Metallic punctate densities in the breast after Chinese herbal treatment: mammographic findings.

PURPOSE: To describe the mammographic features of metallic punctate densities seen in women who were treated with the herb go-yak for breast abscess and to explain the cause of these findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammograms showing metallic punctate densities that appeared to be microcalcifications in 34 women were analyzed retrospectively with attention to the location, shape, distribution, and depth of the lesions. In all patients, go-yak was applied into the open wound after abscess drainage 6-42 years before mammography. In six patients, histopathologic specimens were obtained after needle localization. RESULTS: Metallic densities were in the subareolar or central breast in 24 (71%) of 34 patients. The shape was predominantly round or punctate in all patients, but rod-shaped or linear lesions were found in seven patients. The distribution and depth of lesions were variable, but they extended to the subcutaneous fat in 29 patients (85%). A high concentration of lead was found in the histopathologic specimens and herb samples. CONCLUSION: Lead deposits associated with go-yak treatment should be included in the differential diagnosis when the suspected microcalcifications are of unusually high density, are central in location, and extend into the subcutaneous fat in Asian women with a history of breast abscess.

Comparative analysis of curved root canal preparation using nickel-titanium instruments with or without EDTA.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the use of EDTA as a root canal irrigant in curved root canals instrumented with nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments. Twenty extracted maxillary molars were selected. Mesiobuccal roots were used. Teeth were mounted in self-curing acrylic resin bases to allow standardized angulation of the initial and final radiographs. The preinstrumentation radiographs were made with a #15 file in the canal. The canals were instrumented with Ni-Ti instruments by the step-back technique, using or not using EDTA. The post-instrumentation radiographs were made with a #30 file in the canal. The films were projected (x10 magnification), drawn, and superimposed. Ni-Ti instruments used with EDTA were less effective in maintaining the original path of curved canals.

Area-dependent enlargement ratios of panoramic tomography on orthograde patient positioning and its significance for implant dentistry.

The aim of this work was to study the behavior of vertical and horizontal enlargement ratios in panoramic tomography in various implant regions of the maxilla and the mandible. A method is presented that admits determination of regional enlargement ratios as a function of the implant region. Clearly defined characteristics of the implant body (Frialit-2 implants) are used as reference points. The vertical enlargement ratio varied between 1.21 and 1.29 on optimal orthograde adjusted tomographs, depending on the measured area. The horizontal enlargement ratio at the coronal end of the implant varied between 1.15 and 1.35. As it is below the vertical value in the lateral tooth area, this contributes to the distortion of the implant structures depicted. The horizontal enlargement at the apical end of the implant varies between 1.12 and 1.44. The difference in horizontal enlargement ratios also causes a distortion of the implant structures shown on the panoramic tomograph. Based on this study scenario, panoramic tomography may be well suited to preimplant diagnosis, particularly in the vertical dimension. With regard to transparent templates designed for implant placement, an enlargement of 1.3 in the perpendicular line and 1.35 in the horizontal line is proposed.

Radiographic magnification of colon polyps.

Radiographic magnification was evaluated on conventional and remote control machinery using a phantom with steel rods positioned at different levels. Depending on the rod-film distance, the range of magnification was 8-47% on remote control and conventional overhead films and 11-82% on conventional fluoroscopic spot-films. Extrapolation to the colon based on cross-sectional anatomic correlation showed a 14-27% variation in the radiographic magnification depending on the machinery used, the segment of the colon considered, and the position of the patient. This implies that substantial inaccuracy in the measurement of colonic polyps is common by barium enema examination, particularly when a conventional fluoroscope is used.

Xeroradiography--an in-depth review.

Xeroradiology has been reviewed from the earliest description of charged powder imaging by Lichtenberg in 1977 through its more recent development and widespread use. The principles of photoconductivity, selenium characteristics, and edge enhancement were explained, and the basic components and operation of xeroradiographic equipment were outlined. Xeroradiography has achieved its greatest usefulness in mammography and the evaluation of breast disease. Although early workers in the field were discouraged by the relatively primitive nature of the equipment, Wolfe, by his persistent investigation, demonstrated the value of xeroradiography. He proposed the following advantages over film mammography: ease of interpretation; more information on one image; a more rapid, dry developing process; less irradiation required than nonscreen industrial type film; and probably greater accuracy. Each of these factors were reviewed in detail, type film; and probably greater accuracy. Each of these factors were reviewed in detail, and the factors influencing dose reduction were elaborated. The application of xeroradiography to nearly every aspect of diagnostic radiology has been attempted. Areas of greatest effectiveness include the evaluation of the pharyngeal and laryngeal structures of the head and neck, foreign body detection in soft tissues, verification of radiotherapy beam coverage and treatment field, detection of soft tissue tumors and some bone tumors for soft tissue components, and visualization of the smaller skeletal structures of the extremities. Because of radiation dosage limitations, xeroradiography cannot, at present, be used for routine examinations of the thicker body portions, the chest, or the abdomen. Investigations are continuing into methods of increasing the sensitivity of the process, thereby hopefully significantly reducing the radiation dose and allowing more widespread use of xeroradiography in these areas.