Steven M. Wetzner

Early diagnosis of pancreatic infection by computed tomography-guided aspiration

We performed 92 computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle aspirations of pancreatic inflammatory masses in 60 patients suspected of harboring pancreatic infection. Thirty-six patients (60%) were found by Gram stain and culture to have a total of 41 separate episodes of pancreatic infection. Among 42 aspirates judged to be infected by computed tomography-guided aspiration, all but one were confirmed by surgery or indwelling catheter drainage. Among 50 aspirates judged to be sterile, no subsequent evidence of infection was found. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no complications were noted. As a result of this technique, we observed that pancreatic infection occurs earlier than has been previously appreciated (within 14 days of the onset of pancreatitis in 20 of the 36 patients) and that infection may recur during prolonged bouts of pancreatitis. We conclude that guided aspiration is a safe, accurate method for identifying infection of the pancreas at an early stage.

Bone scanning in the assessment of patellar viability following knee replacement.

In an attempt to diagnose avascular necrosis (AVN) of the patella, a potential complication of the surgical procedure, 99mTc-MDP bone scanning was performed pre- and postoperation in 37 patients treated by 41 total knee arthroplasties. The normal immediate postoperative scan should demonstrate increased radionuclide uptake in the patella when compared to preoperative scans. Decreased uptake was seen in four cases in the early postoperative period. This latter group was believed to be at risk for osteonecrosis and stress fracture of the patella. For this reason, prophylactic restriction of activity was instituted, with subsequent return of normal radionuclide uptake in the patella. Bone scanning provides an effective method of early diagnosis of patients at risk for the development of AVN and secondary patellar fractures following total knee arthroplasty.

Posterior arch defects of the cervical spine

Spondylolysis and absence of the pedicle are congenital anomalies of the posterior cervical spine. Their roentgenographic changes may be confused with other more serious entities which may necessitate either emergent therapy or require extensive diagnostic testing and treatment. Four cases are present and the literature is reviewed. A hypothesis for the embryologic etiology of these entities is proposed.

Malignant mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis is rare, but sometimes curable. It is similar to malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum and of the pleura, and is likewise associated with asbestos exposure. We report a case, with correlative computed tomography, ultrasound, and gross pathology images that demonstrate tiny tumor implants studding the vaginalis testis. The literature is reviewed.

Bone bruises: Their patterns and significance

MR imaging is sensitive in the detection of occult stress and posttraumatic fractures in and around the knee joint. In some patients, the pain from these bony injuries can mimic that of meniscal tears. The abnormality of the bone may explain completely the patients symptoms and obviate the need for any further work-up. The types of injuries detected by MRI include bone bruises, stress or insufficiency fractures, and osteochondral fractures. Bone bruises or contusions are characterized by a diffuse or localized pattern of low signal intensity on T1-weighted images without a defined fracture. Blood, edema, hyperemia, and perhaps microfracture of the trabeculae may all contribute to the marrow signal alterations. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries often are accompanied by a characteristic bone contusion pattern, such as hemorrhage or edema in the posterior aspect of the lateral tibial plateau, as well as the anterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle.

Ceruletide-assisted cholecystography: a clinical assessment.

The cholecystokinetic effect of ceruletide, a synthetic decapeptide similar in action to cholecystokinin, was examined in both a randomized and nonrandomized study in 81 patients scheduled for routine oral cholecystograms. Intramuscular injection of ceruletide in a dose of 0.3 microgram/kg resulted in a mean maximum contraction of the gallbladder of 68% and a mean time until maximum contraction of 28 minutes. Visualization of the cystic duct occurred in 57 patients (70%); the common duct was seen in 67 (83%). Ceruletide demonstrated superior gallbladder contraction when compared to fatty meals and demonstrated no interference with a subsequent upper gastrointestinal series.

Radiographic Evaluation of the Painful Total Hip Arthroplasty

The successful development of reliable total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of severely diseased hips has led to its increasing application, with more than 200,000 implants placed in the United States each year. As with any mode of therapy, the more frequent its use, the greater the chance of complications or failure.