Three hundred and seventeen cases which included 100 normal individuals have been studied for roentgen significance of the thoracic paraspinal line (TPL). The descending thoracic aorta greatly determines the course and configuration of the TPL. In a right-sided aorta, the TPL is seen on the right side as a mirror image of a left-sided TPL. Lateral deviation of the TPL and descending aorta occur as an ageing process. In systemic hypertension where there is an aortic unfolding, the TPL also unfolds and the degree of TPL deviation has a fair degree of linear relationship with the severity and duration of hypertension in young individuals. Most cases of mitral valvular disease show lateral deviation of the TPL and descending aorta. In these cases the enlarged left atrium displaces the descending aorta and hence the posteromedial border of left lung posterolaterally tangential to the vertebral column resulting in deviation of the TPL and aorta. Perioesophageal spread of carcinoma of the oesophagus into the posterior mediastinum is indicated by changes in pleuro-oesophageal interface and TPL. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy in cases of testicular tumours may be detected by discovery of TPL deviation on frontal radiographs of the thoracic spine. In extradural masses such as granulomas, abscesses and metastatic deposits, the TPL shows a localised bulge corresponding to the clinical and myelographic level of spinal compression.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

The radiological features of craniofacial neurofibromatosis.

Three cases of neurofibromatosis are reported showing a wide spectrum of roentgen abnormalities affecting the skull and facial bones. One case had macrocrania and multiple calvarial defects; enlargement of the sella turcica and middle cranial fossa was also present. All the three cases had orbital changes either in the form of enlargement, reduced anteroposterior width or loss of bony outlines with an appearance of emptiness. The other two cases showed predominantly facial involvement with hypoplasia of the mandibular body and ramus, abnormal coronoid process, zygomatic arch, hypoplastic maxilla, cystic mandible with abnormal dentition and absence of the osseous external auditory meatus. Intra-orbital calcification was present in one case. The radiological projections required to evaluate such cases are discussed. The 20 degrees occipito-mental view has been found extremely useful and is recommended.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1979

Protecting signatures against forgery.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Crime↗

PubMed1979

Giant aneurysm of the internal carotid artery in the carotid canal.

A case of giant aneurysm of the intrapetrous portion of the internal carotid artery, with intracranial and extra-cranial extension in an eight-year-old girl, is reported. Intracranial extension was demonstrated by the presence of a large sac projecting above the petrous shadow in a frontal carotid angiogram, and upward displacement of the middle cerebral artery in the post-ligation angiogram. Extracranial extension was shown clinically as a pulsating mass in the nasopharynx, and also radiologically as a widened medial coronoid space. Erosive destruction of the petrous bone and its neighbourhood produced palsies of the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th cranial nerves. There was appreciable recovery in the cranial nerve palsies when the patient was assessed clinically two weeks after ligation of the internal carotid artery.

Aneurysm↗

PubMed1979

Chromosome analysis in meningeal carcinomatosis.

A 50-year-old man with clinical signs of meningeal carcinomatosis is described in whom cerebrospinal fluid cells suspected of malignancy were found. A chromosome analysis confirmed malignancy and also indicated the origin of the primary tumor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1979