Diagnostic imaging
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A 3-year systematic study was made for subglottic and tracheal lesions of patients who had been intubated for more than 10 h (87 patients intubated for time periods ranging from 10 to 1,960 h). The radiological aspect of the lesions was studied and classified as tracheal stenosis, cartilage lesions and granulomas. The radiological analyses were performed by tracheography (14 cases), xerography, xerotomography (87 cases) and CT (2 cases). ⋯ The cuff, the tip of the endotracheal tube and the suction cannula were found to be responsible for the tracheal sequelae. A statistically significant correlation was found between the duration of the intubation and the severity of the tracheal lesions. The lesions, examined radiologically about a year after the intubation, were found to be stable.
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Computer tomography of the head using the standard views parallel to the orbitomeatal line, does not demonstrate the anatomy of the posterior fossa to the best advantage, because the slices pass obliquely through the brain stem and cerebellum. The cranial and caudal borders of the posterior fossa (tentorium and foramen magnum) are also cut obliquely. A series of slices lying in optimal anatomical planes are suggested. The results are discussed.