Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
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A retrospective analysis of all patients with blunt abdominal trauma associated with haematuria admitted to one hospital (Royal United, Bath) in a 10-year period was conducted to establish the contribution of the intravenous urogram (IVU) in their management. Eighty-one case records were analysed. ⋯ In contrast, 27 IVUs performed in patients with macroscopic (naked eye) haematuria revealed 17 major injuries and 5 previously unrecognized congenital abnormalities. It is concluded that an IVU is an unnecessary and non-contributory investigation in patients with microscopic haematuria and guidelines are suggested for the role of IVU in patients with blunt abdominal trauma associated with haematuria.
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A case analysis has been performed on 4000 successive outpatient referrals to one consultant neurologist, representing 72% of all referrals to Charing Cross Hospital and 82% to Hillingdon Hospital. A specific diagnosis was not possible in 1013 patients (25.3%). ⋯ Based on data obtained for the incidence of various neurological disorders in the community, an attempt has been made to assess what proportion of patients with certain diagnoses are likely to be seen by a neurologist. The rarity with which certain classical conditions, for example syringomyelia, is encountered is stressed and the implications for teaching discussed.