Ultrasonics evaluation of intrathoracic masses.

B mode ultrasound can be used to evaluate intrathoracic masses that contact the chest wall. It provides a noninvasive technique to distinguish cystic from solid lesions and to assess the internal structure. Four cases are reported in which this procedure was used to provide diagnositc information

Ultrasound diagnosis of pelvic and wound abscess after an appendectomy.

Intra-abdominal abscess formation is a common complication of ruptured and gangrenous appendicitis. The signs and symptoms associated with abscess formation are generally nonspecific and may be seen without a collection, which is amenable to surgical drainage. Because such patients are quite fragile, it is essential to use a diagnostic test which is noninvasive and highly accurate prior to further operation. B-scan ultrasound fulfills these requirements and is particularly valuable in assessing the recurrence of abscesses and in detecting wound abscesses

Roentgenology of sporotrichosis.

Localized cutaneous as well as unifocal and multifocal systemic sporotrichosis may all produce roentgenographic findings. Localized cutaneous nodules may occasionally extend to the bone below producing a locally erosive lesion similar to those more commonly found in blastomycosis. More frequently, sporotrichosis involves the joints, either alone or with accompanying skin nodules. The joint changes are those of a pyogenic arthritis of the knees, elbows, hands, or feet which is difficult to distinguish from pyarthrosis produced by other organisms. The pulmonary findings depend upon whether or not the lung is the only site of infection. If there are no other areas of involvement, the pulmonary findings may be indistinguishable from those of secondary tuberculosis. However, if the skin on joints are also involved, small nodules appear and apparently do not proceed to cavitation

Gray-scale ultrasonic cholecystography. A primary screeing procedure.

The accuracy of ultrasonic cholecystography is well established. However, oral cholecystography remains the primary screening examination. Ultrasonic and oral cholecystograms were performed in 100 consecutive patients to determine if ultrasound could be used as a primary screening procedure, particularly in patients with acute right-upper-quadrant pain, suggestive of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasound compared favorably with oral cholecystography in accuracy and specificity. It was also cost-effective, saving one to two days of hospitalization

Ultrasonic characteristics of cystadenoma of the pancreas.

The authors describe the ultrasound appearance of cystadenoma of the pancreas. Such lesions may be characterized as sonolucent, with good through-transmission, slightly irregular but well-defined margins, and internal echoes from septa

Ultrasound of arterial graft surgery complications.

The value of gray scale ultrasound in evaluating primary diseases of the abdominal aorta and peripheral vessels has been well documented. However, only limited attention has been given to complications associated with arterial graft surgery. Twelve patients with a variety of complications are reported. These include 10 anastomotic pseudoaneurysms, one abscess, two aneurysms in degenerated graft material, and four serous fluid collections around intact Dacron grafts. The latter two complications are previously unreported