Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to S Schabel.
Two patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and spinal calcification, involving the lumbar spine in one and the cervical spine in the other, are described. Computed tomography-guided aspiration of the calcific masses was performed, and material aspirated from one patient was shown to be apatite, Ca5(PO4)3OH. One patient showed improvement following lumbar laminotomy, hemilaminectomy, and diskectomy.
Routine follow-up chest X ray of several patients with the Endotak transvenous pacing lead suggested fracture of the conductor at the distal end of the proximal defibrillating coil. Electrical evaluation of these patients' leads demonstrated them to be working normally. Multiple x-ray views of a new undamaged lead demonstrated that in some projection the Endotak lead may appear fractured in spite of normal continuity of the conductors. Physicians dealing with these patients should be aware of this confusing x-ray finding.