Radiology
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The accuracy of radiographic detection of neurosurgical sponges was measured experimentally. Commercially available sponges were inserted into a cadaver in several paravertebral locations and radiographed. ⋯ Mean false-negative and false-positive rates were both about 10%. In addition, false-negative rates varied between 3 and 25% according to the type of sponge.
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Nineteen patients who had foreign bodies in the distal esophagus were examined prospectively to determine the efficacy of intravenous glucagon in relieving the obstruction. The administration of glucagon resulted in clearance of the impacted food in seven patients. Although the success rate is relatively low, the risk is minimal and justifiable. Use of intravenous glucagon is a safe, worthwhile initial step in the treatment of distal esophageal foreign bodies.
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Thirty-nine cases of intracranial vascular malformations in children were reviewed. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) and 35 had complete preoperative angiographic work-ups. ⋯ Among the 39 patients, there were 30 parenchymal arteriovenous malformations, four dural arteriovenous malformations, three cavernous angiomas, and two venous angiomas. Combined CT and angiography allowed a highly specific diagnosis in 77% of the cases.