Search

Computerized tomography has been introduced in studies concerning neoplastic pathology of the pelvis. In this study, we have attempted to define a series of radiological signs, resulting from CT tests of pelvis or abdomen in patients with gynaecological tumors, each of which corresponds to a particular anatomopathologic situation. For each gynaecologic tumor, there is a set of more frequently found signs, the presence of which, in the single case, depends on the stage of evolution of the disease. In the staging of cervical or endometrial carcinoma, the evaluation of the relation to the bladder and rectum is very important, just like vaginal, parametrial and ureteral infiltration. In the presurgical staging of ovarian carcinoma the CT can reveal the size and shape of mono- or bilateral ovarian tumour masses and the relation that they have established with the pelvic organs and with the intestine. In spite of inevitable limitations the CT plays an essential role in gynaecologic oncologic diagnostics.

In 14 patients the kinetics has been studied of two contrast media labelled with 131I, and namely of MGM diatrizoate and of diatrizoate of sodium and MGM. The clearance was determined both at basal concentrations and in double concentration by means of external counting. The results were statistically studied by means of the linear regression method. The authors conclude that the MGM diatrizoate is exclusively eliminated through the glomeruli both in basal and double concentration. The diatrizoate of sodium and MGM is eliminated in low concentration through the glomeruli, while in double concentration it is partially eliminated through the tubuli.

Computed tomographies (CT) of 32 patients with suspected adrenal disease and of 20 patients without evidence of adrenal disease performed with an 18 s scan time scanner, were reviewed. The results of a study of the normal adrenals in the coronal and sagittales planes, with the electronical reconstruction, are presented. Surgical proof was available in 11 patients. CT correctly identified 1 cortisol-producing adenoma, 1 aldosterone-producing adenoma, 4 pheocromocitomas and 2 carcinomas, but only 1 of the 3 hyperplasias. The CT rule and the usefulness of the coronal and sagittal reconstruction in the diagnosis of adrenal disease are discussed.

38 hypertensive patients suspected of renovascular hypertension were examined with rapid sequence urography, washout, aortography or selective renal arteriography. When discordant results were found between rapid sequence urography and washout, we used a particularly helpful procedure which we define reinjection or rapid sequence urography after washout: washout is followed by the injection of a second 50-cm3 dose of contrast agent and five more roentgenograms at 1-min intervals. In our series, reinjection allowed correct diagnosis in 66% of the cases with discordant results and confirmed diagnosis in 83% of the cases of renovascular hypertension.

Computerized Tomography (CT) has largely contributed to the diagnosis of the pathology of the female pelvis. After setting up a technique to outline the different viscera the authors have employed this method in the staging of neoplastic pathology of the cervix and ovary. They describe the successes obtained and the main cause of error in the interpretation of the images of CT.