Meckel's diverticula: Angiographic diagnosis in patients with non-acute hemorrhage and negative scintigraphy

Meckel's diverticula were detected by mesenteric angiography in 2 patients with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding following negative barium, endoscopic, and scintigraphic evaluation. Abnormal, irregular, arterial branches supplied by an elongated, nonbranching ileal artery and an associated capillary stain were present in each case. Since neither diverticulum was bleeding at the time of angiography, focal contrast extravasation was not present. Superselective magnification angiography, evacuation of contrast from the urinary bladder, and careful patient positioning significantly imporved the visibility of these lesions. Visceral angiography performed with meticulous attention to technical detail can be diagnostic of Meckel's diverticulum, even in the absence of acute hemorrhage.     

The case for radioprotective eyewear/facewear. Practical implications and suggestions

Numerous eyeglass lens materials have been recommended for protection of radiologists' eyes from the cataractogenic effect of radiation during fluoroscopic procedures. For the most part, these lenses coincidentally attenuate x-ray beams because they contain elements of high atomic number that are added to increase refractive index. With a bean hardened to simulate scatter, direct transmission ratios were measured for 32 commercially available lens materials. Scatter to the eye, both through and around the glass lenses and secondary scatter to the eye from the radiologist's head, was determined with lenses mounted on a head phantom and a 1-cm3 ion chamber in the position of the eye. Transmission ratios for the various lenses ranged from 3% to 98% for an 80 kVp x-ray beam (HVL = 4.5 mm Al). Measurements with the head phantom in place show that secondarily scattered radiation from the fluoroscopist's head contributes significantly to ocular exposure. Optimal radiation protection of the eyes during fluoroscopy depends not only on eyeglasses with leaded glass, but also on shielding of sufficient size and shape to reduce exposure to the surrounding head.     

The middle mesenteric artery

Angiography was performed in a 70-year-old man because of a recurrence of massive hemochezia. The angiogram demonstrated a third mesenteric artery, arising from the aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries and supplying the splenic flexure. Although many variations of colonic arterial supply have been described, those involving vessels originating from the aorta separate from the celiac, superior mesenteric, or inferior mesenteric arteries are extremely rate.