bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Safety of Standard and Triple Dose Gadodiamide Injection in MR Imaging of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Svaland M. G. , Christensen T. , Lundorf E.
Published: June 2015

Gadodiamide injection was administered intravenously to 49 patients with known or suspected CNS lesions undergoing MR imaging. Two parallel groups were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single doses of 0.1 (25 patients) and 0.3 (24 patients) mmol/kg b.w. The principal measures of efficacy were diagnostic yield of MR and the overall contrast enhancement. Adverse events and serum bilirubin were the main safety parameters. Contrast enhancement of the lesion was observed for 16 patients in each dose group. Thirteen patients in the 0.1 and 17 in the 0.3 mmol/kg group had their diagnosis amended following the postcontrast image, but only one patient in each dose group had their management affected by new information from the postcontrast image. The overall diagnostic utility of gadodiamide injection was good, but there were no differences between the 2 doses studied in this respect. No injection-associated discomfort or other adverse events were reported. No clinically important changes in serum bilirubin, or other parameters of blood chemistry, or hematology were observed. Overall, the safety profile of gadodiamide injection 0.3 mmol/kg b.w. in this study was similar to that of 0.1 mmol/kg b.w.
Quantitative Evaluation of Intraarterial Lymphocyte Injection Therapy for Lymph Edema Using MR Imaging
Authors: Harada M. , Amano Y. , Matsuzaki K. , Hayashi Y. , Nishitani H. , Yoshizumi M. , Yoshida O. , Katoh I.
Published: June 2015

Five patients with unilateral leg lymph edema had intraarterial injections of lymphocytes in the affected leg with consequent improvement in 3. To assess the degree of lymph edema, T2 and intensity ratio between the 2 legs in STIR images were used. Mean and SD of T2 values in the subcutaneous tissue were measured using a triple echo sequence and found larger on the edematous side than in the opposite extremity. The mean T2 shortening obtained after the lymphocyte therapy correlated well with the reduction of limb circumference. Mean T2 reflects the fluid content, and SD of T2 the fluid distribution in the subcutaneous tissue. The degree of lymph edema and the effect of therapy can be evaluated quantitatively by measuring the value of the T2 relaxation time.
The Value of Skull Radiography in Ophthalmology
Authors: Sanders R. , MacEwen C. J. , McCulloch A. S.
Published: June 2015

Skull radiographs and special views are still requested in ophthalmology despite the increasing availability of other radiological investigations such as CT, MR imaging and ultrasound. In order to assess the value of skull radiography in ophthalmology we retrospectively studied the use of skull radiographs and CT images in our department. In only one instance was patient management based purely on skull radiograph findings. Over 50% of CT examinations had been preceded by skull films which made no contribution towards management. In some cases the skull films had been misleading by not showing significant pathology and had consequently created considerable delay before diagnosis was reached. It is therefore unjustifiable to use skull films as a method of screening for orbital or intracranial disease and there is little indication for skull radiography in ophthalmology, except in detection of intraocular foreign bodies, facial and orbital fractures and simple sinusitis.
Spiral CT with Three-Dimensional and Multiplanar Reconstruction in the Diagnosis of Anterior Chest Wall Joint and Bone Disorders
Authors: Jurik A. G. , Albrechtsen J.
Published: June 2015

Twenty-seven patients with symptoms or clinical findings suggesting joint or bone disorders of the anterior chest wall (ACW) were evaluated by spiral CT with 3-dimensional (3-D) and multiplanar reconstructions. Preceding conventional ACW tomography was performed in 10 patients. ACW joint and bone changes were visualized more adequately by coronal 2-D reconstructions based on spiral CT than by conventional tomography. In addition, nonossified costal cartilages and soft tissue lesions were demonstrated. 3-D reconstructions sometimes added information, especially in patients with fracture and dislocation.
Value OF CT-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Solitary Pulmonary Nodules with Negative Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
Authors: Río F. García , Lobato S. Díaz , Pino J. M. , Atienza M. , Viguer J. M. , Villasante C. , Villamor J.
Published: June 2015

The usefulness of fine needle aspiration (FNA) with CT-guidance was evaluated in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) following negative fiberoptic bronchoscopy in 84 patients. The records were analyzed for all patients with SPN who had undergone chest FNA in the years 1988 to 1990, showing previous nondiagnostic fiberoptic bronchoscopy. A final diagnosis was made by biopsy (transbronchial, thoracotomy or necropsy), response to therapy or follow-up of the lesions. The patients had medium-sized lesions, 2.87 ± 1.11 cm, adherent to the pleura in 62%. In the diagnosis of malignancy FNA showed 76% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 52% negative predictive value and 81% accuracy. These results were correlated with histology in 84% of the cases. One pulmonary hemorrhage, which resolved spontaneously, and 12 cases of pneumothorax, requiring a thoracic tube in 4 patients, were noted.
Distribution of Coronary Atherosclerosis and its Correlation to Metabolic Risk Factors and Femoral Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bergstrand L. , Bylund H. , Erikson U. , Helmius G. , Lidell C. , Sundlöf G. , Vessby B.
Published: June 2015

Coronary angiography was performed in 216 men of whom 78 also had a cine-angiogram of one femoral artery. Stenoses of the coronary arteries were measured with a pair of calipers and the femoral angiograms were computer-analysed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether the bulk of the coronary stenoses affected the central or the peripheral part of the coronary arteries. The groups were investigated regarding differences in lipid and metabolic risk factors. Coronary atherosclerosis was most often found in the proximal part of the right coronary arteries. No significant correlation between coronary and femoral atherosclerosis was found. Previous myocardial infarction was associated with more coronary artery stenosis (p < 0.003). No pattern of risk factors was found to discriminate between central and peripheral coronary atherosclerosis.
Population-Based Mammography Screening in Clinical Practice
Authors: Thurfjell E.
Published: June 2015

The results from the prevalence round of a population-based mammography screening program in Uppsala county are presented. We invited 48 517 women aged 40 to 74 years to mammography screening. The age subgroup 40 to 54 years was examined with two-view mammograms, while women in age group 55 to 74 years were offered one-view screening. The number of attending women was 41 761 (86% of those invited), of whom 2002 (4.8%) were recalled for further examinations, and 423 (1.0%) were referred for surgical biopsy. A total of 241 (0.58%) women were diagnosed to have breast cancer. About 1/3 of the cancers were stage 2 or more advanced, but only 20% of the invasive cancers had lymph node metastasis. The median size of an invasive cancer was 16 mm. After age-adjusting the cancer rate, the results indicate that the Swedish two-county study can be duplicated in clinical practice.
Blood Supply of the Lower Thoracic and Lumbosacral Regions
Authors: Kauppila L. I.
Published: June 2015

Postmortem aortography was performed in 38 adults, aged 17 to 29 years, to elucidate the normal anatomy of the arteries supplying the lower thoracic and lumbosacral regions. The lowest 3 thoracic segmental arteries, examined in 32 cases, ran symmetrically in 27 cases. In 5 cases (16%) their course was asymmetric; on one side every segment was fed by an artery of its own, whereas on the other side a segmental artery fed 2 or more segments. The course, distribution and size of the 1st to 4th lumbar arteries were constant in every case except one, while the middle sacral artery and its branches, the 5th lumbar arteries, varied in size, being frequently compensated for, partly or wholly, by the iliolumbar arteries derived from the internal iliac arteries. In their course around the vertebral bodies, lumbar arteries frequently passed between and beneath fibrous attachments of the crura of the diaphragm and the psoas muscle.
Angiographic and Intravascular Ultrasonographic Findings after Endovascular Stent Implantation
Authors: Bolz K.-D. , Hatlinghus S. , Wiseth R. , Myhre H. O. , Gronningsæter A.
Published: June 2015

The study was an attempt to evaluate the benefit of intravascular ultrasound imaging (IVUS) as a supplement to follow-up angiography after endovascular stent implantation. A consecutive series of 15 patients underwent stent implantation in the peripheral or coronary arteries. Ten Palmaz stents, 3 Palmaz-Schatz stents and 2 Wallstents were used. After a period from 1 to 6 months (mean 3.2 months) follow-up angiography was performed. In 12 cases the angiography was combined with IVUS of the stent and the adjacent vessel segments. In one case IVUS failed due to the tortuous course of the vessel, in another case the stent was occluded, and in one case IVUS was considered too hazardous. In stents of diameter ≥5 mm, ultrasound (US) did not reveal more information concerning vessel and stent diameter, stent stenosis and intraluminal surface contact than angiography alone. Smaller stents were insufficiently visualized by conventional radiologic methods. In small stents only IVUS permitted an exact stent identification and differentiation between stent stenosis and stenosis of the native vessel. At US imaging artifacts, caused by the highly reflectant metallic stent struts, interfered with the native vessel wall and partly obscured its structural details.
Iodixanol in Cardioangiography
Authors: Tveit K. , Bolz K.-D. , Bolstad B. , Haugland T. , Berg K. J. , Skjærpe T. , Kloster Y. F.
Published: June 2015

Iodixanol (Visipaque) 320 mg I/ml, a non-ionic, dimeric, isotonic contrast medium, was compared to ioxaglate (Hexabrix) 320 mg I/ml in cardioangiography. One hundred and two patients with normal renal function were included in the study. The objectives were to evaluate safety, tolerability, radiographic efficacy and effects on renal function. Adverse events, discomfort, vital signs, clinical chemistry parameters, diagnostic information and radiographic density were recorded. Both contrast media had minor effects on the renal function parameters monitored. The patients who received iodixanol experienced fewer adverse events, significantly less discomfort and had a lower increase in heart rate than did the patients in the ioxaglate group. The radiographic efficacy was good in both groups. Iodixanol 320 mg I/ml is safe and effective for use in cardioangiography.
Iodixanol in Femoral Arteriography
Authors: Thorstensen Ö. , Albrechtsson U. , Calissendorff B. , Lárusdóttir H. , Norgren L. , Tengvaw M. , Bolstad B. , Aspelin P.
Published: June 2015

Two contrast media, iodixanol (Visipaque, Nycomed) 270 mg I/ml and iohexol (Omnipaque, Nycomed) 300 mg I/ml, were compared in femoral arteriography, in 147 patients. Both contrast media were diagnostically effective for use in femoral arteriography, without any significant difference. Pain was reported in connection with injection of iohexol by 36% of the patients, after injection of iodixanol none reported pain. Seventy-two percent of the patients in the iodixanol group reported a sensation of warmth in connection with contrast injection versus 90% in the iohexol group. The average intensity of the warmth was greater with iohexol than with iodixanol. Fourteen percent of patients in the iodixanol group and 1% in the iohexol group reported one or more subjective adverse events.
Double Contrast MR Imaging with Iron Colloid and Gd-DTPA in Cholangiocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Suto Y. , Shimatani Y. , Kato T. , Kamba M. , Ohuchi Y. , Kodama F. , Kato T. , Ohta Y.
Published: June 2015

Double contrast MR imaging with combined use of chondroitin sulfate iron colloid (CSIC) and Gd-DTPA was attempted in 3 cases of cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC). In all cases, nonenhanced spin echo T1- and T2-weighted images, and T1-weighted images after i.v. injection of Gd-DTPA were obtained. Within one week, the MR sequences were repeated one hour after i.v. injection of CSIC. Double contrast (CSIC/Gd-DTPA) T1-weighted imaging was evaluated and compared with the other sequences in terms of tumor detectability, tumor spreading and tumor characterization. Double contrast MR imaging was comparable in tumor detectability and superior as to the evaluation of spreading and characterization to the other MR imaging modalities.
Experiences with a Teleradiology System in Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Korsoff L. , Kallio T. , Kormano M. , Heinilä J.
Published: June 2015

Chest radiographs of 43 patients were digitized and sent from Paimio Hospital to Turku University Central Hospital. Fifteen of the patients had a pneumothorax, 12 had interstitial lung disease and 16 were controls. The images were interpreted by 5 radiologists during their duty shift. The first reading session consisted of images with 1 024 × 1 024 pixel resolution and the second of images with 2 048 × 2 048 matrix followed by the original chest radiographs. ROC studies were performed from the answers based on a 5-point confidence scale. In the pneumothorax group the average area under the individual ROC curve was 0.928 with the 1 024 × 1 024 matrix and 0.983 with the 2 048 × 2 048 matrix. In the fibrosis group the average area under the individual ROC curve was 0.877 with the 1 024 × 1 024 matrix and 0.831 with the 2 048 × 2 048 matrix. The results suggest that the 1 024 × 1 024 matrix is adequate in the detection of pneumothoraces and fibrosis.
MR Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Honda H. , Onitsuka H. , Kanazawa Y. , Matsumata T. , Hayashi T. , Kaneko K. , Fukuya T. , Tateshi Y. , Adachi E. , Masuda K.
Published: June 2015

In order to clarify the factors contributing to the signal intensities (SIs) of HCC on T1-weighted images, the amount of water, lipid, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) was determined in HCC and surrounding hepatic parenchyma of 13 patients. The relationships among these findings, the histopathologic findings, and the SIs of T1-weighted images were evaluated.

Among the 13 HCC, 3 had a high SI, 5 were isointense, and 5 had a low SI on T1-weighted images compared to the surrounding hepatic parenchyma. The paramagnetic ions which contributed to the SI patterns were assumed to be Cu in HCC (38.0±62.4 μg/g ww), and Fe in the liver (61.1±42.4 μg/g ww) and HCC (40.0±34.3 μg/g ww). In 8 HCC with high- or isointensity, 2 were grades I, 5 were grade II, and one was grade III according to the Edmondson-Steiner's histopathologic classification. It is concluded that the SI patterns alone can not be a sign of low grade malignancy because of the existence of Fe in livers and HCC.
Contrast Medium-Induced Vasoconstrictions
Authors: Karstoft J. , Bååth L. , Jansen I. , Edvinsson L.
Published: June 2015

Angiographic contrast media (CM) may cause both vasodilatation and vasoconstriction. This study evaluates a contrast medium-induced vasoconstriction that occurs when isolated arteries are exposed directly to a CM. Segments of rabbit coronary arteries were mounted in tissue baths containing buffer solution. During the experiments the buffer solution was exchanged with iohexol iso-osmolar with plasma, which caused a temporary vasoconstriction of the vessel segments. The constriction did not depend on the degree of oxygenation of iohexol. The endothelium was not involved in the vasoconstriction. Prazosin slightly decreased the vasoconstriction and a small part of the constriction might thus depend on liberation of norepinephrine by iohexol. The constriction was totally inhibited by the calcium antagonist nifedipine, while it was augmented by addition of low concentrations of KCl to ihoexol. It is concluded that the otherwise safe CM iohexol causes vasoconstriction in vitro by depolarizing the smooth muscle cells and the nerve terminals in the vessel wall.
Automatic Biopsy Instruments Used through a Coaxial Bone Biopsy System with an Eccentric Drill Tip
Authors: Åström K. G. O. , Sundström J. C. , Lindgren P. G. , Ahlström K. H.
Published: June 2015

Twenty-eight consecutive CT (n=23) or ultrasonographically (n=5) guided biopsy procedures were performed on musculoskeletal lytic lesions covered (n=13) or not covered (n=15) with intact bone. Specimens were obtained by means of Biopty techniques (n=27), i.e. Biopty and Monopty instruments, through different cannulas with normal or shortened needle-throws. Four out of 5 bone penetrations were successful with an Ostycut needle, and all 8 bone penetrations by a coaxial bone biopsy system with an eccentric drill. The eccentric drill makes a hole in the cortical bone larger than the diameter of the outer cannula of this system, making it easy to anchor the cannula and then coaxially insert a Biopty-Gun needle for example. The overall histopathological diagnostic accuracy of the Biopty techniques was 25/27 (92.6%).
Imaging of Solid Kidney Tumours in Children
Authors: Hugosson C. , Nyman R. , Jacobsson B. , Jorulf H. , Sackey K. , McDonald P.
Published: June 2015

Eighteen children aged 6 months to 12 years with 20 solid renal tumours; 13 Wilms' tumours (WT), 2 clear cell sarcomas of the kidney, 1 malignant rhabdoid tumour of the kidney and 2 cases of bilateral nephroblastomatosis with Wilms' tumour underwent evaluation with US, CT and MR imaging. Contrast-enhanced CT and non-enhanced MR were equally accurate in determining the size and origin of the tumour but were unreliable in separation of stages I, II and III. US could only accurately assess the size of the tumours. MR characteristics varied somewhat between WTs and non-WTs but contrast-enhanced MR imaging might be useful for separation of WTs from nephroblastomatosis.
Radiological Incidence and Course of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in 100 Consecutive Low Birth Weight Neonates
Authors: Lanning P. , Tammela O. , Koivisto M.
Published: June 2015

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is an important cause of chronic respiratory distress in low birth infants. The radiological incidence and course of BPD were assessed in 100 consecutive low birth weight infants. Chest radiographs were examined on admission, at the ages of 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and 4 weeks and at later follow-up until the examinations were normal. Twelve of the children died. The severity and typical radiological abnormalities of BPD were assessed. Among the children alive, there were 26 with BPD (29.5%). The BPD incidence was highest between the age of 2 weeks and 3 months (18–21%) declining to 3.4% at the age of 12 months. Radiological evidence of BPD was already seen at the age of 2 weeks in 16 of the children. Most cases (73%) had their maximum BPD score at the age of 1 to 3 months. The normalisation of the chest radiography occurred predominantly in the age between 3 and 6 months. The most frequent underlying condition in BPD was hyaline membrane disease in 81%.
Midgut Carcinoid Tumours
Authors: Sugimoto Eiichi , Lörelius Lars-Erik , Eriksson Barbro , Öberg Kjell
Published: June 2015

CT was performed on 80 patients referred for staging and treatment of histologically verified midgut carcinoid tumours. In 17 cases (21%) CT was normal in spite of biochemical signs of tumour (increased U-5-HIAA). The most common finding was liver metastases in 54/80 (68%) of patients. Mesenteric metastases, usually as a soft tissue mass at the mesenteric root, were found in 17/80 (21%). Retroperitoneal adenopathy was found in 19/80 (24%). During a follow-up time of 3 months to 10 years (median 3 years) 445 additional CT examinations were performed on 77 patients. In 39 of these, progressive disease (new lesions) was found after a median time of 15 months (range 3 months-6.5 years). CT is poor in detecting primary carcinoid tumours but helpful in evaluating the extent of tumour spread before surgical exploration and during follow-up once the diagnosis has been established.
Clinical Results after Percutaneous Automated Lumbar Nucleotomy
Authors: Dullerud Reidar , Amundsen Tom , Lie Håkon , Juel Niels G. , Abdelnoor Michael , Magnæs Bjørn
Published: June 2015

This study was carried out in order to assess the clinical results after percutaneous automated nucleotomy with regard to predictive factors for the outcome. Selection criteria included patients with predominance of low-back pain, diffuse posterior disk bulges and concomitant spinal stenosis who are not normally accepted for nucleotomy. In all, 142 patients were treated. The overall success rate after an average observation time of 21 months was 56%. The results were not influenced by whether a diffuse posterior bulge or a focal hernia had been treated or not (p=0.449). Spinal stenosis (p=0.043) and disk space narrowing exceeding 25% of the expected width (p=0.017) were associated with a poor outcome. By excluding these categories and patients with symptoms from more than one disk level, the success rate rose to 70%. With this selection, the results were equally good in patients with predominantly low-back pain compared to those with predominantly sciatica (p=0.490).
Defecography
Authors: Yang X.-M. , Partanen K. , Farin P. , Soimakallio S.
Published: June 2015

Defecography, a dynamic imaging modality, plays an important role in the diagnosis of functional and morphologic abnormalities of the anorectal region. We have here summarized the principle and techniques as well as observations of defecography, with special emphasis on morphologic measurements, clinical relevance, and limitations. The application of MR imaging in examination of anorectal function has also been addressed.
Yield and Complications in Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of Abdominal Lesions
Authors: Nyman R. S. , Cappelen-Smith J. , Brismar J. , von Sinner W. , Kagevi I.
Published: June 2015

A series of 458 consecutive ultrasound-guided biopsies in 347 patients − 171 fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) and 287 1.2-mm needle core biopsies (NCBs) − was analysed for diagnostic yield and complications. FNAB was diagnostic in 107 (64%) biopsies of focal lesions with a correct diagnosis of malignancy in 86 of 125 biopsies (69%) and of benign disease in 21 of 43 (49%) biopsies. NCB provided a correct diagnosis in 189 (90%) biopsies for focal lesions, divided into 140 of 159 (88%) correct for malignancy and 49 of 50 (98%) correct for benign disease. In 69 patients examined with both FNAB and NCB on the same occasion, 50 out of 55 malignant lesions were identified with NCB but only 34 with FNAB; all 14 benign lesions were correctly identified by NCB, and only 6 by FNAB. Clinical relevant bleeding complications occurred in 6 out of 458 biopsies (1.3%) − 3 out of 287 following NCB (1.0%) and 3 out of 171 following FNAB (1.8%). It is concluded that if FNAB is replaced with 1.2-mm NCB using an automated biopsy gun, the diagnostic accuracy for abdominal lesions increases significantly (p<0.001), while the complication rate remains the same.
Low-Field MR Imaging of the Spine
Authors: Drejer J. , Thomsen H. S. , Tanttu J.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate a new steady-state sequence in the delineation of the various structures in the spine at low-field MR imaging with a very high homogeneity of the main field.

Methods:

49 patients underwent 53 examinations with both a traditional T1-weighted gradient-echo (PS) sequence and a new completely balanced steady-state 3-D (CBASS3D) sequence; 20 examinations included the cervical spine, 8 the thoracic spine and 25 the lumbar spine. All 106 examinations were reviewed twice regarding visibility of selected structures in the spinal region and diagnostic usefulness.

Results:

The CBASS3D sequence delineated the medulla, nerve roots, CSF, the intervertebral discs and the posterior longitudinal ligament significantly better than the PS sequence. Disc hernia was also better visualised (p<0.01). There were significantly more artefacts on images obtained with the CBASS3D sequence, but they were usually outside the region of interest and occurred less frequently over time due to increased experience of the staff. Both reviewers found the diagnostic usefulness of CBASS3D to be superior compared to that of PS and excellent for diagnostic purposes.

Conclusion:

The CBASS3D sequence is a considerable improvement in the visualisation of degenerative changes of the spine at low-field MR imaging.
Survival of Patients after Resection for Lung Cancer
Authors: Lähde S. , Rainio P. , Bloigu R.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The predictive value of staging of primary lung cancer by CT and thoracotomy with respect to survival was assessed in a series of 151 consecutive patients.

Material and Methods:

The new international staging system for lung cancer was used, with an additional indeterminate stage employed for cases in which a definite classification was impossible by CT.

Results:

The survival rate curves for the stage groups assessed at CT and thoracotomy showed moderate to good parallelism. The patients with tumor stage I at thoracotomy but indeterminate or IIIa at CT had a significantly lower survival rate than those scored stage I at both. It was concluded that a sign of tumor spread obtained at any of the investigations should lead to an active approach, increasing the radicality of surgery or omitting noncurative operations.
Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula and Aneurysmal Rupture Associated with Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Hirai T. , Korogi Y. , Goto K. , Ogata N. , Sakamoto Y. , Takahashi M.
Published: June 2015

A patient with carotid-cavernous sinus fistula associated with fibromuscular dysplasia, who died from rupture of an associated splenic aneurysm despite successful treatment of the CCF, is reported. When multivessel involvement with aneurysmal dilatation is observed in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia, the possibility of aneurysm ruptures in any of the arteries should be considered.
Size and Asymmetry of the Planum Temporale
Authors: Utsunomiya H. , Nawata M. , Ogasawara T. , Okazaki M. , Miyoshi M.
Published: June 2015

The planum temporale of the supratemporal plane is important for language function and shows left—right asymmetry in most brains. To estimate the size and allow side comparison of the planum temporale, we developed a new technique for 3-D MR analysis of the supratemporal plane using a personal computer and computer-aided graphics. The temporal lobes of 5 human cadavers were imaged by MR in the sagittal plane, at a slice thickness of 2 mm. The images of the supratemporal plane were entered into a personal computer using the original software to determine the positions of anatomic landmarks and the size of the planum temporale. The data were then transferred to a supercomputer to reconstruct the 3-D surface image of the supratemporal plane. Computer images of the supratemporal plane agreed with macroscopic observations. The positions of anatomic landmarks and the size of the planum temporale also agreed with macroscopic measurements. Thus, the present technique provides valuable anatomic data on the supratemporal plane which should be useful for further clarification of the anatomic basis of language function.
Dynamic Range Control Processing of Digital Chest Images
Authors: Ikezoe J. , Takeuchi N. , Kido S. , Kondoh H. , Johkoh T. , Kohno N. , Arisawa J. , Kozuka T. , Tanaka H. , Nakajima N. , Kato H.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The clinical usefulness of an advanced image-processing system called “dynamic range control processing” was investigated, with which selected parts of the dynamic range of digital chest images could be controlled.

Material and Methods:

A comparative study of 3 different post-processed formats of storage phosphor (SR) images was performed in 35 patients with abnormalities in the chest. The 3 formats were SR images with standard mode (SR-standard), SR images with strong edge-enhancement (SR-enhanced), and dynamic range controlled SR images (SR-controlled).

Results:

For lung abnormalities, there was no difference among the 3 SR image formats. For normal mediastinal structures and lung abnormalities covered by the heart or diaphragm, SR-controlled and SR-enhanced images were significantly superior to SR-standard images, while no difference was found between SR-controlled and SR-enhanced images except for the trachea and bony structures.

Conclusion:

Dynamic range control processing appears to be a useful method for displaying SR chest images with an extremely wide dynamic range.
Fast Spin-ECHO MR Assessment of Patients with Poor Outcome following Spinal Cervical Surgery
Authors: Wu W. , Thuomas K.-Å. , Hedlund R. , Leszniewski W. , Vavruch L.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate poor outcome following spinal cervical surgery.

Material and Methods:

A total of 146 consecutive patients operated with anterior discectomy and fusion (ADF) with the Cloward technique were investigated. Clinical notes, plain radiography, CT, and fast spin-echo (FSE) images were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:

Some 30% of the patients had unsatisfactory clinical results within 12 months after surgery; 13% had initial improvement followed by deterioration of the preoperative symptoms, while 14.4% were not improved or worsened. Disc herniation and bony stenosis above, below, or at the fused level were the most common findings. In 45% of patients, surgery failed to decompress the spinal canal. In only 4 patients was no cause of remaining myelopathy and/or radiculopathy found. FSE demonstrated a large variety of pathological findings in the patients with poor clinical outcome after ADF. Postoperatively, patients with good clinical outcome had a lower incidence of pathological changes.

Conclusion:

FSE is considered the primary imaging modality for the cervical spine. However, CT is a useful complement in the axial projection to visualize bone changes.
MR Imaging in Solvent-Induced Chronic Toxic Encephalopathy
Authors: Thuomas K.-Å. , Möller C. , Ödkvist L. M. , Flodin U. , Dige N.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To use MR to examine patients with CNS symptoms indicating chronic intoxication.

Material and Methods:

Thirty-two subjects exposed to industrial solvents for 5 to 28 years and 40 age-matched, healthy controls were examined.

Results:

All patients showed decreased signal in the basal ganglia on T2-weighted images. In 11 of the patients the white matter showed diffuse hyperintensity with loss of the grey-white matter discrimination and with distinct periventricular hyperintensities in 5 of the patients. The controls had no pathological changes in the brain.

Conclusion:

Although the relatively small number of patients may obscure the significance, findings observed on T2-weighted images were patchy periventricular hyperintensities and hypointensities in the basal ganglia. Fast spin-echo is a good technique with fast acquisition of images with true spin-echo contrast features.
A Simple Way to Indicate Pulmonary Nodules at Thoracoscopic Wedge Resections
Authors: Denbratt L. , Svanvik J. , Rådberg G.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Small pulmonary subpleural nodules are sometimes difficult to localise at thoracotomy. With the advent of minimal invasive surgery, thoracoscopic resection avoiding anterolateral thoracotomy is an attractive procedure. Since this technique does not allow manual palpation, preoperative indication of lesions is mandatory. A simple and cost-effective system for preoperative CT-guided localisation of small subpleural nodules before thoracoscopic resection is described.

Material and Methods:

The system consists of a 0.2-mm steel wire 30–40 cm in length and a 0.9-mm biopsy needle. The tip of the wire is bent to a hook, and, guided by CT, it is placed in the vicinity of the lesion. The technique was tested in 8 cases.

Results:

The procedure was possible to perform in 7 patients. In all instances the wire remained in place when the lung was collapsed during the thoracoscopic procedure. The staple resected part of the lung also contained the lesion when examined extracorporeally.

Conclusion:

This simple and inexpensive system was found to be useful for indication of pulmonary lesions at thoracoscopic wedge resections.
CT and MR Imaging of the Liver Using Liver-Specific Contrast Media
Authors: Leander P. , Månsson S. , Ege T. , Besjakov J.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

A new type of liposomal liver-specific contrast medium (CM) in CT was studied, and the results were compared with those obtained with Mn-DPDP, a paramagnetic hepatobiliary CM, in MR imaging. The contrasts of normal liver tissue to tumorous tissue and the importance of the CM for tumour detection in the 2 modalities were studied in a rabbit tumour model. CT and T1-weighted pre- and postcontrast and T2-weighted MR images precontrast were obtained.

Material, Methods and Results:

Compared to precontrast images, significantly higher contrasts of normal liver tissue to tumorous tissue were obtained after CM administration in both CT and MR examinations. At radiologic evaluation, significantly more tumours were detected after CM administration in CT and in T1-weighted MR images than in precontrast images in CT and T1-weighted MR. There were no significant differences in tumour detection frequency in MR studies including a T2-weighted pulse sequence, postcontrast CT, or postcontrast T1-weighted MR imaging.

Conclusion:

The use of liver-specific CM improves visualization of liver tumours in CT and T1-weighted MR imaging.
Evaluation of Time-of-Flight and Phase-Contrast MRA Sequences at 1.0 T for Diagnosis of Carotid Artery Disease
Authors: Cronqvist M. , Ståhlberg F. , Larsson E.-M. , Lönntoft M. , Holtås S.
Published: June 2015

Purpose and Material:

The aim of this work was, firstly, to compare different manufacturer-provided MRA sequences in a 1.0 T MR unit, with respect to the visibility of an artificial stenosis in a flow phantom and, secondly, to evaluate the same sequences in healthy volunteers with respect to S/N ratio levels and practical in vivo implementation routines.

Methods:

The studied sequences were 2D and 3D TOF and sequences with an acquisition time of approximately 10 min. Quantitative signal evaluation was made using single transverse partitions in all phantom experiments. MIP angiograms and MPR reconstructions were made for visual inspection of image quality. In vivo, the images were individually evaluated by visual inspection by experienced neuroradiologists.

Results:

In the evaluation of the grade and length of a stenosis, a combination of MIP and MPR was seen to be the optimal and necessary procedure. A shortening of TE played an important and significant role in the visualization of the poststenotic flow in the phantom using TOF MRA. However, the shortest TE values gave poor S/N ratio in vivo. The good results achieved in the phantom studies for 3D phase-contrast were somewhat reversed in the volunteer studies, whereas 3D TOF sequences showed good results in both the phantom and the volunteer studies.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Larynx — A Rare Case in an Adolescent
Authors: Sharma A. K.
Published: June 2015

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a rare lesion, most often occurring in the elderly. A very unusual case in a 15-year-old boy diagnosed by CT and confirmed at histopathology is presented.
Examination Technique, Image Quality, and Patient Dose in Paediatric Radiology
Authors: Almén A. , Lööf M. , Mattsson S.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Investigation of examination technique, image quality, and absorbed dose to the patients in paediatric radiology.

Material and Methods:

In total, 19 Swedish hospitals participated in the study. Using a questionnaire, the hospitals described their examination technique for the pelvis, urinary tract, colon, scoliosis, and lung. The image quality and patient dose were experimentally studied for the simulated pelvis examination of a 1-year-old child. This examination was carried out with a test object containing a contrast-detail phantom. TL dosimeters were used to determine the absorbed dose on the surface of the phantom, approximately corresponding to the absorbed dose on the surface of the patient.

Results:

Examination techniques varied considerably among the hospitals, the most striking difference concerning the film-screen sensitivity. Consequently, there was a variation in the absorbed dose on the surface of the phantom, from 0.09 mGy to 1.7 mGy (mean 0.65 mGy). For a large range of doses, 0.4–1.7 mGy, the image quality was not significantly different.

Conclusion:

The unharmonized, and in many places unoptimized, examination techniques led to a great variation in the absorbed dose to the children examined.
Clinical Impact of Adrenal Expansive Lesions in Bronchial Carcinoma
Authors: Eggesbø H. B. , Hansen G.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To estimate the prevalence of adrenal expansive lesions in patients with bronchial carcinoma, and assess the relationships among adrenal masses, TNM classification, and histology of the bronchial carcinoma, and to reveal other signs of inoperability in these patients.

Material and Methods:

CT findings of the thorax and upper abdomen in 96 patients with bronchial carcinoma were reviewed. Brain- and upper abdominal metastases, together with TNM classification and histology of the bronchial carcinoma, was recorded. CT was performed with 10-mm slice thickness from the thorax aperture to the renal hilum under i.v. contrast medium injection.

Results:

Eight adrenal expansive lesions (1.5–10 cm, mean 4.6 cm) were revealed in 6 of the 96 patients (6.3%). Two of these patients, classified as N0, had metastases in other organs; one had brain metastases and the other liver metastases. The bronchial carcinomas in the remaining 4 patients were classified as N3. Three of the patients had adenocarcinoma, one each of small-cell-, large-cell-, and unclassified bronchial carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma was most common in the total patient population, but no patient with adrenal masses showed this histologic type.

Conclusion:

The finding of adrenal expansive lesions in bronchial carcinoma has little clinical impact, because these patients usually show other signs of inoperability. Hence, the value of upper abdominal CT as a routine examination is questionable.
Focal Residual Contrast Media in the Kidney 24 Hours after Angiography
Authors: Yamazaki H. , Oi H. , Matsushita M. , Koizumi M. , Kagawa K. , Tanaka E. , Murayama S. , Nose T. , Teshima T. , Inoue T. A. , Inoue T. O.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To examine the relationship between focal renal cortical retention (FRCR) and contrast-associated nephropathy (CAN).

Material and Methods:

We investigated the incidence of both phenomena in 105 patients. CAN was defined as an increase in the creatinine level >0.3 mg/dl and >20% on days 1, 3, or 7. We compared predisposing factors for FRCR and CAN. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) for renal function were determined on the morning of the day of the angiography. The BUN/creatinine ratio was used as an indicator of the degree of hydration.

Results:

FRCR was demonstrated in 17 patients (16%) by delayed CT 24 h after angiography, and CAN was found in 16 patients (15%). No significant relationship between CAN and FRCR was found. We found a correlation between high total volumes of contrast and FRCR. Advanced age, high blood urea nitrogen, high creatinine, and dehydration were risk factors for CAN.

Conclusion:

Delayed CT showed a higher incidence of injury to the renal parenchyma than previously detected by conventional radiography.
Ultrasound and Soft-Tissue Radiography to Monitor Local Interferon-α2B Treatment in Peyronie's Disease
Authors: Andresen R. , Wegner H. E. H. , Banzer D. , Miller K.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

We attempted to assess objectively the response of Peyronie's disease plaques to local interferon-α2B.

Material and Methods:

Twenty patients were treated with 5 local injections of 1 million units of IFN-α2B into a single designated plaque. Before treatment, and 4 weeks and 6 months after treatment, the plaques were examined ultrasonographically. Each time, a histogram profile was performed. All patients also underwent soft-tissue radiography in 2 planes using the mammography technique before and 6 months after treatment.

Results:

We found that with ultrasonography the plaques could be classified into 3 groups depending on degree of calcification, from nil to complete. Radiography detected calcifications better than ultrasonography but failed to detect plaques without calcification. The degree of calcification was negatively correlated with the response to treatment, since noncalcified plaques responded best, while fully calcified plaques failed to respond.

Conclusion:

In Peyronie's disease, ultrasonography is an important tool for non-invasive monitoring treatment response and for preselecting patients for medical treatment.
Medical Radiology in Norway
Authors: Aakhus T. , Poppe E.
Published: June 2015

A short review is given of the development of medical radiology in Norway since the discovery of X-rays in 1895.
The History of Swedish Neuroradiology
Authors: Greitz T.
Published: June 2015

The history of Swedish neuroradiology is reviewed.
Effects of the Low-Osmolality Contrast Medium Ioversol (Optiray) on Renal Function in a Geriatric Population
Authors: Louvel J.-P. , Primard E. , Henry J. , Houlette C. , Weinstein A. , Janvresse A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To assess the incidence of nephrotoxicity following i.v. injection of the iodinated low-osmolality contrast medium ioversol 300 (Optiray) in a geriatric population compared with a control group aged under 60 years, neither group presenting any associated risk factors.

Material and Methods:

CT with i.v. bolus injection of ioversol 300 mg I/ml was performed at a mean dose of 1.36±0.06 ml/kg (range 1–2 ml/kg b.w.) in 47 patients aged over 69 years. Serum creatinine level was measured and creatinine clearance was calculated at 24, 48 and 72 h after the examination, and compared to a reference serum creatinine value taken before CT. The findings were compared with a control group of 44 patients aged under 60 years.

Results:

No significant increase in serum creatinine (+0.6 mmol/l) or in creatinine clearance (+0.7 ml/min) was found during the course of 3 days after the injection. Only one patient (aged 82) presented an increase of 25% in serum creatinine (109 mmol/l).

Conclusion:

The trial did not demonstrate any significant difference between the 2 groups, although the elderly patients had a subclinical renal impairment revealed by the decrease of the initial creatinine clearance. The use of low-osmolality ioversol makes it possible to perform examination with an iodinated contrast agent without increasing the incidence of nephrotoxicity in elderly subjects.
Lymph Nodes in the Hepato-Duodenal Ligament
Authors: Lyttkens K. , Hannesson P. , Prytz H. , Wallengren N.-O. , Forsberg L.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

We investigated whether a low-field MR unit (0.2 T) could demonstrate and determine the size of the lymph nodes in the hepato-duodenal ligament that were previously found on ultrasound.

Material and Methods:

Eighteen patients were examined with ultrasound, MR and liver biopsy on consecutive days.

Results:

Two-thirds of the enlarged nodes detected by ultrasound were also detected with the low-field MR technique. However, the size of the nodes was slightly larger on ultrasound.

Conclusion:

Compared to low-field MR, ultrasound appears to be superior in the evaluation of lymph nodes in the liver hilus.
Extraforaminal Stenosis in the Lumbosacral Spine
Authors: Hashimoto M. , Watanabe O. , Hirano H.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To review experience with MR images of extraforaminal (EF) stenosis in the lumbosacral spine.

Material:

MR images from 9 patients with 10 EF stenoses were reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed in 6 patients at surgery, and in 4 on the basis of findings of nerve root injection combined with nerve block.

Results and Conclusion:

All patients had congenital lumbosacral anomalies with various degrees of fixation between the last formed level and the pelvis. In all cases, affected roots were compressed between the transverse process of the last lumbar segment and the sacral ala. MR using coronal plane imaging demonstrated the root impingement directly in the far lateral zone in all patients. However, sagittal and axial images were unable to define the EF stenoses in all patients. The results of this study show that a transitional vertebra is a cause of EF stenosis and that MR images using coronal plane are useful in the assessment of EF stenosis.
Relations between Radiographic Trabecular Pattern and Biomechanical Characteristics of Human Vertebrae
Authors: Korstjens C. M. , Mosekilde L. , Spruijt R. J. , Geraets W. G. M. , van der Stelt P. F.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Relations between the radiographic trabecular pattern and the biomechanical characteristics of bone were studied.

Material and Methods:

The material comprised L2 and L3 vertebral bodies of 14 individuals (aged 22–76 years; 6 women and 8 men). Compressive strength and ash density of the complete L2 vertebral body were determined. Of the L3 vertebral body, ash density and compressive strength in both horizontal and vertical directions were measured on cylinders of merely trabecular bone. Radiographs were taken of a midsagittal slice of L3 vertebrae. They were digitized to measure trabecular bone geometry and orientation. The procedure was repeated several times to obtain reliable measures.

Results:

The radiographic trabecular pattern was significantly related to compressive strength, ash density and age. One of the radiographic geometric features in particular seems to offer information concerning the structural integrity of the trabecular architecture.

Conclusion:

Analysis of the radiographic trabecular pattern appears to be a promising technique for prediction of trabecular bone strength.
Delineation of Segmental Liver Anatomy
Authors: Jung G. , Krahe T. , Krug B. , Hahn U. , Raab M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of noninvasive imaging methods to localize focal liver lesions to specific hepatic segments.

Material and Methods:

In a prospective study we evaluated 24 patients with hepatic masses with ultrasonography (US), spiral CT and MR imaging.

Results:

The primary segmental location of the lesions was correct with US in 15 of 24 patients (63%), with CT in 21 of 24 patients (88%) and with MR imaging in 17 of 22 patients (77%). The full extent of the lesions was correctly described with US in 9 of 24 patients (38%), with CT in 16 of 24 patients (67%) and with MR in 12 of 22 patients (55%).

Conclusion:

Among the noninvasive imaging methods, CT provides the best information for determining the segmental location and planning the surgical approach to hepatic resections.
Mr Imaging of the Lacrimal Gland
Authors: Ueno H. , Ariji E. , Izumi M. , Uetani M. , Hayashi K. , Nakamura T.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The subject of this study was to define age-related and gender-dependent changes in MR features of the lacrimal gland.

Material and Methods:

MR images were retrospectively analyzed in 104 normal subjects aged 2–79 years to measure thickness and area of the lacrimal gland, its MR signal intensity ratio, and SD of the MR signal intensity profile.

Results:

Thickness and area of the lacrimal gland decreased with age in women (p<0.001), but not in men. Furthermore, MR signal intensity ratio of the lacrimal gland showed an age-related increase in women (p<0.001), but not in men. On the other hand, SD of the MR signal intensity increased with age in both women and men (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that gender has a significant influence on lacrimal gland structure during development and aging.