Two hundred and twenty consecutive patients, referred for intravenous pyelography, were assessed for adverse reactions. The effect of prophylactic antihistamines was evaluated. Patients were divided randomly into control, saline or chlorpheniramine treated groups. Changes in serum total haemolytic complement (CH50) and immune complexes (IC) at times 0, 1, 5, 10 and 20 min after injection of radiocontrast material were assayed. Forty-two of the 220 patients suffered reactions, classified clinically into allergic and non-allergic types. There was no difference in the incidence of allergic reactions between control and saline groups. However, significantly less (P less than 0.05) allergic reactions were noted in the antihistamine pre-treatment group. Depressed CH50 occurred in forty-three, of eighty-eight patients tested and persisted for at least 20 min in twenty-two. There was no correlation between CH50 depressions and clinical symptoms. The IC remained unchanged throughout. In conclusion, prophylactic antihistamines may diminish the incidence of allergic reactions. Complement activation occurs in a large number of patients, unrelated to symptomatology, and does not appear to be the only factor responsible for adverse reactions.

Chlorpheniramine↗

PubMed1981

Unusual pattern of left lower lobe atelectasis.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Chronic calcified empyema.

Three patients with chronic calcified "fibrothorax" and complicating empyema are reported. The so-called chronic "fibrothorax" may envelop a fluid-filled cavity. Reactivation or reinfection can occur after a very long latent period. When this occurs, it is often associated with either a bronchopleural or a pleurocutaneous fistula. Contrary to often quoted opinion, the calcification a fibrothorax is found on the parietal as well as visceral pleura.

Aged↗

PubMed1981

Thoracic fatty lesions - some usual and unusual appearances.

Since the advent of computed tomography (CT) special attention has been given to fatty lesions because of their specific coefficient of attenuation (-100 to -30 Housfield units) permitting a definitive non-interventional diagnosis. Many reports have appeared in connection with unusual conventional radiographic images related to lipid lesions as demonstrated by CT. We reviewed the different features of fatty accumulations in the thorax and report on 15 lesions, not including a number of large pleuropericardial fat pads, that we have encountered in our practice between January 1976 and December 1979. Two patients underwent surgery. The diagnosis was otherwise established by CT. All the lesions were benign. A classification is suggested.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Radionuclide detection of iatrogenic arteriovenous fistulas of the genitourinary system.

Radionuclide angiography is a valuable screening test for arteriovenous (AV) fistulas. Seven iatrogenic AV communications of the genitourinary system were initially diagnosed by radionuclide imaging, and untreated patients are being followed up by yearly nuclear examinations. Contrast arteriography is reserved for patients requiring interventional therapy and for symptomatic patients with a negative radionuclide study.

Aged↗

PubMed1980

Spigelian hernia: plain film diagnosis.

Although uncommon, a Spigelian hernia can have serious complications. Due to the location of herniated bowel within muscle planes of the abdominal wall, a specific diagnosis is possible on plain abdominal radiographs.

Hernia, Ventral↗

PubMed1979

The tracheo-esophageal stripe and the posterior tracheal band.

While recognizing the importance of the posterior tracheal band as described previously, the author wishes to emphasize the separate characteristics of the tracheo-esophageal stripe and emphasize its importance as a sign of air in the esophagus as well as possible underlying esophageal pathology. Any such band or stripe measuring 3 mm or more in the cervical or thoracic region should be viewed with some suspicion.

Esophageal Diseases↗

PubMed1979

Coarctation of the aorta: additional signs.

Rib notching and the figure-three configuration and the most often cited signs of coarctation of the thoracic aorta in the adult. In our experience, these so-called classic signs are absent in many patients. Abnormalities of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and superior mediastinum are also major findings and indeed may be the only findings in coarctation. This has not been sufficiently emphasized in standard radiology texts. In order to elucidate these points, we reviewed the chest radiographs of 13 patients with adult-type coarctation of the aorta presenting to the Jewish General Hospital over a 10-year period. In addition, the chest radiographic findings of five patients with pseudocoarctation were compared to those of true coarctation.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

Misleading skeletal surveys of prostatic carcinoma.

Bone sclerosis can be a manifestation of regressing metastatic bone disease of carcinoma of the prostate and should not be misconstrued as further dissemination. In eight of our patients the skeletal survey radiographs were misleading, whereas the bone scan provided an accurate assessment of metastatic activity.

Bone Neoplasms↗

PubMed1978

Lymphangiomyomatosis syndrome with hyperparathyroidism: a case report.

A 48-year-old woman presented with the classical clinicopathological features of the lymphangiomyomatosis syndrome. After a three year stable period, there was the onset of a rapidly progressive downhill course unresponsive to dietary, bronchodilator and corticosteroid therapy. Pathological findings were characterized by widespread pulmonary, thoracic duct and lymph node involvement. There was a mediastinal lymphangiomyoma growing within the distal thoracic duct, and a similar lesion within the left kidney which could clinically mimic an angiomyolipoma. Comments are also made on the finding of a parathyroid adenoma. The physiopathology and possible resemblance to "formes frustes" of tuberous sclerosis are discussed.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1978

Postoperative biopsy of the common bile duct via the T-tube tract.

We describe our experience with the first reported cases of postoperative common bile duct forceps biopsy via a postoperative T-tube tract. Bronchial forceps biopsies were performed on two patients with fixed postoperative filling defects in the common bile duct. Because of possible complications, caution is recommended in employing this technique. Common bile duct diagnostic brushing and stricture dilatation, as well as choledochoscopy, are envisaged as further diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the radiologist.

Aged↗