Thin-section axial multidetector computed tomography and multiplanar reformatted imaging of children with suspected foreign-body aspiration: Is virtual bronchoscopy overemphasized?

PURPOSE: To determine the added value of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)-assisted virtual bronchoscopy (VB) to axial MDCT and multiplanar reformatted (MPR) imaging with respect to conventional bronchoscopy in the evaluation of children with suspected foreign-body aspiration (FBA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive children (14 male, seven female, age 8 months-7 years, mean age 3.5 years) presenting with the suspicion of FBA were examined with 16-slice MDCT using 100-120 kV, 30-50 mA, 1-mm section thickness, 1.2 pitch ratio, and 0.6-1.0-mm reconstruction interval. Before CT examinations, chest radiographies were also obtained in all cases. VB and MPR imaging were carried out after MDCT examinations. RESULTS: Nine foreign bodies were identified by gold-standard conventional bronchoscopy. VB, thin-section axial MDCT, and MPR images identified eight of nine foreign bodies. CT scans with MPR images and VB did not reveal a chronic foreign body; and, in one patient, endobronchial mucous was diagnosed as the foreign body. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of thin-section axial MDCT and MPR images alone in the diagnosis of FBA were 88.9%, 91.7%, and 90.5%, respectively. Results were the same as those obtained when VB was also included. CONCLUSION: MDCT with VB and axial/MPR images provide equally valuable information in children with suspected foreign-body aspiration and prevent unnecessary conventional bronchoscopic examinations. However, VB increases total examination time and cost, and it does not provide additional information over MPR images in the evaluation of foreign-body aspiration.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted and 3D constructive interference in steady state images for predicting outcome after hearing-preservation surgery for vestibular schwannoma.

We compared contrast-enhanced T1-weighted and 3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequences for demonstrating possible prognostic factors in hearing-preservation surgery for vestibular schwannoma. We studied 22 patients with vestibular schwannomas having hearing-preservation surgery. Postoperatively six (27%) had a facial palsy and eight (36%) had hearing loss. There was a significant correlation between the size of the tumour and facial palsy (r=-0.72). Both techniques adequately demonstrated all tumours. Involvement of the fundus of the internal auditory canal (IAC) and a small distance between the lateral border of the tumour and the fundus were correlated significantly with hearing loss (r=-0.81 and -0.75, respectively). The 3D-CISS sequence, by virtue of its high contrast resolution was superior to T1-weighted images ( P<0.05) for detection of the fundal involvement. The direction of displacement of the facial nerve did not correlate with facial palsy or hearing loss. We think that 3D-CISS images better show the features influencing surgical outcome, but that contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images are required for diagnosis.

Massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage from the surgical anastomosis in patients with multiorgan trauma: treatment by subselective embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subselective arterial embolization with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles with or without microcoil augmentation to control postoperative lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. METHODS: Ten patients with clinical, scintigraphic, and angiographic evidence of postoperative lower GI bleeding were considered for subselective embolization. Subselective embolizations were performed through coaxial microcatheters with 355-500 micron PVA particles with or without additional coil embolization. RESULTS: Embolization was technically successful in 9 of 10 (90%) patients. In one patient, subselective embolization was not possible; consequently no embolization was performed. Clinical success was achieved after a single embolization in 6 of 10 (60%) patients and after a second embolization in an additional 3 of the 10 (30%) patients. While there was no rebleeding in patients with normal coagulation parameters, all three patients (100%) with coagulopathy rebled, two of them from another source. Although no acute ischemic effects developed, no long-term sequela such as ischemic stricture were specifically looked for. Seven patients developed abdominal discomfort and/or fever within 24-48 hr. Four of 10 patients died of complications other than hemorrhage or ischemia. CONCLUSION: Subselective PVA embolization with or without a microcoil embolization is an effective and safe means of managing postoperative lower GI hemorrhage in patients with multiorgan trauma.

Percutaneous treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver: long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to present the long-term results of percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients (44 male and 28 female, ranging in age between 10 and 69 years; mean age, 35 years) with 106 liver hydatid cysts underwent percutaneous treatment with albendazole prophylaxis. Puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) were used for hydatid cysts smaller than 6 cm (n = 66). Larger cysts (n = 40) were treated by catheterization. Hypertonic saline solution and absolute alcohol were used as the cytotoxic and sclerosing agents. Sonographic guidance with or without fluoroscopy was used in all patients. Follow-up was mainly by sonography every third month of the first year, every sixth month of the second year, and once a year thereafter. The mean follow-up time was 37 months. RESULTS: The mean reduction in volume at the time of the first follow-up was 87.0% and 73.5% in catheterization and PAIR patients, respectively. The immediate sonographic changes after treatment were detachment of the endocyst and disappearance of the regular endocyst, with a reduction in the fluid component. The solid appearance of the cyst remnant indicated complete cure as the cyst wall became irregular and thicker. The average time for development of a solid appearance was 19 months in PAIR patients and 26 months in catheterization patients. Seventy of 72 patients were cured, whereas two recurrences (2.8%) were observed. No mortality, abdominal dissemination, or tract seeding occurred. Minor complications were urticaria and fever in eight patients (11.1%). Major complications were infection of the cyst cavity in two patients (2.8%) and development of biliary fistula in four patients (5.6%). Mean hospitalization times were 17 days for complicated cases and I day for uncomplicated cases. CONCLUSION: The long-term results of percutaneous liver hydatid cyst treatment accord with short-term results, indicating that the procedure is efficient and safe and offers complete cure in selected patients with a short hospitalization.

Microfocal radiography in the diagnosis of childhood renal osteodystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Renal osteodystrophy is common in children with chronic renal failure (CRF) and X-ray is an intensive method in the diagnosis of the disease. In this study we compared microfocal radiography with conventional method for the diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy. METHODS: The X-rays of left wrists of 21 children with CRF and chronic renal insufficiency were taken by conventional and microfocal methods. RESULTS: Both methods revealed osteopenia in all patients (100%), widening, fraying and cupping of ulnar and radial metaphysis in 10 (47.6%), osteosclerosis in three (14.2%) and pseudofracture in one (4.7%) patient. Microfocal radiography demonstrated osteosclerosis in one patient, pseudofracture in four and subperiosteal resorption in five patients that were not detected by conventional method. CONCLUSION: Two methods were found to be significantly different in demonstrating the changes due to rickets and hyperparathyroidism and it is concluded that microfocal radiography may be preferred in the diagnosis of childhood renal osteodystrophy.

TRUS, CT and MRI findings of hydatid disease of seminal vesicles.

Hydatid disease of the urogenital system, especially seminal vesicles and prostate, or retroperitoneum is a very rare condition. Secondary dissemination of seminal vesicles has not been described before. We describe the transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), CT and MRI findings of a secondary solitary hydatid cyst of the left seminal vesicle, in a patient with disseminated hydatid disease involving all abdominal organs except for right kidney. We obtained typical findings of hydatid cyst at all modalities.

Percutaneous renal hydatid cyst treatment: long-term results.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous treatment of renal hydatid cysts. METHODS: Four male and one female (14-52 years old, mean = 37 years) patients with five renal cysts were treated percutaneously. All five cysts from the patients were pure fluid collections, which were consistent with type I hydatid cysts according to Gharbi's classification. After entering the cystic cavity under sonographic guidance, cystic fluid was aspirated, and the cavity was filled with hypertonic saline (15% NaCl). In three patients with cysts larger than 6 cm in diameter, catheterization was performed under fluoroscopic guidance, and the cavity was filled with 95% absolute alcohol to sclerotize the cyst walls. In two patients with cysts smaller than 6 cm in diameter, the procedure was carried out by a technique in which the cyst was puncture aspirated, hypertonic saline solution was injected, and the cyst was reaspirated. The patients were followed by ultrasonography and computed tomography. Follow up was 5-62 months (mean = 33.8 months). RESULTS: Sonographic follow-up examinations indicated a gradual decrease in cyst size and volume. The size reduction was significant (p < 0.05). The volume reduction rate was 55-95% (mean = 81%). During follow up, fluid components of all five cysts reduced gradually and finally disappeared, leaving a remnant that is called a "pseudotumor appearance." Neither mortality nor any dissemination was encountered during follow up. The only complication seen in this series was an abscess that was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, percutaneous treatment of renal hydatid cysts avoids the morbidity of open surgery and preserves the residual function of the kidney.

Deep vein thrombosis in spinal cord injured patients.

In this study to determine the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, we evaluated 30 instances of bilateral ascending venography obtained in 31 patients. Every patient was on prophylactic low dose heparin anticoagulant therapy. The incidence of DVT was found to be 53.3%. Adverse effects due to venography were seen in 10% of patients. No major complications including postvenographic phlebitis and allergic reactions were observed.