Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to S A DeLuca.
Lymphoma is a common tumor of the periorbital region. Facial radiographs may show a soft tissue mass. Radiologic differential diagnosis of orbital masses is difficult. Computed tomographic scanning with intravenous contrast medium is useful in diagnosing and staging neoplasms in this area.
Magnetic resonance imaging uses powerful magnetic fields and a radiofrequency pulse to provide a diagnostic image. Physicians must identify patients with metallic internal implants, pacemakers and cochlear implants before MRI scanning to prevent serious injury. Some patients also experience severe anxiety from the confinement and noise during the examination. Careful evaluation of these potential problems should always be undertaken before performing an MRI examination.
Hyperuricemia is the hallmark of gout. Deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and periarticular soft tissues can lead to arthritic changes. Radiographic features include periarticular soft tissue swelling, "punched-out" bony erosions and joint space narrowing. Although gout has a predilection for the first metatarsophalangeal joint, it may also affect the feet, hands, wrists, elbows and knees.
Malignant melanoma often presents with multiple-organ involvement. Pulmonary metastases are present in more than 50 percent of patients with a diagnosis of melanoma at autopsy. Metastases to the lung may be solitary or multiple. Computed tomographic scanning is the most sensitive radiologic method for detecting these pulmonary lesions.
In the evaluation of thoracic masses adjacent to vascular structures, aneurysms must be considered as a possible etiology. Particular consideration must be given to this possibility before percutaneous biopsy is performed. While contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is usually sufficient for making the diagnosis, angiography remains the gold standard for characterization and preoperative planning.
This uncommon entity typically presents in young to middle-aged patients. The clinical features are progressive pain and a limp with no history of trauma. Bone density in the affected femur is progressively affected. The process is self-limited, with gradual improvement of symptoms and bony mineralization within several months.
Thyroglossal duct cyst is a midline congenital nonodontogenic cyst seen predominantly in children. The clinical history and physical examination, along with characteristic radiographic findings, enable the physician to make a preoperative diagnosis with a high degree of certainty. Surgery is the definitive treatment.
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Pancreatic contusion or transection may result from blunt or penetrating trauma. Considerable morbidity and mortality may occur if the injury is not diagnosed and treated promptly. Clinical diagnosis of pancreatic injury due to blunt trauma is difficult, because the symptoms are often delayed and nonspecific. Computed tomographic scanning is the method of choice for the diagnosis of pancreatic injury, although abdominal ultrasound may be particularly useful in children. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is used to assess ductal integrity.
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Barium swallow is generally used to demonstrate esophageal varices, which appear as serpiginous filling defects in the distal esophagus and cardia of the stomach. Angiography is used for pre- and postoperative shunt evaluation.
This benign bone tumor is locally invasive and has a high rate of recurrence. Three-quarters of cases present before age 30. The characteristic plain film finding is a centrally located lytic lesion, usually in the metaphysis or metadiaphyseal region of a long bone. Treatment is surgical.
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