Search

Disruptions of fetal development that are lethal can be detected by the use of sonography. Sonography is the technique of reflecting ultrasound waves off internal structures, such as fetuses. The determination of lethal fetal deformities or anomalies can radically alter the obstetrical care given to a mother; for example, unnecessary retention of a hopelessly deformed fetus which may imperil the mother may be avoided. Major classes of lethal disruptions of fetal growth are reviewed, as well as their sonographic appearance, including skeletal deformities, severe deformities of the body wall (body-stalk syndrome), central nervous system anomalies (including anencephalus), blockages of the lymphatic system (hygroma), pentalogy of Cantrell (severe deformities of chest wall, heart and diaphragm) and kidney and chromosomal abnormalities.

The use of ultrasound in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of 5 patients with renal abscesses is described. A spectrum of ultrasonic findings was noted, with the majority of the lesions being anechoic (3 cases). However, a few lesions showed a mixed pattern (2 cases). Ultrasonic aspiration of abscess fluid for culture and sensitivity obviated an operation in 1 case. For the first time, ultrasonically guided, percutaneous, indwelling catheter drainage of a renal carbuncle is reported. Since the patient had failed to respond to systemic antibiotic therapy this technique saved the patient from undergoing an operation. The clinical and ultrasonic findings in the 6 previous case reports of abscesses are reviewed.

We used sonography to investigate 3 patients with hypertension owing to a Page kidney phenomenon. In 2 cases a perinephric cystic collection was compressing the kidney, while in 1 case there was a large perinephric organized hematoma. When a Page kidney is suspected in a hypertensive patient sonography is a reasonable next step in the evaluation, after the excretory urogram, and may obviate the need for angiography.

An examination was done on 28 patients with renal failure, 20 with unilateral hydronephrosis, 8 with multicystic kidneys, 3 with hypoplastic or chronically infected kidneys, and single examples of renal vein thrombosis, renal artery occlusion, xanthogranulomatous pyonephrosis with perinephric abscess, trauma and tumor invading the whole kidney. The distinct ultrasonic appearances of the various conditions causing radiographic non-visualization of the kidney are described.

Together, sonography and renal isotope techniques can provide greater information than either technique alone. These studies can replace excretory urography in the diagnosis of hydronephrosis and renal infarction. Arteriography is no longer necessary for the diagnosis of a pseudotumor, which has a specific isotope and a helpful sonographic appearance. The diagnosis of a renal abscess opposed to pyelonephritis can be made in a more definite fashion than is possible with other imaging techniques.

To characterize the sonographic appearance of the abdominal organs in primates, a program of routine imaging and diagnostic evaluation was undertaken. Compound B‐mode methodology with bistable and grey scale machines was employed utilizing a 2.25‐ to 3.5‐MHz transducer focused at 7 cm. Visualization of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney and of intraabdominal pathology are described. The stage, position, and condition of a pregnancy can be determined by this methodology.

The capabilities of radiography (mammography film) and ultrasonography (7 MHz. probe) were investigated in cadaver kidneys. Stones of varying size and composition were studied. Clinically, 11 patients then were studied with intraoperative radiography and ultrasonography. Both techniques appeared to localize calculi more than 3mm. with high consistency in cadaver kidneys and in patients. Real-time B scan ultrasonography is a rapid and accurate technique that has the ability to identify lucent calculi. When used in association with intraoperative radiography, intraoperative ultrasonography can be a great aid in the surgical removal of renal calculi.