Biomedical subjects

L N Murray

Publications and source records attributed to L N Murray.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Coronal computed tomography of the normal vestibular aqueduct in children and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the appearance of the normal vestibular aqueduct on coronal computed tomography (CT). DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of routine CT images of the temporal bones. SETTING: Private tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Twenty-four children and young adults (14 females and 10 males), aged 2 to 24 years (average age, 10 years). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Axial CT images were evaluated for the size of the vestibular aqueduct as previously described. On coronal CT images the vestibular aqueduct was evaluated for shape, dimensions, and angle. These measurements were made posteriorly, at the first point of vestibular aqueduct definition, and anteriorly, where the vestibular aqueduct abuts the posterior semicircular canal. RESULTS: We were able to measure the vestibular aqueduct on 100% of the anterior coronal views, 77% of the midisthmus axial CT images, and 53% of posterior coronal CT images, (P<.001). The shape of the vestibular aqueduct on coronal CT scans varied posteriorly to anteriorly from being a slit to being an oval or round. The dimensions (mean + SD) of the isthmus on the anterior coronal views were 3.1 + 1.8 mm long by 1.6 + 0.8 mm wide. The upper limits of normal, as defined by the mean + 2 SDs, are 6.8 x 3.3 mm. CONCLUSIONS: We have easily and consistently identified the vestibular aqueduct on coronal CT images; in fact, we found the vestibular aqueducts more consistently measurable on coronal CT scans than on axial CT scans. The addition of these views may improve the sensitivity of the CT scan in the evaluation of sensorineural hearing loss in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is the most common oral mucosal disease in North America but it is commonly misdiagnosed and poorly understood. Pediatricians, internists, otolaryngologists, oral surgeons, and dentists may all be expected to treat this illness but little formal training in oral medicine may be offered to many of these health care professionals. This article reviews current evidence regarding etiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of this disorder.

Humans↗

PubMed1998

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a disease characterized by the growth of wart-like neoplasms anywhere along the aerodigestive tract. The etiologic agent is the human papillomavirus, of which 90 subtypes have been described. The age distribution of those affected appears to be a bimodal curve, with the first peak around 5 years of age and the second occurring in adults in the third decade of life. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection to maintain an adequate airway; patients often require multiple surgeries. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment options are discussed. Current evidence regarding prognosis and the multifactorial nature of pathogenesis are also reviewed.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Percutaneous tracheostomy.

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a new and somewhat controversial procedure which appears to be gaining in popularity. Methods described for this procedure include the single dilator technique, the percutaneous dilational technique, and the dilator forceps technique. The literature has been reviewed to date regarding the successes and failures of each of these methods and suggestions are made for future evaluations to determine the true utility of this procedure.

Dilatation↗

PubMed1997

Chronic aspiration in children.

Chronic aspiration in children can cause life-threatening pulmonary consequences as well as multiple hospital stays and costly nursing requirements. Causes of aspiration vary widely and must be accurately assessed for treatment to be optimal. This disorder can be successfully controlled with a number of medical and surgical interventions. Rarely, children with severe neurologic disorders will continue to aspirate saliva despite treatment with voice-conserving measures. In cases of life-threatening aspiration, laryngotracheal separation can be lifesaving.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1987

Performance of a dangerous answer subtest within a subspecialty certifying examination.

Previous studies have been reported suggesting that a population of candidates for specialty board certification can be identified who pass the certification examination but who give an unduly high number of 'dangerous' responses, indicating their acceptance of actively harmful actions. To confirm these results, a retrospective analysis was undertaken of a Subspecialty Board of Nephrology certification examination. Experts identified a subtest of 75 dangerous answers. The performance of candidates on this subtest was compared with their performance on the total examination. The subtest was moderately reliable, ranked criterion groups appropriately, had a correlation with the total test of 0.71, and using the standard used for the total examination, identified the certification status of 84% of candidates. However, when the correlation was corrected for unreliability, the correlation became 1.0, indicating that a dangerous answer subtest, at least in this examination and population, does not identify a unique population of certified but 'dangerous' doctors.

Certification↗