Abdominal lymphoma in AIDS: evaluation with US

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been implicated as the primary cause of many symptoms associated with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). High rates of lymphoma (tissue growth in the lymphatic system) have been reported among AIDS patients, but the cause for this high rate is unknown. Ultrasound (US) was used to evaluate 38 AIDS patients with abdominal lymphomas. The results of US studies were compared with findings derived from computed tomography (CT) studies. AIDS-related lymphomas (ARL) of the abdomen are aggressive (fast growing) and likely to spread to other systems of the body, particularly the central nervous system (CNS) and bone marrow. The outlook for AIDS patients with lymphomas is poor. US examination of ARL of the abdomen also shows obstruction of the bile ducts, bile duct thickening, and gallbladder wall thickening. US depicted masses of varying sizes and shapes within abdominal organs, particularly the liver, in 87 percent of the cases studied. Lesions (abnormal tissue growth) in the spleen and kidney, however, were infrequent. The study concludes that patients with AIDS, or those at risk for AIDS, should undergo US examination of the abdomen for the presence of masses (cell growth) that may suggest the existence of ARL of the abdomen. There are limitations associated with US evaluation or testing for ARL of the abdomen, therefore, CT is recommended as an exploratory imaging technique for ARL of the abdomen in its initial stages. CT proves superior to US as a means of providing anatomic information concerning the precise extent of the spread of the disease. Until more testing occurs, researchers do not favor either CT or US as a means for evaluation of ARL of the abdomen.

Research, Ultrasound imaging, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Lymphomas, AIDS (Disease), Diagnosis, Ultrasonic, Diagnostic ultrasonography

---

The power of the proton

Article Abstract:

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is used to determine the biochemical structure of human body tissue. It relies on signals emitted by the hydrogen atom, abundant in the human body. MRS studies have demonstrated tissue metabolism in both animals and human subjects. Until recently, most MRS studies showed how muscle activity works by measuring alterations in adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Traditionally, new magnetic resonance (MR) techniques have been applied to brain studies. MRS, which is a specialized application of the principles of MR technology, can be used to investigate how the brain works with respect to edema, oxygen depletion or hypoxia, and carbohydrate metabolism. Preliminary studies on brain activity, using MRS, suggest that different types of brain tumors exhibit different ways of using hydrogen. Widespread studies are currently underway to improve the diagnostic reliability of hydrogen MRS. It will be important to compare the accuracy of these findings with computed tomography (CT) studies, since CT evaluation of the brain has been used for some time. It is expected that spectroscopic imaging studies of brain tumors and other abnormalities will be used to obtain added metabolic information for tissue characterization. Although MR imaging is a powerful tool for the study of anatomy, function, blood flow, and perhaps even perfusion, it has not yet allowed direct detection of biochemical changes. MRS may be the improvement that will make MR a powerful tool for the evaluation of these biochemical aspects of brain activity.

Measurement, Brain, Magnetic resonance imaging, Adenosine triphosphate, ATP, Nuclear magnetic resonance, editorial

---

Acquired disruptions of the incudostapedial articulation: diagnosis with CT

Article Abstract:

Incudostapedial articulation (the point where the incus and stapes bones of the middle ear are joined) was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) imaging in 15 patients with a disruption in the connection at the point where the incus and stapes bones are joined. Incudostapedial disruptions result in hearing deficits. In ten of the cases inflammation was the cause of disruption, while the remaining five cases were due to trauma. The incus is known to be vulnerable to disruption, but the exact mechanism leading to disruption is not known. The study concludes that CT images of both inflammatory and traumatic incudostapedial disruptions are an excellent means of diagnosing problems in this area of the ear.

Diagnosis, Birth defects, Ear ossicles

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Antiretroviral therapy in AIDS. Induction of adrenal suppression by megestrol acetate in patients with AIDS. Using multiple drugs in combination helps patients with advanced AIDS
• Abstracts: Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy - 3. Hands-on detection of systemic circulatory deterioration
• Abstracts: Evaluation and treatment of the dominant dorsal duct syndrome (pancreas divisum redefined). Histologic findings and prognostic factors in carcinoma of the upper bile duct
• Abstracts: Plasma zinc and copper concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis: influence of dietary factors and disease activity
• Abstracts: Protein-calorie malnutrition in squirrel monkeys: adaptive response to calorie deficiency

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.