Cecal hernia into the lesser sac.

Two cases of cecal herniation through the foramen of Winslow into the lesser sac are presented. This unusual and potentially life-threatening form of internal herniation can be diagnosed radiographically on plain abdominal radiographs and barium studies by identifying the cecum lying posterior and medial to the stomach in association with the absence of the cecum in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. One of the described cases is unique in that the patient was asymptomatic relative to the internal hernia. The other case clearly demonstrates the importance of increased intra-abdominal pressure as a causative factor in foramen of Winslow hernia.

Diagnosis of small bowel obstruction: the contribution of diagnostic ultrasound.

The hallmark of intestinal obstruction, whether due to a mechanical cause or to absence of peristalsis, is the intraluminal accumulation of fluid. The presence of air simply makes it easier to visualize dilated fluid-filled loops of plain radiographs. When gas is absent, secondary to vomiting or to cessation of air swallowing, the fluid-filled loops may be difficult to identify. In closed loop obstruction, air cannot enter the involved bowel, and in this situation sonography may provide important information concerning the status of the intestinal tract. In nonstrangulating obstruction, sonography offers confirmatory evidence of dilated fluid-filled loops of bowel. In some instances, ultrasonography may correctly identify the gastrointestinal tract origin of a problem thus enabling appropriate management of the patient. We describe three patients in whom ultrasound enabled prompt diagnosis of fluid-filled loops.

Large mucosal bridges: an unusual roentgenographic manifestation of ulcerative colitis.

An unusual case of colonic mucosal bridges in a patient with ulcerative colitis was demonstrated by double-contrast barium enema and confirmed at colonoscopy. We believe this to be the first report of this entity in the radiologic literature. The probable etiology of this uncommon manifestation of chronic inflammatory bowel disease is discussed.

Transcatheter embolization for treatment of diverticular hemorrhage.

Two patients underwent transcatheter embolization for control of massive diverticular hemorrhage after vasopressin infusion had failed to control the bleeding. The role of angiography in the management of diverticular bleeding is discussed. If surgery is being considered, angiography should be utilized to localize the bleeding site and to permit limited colonic resection. Transcatheter embolization is proposed as an alternative to operative intervention.

Growth rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms.

A policy of utilizing B-mode ultrasound scan measurements of abdominal aortic aneurysms to help determine operability in poor-risk patients with small asymptomatic aneurysms has been pursued for the past 6 years. Indications for surgery in such patients have included enlargement to 6 cm. in any transverse diameter, the development of symptoms, or evidence of leak or rupture. In addition, patients treated nonoperatively have been followed by serial B-mode echo scans, permitting the accumulation of aneurysm growth rate data. Such data indicate that small aneurysms grow an average of 0.4 cm. per year, but that dramatic increases in aneurysm size may occur unexpectedly in asymptomatic patients. These data appear to have value in both individual decision making and as a baseline for weighting the various risk factors in the poor-risk patient with a small asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Analgesic abuse syndrome: a frequently overlooked cause of reversible renal failure.

The incidence of analgesic nephropathy in the United States is greater than previously reported. Because of the characteristic radiographic features of papillary necrosis, this diagnosis may be made while it is still clinically unsuspected. Early diagnosis is extremely important because cessation of analgesic abuse may avert progressive renal damage. Uncovering the diagnosis calls for special care in obtaining the telltale history. This must be sought in patients with radiographic evidence of papillary necrosis when a history of diabetes mellitus, obstructive uropathy, or sicle cell anemia is absent, or in patients with unexplained nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis.