Biomedical subjects

N A Ettenger

Publications and source records attributed to N A Ettenger.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1990

Hemoptysis: CT-bronchoscopic correlations in 58 cases.

Computed tomographic (CT) and chest radiographic findings were retrospectively correlated with those found at fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in 58 patients presenting with hemoptysis. Abnormalities involving the airways were depicted by CT in a total of 28 cases (48%). In 18 of these (31% of the total group of 58), focal abnormalities involving the central airways were identified (17 were subsequently proved to be malignant) and in 10 (17% of the total), CT showed bronchiectasis. Focal airway abnormality was shown by FOB in 18 cases (31%); all of these were depicted with CT. Malignancy was diagnosed in 24 patients, including three in whom results of FOB were normal but malignant cells were identified at transbronchial biopsy. CT abnormalities were identified in all cases of malignancy. In 10 of 21 cases (48%) of non-small cell lung cancer, CT allowed definitive staging by documenting either direct mediastinal invasion and/or metastatic disease, while FOB allowed definitive staging in only three cases. CT studies provided no false-negative results. It is concluded that when carefully performed, CT may be an effective modality for evaluating patients presenting with hemoptysis.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Basilar segmental bronchi: thin-section CT evaluation.

Thin (1.5- and 5.0-mm) section contiguous computed tomographic (CT) scans obtained through the basilar segmental bronchi in 31 patients were reviewed in order to delineate normal anatomy and common variations of lower lobe airways. In each case, the frequency with which individual segmental and subsegmental bronchi were seen was established, as were variations in branching patterns. All basilar segmental bronchi were identified except in one case in which images of the left lung were obscured due to respiratory and cardiac motion. In the right lung, a division into subsegmental bronchi was identified in 84 of 150 (56%) visualized segmental bronchi. Six separate patterns of basilar segmental subdivision were found. In the left lung, subsegmental bronchi were identified arising from 51 of 145 (35%) visualized segmental bronchi. Five separate patterns of bronchial subdivision were found in the left lung. It is concluded that thin-section CT allows precise identification of all basilar segmental bronchi and, consequently, can play a significant role in the cross-sectional evaluation of lower lobe bronchial and parenchymal abnormalities.

Bronchi↗

PubMed1988

Solitary pulmonary nodules. CT-bronchoscopic correlation.

The possible contribution of computed tomography (CT) in the management of patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) or masses was reviewed retrospectively in 65 patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB). Nodules were evaluated by size, location, surface contour, and the presence in cross-section of a bronchus leading to or contained within the nodule or mass, a "positive bronchus sign." Thirty-five lesions were associated with a positive bronchus sign; 21 of 35 (60 percent) were diagnosed endoscopically, (p = .027); of 30 cases with a negative bronchus sign, only ten (30 percent) had a diagnosis made by FOB (p = .034). It is concluded that CT may be of use in the routine evaluation of pulmonary nodules, prior to bronchoscopy, especially in cases for which histologic evaluation is essential, especially to determine the presence or absence of a CT bronchus sign.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1988

Congenital anomalies of the lungs in adults: MR diagnosis.

Over an 18-month period, 11 adults with congenital pulmonary anomalies within the sequestration spectrum, identified either surgically or radiographically by CT and/or angiography, were evaluated with MR. These included seven patients with bronchogenic cysts, two with intralobar pulmonary sequestrations, one with scimitar syndrome, and one with bronchial atresia. In each case, MR showed at least some findings indicative of the correct diagnosis. MR proved especially effective in the detection of abnormal fluid collections (nine cases) and the identification of anomalous vessels (three cases). Fluid collections were easily identified in all cases, including four cases with high-density collections on CT (two with bronchogenic cysts and two with intralobar pulmonary sequestration), especially when single-level, multiecho T2-weighted sequences were obtained. Calculated T2 values ranged from 78 to 439 msec (average, 223 +/- 123 msec). Although T2 values were statistically significant for differentiating fluid from muscle (p = .0012) and fat (p = .0046), they were not sufficiently specific to allow precise fluid characterization. Significant limitations were also apparent, such as an inability to detect alterations in the parenchymal architecture of the lungs (three cases) or intrapulmonary vascularity (one case). Despite this, we conclude that MR may be of considerable value in the assessment of congenital pulmonary anomalies and in select cases obviate more invasive diagnostic procedures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1983

The use of computed tomography in evaluating chest wall pathology.

Forty-nine patients with chest wall lesions were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and conventional radiography. Computed tomography was found to be indispensable for detecting and precisely localizing these lesions. It revealed unsuspected bone destruction and lung, pleural, and mediastinal involvement, as well as invasion of the spinal canal. In more than two thirds of the patients, CT provided additional information of clinical importance in management and, in one third, treatment was altered or the surgical approach modified because of the CT findings. Computed tomography is an essential diagnostic modality in evaluating chest wall lesions.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Fluid within preexisting pulmonary air-spaces: a potential pitfall in the CT differentiation of pleural from parenchymal disease.

There have been many reports of the ability of CT to distinguish between parenchymal and pleural disease. The purpose of this report is to describe the appearance of seven cases of intraparenchymal fluid-filled air-spaces (bullae or lung cysts) in which the CT findings may resemble those of pleural disease and, thus, cast doubt on the specificity of the established criteria.

Adult↗