Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R I Markowitz.
Computed tomography and plain film findings in a neonate with a congenital orbital teratoma are presented. The characteristic radiographic findings of this rare tumor are discussed, and the value of preoperative CT assessment of tumor extension is stressed.
A digital video image processor, connected to a video system in a conventional pediatric fluoroscopy room, was used to determine whether the device could provide satisfactory fluoroscopic images during routine examinations when the x-ray tube was operated at substantially lower than normal radiation-dose levels. A 50% reduction resulted in image quality which was indistinguishable from conventional fluoroscopic views.
Sternal retraction is a common clinical sign of respiratory distress in premature infants. Frontal chest radiographs show increased, ill-defined central radiolucency over the lower chest which correlates well with a curvilinear indentation seen on lateral views. Misinterpretation as technical artefact or confusion with pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax or pneumopericardium should be avoided. Cardiac displacement in severe cases may stimulate cardiomegaly. Sternal retraction happens because of the poor expansion of non-compliant lungs and a relatively soft anterior chest wall which caves in under increased negative intrathoracic pressure. Illustrative cases are shown and discussed.
A case of non-rotation of the bowel is presented wherein volvulus of the colon occurred causing acute obstruction. Spontaneous reduction following a barium enema as well as the patient's history leads us to suspect that volvulus had occurred in the past and was responsible for the intermittent nature of the patient's symptoms. This type of volvulus is distinctly different from midgut volvulus and is a rare complication of the anomaly of intestinal rotation and fixation known as non-rotation of the bowel. Efforts should be made to study patients with malrotation anomalies at a time when they are acutely symptomatic so that intermittent volvulus such as shown here is not overlooked.
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To explore the association of Epstein-Barr virus infection with childhood pneumonia we studied two patients whose mononucleosis-like illnesses were accompanied by pneumonia; both had virologic and serologic evidence of current or recent EBV infection. We then analyzed the sera of 71 children (age range, 14 months to 9 years) with pulmonary infiltrates for the presence of four classes of antibody to EBV. Antibody responses consistent with current or recent EB virus infection were found in 15. Two children had IgM antibodies to the EBV viral antigen at titers greater than or equal to 1:160, indicating current infection, and all 15 patients had antibody to components of the early antigen complex, suggesting recent infection. A fourfold rise or drop in one or more EBV-specific antibody classes was noted in eight patients within 30 days following onset of clinical illness. Few patients had clinical features suggesting infectious mononucleosis. Eight of the 15 with serologic evidence of current or recent EBV infection also had clinical or serologic evidence of infection with another pathogen--bacterial, viral, or mycoplasmal. Thus, in childhood pneumonia, EBV may be a primary, co-primary, or secondary pathogen; it may be reactivated in the course of infection with another agent, or possibly, by suppressing immune function, it may precipitate infection with some other organism.
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Eleven infants with arteriovenous malformations were admitted to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children between 1970 and 1978. Dilatation of the descending aorta was seen in the chest roentgenogram in 8 of the 11 patients. Echocardiography used in the two most recent cases revealed approximation of the descending aorta to the posterior left atrial and left ventricular wall in association with generalized cardiomegaly. The most frequently reported radiologic findings in infants with arteriovenous malformations are cardiomegaly, increased pulmonary vasculature and a widened superior mediastinum. These findings can accompany other congenital malformations of the heart, but the radiographic and echocardiographic findings of a dilated descending aorta appear to be more specifically associated with arteriovenous malformations in the neonate and infant.
Volvulus of the colon occurred in a child with congenital asplenia (Ivemark's syndrome). This type of volvulus does not appear to have been reported previously and was found to be due to an underlying abnormality of mesenteric attachment.
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Adequate sedation remains one of the most important parts of performing high quality cross-sectional imaging in children. This is a noncomparative retrospective analysis of existing sedation protocols used in 1,158 children between the ages of 1 day and 18 years, checking for safety and efficacy. The most commonly used drugs were chloral hydrate (60-120 mg/kg) by mouth for infants less than 18 months and intravenous Nembutal (2-6 mg/kg) for older children. Sedation was successful in 97% of patients.
The severely ill infant or child who requires admission to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) often presents with a complex set of problems necessitating multiple and frequent management decisions. Diagnostic imaging plays an important role, not only in the initial assessment of the patient's condition and establishing a diagnosis, but also in monitoring the patient's progress and the effects of interventional therapeutic measures. Bedside studies obtained using portable equipment are often limited but can provide much useful information when a careful and detailed approach is utilized in producing the radiograph and interpreting the examination. This article reviews some of the basic principles of radiographic interpretation and details some of the diagnostic points which, when promptly recognized, can lead to a better understanding of the patient's condition and thus to improved patient care and management. While chest radiography is stressed, studies of other regions including the upper airway, abdomen, skull, and extremities are discussed. A brief consideration of the expanding role of new modality imaging (i.e., ultrasound, CT) is also included. Multiple illustrative examples of common and uncommon problems are shown.