Bala R. Subramanyam

Deep venous thrombosis: detection by probe compression of veins.

The sonographic detection of echogenic, soft‐tissue mass within the veins of the lower extremities assures the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the sonographic diagnosis remains inconclusive when fresh thrombus and/or artifacts are present within the lumen of the vein. The present study attempts to augment the clinical utility of real‐time sonography in the detection of DVT, based on the premise that total obliteration of the vein lumen by probe compression should not be possible in the presence of venous thrombi. Sonography and contrast venography of the lower extremity were performed in 20 patients with clinical suspicion of DVT. The presence of thrombi was confirmed in 14 patients. Probe compression failed to obliterate the lumen of the veins containing thrombi. The authors conclude that the technique of probe compression is useful for rapid and noninvasive detection of venous thrombi.

Diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: Analysis by computed tomography and sonography

The sonographic and computed tomographic findings in 3 cases of diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis are presented along with correlation with the pathological specimens. The combination of the findings in sonography and computed tomography in this condition enables one to make an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Calyces containing pus and/or xanthomatous tissue produced low-level echoes simulating preservation or thickening of the renal parenchyma on sonography. On CT the central low attenuation areas either gave negative values representing abundant xanthomatous tissue seen on gross pathology, or measured in the water density range representing a combination of pus and less abundant xanthomatous tissue.

Metastatic neoplasm to the kidney studied by computed tomography and sonography.

Surgicalue to the widespread use of CT for tumor staging and diagnostic workup, the discovery of metastatic neoplasm to the kidney has become a more frequent occurrence. Nine patients with metastatic carcinoma to the kidney have been studied by CT, including six by sonography. Carcinoma of the lung was the primary tumor in eight. Bilateral renal involvement was seen in all cases. The presentation of the clinical and radiologic findings in these cases with differential diagnosis is included.

Correlation of CT and ultrasound in the evaluation of renal lymphoma

In a series of 225 patients with lymphoma studied by computed tomography, involvement of the kidney(s) was found in 11 (4.9%). These cases were then also studied by ultrasound. Because of the characteristic findings of computed tomography and sonography in renal lymphoma, a reliable diagnosis was possible along with an accurate assessment of the incidence and types of renal involvement. Illustration of this material along with a discussion of the clinical implications of these findings is presented.

Spigelian hernia: CT and ultrasonography diagnosis

The diagnostic potential of CT and sonography in detecting clinically unrecognized cases of spigelian hernia is illustrated and discussed. These imaging modalities can promptly and reliably diagnose spigelian hernia based on the following findings: (1) peritoneal and muscular defect along the spigelian line in the lower abdomen; (2) intraparietal location of the hernial sac; and (3) hernial sac containing omentum and/or mesentery and loops of bowel. Two recently diagnosed cases are presented together with a short review of the literature.

Ruptured hydatid cyst with biliary obstruction: Diagnosis by sonography and computed tomography

Communication between a hydatid cyst of the liver and the right hepatic duct resulted in biliary obstruction by the released cyst contents. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were utilized for preoperative diagnosis.

Renal emphysema secondary to traumatic renal infarction

Renal emphysema is most often due to emphysematous pyelonephritis in diabetics. The emphysema is the result of infection by gas-forming organisms. Intrarenal gas can also be seen under noninfective conditions. The report is a case of renal emphysema following traumatic renal infarction.

Diagnostic ultrasound of scrotum

Ultrasound is a proved, safe diagnostic procedure. Its efficacy in the evaluation of 54 cases of scrotal pathology is reviewed. Ultrasound was 100 per cent accurate in the evaluation of hydroceles, hematoceles, and paratesticular masses, but less informative in testicular abscesses (80%) and epididymo-orchitis (77%).

Sonography of exophytic gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma

Five cases of exophytic gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma were evaluated by sonography. In 3 of the 5 cases, identification of intraluminal air or intestinal lumen in an eccentric location to the mass was helpful in recognizing the exophytic nature of the mass. Tumor necrosis was present in all of the masses and also in 1 case of hepatic metastasis. Recognition of the exophytic nature of the mass and the presence of tumor necrosis favor the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma.

Ultrasonic features of cholangiocarcinoma.

Sonographic features in 12 cases of proven cholangiocarcinoma were analyzed and correlated with findings on direct cholangiography. Proximal bile duct dilation was present in all cases of cholangiocarcinoma of the intrahepatic ducts except one. A neoplastic bile duct segment was detected in nine of the 12 cases. The neoplasms were seen as narrowed, normal‐sized, or enlarged ducts, and contained intraluminal soft‐tissue echoes or echogenic bands across the lumens. The sonographic accuracy was greater for lesions involving the bifurcation and the common hepatic duct than for common bile duct lesions. Cholangiography was superior to sonography in determining the length of the involved segment, whereas sonography was superior in detecting hepatic invasion and lymphadenopathy.