E. Leon Kier

Correlation of microangiographic and electrophysiologic changes in experimental spinal cord trauma.

Following a controlled impact injury to the feline cervical spinal cord, hemorrhages appear within the central gray matter immediately post-trauma, and most likely result from direct tearing of vessel walls rather than ischemic necrosis. There is an absence of electrical activity in both the white and gray matter immediately following impact, though the microvasculature is essentially morphologically normal. Subsequent microvascular alterations in the gray and white matter correlate with the changes in the electrophysiological indices, implying that these latter changes in the neurophysiological function may be attributed to differential flow in the white and gray matter.

The role of computed tomography in the evaluation of upper cervical spine pathology

A series of nine patients with symptoms referable to the upper cervical spine were recently studied by both conventional radiographic techniques and computed axial tomography (CT), in an attempt to ascertain the effectiveness of CT in evaluating upper cervical spine pathology. We found CT a useful tool in diagnosing a variety of pathological conditions in this region, particularly when they involve subtle neural arch fractures, rotational deformities, or compromise of the neural canal.

High-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone: Its role in the evaluation of middle ear disease

High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was performed on the temporal bones of 93 patients in conjunction with pluridirectional tomography. The majority of the patients were scanned on the prototype Pfizer 0200 FS second-generation scanner, modified to meet the demands of high-resolution scanning. Images from this relatively economical scanner are almost comparable to those obtainable with the GE CT/T 8800 scanner in spatial and contrast resolution. CT scans of the temporal bone were found to be more sensitive than pluridirectional tomography in visualizing fractures and soft tissue masses in the middle ear, including fluid levels and tympanic membrane swelling. It is concluded that high-resolution CT of the temporal bone will probably soon entirely replace pluridirectional tomography.

Cerebral angiography in the diagnosis of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.

Marked tumor vascularity was seen in an orbital rhabdomyosarcoma. It is suggested that the preoperative diagnosis of such lesions should be possible on the basis of the clinical history and the angiographic appearance of the tumor. Angiographic evaluation will delineate the extent of intracranial extension when plain films or laminagrams are abnormal.

Pitfalls of Posterior Fossa Cisternography Using 2 ml of Iophendylate (Pantopaque)

A simplified cisternographic technique, involving small amounts of contrast material and positioning without fluoroscopy, was initially employed in 3 patients but failed to demonstrate large lesions of the cerebellopontine angle. These lesions were subsequently demonstrated by adding a sufficient volume of contrast material and were evaluated further by vertebral angiography or pneumoencephalography prior to surgical documentation. Persons employing the 1–3 ml posterior fossa cisternographic technique should be aware of potential error. Nonfilling of the internal acoustic meatus should be considered an absolute indication for re-evaluation using a larger volume of contrast material.

Unilateral nerve deafness in childhood: a possible vascular etiology.

Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss in an eight‐year‐old girl, with radiographic evidence suggesting occlusion of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, is reported. Previous to the present report, a vascular etiology of this disorder has not been demonstrated.

A simple technique for photographic image enhancement of subtraction films.

Abstract The authors describe a simple technique for improving the contrast of subtraction films of uneven density by collimating the light source with aluminum cylinders, thus enhancing the area of principal interest while preserving the information on the remainder of the film. This “focused” beam increases the relative amount of light reaching the darkest area of the film, producing a final product of more uniform overall density.