[A new modality for dentomaxillofacial imaging: cone beam CT]. / Nouveauté en radiologie dento-maxillofaciale: la tomographie volumétrique à faisceau conique.

Cone beam CT is an imaging technique used worldwide. It is a reliable and credible alternative to CT scan for dentomaxillofacial imaging. Radiation exposure may vary from one machine to another, but it remains definitely lower than CT dose levels. This technique is compatible with dental implant software. The major diagnostic advantage is the exquisite spatial resolution. The main pitfall is the poor contrast of face and neck soft tissues, due to a lower density resolution compared to CT scan.

Cone-beam imaging: applications in ENT.

Cone-beam imaging is an X-ray based volume acquisition method providing 3D images of the head. The reconstructed volume is "isotropic"; spatial resolution varies according to material, equaling or exceeding that of CT but with a much lower radiation intensity. The drawbacks comprise a reduced signal-to-noise ratio and poor density resolution precluding soft-tissue exploration, notably of tumoral processes. This technique is very effective for the study of inflammatory and infectious processes of the head. In dental exploration, its intrinsic qualities enable screening for sinusitis of dental origin with a precision unobtainable on CT. Cone-beam imaging will, in the near future, become the reference examination in sinus assessment. Finally, this technique, at least using the most powerful apparatuses, seems very promising in ear pathology exploration. First applications in chronic otitis, dysplasia, deformity and trauma have been encouraging. Its low sensitivity to metallic artifacts makes it the technique of choice in the follow-up of cochlear implants.

[Trial of a new flexible cassette in general radiology (author's transl)]. / Expérimentation d'une nouvelle cassette souple en radiologie générale

The flexible cassette is a detector of undisputable value, particularly in the radiology of patients who have been subjected to trauma, patients who cannot be transported and above all in "locked" joints. Thus the authors think that it is indispensable for all radiologists to have a set of flexible cassettes at their disposal.

[Splenic arterial aneurysm rupturing into the splenic vein. A rare cause of acute fortal hypertension in the post-partum period (author's transl)]. / Anévrysme artériel splénique rompu dans la veine homologue. Une cause rare d'H.T.P. aiguë du "post-partum"

Following the sudden onset of a clinical syndrome of acute portal hypertension in a young woman in the course of childbirth, angiography revealed a voluminous aneurysm of the splenic artery rupture into the splenic vein. Surgical treatment was successful. The authors review the main characteristics of splenic arterio-venous fistulae and discuss the physiopathological problems of portal hypertension associated with such lesions.

[The value of double contrast radiological exploration in the study of pathological appearances of the greater curvature of the stomach (author's transl)]. / Intérêt de l'exploration radiologique en double contraste pour l'étude des images pathologiques de la grande courbure gastrique

The authors indicate the special points relative to effective double contrast radiological exploration of the greater curvature of the stomach (high titre barium suspension, with high covering power; maximal insufflation of the gastric cavity; decubitus films always complemented by filling images in procubitus and in a vertical position. They then present the principal features which may be encountered using the method: -addition images in relation with ulcerated lesions; -lacunae indicative of localised parietal proliferation; - "double contour" appearances corresponding to infiltrating tumors with a broad surface; - "thick folds" of the greater curvature which, apart from the classical causes, should first suggest an inflammatory or tumoural process in the underlying pancreas; - extrinsic imprints, the topographical location and appearances of which may indicate their origin.

[Double contrast exploration of the stomach after surgery (author's transl)]. / Exploration radiologique en double contraste de l'estomac opéré

The authors describe the application of double contrast radiological exploration in the stomach after surgery. They show normal and pathological results after the principal types of gastric surgery: excisions, conservative procedures, hiatal hernia surgery. Apart from the post-operative period, the technique may be used without major difficulties. The precise images obtained render it the technique of choice for the detection of the organic complications of gastroduodenal surgery.