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Biomedical subjects

P J Buxton

Publications and source records attributed to P J Buxton.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

The magnetic resonance imaging appearances of the brain in acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

AIMS: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of the brain in acute carbon monoxide poisoning, the commonest cause of accidental poisoning in Europe and the U.S.A. To attempt to correlate the imaging findings with patient outcome as an aid to prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brain MRI was performed on 19 consecutive patients, who had sustained acute carbon monoxide poisoning, as soon as possible after their referral to the regional Hyperbaric Unit at the Royal Hospital, Haslar. All patients were unconscious on arrival, and had received at least one treatment with hyperbaric oxygen by the time of first MR. The imaging findings were analysed independently by two experienced MR radiologists, with a third radiologist arbitrating on discrepant results. RESULTS: Thirteen male and six female patients, age range 21-70 years (mean 38.7 years) underwent MR an average of 35.6 h (range 6-126 h) following presentation at the referring centre. MR (at 0.5T) revealed abnormalities in the following areas: globus pallidus (n = 12); other basal ganglia [ n = 5: entire lentiform (globus pallidus and putamen), putamen alone, caudate nucleus, thalamus]; white matter (n = 6: periventricular, subcortical, other); cerebral cortex (n = 5), either localized or general; medial temporal lobe in the region of the hippocampus (n = 4). The majority of the patients with hyperintensity in the region of the hippocampus (n = 3) had no other area of cortical involvement. Two patients showed abnormalities in the cerebellum. Normal appearances were seen on the initial MR in seven patients. CONCLUSION: The appearances of the brain following acute CO poisoning are varied, and have previously been the subject of case reports or small studies, most of which have have addressed the delayed sequelae of this condition. This study, the first large series undertaken in the acute phase, confirms that, although the globus pallidus is the commonest site of abnormality in the brain, the effects of CO poisoning are widespread. The extent of damage correlates with clinical outcome, and therefore aids management and prognosis.

Acute Disease↗

Teleradiology--practical aspects and lessons learnt.

Teleradiology is the most widely practised form of telemedicine and the necessary equipment is readily available. The limiting technical factor is often the communication links between the two sites. A balance must be struck between the degree of image compression and the transmission time. Non technical issues such as organisation of staff and medico-legal aspects must also be considered. Many problems can be avoided by written protocols and agreements.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Thorotrast associated nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver.

A case of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver is described in association with exposure to the radiographic contrast medium Thorotrast. This is the first case in which the pathological findings have been fully documented. It is suggested that NRH may have developed through Thorotrast induced damage to portal vein radicles.

Contrast Media↗

The first telemedicine link for the British Forces.

In January 1998 a telemedicine link was established between the Hospital Squadron (from 22 Field Hospital) in Sipovo, Bosnia and the Royal Hospital Haslar, United Kingdom (UK). This link uses a high resolution digital camera, laptop computer, satellite telephone and a landline to obtain specialist opinions in radiology, dermatology, plastic surgery, orthopaedics, urology, ophthalmology, pathology and maxillo-facial surgery. This is the Defence Medical Services' first such link from an operational scenario. As such, this pilot study provides a useful testbed to enable clinicians in the three services to gain experience in this developing field, and to help determine the military applications of telemedicine.

Bosnia and Herzegovina↗

Operational telemedicine.

A simple, effective digital camera and E-mail-based telemedicine system has been developed using commercially available equipment. Initial trials were successful and this system is now deployed in several operational units. A retrospective audit has shown it to be of value in 50% of referrals.

Humans↗

Short communication: the use of sodium ironedetate (Sytron) as an MRI rectal contrast agent.

The use of bowel contrast medium in abdominal and pelvic MRI examinations is increasingly being recognized as a useful adjunct. A contrast agent which produces a negative contrast effect with T2 weighted (T2W) sequences might help distinguish bowel pathology, which has increased signal intensity, from bowel content. A solution of 7.6 mg ml-1 of sodium ironedetate (Sytron, Link Pharmaceuticals) produces positive contrast on the first (proton density) echo and negative contrast (signal void) on the second (T2W) echo of a dual echo sequence at 0.5 T. When administered rectally it provides a negative contrast bowel marker for pelvic examinations.

Administration, Rectal↗