Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists
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Oligohydramnios and megacystis were demonstrated sonographically at a gestational age of 18 weeks. This was confirmed radiographically by direct intrauterine injection of contrast medium into the enlarged fetal bladder. ⋯ Autopsy confirmed prune-belly syndrome with megacystis secondary to urethral obstruction. This case demonstrates the ability of ultrasound to diagnose a significant structural fetal abnormality early enough to allow termination of the pregnancy.
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Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare and often fatal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and enters the differential diagnosis of diffuse lung disease in patients with SLE. Pulmonary hemorrhage results from deposit of immune complexes in the alveolar basement membrane, which in turn damages capillary endothelium. Similar immune-complex deposition is present in the glomerular basement membrane of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and pulmonary hemorrhage.
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Expiratory collapse of the trachea was demonstrated radiographically in three infants with esophageal atresia who developed episodes of severe upper respiratory obstruction in the first few weeks of life. The abnormality is most readily seen fluoroscopically in such patients, though tracheal narrowing may be visible on an expiratory lateral chest radiography. An unusually long tracheostomy tube may be required to bypass the site of obstruction.