The use of Prostaglandin F2 Alpha in selective visceral angiography.

Prostaglandin F2 Alpha has been used in 33 superior mesenteric and ten splenic angiographic studies. In each instance, improved anatomic detail was obtained after injection of the Prostaglandin. Unlike other vasodilating drugs, the use of Prostaglandin F2 Alpha improved the arterial as well as the venous phase of each study. No systemic haemodynamic changes or significant side effects were observed after injecting the drug, and it appears that Prostaglandin F2 Alpha is an ideal choice as a pharmacologic aid in angiography.

A tomographic evaluation of the non-visualised oral cholecystogram.

Tomographic examination was carried out on 27 patients in whom there was no opacification of the gallbladder after routine cholecystography using a double dose of contrast medium. Decisive findings were present in 24 of these cases. The findings included the presence of radiolucent and opaque calculi within the gallbladder, or within the common bile duct, and dilatation of the common bile duct. In the three cases in which no information was gained by tomography, cystic duct obstruction was found at operation.

Arterial portography in the management of portal hypertension.

ARTERIAL portography is the study of the spleno-portal venous system by visceral arteriography. Four cases studied by this method are described to illustrate its value. In the management of portal hypertension, detailed knowledge of the cause of the hypertension and the availability of any veins that can be used for shunting purposes is essential; after a decompressive shunt has been performed, its exact status must be known, especially if the patient has gastrointestinal bleeding, or shows evidence of failing hepatic function. Arterial portography should give this information. It provides not only a practical alternative to splenoportography, but a more physiologic means of studying the portal circulation.