Carlisle L. Morgan

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine are rare entities. The nomenclature and detailed anatomic features of these conditions are discussed. Four new cases are presented and the world literature is reviewed.

Comparison of gray-scale ultrasonography and computed tomography in the evaluation of macrocrania in infants.

Head scans in 27 infants were done to compare the value of ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of macrocrania and encephalocele. Ultrasonography and CT correlated well with regard to anatomical information, especially in the assessment of the lateral and third ventricles. However, unlike CT, ultrasonography uses no ionizing radiation, is less expensive, eliminates sedation, and reduces artifacts due to motion and metal clips. In conjunction with an initial CT examination, ultrasonography is useful for serial evaluation of the lateral and third ventricles. It can also be helpful in assessing extraventricular fluid collections and suspected encephaloceles.

Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Intra-abdominal Abscesses

The diagnosis of intra-abdominal abscess by radiographic means often relies on combining the results of several different imaging modalities. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be a safe, accurate and rapid diagnostic method of diagnosing these abscesses. Five patients with a variety of intra-abdominal abscesses are presented in whom the CT scan alone provided the correct diagnosis. The various imaging modalities available for the radiologic diagnosis of intra-abdominal abscess are described and are compared to CT diagnosis regarding their pitfalls.

Ultrasonic, angiographic, and pathologic correlation of noncystic-appearing renal masses

The ultrasonic echo pattern of renal masses is retrospectively correlated with the angiographic vascular pattern in 36 cases where a noncystic-appearing mass was identified by either study. Pathologic or cytologic correlation was available in 31 of these masses. In carcinomas the echogenicity was usually found to correlate well with the degree of neovascularity.

Roentgenographic findings in a spectrum of uncommon tracheo-oesophageal anomalies.

Roentgenographic and clinical findings in a spectrum of malformations of the trachea and oesophagus are discussed. Five previously unreported patients representing four rare anomalies of tracheal agenesis, laryngotracheo-oesophageal cleft, oesophageal atresia with a tracheo-oesophageal (T-E) fistula to the proximal oesophageal pouch, and T-E fistula without oesophageal atresia (H-type fistula) are presented. These anomalies can be characterised by a failure in separation of the oesophagus and trachea and by atresia of either organ. All of the patients were diagnosed roentgenographically. Since the incidence of associated abnormalities is high in babies with these anomalies, a generalised embryological defect must be a basic assumption in any theory to explain the development of T-E anomalies.

Unusual fractures and dislocations of the axis vertebra

Seven percent of 400 patients with cervical spine fractures and/or dislocations had ‘unusual’ lesions of the axis. The authors have analyzed axis injuries by review of radiographs and clinical data and have derived a classification of traumatic conditions. Uncommon traumatic axis abnormalities are discussed with reference to incidence, causes, clinical findings, mechanism of injury, and roentgen characteristics.

Type II choledochal cyst: ultrasonographic appearance.

The ultrasonic findings in a rare Type II choledochal cyst are described. In patients with a right upper quadrant mass in whom the clinical, ultrasonic, or radiographic findings are atypical for other etiologies, this diagnosis should be considered.

Abdominal and obstetric applications of a dynamically focused phased array real time ultrasound system.

Abdominal and obstetric applications of a dynamically focused phased array real time ultrasonic system are described. This work was performed utilising both the Thaumascan (two-dimensional, high resolution, actual time, ultrasound, multi-element array scanner) and the first commercial unit based on this system, the Grumman RT-400. Examples of normal and pathological anatomy are presented from over 300 examinations performed to date, including a series of 28 abdominal aortic aneurysms studied with the RT-400. Following electronic alterations in the Thaumascan with resultant improvement in the grey scale, prospective analyses in 86 obstetric and 23 abdominal examinations were undertaken. These studies indicate that fetal, intra-uterine, and abdominal structures can be rapidly and consistently imaged. The value of real time ultrasonic scanning in obstetric and abdominal examinations is illustrated. The principles of dynamically focused phased arrays are described, and the merits and limitations of these systems are discussed.