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X-ray dual photon absorptiometry has replaced isotopic mono and dual photon absorptiometry in the assessment of metabolic bone diseases. This method is a valuable tool for epidemiologic studies. Individual examinations give poor in vivo accuracy and precision. Further technical improvements are needed to give bone densitometry a predictive value for osteoporotic risk.

The fractures by bony insufficiency are particularly well seen on MRI. On T1 weighted images they are detected as a very hypointense line surrounded by a hypointense area. On T2 weighted images, the hypointense line is also recognized and represents the fracture surrounded by a hyperintense area due to oedema or hemorrhage. Five cases of bony insufficiency fracture of the femoral head are reported. The features of the superior subchondral locations of these fractures and some primary and limited epiphyseal osteonecrosis are similar and consistent with a common pathogeny.

Scanography allows diagnosis of radiotransparent intra-articular foreign bodies and establishment of their synovial origin, sometimes even in the absence of joint opacification. It provides an overall assessment of the joint that can be improved by arthrography. Clinical and standard radiologic pictures of primary synovial chondrometaplasia (synovial osteochondromatosis) and intra-articular foreign bodies can cause confusion if the latter are modified by secondary chondrometaplasia. Scanographic analysis of islets of chondrometaplasia suggests their primary nature in the presence of plaques of calcification of a small size, of low density and diffused throughout the image while peripheral, lamellar, dense calcifications are suggestive of secondary lesions.

Renal sarcomas are rare malignant connective tissue tumors and they only represent 1 to 5% of renal cancers, according to various authors [18]. The appearance of a primary osteogenic tumor within a renal sarcoma is an extremely rare occurrence, and the mechanism by which it develops is not completely understood. The two interesting points raised by the case described in this report were the possibility of suspecting the diagnosis of renal osteogenic sarcoma on a straight x-ray film, and the images observed on ultrasonography.

The interest of CT imaging in a case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the posterior arch of the 6th cervical vertebra in a 10 y.o. child is underlined. The value of intra tumoral densities which are relatively low, inferior to 100 Hounsfield unit is stressed but the most contributory feature in this case was the presence of a fluid level inside the cyst due to different densities of fluid components into the cyst.

The authors indicate the special points relative to effective double contrast radiological exploration of the greater curvature of the stomach (high titre barium suspension, with high covering power; maximal insufflation of the gastric cavity; decubitus films always complemented by filling images in procubitus and in a vertical position. They then present the principal features which may be encountered using the method: -addition images in relation with ulcerated lesions; -lacunae indicative of localised parietal proliferation; - "double contour" appearances corresponding to infiltrating tumors with a broad surface; - "thick folds" of the greater curvature which, apart from the classical causes, should first suggest an inflammatory or tumoural process in the underlying pancreas; - extrinsic imprints, the topographical location and appearances of which may indicate their origin.

Dodger filters represent a very great improvement in the usual technique of modulation of X-Ray beams, The mobility of the filters permits one to use them efficaciously in numerous situations encountered in common radiodiagnosis. Original optical methods ensure perfect adaptability of the filters to morphology and density of the structures examined. The shape and structure of the filters prevent formation of artefacts ducts mains interference on the X-Rays. To an improvement in the quality of the films, may be adder reduction in exposure of the examined subjects. This apparatus, easy to bring into operation, may thus be used more widely in numerous branches of radiodiagnosis, in particular, in cerebral and visceral angiography.

The acquired or congenital nature of Riedel's lobe, a rare anomaly of hepatic lobulation, is a subject open to controversy. Normally asymptomatic, it presents as a palpable mass in the right hypochondrium leading to possible confusion with an hepatic or a renal tumor. Correct diagnosis can be established by the characteristic findings an ultrasonography. The typical anatomical and clinical features of this hepatic morphological variant are discussed in relation to ultrasound recordings obtained from three patients with a Riedel's lobe.

Four patients with deep visceral actinomycosis infections presented evidence of extension to the thoracic or abdominal wall. Investigation of the chronic parietal suppuration by CT scan imaging allowed definition of the nature and extent of parietal infiltration, and notably to demonstrate its anatomical continuity with the often unrecognized deep focus: chronic lung disease, appendicular or colon mass, chronic genital infection in patients with intra-uterine device.

The authors describe the application of double contrast radiological exploration in the stomach after surgery. They show normal and pathological results after the principal types of gastric surgery: excisions, conservative procedures, hiatal hernia surgery. Apart from the post-operative period, the technique may be used without major difficulties. The precise images obtained render it the technique of choice for the detection of the organic complications of gastroduodenal surgery.

Based on findings in 28 cases of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, the most frequently encountered signs constituting a true "scannographic profile" are described. These include global hypodensity with poor or absent intensification of image after iodized contrast, very high frequency of intralesional calcifications often combined with necrotic plaques, peripheral retraction. Employed after standard radiologic imaging and ultrasonography, the scanner should be used to provide positive confirmation of the diagnosis of the parasitosis, and as a reference element in evaluation of intra- and peri-hepatic extension, both during the moment of choice of initial therapy and during follow-up reviews.

Twenty two patients presenting a typical sonographic pattern of tumefactive biliary sludge are studied. In all cases was observed a polypoid mobile, rounded mass, without acoustic shadow. The lesion stayed in the gallbladder in 15 cases and in distended main bile duct in 3 others. There was a double localisation in 4 cases. Seven verified cases proved to be constituted of very thick biliary sludge.

The authors underline the value of selective superior mesenteric arteriography in the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. In the ten cases reported, seven were found to have a Meckel's diverticulum on operation, while it was absent in the other three. Arteriography was able to diagnose its presence correctly in sex patients, gave a false positive diagnosis in three cases, and was considered to be normal in the last case in which a Meckel's diverticulum was present. Valid radiological signs are extravasation of the contrast medium into the lumen of the digestive tract and the presence of a vitellin artery dividing into a vascular network. The single fact of a hypervascularized zone at the end of the superior mesenteric artery dividing into a vascular network. The single fact of a hypervascularized zone at the end of the superior mesenteric artery without definite artery formation is not as valid and its interpretation is difficult.

The term sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis groups affections of different pathogenicity. These result from an ossifying enthesiopathy, either inflammatory, isolated to the thoracic wall anteriorly or combined with a spondylarthropathy, particularly ankylosing spondylitis, or degenerative, the anterior thoracic hyperostosis usually being part of an ensheathing vertebral hyperostosis. A differential diagnosis is anterior thoracic hyperostosis due to an inflammatory osteopathy occurring in young patients and often associated with other bone lesions of pelvis and spine or long bones.

A case of pneumatosis cystoides Coli located in the sigmoid in an adult is reported, with emphasis on US and CT aspects. CT patterns of pneumatosis cystoides Coli are highly significative; particularly attenuation values measured in the endoluminal polypoid images are characteristics and represent an interesting contribution to the diagnosis of this disease.

Ossifying enthesites present an undeniable diagnostic value in every chronic inflammatory rheumatism at an early stage, not only in adults but also in children. Bony scintigraphy discovers them in most localizations at a preradiological stage, as soon as they cause pain. The scanner examination enables to follow the anatomical evolution of the ossifications. It is perfectly suitable for the study of sacro-iliac and interapophyseal joints. Ossifying enthesites, the evolution of which spreads over several years, often depend on mechanical, professional or athletic constraints. Ossifying enthesitis is a common characteristics of "classic" spondylo-arthropathies which are all ossifying polyenthesites: ankylosing spondylarthritis, psoriasic rheumatism, rheumatism of enteropathies, Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome and juvenile spondylo-arthropathies.

The authors describe the radiologic appearance of annulo-aortic ectasia in 26 patients who had plain chest radiography and aorto-seriography. Two also underwent C.T. Aortography is the most performing method to appreciate the extent of aortic ectasia, the perturbations of the aortic root and to diagnose acute or chronic dissections. Aortography remains a most valuable complement of echocardiography for preoperative staging.

Ultrasonographic examination in a patient with gallbladder calcification demonstrated a spiral image analogous with that observed in sclero-atrophic gallbladder lithiasis. A straight film of the abdomen should be performed before ultrasonographic exploration, as before any examination of the biliary tract employing an opaque medium.

Bone infarcts, generally clinically latent, are only identified late in there course on x-rays, which reveal dense, irregular shadows resembling puffs of smoke situated in the metaphyso-diaphyseal regions of the long bones. Occasionally, they may be responsible for pain and are suggestive of neoplastic degeneration. MRI examination is valuable in these cases. Like necrosis of the femoral head, bone infarcts are demonstrated early in their course by MRI, which reveals zones of reduced signal with irregular margins with scattered areas of increased signal of fat intensity.

Intramural pseudo-diverticulosis of the oesophagus is the result of an anomaly of the deep glands of the oesophagus, the pathogenicity of which is open to debate. A rare lesion, it is often unrecognised on endoscopy, but presents characteristic features on double-contrast examination.

Ultrasonographic images were correlated with radiological and pathological findings in a case of generalized adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the methods employed for filling the biliary tracts with opaque medium, to confirm a suspected diagnosis suggested by the heterogeneous irregular thickening, with a fringed internal limit, of the gallbladder wall.

The authors report the results obtained with a new 105 mm ampliphotographic camera for filming at high speeds (camera GV 105 of the General Radiological Company). Thanks to a rate of 8 films per second, this camera seems particularly interesting for the study of sphincters and fleeting phenomena. However, the quality of the images, comparable with those of standard films, the rapidity of the examinations, the easy reading of the films, the important reduction in the dose of X Rays delivered and the economy of film, render advisable the use of this technique in general radiology. Unfortunately, there is not at present a simple, rapid formula for presentation of the films obtained. Progress will also have to be made in order to facilitate loading of the camera. Rapid resolution of these problems will permit this technique to be more widely used.

Following the sudden onset of a clinical syndrome of acute portal hypertension in a young woman in the course of childbirth, angiography revealed a voluminous aneurysm of the splenic artery rupture into the splenic vein. Surgical treatment was successful. The authors review the main characteristics of splenic arterio-venous fistulae and discuss the physiopathological problems of portal hypertension associated with such lesions.

Angiographic investigations in 9 patients with partial or total post-traumatic secondary impotence present for several years, confirmed the presence of traumatic vascular lesions involving, in nearly all cases, the artery of the penis or its branches (cavernous and bulbar arteries). Selective angiography of the pudendal arteries was able to guide treatment in 5 of these patients. Epigastrocavernous anastomoses, according to the microsurgical procedure developed by Michal, were performed with excellent results in 3 cases.

Fracture of sacrum due to bone deficiency is not a rare lesion and must be considered as a possible differential diagnosis of unexplained pelvic region pain. The various clinical semeiology elements are discussed in relation of 20 cases, together with circumstances of onset, enabling definition of a population at risk: elderly women with a bone metabolic disorder and/or a congenital or acquired architectural anomaly. Radiographic, scintigraphic and CT scan images are sufficiently characteristic for these non-invasive exploratory procedures to provide an exact diagnosis and the possibility of early treatment.

The authors have developed a technique of CT arthroscan which, by the use of a gas or opaque contrast medium, is able to demonstrate the synovial structures of the knee, the shoulder and the hip. Among the essential indications, they include the demonstration of neoplasia of the synovium and the evaluation of the pannus in rheumatoid arthritis. Their secondary indications include the demonstration of fluid effusions in the hip, the precise evaluation of hyperostotic lesions in the same joint, the detection of ossification phenomena in the capsule of the inter-apophyseal joints in ankylosing spondylitis and, in some cases, following negative or doubtful arthrography for the detection of synovial plica. They also recall the usefulness or the arthroscan in the diagnosis of lesions of the labrum glenoidale.

The differential diagnosis of cancer and abscesses of the kidneys with perinephritic inflammatory masses is sometimes difficult. In these cases, radiological examination of the colon can be of great value by demonstrating the presence of inflammatory colonic perivisceritis. Double contrast examination can reveal the presence, not only of an inflammatory type of narrowing, but characteristic changes in the mucous folds of the transverse "in palisade" type with thickening extending throughout the circumference of the colon. These appearances are totally different from those observed in malignant colonic perivisceritis. The use of double contrast examination of the colon, in cases of renal masses and associated fever, can enable the choice to be made of an adequate route of approach (lumbotomy), of it demonstrates the characteristic appearances of inflammatory perivisceritis.

Massive filling of thigh and calf arterial network was noted during phlebography in a patient with a typical clinical picture of "blue" phlebitis of lower limb. This paradoxical vascular injection allows support of current physiopathologic concepts of "blue" phlebitis (phlegmasia cerulea dolens).