Artifact-free computed tomography of the chest and abdomen in the severely ill patient.

A method is described for obtaining consistently high-quality images during nonneurologic computed tomography of the severely ill and uncooperative patient using a neuromuscular blocker to induce apnea. Careful control of respiration during data acquisition eliminates motion artifacts.

An approach to mid-facial fractures.

The purpose of this article is to present a concept which facilitates the plain film identification of mid-face fractures. The concept evolves from a logical classification of mid-face fractures based upon the region(s) of involvement (orbit, zygoma, maxilla), the extent of the fractures (unilateral or bilateral) and the characteristic distribution of the fracture lines. Recognition of these fractures depends upon an awareness of the fact that the radiographic signs of mid-face fractures differ in certain respects from those involving other skeletal parts.

High-dose computed tomography in the evaluation of low attenuation lesions in the neck.

Recent reports have established the clinical utility of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of jugular vein thrombosis. Other abnormalities of the soft tissues in the neck can mimic this condition. This study reviews the pertinent normal soft tissue and vascular anatomy of the neck and describes the use of high-dose CT in the evaluation of low attenuation lesions in this area.

Gallbladder enhancement following angiography: a normal CT finding.

The authors reviewed computed tomography (CT) studies that had been preceded within 2 days by angiography. Twenty-one patients were selected who showed no laboratory evidence of liver or renal disease. Eighteen patients received greater than 37 g of iodine at angiography.

Evaluation of a digital subtraction angiography unit.

The operating characteristics of a digital subtraction angiography unit were evaluated. Measurements included image intensifier and system linearity, uniformity, quantum and system noise, and iodine contrast. Various approaches to noise measurement were analyzed and tested, leading to the following conclusions: the video level should be maximized; changes in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to changes in x-ray exposure do not necessarily reflect changes in quantum SNR alone, due to dependence of video levels on x-ray exposure; an understanding of the separate contributions of quantum and video SNRs to the total SNR guides proper selection of variables to minimize patient dose and x-ray tube heat loading.

Computed tomography of renal inflammatory disease.

The value of computed tomography (CT) in patients with severe renal inflammatory disease has not been previously emphasized. This paper presents the authors' experience using this modality in 17 patients with acute intrarenal inflammatory conditions. A spectrum of various renal abnormalities and their CT appearance ranging from lobar nephronia (focal pyelonephritis) to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is presented.

133xe uptake in focal hepatic fat accumulation: CT correlation.

Irregular fatty infiltration of the liver appears as focal areas of decreased attenuation on computed tomography (CT) and often cannot be distinguished from other, clinically more significant space-occupying lesions. Six patients with CT and clinical findings suggestive of fatty infiltration had xenon-133 ventilation scans of the liver. Four of these patients showed uptake and retention of 133Xe in the corresponding area of the liver, confirming the presence of fatty infiltration.

Low concentration halcinonide cream in the topical management of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients.

Seventy-nine patients with atopic dermatitis were treated in a double-blind paired comparison fashion with halcinonide cream (0.025%) or its placebo control. The overall therapeutic response was excellent in thirty-seven (47%) patients treated with halcinonide cream (0.

Computed tomography of hepatic fracture: a case report.

A case of hepatic fracture is presented in which computed tomography (CT) played a major role in the diagnosis. The fracture, which was suggested on scintigraphy, was easily demonstrated on CT as a low-density hematoma. The advantages and potential use of CT in this clinical setting are discussed.

Assessment of bone mass in the radius by computed tomography.

A reproducible method for quantitative analysis of computed tomographic cross-sections of the distal radius of patients with various metabolic bone diseases is described. A statistically significant correlation between the CT measurements in the radius and quantitative histomorphometric measurement of the trabecular bone volume of corresponding transilial bone biopsies is demonstrated. Selected longitudinal studies are presented to demonstrate the possible clinical applications of this type of CT analysis.

Bone mineral analysis using single-energy computed tomography.

We present a new method for evaluating in vivo changes in bone mineralization in the peripheral skeleton, using computed tomography (CT). A set of bone mineralization indices are generated from numerous CT images of the patient's distal radius. The cross-sectional anatomy displayed by the CT scan allows for separate evaluation of the cortical and trabecular bone.