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V H Low

Publications and source records attributed to V H Low.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Imaging studies of the pelvic floor.

A variety of imaging modalities complement the history and physical examination in the investigation of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. Current fluoroscopic techniques, including defocography, can reveal underlying pelvic floor defects by reproducing normal daily activities that cause symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging provides fine musculoskeletal detail of this region in anatomic plane not well seen via computerized tomography. Ultrasound is used primarily in assessment of the anal sphincter muscles. Cystourethroscopy provides direct visualization of the lower urinary tract. This article describes the clinical applications and technique of each modality.

Defecography↗
PubMed1998

Predictive model for the diagnosis of intraabdominal abscess.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors investigated the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) to aid in the diagnosis of intraabdominal abscess. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ANN was constructed based on data from 140 patients who underwent abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) between January and December 1995. Input nodes included data from clinical history, physical examination, laboratory investigation, and radiographic study. The ANN was trained and tested on data from all 140 cases by using a round-robin method and was compared with linear discriminate analysis. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to evaluate both predictive models. RESULTS: CT examinations in 50 cases were positive for abscess. This finding was confirmed by means of laboratory culture of aspirations from CT-guided percutaneous drainage in 38 patients, ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage in five patients, surgery in five patients, and characteristic appearance on CT scans without aspiration in two patients. CT scans in 90 cases were negative for abscess. The sensitivity and specificity of the ANN in predicting the presence of intraabdominal abscess were 90% and 51%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed no statistically significant difference in performance between the two predictive models. CONCLUSION: The ANN is a useful tool for determining whether an intraabdominal abscess is present. It can be used to set priorities for CT examinations in order to expedite treatment in patients believed to be more likely to have an abscess.

Abdominal Abscess↗
PubMed1998

Inflammatory pseudotumour of the post-bulbar duodenum.

The cases of five patients with upper gastrointestinal barium examination findings suggestive of a post-bulbar duodenal tumour are presented. Further investigations failed to confirm evidence of a neoplasm, but instead identified post-bulbar duodenal ulceration or scarring. Possible causes for these findings, technical considerations for avoiding this pitfall, and the importance of appropriate further investigations are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Small bowel intussusception and laparoscopy.

Adult intussusception is rare and is usually caused by a tumor serving as a lead point. Surgery is necessary to treat obstruction and rule out malignancy. However, if a benign cause (lipoma, fibroma, or Meckel's diverticulum) is suspected preoperatively, a minimally invasive surgical approach should be considered. This case illustrates the laparoscopic management of benign small bowel intussusception due to lipoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy: a new approach for correction of posterior compartment defects and perineal descent associated with vaginal vault prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess a modification of abdominal sacral colpopexy in 19 patients. STUDY DESIGN: The rectovaginal space was dissected to the superior aspect of the posterior vaginal fascia still contiguous with the perineal body. Mersilene (Ethicon, Somerville, N.J.) mesh was sutured to this fascia and along the entire posterior vaginal wall. Patients with vault prolapse, perineal descent, and associated rectoceles or enteroceles are reported. Outcome measures included bowel symptoms and pelvic organ prolapse staging. Defecography was performed in three patients. Wilcoxon signed rank analysis was used for comparison of prolapse measures. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 11 weeks. Bowel symptoms improved in 8 of 11 women. No subjects had greater than stage II prolapse postoperatively and median improvement in stage was 3 (range 2 to 4). The mean decrease in the genital hiatus measurement was 3.13 +/- 1.25 (range 2 to 6) cm. Postoperative defecography documented correction of rectoceles and enteroceles and improvement in perineal descent with straining. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy is effective surgery for vaginal vault prolapse associated with perineal descent and posterior vaginal defects.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

CT of pancreatic gas gangrene.

A case of gas gangrene complicating acute pancreatitis is presented. The presence of gas within the pancreatic bed is very suggestive of infection with gas forming organisms in the right clinical setting.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Malignant melanoma metastatic to the gastrointestinal tract.

Malignant melanoma, a common malignancy whose prevalence is increasing, represents 1-3% of cancers in the United States [1]. At autopsy, metastatic deposits to the gut are frequently found, but less than 9% of melanoma patients are diagnosed with gastrointestinal metastases while living [2]. Modern management includes aggressive surgical therapy to prolong survival and to palliate the disease [3]. Therefore, imaging of metastatic melanoma is clinically important to detect extent and determine whether the patient would benefit by surgery. Gastrointestinal metastases may manifest as mucosal or submucosal masses, serosal implants, or carcinomatosis [4]. They arise more commonly in the mesentery or distal small bowel than the proximal gastrointestinal tract or colon. The purpose of this essay is to illustrate the appearance of melanoma metastatic to the gastrointestinal tract on luminal contrast studies and on CT and to emphasize the importance of early investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms in a patient with a history of malignant melanoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Systemic lupus erythematosus serositis.

The imaging appearances of a case of systemic lupus erythematosus, which manifested initially as a serositis, is described. Barium small bowel study showed segments of spiculation with tethering, angulation, and obstruction. On computed tomography there was ascites and segments of asymmetrical thickening of small bowel wall were observed. Laparotomy revealed extensive patchy serosal and peritoneal plaques but biopsy of these lesions did not lead to a definitive diagnosis. The diagnosis was made on the basis of marked elevation of antinuclear and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Case quiz.

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Aortic Dissection↗
PubMed1995

Tuberculosis of the abdomen.

The diagnosis of abdominal TB is often difficult. A high index of suspicion is required, especially in the high-risk population. This article discusses the radiology of abdominal TB, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in order to obtain a favorable outcome.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1994

Calcified lymph node metastases in adenocarcinoma of the colon.

Radiologically demonstrable calcification has been described in a variety of primary tumours and metastatic deposits. Dystrophic calcification in retroperitoneal lymph nodes may occur in malignant lymphoma or metastatic carcinoma, most often after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, de novo calcification in retroperitoneal lymph node metastases from carcinoma are very rare. Such a case is presented here.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix with unusual sonographic appearances.

A case of an appendiceal cystadenoma resulting in a large mucocele in a 35 year old man presenting with abdominal pain is reported. On ultrasonography, an unusual appearance of strand-like layers of varying echo-texture suggesting a solid lesion was seen. On computed tomography, calcification and contrast enhancement of the rim was noted. The spectrum of imaging appearances of appendix mucoceles is reviewed.

Adult↗