Computed tomography of the skull base in the coronal plane

Coronal plane computed tomography (CT) is a valuable adjunct to standard transverse plane computed tomography in determining size and extension of intracerebral lesions. Extracerebral lesions at the skull base can also be evaluated by coronal plane CT. The appearances and diagnostic evaluations of these lesions, when used in conjunction with techniques to demonstrate bone detail, form the basis of this report.     

Computed tomography of the orbit with special emphasis on coronal sections

Summary Computed tomography (CT) is an extremely valuable noninvasive method for evaluating orbital softtissue structures. The possibility of scanning in the coronal plane has added a new dimension to the study. Direct enlargement viewing of scans on the display console has disclosed minute anatomic and pathologic details.On leave of absence from the Department of Diagnostic Radilogy, Section of Neurobiology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, TelHashomer, Israel     

Computed tomography of the spine: curved coronal reformations from serial images

A new imaging format described here uses nonplanar reformations that follow the contour of curved structures intersected by a series of regularly spaced CT scans. The CT scanning procedure is described, and algorithmic details of this new format are presented. A standard set of reformatted images is suggested, and clinical examples are given to illustrate the diagnostic value of this new format.     

Computed tomography of acute orbital infection: the importance of coronal sections

Acute orbital infection is a potentially serious condition in which the patient is at risk of blindness in the affected eye, and may develop intracranial complications. Orbital abscesses, which are usually subperiosteal and lie beneath the orbital roof, require surgical drainage. Their identification is a diagnostic challenge. The reliability of computed tomography (CT) in demonstrating subperiosteal abscesses has been questioned but all 15 abscesses in a series of 25 cases of orbital infection were satisfactorily demonstrated provided the CT examination included coronal sections. One-third of abscesses would have been missed if coronal sections had been omitted.     

Direct coronal computerized tomography

The computerized tomographic examination is routinely performed in the axial plane. However, with several available CT units images in the coronal plane are easily obtained. These images are especially useful in the diagnosis of diseases of the facial bones, sinuses, orbits and parasellar area. This paper describes one year's clinical experience with direct coronal computerized tomography.     

Computed tomography of the skull and facial structures: preliminary evaluation of direct coronal sections.

Skull and facial structures may be evaluated on computed tomography (CT), as well as the brain. A valuable new dimension to the study has been added with the feasibility of obtaining direct coronal sections using a wide gantry aperture. The patho-anatomical details of bone and soft tissues including the orbit and paranasal sinuses are well demonstrated. Direct viewing on a display console of an enlarged quadrant of the scan is of prime importance in diagnosing fine changes involving the thin facial bones.     

Computed tomography dacryocystography

Twenty-one patients with epiphora were examined by conventional dacryocystography, using Lipiodol as a contrast medium, and CT dacryocystography, using a water soluble contrast medium. In the latter, the material was not introduced under pressure but three or four drops were administered, providing a physiological method of investigation. Subsequently, CT dacryocystography provides functional information about lacrimal disorders and is easy to use.     

Computed tomography angiography

Cardiovascular disease kills more adults in the United States each year than any other medical condition. Although these diseases are largely preventable, the number of newly diagnosed patients continues to climb. Angiography traditionally involves invasive catheter examinations, but recent advances have allowed computed tomography angiography (CTA) to supplant traditional angiography as a first-line diagnostic imaging modality to assess cardiovascular disease. Often used to diagnose vascular pathologies in symptomatic patients, CTA also is useful in early detection of coronary and peripheral artery diseases. CTA will play an increasingly important role in cardiovascular medicine as technological advances improve image data acquisition, processing speeds, and image reconstruction.     

Computed tomography of the orbit with special emphasis on coronal sections: Part II. Pathological anatomy

Visualization of orbital soft tissue structures by computed tomography in direct coronal and axial studies is extremely useful in diagnosis. Direct enlargement viewing of scans has disclosed minute anatomical details. This study reviews some of our experiences in the investigation of a variety of lesions within the orbit and attempts, in particular, to illustrate the value of direct coronal studies.     

Computed tomography of the orbit with special emphasis on coronal sections: Part I. Normal anatomy

Computed tomography (CT) of the orbit is capable of demonstrating soft tissue structures not visualized yet by any other radiological modality. The possibility of obtaining direct coronal slices has added a new dimension to the study. Direct enlargement viewing on the display console reveals many anatomical details. For better evaluation of pathological findings, an accurate anatomical knowledge is required. The purpose of this study is to report on the normal anatomy of the orbital soft tissues made visible by CT, with emphasis on the coronal views.     

Computed tomography in the evaluation of sella and parasella lesions: The value of sagittal and coronal reconstructions

A method is described whereby contiguous, thin-section (3 mm) axial CT scans are obtained followed by computer manipulation of the data to reconstruct good quality images in sagittal and coronal planes. The application of this technique in the evaluation of sella and parasella abnormalities is discussed. In our experience, this has resulted in an increased sensitivity of CT scanning for the detection of abnormalities around the sella. In addition, it has been possible to more accurately define the true extrasella extension of pituitary tumors.     

Computed tomography of gliosarcoma

Five cases of rare gliosarcoma are described with pathologic correlation. Because of its sarcomatous component, gliosarcoma tends to present as a sharply defined, round or lobulated, hyperdense solid mass with relatively homogeneous contrast enhancement and peritumoral edema. Sharp demarcation of the tumor from surrounding tissue may lead to complete removal and prolonged survival despite high malignancy. However, aggressive tumor regrowth occurs often after incomplete resection. The genesis of gliosarcoma is also discussed.     

Computed tomography of oleothorax

Oleothorax as therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis was discontinued some 35 years ago. An oleothorax may expand and cause respiratory distress. Additional complications include bronchopleural fistula and cutaneous fistula. Computed tomography has not previously been used to evaluate oleothorax. This case report describes the use of computed tomography in a patient with a symptomatic oleothorax.     

Computed tomography in meningitis

Summary Computed tomography in 34 cases of meningitis has revealed a spectrum of findings. In acute cases these include enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces, generalized contrast enhancement of the meninges and ependyma, sterile and pyogenic subdural collections, cortical infarction, and cerebral necrosis.