European journal of radiology
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Computed tomography has led to an increase in recognition of psoas pathology in general and malignant involvement in particular. A series of 25 cases of malignant involvement of the iliopsoas is presented. The wide spectrum of malignant tumours which can invade the psoas and the diversity of CT appearances are described. In particular, it is shown that involvement is frequently extensive, a feature which has not been previously emphasised.
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A retrospective study of 18 patients with femoral hernia assessed by herniography is presented. Although a palpable lump was present in 11 patients (61%), the diagnosis of a femoral hernia was not made before herniography. Surgical exploration was performed in 12 patients and a femoral hernia was found and repaired with beneficial outcome in 9 of them. ⋯ herniography is of value for the diagnosis of a femoral hernia in patients with obscure groin pain.
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Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) plays an important role in the management of vascular diseases of the lower extremities. A disadvantage is the lack of an automatically moving table top. We used a 1,024 x 1,024 matrix with a large-screen intensifier system and an automated "stepping" facility. ⋯ Peripheral DA proved to be equal to peripheral DSA in the region of the pelvis, thigh and knee, with no adequate contrasting being obtained merely in the region of the lower leg arteries in about 45%. It is necessary to use contrast medium at a concentration of 300 mg I/ml. The installation of an automated "stepping" facility reduces the amount of contrast medium needed and the exposure time.
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Surgical sponges retained after laparotomy represent a diagnostic problem if they cannot be identified by radiopaque markers on standard radiographs. We report on 9 patients from different hospitals with an abdominal gossypiboma 7 days to 21 years after the surgical procedure. Plain radiographs may suggest the diagnosis if a textile foreign body is calcified, that is, is equipped with radiopaque marker, or when a characteristic "whirl-like" pattern is present. CT and US are necessary procedures in chronic cases, since the lesion may mimic a mass; US shows specific echogenic areas with acoustic shadow; CT usually reveals a hypodense mass with a thick peripheral rim.