PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

V Caruana

Publications and source records attributed to V Caruana.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Septic arthritis of a lumbar facet joint: detection with bone SPECT imaging.

We present a rare case of septic arthritis of a lumbar facet joint with an associated epidural abscess resulting from Staphylococcus aureus. The infection was initially detected with planar bone scintigraphy and precisely localized with single photon emission computed tomography bone scintigraphy, despite an initially negative radiologic evaluation that included radiographs of the lumbar spine, lumbar myelography, and a postmyelography x-ray computed tomography scan. In the appropriate clinical setting, a bone scan demonstrating unilateral increased activity within the spine should raise the suspicion of inflammatory involvement of the posterior elements.

Aged↗

Gallium detection of Salmonella costochondritis.

A case of Salmonella costochondritis developed at a traumatic focus in a 37-yr-old Hispanic male without hemoglobinopathy or systemic disease. Bone scans and gallium scans were initially positive and remained abnormal, despite a variable clinical course and repeatedly negative serology and blood cultures. Scintigraphy was valuable for both detection and monitoring of antibiotic treatment, as well as providing localization for subsequent surgical resection.

Adult↗

Computed tomographic detection of a swallowed denture.

A 89-year-old, nursing home female presented with a two-week history of drooling and a hard palpable mass in the region of the larynx. Initial fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a hard pinkish-white mass which was felt to represent a tumor. Computed tomography demonstrated swallowed, impacted, complete, mandibular denture. Radiologists should be aware of this problem, particularly in the elderly demented patient.

Aged↗