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Biomedical subjects

D E Wellenstein

Publications and source records attributed to D E Wellenstein.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Bulging lumbar intervertebral disk: myelographic differentiation from herniated disk with nerve root compression.

Deformities of the margins of the contrast material-filled lumbar thecal sac are common findings at myelography in patients with low back pain, but not all such deformities are due to herniated disks. Differentiation at Amipaque myelography between a diffusely bulging disk (unlikely to cause nerve root compression) and a herniated disk (which typically causes nerve root compression) is based on the curvature and extent of the extradural deformity of the anterolateral margin of the contrast-filled sac and on the presence of fusiform widening of the most distal part of the affected nerve root. The deformity caused by a bulging disk is rounded, usually symmetrical (although occasionally more prominent on one side), and does not extend above or below the disk space; the nerve root is uniform in caliber and normal in size. The deformity caused by a herniated disk is angular and extends cephalad and/or caudal to the level of the disk space; the affected nerve root is usually widened in its most distal visible part. A consecutive series of 33 patients with clinically suspected lumbar disk herniation and no previous history of back surgery underwent laminectomy. Using the criteria listed above for differentiation of bulging from herniated disk on Amipaque myelography, the myelographic diagnosis was correct in all six operatively confirmed bulging disks and in 26 (96%) of 27 operatively verified disk herniations.

False Negative Reactions↗

Density patterns in the normal lung as determined by computed tomography.

Lung density patterns in a group of randomly selected, normal individuals were determined by computed tomography, using two methods: one measuring the density of the peripheral lung (parenchyma), and the other determining the density of the whole lung field. The effects of body position and respiratory phase, as well as patient age were assessed. The potential use for this information in clinical settings and in physiological investigation is suggested.

Age Factors↗

Computed tomography of the lung.

Preliminary work has shown that normal lungs have predictable CT patterns and density ranges. In emphysema, there are irregular zones of extremely low density as well as an overall low mean density. CT appears to have considerable potential for early detection of pulmonary emphysema and characterization of the degree of involvement. CT can also be useful in the study of physiological phenomena such as regional blood flow.

Adolescent↗