bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book reviews
Authors: Sherwood Thomas
Published: July 2009

Far from being a chore, the chance of reviewing the new Year Book of Diagnostic Radiology is once again a thrilling prospect. Will the selection be as stimulating as remembered before, with key diagrams and tables to make even difficult papers as accessible as short abstracts, and those sharp, illuminating editorial comments? Perhaps one makes up all this past glory through false retrospective specs?

In fact, this Year Book is just as good as before, or better, I cannot claim to have been through it from end to end, and do not suppose it is intended for such reading.
Book reviews
Authors: Sherwood Thomas
Published: July 2009

The second edition of this paperback is a welcome return to centre stage of a remarkable volume. “The imaging explosion has continued”, write the authors in their preface, “so that clinicians need a concise, accurate guide.” The book lives up to this wonderfully well. It does not go in for decision trees like its excellent rival from the Brigham, managing instead with carefully organized short paragraphs of text, subheadings, phrases in italics and so on.
Book reviews
Authors: Wilde Peter
Published: July 2009

This book has clearly been written by an author with considerable experience in the field of cardiac radiology over many years. The structure is essentially similar to most books of this type with introductory sections on methodology, normal anatomy and normal radiographic appearances. There are subsequent chapters on acquired and congenital heart disease.
Book reviews
Authors: De Bruyn R.
Published: July 2009

Reinhard Graf is the best-known exponent of infant hip scanning in the world today and this book is the sequel to Sonographie der Säuglingshüste (Sonography of the Infant Hip) written by the same author.
Ultrasonographically defined parenchymal patterns of the breast: relationship to mammographic patterns and other risk factors for breast cancer
Authors: Kaizer Leonard , Fishell Eve K. , Hunt John W. , Foster F. Stuart , Boyd Norman F.
Published: July 2009

We have used ultrasound of the breast to define four parenchymal patterns in which increasing proportions of the breast are replaced by densely echogenic tissue. A series of 452 symptomatic women examined by both ultrasound and conventional X-ray mammography was reviewed to determine whether these ultrasonographic images could predict the breast parenchymal pattern defined mammographically. A very strong correlation was demonstrated between the breast pattern on ultrasound and the volume of the breast replaced by either dysplasia (Kendall's tau-b = 0.731 ± 0.026, p < 0.0001) or ductal prominence (Kendall's tau-b = 0.641 ± 0.049, p < 0.0001). This was seen both on initial reporting and on a blind re-reading of a random sample of 100 cases. The strength of correlation was similar for subgroups defined by family history of breast cancer, age, menopausal status, and history of benign breast disease, and the breast parenchymal pattern assessed by mammography or ultrasound showed similar associations with these variables. Ultrasonographic parenchymal patterns of the breast can predict the tissue patterns defined mammographically and may therefore be useful as a marker of breast cancer risk.
Flow cytometric evaluation of the effects of 2.3 MeV neutrons and 240 kV X rays on mouse spermatogenic S-phase cells using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation
Authors: Gasinska A. , Wilson G. D.
Published: July 2009

A sensitive flow cytometric assay has been developed to assess the effect of X rays or neutrons on the DNA-synthesizing ability of mouse testis cells. The dose to reduce the labelling index (LI) to 50% (ED50) was 25 cGy for X rays and 5 cGy for neutrons, giving a relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 5.0. A significant reduction of the LI was seen at X-ray doses as low as 10 cGy. Neutron treatment resulted in an exponential decrease in functional S-phase cells while the X-ray response was biphasic. The sensitivity and rapidity of the assay would be suitable for use in biological dosimetry.
Computed tomography in pulmonary papillomatosis
Authors: Oleszczuk-Raszke K. , Cremin B. J.
Published: July 2009

Juvenile papillomas are benign, squamous-cell neoplasms that involve the laryngo-trachea. They are relatively common lesions that are generally considered to be of viral origin (Mounts & Kashima, 1984). Distal extension down the trachea or into proximal bronchi is uncommon and extension into the lung parenchyma occurs in only approximately 1% of cases (Kramer et al, 1985) and usually follows surgical intervention. In the lung, nodules are formed in the dependent areas and these frequently cavitate. The nature of these thickwalled, air-containing masses is best appreciated by computed tomography (CT) and is illustrated by the following case.
The acute scrotum: a complication of cardiac catheterization
Authors: Chapman Stephen
Published: July 2009

Thrombosis is a recognized complication of cardiac catheterization and cyanotic congenital heart disease. Its onset is often insidious and may be totally unrecognized. Testicular vein thrombosis as a complication of cardiac catheterization has not previously been described. A case of right testicular vein, bilateral renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is reported which presented as an “acute scrotum” and which was initially thought to be due to an acute testicular torsion.
Biological dosimetry at the tissue–barium sulphate interface: a jejunal crypt survival assay
Authors: Tokita N. , Raju M. R.
Published: July 2009

Barium sulphate suspensions (BSS) used in gastrointestinal radiography consist of barium microparticles which adhere to the mucosa of the digestive tract, forming a tissue–BSS interface. When irradiated, the interface, which separates two media of different atomic constituents, alters the dose distribution in its immediate vicinity. This interface effect is influenced not only by the atomic compositions and the physical dimensions of the media but also by the quality of radiation (Dutreix & Bernard, 1966). Our in-vitro biological dosimetry has shown a five- to six-fold increase in dose at the interface when the cells were irradiated with 250 kVp X rays in close contact with a thin layer of BSS (Tokita et al 1986). To evaluate the tissue–BSS interface effect in vivo, an intestinal crypt survival assay was carried out using barium-fed mice.
Cancer: the failure of treatment
Authors: Thomlinson R. H.
Published: July 2009

The letter from Drs Haybittle and Freedman hopes that “I did not really mean to discourage all randomized trials in breast cancer” whereas, in this context, my comments were limited to the use of “time” as one of the factors used in them.
Contrast media in cerebral and spinal cord angiography
Authors: Kendall B.
Published: July 2009

Iohexol (Omnipaque 300, Nycomed) has been used in the departments in which I have worked for many years. It has consistently provided images of high quality during fluoroscopy as well as on angiography.
Safety of gamma camera flood sources
Authors: Jeans S. P.
Published: July 2009

In response to the points raised above, I would make the following comments.

(1) The risk to the operator of the ingestion of lead has been minimized in two ways. All the exposed lead surfaces have been sprayed with lead bonding paint; we have also provided handles, which obviate the need for the operator to handle the lead or cobalt surface.
Variation in repeat rates between 18 radiological departments
Authors: Carmichael J. H. E.
Published: July 2009

I feel that the article by Rogers et al (1987) is on an important subject to which too little attention has been paid. Might I indicate two papers published on the subject (Carmichael, 1981, 1984), where I drew attention to this matter and showed that, in a department without quality control, the average repeat rate was just under 10% but in a department which had practised quality control, the repeat rate had been reduced from 8% to 4%, and this rate had been held there for 3 years.
Out-of-hours radiology
Authors: Carmichael J. H. E.
Published: July 2009

Charny et al (1987) raise serious questions about the use of the radiology department outside normal hours. They very rightly query whether we are obtaining value for money.
Developer temperature in diagnostic departments
Authors: Ramsey L. J.
Published: July 2009

There is no doubt in my mind that in their article on this subject Drs Russell and Carmichael (1987) are correct in their main assertion that large radiation dose savings may be made by judicious increase of developer temperatures in automatic processors.
Book reviews
Authors: Kear D. A. , Preece A. W.
Published: July 2009

It is difficult to review this publication as objectively as onewould like after reading the report on it published by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). While the NRPB must subject any new publication in the field of radiation protection to critical scrutiny, this review will address itself to the wider issues raised in the report, which will be of more concern to readers of the British Journal of Radiology.
Magnetic resonance imaging of benign ovarian masses
Authors: Mawhinney R. R. , Powell M. C. , Worthington B. S. , Symonds E. M.
Published: July 2009

Forty-one patients with 45 pelvic mass lesions were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All lesions were initially considered to be benign ovarian masses with this diagnosis confirmed in 36 lesions. The characteristics on MRI are analysed and features useful in predicting histological type identified. Our results indicate that a high, though not absolute, level of diagnostic specificity should be obtainable in identification of ovarian pathology.
Renal artery stenosis: the use of duplex ultrasound as a screening technique
Authors: Robertson R. , Murphy A. , Dubbins P. A.
Published: July 2009

Over an 18-month period, 44 patients with hypertension were referred for evaluation of the renal arteries by duplex Doppler ultrasound. Those patients referred were pre-selected in that they were either young, or suffering from accelerated hypertension. Eleven patients (12 arteries) were considered to have characteristics suggesting renal artery stenosis. Of the 11 patients, nine have submitted themselves for further evaluation by angiography and radionuclide renography. These further investigations have identified seven true positive and three false positive results. Criteria for duplex diagnosis of renal artery stenosis are presented and a possible role for duplex Doppler ultrasound as a screening tool for renal vascular hypertension is discussed.
Deconvolution of emission tomographic data: a clinical evaluation
Authors: Yanch J. C. , Irvine A. T. , Webb S. , Flower M. A.
Published: July 2009

A method of improving the quality of images in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is demonstrated using transaxial images of the liver and brain. Deconvolution of the nuclear medicine data by a point source response function (PSRF) acquired previously in a scattering medium attempts to compensate for scattered radiation within the patient. The average geometric response of the collimator of the gamma camera is also compensated for with this technique. Three patients with known metastatic lesions in the liver and three with primary lesions in the brain were imaged. Clinical assessment of reconstructed slices both before and after deconvolution demonstrates that compensating for the effects of scatter and of collimator blurring leads to enhanced detail of pathological lesions. In all cases, cold lesions seen prior to deconvolution were enhanced in detail and, in addition, new lesions were seen with this technique.
Radiation-induced outgrowth inhibition in explant cultures from surgical specimens of five human organs
Authors: Mothersill Carmel , Cusack Anne , Seymour C. B.
Published: July 2009

An explant outgrowth technique to determine the radiation response of five different human organs (bladder, oesophagus, colon, breast and thyroid) is described. In each case except thyroid, where malignancies are rare, data are presented for normal and malignant tissue. Results show that variations in response, consistent with those observed in vivo, can be measured. Tumours were in all cases highly resistant to radiation relative to their corresponding normal tissue. Possible reasons for this are discussed. The method may prove useful in the prediction of the radiobiological response for tumour and surrounding normal tissue where post-operative therapy is planned.
Induction of sister-chromatid exchanges by d(42 MeV)-Be neutrons in unstimulated human-blood lymphocytes
Authors: Savage John R. K. , Holloway Michelle
Published: July 2009

The ability of d(42 Mev)-Be neutrons and 250 kV X rays to produce sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) has been reexamined using unstimulated (G0) human-blood lymphocytes. Contrary to a previous report, the neutrons produced a significant and dose-dependent increase in SCE. X rays, as previously, produced no measurable increase at any absorbed dose. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for this end-point is therefore undefined and effectively infinite. In contrast to the findings of many workers, the between-cell distributions of SCE were, in most cases, underdispersed. This could imply that the SCE burden of a cell was not selectively neutral in these experiments.
The potential of cylindrical co-ordinate three-dimensional surface models
Authors: Mott D. J.
Published: July 2009

In the rapidly expanding field of the creation of three-dimensional (3D) surface models from stacks of contiguous computed tomography (CT) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) cross-sectional scans, the views generated are usually orthogonal projections. This results in images of internal or external anatomy being produced as if those objects were being observed by the viewer. The problem of displaying 3D surfaces on a two-dimensional plane is one that has long been studied by cartographers and the use of cylindrical co-ordinates offers one solution. In this the locations of structures on a surface are found in r, θ, z, cylindrical co-ordinates where r is the radius from an axis through the body, θ is the angular location around the axis and z is the distance along the axis. If the z axis is taken as the axis of rotation of the CT scanner then Fig. 1 illustrates this co-ordinate system on a stack of CT slices and its relationship to the x  i, y  i co-ordinate system of each image.
Infants presenting with respiratory distress due to anterior mediastinal teratomas: a report of three cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Kenny J. B. , Carty H. M. L.
Published: July 2009

Mediastinal teratomas comprise 10% of all teratomas in children (Bower & Kiesewetter, 1977). Three new cases are described and the role of plain radiography and ultrasound are discussed.

A girl presented at 7 months of age with dyspnoea; she was a full-term infant, had a normal delivery, and had previously been well. An initial chest radiograph showed an unusually prominent left lobe of the thymus but this was regarded as being within normal limits. A repeat radiograph 15 weeks later showed a clear anterior mediastinal mass which contained fat (Fig. 1). The diagnosis of a thymic teratoma was suggested and at operation a soft, multicystic tumour occupying the whole of the left lobe of the thymus and measuring 5 cm × 5 cm × 3 cm was removed. Histological examination of the specimen revealed elements of cartilage, skin with appendages, pancreas and thymus. The diagnosis was a benign teratoma. Recovery was uneventful.
Ultrasonographic appearances of glomus vagale tumour
Authors: Raby Nigel
Published: July 2009

The sonographic features of a glomus vagale tumour (vagus nerve paraganglioma) are described and correlated with computed tomography (CT), angiography and operative findings. The features enable a pre-operative sonographic diagnosis to be made with reasonable certainty.

A 21-year-old man presented with a painless swelling in the right side of the neck which had been enlarging for some months. On examination there was a palpable 10 cm × 5 cm × 3 cm soft mass with no distinguishing features.
Urographic visualization of the native kidneys following renal transplantation: a demonstration of the intact nephron hypothesis
Authors: Liano Fernando , Matesanz Rafael , Teruel Jose L. , Orte Luis , Llorente Maria T. , Garcia-Valverde Maria , Ortuno Joaquin
Published: July 2009

The reappearance of a normal nephrogram and pyelogram in the native kidneys of a patient with a normally functioning kidney transplant has recently been observed, when urography was performed for graft-related reasons. To the best of our knowledge this finding has not been reported in the medical literature. The phenomenon occurred even though renal function before transplantation was so reduced that haemodialysis was needed to preserve the patient's life. At this stage of chronic renal failure, high-dose urography often does not achieve a good concentration of contrast medium in the urine, and radiological definition of therenal parenchyma and excretory system may be poor (Davidson, 1977; Sherwood, 1977).xsxsx
Three-dimensional computed tomographic reformations of intracranial vascular lesions
Authors: Gholkar A. , Isherwood I.
Published: July 2009

Intracranial vascular lesions may be evident on plain skull radiographs and can be confirmed by various radiological studies including cerebral angiography, radionuclide studies and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Cerebral angiography and contrast-enhanced CT are now the principal investigations for diagnosis of such lesions. Transaxial CT,while successfully demonstrating intracranial mass lesions, may be inadequate for outlining detailed vascular anatomy.

Computer software enabling three-dimensional (3D) images to be produced from a series of conventional CT sections has been developed and successfully applied to examine the complex bony structures of the head and pelvis (Hemmy et al, 1983; Marsh & Vannier, 1983; Burk et al, 1985; Gillespie et al, 1987a, c). Three-dimensional imaging has been less successful when applied to specific intra- and extracranial soft tissues. Since vascular lesions enhance during intravenous contrast infusion and are then readily differentiated from surrounding brain, we have applied 3D imaging to a variety of vascular intracranial lesions.
The calculation of absorbed doses for radiobiological studies involving the use of small irradiation fields
Authors: Dixon-Brown A. , Hopewell J. W.
Published: July 2009

In radiobiological experiments involving small animals, small field sizes with large elongation ratios are often used. In the recent study by Hopewell et al (1987) the field size effect on the late tolerance of the rat spinal cord to single doses of X rays was investigated. Field sizes of 90 mm × 16 mm, 90 mm × 8 mmand 90 mm × 4 mm, with respective elongation ratios of 5.63, 11.25 and 22.5, were used. If correct account had not been taken of the effect of field size on the absorbed dose delivered to the rats, then the effects seen would have been over emphasized by as much as 10–20%. In clinical practice this would inevitably lead to increased dose reductions for the treatment of large volumes or larger increases in dose for smaller volumes with the associated rise in clinical complications.

Other investigators (Berg & Lindgren, 1963; Albert et al, 1967; Knowles & Trott, 1988) have used smaller, slit-shaped fields than those used by Hopewell et al (1987), in which practical dose measurements even with lithium fluoride (LiF) rods (6 mm × 1 mm) would be difficult, if not impossible. The present report describes a method for the calculation of absorbed doses in small irradiation fields in the hope that a standard method of dosimetry for radiobiological experiments with small fields will be used by all workers.
Predicted allowable doses to normal organs for biologically targeted radiotherapy
Authors: O'Donoghue J. A. , Wheldon T. E.
Published: July 2009

Interest is growing in the use of radiolabelled molecules to deliver ionizing radiation to tumour cells. Both monoclonal antibodies (Carrasquillo et al, 1984; Hammersmith Oncology Group and Imperial Cancer Research Fund, 1984) and the catecholamine precursor meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)(Treuner et al, 1984; Gerrard et al, 1987) have been used to date. There are also other potential carrier molecules. The development of a truly tumour-specific therapy is unlikely and it is probable that normal tissues and organs will receive significant radiation doses. Biologically targeted radiotherapy(BTR) will succeed or fail on the establishment of a sufficiently high therapeutic ratio between damage to tumours and damage to normal organs. From a vast body of radiotherapy experience one would expect that a curative course of BTR will entail taking normal organs close to “tolerance”. The accurate prediction of acceptable doses to normal organs is therefore of some importance.
Book reviews
Authors: Kutt E.
Published: July 2009

This is a short basic text on bone radiology, intended formedical students, housemen and allied health professionals such as nurses and occupational therapists. It thus starts with chapter dedicated to the definition of the most commonly used terms, and a short description of bone formation; a glossary of commonly used eponyms is also included at the back.
Book reviews
Authors: Barber R. W.
Published: July 2009

This book is the third in the series Contemporary Issues Nuclear Imaging and follows volumes on radionuclide imaging of the brain and gastrointestinal tract. It is aimed at practising nuclear physicians and radiologists, and residents in training. The declared intention is to bring together basic information about the most common uses of computers in nuclear medicine.
Book reviews
Authors: Savage John R. K.
Published: July 2009

This is a glossy “popular” presentation of radiation and its effects for consumption by the intelligent layman. There are six short chapters: an “Introduction” to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation UNSCEAR) and its work, “Radiation and Life”, “Natural Sources”, “Man-made Sources”, “Effects in Man”, and “Acceptability of Risks”. Each is very readable and profusely illustrated with simple diagrams, graphs and bar-charts.
The metacarpal index in homozygous sickle-cell disease
Authors: Walker T. M. , Dunn D. T. , Serjeant G. R.
Published: July 2009

The metacarpal index (MCI) was measured in 240 patients with homozygous sickle-cell (SS) disease and in 1082 normal persons constituting a comparison group. The MCI was greater in females than in males, but there appeared to be no significant difference between genotypes. Arachnodactyly may occur insome patients with SS disease, but there is no evidence of a genotype-related increase in metacarpal index.
A fit in a young woman
Authors: Vali A. , McKinstry C. S. , Dick D.
Published: July 2009

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with a 4-day history of nauseaand headache exacerbated by bending or coughing. On the day of admission she had a major seizure and two further major fits in the following 24 h. Three weeks previously she had given birth to a normal child by a spontaneous vertex delivery. She had a past history of recurrent pulmonary emboli and at the time of admission was receiving prophylactic subcutaneous heparin 5000 units twice daily, which had been commenced during her pregnancy.
Shades of Richard Asher?
Authors: Shorvon P. , Lees W. R.
Published: July 2009

As admirers of Richard Asher, we too were saddened that it was necessary to diagnose aortic stenosis by intubating the oesophagus. In our defence, severe aortic stenosis is often clinically unobtrusive for years as the cardiac output is maintained, and the patient in question had remained undiagnosed during two recent inpatient stays.

However, we would not recommend endoscopic ultrasound as a normal means of diagnosing this condition, but only point out that its detection in this case was an example of “serendipity”.
Book reviews
Authors: Hayward C.
Published: July 2009

As might be expected from the title, this book is written in quiz format; the questions are set out in the first 90 pages with the answers in the second half of the book. It consists of a mixed collection of 68 interesting cases, each question illustrated by one or more radiographs, with an occasional ultrasound or CT example. A wide variety of radiological abnormalities is encompassed from common conditions such as pulmonary oedema and rheumatoid arthritis to the rare bone sarcoid and obligatory renal tract schistosomiasis! The radiographs are randomly arranged and have been very well selected with classical radiological signs.
Radiological awareness of current recommendations on prophylaxis of infective endocarditis
Authors: Raby N.
Published: July 2009

In 1982 the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy produced a report recommending that all patients with a prosthetic heart valve should receive prophylatic antibiotics prior to any procedure likely to cause a transient bacteraemia. This includes barium enema and genitourinary tract instrumentation. A postal survey of 38 radiology departments has shown that there is very poor awareness of this report and of its implications for radiology departments and suggestions are made as to how this may be improved.
Performance assessment of X-ray image intensified television fluoroscopy systems in New Zealand
Authors: Poletti J. L. , Le Heron J. C.
Published: July 2009

The protocol for image intensifier (II) quality assurance recommended by the UK Hospital Physicists' Association (HPA) and the UK Department of Health and Social Security has been adapted for use in New Zealand for assessment of such systems. Test objects were constructed at the National Radiation Laboratory to match the specifications of those recommended by the HPA. Over 100 individual surveys have been made and, in a few cases, machines have been surveyed several times. Results are summarized in terms of key parameters: II input dose rate, low-contrast detectability, contrast-detail performance and limiting resolution. These are given as mean and standard deviation, and also as good, average or poor. Video waveforms, conversion factors and modulation transfer functions have also been determined on a number of systems. In several cases, video voltages were found to be seriously maladjusted.
X-ray microscopy of the breast
Authors: Davies Robert LI. , Gravelle I. Huw , Evans Kenneth T.
Published: July 2009

Contact X-ray microscopy complements the radiological examination of the breast, including specimen radiography. The technique has been available for many years but has been little used in the study of breast tissue (Leborgne et al, 1957; Barth, 1979; Davies, 1983). Conventional specimen radiography should be a complementary procedure to mammography Bauermeister & Hall, 1973; Gallager, 1975; Azzopardi, 1979). This ensures that the mammographic abnormality is included in the tissue which has been excised and localizes the area of the specimen from which tissue blocks should be taken for histology.
Life-threatening haemorrhage from typhoid fever
Authors: Rubin Caroline M. E. , Fairhurst Joanna J.
Published: July 2009

Although rarely seen in this country, typhoid fever remains endemic in some underdeveloped countries, and should not be forgotten as a possible cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in foreign visitors. We present a patient with an uncommon complication of this disease in whom selective angiography permitted appropriate management with excellent results.

A 33-year-old Indonesian was admitted with a 2-week history of pyrexia. He had felt unwell prior to leaving Indonesia 3 weeks earlier and on admission had a temperature of 39.4°C, slight abdominal distension and rectal bleeding. No rash was seen. Initial investigations revealed a haemoglobin level of 5.4 g/dl, a white blood cell count of 2.1 × 109/l and a platelet count of 38 × 109/l. Sigmoidoscopy showed contact bleeding but no frank ulceration, and biopsy revealed mild proctitis. He was transfused with six units of blood initially, but required further transfusion following a massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage some hours after admission.
The dyspeptic disco dancer
Authors: Peck R. J. , Ng Karen , Li Arthur
Published: July 2009

A 25-year-old girl, who enjoys regular visits to the local disco, presented early in 1987 with hepatomegaly and a mass arising from the pelvis. She was otherwise fit and normal. Her previous medical history was very interesting.

Seven years previously she had developed painless jaundice. Laparotomy at another hospital revealed a mass in the pancreatic head and a Whipple's operation was performed. Histology at that time was said to be carcinoma of the pancreas, and she and her parents were informed of the poor prognosis to be expected. She remained well however for the next 3 years before returning to the same hospital because of recurrent nocturnal epigastric pain and an epigastric mass. Obstruction by recurrent tumour was diagnosed but at laparotomy widespread metastases were found in the liver. The stomach was not obstructed but an anastomotic ulcer was found.

It was considered that she had an “inoperable tumour” and further surgery was not performed. Her family doctor treated her with ranitidine which gave good symptomatic relief. The presence of multiple hepatic metastases, with histology similar to that found previously, was taken to suggest an advanced stage of the disease with a poor prognosis, although she had already survived 3 years.
Mixed schedules for neutron therapy
Authors: Maruyama Y. , Feola J. , Berner B.
Published: July 2009

We read the paper published by Carl et al (1987) with great interest. Their studies measured tumour growth delay after 3 MeV fast neutron (N) and X radiation (X) doses using different mixed schedules. Neutrons were given before X rays, after X rays or before and after X rays. They also measured the therapeutic gain for tumour control relative to normal skin. The reason that the study of mixed schedules is important is because treatments are better tolerated by normal tissues but the high relative biological effectiveness and low oxygen enhancement ratio are still retained and provide an advantage for improved local tumour control.
The evaluation of high dose radioiodine therapy in thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Taher M. A.
Published: July 2009

We have read with interest the article by Ratcliffe et al (1986) who reported that 48% of patients treated with a fixed dose of 550 MBq (15 mCi) of radioiodine (131I) became hypothyroid, which is identical with the results of Scott et al (1984) who used a slightly higher dose of 600 MBq. Wilkin (1983) recommended “the maximum safe dose” of 703 MBq (19 mCi) for thyrotoxic heart diseases.
Interpretation of gallium scans using the “negative heart” sign
Authors: McCabe R. E. , Barnett C. A.
Published: July 2009

The major point of our case report (Binstock et al, 1987) was that current criteria for interpretation of gallium scans do not suffice to eliminate completely the possibility of pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS patients.
The measurement of left ventricular function
Authors: Foster C. J.
Published: July 2009

I completely agree with Drs Barber and Stone that radionuclide angiography is “a tried and tested technique” in the investigation of left ventricular function. It is an accurate technique in the measurement of ejection fraction and this is stated in the article, with the proviso that accuracy is dependent on patient positioning.
Book reviews
Authors: Joseph A. E. A.
Published: July 2009

This book claims to differ from most other ultrasound texts in its approach to the diagnosis of pathological conditions affecting various organs. It is certainly different in approach and in the format used for the text.

It has chapters dealing with “abscess search” and “ascites search”, followed by a guide to scanning techniques for the various abdominal organs. For each organ, scanning techniques are described with scanning tips that may be of value for that particular organ. Pitfalls in the interpretation of the normal and pathological appearances are clearly and repeatedly pointed out. In each organ and pathological state, the other sites that must be carefully examined are also emphasized.
Book reviews
Authors: Critchley M. , Maltby P. J.
Published: July 2009

Nuclear medicine is a multidisciplinary specialty closely related to the basic scientific disciplines of physics, engineering, radiopharmacy and biochemistry. To entitle a book, almost exclusively concerned with radiopharmacy, Essentials of Nuclear Medicine Science is thus misleading for potential readers.
Book reviews
Authors: Treleaven J. G.
Published: July 2009

This is a small book, and hence the subject matter, haemotologic malignancies, is not exhaustively covered. It is not clear from the preface for which audience this book is intended, but the contents make it appropriate for medical students or recently qualified clinicians. The book reads fairly well, but is, perhaps, too verbose. It leaves one with the impression that what is said could have been put over more succinctly, and perhaps more use should have been made of photographs and diagrams.
Book reviews
Authors: Maguire Peter
Published: July 2009

This multi-author book “attempts to provide a readable, authoritative and balanced review of the emotional pressures and coping methods of cancer patients and help currently available to them”. By asking “outstanding authorities” expert in research and clinical experience to contribute, the editor hopes the book will lead to improved psychological care.
Non-obstructive kidney transplant dysfunction: magnetic resonance evaluation
Authors: Van Gansbeke Daniel , Segebarth Christoph , Toussaint Charles , Matos Celso , Gevenois Pierre A. , Kinnaert Paul , Struyven Julien
Published: July 2009

The value of magnetic resonance imaging in the differential diagnosis of non-obstructive dysfunction of renal allografts was studied in a series of 58 examinations at 0.5 T. Four parameters were evaluated: the corticomedullary differentiation; the relative thickness of the cortex; the evolution, with echo number, of the relative signal intensities of kidney parenchyma and adjacent fatty tissue on images generated by a long time to repeat multiecho sequence; and the proximal vascularization. The loss of corticomedullary differentiation is the major finding in acute rejection, but it is not specific as it is also observed in chronic rejection and in the much rarer acute glomerulonephritis. Thickening of the cortex is helpful for the detection of rejected transplants with visible corticomedullary delineation (26% of the cases). Uncomplicated acute tubular necrosis appears as a normal transplant.
Subacute (de Quervain's) thyroiditis
Authors: Ramtoola S. , Maisey M. N.
Published: July 2009

Subacute (de Quervain's) thyroiditis is a disorder characterized by granulomatous infiltration of the thyroid gland. Clinically, the typical presentation is with local pain, swelling and tenderness, often associated with marked constitutional symptoms and a history of preceding upper respiratory tract infection. The characteristic laboratory findings are of a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), absence of thyroid autoantibodies, and patchy reduced uptake of radionuclide affecting the whole gland on thyroid scanning (Levine, 1983). We report an unusual variant of this condition.
Zygomatic arch simulating a fluid level in the sphenoid sinus
Authors: Svensson W. E.
Published: July 2009

Examination of the dry skull and facial bones reveals that the upper surface of the posterior half of the zygomatic arch runs approximately parallel to the orbito-meatal base line. The anterior half of the upper border of the zygomatic arch runs on a line angled 10–20° antero-inferiorly to this line. The lateral view of the sinuses is usually the best view for demonstrating fluid levels and other disease in the sphenoid sinus (Samuel & Lloyd, 1978; Bergeron et al, 1984). This view is usually taken as a horizontal beam, erect lateral, centring 2.5 cm behind the outer canthus of the eye with the interpupillary line at right angles to the film and the median plane parallel to the film (Clarke, 1973; Samuel & Lloyd, 1978; Bergeron et al, 1984) or angled at 5° to the film to show the posterior maxillary walls separately (Bergeron et al, 1984). Some sources also recommend that the radiographic baseline should also be horizontal (Bergeron et al, 1984), but our experience suggests that this can often be difficult to position, especially with obese patients with double chins.
Book reviews
Authors: Hilson A.
Published: July 2009

This book represents the proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Radionuclides in Nephrology which was held in Lausanne in Switzerland in 1986. This therefore represents a speed of publication which is unusual for conference proceedings. In addition, it is noteworthy that the book is well produced with good clear illustrations.
Appearances on computed tomography following thoracoplasty for pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Moore N. R. , Phillips M. S. , Shneerson J. M. , Smith M. L. , Flower C. D. R. , Dixon A. K.
Published: July 2009

Thoracic computed tomography was performed in 32 patients who had undergone thoracoplasty as part of their treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Pleural thickening and the prevalence of bronchiectasis were more marked in the operated hemithorax. Bullae were more prevalent in the operated hemithorax but the difference was not statistically significant. In all but one patient, scoliosis was present. Illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the range of appearances following this operation.
Comparison of the image quality of intravenous urograms using low-osmolar contrast media
Authors: Kaye B. , Howard J. , Foord K. D. , Cumberland D. C.
Published: July 2009

Almost equivalent, intravenous iodine doses of the three new low-osmolar contrast media, ioxaglate (Hexabrix), iopamidol (Niopam) and iohexol (Omnipaque) have been compared for image quality on the intravenous urogram. Generally good radiographic images were obtained. Iohexol gave better results for the nephrogram and pelvicalyceal distension compared with the other contrast media, but only the nephrogram results were statistically significant. Pyelographic density and ureteric distension and density were similar with all three contrast media. In patients where low-osmolality contrast media need to be used for intravenous urography, we suggest that iohexol gives the best radiographic images. Other factors, such as cost and the relative incidence of side-effects of the low-osmolar contrast media also need to be taken into consideration.
Bone mineral content in normal UK subjects
Authors: Compston J. E. , Evans W. D. , Crawley E. O. , Evans C.
Published: July 2009

Bone mineral content in the lumbar vertebrae and in the shaft of the left radius has been measured in 129 normal British subjects using quantitative computed tomography and single-photon absorptiometry. Significant negative correlations between bone mineral content and age were found at both sites in males and females (p < 0.001 in all cases). When expressed in g/cm the bone mineral content in the radial shaft showed significant positive correlations with body height and weight in both sexes, but after correction for bone size only a weak correlation with body height in males was found. Spinal trabecular bone mineral content showed no significant correlations with body height or weight in either sex. Comparison of the values obtained with normal data from centres in the USA revealed lower mean values for both radial and spinal bone mineral content in the British subjects. These differences emphasize the importance of using locally derived normal data for comparison with values obtained from patients.
Patient absorbed dose for the Philips Tomoscan 350 CT scanner: a repeat study
Authors: Norwood H. M. , Cunningham C. , Bowsley S. , Taylor C.
Published: July 2009

A knowledge of the absorbed dose given to patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) is important to ensure that sensitive areas are not overexposed. As part of the continuing quality control programme on the Philips Tomoscan 350 CT scanner at St James's University Hospital, the surface and core doses have been measured and compared with a previous study (Jones & Garrett, 1985).
Liver and spleen scans in systemic mast-cell disease
Authors: Huang Tsung-Yao , Yam Ling T. , Li Chin-Yang
Published: July 2009

We thank you for calling our attention to the comments made by Professor Biersack on our paper (Huang et al, 1987) concerning the diagnostic significance of liver and spleen scans in systemic mast-cell disease (SMCD).
The cost of imaging procedures
Authors: Bretland P. M.
Published: July 2009

Dr Foord has made a very valuable point. Table I shows a comparison of the detail of my costings of oral cholecystography OCG and upper abdominal ultrasound. Although I was expecting the latter to cost more because of the higher cost of radiology time, the costs to the District of the two procedures turned out to be very similar.
Book reviews
Authors: Alcock C. J.
Published: July 2009

This fairly slim book (284 pages of text) is one of 37 volumes in the series “Cancer Treatment and Research”, which have been published in the last 6 years. The Series Editor, William L. McGuire, states in the Foreword that the aims of this series are to produce “authoritative articles on the diagnosis and management of particular malignancies”, head and neck cancer in this instance. It is intended that eminent authorities edit each volume on an annual or bi-annual basis, thereby keeping abreast of advances in each field. This volume is divided into four sections: Advances in Surgical Therapy, Advances in Radiation Therapy/Radiology, Advances in Chemotherapy/Biologic Modifiers, and finally Management problems.
Book reviews
Authors: Kendall B.
Published: July 2009

This book is written by two pioneers and world leaders in the field of modern interventional neuroradiology and in it they share their vast experience in allowing the greatest margin of safety in performance of embolization procedures and in the selection of patients.
Book reviews
Authors: Davies R. A.
Published: July 2009

Conceived as an aid to those studying for the American Radiology Board and the medical sonographers registration examinations, this book consists of four sections devoted to physics, general abdominal sonography, obstetric and gynaecological sonography and neurosonography. In each section, the format is of a collection of questions, mostly multiple choice (MCQs), intended to be answered in examination conditions.
Book reviews
Authors: Shields R. A.
Published: July 2009

Many users of radionuclides will welcome the publication of this modern textbook. The author's laboratory experience clearly gives him an insight into the kind of fundamental information which will be of practical interest to scientists and technologists working with radioactive tracers.
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and the use of animals in scientific investigations
Authors: McNally N. J.
Published: July 2009

In 1985 the British Journal of Radiology introduced a requirement that authors sign a statement that the use of animals in research studies reported in the Journalwas in conformity with the Biological Council Guidelines on the Use of Living Animals in Scientific Investigations. An editorial outlining these Guidelines was published in the January 1985 issue.

On 1st January 1987 the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, governing the use of animals in experimentation in the United Kingdom, came into effect. This Act made extensive changes to the law and, as a result, the Biological Council has issued a second edition of their Guidelines taking account of these changes (Biological Council, 1987). Subsequently the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research (UKCCR) representing the main cancer charities and the Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom prepared a set of Guidelines for the Welfare of Animals in Experimental Neoplasia (UKCCR, 1988).
An iodine-125 plaque for radiotherapy of the eye: manufacture and dosimetric considerations
Authors: Harnett A. N. , Thomson E. S.
Published: July 2009

A comparison of computer dose calculations and thermoluminescent dosemeter measurements in a phantom is given for an iodine-125 plaque for radiotherapy of the eye. The off-central-axis measurements and their relationship to the central-axis depth doses are documented. It was found that the gold backing of the applicator did not influence dosimetry in the phantom and thus the eye.
Patient activation with a 25 MV therapeutic X-ray beam
Authors: Dunscombe P. B. , McLellan J. , Huda W. , Gillies J. M.
Published: July 2009

Induced radioactivity in biological materials irradiated with high-energy photon beams was first reported in 1949 (Mayneord et al, 1949). From half-life determinations these authors identified the principal radionuclides produced at photon energies between 17 and 24 MV as the positron emitters 15O (τ½ = 2.05 min) and 11C (τ½ = 20.5 min). These result from (X, n) reactions on the abundant 16O and 12C radionuclides present in tissue. The ratio of the activities of these positron emitters and the cross-sections for their production were estimated. Quantitation of the activity present was through detection of the β particles emitted from irradiated rats and phantoms of similar size.

After a gap of nearly 30 years, interest was once again shown in the activation of patients in therapy beams by Stranden (1977) and Bennett and co-workers (1978, 1981). Stranden (1977) reported induced activities in patients irradiated with a betatrongenerated 45 MV X-ray beam although, as discussed later, the interpretation of his results is difficult. Bennett (1978, 1981) has employed coincidence counting of the annihilation γ rays from animals and patients irradiated with both protons and betatron-produced 33 MV X rays. These latter reports do not contain details of the specific activities induced by irradiation. However, the proton study does demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining scintigrams of the region irradiated with the proton beam.
Bone scintigraphy in parasymphyseal insufficiency fractures
Authors: Jackson J. E. , Henderson B. L. , Lavender J. P.
Published: July 2009

It is mentioned in the paper on parasymphyseal and associated insufficiency fractures of the pelvis and sacrum (Davies et al, 1988) that the parasymphyseal lesions were “best demonstrated on the anterior (bone) scan of the pelvis, although partially obscured by excreted radionuclide in the bladder.”
Book reviews
Authors: Butt W. P.
Published: July 2009

Michel Runge has produced this book as an “educating game” to be played by one consenting adult and it certainly makes a change from a crossword puzzle on the train. There are 170 patients with pathology illustrated primarily by plain radiographs but there is an occasional CT scan or bone scint. The answers follow at the end of the radiographs and each is illustrated by an excellent line drawing which often shows the pathology better than the radiograph. Important radiological points are made, if possible, on each case but there is no attempt to be comprehensive and all comments are in note form. At the end of the book 13 references are cited and there isa list of the conditions illustrated.
Book reviews
Authors: Lawson R. S.
Published: July 2009

This textbook has been written to cover the subject of a lecture course given by the author at the University of Wisconsin. The title is misleading because, although the book assumes only a basic knowledge of integral calculus and atomic physics, most of the topics covered are examined to a depth which is rather more than just introductory. However, the reader should be aware that many topics are not included at all, simply because they are covered by other courses at the University. For example, radiotherapy physics, nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiological physics, radiation protection and radiobiology are all specifically excluded.