Ptosis

Abstract

HomeRadiologyVol. 7, No. 1 PreviousNext EditorialPtosisPublished Online:Jul 1 1926https://doi.org/10.1148/7.1.67MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In AbstractAccording to the dictionary, ptosis means the prolapse of an organ or part.To-day, the radiologist, to do justice to his patient and to the branch of medicine which he serves, must be well acquainted with current medical knowledge and must keep in touch not only with his colleagues, but must have a liaison with other branches of medicine and surgery.The influence of radiological investigations upon our knowledge of the anatomical relations and upon the motor functions of the hollow viscera in health and disease, has been revolutionary. Physiology and pathology owe much to these investigations; indeed, it is scarcely an exaggeration to say that the greater portion of our present conception of the neuro-muscular mechanism of the alimentary canal is the result of X-ray revelations.When we remember the notions we were taught concerning the physiology of the stomach movements and what we know today as the result of studying the X-ray screen, the recollections cause us to blush. To-day we stand upon much firmer ground.The position of the stomach and transverse colon, the relative position of the cecum, the appendix and flexures are now, and have been for a few years, matters of common knowledge.Radiologists are well aware of this; however, an occasional reiteration of accepted facts is necessary because in some quarters great emphasis is still laid upon position alone.The variations, too, in the positions of these organs—variations which are not incompatible with good health—have been relatively recognized as normalities, because the physiology was unimpaired and the patients were symptomless.The variability of individuals is quite as pronounced internally as externally. We are passing through the stage of incrimination on the score of disease to that of tolerance on the score of variability in individuals. Consequently our conception of what constitutes a normal standard is subject to wide latitudes.In other words, the same thing is happening with regard to our ideas about the hollow viscera as has happened with regard to our ideas about the kidneys. At one time even a moderate degree of nephroptosis was regarded as a sign of morbidity, capable of explaining most of the functional disabilities met with in the neurasthenic, and not excluding, in the opinion of some, even grave forms of psychosis. The poor dropped organ was supported by pads, was “stitched up,” was even removed. To-day none of these treatments is considered necessary.Ptosis of the alimentary tract has gone through the same phases and great caution must be exercised in using this term, distinction being made between a pathologic entity and a normal variation, or much unnecessary surgery may be performed.It is true that a colon or stomach that is low may be potentially pathologic; however, other signs, such as stasis, dilatation, atony, or symptoms of auto-intoxication, must be associated with this, otherwise so-called ptosis per se is a negligible factor.Article HistoryPublished in print: July 1926 FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsRecommended Articles RSNA Education Exhibits RSNA Case Collection Vol. 7, No. 1 Metrics Altmetric Score PDF download