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Biomedical subjects

E J Russell

Publications and source records attributed to E J Russell.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine: radiographic characteristics.

Teardrop fracture of the cervical spine is a confusing and loosely used term, often referring to any fracture with a triangular fragment in the involved body. The flexion teardrop fracture is a specific entity that should not be confused with other types of injury with a teardrop fragment. In a radiographic analysis of 45 patients with flexion teardrop fracture, the most characteristic feature was posterior displacement of the upper column of the divided cervical spine, observed in 78% of the cases. Other radiographic characteristics included backward displacement of the posterior fragment of the involved body, widening of the interlaminar and interspinous spaces, widening of the facet joint with backward displacement of the inferior facet, and kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine at the level of injury. The injury was frequently associated with sagittal-body and laminar fractures and occurred predominantly at the C5 level.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

Multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled study of gadopentetate dimeglumine as an MR contrast agent: evaluation in patients with cerebral lesions.

A multicenter double-blind randomized study was designed to evaluate and compare the safety and diagnostic efficacy of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) (0.1 mmol/kg) against a saline placebo for use as an IV contrast agent for MR. The randomization code provided for a 2:1 ratio of Gd-DTPA and saline patients. Six investigators studied 88 patients with signs and symptoms of a cerebral lesion. Although safety data were complete in all 88 cases, only 83 had valid efficacy data (57 received Gd-DTPA, 26 placebo). Three patients were excluded from efficacy evaluation because of incomplete scans or scans with severe motion artifacts. Two patients were excluded for protocol variations (did not have a mass lesion). The protocol required that spin-echo MR images be acquired both before and after infusion at mode 1, 500/30/2 (TR/TE/excitations), and at a single-echo mode 2 sequence within a selected range, 1500-2000/56-90/2. Additional TEs could also be used at the discretion of each investigator. Efficacy was determined by comparing post- with preinjection images for relative degree of enhancement and improvement of diagnostic ability after injection, and by comparing these results with placebo results. Enhancement was reported in 43 (75%) of 57 Gd-DTPA patients and in none of the 26 placebo patients. Improvement of diagnostic ability was noted in 37 of 57 Gd-DTPA patients and in no placebo patients. Of 17 patients receiving Gd-DTPA for whom no diagnosis could be made before infusion, nine of 17 were diagnosed after infusion. By comparison, none of five patients not diagnosed before infusion of placebo could be diagnosed after infusion. Of 43 patients in whom lesion enhancement was observed after Gd-DTPA infusion, the diagnosis changed after infusion in 16 (37%) and the number of lesions detected after infusion increased in 10 (23%). Safety studies showed no clinically significant abnormal trends. Minor changes in blood pressure, pulse, and serum iron levels were noted in a higher percentage of Gd-DTPA patients. This study confirms that Gd-DTPA is an efficacious contrast agent for use with MR and that it exhibits excellent patient tolerance. Enhancement allows for a decisive diagnosis to be made in selected cases in which such capability had previously been lacking with unenhanced MR.

Adolescent↗

Superselective embolization of laryngeal hemangioma.

Diffuse upper respiratory hemangiomas are extremely rare lesions. Unlike the much more common congenital subglottic hemangiomas, diffuse upper respiratory hemangiomas do not resolve spontaneously and may prove quite recalcitrant to conventional forms of therapy. Superselective embolization, a highly successful technique for the management of head and neck vascular lesions, was used to effectively control an obstinate laryngotracheal hemangioma. Superselective embolization appears to provide yet another viable therapeutic option in the management of laryngeal hemangiomas.

Child↗

Combined treatment of arteriovenous malformations by transarterial microembolization and surgery.

An arteriovenous malformation is defined as a congenital lesion of dysplastic vascular origin with large feeding arteries causing decreased vascular resistance. Previously, initial attempts toward treatment by complete excision of the vascular mass were complicated by hemorrhage and infection. Cardiac failure and abnormal growth may result from the shunted blood flow. With the advancement of angiography, more defined study of the arteriovenous anomaly can be identified and a reduction of risk during treatment can be promised. Three cases of extensive arteriovenous malformations are presented. Each has been successfully treated by combining radiologic microembolization followed by surgical extirpation of the vascular mass, without complication.

Adolescent↗

Safety and efficacy of sodium and meglumine ioxaglate (Hexabrix) and Hypaque M60% in contrast-enhanced computed cranial tomographic scanning. A double-blind clinical study.

The safety and efficacy of sodium and meglumine ioxaglate (Hexabrix, Mallinckrodt, Inc., St. Louis, MO), a new low-osmolality contrast agent, and Hypaque Meglumine 60% (Wintrop-Breon, Inc., New York, NY) were compared for contrast-enhanced computed cranial tomographic scanning. Fifty-two patients with possible enhancing lesions of the brain received a total of 59 injections of either Hexabrix or Hypaque M60 in a double-blind, randomized fashion. Hexabrix was superior to Hypaque M60 in both subjective and objective patient tolerance. A lower incidence of heat and pain in patients receiving Hexabrix was believed to be related to its lower osmolality. Lesion enhancement with both Hexabrix and Hypaque M60 was excellent. There was a statistically significant increase in the degree of enhancement immediately after injection with Hexabrix. Hexabrix had less effect on the cardiovascular system than Hypaque M60. No neurologic complications or adverse reactions requiring treatment occurred in either group. Hexabrix is a suitable agent for intravenous contrast-enhancement for cranial CT.

Adult↗

Multiple cerebral metastases: detectability with Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging.

Sixteen patients with suspected cerebral metastases were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and after the intravenous administration of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid. The images were interpreted blindly by two neuroradiologists; all clinical, radiologic (computed tomographic and MR imaging), and pathologic data were reviewed to arrive at a final "best diagnosis," which was then compared with the prior blinded interpretations. Of seven patients found to have multiple metastases, six (86%) had at least one tumor nodule depicted by postinfusion MR imaging that was missed by one or both observers on review of preinfusion images alone. Lesions missed on preinfusion studies were usually small nodules hidden by or not detected next to regions of high-signal edema thought to be related to the adjacent tumor nodule. The authors believe that contrast enhancement improves detection of metastatic foci with MR imaging and that the findings indicate broader implications for the detection of multiple lesions from other causes.

Brain↗

Direct catheter redirection of a symptomatic errant intracranial Silastic sphere embolus.

A patient with an arteriovenous malformation experienced a severe neurologic deficit during preoperative particulate embolization with Silastic spheres. Angiography and radiography showed that one sphere had become lodged in a normal branch of the middle cerebral artery. After several unsuccessful attempts at dislodgment, a Tracker catheter system was advanced directly to the site of the sphere, and the sphere was successfully dislodged. The neurologic deficit cleared immediately, and the sphere was redirected to an artery feeding the malformation.

Adult↗

Real-time ultrasonographic surveillance in the detection of CNS involvement in systemic Candida infection.

Systemic candidiasis is becoming more common in the neonatal unit as the survival of extremely premature infants increases. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement occurs in 64% of infants with systemic infection. Real-time ultrasonography is useful in the diagnosis of CNS involvement and its sequelae as well as in monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. A patient with extensive CNS involvement is presented. Ultrasonographic findings are described and correlated with neuropathological examination of the brain.

Brain Diseases↗

Falcine chondrosarcoma: case report and literature review.

We present a case of falcine chondrosarcoma in a 58-year-old man. Only a few other examples of chondrosarcomas in this location and a total of approximately 50 intracranial cases have been reported. Because its rarity prevents any group of neurosurgeons from collecting a large experience in managing this tumor, we reviewed descriptions of previous cases to determine the natural history of intracranial chondrosarcomas. The distinguishing features of this rare tumor are compared with previous examples of intracranial tumors derived from cartilage and more common tumors in the parasagittal region, such as meningioma.

Chondrosarcoma↗

CT of the inferomedial orbit and the lacrimal drainage apparatus: normal and pathologic anatomy.

The normal and pathologic CT anatomy of the lacrimal drainage apparatus was examined during study of the orbits, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses in 100 patients with a variety of clinical complaints related to the inferomedial orbit. The bony lacrimal fossa, the nasolacrimal canal, and the fluid- or air-filled lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct were readily recognized in all cases. The lacrimal fossa and sac are found at the inferomedial orbit and are preseptal structures. Cystic expansion of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis) may mimic orbital abscess clinically; however, the radiographic recognition of a cystic, peripherally enhancing mass centered at the lacrimal fossa should exclude postseptal abscess and permit more conservative therapy. Obstruction or invasion of the drainage apparatus by tumor, infection, or posttraumatic scarring is readily depicted by CT. Sagittal/coronal images reformatted from thin transverse axial sections are often useful in defining the origin of an inferomedial orbital mass and its relation to the lacrimal sac when clinical studies and axial CT findings are equivocal.

Adult↗

Isolated facial myokymia and facial contracture: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging correlation.

Isolated facial myokymia with contracture can be the earliest manifestation of intrinsic lesions of the brainstem. We report a case of facial myokymia with contracture occurring as the result of a pontine glioma, as depicted on cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies. The rostral location of the tumor supports the supranuclear disinhibition hypothesis of facial myokymia.

Adult↗