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Biomedical subjects

W W Scott

Publications and source records attributed to W W Scott.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Fibrosarcoma in a patient with scleroderma.

Malignancies have been described in association with various connective tissue disorders. While such associations may be relatively common in some disorders, such as polymyositis, the relationship between scleroderma and malignancy is more controversial. A case of fibrosarcoma of the tibia in a patient with scleroderma is presented, with correlation of conventional radiography, computed tomography, and histopathology.

Adult↗

Three-dimensional imaging of acetabular trauma.

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is widely used in evaluation of acetabular fractures. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the pelvis can be created from CT scan data. This article reports two studies, each employing one type of 3D imaging in acetabular trauma cases. The first was a study of 21 patients utilizing surface-rendered 3D images, the second, a study of 19 patients using volume-rendered 3D images. Both types of 3D images were clinically helpful and can be used in lieu of conventional plain films as a supplement to CT examination. Advantages of volume-rendered images are described.

Acetabulum↗

Volumetric rendering techniques: applications for three-dimensional imaging of the hip.

Volumetric rendering is a new approach to three-dimensional (3D) imaging that overcomes many of the drawbacks of currently available surface-rendering systems. Its application on the Pixar Imaging System in two cases of acetabular fracture was assessed to illustrate the features of the technique. The fast-computing architecture and large memory of this system allow rapid generation of a series of high-quality 3D images in each plane of rotation (x or spinal axis, z or somersaulting axis) that can be viewed as independent static images or as an animated real-time video loop. Editing to remove the normal contralateral hemipelvis enhances appreciation of acetabular abnormalities. Every pixel of computed tomographic data is preserved, allowing representation of both soft tissue and bone as translucent overlap. The presentation of data also allows detection of subtle abnormalities and features and minimizes the artifact generation common in surface-rendered images.

Computers↗

Acetabular protrusion in the Marfan syndrome.

The Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of connective tissues resulting in ocular, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal deformities. The authors reviewed 22 cases of Marfan syndrome. Forty-five percent (ten of 22) of the patients had acetabular protrusion, with one-half of these being unilateral and one-half bilateral. Scoliosis was associated with acetabular protrusion in 90% of cases (nine of ten). The authors conclude that acetabular protrusion is a common skeletal finding in the Marfan syndrome.

Acetabulum↗

Acetabular fractures: optimal imaging.

In 19 cases of acetabular fracture, computed tomography (CT) with volumetric three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions displayed as video loops about horizontal and vertical axes of rotation replaced the traditional imaging combination of CT and multiple plain radiographs, while offering significant advantages. Overlying bowel content or foreign matter obscured detail in 36 of 45 plain radiographic views, and positioning or radiographic technique was suboptimal in 21. Three-dimensional reconstructions completely eliminated these problems. These 3D reconstructions accurately simulated oblique, inlet, and tangential views in all cases. In ten of 19 cases a nonconventional oblique view, and in 13 of 19 cases a cephalocaudal angulation other than the inlet, tangential, or anteroposterior view, best demonstrated the fracture. Elimination of five plain radiographs resulted in a skin radiation dose savings of 5 rad (50 mGy). No difficult or painful patient positioning was required beyond that necessary for the standard CT examination.

Acetabulum↗

Multiplanar (MPR) imaging of the hip.

Multiplanar CT expands the ability of the radiologist to define the extent of disease, to suggest appropriate surgery, and to offer a probable prognosis.

Acetabulum↗

Pulmonary hamartoma: CT findings.

Forty-seven patients with a proved (n = 31) or presumed (n = 16) diagnosis of pulmonary hamartoma were studied prospectively by thin-section computed tomography (CT). CT criteria for hamartoma included a diameter of 2.5 cm or less, a smooth edge, and focal collections of fat or fat alternating with areas of calcification. No case of cancer (n = 283) or metastatic disease (n = 72) fulfilled these criteria. Seventeen hamartomas with no detectable calcium or fat were not diagnosed by means of CT. Two other lesions contained diffuse calcium deposits. In 28 lesions, a CT diagnosis of hamartoma was based on the detection of fat (n = 18) or calcium plus fat (n = 10). Twelve such cases were proved histologically by means of thoracotomy or needle biopsy; the remainder, including eight in asymptomatic patients aged 65 years or older, were managed with conservative follow-up.

Adult↗

Isolated nodular pulmonary amyloidosis: diagnosis by percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy.

We have reported three cases of isolated nodular pulmonary amyloidosis, a rare condition whose roentgenographic presentation frequently mimics tumor metastatic to the lung or primary lung cancer. Computerized tomography is not helpful in diagnosing this condition. In our experience, the specific diagnosis could be made by aspiration needle biopsy, avoiding thoracotomy.

Aged↗

Femoral head avascular necrosis: CT assessment with multiplanar reconstruction.

Thirty-two patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head underwent imaging studies using computed tomography with multiplanar reconstructions (CT/MPR). Staging of the disease by means of CT/MPR images was compared with traditional staging by means of routine frontal and frog-leg lateral radiographs. CT/MPR examination upgraded staging in 30% of the hips studied and made significant contributions to patient management in 14 (54%) of 26 patients for whom both CT scans and plain-film radiographs were available for comparison. Asymptomatic and radiographically normal contralateral hips were found at CT study to have stage II or stage III AVN in four patients. Subtle alterations in trabecular patterns, joint spaces, femoral-head contours, and acetabula were well defined on CT/MPR studies in many cases; previously undetected or ill-defined abnormalities were frequently visualized. The major weight-bearing components of the hip (anterior and posterior acetabular columns, acetabular dome, and superior pole of the femur), which may be poorly defined on CT scans due to partial volume effects on the transaxial images, were best seen on the sagittal and coronal reconstructions. A new system for staging AVN is suggested.

Adolescent↗

Transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy of benign and malignant lung lesions.

Transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy (TNAB) of lung lesions is a well established procedure for diagnosing lung lesions. The emphasis in the literature has been on diagnosing malignant lesions with an accuracy rate greater than 90% frequently reported. Experience with 650 patients showed that TNAB can diagnose malignant lesions in 95% of patients with cancer, and more importantly that TNAB can identify benign lesions in 88% of patients with such lesions. In this patient population, 22% of undiagnosed, noncalcified lung lesions were benign. Therefore, TNAB of lung lesions has a potential of limiting diagnostic thoracotomies to fewer than 8% of patients with lung lesions, significantly reducing the number of unnecessary thoracotomies for benign disease. The success of TNAB is affected by equipment, technique, skill, and experience and is enhanced by close cooperation among the various physicians involved.

Aged↗

Focal lytic lesions associated with femoral stem loosening in total hip prosthesis.

Focal lytic lesions may occur in the proximal femur associated with loosening of the femoral component of a total hip prosthesis. During long-term follow-up of 62 patients with total hip prostheses, five such lesions developed. Histologically the lesions appear to be a histiocytic response to fragmented methylmethacrylate. Radiographically the lesions may suggest infection or neoplasm. Pathologic fracture may occur through large lesions. Experience in one case suggests that thorough removal of the tissue at the time of revision may be necessary to prevent recurrence. The recent reports of several malignant neoplasms developing in association with the femoral components of total hip replacements makes recognition of these benign focal lytic lesions even more important.

Aged↗

Anticoagulants and abdominal pain. The role of computed tomography.

The development of abdominal pain in the patient receiving anticoagulants, especially with a documented drop in hematocrit levels, almost certainly indicates a major hemorrhage. If loss of blood from the GI tract is not documented, some form of internal bleeding must have occurred. Unfortunately, the site of the bleeding is frequently unclear. Even small hemorrhages in critical locations (eg, the adrenal gland) can have serious consequences. In the obese patient, a rectus sheath hematoma may remain hidden at the time of repeated physical examinations. Generally, the cause of a mass palpated or perhaps demonstrated by conventional radiological studies cannot be diagnosed accurately. Computed tomography can demonstrate the size and location of the mass and its relation to normal intra-abdominal structures. By careful evaluation of the attenuation coefficient, it is possible to establish the definitive diagnosis of hemorrhage. Should the attenuation value of a mass be insufficiently high to diagnose hemorrhage conclusively on the initial scan, serial scans demonstrating a decrease in size and/or attenuation of the mass confirm the diagnosis of hemorrhage. In our opinion a negative CT examination is a reliable indicator that such a bleeding complication has not occurred.

Acute Disease↗

Fatty infiltration of the liver: ultrasonographic and computed tomographic correlation.

To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosing fatty infiltration of the liver (FIL), the authors compared gray-scale B-mode ultrasonography and unenhanced computed tomographic (CT) liver images in a study of 47 patients. The CT scans, which served as the diagnostic standard, were classified as normal, Grade 1 (mild FIL), Grade 2 (moderate FIL), and Grade 3 (severe FIL). Applying predetermined sonographic textural criteria, two experienced radiologists independently graded each ultrasound study for the presence and severity of FIL. The overall accuracy of ultrasonography in detecting FIL was 85 per cent, with 100 per cent sensitivity and 56 per cent specificity. The sonographic/CT correlation in grading the severity of FIL was particularly good for Grade 2 and Grade 3 FIL. Ultrasound is a sensitive and reasonably accurate diagnostic tool in assessing fatty infiltration of the liver.

False Positive Reactions↗