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Biomedical subjects

L W Roub

Publications and source records attributed to L W Roub.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Pulmonary silicatosis. A case diagnosed by needle-aspiration biopsy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis.

The diagnosis of silicatosis was made by observing birefringent crystals in needle-aspiration biopsy specimens of bilateral basilar pulmonary masses in a clay worker, initially suspected of having metastatic neoplasm. Subsequently the crystals were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, which gave supportive evidence for their silicate composition. This experience indicates that needle-aspiration biopsy in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis may be used in the diagnosis of benign pulmonary diseases, especially those of the inhalational fibrogenic variety.

Aged

Computed tomographic positive contrast peritoneography.

Despite the use of intravenous and oral contrast material and antiperistaltic pharmaceuticals, abdominal computed tomography has limitations in the morphological study of the gastrointestinal tract, retroperitoneum, and pelvis. To better define these regions, positive contrast material was infused into the peritoneal space prior to abdominal CT. Results included: improved visualization of the peritoneal cavity and its contents; evident demarcation between the retroperitoneal space and intraperitoneal structures; sharp delineation of serosal surfaces of the bowel and solid viscera; and an obvious distinction between impinging bowel loops and pelvic organs.

Adult

Bone stress: a radionuclide imaging perspective.

Thirty-five college athletes with lower leg pain underwent radiography and radionuclide studies to rule out a stress fracture. Their asymptomatic extremities and 13 pain-free athletes served as controls. Four main patterns were observed: (a) sharply marginated scintigraphic abnormalities and positive radiographs; (b) sharply marginated scintigraphic abnormalities and negative radiographs; (c) ill-defined scintigraphic abnormalities and negative radiographs; and (d) negative radionuclide images and negative radiographs. Since the patients with the first two patterns were otherwise identical medically, the authors feel that this scintigraphic appearance is characteristic of bone stress in the appropriate clinical setting, regardless of the radiographic findings. A schema is proposed to explain the occurrence of positive radionuclide images and negative radiographs in the same patient, using a broad conceptual approach to the problem of bone stress.

Adolescent

Spinal computed tomography: limitations and applications.

A comprehensive review of 188 spinal computed tomography (CT) scans done over a 9-month period was performed to establish both the shortcomings and applications of the technique. The value of intrathecal enhancement was reviewed in an attempt to establish indications for its use. The data base comprised 51 abnormal scans including cases of spinal trauma, dysraphism, intra- and extraspinal neoplasm, and spinal stenosis. Results indicate that: (1) the introduction of intrathecal contrast media greatly extends the morphologic capabilities of spinal CT in practically all cases where altered anatomy of the spinal canal and its contents is suspected; (2) conventional screening procedures such as plain films of the spine and myelography should be obtained prior to spinal CT in most cases because of their value in defining the location and longitudinal extent of the pathologic process; (3) spinal CT examinations tailored to specific areas of interest result in better characterization of traumatic, dysraphic, and stenotic conditions conceivably leading to better surgical management and more accurate prognosis. At present, spinal CT has its greatest diagnostic usefulness in the evaluation of trauma and its sequela.

Constriction, Pathologic

Giant air cells of the petrous apex: tomographic features.

Sixteen hundred consecutive tomographic examinations of the temporal bones were reviewed and 15 patients with petrous apical air cells larger than 1.5 cm diameter were encountered. Familiarity with the normal tracts of pneumatization, and precise localization of atypical air cells by tomography are helpful in differentiating deformity of the internal auditory canals due to asymmetric pneumatization from the change caused by acoustic neurilemmomas. Characteristic radiographic and CT features differentiate petrous apical air cells from other destructive lesions in the region.

Bone Diseases