William S. Trought

Comparison of gray-scale ultrasonography and computed tomography in the evaluation of macrocrania in infants.

Head scans in 27 infants were done to compare the value of ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of macrocrania and encephalocele. Ultrasonography and CT correlated well with regard to anatomical information, especially in the assessment of the lateral and third ventricles. However, unlike CT, ultrasonography uses no ionizing radiation, is less expensive, eliminates sedation, and reduces artifacts due to motion and metal clips. In conjunction with an initial CT examination, ultrasonography is useful for serial evaluation of the lateral and third ventricles. It can also be helpful in assessing extraventricular fluid collections and suspected encephaloceles.

Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Intra-abdominal Abscesses

The diagnosis of intra-abdominal abscess by radiographic means often relies on combining the results of several different imaging modalities. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be a safe, accurate and rapid diagnostic method of diagnosing these abscesses. Five patients with a variety of intra-abdominal abscesses are presented in whom the CT scan alone provided the correct diagnosis. The various imaging modalities available for the radiologic diagnosis of intra-abdominal abscess are described and are compared to CT diagnosis regarding their pitfalls.

The ultrasonographic evaluation of large cystic pelvic masses

Thirty-six large cystic masses of pelvic origin were evaluated by means of gray-scale ultrasonography. The goal was to determine which sonographic criteria would help establish whether a lesion was malignant or benign, to further characterize it into ovarian neoplasms (cystadenoma, teratoma), inflammatory lesions (tuboovarian abscess), and blood-containing lesions (hematocolpos, hematoma). Eighty-three percent of the masses were benign, and 72% were of ovarian origin. Fifty-six percent of the masses were found in women 11 to 30 years old. Although no pathognomonic patterns were discovered, the application of certain sonographic criteria may narrow the differential diagnoses considerably.

Type II choledochal cyst: ultrasonographic appearance.

The ultrasonic findings in a rare Type II choledochal cyst are described. In patients with a right upper quadrant mass in whom the clinical, ultrasonic, or radiographic findings are atypical for other etiologies, this diagnosis should be considered.

Computerized tomographic diagnosis of massive hydronephrosis of duplicated system in an adult

A case of massive hydronephrosis of the upper portion of a duplicated collecting system in a middle-aged male is presented. Computerized tomographic examination of the abdomen provided the most precise information and led to a correct preoperative diagnosis, whereas both urography and ultrasound did not.

Abdominal and obstetric applications of a dynamically focused phased array real time ultrasound system.

Abdominal and obstetric applications of a dynamically focused phased array real time ultrasonic system are described. This work was performed utilising both the Thaumascan (two-dimensional, high resolution, actual time, ultrasound, multi-element array scanner) and the first commercial unit based on this system, the Grumman RT-400. Examples of normal and pathological anatomy are presented from over 300 examinations performed to date, including a series of 28 abdominal aortic aneurysms studied with the RT-400. Following electronic alterations in the Thaumascan with resultant improvement in the grey scale, prospective analyses in 86 obstetric and 23 abdominal examinations were undertaken. These studies indicate that fetal, intra-uterine, and abdominal structures can be rapidly and consistently imaged. The value of real time ultrasonic scanning in obstetric and abdominal examinations is illustrated. The principles of dynamically focused phased arrays are described, and the merits and limitations of these systems are discussed.