Bone bruises: their patterns and significance.

MR imaging is sensitive in the detection of occult stress and posttraumatic fractures in and around the knee joint. In some patients, the pain from these bony injuries can mimic that of meniscal tears. The abnormality of the bone may explain completely the patient's symptoms and obviate the need for any further work-up. The types of injuries detected by MRI include bone bruises, stress or insufficiency fractures, and osteochondral fractures. Bone bruises or contusions are characterized by a diffuse or localized pattern of low signal intensity on T1-weighted images without a defined fracture. Blood, edema, hyperemia, and perhaps microfracture of the trabeculae may all contribute to the marrow signal alterations. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries often are accompanied by a characteristic bone contusion pattern, such as hemorrhage or edema in the posterior aspect of the lateral tibial plateau, as well as the anterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle.

Malignant mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis.

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis is rare, but sometimes curable. It is similar to malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum and of the pleura, and is likewise associated with asbestos exposure. We report a case, with correlative computed tomography, ultrasound, and gross pathology images that demonstrate tiny tumor implants studding the vaginalis testis. The literature is reviewed.

Carotid duplex sonography: a multicenter recommendation for standardized imaging and Doppler criteria.

A complex duplex carotid evaluation involves high resolution imaging and characterization of the carotid plaque as well as quantitative Doppler spectral analysis to determine the presence and degree of flow restriction. Each of the components of the examination is essential to evaluate the carotid arteries adequately for the presence of disease. Both of these components should be assimilated into a final report that can be used to determine who is at risk for embolic as well as flow restrictive disease. By carefully following the reporting system described in this paper, an accurate and reproducible means of evaluating the carotid arteries can be achieved that permits comparison of studies. In addition, this will allow accurate communications among institutions and help to insure a better understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease.

Early diagnosis of pancreatic infection by computed tomography-guided aspiration.

We performed 92 computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle aspirations of pancreatic inflammatory masses in 60 patients suspected of harboring pancreatic infection. Thirty-six patients (60%) were found by Gram stain and culture to have a total of 41 separate episodes of pancreatic infection. Among 42 aspirates judged to be infected by computed tomography-guided aspiration, all but one were confirmed by surgery or indwelling catheter drainage. Among 50 aspirates judged to be sterile, no subsequent evidence of infection was found. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no complications were noted. As a result of this technique, we observed that pancreatic infection occurs earlier than has been previously appreciated (within 14 days of the onset of pancreatitis in 20 of the 36 patients) and that infection may recur during prolonged bouts of pancreatitis. We conclude that guided aspiration is a safe, accurate method for identifying infection of the pancreas at an early stage.

Ovary volume in young and premenopausal adults: US determination. Work in progress.

Normal adult ovary volume determined by ultrasonography (US) is often stated to be less than 6 cm3. This is based on data from teenagers and young adults aged 12-20 years. Recently, the mean normal volume determined by US was reported to be considerably higher. We measured the volumes of 28 ovaries from 15 healthy young adults and found them to range as high as 13.84 cm3, with an average of 6.48 cm3.

Bone scanning in the assessment of patellar viability following knee replacement.

In an attempt to diagnose avascular necrosis (AVN) of the patella, a potential complication of the surgical procedure, 99mTc-MDP bone scanning was performed pre- and postoperation in 37 patients treated by 41 total knee arthroplasties. The normal immediate postoperative scan should demonstrate increased radionuclide uptake in the patella when compared to preoperative scans. Decreased uptake was seen in four cases in the early postoperative period. This latter group was believed to be at risk for osteonecrosis and stress fracture of the patella. For this reason, prophylactic restriction of activity was instituted, with subsequent return of normal radionuclide uptake in the patella. Bone scanning provides an effective method of early diagnosis of patients at risk for the development of AVN and secondary patellar fractures following total knee arthroplasty.

Digital subtraction arthrography.

The technology of digital subtraction image processing was applied as a substitute for conventional arthrographic subtraction techniques in the evaluation of 29 joints in 27 patients. There were 15 total hip replacements, one total knee replacement, eight wrists, three shoulders, and two ankles. Information regarding prosthetic component loosening and ligamentous disruption of carpal bone articulations could be determined with a high degree of accuracy when compared with information gained using conventional radiographic methods. Our results indicate that this method may be a suitable substitute for other arthrographic techniques.

Duplex ultrasound imaging: vascular applications.

A recently developed duplex ultrasonic imaging system that combines high-resolution real-time imaging with simultaneous Doppler analysis provides accurate evaluation of hemodynamically significant occlusive vascular lesions. This system was used in the evaluation of the extracranial carotid arteries, iliofemoral arteries, and hemodialysis shunts. The system obtains information regarding blood velocity, lumen area, plaque composition and ulceration, and hemodynamic turbulence. A total of 140 patients with hemodynamically significant lesions diagnosed by this method was evaluated angiographically. Correlation between the two modalities yielded a sensitivity of 0.94, a specificity of 0.88, and an overall accuracy of 0.92. The diagnostic information obtained can be used to differentiate potential surgically correctable lesions from those that require medical therapy or follow-up.

Pharmacology, clinical uses, and adverse effects of ceruletide, a cholecystokinetic agent.

Ceruletide, a decapeptide, is a potent cholecystokinetic agent with a direct spasmogenic effect on the gallbladder muscle and bile ducts in humans and animals. It was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an adjunct in x-ray examination of the gallbladder and small bowel. The drug causes a coordinated propulsive activity from the duodenum to the ileum and segmenting activity in the colon. Because of this stimulatory effect, ceruletide is useful not only diagnostically as an aid in x-ray examination of the small bowel, but also therapeutically for treatment of postoperative ileus, intestinal atonia, and chronic fecal statis. Because of its pancreatic stimulatory action, it is useful in evaluation of exocrine pancreatic function. In therapeutic doses the adverse effects noted are mild, transient extensions of the drug's pharmacologic actions and are manifest as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rarely hypotension and tachycardia. On the basis of current evidence, ceruletide is a safe and effective cholecystokinetic agent and small bowel and exocrine pancreatic stimulant.

Posterior arch defects of the cervical spine.

Spondylolysis and absence of the pedicle are congenital anomalies of the posterior cervical spine. Their roentgenographic changes may be confused with other more serious entities which may necessitate either emergent therapy or require extensive diagnostic testing and treatment. Four cases are present and the literature is reviewed. A hypothesis for the embryologic etiology of these entities is proposed.

Ceruletide-assisted examination of the small bowel.

Ceruletide, a decapeptide similar in action to cholecystokinin, was studied in a randomized fashion in 48 patients undergoing routine small bowel examination. Parenteral administration of Ceruletide demonstrated a significantly decreased small bowel transit time (28.8 min) when compared with placebo (67 min) (P less than 0.005). However, this was offset by a diminution in anatomic quality particularly in the distal ileum. A hypotonic action on the duodenual bulb and sweep was observed in 77% of patients after the administration of Ceruletide. This hypotonic effect may prove to be a useful adjunct in the performance of an upper gastrointestinal series.

Ceruletide-assisted cholecystography: a clinical assessment.

The cholecystokinetic effect of ceruletide, a synthetic decapeptide similar in action to cholecystokinin, was examined in both a randomized and nonrandomized study in 81 patients scheduled for routine oral cholecystograms. Intramuscular injection of ceruletide in a dose of 0.3 microgram/kg resulted in a mean maximum contraction of the gallbladder of 68% and a mean time until maximum contraction of 28 minutes. Visualization of the cystic duct occurred in 57 patients (70%); the common duct was seen in 67 (83%). Ceruletide demonstrated superior gallbladder contraction when compared to fatty meals and demonstrated no interference with a subsequent upper gastrointestinal series.