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Twenty-two patients with trauma to the pelvis and abdomen were examined by computer tomography. Subcapsular haematomas, haematomas and rupture of organs, intra- and retroperitoneal haematomas and pelvic fractures could be reliably diagnosed in this way. Serial observations on the tissue density of an haematoma allows one to judge its age. Lack of contrast enhancement of an haematoma makes the injection of contrast a useful test. Computer tomography has reduced the indications for angiography in blunt abdominal trauma.

CT diagnosis of intraabdominal abscess was confirmed in 18 patients by laparatomy and in two by autopsy. In CT abscess is characterized by an expansive soft-tissue lesion with different density values, mostly with a central fluid collection and a thickened wall. The peripheral inflammatory reaction leads to obliteration of fat planes surrounding the adjacent organs. Further symptoms are contrast enhancement of the wall and extraluminal gas collection. The combination of all these signs together with a suitable history and clinical findings allow a reliable diagnosis of abscess formation. When only isolated signs are found, differentiation from tumor, pseudocyst or hematoma may be difficult.

CT scans of 36 carcinomas of the laryngo-pharyngeal region were analysed retrospectively and the results compared with the endoscopic and operative findings. For the final tumour staging in 18 cases of carcinoma of the larynx equivalent results were obtained in 12 cases; CT scan offered a better evaluation in two cases and insufficient dates in four. Destruction of cartilagineous structures, submucosal tumour infiltration and the pre-epiglottic space are better shown on CT scans. Faulty evaluation of tumour presence of extent are due to superficial tumour growth or to motion artefacts. For the final staging of 18 carcinomas of the pharynx results of CT and clinical findings were comparable in nine cases. CT was less precise in five and superior to endoscopy in four. Evaluation of neoplastic infiltration of the parapharyngeal soft-tissue and of the skull base was the main advantage of CT scanning. Low grade tumours of the oro- and hypopharynx were not visible on CT and tumours of the base of the tongue were insufficiently displayed.