Search

Purpose: Despite the widespread use of intraarterial thrombolytic therapy for peripheral arterial occlusive disease, a randomized study comparing its efficacy with that of operative intervention has never been performed. This study evaluates the potential of intraarterial urokinase infusion to provide clinical benefits in patients with acute peripheral arterial occlusion. Methods: Patients with limb-threatening ischemia of less than 7 days' duration were randomly assigned to intraarterial catheter-directed urokinase therapy or operative intervention. Anatomic lesions unmasked by thrombolysis were treated with balloon dilation or operation. The primary end points of the study were limb salvage and survival. Results: A total of 57 patients were randomized to the thrombolytic therapy group, and 57 patients were randomized to the operative therapy group. Thrombolytic therapy resulted in dissolution of the occluding thrombus in 40 (70%) patients. Although the cumulative limb salvage rate was similar in the two treatment groups (82% at 12 months), the cumulative survival rate was significantly improved in patients randomized to the thrombolysis group (84% vs 58% at 12 months, p = 0.01). The mortality differences seemed to be primarily attributable to an increased frequency of in-hospital cardiopulmonary complications in the operative treatment group (49% vs 16%, p = 0.001). The benefits of thrombolysis were achieved without significant differences in the duration of hospitalization (median 11 days) and with only modest increases in hospital cost in the thrombolytic treatment arm (median $15,672 vs $12,253, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Intraarterial thrombolytic therapy was associated with a reduction in the incidence of in-hospital cardiopulmonary complications and a corresponding increase in patient survival rates. These benefits were achieved without an appreciable increase in the duration of hospitalization and with only modest increases in hospital cost, suggesting that thrombolytic therapy may offer a safe and effective alternative to operation in the initial treatment of patients diagnosed with acute limb-threatening peripheral arterial occlusion. (J VASC SURG 1994;19:1021–30.)

This study was undertaken to investigate whether the quality of magnetic resonance images of the temporomandibular joint could be improved by scanning in oblique planes oriented according to the individual angle of the mandibular condyle (oblique images) instead of in the true anatomic sagittal and coronal planes (orthogonal images). Sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance images obtained by both methods in 21 patients were compared for image quality of the disk. In more than half the patients the oblique images demonstrated the anatomy of the disk better than the orthogonal images. Oblique images are therefore recommended.

Direct linear measurements of caudate nucleus widths are more accurate than indirect measurements (bi-caudate distance) in detecting early atrophic changes using MRI in patients with Huntington’s disease (HD). At 95% confidence level, caudate nucleus widths of 8 mm or less were found to be abnormal, while those 9 mm or larger were normal. Caudate nuclei widths were more sensitive than similar measurements of the putamen or of bicaudate-skull ratios as correlates of functional changes in patients with early HD.

A technique of obtaining direct sagittal (lateral) CT images of the temporal bone is described, and the normal sagittal CT landmarks are illustrated. Using this technique, structures seen to advantage by lateral polytomography may now be imaged by CT. The ability to scan the temporal bone in the sagittal plane should be a useful adjunct to coronal and axial images.

A decrease in the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging bandwidth can be used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) at constant imaging time or to maintain the S/N for reduction of imaging time. The effect of bandwidth reduction from the default value of 16 kHz to 8 kHz was evaluated prospectively in 50 patients referred for MR imaging of the head. On intermediate (2,000/30 [repetition time msec/echo time msec]) and more T2-weighted (2,000/90) studies, there were no definite missed diagnoses and no diagnostically important changes in lesion characteristics when the reduced-bandwidth technique was used to obtain half- or quarter-time studies, excluding differences attributable to unintentional changes in patient position between image acquisitions. Chemical shift misregistration artifacts associated with reduced bandwidth are easily recognized with experience and do not interfere with diagnosis, as the artifacts occur in characteristic locations and diminish in most anatomic locations with increasing echo ...

A technique for maximizing the ability to perform direct sagittal CT scanning of the TMJ with the GE 8800 CT scanner gantry is described.

Occlusal splints are often constructed to aid in treatment of temporomandibular joint meniscus displacement. Techniques for arthrographically locating the point of meniscal displacement and for fabrication of an appropriate occlusal splint are described.

Internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be a significant factor in the etiology of painful dysfunction of the jaw and associated clinical symptoms. In a two-year prospective investigation, 170 TMJs in 85 patients were studied with plain tomography prior to arthrotomography. Arthritis was detected in 19 patients (22%), predominantly in the second to fourth decade of life, which correlated with internal derangements depicted by arthrotomography, operative findings, and histopathological examination of the condylar surface. The authors suggest that internal derangements related to meniscal dysfunction may be an important factor in the etiology of TMJ arthritis.

The accuracy of coronal and sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was examined in the assessment of rotational and sideways displacements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk. Rotational disk displacement implies a combination of anterior and medial or lateral displacements, whereas sideways displacement implies pure medial or lateral displacement without an anterior component. Multiple 3-mm-thick coronal and sagittal MR images were obtained of 18 fresh TMJ autopsy specimens and compared with the observations in corresponding coronal cryosections. MR imaging correctly delineated the mediolateral position of the disk in 15 joints (83%) and incorrectly delineated it in three joints (17%). Osseous anatomy was correctly assessed in 17 joints (94%). On cryosections, six joints (33%) showed medial disk displacement and two joints (11%) showed lateral displacement. In five of these eight joints the medial or lateral displacement occurred in conjunction with an anterior displacement, that is, rotational displacement. Clinical MR imaging in 37 patients (61 joints with coronal images) showed medial or lateral disk displacement in 16 joints (26%). This study suggests that rotational and sideways displacements of the TMJ disk are an important aspect of internal derangement. The multiplanar capabilities of MR are suitable for an assessment of these abnormalities.

This report describes early experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint meniscus in which surface coil technology was used. The results suggest remarkable imaging capabilities and speed with noninvasive methods.

Hemifacial microsomia is a congenital underdevelopment of one side of the face which affects multiple structures at one time. Evaluation includes orthodontic and surgical measurements for planned c...

The normal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was evaluated using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a surface coil in five subjects and compared with the abnormal joint in 37 patients (aged 14-59 years; total joints studied, 76). Multisection 3-mm-thick sagittal, coronal, and axial images were obtained with a 1.5-T MR system and 6.5-cm-diameter surface coil using both partial saturation and spin-echo sequences (TR = 1,000 msec, TE = 20 or 25 msec). A comparison with arthrography (n = 13 joints), computed tomography (CT) (n = 11), and surgical (n = 5) findings demonstrated that MR imaging with a surface coil provided an accurate depiction of both normal and abnormal TMJs. MR provided information about meniscal position, morphology, and histology that was not available with either arthrography or CT alone. The imaging potential of MR and its noninvasive characteristics warrant priority for further examination of MR as a useful modality in the diagnosis of TMJ pain and dysfunction.

Computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint has been shown to be an accurate method of assessing the position of the disk. To date, we have examined over 500 patients with this modality and have found it also to be effective in the evaluation of other osseous and soft tissue abnormalities. An overview of temporomandibular joint pathology is presented, including the range of osteoarthritic changes from spur formation to complete fusion. Anterior dislocation, with and without reduction, and closed lock are demonstrated. A heretofore unreported phenomenon—posterior dislocation of the meniscus with open lock—is presented. Also shown is the computed tomography evaluation of splint therapy, which has not been dealt with in other publications.

Discussed is the ability of magnetic resonance imaging, a noninvasive and nonionizing technique, to depict abnormalities of the meniscal position and morphologic structure for patients with joint pain and dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint, using surface coils, a noninvasive, nonionizing technique that improves the ability to depict abnormalities of the meniscal position and morphologic structure for patients with joint pain and dysfunction.

(1986). Occlusal Restoration after Orthopedic Jaw Repositioning. CRANIO®: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 369-372.

Eighty-two patients with audible clicking were evaluated and treated with splints made by using arthrographic assistance. In the course of this study, it became apparent that the later the opening click, the earlier the closing click. It was not always possible to auscultate or palpate either an opening or a closing click in many patients with arthrographic findings of disk displacement with reduction. Since the opening click was the only audible sound in some patients, clinical judgment alone cannot be used to replace the displaced disk at an optimal mandibular position. The elimination of the opening click does not always signify recapture of the disk. Maxillomandibular and incisal relationships limit the amount of protrusion possible to recapture the displaced disk.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has quickly emerged and already replaced computerized tomography (CT) in the evaluation of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesions, although even MR scanning may occasionally yield equivocal results. We recently studied six patients with a new MR image-enhancing contrast, gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA). All patients were suspected of having CPA pathology, and the standard MR scan was either negative, equivocal, or left unanswered questions regarding confirmed lesions. The Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR scan confirmed tumors or added useful information in five of six patients.

Pluri-directional tomographic and arthrotomographic findings are described in six patients with dislocation of the jaw severe enough to require medical assistance. A grooved defect along the posterior aspect of the condylar head was noted in two of the six patients. The arthrotomographic findings that were obtained in one patient that was dislocated at the time of the arthrogram did not suggest a meniscocondyle incoordination as a mechanism. However, arthrotomographic findings in the six reported cases suggest that significant intra-articular soft tissue damage may result.

The CHARGE association is a collection of multisystem congenital anomalies including choanal atresia. A review of the literature failed to identify any specific findings that suggested the need to alter the management of choanal atresia in these patients. Our review of 24 patients with choanal atresia managed between 1974 and 1986 identified nine patients with the CHARGE criteria. These nine patients demonstrated a higher prevalence of surgical failures than the patients without the CHARGE association. The reasons are discussed, and computed tomographic scans demonstrate the anatomic findings of a more contracted nasopharynx and narrowed posterior choanal region. Thus, successful repairs require a more radical resection of the posterior nasal septum and lateral bony walls that can be achieved only with a transpalatal approach. The preoperative airways of CHARGE association patients are also at increased risk of obstruction and may require intubation or tracheotomy during the early life of the patient.

Splint therapy for mandibular repositioning is an accepted method of treatment for patients with temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction. An accurate method of registering the optimal mandibular position on the basis of meniscocondyle relationships depicted on arthrographs is described.

The authors performed direct sagittal computed tomography (CT) on 4 cadaver temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and examined 51 TMJs in 47 patients clinically. The results were correlated with cadaver anatomical sections and clinical arthrographic findings. A fat plane between the bellies of the lateral pterygoid muscles, termed the "lateral pterygoid fat pad," served as the anatomical basis for detection of internal derangements by CT. CT was 94% accurate in detecting meniscal derangements and 96% accurate in detecting degenerative arthritis. The authors suggest that CT rather than arthrography be employed as the primary TMJ imaging modality when internal derangement or arthritis is suspected.

Two hundred five patients were examined for temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction. Arthrograms were performed on 222 joints (188 unilateral and 17 bilateral). Patients with joint sounds suspected of being caused by meniscus displacement with reduction were evaluated. Seventy-two patients (38%), were suspected of “clicking” (a reducing meniscus), but only 53 had arthrographic findings of a reducing meniscus. Further evaluation of this patient group revealed that only 41 probably could be candidates for a protrusive splint. This represents only 57% (41 of 72) of patients with “clicking” who may be candidates for protrusive splint treatment.

The radiologic evaluation of head and neck neoplasms constitutes an important part in their diagnosis and treatment. The introduction of computerized tomography (CT) and the further development of this modality since 1972 have contributed significantly to the staging of these neoplasms. CT not only demonstrates soft-tissue densities, but also bony structures, muscles, facial planes, opacified vascular structures, and enlarged lymph nodes. CT, however, fails to differentiate the various histologic types of lesions in the majority of cases. Features such as size of the lesion, marginal definition, lytic bone destruction, sclerotic bony reaction, bony expansion, calcific densities, fat content, and obliteration of facial planes are utilized to delimit the spectrum of diagnostic possibilities.

Direct sagittal CT imaging of the TMJ provides several distinct advantages. Most significant is that direct imaging allows noninvasive evaluation of the disk. Direct sagittal CT scanning can confirm a clinical diagnosis of internal derangements as well as monitor splints intended for recapturing of the disk. Furthermore, the CT direct imaging allows excellent views of the bony architecture similar to those obtained with tomography. Used with clinical history and physical examination, CT can provide an excellent diagnostic modality to help provide better care for patients with internal derangement of the TMJ.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a common clinical problem that has been reported to affect 4%-28% of adults. Temporomandibular joint arthrography has shown that many of these patients have intraarticular abnormalities involving the meniscus. A noninvasive test that could demonstrate the meniscus as well as bony abnormalities of the joint would be an important advance. In an attempt to develop such a noninvasive test, we have performed direct sagittal computed tomography (CT) on cadaver temporomandibular joints and have correlated the images with anatomic sections. We are currently applying this technique clinically and report one representative example in which direct sagittal computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint accurately demonstrated an anteriorly displaced meniscus.

We compared patient morbidity associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrography using both meglumine/sodium diatrizoate (60%) and the new monoacidic dimer, Hexabrix, in a double-blind randomized clinical trial in 31 patients. Patients experienced maximal discomfort from TMJ arthrography with the initial joint filling and joint distension; this rapidly resolved over 10 minutes. Delayed exacerbation of pain is less than described for shoulder arthrography. The newer contrast media promise to decrease patient morbidity with arthrography.

After repositioning splint therepeutic patients were evaluated for a minimum of 6 mm forty-five (88%) of the patients were considered positive been treated successfully, whereas six (12%) patients as required surgery to correct meniscal displacement. A detailed analysis of signs and symptoms before and after splint treatment is in progress.