Computed tomography of the gastrointestinal manifestation of hereditary angioedema

We report a case of gastrointestinal manifestation of hereditary angioedema. Computed tomography (CT) revealed wall thickening of the gastric antrum, duodenum, and jejunum. Dilatation of the third part of the duodenum, thickening of the small bowel mesentery and omentum, and retroperitoneal edema were present. The importance of considering this condition in patients presenting such CT findings correlated with the appropriate history is discussed.     

Computed tomography in ascites

Ascites can be found in a variety of diseases and may represent either a late complication or the clinical sign of a pathologic condition. The presence of even small fluid collections in peritoneal recess can be easily detected by CT. A number of reports confirm CT prediction of the benign/malignant nature of ascites. The CT scans of 100 patients affected with histologically confirmed ascites were reviewed to evaluate CT contribution to the assessment of the benign/malignant nature of ascites. On the basis of our results, it can be concluded that the only highly predictive CT finding of malignant ascites is the presence of a coexisting mass. Other findings do not allow the two types of collections to be discriminated.     

Computed tomography in sciatica

Lumber facet arthropathy and a herniated disk are two major causes of low back pain and sciatica. The authors evaluated the importance of computed tomography (CT) in 243 patients with low back pain and/or sciatica. Lumbar facet abnormalities were found in 139 patients (57%), and a herniated disk was found in 48 patients (20%). CT findings correlated precisely with surgical observations in cases involving a herniated disk and correlated well with the results of an intra-articular facet block in a small series of patients. CT can effectively diagnose and differentiate between lumbar facet arthropathy and a herniated disk.     

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.     

Computed tomography in ophthalmology

Summary The practical value of density measurements with computed tomography of orbital lesions is demonstrated.     

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 in renal lymphoma

The computed tomographic characteristics of 15 cases of renal lymphoma were evaluated. Initially the renal lesions are nodular but become confluent as the tumor progresses. In histiocytic and Hodgkin lymphoma, lesions can have the same attenuation values as normal renal parenchyma on noncontrast scans but less than normal parenchyma after contrast medium administration. Computed tomography is also useful in evaluating prognosis and response to therapy in renal lymphoma. Contrast material should be given if possible for evaluation of these lesions.     

Computed tomography in orthopedic radiology

CT offers specific advantages in the evaluation of complex spine trauma and pelvic injuries, particularly to evaluate fractures of the acetabulum. Spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation are conclusively demonstrated by CT and lumbar myelography thus becomes superfluous. Femoral and tibial torsion may be estimated with high accuracy by CT. CT is of definite value in the evaluation of bone neoplasms, and chronic inflammatory diseases of the spine and pelvic bones, especially for the determination of the tumor extent and soft-tissue pathology.     

Computed tomography in amyloid goiter

Two cases of amyloid goiter showed diffuse decreased density of enlarged thyroid on CT. The diffuse decreased density of amyloid goiter on CT is thought to represent large amount of adipose tissue often found in amyloid goiter. When diffuse decreased density of the enlarged thyroid is recognized on CT, amyloid goiter should enter into differential diagnosis.     

Computed tomography in nuclear medicine

Utilizing mathematical techniques and computer processing similar to those employed in x-ray transmission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, cross-sectional images of radiopharmaceutical distribution are demonstrating encouraging maps of organ physiology and pathophysiology. The basic concepts of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and some of its clinical implications, are presented to demonstrate the potential applications of this new modality.