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Biomedical subjects

H A Shaffer

Publications and source records attributed to H A Shaffer.

48 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Gas in the appendix: a sometimes significant but nonspecific diagnostic sign.

The gas-filled appendix is an uncommon roentgenographic sign that has been considered to be virtually diagnostic of acute appendicitis when the appendix is positioned caudad to the cecum in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Three patients had gas in the appendix in the absence of acute appendicitis. This diagnostic sign is therefore not specific for appendicitis. Regardless of its location, the appendix may contain gas despite the absence of intrinsic disease.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1978

Stratification in the gallbladder during intravenous cholangiography.

The stratification (layering) phenomenon in the gallbladder is a source of errors in interpretation of intravenous cholangiography. It may mimic stones that do not exist or conceal stones that do. To avoid false-positive or false-negative interpretations, it is suggested that delayed films be taken at 4 hours in cases which demonstrate a layering phenomenon. By this time, a normal gallbladder will be homogeneously opacified and a diseased one will reveal its stones. Horizontal beam roentgenograms are mandatory for complete evaluation.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Cerebrospinal fluid ascites.

One new and one previously reported case of cerebrospinal fluid ascites following ventricular-peritoneal shungting are presented. Ultrasonic investigation is now most helpful.

Ascites↗
PubMed1976

Multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus.

Multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus are rare. These benign intramural, extramucosal tumors present a sufficiently characteristic appearance during a barium examination to suggest a specific roentgenologic diagnosis. Although leiomyomas may become quite large and cause considerable distortion of the esophageal lumen, they produce surprisingly few symptoms in most patients. Since these tumors have little if any malignant potential, surgical excision is necessary only in patients with significant symptoms. Four patients with leiomyomas of the esophagus are reported here, and the clinical and roentgenologic features of these tumors are reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies and strictures: radiologic interventions.

Food impaction and foreign body ingestion are significant and sometimes life-threatening medical problems. As described in part 1 of this monograph, a variety of techniques and instruments are available to diagnose and treat these conditions. The radiologist interested in interventional procedures can find ample opportunities to participate in the management of esophageal obstructions by applying radiographic and fluoroscopic techniques to the diagnosis and removal of foreign bodies and food impactions. The recommended radiologic procedures are relatively safe, cost-effective, and efficient methods of addressing these serious situations. Stricture formation in the gastrointestinal tract is another significant medical problem that can often be managed nonoperatively by the radiologist. Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation has become an accepted method of effectively treating a large variety of strictures. As described in part 2 of this article, the technique is easy to perform, usually with very little inconvenience to the patient, and the risks of complications are very low. The procedure is relatively inexpensive and does not require the acquisition of any specialized or high-technology equipment. Also, the technique can be performed easily by any radiologist with interest in interventional procedures on the gut. A wide use of the fluoroscopic methods for treatment of impacted foreign bodies and strictures of the gastrointestinal tract is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Radiographic examination of the stomach and duodenum: comparison of single-, double- and biphasic-contrast methods.

We compared retrospectively three groups of 150 patients who had undergone radiologic examinations of the stomach and duodenum. Each group was examined with a different barium suspension and radiographic technique: single-contrast (SC), double-contrast (DC), or biphasic-contrast (BC). The radiographs of each study were evaluated for technical quality and visualization of lesions. The number of X-ray exposures, films, and the amount of fluoroscopic time for each study were tabulated. The total radiation dose and cost for each technique were calculated. The BC examinations required the greatest number of radiographic exposures and X-ray films; however, cost was highest for the DC method. Fluoroscopy was significantly longer during the DC procedures, and the total radiation dose was also highest with this technique. Gaseous distention and barium coating of the stomach were equally good for the BC and DC groups, but X-ray penetration of the barium suspension during compression filming was significantly better in the BC and SC groups. Areae gastricae were most frequently seen during the BC studies and artifacts from excess secretions, barium flocculation or gas bubbles were least commonly present using this technique. Significantly more lesions were demonstrated in the stomach with the BC technique than with the other methods; however, the number of lesions found in the duodenum was the same for each technique.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Computed tomography of emphysematous gastritis.

Emphysematous gastritis is a rare entity and only 31 cases have been reported. We describe a case that was diagnosed by CT. To our knowledge the CT appearance of this serious disease has not been described previously.

Adult↗