[Algodystrophy of the femoral head. Contribution of new imaging methods]. / L'algodystrophie de la tête fémorale. Apport des nouvelles méthodes d'imagerie.

Results are reported of the use of new imaging methods, CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging, in 12 patients with algodystrophy of femoral head. During the early stages a CT scan can detect partial demineralizations, observed on MR images in sagittal sections. When the disease is installed the CT scan images show global demineralization, but the MR images with coupled T1-T2 study appear to be more pathognomonic (hyposignal extended in T1 with hypersignal in T2, associated with a more marked subchondral hyposignal in T1 as in T2) particularly in relation to the osteonecrosis of femoral head.

[Comparative study of scintigraphy, x-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the hip and algodystrophy]. / Etude comparative de la scintigraphie, de la scanographie et de l'I.R.M. dans le diagnostic de l'ostéonécrose de hanche et de l'algodystrophie.

Effectiveness of modern imaging techniques were compared when used for diagnosis of the painful hip in adults, particularly the distinction between aseptic osteonecrosis and decalcifying osteodystrophy. Although a small number of patients were studied (5 cases of osteonecrosis and 5 of decalcification) the series was homogeneous (same investigator for each technique and identical equipment for each patient), and the different methods of investigation (conventional radiology, scintigraphy computed scanography CE 10,000 and 0.15 resistive NMR imaging) could be validly compared. NMR images were recorded in only 5 patients but evaluation involved findings during use of this method of hip investigation over a period of 8 months. Results of comparison of the different imaging methods in osteonecrosis and osteodystrophy of hip showed conventional radiology to be much less effective for diagnosis. Conventional bone scintigraphy appeared to provide a good diagnostic approach, while C.T. images appeared to be as effective or even more specific than scintigraphy for differential diagnosis of the two affections. The only uncertainty is based on the radiologic latency in early stage disease, probably able to be filled by a densitometry. The use of NMR imaging appears to be promising, since it provides data as early as scintigraphy and as specific as scanography, particularly in view of apparent discrimination between osteonecrosis and osteodystrophy of the hip with respect to measurement of relaxation parameters.

[Pheochromocytoma of Zuckerkandl's organ. Value of angiographic study. Apropos of a case]. / Phéochromocytome de l'organe de Zuckerkandl. Intérêt de l'exploration angiographique. A propos d'un cas.

The authors report a case of pheochromocytoma of Zuckerkandl's organ revealed by permanent hypertension. Angiography, combined with the clinical and biological data suggesting a catecholamine secreting tumor, made the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma of Zuckerkandl's organ prior therapy.