Max I. Shaff

Evaluation of renal masses by MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed in 20 subjects, 10 of whom had benign or malignant renal masses, and 10 were normal volunteers. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of MR to provide significant diagnostic information in the management of renal mass lesions. Ten normal patients were included to supply baseline data. Different pulse sequences were used and their contribution to the diagnosis was evaluated. The emphasis has been placed on evaluating MR against the pathological diagnosis rather than other imaging modalities.

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Acute Abdomen

CT is a noninvasive investigation that in many instances is more sensitive in elucidating intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal disease than is conventional radiography. With modern scanners, the procedure is rapid and efficient and suitable for the most severely ill and infirm. The scans are easily interpretable, and the anatomic and morphologic depiction of disease is readily understood by those with surgical training. Information regarding the state of the bowel wall, mesentery, and intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal structures is displayed in greater detail than by any other diagnostic imaging modality. The use of intravenous contrast medium is rarely essential. The concentration of iodinated contrast needed for opacification of the bowel is no greater than 2 per cent to 5 per cent and will not complicate bowel surgery, as would standard upper gastrointestinal or barium enema studies. Abscess, free air, calcium, and intraperitoneal fluid are very sensitively detected. CT is extremely useful in aiding surgical decision making in the acute abdomen and is complementary to or has replaced conventional studies.

Benign hemangioendothelioma involving posterior mediastinum: CT findings

We report a case of benign hemangioendothelioma of infancy extending from the deep soft tissues of the neck to involve the entire longitudinal extent of the right posterior mediastinum. The CT findings that aid in the differential diagnosis of this and other posterior mediastinal masses are discussed.

Pseudo defect of the spleen in an adolescent with fever of unknown origin.

The development of a pseudo defect in the spleen secondary to perforation of the bowel by a 17 cm lead pencil is described. The approach to diagnosis of a foreign body in the abdominal cavity is discussed.

Hydrops Fetalis: Sonographic Evaluation and Clinical Implications

A systematic sonographic evaluation of hydropic fetus is presented, based on 21 cases and a literature review. The clinical implications of fetal ascites with or without anasarca, maternal hydramnios, maternal oligohydramnios, or an abnormally thick placenta are discussed as they relate to fetal outcome. It is concluded that sonography could play a major role in determining the optimal approach to perinatal management of the fetus in hydrops fetalis, and thus contribute to a reduction in the perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with this disorder.