Observer reliability in CT and MRI of the abdomen/pelvis.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate two sources of error in the performance of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen/pelvis. The sources of error assessed were inter- and intra-observer reliability. Thirty abdomen/pelvis CT scans were randomly selected from each of three hospitals (university, VA, military) with different CT scanners.

Neurosonographic changes in newborns treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Ten out of 40 near-term neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy developed abnormal neurosonograms. We identified two abnormal patterns. Hyperechoic areas of intracranial hemorrhage were observed in two patients (a significantly lower incidence than previously reported).

Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the thoracic spine.

A case of malignant rhabdoid tumor of the spine and a description of its CT findings are presented. The CT demonstrated a heterogeneous contrast enhancing epidural mass associated with severe bony destruction of the adjacent vertebra and cord compression.

Embolization of blunt trauma in the pediatric patient.

The use of embolization for control of hemorrhage following blunt trauma is well accepted in the adult population. This paper describes 2 cases in which embolization techniques were used successfully to control hemorrhage following blunt trauma in pediatric patients.

Successful chemotherapeutic decompression of epidural malignant germ cell tumor.

A patient with a sacrococcygeal malignant germ cell tumor developed epidural spinal cord compression syndrome 32 days after surgical resection of tumor. Rapid resolution of symptoms was observed after chemotherapy with vinblastine, bleomycin, and cisplatinum. There was no radiation therapy or laminectomy for spinal compression.

Intravenous DSA and duplex sonography as screening examinations for carotid disease: comparison in 102 vessels.

Duplex sonography and intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were compared in 102 carotid bifurcations in 51 patients. Sonograms were adequate in 87 (85%) vessels and angiograms were adequate on at least one view in 86 (84%) vessels. An adequate image was obtained by one or the other method in all but two vessels (98%).

Localization of carotid cavernous fistula using digital subtraction angiography.

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA), with its rapid imaging rate (30 video frames per second) and immediately available subtraction images, provides excellent vascular detail in localization of the exact site of internal carotid-cavernous fistula. In a patient with two fistulas, we successfully used DSA to determine the sites of fistula and accurately positioned detachable balloons to occlude them.

Percutaneous recanalization of iliac artery occlusions: an alternative to surgery in the high-risk patient.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed successfully in three patients with total occlusions involving the iliac artery. Two patients had occlusion of the external iliac artery and the third patient had occlusion of the common iliac artery. The vessels were still patent at 3-12 months after the procedure.