Renal artery imaging: a prospective comparison of intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography with conventional angiography.

This study describes a systematic comparison of intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the main renal arteries with conventional angiography (CA), the currently accepted "gold standard" for the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis. Twenty-five patients scheduled for abdominal aortography for various indications underwent first DSA then CA. The DSA and CA images were evaluated for number of renal arteries, presence and grade of renal artery stenosis, presence of post-stenotic dilation or fibromuscular changes, and diagnostic and pictorial adequacy of the images.

Effect of meglumine iothalamate on renal hemodynamics and function in the diabetic rat.

Diabetic rats were given an intravenous (external jugular vein) injection of 3 mg/kg of 60% meglumine iothalamate to test for this contrast agent's functional effects on the kidney. Rats were made diabetic by the intravenous injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin six months prior to the experiment and received no treatment during the interim. Glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, blood pressure, and sodium reabsorption were measured immediately before and at timed intervals after the administration of the contrast agent.

Computerized radiologic reporting with voice data-entry.

The accurate, voice entry of radiologic reports into a computer takes significantly longer than entry by keyboard. Careful speech and considerable patience are required to avoid an unacceptably high error-rate. With improvements in the future, this technology may compete with the conventional technology.

Advances in radiologic reporting with Computerized Language Information Processing (CLIP).

Computerized Language Information Processing (CLIP) is a system of radiologic reporting in which the user interacts with a computer keyboard and cathode-ray tube terminal to generate coded reports. The hierarchical medical classification on which the code is based permits rapid on-line compilation of reports of any degree of complexity. The system provides organized sets of pre-assembled statements that are rapidly accessed and modified for each examination.

Renal failure following major angiography.

Acute renal failure following angiography with contrast agents is known to occur, but the circumstances and frequency of its occurrence are not well described. A retrospective review of consecutive angiographic procedures performed over a six month interval revealed a 12 per cent incidence of renal failure following angiography. The degree of failure was severe in approximately 30 per cent of these cases and was associated with a significant mortality even though renal function usually recovered.

A comparison of fluoroscopically controlled patient positioning and conventional positioning, including comparative dosimetry.

The size of the area of exposure on the skin during excretory urography was determined by either technician-controlled fluoroscopy or conventional assessment in 2 comparable groups of patients. The mean skin exposure to radiation per patient was the same in each group. The time required for a urogram was 10% less when fluoroscopy was employed.