Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to S Batnitzky.
Teleradiology networks transmit digital radiographic images from one location to another. These networks are wide area networks. Teleradiology networks are used for diagnostic purposes and preview tasks. Wide area networks for teleradiology use public service switching. The use of fiber optics networks provide reduced costs and increased flexibility. An example is presented that compares the cost of teleradiology networks.
We have used an intracranial 9L rat brain tumor model to determine whether a novel metalloporphyrin, Mn[III] uroporphyrin I (MnUROP-I), could function as an intravenous MRI contrast agent for brain tumors. In several experiments, 24 male Fischer 344 rats were inoculated intracranially with 9L brain tumor cells. On day 15 postinoculation, animals were anesthetized and the femoral vein exposed. Prior to the intravenous injection of the contrast agent, a precontrast scan (1 Tesla in a standard head coil) was performed. Thirty min after injection of the contrast agent, a postcontrast scan was performed. Although there was only a suggestion of abnormality on the precontrast scans, the presence of tumor was visibility enhanced in the postcontrast scans. In 3 animals scanned at 24 hr postinjection, persistent tumor enhancement was demonstrated. Measured tumor sizes on the MRI scans were consistent with sizes measured at autopsy and histologically. These results demonstrate that MnUROP-I is an effective MRI contrast agent for the detection of an intracranial brain tumor in the rat model.
Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 18 patients with migraine characterized by aura consisting of both visual symptoms and paresthesias. Fifteen headache-free individuals of the same age range were used as controls. Records were randomized and read in blind fashion by two neuroradiologists. Small subcortical white matter lesions were seen in three migraine cases and two controls. In one migraine case cortical infarctions were seen. In two controls, small areas of increased density similar to those in migraine were seen. No consistent correlation of migraine or its duration with cerebral atrophy was found. It is concluded that identification of both these MRI findings (small subcortical white lesions and cerebral atrophy) as significantly associated with migraine is doubtful.
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Ultrasonography has a primary role in the imaging of biliary disease. Most cases are straightforward, but the authors emphasize unusual manifestations, uncommon diseases, and artifacts that may present diagnostic challenges. Issues in differential diagnosis are discussed for the following findings: internal gallbladder echoes (calculi vs tumefactive sludge, air, hematobilia, parasitic infestation, cholecystosis, neoplasia, and artifacts), gallbladder wall thickening (acute cholecystitis vs acalculous cholecystitis, artifacts, ascites, hypoalbuminemia, hepatitis, and sclerosing cholangitis), pericholecystic fluid (cholecystitis vs ascites, perforated ulcer, and trauma), bile duct dilatation (biliary obstruction vs sclerosing cholangitis, biliary air, anomalous portal system, biliary atresia, Caroli disease, and cholangiocarcinoma), perinatal and neonatal biliary disease, and sclerosing cholangitis.
A teleradiology system acquires radiographic images at one location and transmits them to one or more remote sites, where they are displayed and/or converted to hard copy. These systems often employ wide area networks. Their goal is to provide improved radiologic services at all sites on the network. Experience in the use of teleradiology systems has demonstrated the need for a laser film digitizer, an optical disk, and a high-quality display and/or laser film printer at each site. Single-site hardware purchase costs average $196,000, plus an additional 20% for yearly network services. Hardware purchased for a consultation or central referral facility approximates $344,000.
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The radiologist has a pivotal role in evaluation of spinal trauma patients because proper treatment cannot begin before the abnormality is diagnosed. Plain films remain the screening modality of choice, and by understanding the radiographic signs of injury, patterns produced by various traumatic mechanisms can be recognized. As radiologists we can then provide insight to our clinical colleagues into the optimal methods of further investigation. The objective is to eliminate the possibility of further damage and to identify lesions amenable to correction.
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is the most common form of sporadic encephalitis in man and usually results in death or permanent neurologic deficit. Neonatal HSE does not show the characteristic anatomic localization in the temporal lobe observed in adults and in older children which suggests that the disease process is different in this age group. The abnormalities observed with radionuclide brain imaging and computed tomography (CT) are more diffuse and bilateral. The clinical outcome of the disease is highly dependent on early institution of therapy. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical. Knowledge of neonatal HSE imaging patterns may alert the clinician to the proper diagnosis.
One of the most effective treatment modalities for tumors of the head and neck has been radiation therapy. In a small number of cases, delayed radiation necrosis of the brain is a dreaded and devastating complication of radiation therapy. The imaging studies (radionuclide brain scan, cerebral angiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) in 12 cases of histologically proven, delayed radiation necrosis of the brain are analysed. While both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can depict radiation necrosis with great sensitivity, however, the ability of these imaging techniques to differentiate between radiation necrosis and recurrent or residual brain tumor is low.
The authors discuss their original observations using computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of posterior fossa neoplasms in children. The subject of CT diagnosis of childhood supratentorial tumors is also reviewed. However, despite the documented value of CT, the authors believe that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will eventually offer certain advantages that will make MRI the primary imaging modality for intracranial neoplasms in children.
Computed tomography (CT) is currently the primary and generally the definitive imaging modality for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of intracranial neoplasms in children. The value of CT in the postoperative period is discussed. The role of CT and myelography is stressed in the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid seeding. CT is also important in demonstrating the iatrogenic disturbances of the central nervous system as a result of radiation and chemotherapy. The authors recommend that CT scans with and without contrast be obtained 2 weeks after surgery and before starting any form of adjuvant treatment. CT slices should be contiguous and 5-mm thick. Subsequent scans should be obtained every 3 to 4 months for the first year and every 6 months thereafter. Where necessary, CT scans after the introduction of intrathecal metrizamide may be necessary to evaluate the lower portion of the posterior fossa and brain stem.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technique that demonstrates intracranial anatomy without the use of ionizing irradiation and intravenous contrast agents. Image quality is dependent on various factors, including field strength, scanning sequence, and imaging time. Although there is currently no concensus as to how to visualize intracranial lesions optimally, MRI has already been shown to be sensitive in the detection of brain tumors. It can detect many different types of tumors; however, its specificity is unclear. Intracranial tumor extent is extremely well-demonstrated by MRI. The advantages and disadvantages of MRI compared with computerized tomography are reviewed.
Computed tomography (CT) has revolutionized the diagnosis of diseases affecting the vertebral column. CT effectively demonstrates the bony vertebral column with its intervertebral articulations, its soft tissue contents, and the surrounding paravertebral soft tissues. The vertebral column may be the site of involvement of a wide variety of benign diseases. These diseases may be congenital or acquired and may arise from within the spinal canal, from the vertebrae themselves, or from the paravertebral soft tissues. These lesions may be unsuspected clinically and may be detected incidentally in patients undergoing CT of the spine for nonspecific complaints. The axial projection is extremely useful in displaying spinal anatomy and pathology and, combined with sagittal and coronal reformation, provides diagnostic information not possible from any other radiological modality. More invasive radiological procedures, such as myelography, may in many cases be obviated, especially if shorter segments of the vertebral column are to be surveyed. The CT findings in many cases are sufficiently characteristic to enable a specific diagnosis to be made.
The increasing use of digitally formatted imaging systems requires high-quality interactive gray-scale computer raster graphics systems for the management, display, and analog film recording of digital image and alphanumeric information. These systems are a combination of computer hardware and software and implement a set of graphics protocols. This paper describes a set of interactive graphics protocols that has been developed for clinical use.
The continuing increase in diagnostic examinations using digitally formatted image instrumentation imposes new requirements on the acquisition, display, transmission, recording, and archiving of all diagnostic data. The fabrication decisions and initial clinical testing of a prototype on-line, decentralized digital image management system are described. With this system, raw digital data can be viewed by multiple users as soon as it is acquired by an acquisition node and transmitted to a display node. Radiologists and clinicians have given this system a favorable reception.
A case of typical coccygodynia caused by a sacral nerve cyst is reported. Relief of the pain by excision of the cyst occurred.
The sacrum and perisacral soft tissues are not readily amenable to investigation by conventional radiological techniques. Computed tomography (CT) has provided an excellent imaging modality for the evaluation of these areas. This article describes the normal CT anatomy of the sacrum, the CT technique for evaluating the sacrum and perisacral soft tissues and the contribution of CT to the assessment of the many disorders that may involve the sacrum. Conditions discussed include osseous tumors of the sacrum, spinal dysraphism, cauda equina tumors and cysts, lesions arising primarily in the presacral space and sacral trauma. The use of CT scanning of the sacrum following intrathecal administration of Metrizamide is described.