Sheldon R. Hurwitz

Gallium-67 imaging to localize urinary-tract infections.

To differeniate upper from lower-tract urinary infections, 73 patients were imaged with 67Ga citrate. Renal uptake of the radioisotope occurred in pyelonephritis (documented in 47 patients by ureteral cathieterization, bladder washout, or histology) with an accuracy of 86%. There were 15% false-positives and 13% false-negatives. 67Ga may prove to be a clinically valuable test in the diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Results are promptly available 24 hours after injection, and it is non-invasive test that can safely be repeated to follow recurrent infections.

Determinants of Successful Selective Tracheobronchial Suctioning

Abstract In 24 patients with nasotracheal, orotracheal and tracheostomy tubes in place, a scintigraphic technic was used to monitor attempts to cannulate selectively the right and left main-stem bronchi by suction catheters. Regardless of catheter type and patient positioning, the left main-stem bronchus was more difficult to enter (46 per cent success rate) than the right (75 per cent success). Angle-tipped suction catheters were more successful than straight catheters In cannulating both right and left mainstem bronchi. Catheters packed in straight, rather than coiled, configurations were more successful In achieving left-main-stem bronchus cannulation. The left main-stem bronchus was particularly difficult to enter through nasotracheal tubes. Turning the head to the right improved the success of left-main-stem-bronchus catheterization. Turning the head to the left or shoulder positioning did not assist in selective bronchial cannulation. (N Engl J Med 289:1060–1063, 1973)

Alterations in Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Dynamics in Cerebrovascular Occlusive Disease Demonstrated by Radionuclide Cisternography

Abstract Sixteen patients with cerebrovascular occlusive disease were studied with radionuclide cisternography, brain gamma camera imaging, and radionuclide cerebral angiography. Alterations in cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics were seen in 9 patients. Considerable further investigation is needed to establish a better understanding of cerebrovascular occlusive disease and the role of the alterations of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in the natural history of the disease.