Pyeloduodenal fistulae. A report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two cases of pyeloduodenal fistula are described. Previously reported cases are reviewed with discussion of clinical aspects and the role of various radiological investigations. Conservative management with internal ureteric stenting (intraoperative or percutaneous) is suggested as an alternative to nephrectomy.

A comparison of three methods for performing barium follow-through studies of the small intestine.

Domperidone 8 mg intravenously and metoclopramide 10 mg intravenously, in patients given a standard barium sulphate preparation, were compared with a rapid-transit barium (E-Z-Paque, E-Z-Em) in a double-blind random controlled manner. E-Z-Paque and metoclopramide given with a standard barium preparation decreased small-bowel transit time and resulted in fewer radiographs being taken. Gastric emptying occurred most rapidly with metoclopramide and a standard barium sulphate preparation.

An evaluation of the post-micturition radiograph following intravenous urography.

A prospective study of the post-micturition radiograph in 539 consecutive intravenous urograms was performed. In only 1% of patients was a post-micturition residue demonstrated only on this radiograph and not on the control radiograph. The post-micturition radiograph helped in making a firm diagnosis in two out of six patients with vesico-ureteric junction calculi, which were suspected but could not be confidently diagnosed without it.

The extrathoracic airway in acromegaly.

Pulmonary function tests and a radiological assessment of the larynx and cervical trachea were performed in 26 patients with acromegaly. Pulmonary function tests demonstrated six out of 26 patients to have upper-airways obstruction, while laryngeal tomography demonstrated 14 cases with marked narrowing of the true and false cords. The tracheal dimensions were normal.

Case report: segmental dilatation of the ileum presenting with anaemia.

A case of segmental dilatation of the ileum with an associated Meckel's diverticulum is reported in an 8-year-old child with anaemia. The pre-operative demonstration of this association has not previously been described in the literature.

Assessment of gallbladder function using ceruletide in oral cholecystography.

A dose of 0.3 micrograms/kg body weight of ceruletide was assessed for its effect on gallbladder contraction and bile duct delineation following oral cholecystography. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain sometimes occurred after ceruletide.

Sonography as an aid to diagnosis of caecal carcinoma in the elderly.

Many elderly patients with suspected colonic neoplasm are referred to radiology departments for barium enema. Despite routine use of laxatives and colonic washouts and employment of antispasmodic drugs, problems occur with faecal residue and poor retention of barium. This may lead to inadequate demonstration of the caecum.