Cytomegalovirus esophagitis in AIDS: radiographic features in 16 patients.

Cytomegalovirus is one of the more common opportunistic organisms implicated in the development of esophagitis in patients with AIDS. A review of the radiographic features of 16 proved cases of cytomegalovirus esophagitis showed a spectrum of abnormalities related to the severity of the inflammatory process. Seven patients had a mild form of esophagitis with segmental involvement characterized by granular mucosa, superficial erosions, and poorly defined, shallow ulcerations.

CT of appendicitis.

The CT findings of 38 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis are analyzed, described, and illustrated. CT showed intraabdominal disease in 92% of patients and made a specific diagnosis of appendicitis in 79% of cases. The most common CT findings were pericecal inflammation (68%), abscess (55%), calcified appendicolith (23%), and an abnormal appendix (18%).

Air insufflation of the colon as an adjunct to computed tomography of the pelvis.

Air insufflation of the colon as an adjunct to pelvic CT examinations was performed in 49 patients for evaluation of a known or suspected pelvic mass or in follow-up of treated pelvic tumors. This safe, simple method of colonic visualization clearly outlines the rectosigmoid colon and permits a reliable assessment of the mucosa, wall thickness, and extrinsic abnormalities, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy in staging pelvic malignancy and evaluating pelvic pathology.

Computed tomography of the sacroiliac joints: comparison with complex-motion tomography.

Forty-seven patients with sacroiliac joint abnormalities were examined with computed tomography and conventional complex-motion tomography. Twenty-nine patients had spondyloarthritis. Of the 29, complex-motion tomography detected bone erosions in 16 patients, whereas computed tomography revealed erosions in nine.

Computed tomography of the diaphragm: normal anatomy and variants.

Computed tomographic examinations in 75 normal individuals are analyzed to define the cross-sectional anatomy of the diaphragm. Anatomic relationships among the inferoposterior portions of the lungs, the pleura, and the hemidiaphragms are clarified. The posterior pleural recess, an important potential space, is described and illustrated.

The role of serum albumin in the hepatic excretion of iodipamide.

The contrast agent for biliary tract visualization, iodipamide, is strongly bound to serum albumin. The relationship between the affinity of the contrast agent for albumin and its preferential uptake and excretion by the liver has been unclear. The role of serum albumin on hepatic uptake and excretion of iodipamide therefore was investigated on the isolated perfused rabbit liver.

Electronic anal sphincter stimulation in barium enema examination. A preliminary communication.

Electronic stimulation of the external and sphincter muscle was successful in preventing premature evacuation of barium in 28 of 30 patients. All of them were unable on 1 or more occasions to retain the barium during previously attempted studies by conventional methods. None of the patients had an underlying neurologic problem affecting the anal sphincter.