Charles G. Jacoby

Posterior fossa intra-axial tumors: A comparison of computed tomography with other imaging methods

Fifty patients with posterior fossa intra-axial tumors were evaluated by computed tomography and the results compared with routine skull films, radionuclide brain scanning vertebral angiography, and cerebral air studies. The routine skull series was found to be of little benefit. Computed tomography was more sensitive than the radionuclide brain scan in detecting all of the lesions except astrocytoma, for which sensitivity was comparable. Angiography was the most sensitive means of detecting hemangioblastoma, and was the only reliable radiographic method of differentiating hemangioblastoma from astrocytoma. Cerebral air studies were the most sensitive and specific means of evaluating brainstem gliomas.

Aqueductal Stenosis and Neurofibromatosis: A Rare Association

Three cases with rare association of neurofibromatosis, hydrocephalus, and aqueductal stenosis seen at the University of Iowa during the past 20 years are presented. The literature on nontumoral hydrocephalus and aqueductal stenosis in neurofibromatosis is reviewed. Possible explanations for the association of aqueductal stenosis and neurofibromatosis are discussed. It is concluded that aqueductal stenosis, though not common, should nevertheless be considered in the differential diagnosis of hydrocephalus in neurofibromatosis. (J Child Neurol 1988;3:125-130).

The role of radionuclide brain imaging and computerized tomography in the early diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis

We have reviewed the medical records and radiographic examinations of 12 patients with herpes simplex encephalitis to assess the role of RN and CT in the early diagnosis of this disease. The initial RN study was positive in 83% (10/12) of cases while the initial CT study was positive in 75% (9/12) of cases. The earliest positive RN was seen on the second day after the onset of neurologic signs or symptoms while the earliest positive CT was seen on the third day. We describe various abnormal patterns encountered in HSE and discuss their diagnostic reliability. We make recommendations for the diagnosis of HSE based on our findings and on the information available in the literature

The overshoot artifact as an aid in differentiating low densities on the computed tomographic scan

This brief report describes an artifact that is seen as a thin, white rim outlining an air collection on the EMI 80 X 80 and 160 X 160 matrix CT scanners. This artifact is not associated with fat density and, therefore, its recognition allows presumptive differentiation between air and fat densities. The attenuation numbers of the lesion should then be obtained for confirmation.

Radiology of facial injury

The authors present a guide to the imaging of facial fractures. It is illustrated with conventional radiographs and computed tomograms; the magnetic resonance images primarily suggest the potential applications of this technique. This book provides a source of imaging information on facial trauma. A section on pertinent anatomy is followed by a systematic discussion of the common isolated and complex facial fractures. Perspectives are offered on some commonly seen but infrequently described relationships, such as the tripod-LeFort II association. Consideration is also given to related soft-tissue injuries. The book includes a brief chapter on the type and utility of supplementary imaging studies in the evaluation of those intracranial injuries that may occur concurrently.