Ultrasonography of adrenal masses: unusual manifestations

Forty patients with pathologically-proved adrenal masses, and two patients with extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, were examined with gray scale B-scan. The authors describe unusual echo patterns of adrenal masses due to necrosis or hemorrhage, variations in the effects of large adrenal masses on surrounding organs and vessels, and the differential diagnosis. The complementary role of computed tomography is also discussed.

A simple portable water bath for superficial ultrasonography

A simple portable water bath device has been designed and adapted to the conventional contact B-scanner for examining superficial lesions. It is inexpensive, easy to construct, and convenient to use since the water reservoir is sealed. Small lesions (e.g., nodules in the thyroid or testis) are rapidly and clearly delineated.

Peritonealization of lymphoceles complicating renal transplantation: dangers of percutaneous aspiration

Lymphocele is a known complication of renal transplantation. The diagnosis is easily made by sonographic technics. Although one may perform percutaneous aspiration or drainage or both, we found that peritonealization of the lymphocele may be more advantageous.

Ultrasonography of renal sinus lipomatosis

Gray scale B-scans in renal sinus lipomatosis show a variety of features which must be differentiated from clinically significant pathological processes. Normal kidneys show dense homogeneous central echoes. In renal sinus lipomatosis, however, the central echoes are divided and become more sparse (Type I), interspersed with small relatively echo-free areas (Type II), or outline a single relatively echo-free area resembling a mass (Type III). In contrast to similar features in hydronephrosis or multiple cysts, the relatively echo-free areas in lipomatosis are ill-defined and do present several weak internal echoes.

Ultrasonography in ascites

Ascites is usually not difficult to detect with ultrasonography because of its characteristic lack of echoes. However, minimal or lobulated collections of fluid or unusual distributions due to anatomical variations or associated pathological processes may create problems in diagnosis. Differentiation from an intraperitoneal abscess, hematoma, lymphocele, or cystic mass is of considerable clinical importance.

Ultrasonography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of homogeneous masses

Ultrasonography can demonstrate the homogeneity, while CT can demonstrate the density of a mass lesion. If a mass appears echo-free at ultrasonography, but is denser than water at CT, a solid tumor with grossly uniform cellular structure (usually a lymphoma or sarcoma), or a hematoma or hemorrhagic cyst is likely. However, if the mass has water density at CT, a cystic lesion is confirmed. One case for each category is presented.

Visualization of the thyroid gland with computed tomography

Computed tomography of the neck will demonstrate the thyroid gland particularly well after contrast enhancement. Lucent nodules within the thyroid can be demonstrated, but the attenuation numbers are not reliable enough to distinguish cystic from solid lesions with current techniques because of partial volume effects and motion artifacts.

Echocardiography of double outlet right ventricle: new diagnostic criteria

A thick band of muscular tissue interposed between the posterior aortic wall and the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve could be indentified on M-mode sweeps of 3 patients with double outlet right ventricle. A discrete subaortic crista supraventricularis, continuous with the anterior wall of the right ventricle, could also be identified. These signs are specific for double outlet right ventricle and are not present in other anomalies of the heart.

Radiographic anatomical landmarks of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints

The location of cortical bone changes in the metacarpo-phalangeal joints has been variously described as periarticular, juxta-articular, articular, or subarticular. Suitable radiographic landmarks on anatomical specimens were sought to assess the cartilage-covered articular surfaces of these joints. Precise landmarks for the limits of the joint space are not available, but unequivocal intra-articular regions were identified.

Multiple lymphangiomas of the neck, axilla, mediastinum, and bones in an adult

Whereas lymphangiomas of the neck, axilla, or mediastinum are not uncommon in children, they are rarely found in the adult, and primary lymphangioma of bone is very rare. The authors report a case of multiple lymphangiomas of the neck, axilla, mediastinum, and bones in a 34-year-old man, which they believe to be only the second such case reported thus far.

Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles

Because the initial deposition pattern of inhaled particles of various toxic agents determines their future clearance and insult to tissue, respiratory tract deposition is important in assessing the potential toxicity of inhaled aerosols. Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles can be classified into three main areas: (1) the physics of aerosols, (2) the anatomy of the respiratory tract and (3) the airflow patterns in the lung airways. In the physics of aerosols, the forces acting on a particle and its physical and chemical properties, such as particle size or size distribution, density, shape, hygroscopic or hydrophobic character, and chemical reactions of the particle will affect the deposition. With respect to the anatomy of the respiratory tract, important parameters are the diameters, the lengths, and the branching angles of airway segments, which determine the deposition. Physiological factors include airflow and breathing patterns, which influence particle deposition. Various lung models used in predicting particle deposition are reviewed and discussed. The air-way structures of various animal species are compared, showing the unique structure of the human lung compared to the animal species under study. Regional deposition data in man and dog are reviewed. Recent deposition data for small rodents are presented, showing regional difference in deposition with the right apical lobe having the highest relative deposition.

Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles

Because the initial deposition pattern of inhaled particles of various toxic agents determines their future clearance and insult to tissue, respiratory tract deposition is important in assessing the potential toxicity of inhaled aerosols. Factors influencing the deposition of inhaled particles can be classified into three main areas: (1) the physics of aerosols, (2) the anatomy of the respiratory tract and (3) the airflow patterns in the lung airways. In the physics of aerosols, the forces acting on a particle and its physical and chemical properties, such as particle size or size distribution, density, shape, hygroscopic or hydrophobic character, and chemical reactions of the particle will affect the deposition. With respect to the anatomy of the respiratory tract, important parameters are the diameters, the lengths, and the branching angles of airway segments, which determine the deposition. Physiological factors include airflow and breathing patterns, which influence particle deposition. Various lung models used in predicting particle deposition are reviewed and discussed. The air-way structures of various animal species are compared, showing the unique structure of the human lung compared to the animal species under study. Regional deposition data in man and dog are reviewed. Recent deposition data for small rodents are presented, showing regional difference in deposition with the right apical lobe having the highest relative deposition.

A modified Towne's view for radiography of the orbit and maxillary antrum

Routine radiographic examination of the paranasal sinuses and facial bones does not adequately demonstrate the posterolateral margin of the orbital floor. An anteroposterior projection with a 20 degrees cephalo-caudad angulation centered at the glabella adequately demonstrates the posterior and lateral orbital floor and the posterolateral margin of the orbital floor in all patients.

A stereoradiographic technique and its application to the evaluation of lung casts

Stereoradiographs have been used on occasion for three-dimensional reconstruction and measurement of objects in radiology and radiotherapy. The lack of a good stereoradiographic technique has limited the uses of steroradiographic exposures. In this paper, the principle of the double-image is outlined and a method of applying this principle to stereoradiographic exposures is developed. A computer program has been developed from geometrical considerations to analyze the stereobronchogram and to calculate the dimensions of the objects in question. The applications of this technique are discussed and its use in evaluating lung casts is described.