Skeletal radiology
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We present two cases of growth plate injury of the hand and wrist in young patients with renal rickets and osteodystrophy but no history of antecedent trauma. The postulated mechanism of injury is subclinical biomechanical stress on the involved extremity superimposed on the already weakened metaphysis and growth plate. Thus, the findings may be viewed as an insufficiency injury to the metaphysis and growth plate. Physicians should be aware that, in the absence of unusual athletic activity, epiphysiolysis of the upper extremity is uncommon and requires a search for underlying metabolic bone disease.
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Insufficiency fractures of the sacrum are a commonly recognized form of stress fracture typically occurring in elderly patients. As such patients usually present with low back pain, MR imaging is often performed initially as a means of evaluation. We present 5 patients with sacral insufficiency fractures imaged with MR. ⋯ Four of five patients underwent further evaluation with computed tomography (CT) or nuclear bone scanning, which confirmed the diagnosis of sacral insufficiency fracture. We conclude that MRI is sensitive but not specific in detecting sacral insufficiency fractures. As MR imaging is rapidly becoming the method of choice for evaluating back pain, it is important to consider this diagnosis in elderly persons.
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Pyomyositis is a relatively rare entity in temperate climates. Because of its rarity and its nonspecific clinical and radiographic findings, pyomyositis may be misdiagnosed and may cause severe morbidity and mortality. We present magnetic resonance imaging findings in two cases of pyomyositis. Magnetic resonance imaging was helpful in differentiating other pathological processes from pyomyositis, outlining the extent of involvement, and localizing the fluid collection.
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Historical Article
Paleoradiologic evaluation of the Egyptian royal mummies.
We examined radiographs of 12 Egyptian royal mummies obtained by two of the authors (W. R. and J. E. ⋯ In 11 of the 12 cases, there was chondrocalcinosis of intervertebral discs or menisci, probably an artifact of embalming. Visceral packing and skeletal deformity due to wrapping were observed, as well. Radiology provides important paleopathologic and archeologic information for the accurate, comprehensive study of Egyptian mummies.
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Twenty-one computed tomographic (CT) and 17 conventional sinographies were performed on 17 patients with lesions in the musculoskeletal system. The CT sinography was superior to the conventional examination in all cases, giving detailed information on the relationship between the sinuses and neighboring soft tissue and skeletal structures. CT sinography is recommended as the primary method for examination of musculoskeletal sinuses.