-bottom deformity), and talipes equinovarus; and metaphyseal, diaphyseal, and physeal fractures. Familiarity with congenital abnormalities and an understanding of the pathogenesis of acquired disorders in patients with myelomeningocele are essential for proper radiologic interpretation and timely therapy.