Search

Synovial osteochondromatosis in the knee joint is rarely a confusing diagnostic problem. Diagnosis depends on the clinical circumstances of the case and a radiologic interpretation which can exclude soft tissue tumors with calcifications and other malignant tumors characterized by the presence of multiple osteo-cartilaginous bodies. The relative value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis is emphasized and the differential diagnosis discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptomatic hepatic cysts are infrequently seen by family physicians. We review the literature and describe the diagnosis and management of a patient with cystic liver disease and a dominant infected hepatic cyst. The treatment included percutaneous drainage, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and sclerotherapy infusion using sterile alcohol (95% ethanol).

Small bowel perforation with massive intraperitoneal leakage of barium occurred during the performance of enteroclysis in a 72-year-old woman. It is postulated that an ischemic segment of the partially obstructed ileum had ruptured because of rapid intraluminal flow of contrast material and increased abdominal pressure when the patient was rotated to a prone position.

In a patient undergoing double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) for evaluation of recent onset of diarrhea, a curvilinear strand of calcifications outlining a filling defect of the cecum, initially thought to represent a neoplasm, later was discovered to be due to precipitation and organization of orally ingested calcium in an adherent fecalith. Colonoscopy and repeated x-ray evaluation avoided the pitfall. This case illustrates the need for analysis and correlation of the type of calcifications characterizing a mass in light of the clinical history. Errors in interpretation can be avoided by asking the patient about oral medications and obtaining delayed films. Colonoscopy may be the diagnostic test in doubtful cases.

The role of computed tomography (CT) in the management of chest masses in the pediatric patient is emphasized and illustrated. Thirty-seven patients with various chest lesions who had both CT and conventional radiologic evaluations are reviewed. CT was the most consistently accurate examination, especially in the evaluation of disease extent and relationship with other organs. CT was the only modality to provide clinically useful information in 27% of the cases, and it provided significant additional information in another 24% of the group.

Forty-five patients with metastatic serosal implants to the colon were reviewed. The radiographic findings as well as a distinct sign, "the striped colon" are described. The presence of that sign might be the only finding in patients with colon metastases, studied by air-contrast barium enema examination.

A case of cholangiocarcinoma arising in a choledochal cyst (type II or biliary cyst in Alonso-Ley classification) in a 53-year-old woman is presented. Ultrasonography and computed tomography provided the correct preoperative diagnosis. The value of these modalities in presurgical planning is illustrated.

The CT findings of a concurrent dissection and intracaval fistula of an arteriosclerotic aortic aneurysm are reported. Recognition of the CT features of this severe and unusual complication is important for planning effective surgical treatment.

Adult intussusception may be difficult to detect. Clinical findings are variable and standard radiographic studies are not always helpful. In a patient with colocolic intussusception complicating carcinoma, the radiographic examination was normal and the definitive diagnosis was established by real-time ultrasonography alone. This procedure is noninvasive, rapid, painless, inexpensive and devoid of complications or contraindications.

A case of malignant lymphoma arising in a patient with Hashimoto thyroiditis is presented. Computed tomography revealed a large, well encapsulated unilateral mass without adenopathy. The CT appearance in light of the clinical and laboratory data strongly suggested the diagnosis of lymphoma in favor of carcinoma.

Two hundred seventy-five cranial computed tomography (CT) scans performed on 179 patients with malignant melanoma were reviewed. Of the 101 patients with confirmed cerebral metastases, CT demonstrated lesions in 93. In 72% of these, areas of increased attenuation were present in the precontrast scan. These lesions also enhanced after contrast infusion. There was a direct correlation between the extent of bleeding in the neoplasm and the density of the metastasis, at least 20% red blood cells per high power field were consistently present within lesions of increased attenuation. Cerebral metastases were occasionally associated with subdural or intracranial hemorrhage. Meningeal melanomatosis was recognized by CT only when associated with adjacent parenchymal metastases. In nine (11%) of 74 patients without clinical evidence of brain involvement, CT revealed cerebral metastases; this suggests that a staging CT scan might be useful on patients with diffuse or advanced local extracranial disease prior to definitive therapy.

Twenty-four patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix examined by lymphangiography followed by computed tomography (CT) were reviewed to assess the findings and their impact on management. The lymphangiogram was of value in detecting metastases in relatively small nodes, (less than 1.5 cm maximum diameter) and in differentiating metastases from reactive hyperplasia in the larger lymph nodes which were opacified. Although as yet unable to define alterations in the internal architecture of lymph nodes. CT detected masses of lymph nodes totally replaced by neoplasm or those not visualized by lymphangiography. In addition, the local extension of the primary neoplasm and distant metastases, such as to the urinary tract, liver, and skeleton, were readily demonstrated by CT. In advanced or recurrent disease, CT provided new information on 10 of 17 patients but resulted in a change in management for only one.

Although herpes simplex virus is a recognized cause of esophagitis in immunocompromised patients, it may also be the etiologic agent in otherwise healthy individuals. Odynophagia and dysphagia are the major symptoms. The esophagogram may reveal ulcers in the distal esophagus and there may be motor disturbances as well. Esophageal endoscopy may show vesicles, ulceration or plaques. In the immunocompetent patient, herpes esophagitis is a self-limited disease.

The use of a nasogastric tube to empty the stomach contents prevents compression of the splenic parenchyma and allows clear visualization of the anterior medial border of the spleen and perisplenic area. Unsuspected superficial lacerations or a contained hematoma by the splenic capsule may become apparent only following this procedure. A representative case is reported. Routine application of this simple procedure aids avoiding occasional pitfalls and helps in early diagnosis of splenic injury at the time of a CT study.

Two cases of geophagia (dirt eating) that were diagnosed radiographically are presented. The clinical presentation mimicked urgent surgical conditions. The characteristic radiographic appearance provided a major clue to the correct diagnosis. An intense clinical history is often necessary to reach the specific diagnosis and properly manage the condition.

One patient with infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygous continuation was examined by computed tomography (CT) and inferior venacavography. The characteristic CT findings are discussed and correlated with venacavography.