Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to B Verbeeten.
Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is known to be almost universally fatal. Most published cases are based on autopsy reports, whereas antemortem diagnosis is rare. We present a case in which the diagnosis of CPM was confirmed by computed tomography (CT); the patient had two symptoms not previously reported and made a remarkable recovery.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In a retrospective study of 30 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and 25 patients with exophthalmus due to other causes the patterns of ocular motility disturbances and the CT-findings were reviewed. In Graves' ophthalmopathy motility disturbances were found in 83% of the patients, in the control group 26% of the patients showed abnormal ocular motility. Enlarged eye muscles were found in 46% of the patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and enlargement of the medial rectus muscle was the most consistent finding (42%). A clinical correlation was made between the severity of eye movement restriction and the appearance of the muscle on CT-scan.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
47 patients with spongiform leucoencephalopathy but no other consistent abnormalities, except brown pigmentation of the alveolar macrophages in the lungs, are described. 11 patients have died. Epidemiological studies indicate at the cause of the illness the inhalatory use of poisoned heroin vapours (pyrolysate). The heroin is primarily sold on the black market in Amsterdam. The Netherlands. Over 170 suspect heroin samples were collected for analysis of the possible poisonous factor. Although suspect, none of the samples could be unambiguously related to the observed illness. Chemical, toxicological, and histopathological investigations have not so far revealed the nature of the poisonous factor, but several neurotoxic agents that are known to cause comparable leucoencephalopathies have been ruled out. This appears to be the first manifestation of the poisonous potential of the unknown causative factor.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In 48 families in which tuberous sclerosis occurred, extensive examination presented almost the same incidence of sporadic cases as reported in previous studies. Although inspection of the skin and cranial computed tomography seem to be the most sensitive diagnostic tests available, negative results with these methods do not exclude the diagnosis. Estimation of alpha 2-macroglobulin serum level does not mean an extension of the diagnostic arsenal.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The following methods of radiological examination are suitable aids in the diagnosis of pontine angle tumours: plain radiographs and tomograms of the petrosal bone, cisternography of the pontocerebellar cistern with positive- und negative-contrast media, vertebral arteriography and computer tomography. In some 80% of cases of pontine angle tumour, plain X-rays and tomograms can disclose changes. In the case of vestibulocochlear neurinoma confined to an intracanalicular localization, only cisternography with a positive-contrast medium supplies diagnostic information. Cisternography with a negative-contrast medium is a suitable method of radiological examination in the case of larger vestibulocochlear neurinomas, which protrude into the pontocerebellar cistern, and also for the remainder of pontine angle tumours. The technique we use in this cisternography is described and evaluated with reference to 28 patients.
On the bases of 25 patients examined by orbital venography, computer tomography, (CT scanning) and sometimes carotid angiography, the diagnostic value of each of these methods is evaluated. The data obtained are compared with the corresponding information from the literature. In view of the findings it can be stated that CT scanning can be regarded as the primary neuroradiological examination in cases of exophthalmos. Orbital venography gives supplementary information in cases of varices and venous malformations. Angiography is the method which supplies the maximum of information when cavernous sinus fistulae are clinically suspected. With reference to 3 patients it is explained that in such selective angiography of the internal and external carotid and the vertebral artery is indicated.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Dermolipomas are choristomas usually located at the external canthus. Clinically they can be confused with dermoid cysts. Preoperative diagnosis of a dermolipoma is important because the surgical approach is less aggressive than for dermoid cysts. We describe the clinical aspects of ten patients with a dermolipoma and demonstrate the posterior extension of these lesions by CT.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the larynx was performed on 15 volunteers. Searching for optimal images in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, we compared images made with a special surface coil and the standard head coil, images with different slice thicknesses, images with different repetition times (TR) and images with different matrices. The field of view and the scan times were kept as small as possible. Using a surface coil, we obtained high resolution images in all three planes. These images provide clinically relevant information, not shown by current radiological techniques: hyoepiglottic ligament, thyrohyoid ligament, thyroepiglottic ligament and cricothyroid ligament, the borders between the preepiglottic space and both paraglottic spaces (PGS), the borders between both PGS and thyroid cartilage, and the vocalis and thyroarytenoid muscles. Short TR is preferred because, with shorter scan time, more measurements could be made. Images with a 128 X 128 matrix size had a much better signal-to-noise ratio than images with a 256 X 256 matrix size. Magnetic resonance has great potential in imaging normal and pathological anatomy of the larynx.
Solitary splenic abscess is a rare entity and difficult to diagnose. Late recognition results in a high mortality. Recently percutaneous drainage has proved to be beneficial. The CT and ultrasound findings of two patients with splenic abscesses are reported. In one patient the solitary splenic abscess was drained percutaneously. In the other patient, a HTLV-III-positive man, a splenectomy was performed.