Computerized tomographic evaluation of aortic prosthetic graft complications

Computerized tomography has been found to be an accurate and sensitive method of diagnosing complications of synthetic aortic grafts. Complications in our series of four cases included aortoesophageal fistula, aortoduodenal fistula, pseudoaneurysm, and retroperitoneal hematoma

CT demonstration of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas with calcified lymphadenopathy

We believe our patient's pancreatic lesion represents a primary macrocystic adenocarcinoma with calcified retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. CT examination was useful in characterizing the primary tumor and evaluating the extent of disease. The presence of calcified metastatic lesions was an additional key point in the differential diagnosis

Computerized tomography in acute and chronic pancreatitis

Modern imaging techniques have revolutionized the diagnostic evaluation of pancreatitis, primarily demonstrating its complications. Computerized tomography (CT) is a more sensitive method than ultrasonography and pancreatic ductography. A chart review revealed 214 patients at our hospital with a discharge diagnosis of pancreatitis. Sixty patients had CT for evaluation of possible complications. Only five scans were normal. Of 37 cases of acute pancreatitis, 92% demonstrated localized or diffuse enlargement, and 65% showed loss of pancreatic outline. Other frequent findings included thickening of perirenal fascia (49%), ileus (43%), edema of mesentery (35%), and inflammatory exudate (32%). Abscess and pseudocyst were each detected in 8% of cases. In chronic pancreatitis 65% of patients showed localized or diffuse pancreatic enlargement. Atrophy of the gland (30%), calcification (30%), pseudocyst (26%), and dilated pancreatic ducts (17%) were also seen. CT is effective in evaluating pancreatitis and its complications

Low dose imaging of scoliosis: use of a computed radiographic imaging system

A digital radiographic system using the technology of laser stimulated luminescence has been utilized for the evaluation of scoliosis at reduced exposure levels. A total of 412 examinations have been performed on children with scoliosis. Diagnostic images were produced at significantly reduced radiation exposures when compared to standard radiographic techniques. Exposure reductions of 92% to 95% were consistently achieved. Since the potential for multiple examinations and considerable radiation exposure in this patient population is high, this is a significant application in the developing technology of digital radiography