Congenital absence of the lumbosacral articular processes.

Absence of a lumbar or sacral articular process is rare. The congenital absence of the posterior elements of these vertebral bodies should not be confused with a destructive lesion. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is indicated, if there is any question as to the diagnosis.

A new contrast agent for oral cholecystography: iopronic acid (Oravue).

In a preliminary study to determine the safety and minimal effective dose in patients with impaired hepatic function, the cholecystographic agent iopronic acid (Oravue, research contrast material from Squibb) was well tolerated in single oral doses of 1.5, 3.0, 4.