The vestibular aqueduct syndrome: computed tomographic appearance

We have recently examined three young patients with congenital unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. On computed tomography the only abnormality discovered was a remarkably enlarged vestibular aqueduct on the abnormal side. The vestibular aqueduct syndrome is an important cause of congenital hearing loss. Although this finding has been well illustrated with conventional multidirectional tomography, there has been little emphasis on the computed tomographic appearance.     

Retrosomatic clefts: computed tomographic appearance

A case of bilateral clefts in the pedicles of the L1 vertebra, diagnosed by computed tomography, is presented. The differentiation from other clefts located laterally in the neural arch is briefly summarized, and the possible origin of this entity is discussed. It is improbable that the clefts represent persistent neurocentral synchondroses.     

Multiseptate gallbladder: computed tomographic appearance

We report a case of multiseptate gallbladder in a 43-year-old female with ultrasonographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings. The postcontrast CT delineated multiple septations with honeycomb appearance in the gallbladder. This finding should raise the suspicion of multiseptate gallbladder.     

Congenital spinal and cord lesions in children and computed tomographic metrizamide myelography

Summary Computed tomographic metrizamide myelography (CTMM) has developed into a highly sophisticated and accurate neuroradiologic technique in the diagnosis of childhood spinal dysrhaphic states. Of the 84 patients studied by this technique, 31 with the dysrhaphic spine also had lesions such as a tethered and low conus, diastematomyelia, or neuroenteric cysts. We believe that the exquisite pathologic anatomy obtained by CTMM obviates all neuroradiologic techniques other than a preliminary anteroposterior and lateral spinal roentgenograph.     

Inferior pulmonary ligament: computed tomographic appearance

A total of 129 normal computed tomograms of the chest was retrospectively reviewed to determine the appearance and frequency of visualization of the inferior pulmonary ligament. The ligament was seen on the left in 67.4% of patients, on the right in 37.2% of patients, on both sides in 27.1% of patients, and on neither side in 22.4% of patients. Of those ligaments seen, 92% on the left and 92% on the right demonstrated a posterior orientation. Examples are shown emphasizing the importance of the inferior pulmonary ligament in relation to lower lobe collapse, pleural effusion, extension of a mediastinal abnormality into the ligament, and the possible intraparenchymal appearance of an abnormality located within the ligament.     

High-resolution computed tomographic appearance of MALToma of the lung

MALToma of the lung is rare and advances in molecular techniques have only recently allowed accurate diagnostic classification of the previously termed “pseudolymphomas” by demonstrating that many are monoclonal B-cell proliferations of MALT tissue and therefore true low-grade lymphomas. No significant previous contribution was found in the literature regarding the high-resolution CT appearance (HRCT) of these tumours. We describe the high-resolution CT appearances in five cases presenting to our institution from 1994 to 1997. The HRCT scans (1-mm sections at 10- to 15-mm intervals) were performed as the opacities seen radiographically were thought to be part of a diffuse lung process. In one patient a spiral sequence was performed through the main airway. Multifocal, ill-defined nodules containing air bronchograms were seen in four cases and focal lobar consolidation in one case. Interlobular septal thickening, centrilobular micronodules and bronchial wall thickening were seen in two cases. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleural reaction do not appear to be characteristic features. The appearance of multifocal consolidation is similar to that seen in bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma and cryptogenic organising pneumonia. Received 24 December 1997; Revision received 6 June 1998; Accepted 8 June 1998     

High-resolution computed tomographic appearance of normal cochlear aqueduct

Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 37 patients with normal adult cochlear aqueducts were selected for retrospective analysis. Usually, only the inferomedial part of the cochlear aqueduct could be seen on axial CT. The sizes of the external cochlear aqueduct opening were tabulated, and they did not vary significantly with age or gender. The average width was 2.9 mm. Of the configurations found, the most common was the funnel (22 cases).     

Florid computed tomographic appearance of acute Campylobacter enterocolitis

A 28-year-old male presented with severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Computed tomographic scan showed marked swelling of the distal ileum and entire colorectum. The patient recovered and Campylobacter jejuni was subsequently grown from his faeces.     

Microglioma--unusual computed tomographic appearance and course of neoplasm

Microglioma accounts for 0.8-1.5% of primary brain tumors. Eight cases of primary lymphoma of brain are presented. 50% of the patients demonstrated unusual computed tomographic appearances. These patients were divided into three groups depending on clinical outcome. Survival seems to be related to treatment modality. Longest survival times were in patients treated with radiation alone or radiation following biopsy.     

The computed tomographic appearance of subcutaneous nodules occurring in metastatic neuroblastoma.

The authors report a case of subcutaneous nodules in a 2-month-old girl with metastatic neuroblastoma; the appearance of the nodules in computed tomography scans is described. Such nodules are sometimes overlooked by clinicians and radiologists, even though they almost always occur in disseminated disease. In patients with neuroblastoma and other neoplasms subcutaneous nodules may be an easily accessible source of samples for histopathologic examination.     

The computed tomographic appearance of the normal pituitary gland and pituitary microadenomas.

With the use of axial and coronal computed tomography (CT), the authors compared the density, contrast enhancement, and dimensions of normal pituitary glands and pituitary microadenomas. The normal gland appears homogeneous, nearly isodense with brain tissue, and it enhances uniformly. Its upper surface is concave downward or flat and its height 2-7 mm. The cavernous sinuses, the third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerves, the infundibulum, and the adjacent carotid arteries are well demonstrated by CT. Abnormal height and upward convexity of the gland are reliable signs of prolactinoma; abnormal density and enhancement are suggestive signs. CT findings in prolactin- and ACTH-secreting tumors may differ. CT is more sensitive and more specific than polytomography in the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma.     

The spectrum of computed tomographic appearance of metastatic masses from testicular neoplasms

Metastatic masses from testicular neoplasms were evaluated with respect to their computed tomographic characteristics. They were divided in three categories: cystic, semicystic, and solid. The common denominator in the first two categories was the presence of teratomatous components. The nonteratomatous masses were solid.     

The varied computed tomographic appearances of acute spinal epidural haematoma

Two cases are reported of surgically confirmed acute spinal epidural haematoma demonstrated by computed tomography at the time of presentation. Five distinct appearances were encountered. The variable morphology and the role of computed tomography in diagnosing this condition are discussed.     

Angiographic and computed tomographic appearance of secondary carcinoid of the liver

Liver angiograms of 27 patients with hepatic carcinoid metastases were analyzed for distribution, size, degree of vascularity, and patterns of tumor staining. Computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated before and after bolus contrast administration in 13 of the cases. The diagnostic capability of the two procedures was compared. Angiography detected metastases, some less than 1 cm in size in all 13 patients; in 5 of 13 cases (38.5%) CT did not detect any hepatic metastases. In the eight patients in whom CT demonstrated metastases, the patterns of lesions and usefulness of contrast varied. Angiography is essential for evaluation of patients with suspected carcinoid metastases to the liver. This work was supported by Grant No. 1406-B81-03XA from the Swedish Cancer Society.     

脊髓星形细胞瘤的MRI表现

目的:探讨脊髓星形细胞瘤在MRI中的影像表现,提高对该疾病的认识。方法:回顾分析12例经手术和病理证实的脊髓星形细胞瘤的磁共振影像表现。结果:5例病灶位于颈髓内,6例位于胸髓内,1例位于脊髓圆锥内;4例位于脊髓中央,8例位于脊髓周边部位。病灶平均长径为5.3 cm。平扫T1WI检查中4例表现为稍低信号,3例表现为等信号,5例表现为等、低混杂信号;T2WI检查中,10例表现为高信号,2例表现为高低混杂信号。增强扫描病灶实体部分10例出现强化。8例病灶边界显示不清晰,4例显示清晰。6例见囊变。结论:磁共振成像对髓内星形细胞瘤的定位和定性具有重要的价值。     

Orbital implants and prostheses: postoperative computed tomographic appearance

Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 19 patients with 10 right and nine left orbital implants were reviewed. Except for orbital soft-tissue swelling due to recent surgery or infection, CT scans obtained with both the implant and prosthesis in place showed relative symmetry of the postoperative side and the native globe. Benign air collections were often associated with either the implant or prosthesis interface or with seating of the prosthesis in the conjunctival fornices. Six patients had either cartilage, silicone, or glass beads placed surgically along the orbital floor to elevate the implants, four having had prior depressed orbital floor fractures. CT identified implant migration in five patients. The orbital prosthesis, usually constructed of solid methylmethacrylate, is fitted over the implant and simulates the appearance of the eye of the contralateral side. The operative anatomy and its relation to the CT appearance of the implant and external prosthesis are reviewed.