Barbara L. Carter

Use of body scanner in radiotherapy treatment planning.

CT body scans obtained on 98 patients before, during, and after radiotherapy were evaluated for their utility in radiotherapy treatment planning and in follow‐up after radiotherapy. Twenty‐two patients were studied after irradiation. Four received additional treatment, and continuing or planned treatment was withheld from another four on the basis of CT data. Tumor extent was clearly delineated on CT scan in 48/76 cases (63%), suggestive in 25/76 (33%), and not seen in only three (4%). Utilizing CT data relative to all other available tests, in 75 patients, total treatment volume was altered in 34 (45%), tumor coverage was marginal or inadequate in 35 (47%), and volume of normal tissue irradiated was changed in 34 (45%). CT scan data was judged essential for treatment planning in 41, or 55%, of patients studied. Unsuspected areas of tumor involvement were seen in 32 of 75 cases (43%). Use of the CT scan as a patient contour for radiotherapy treatment planning and alternative techniques for inputting the CT data to treatment planning computers are discussed. A simple inexpensive device to accomplish this is described. Speculations are made regarding the impact of CT scanners on transverse axial tomography units and treatment simulators as well as the potential application of the technique in brachytherapy dose computation. Cancer 40:170–179, 1977.

Paranasal sinus development: A radiographic study

Objective To demonstrate the development of the paranasal sinuses in a pediatric population by computed tomography scans.

Computed tomography in the diagnosis of pericardial heart disease

Abstract To evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of pericardial heart disease, 53 patients were prospectively studied by computed tomography of the chest and cardiac ultras...

Computed tomography of the spinal canal.

The value of computed tomography (CT) in cases of spinal dysraphism, spinal canal narrowing and widening, and spinal bony abnormalities is discussed. With further experience, CT may become a valuable modality for the diagnosis of spinal diseases.

Cystic lymphangiomas: CT diagnosis and thin needle aspiration

Cystic lymphangiomas of the retroperitoneum are rare benign tumours (Castellino & Finkelstein, 1975) which have previously been difficult to diagnose by conventional radiographic techniques (Hamilton & McInerney, 1981). These tumours have been evaluated by several modalities: computed tomography, ultrasound, thin needle aspiration, and lymphangiography and in one case a correct diagnosis was suggested preoperatively (Radin et al, 1983). We describe two cases of cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum demonstrated and diagnosed by computed tomography and thin needle aspiration. The first case was proven to be a cystic lymphangioma at surgery. The second case, after its CT demonstration and thin needle aspiration, was managed conservatively and followed by computed tomography. In the appropriate clinical setting, conservative management of these benign tumours might well be considered.

Differentiation of constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy by computed tomographic imaging

Differentiation of restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis is notoriously difficult. Evaluation of such patients by noninvasive means including physical examination, electrocardiography, chest x-ray examination, and echocardiography has been shown to be unreliable.‘e7 Even cardiac catheterization may not be decisive in determining whether impaired diastolic filling is due to a cardiomyopathic process as opposed to thickening of the pericardium,“” and thoracotomy may be required to establish the diagnosis.*“* l3 Recent experience with computed tomographic imaging of the heart suggests that this diagnostic modality provides accurate definition of pericardial thickness.**-lfi We therefore undertook the present study to determine whether computed tomographic imaging of the chest could accurately differentiate patients in whom impaired ventricular diastolic filling was due to constrictive pericarditis from those with a restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Unusual Pelvic Masses: A Comparison of Computed Tomographic Scanning and Ultrasonography

Four unusual pelvic masses, studied by CT and gray scale ultrasonography, demonstrate the comparative values of these modalities for this area of the body. In each instance a significant contribution to the diagnosis was made by one or both techniques. The ultrasound study provides a somewhat better differentiation of solid from cystic lesions, but the CT scan denotes to best advantage the anatomy of the area, and provides a means of viewing bone as well as soft tissue detail.

Mediastinal Lipomatosis: CT Confirmation of a Normal Variant

Mediastinal lipomatosis is a common benign cause of mediastinal widening. While it may be associated with exogenous obesity, steroid ingestion, or Cushings syndrome, these factors often are not present. Evaluation of the mediastinum by CT should be the initial diagnostic study in the work-up of patients with abnormalities of the mediastinal contour; indeed, in many cases it can eliminate the need for other procedures.

Gas collections in the spinal cord on computed tomography.

Two examples of gas collections within the spinal canal, noted on computed tomography, are presented. A probable etiology is suggested and possible misinterpretations of such a finding are discussed.

Computed Coronal Tomography

A method for obtaining coronal scans of the cranium is described in which a scanner with a tilting gantry is used. Computed coronal tomography is especially useful in the high convexity area and in the suprasellar and foramen magnum regions.