Journal of X-ray science and technology
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Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) has great advantage with higher sensitivity and more clear modalities in detecting urinary tract radiolucent calculi in patients with acute renal insufficiency (ARI) compared to other image diagnosis approaches. We report two cases (female, 28 years old; male, 39 years old) with persistent flank pain and acute anuria after the administration of ceftriaxone (4.0 g daily) for 2 days intravenously. No abnormality was found in the kidney-ureter- bladder (KUB) areas with plain abdomen X-rays. ⋯ Ceftriaxone crystal calculi were found on both sides of distal ureters under endoscopy. Renal function recovered in both patients after double-J ureteral stents were installed. Out results demonstrated that noncontrast MDCT scanning and MIP reconstruction as an effective diagnostic tool could provide clear images in detection of radiolucent calculi in urinary tract when conventional X-rays image are not suitable in the patients with obstructive anuria and ARI of unknown origin.
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Forty two patients with sequestered lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were treated by endoscopic surgery with the mobile Endospine system. The herniations and migration were confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The interlamina fenestration and pars interarticularis fenestration approaches were used for intracanal herniations and far lateral lumbar disc herniations (FLLDH) according to the degree of migration as observed on MRI. ⋯ During the 12 to 48 month postoperative follow-up period, 26 patients had excellent clinical results and 15 patients had good results (Macnab scale). In conclusion, MRI is important for evaluating sequestered lumbar disc herniation, although it has its limitations. Sequestered herniations can be exposed and removed completely with the mobile endoscopic system.