[en] Multiplanar reconstruction CT imaging of the facial nerve canal within the temporal bone was performed using 4th generation CT scanner (TCT900S) in 12 cases (24 ears). The labyrinthine part, fossa of the geniculate ganglion and tympanic part were most clearly depicted on axial images. Coronal reconstruction images also allows sufficient observation of the labyrinthine part and fossa geniculate ganglion. On sagittal reformatted images, the second genu and the mastoid part were demonstrated more clearly than on axial images. We concluded, multiplanar reconstruction method with high-resolution CT was so useful in observing the intratemporal facial nerve canal that this method should be widely available in the diagnosis of the temporal bone. (author)

[en] Abdominal rediographs after enhanced CT were evaluated using non-ionic, low osmotic contrast media, iohexol. Comparison were made with iopamidol (non-ionic, low osmolality) and diatrizoate (ionic, high osmolality). Iohexol gave good opacification in nephrogram and persistent opacification till 45 min, after enhancement as well as iopamidol. Abdominal radiographs after enhanced CT using iohexol is useful for total observation of the urinary tract. There is no significant difference of serum BUN and creatinine between before and after enhancement in 21 iohexol. (author)

[en] At present, non-invasive diagnostic procedure to cardiovascular system is strongly required. Computed tomography (CT) as non-invasive diagnostic method is somewhat limited. Motion artifacts due to respiration and cardiac beat deteriorates CT images. By the recent development of fast scanner we are now being able to obtain much better images. CT scan of chest became an indispensable diagnostic method in aortic aneurysm. CT is also effective to point out the nature of mass and relationship to cardiovascular system. Four cardiac chambers are determined on CT by the detecting interatrial and interventricular septi. The chamber enlargement, thickness of cardiac muscle, calcification of valves and thrombus in atrium are precisely evaluated by CT. (author)

[en] Dynamic CT of abdominal organs was performed in a few cases, and movement of contrast medium in abdominal organs, the capacity of abdominal dynamic CT to visualize vascular cavity less than middle size, and the evaluation of abdominal dynamic CT in the diagnosis of malignant tumor were reported. After 50 ml of 60% meglumine iotalamate was injected into cubital vein in 15 seconds (3.3 ml/sec.), it was clarified by the first scan after the injection that contrast medium enough to visualize vascular cavity of 2 mm in diameter existed in vessels. That is, SOMATOM SD can visualize the intravascular phase of the contrast by the first or the second scan after the injection. Abdominal dynamic CT was very useful for the diagnosis of abdominal malignant tumor. (Tsunoda, M.)

[en] A case of bronchial atresia in the right upper lobe was reported. Focal emphysema was found on the chest survey film in an asymptomatic, 19-year-old female. Radionuclide study was extremely useful for the diagnosis. There was air trapping by ¹³³Xe gas ventilation study and inhalation defect by sup(99m)Tc-aerosol scan in the corresponding area. (author)

[en] The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficiency of washout ratio during dynamic MRI in the diagnosis of acute osteoporotic and metastatic compression fractures of vertebral bodies. Thirty-three acute osteoporotic and metastatic compression fractures in 40 patients were studied using T₁-weighted images, T₂-weighted images and Gd-DTPA dynamic enhanced study with spin echo sequences. Time-intensity curves were obtained and the washout ratio was calculated. After the dynamic studies, gadolinium enhanced T₁-weighted images were obtained. Washout ratios calculated in cases of osteoporotic fractures ranged from 0.0000 to 0.3634 (mean 0.122±0.114, 1 standard deviation). In cases of metastatic fracture, the washout ratio ranged from 0.1573 to 0.7393 (mean 0.426±0.169, 1 standard deviation). There was a significant difference in the calculated washout ratios for cases of osteoporotic fracture and cases of metastatic fracture (Student's t-test, p<0.0001). In conclusion, these findings suggest that washout ratio may be of value in the differentiation between acute osteoporotic and metastatic fractures. (author)

[en] Magnetic resonance (MR) images of 16 patients with esophageal carcinoma were reviewed with a 0.15 Tesla resistive magnet. MR was superior to CT for diagnosis of mediastinal invasion from esophageal carcinoma, especially on aortic and spinal invasion. Two cases with aortic invasion and inoperable one case with esophagomediastinal fistule had increased intraluminal signal, deformed lumen and irregular thickened wall in discending aorta of tumor level. A crescent shaped intraluminal high intensity area was seen in descending aorta of lower tumor level in these cases. Two cases with spinal invasion had loss of pre-spinal cruvilinear low intensity area representing anterior longitudinal ligament and cortex of spinal body. MR was also better than CT for imagning mediastinal lymph node matastasis. This preliminary experience indicates the clinical usefulness of MR in evaluation of esophageal carcinoma. (author)

[en] One patient with complete agenesis and 9 patients with partial dysgenesis of the corpus callosum were studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a resistive magnet. In 9 patients with partial dysgenesis, 8 had a posterior defect while the remaining one had an anterior defect. MRI demonstrated size and shape of the corpus callosum precisely together with associated abnormalities i. e., lipoma, absence of the septum pellucidum, Chiari I malformation and cystic disease. MRI is the best technique in the evaluation of the corpus callosum. (author)

[en] NMR imaging was carried out to study the aortic dissection of 5 patients and compared with X-ray CT. NMR image of aortic dissection could show the intimal flap, the sizes of the true and false lumen, the clot within the false lumen of the aorta. Additionally slow flow caused an increase in the intensity of the false lumen, which contrasted with the absence of the signal within the true lumen. NMR imaging was thought to be the first diagnostic method for the evaluation of the aortic dissection. (author)

[en] Clinical application of computed tomography (CT) to mediastinum, lung, pleura and chest wall was presented. The nature of mediastinal widening, relationship between mass and mediastinal structure and localization of enlarged lymphnode are readily defined by CT on axial projection. To observe thin walls of bullae, small pleural implants and the extention of chest wall lesion, CT is advantageous over conventional radiograph. (author)