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Biomedical subjects

R J Starshak

Publications and source records attributed to R J Starshak.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Pineal germinoma: MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of pineal germinomas are described in seven patients imaged with MR and computed tomography (CT). In patients with symptoms of an enlarging process in the quadrigeminal plate cistern, MR imaging was as sensitive as CT scanning in detecting the mass. MR imaging did not detect a normal-sized, calcified neoplastic gland. Germinoma, germinoma with embryonal cell carcinoma elements, and pineoblastoma demonstrated different MR signal characteristics. Although direct coronal and sagittal MR images were useful in defining the relationship of the tumor to the posterior third ventricle, Sylvian aqueduct, and vein of Galen, the ease, rapidity, and sensitivity of CT scanning suggest that CT should remain the modality of choice for initial evaluation and screening of the pineal region, especially in the younger pediatric population, in whom detection of calcification may provide the only clue of an abnormality.

Adolescent↗

Pediatric applications in nuclear oncology.

Imaging procedures (both as they apply to initial diagnosis and assessing the response to therapy) using radionuclides are indispensible in the evaluation of malignant diseases that afflict infants and children. The diagnosis and accurate staging are extremely critical because of continuing improvements in the survival of children with malignant disease when treated with appropriate therapy. The major role of nuclear medicine in this patient group serves to evaluate the skeletal system and the liver and spleen. It is important to keep the pediatric specialist well informed concerning the role that nuclear medicine can play in elucidating many of the clinical problems that this specialist faces.

Adolescent↗

Thallium-201 myocardial imaging in children.

The clinical applications of thallium-201 scintigraphy are less well defined in children than in adults. However, the published data indicate several potential applications including assessment of: 1) deficit in left ventricular myocardial perfusion, 2) early right ventricular volume or pressure overload, or both, and 3) the right ventricle in both cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease. In this report, the applications of thallium imaging to pediatric diseases are described and the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure are enumerated.

Adolescent↗

Intrahepatic biliary tract abnormalities in children with corrected extrahepatic biliary atresia.

Three children with surgically corrected extrahepatic biliary atresia developed recurrent cholangitis associated with bile lakes that failed to drain via the hepatoportoenterostomy. Surgical or percutaneous drainage of these cysts was followed by both resolution of the infection and spontaneous internal drainage. We postulate that the ongoing inflammatory process resulted in intrahepatic biliary obstruction, which caused cholangitis and bile cysts. Successful treatment required not only antibiotics but drainage of the bile lakes. Development of bile cysts is a new cause of recurrent cholangitis seen in extrahepatic biliary atresia.

Bile↗

Occult fracture of the calcaneus--another toddler's fracture.

Fractures of the calcaneus have been considered rare among children. We feel this may be erroneous since in the last 12 months we have seen 10 such fractures among children, 19 and 41 months of age, who presented with acute limping. The fractures were detected with bone imaging which was performed when initial radiographs were noncontributory. Subsequent radiographs of the calcaneus were positive for fracture in 4 of 10 while follow up radiographs confirmed healing fractures in the two children so evaluated. The sensitivity of bone imaging for the detection of occult fractures in toddlers is emphasized.

Bone and Bones↗

Comparative imaging in the evaluation of hepatic abscesses in immunocompromised children.

Three children, two with aplastic anemia and one with chronic granulomatous disease of childhood, were evaluated for hepatic abscess with hepatic scintigraphy (HS), gray-scale sonography (GSS), 67Ga imaging (GA), and computed tomography (CT). Each of the children was found to harbor two abscesses. All were detected with GSS and CT. In the two children imaged with GA, all four abscesses were seen. In two patients imaged twice with HS, 50% of the lesions were missed.

Anemia, Aplastic↗

Radionuclide evaluation in childhood injuries.

Radionuclide techniques serve an important role in evaluating childhood injuries. Frequently, they can be employed as the initial and definitive examination. At times they represent the only modality that will detect specific injuries such as the skeletal system. Familiarity with the advantages and limitations of tracer techniques will insure appropriate management of childhood injuries.

Battered Child Syndrome↗

The role of bone scintigraphy in the evaluation of the suspected abused child.

A comparison was made of the radiographic and scintigraphic skeletal surveys of 261 children who were suspected victims of abuse. Radiography was positive in 105 children and produced false-negative results in 32; scintigraphy was positive in 120 children and produced false-negative results in two. Although radiography has traditionally been used to assess the skeletal injuries of battered children, the authors conclude that scintigraphy should be the screening procedure of choice for children suspected of having been abused.

Bone and Bones↗