Computed tomography of thymic abnormalities.

Computed tomographic examinations of 38 patients with surgically and histologically proven diagnosis were reviewed. Twenty subjects (52%) had an invasive thymoma and 16% an hyperplasic thymus. Myasthenia gravis was present in 6 cases (16%) of thymic abnormalities, four (10.

[Evaluation of pathology of the small intestine by computed tomography. Apropos of 34 cases].

A retrospective study reviewed computed tomography imaging findings in 34 patients with affections of the small intestine. In 68% of cases lesions were demonstrated by the CT scan before any other investigation. Whether the lesions were benign or malignant tumors, inflammatory or infectious disorders or malformations, all images showed segmental or localized parietal thickening of 5 mm or more.

Adjusted versus fixed-dose subcutaneous heparin in the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after total hip replacement.

Venous thromboembolism after total hip replacement continues to be a serious problem. We conducted a study to determine whether adjustment of the dose of subcutaneous heparin to yield partial thromboplastin times in the high-normal range results in a greater reduction of postoperative deep-vein thrombosis than fixed doses of heparin. Seventy-nine patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups two days before surgery.

CT detection of benign and malignant abnormalities of the small bowel.

The authors analysed the CT findings in 60 normal subjects and 14 patients with small bowel disease to assess the ability of CT to detect wall thickening. The patients all had a small bowel wall thickness larger than 0.5 cm.

CT of the thoracic duct.

The ability of computed tomography to demonstrate the normal anatomy of the thoracic duct was investigated after lymphangiography in 20 patients without evidence of chest diseases on the plain films. The entire opacified thoracic duct can be easily imaged from its origin at the thoraco-abdominal level, up to its arch, which enters the venous blood stream, usually at the left subclavian-jugular confluent. Variations of the arch of the duct have been observed in our series.

[Evaluation of aortic dissection by transverse computerized tomography (CT scan)].

Twenty patients with dissection of the thoracic aorta were studied by CT-scanning. In 9 patients the diagnosis was previously documented by aortography, while in the other 11 patients the diagnosis of aortic dissection was first established by CT-scanning. The latter demonstrated the characteristic signs of aortic dissection and particularly the following features: a) the false channel (95%) and the intimal flap (90%), b) the displacement of aortic wall calcifications (60%), especially when the false channel is partially thrombosed (80%).

[Fine needle biopsy guided by computed tomography].

Percutaneous fine needle biopsy guided by computed tomography is now a well established method in most university radiological departments. Positive results are obtained in some 80% of cases. With this tehcnique most abdominal and pelvic structures can be reached without danger for the patient under local anesthesia, even when the fine needle passes through the gastric or bowel walls.

[Abdominal tomoradiometry: its possibilities].

Computer-assisted tomography opens up a new diagnostic chapter in research on abdominal lesions. The display of very faint contrasts, and the possibility of modulating them and of strengthening them by opacifying agents, afford hitherto unknown differentiations. The obtaining of cross-sections is another advantage of this method.

[New methods of radiologic diagnosis: ultrasonography and tomoradiometry (computer assisted tomography)].

The evolution of new and more accurate methods of examination is a welcome complement to current diagnostic resources. However, it is essential to use them intelligently to avoid a further undesirable rise in the cost of health. Now more than ever, the programme of radiologic examinations should be established by common consent between the practising physician and the consultant radiologist.

Intrathoracic stomach: CT evaluation of two cases.

2 cases of intrathoracic stomach, 1 of them associated with hernia of the splenic flexure of the colon and a right-situated thoracic descending aorta, are evaluated by computed tomography.

20-year survival of seminoma after repeated radiation treatment at 200 kV for abdominal metastases of seminoma: renal and vertebral sequelae.

A 25-year-old man with a seminoma is irradiated several times until the age of 33 for multiple and relapsing metastases. The recovery is maintained for 20 years. The very high total irradiation doses have caused osteonecrotic lesions of the lumbar spine and some functional, but discreet renal problems.

[Tumors of the small intestine, a radiological problem].

Radiology has a permanent role to play in the diagnosis of tumors of the small bowel. The barium meal remains the examination of choice, arteriography of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries being an important complementary procedure. The experience and clinical sense of the examiner play a predominant part in the differential diagnosis of a tumoral lesion of the small bowel, but a precise radiological technique retains its value.

[Radiological study of osteoarticular lesions secondary to cervical trauma (author's transl)].

The radiological study of the traumatic cervical spine must often be undertaken in two different ways depending on the time of examination. In patients severely involved, no manipulations can be undertaken during the acute state. Later on in these patients, as well as in those not so deeply involved, a thorough radiological investigation may be performed, e.