bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
Authors: Tikkakoski T. , Päivänsalo M. , Siniluoto T. , Hiltunen S. , Typpö T. , Jartti P. , Apaja-Sarkkinen M.
Published: June 2015

The results of 155 US-guided cutting needle biopsies, mainly of abdominal and transthoracic lesions, were reviewed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the method. A fine needle biopsy (FNB) was additionally performed in 99 of the patients. Sufficient material for histologic and cytologic analysis was obtained in 88% (137/155) and 98% (97/99), and a correct benign or malignant diagnosis was made in 87% and 88%, respectively. Among the 99 combined biopsies the corresponding figures were 100% and 97%, respectively. The proportions of inconclusive and false-negative results among histologic samples were 0% and 4% (2/57), in FNBs 7% (7/99) and 5% (3/56), and in combined examinations 3% (3/99) and 0%. One major complication, Streptococcus faecalis sepsis, occurred. The combined use of FNB and histologic biopsy increases the proportion of correct diagnoses about 10% without increasing the complications.
Inability of Refined CT to Assess Local Extent of Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Rørvik J. , Halvorsen O. J. , Espeland A. , Haukaas S.
Published: June 2015

A refined procedure for CT was evaluated as a staging procedure in 19 patients with localized prostatic carcinoma. The CT images were compared to histopathologic whole-mount step sections of the surgical specimens. Fourteen of the patients had pathologic stage T3 (pT3) and 5 had stage pT2 giving a prevalence of extracapsular growth of 0.74. The CT images were read by 2 radiologists independently with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.37 for both observers. This is no better than in previous studies using a routine CT procedure. We conclude that CT is of little value in the staging protocol for the local extent of prostatic carcinoma before radical prostatectomy.
Effects of Femoral Arteriography and Low Osmolar Contrast Agents on Renal Function
Authors: Nikonoff T. , Skau T. , Berglund J. , Nyberg P. , Spångberg-Viklund B. , Larsson R.
Published: June 2015

The contrast media-induced renal effects of 3 different low osmolar contrast agents were prospectively evaluated with creatinine, beta-2-microglobulin, and urea in serum before and after femoral arteriography in 110 consecutive patients. Forty-two patients (38%) had at least one of the 2 major risk factors for contrast media-induced nephropathy; diabetes mellitus or renal dysfunction. Six patients (5%) had both risk factors. There were statistically significant increases of S-creatinine (6.5%, p < 0.001) and S-beta-2-microglobulin (7.4%, p < 0.001) but no increase of S-urea, in the total patient material. This effect was independent of preexaminatory renal function, the presence of diabetes mellitus and type of low osmolar contrast agent used in these patients who were properly hydrated before the examination. The amount of administered contrast medium did not correlate with the degree of contrast agent-induced renal function impairment.
Functional Mr Imaging at 1.5 T
Authors: Henriksen O. , Larsson H. B. W. , Ring P. , Rostrup E. , Stensgaard A. , Stubgaard M. , Ståhlberg F. , Söndergaard L. , Thomsen C. , Toft P.
Published: June 2015

A preliminary investigation of the effects of stimulation of the visual and the motor cortex was made on a conventional 1.5 T MR imaging scanner. Both types of activation gave a detectable change in the signal between rest and stimulation using a gradient echo sequence with an echo time of 60 ms. The observed effects were assumed to be caused by variation in the amount of paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin between stimulation and rest due to local increase of capillary blood flow in the human brain during stimulation.
In Vivo Fluorescence Microscopy of Microcirculation in the Renal Cortex of Mice
Authors: Högstrωm B. , Rooth P. , Sunnegårdh O. , Hietala S.-O.
Published: June 2015

In vivo fluorescence microscopy was used for experimental studies of renal cortical microcirculation in 46 mice. The cortical circulation was studied after i.v. infusions of mannitol of various osmolalities as well as nonionic low osmolar (iohexol) and ionic high osmolar (metrizoate) contrast media. All infusions produced an increase in the number of capillaries with increased blood flow, significantly more pronounced after the infusion of iohexol, metrizoate and mannitol 1.46 mol/l than after the infusion of mannitol 0.3 mol/l. However, the renal cortical blood flow was inhomogeneous with respect to different capillaries. While the blood flow was increased in some capillaries it was to some extent simultaneously decreased in others, significantly more after infusion of metrizoate than after infusion of mannitol 0.3 mol/l.
Coauthorship Trends in the Leading Radiological Journals
Authors: Mussurakis S.
Published: June 2015

Coauthorship trends have received limited attention in radiology. This paper examines the author inflation phenomenon in 12 leading radiological peer-reviewed journals and seeks explanations for the rise in multiple authorship. MEDLINE was searched from 1966 through 1991, and the indexed scientific material (67 758 articles) of the eligible core journals was analysed. During this 26-year period the average number of authors per original article (including case reports) doubled, increasing from 2.2 in 1966 to 4.4 in 1991. The linear regression model fitting the data was strongly significant, although since the late 1980s the rate of the coauthorship rise started to decrease. There was considerable variation in coauthorship patterns between journals. Other factors, such as the contributors' country, were also noted to influence coauthorship. The increasing complexity of radiological research explains in part the rise in multiple-author papers, but the main cause must undoubtedly be the excessive pressure to publish. Among the topics discussed are the incentives that stimulate radiologists to write, the dynamics of coauthorship, and the proposals made to standardize the requirements for authorship and to shift the emphasis from quantity of publication to quality.
Solid Bolus Swallowing in the Radiologic Evaluation of Dysphagia
Authors: van Westen D. , Ekberg O.
Published: June 2015

Patients with dysphagia, heartburn and chest pain are regularly referred for radiologic evaluation of swallowing. The liquid barium swallow has been of great value for the biphasic evaluation of the pharynx and esophagus. Though many patients complain of dysphagia specifically for solids, solid bolus swallow is usually not part of the evaluation. For the present study we therefore included the use of a solid bolus with a diameter of 13 mm and interviewed the patients carefully for any symptoms during this tablet swallow. Of 200 patients examined, the tablet passed through the esophagus without delay in 102. In the 98 patients with delayed passage, the solid bolus arrest occurred in the pharynx in 5 and in the esophagus in 93. Arrest in the esophagus was due to esophageal dysmotility in 48 patients. Twenty of these were symptomatic during the tablet swallow. A narrowing was the cause in 45, of whom 9 had symptoms. In 18 patients (9%) the solid bolus added key information to the radiologic evaluation. We therefore recommend that the solid bolus is included in the routine radiologic work-up of patients with dysphagia. Careful attention to symptoms during the tablet swallow is important.
Pacemaker Wires
Authors: Fransson S.-G.
Published: June 2015

Evaluation of pacemaker wires were performed by comparing Advanced Multiple Beam Equalization Radiography (AMBER) with conventional chest radiography. The scanning equalization technique of the AMBER unit makes it superior to conventional technique in the depiction of different structures in the mediastinum or in the pleural sinuses. So far motion artifacts have not been considered clinically important. The longer exposure time, however, may impair the assessment of pacemaker wires. The motion artifact described may not only make adequate evaluation impossible but may even give a false impression of a lead fracture. The difference between the two systems was significant.
The Kissing Balloons Technique
Authors: Chavan A. , Galanski M. , Jandeleit K. , Prokop M. , Schaefer C.
Published: June 2015

Whereas dilatation of a single stenosis of the main renal artery is a routine intervention, a narrowing of the renal artery at its bifurcation extending into the branch arteries poses a more complex problem. The procedural risks of renal artery dilatation are compounded by the danger of occlusion of one of the branch arteries during maneuvers to dilate the other. Long-term results of surgical vascular reconstruction at a renal artery bifurcation are not satisfactory. Untreated, these stenoses lead to intractable hypertension and impairment or loss of renal function. We present a patient with hypertension and impaired function of the right kidney on account of a renal arterial bifurcation stenosis. Using a bilateral transfemoral arterial approach 2 balloon catheters were simultaneously placed into the origins of the renal artery branches and both arteries were successfully dilated by the kissing balloons technique. This method provides an elegant alternative to difficult surgery to save an endangered kidney.
Assessment of Tissue Viability by Thermography after Experimentally Produced Frostbite of the Rabbit Ear
Authors: Junila J. , Kaarela O. , Mäkäräinen H. , Waris T.
Published: June 2015

Since it is difficult and time-consuming to monitor the formation of a demarcation line in frostbite by visual inspection only, thermography was used to study experimental freezing injuries of the rabbit ear. In 8 rabbits, anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride, frostbite was induced by pressing the bottom of a glass bottle 2 cm in diameter, filled with liquid nitrogen against the shaved ear skin. Thermography was performed on both ears after 2, 24, and 48 hours, and one and 3 weeks. At 2 to 48 hours the frostbitten area was clearly warmer than the surroundings, after one week there were ill-defined diffuse cold spots in the injured area, and after 3 weeks a cold area had become clearly demarcated with a warm zone between the cold area and the surroundings. Thermography is an easy, noninvasive method for monitoring thermal changes after experimental frostbite, but its clinical value is as yet unresolved.
Diffuse Renal Disease
Authors: Tikkakoski T. , Waahtera K. , Mäkäräinen H. , Päivänsalo M. , Huttunen K. , Apaja-Sarkkinen M. , Autio-Harmainen H.
Published: June 2015

The results of ultrasound (US)-guided renal parenchymal cutting needle biopsies in 101 consecutive patients were reviewed. The biopsies were done with the automated Biopty device mounted with a 2.0-mm needle. One or 2 needle passes yielded sufficient material for histologic analysis in 94% (95/101). Three or more passes were required in 6% (6/101) to obtain an adequate specimen. Mesangio-proliferative glomerulonephritis, IgA-nephropathy, nephrosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, secondary amyloidosis, lupus nephritis, minimal change glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis accounted for 79% of the final histologic diagnoses. The high quality and quantity of the tissue specimens yielded a definitive histologic diagnosis in renal parenchymal diseases of unknown etiology. Four major complications occurred, but no deaths or loss of kidney function were recorded. US proved useful as a guide to suitable biopsy site and in the detection of clinically significant complications. Prebiopsy screening of coagulation variables did not seem to prevent complications. Special attention should be paid to post-biopsy clinical observation.
Age Dependent White Matter Lesions and Brain Volume Changes in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Christiansen P. , Larsson H. B. W. , Thomsen C. , Wieslander S. B. , Henriksen O.
Published: June 2015

The brain of 142 healthy volunteers aged 21 to 80 years were investigated using MR imaging. The number and size of the white matter hyperintensity lesions (WMHL) in the cerebral hemispheres were determined. Furthermore, the volume of the cerebral hemispheres and of the lateral ventricles was measured. An almost linear increase in the number of volunteers with WMHL was seen with aging for males and females. With aging a significant decrease in the volume of the cerebral hemispheres was found for males, and a significant increase in the volume of the lateral ventricles was seen for both males and females. Our results suggest that with aging central atrophy increases more (relatively) than cortical atrophy. No correlation was found between the decreasing volume of the cerebral hemispheres and the increasing number and size of WMHL, nor between the increasing volume of the lateral ventricles and the increasing number and size of WMHL.
Phase-Contrast Cine Mr Imaging of Normal Aqueductal CSF Flow
Authors: Barkhof F. , Kouwenhoven M. , Scheltens P. , Sprenger M. , Algra P. , Valk J.
Published: June 2015

Cine phase-contrast MR imaging was used to study pulsatile CSF flow in the aqueduct in 11 young controls (mean age 30 years) and 9 old controls (mean age 69 years). A high-resolution gradient echo technique and an oblique imaging plane, perpendicular to the aqueduct, was used to avoid volume averaging. Phantom studies confirmed that the technique was accurate. Aqueductal velocity and flux in old controls was higher than in young controls, but the differences were not significant. For all controls together, the averaged peak velocity was 4.2 ± 1.5 cm/s in rostral and −7.8 ± 4.9 cm/s in caudal direction; for the flux it was 0.16 ± 0.10 cm3/s in rostral and −0.29 ± 0.19 cm3/s in caudal direction. Phase-contrast measurements were significantly related to flow-void on modulus MR images, but not with ventricular size or cortical atrophy. The present technique avoids underestimation of aqueductal flow, and therefore reveals higher aqueductal velocity and flux values than previous studies. Factors other than age or atrophy seem to determine aqueductal CSF flow.
CT of Saber-Sheath Trachea
Authors: Trigaux J. P. , Hermes G. , Dubois P. , Van Beers B. , Delaunois L. , Jamart J.
Published: June 2015

The diagnosis of saber-sheath trachea is easy at CT due to its cross-sectional imaging, but the significance of this CT sign has not been evaluated in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Various signs of COPD were compared between a series of 20 patients with a saber-sheath trachea at CT (tracheal index <66%) and a group of 20 pneumologic control patients without saber-sheath trachea (tracheal index ≥70%). These signs included clinical and standard radiographic indices of COPD, sternum-spine distance and 3 functional tests of COPD: forced expiratory volume in one second, carbon monoxide diffusing lung capacity, and functional residual capacity (FRC). A significant difference was found between the 2 groups, concerning the values of FRC (p < 10−4) and of sternum-spine distance (p < 10−2). The tracheal index was significantly correlated with the FRC values (r = −0.611; p < 10−5) and with the sternum-spine distance (r = −0.322; p < 0.05). No other significant difference was observed. It is concluded that saber-sheath trachea is basically a sign of hyperinflation.
Radiology in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Leander P. , Ekberg O. , Almqvist P.
Published: June 2015

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is attempted in all our patients scheduled for cholecystectomy. The related standard radiologic procedures are preoperative ultrasonography (US) and peroperative cholangiography (PCA). In a retrospective study of 214 patients scheduled for LC over a 2-year period we have reviewed the radiologic and clinical records. Preoperative US revealed stones in the common bile duct (CBD) in 8 patients, all treated with endoscopic papillotomy before or after operation. PCA was successful in 176 patients (82%) and gave crucial information in 22 patients including 8 with stones in the CBD not preoperatively diagnosed, 6 with anomalous anatomy, and 8 with malpositioned surgical clip on the cystic duct. In 26 patients LC was converted into open surgery, but in only one case due to CBD stone revealed at PCA. Seventeen patients had minor postoperative complications, all managed conservatively. We consider preoperative US and PCA appropriate radiologic investigations in conjunction with LC.
MR Findings of a Breast Oil Cyst Containing a Fat-Fluid Level
Authors: Youssefzadeh S. , Wolf G. , Imhof H.
Published: June 2015

A case of a breast oil cyst with a fluid level found on mammography and MR imaging is described.
Spontaneous CSF Communication to the Middle Ear and External Auditory Canal
Authors: Spar J. A.
Published: June 2015

A 27-year-old female with no history of trauma, surgery, infection, or neoplastic process was evaluated for the spontaneous onset of vomiting, headache, and loss of balance. Initial studies demonstrated extensive pneumocephalus. CT revealed a lytic, expansile defect of the right petrous bone, while intrathecal contrast images demonstrated flow of CSF that implied coincidental perforation of the tympanic membrane. MR imaging demonstrated a continuity of CSF signal. The patient underwent surgery to repair the CSF leak and a dural patch was applied. No symptoms of pneumocephalus were seen after surgery and the patient's condition improved.
Gallbladder Visualization on CT Shortly after Angiography with Ioxaglate
Authors: Tajima H. , Kaizu T. , Ichikawa T. , Kumazaki T.
Published: June 2015

Thirty-five patients underwent CT examination 15 to 30 min after abdominal angiography with ioxaglate. The gallbladder was visualized in 12 patients in the absence of clinical evidence of renal impairment. Gallbladder opacification on CT examinations shortly after angiography shows that the hepatobiliary tract is important in the excretion of ioxaglate.
Static, Dynamic and First-Pass MR Imaging of Musculoskeletal Lesions Using Gadodiamide Injection
Authors: Verstraete K. L. , Vanzieleghem B. , De Deene Y. , Palmans H. , De Greef D. , Kristoffersen D. T. , Uyttendaele D. , Roels H. , Hamers J. , Kunnen M.
Published: June 2015

Forty-five patients with known or suspected musculoskeletal tumors were examined with static and dynamic MR imaging to evaluate the safety, tolerability and diagnostic utility of gadodiamide injection and to assess the diagnostic value of dynamic MR imaging and parametric “first-pass” (FP) images. The proportion of patients presenting more diagnostic information on the contrast-enhanced compared to the precontrast spin-echo examinations was determined. The dynamic enhancement characteristics were evaluated with time-intensity curves and parametric images of the FP enhancement rate. The tolerance of gadodiamide injection was good. Contrast enhancement was useful for delineating tumor from muscle, and differentiating viable from necrotic tissue and cystic from solid lesions. Malignant tumors showed a significantly higher slope value, earlier onset of enhancement, and higher maximum enhancement than benign lesions. However, slope values could not be used to predict the malignant potential of a lesion, due to overlap between highly vascular benign and low vascular malignant lesions. By displaying highly vascular areas, parametric FP images provided useful information on the most active part in a tumor before biopsy and for assessing the incorporation of bone-chip allografts. Static, dynamic and FP MR imaging using gadodiamide injection appears safe and provides useful information for diagnosis, biopsy and follow-up of musculoskeletal lesions.
Intracranial Iotrolan Distribution following Cervical Myelography
Authors: Fiirgaard B. , Madsen H. H. T. , Svare U. , Eriksen F. B. , Skjødt T. , Zeeberg I.
Published: June 2015

Following iotrolan cervical myelography 14 consecutive patients were evaluated with respect to intracranial contrast distribution and elimination, side effects, EEG-changes and psychometric assessments. The contrast medium is distributed in the subarachnoid space, in the ventricles and finally extracellularly in the cortex. Headache was the most prevalent side effect, occurring in half of the patients, 43% of “severe” grade. Eight patients showed mild nonspecific EEG-changes and all patients showed neuropsychologic disturbances.
Association of Rectal Diverticula and Scleroderma
Authors: Plavsic B. M. , Raider L. , Drnovsek V. H. , Kogutt M. S.
Published: June 2015

Barium enema examinations of 7 200 patients were analyzed to determine the presence of rectal diverticula. Five patients with rectal diverticula, a prevalence of 0.07%, were found. Their diameters varied from 10 to 80 mm. Each of the patients had a single rectal diverticulum. Two patients had scleroderma with no other diverticula in the large bowel. None of our patients had symptoms referable to the rectal diverticula.
Correlation between Chondroitin Sulfate Iron Colloid-Enhanced MR Imaging and the Histological Grade of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Suto Y. , Kodama F. , Kamba M. , Ohta Y.
Published: June 2015

The association between contrast enhancement by chondroitin sulfate iron colloid (CSIC) and the histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was evaluated in 24 patients diagnosed by histological examination of surgical specimens (26 nodules: 11 well-differentiated and 15 poorly—moderately-differentiated nodules). In the well-differentiated HCC nodules, the tumor—liver contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was not significantly increased after i.v. CSIC injection on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. In the moderately-poorly-differentiated HCC, CNR was significantly increased after CSIC administration on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images (p<0.01). MR imaging using CSIC may be useful for diagnosing the degree of HCC differentiation.
Texture Analysis in Quantitative MR Imaging
Authors: Kjær L. , Ring P. , Thomsen C. , Henriksen O.
Published: June 2015

The diagnostic potential of texture analysis in quantitative tissue characterisation by MR imaging at 1.5 T was evaluated in the brain of 6 healthy volunteers and in 88 patients with intracranial tumours. Texture images were computed from calculated T1 and T2 parameter images by applying groups of common first-order and second-order grey level statistics. Tissue differentiation in the images was estimated by the presence or absence of significant differences between tissue types. A fine discrimination was obtained between white matter, cortical grey matter, and cerebrospinal fluid in the normal brain, and white matter was readily separated from the tumour lesions. Moreover, separation of solid tumour tissue and peritumoural oedema was suggested for some tumour types. Mutual comparison of all tumour types revealed extensive differences, and even specific tumour differentiation turned out to be successful in some cases of clinical importance. However, no discrimination between benign and malignant tumour growth was possible. Much texture information seems to be contained in MR images, which may prove useful for classification and image segmentation.
Bipartite Atlas and Hypertrophy of its Anterior Arch
Authors: Walker J. , Beggs I.
Published: June 2015

On the lateral cervical spine radiographs of a 60-year-old woman complaining of neck pain, diffuse hyperostosis or calcification was present anterior to the anterior arch of the atlas. CT of atlas revealed it to be bipartite and the hyperostosis to be due to hypertrophy of its anterior arch. We report this as a new sign associated with a bipartite atlas.
Ultrasonographic Findings after Conservative Treatment of Acute Appendicitis and Open Appendicectomy
Authors: Eriksson S. , Tisell Å. , Granström L.
Published: June 2015

In a randomized study we investigated the effects of antibiotics as the only treatment in acute appendicitis. Forty patients were examined, 19 after antibiotic treatment (one operated due to perforation) and 21 after surgery. All patients were examined prior to randomization, after 10 days and after 30 days. Of the positive ultrasonographic (US) findings, 18 (86%) of the 21 operated patients had histologically proven acute appendicitis. At the 10th day, 9 patients had a seroma under the scar, which had disappeared a month after surgery in all patients. In the 19 patients conservatively treated with antibiotics, the appendix could be visualized in 8 symptom-free cases on the 10th day. In 5 of the 8 patients the appendix was still visualized after 1 month. Three of these 5 had recurrent appendicitis within a year. It is concluded that US can be used not only in diagnosing acute appendicitis, but also in the evaluation of treatments such as antibiotics.
Focal Fatty Masses of the Pancreas
Authors: Itai Y. , Saida Y. , Kurosaki Y. , Kurosaki A. , Fujimoto T.
Published: June 2015

Five patients with solitary fatty mass of the pancreas examined with CT and ultrasound (US) were evaluated. The areas of fat replacement were located in the pancreatic neck, body or tail. The size ranged from 4 to 30 mm in the longest diameter. The shape varied from roundish, to ovoid to semicircular, and the contour was universally well defined. The internal structure was homogeneous in 3 patients, but in one case there were thin septa and, in another, a slightly hyperdense part in the peripheral portion. All the masses except the smallest one were in part contact with pancreatic fat. CT showed fat with the same density as the peripancreatic fat and low HU units. The mass was hypoechoic in 2 cases and hyperechoic in one. The masses in the tail of the pancreas were not detected by US.
Aberrant Right Gastric Vein Draining Directly into the Quadrate Lobe of the Liver
Authors: Tajima H. , Murakami R. , Tajima N. , Kumazaki T.
Published: June 2015

Angiography and arterial angio-CT in a 21-year-old man with idiopathic portal hypertension revealed an aberrant right gastric vein communicating directly with the quadrate lobe of the liver. This is the first report of a radiologically confirmed case of an aberrant right gastric vein with a unique area of distribution in the liver parenchyma.
Dynamic Octreotide Scintigraphy in Neuroendocrine Tumours
Authors: Bajc M. , Ingvar C. , Persson B. , Tibblin S. , Karlsson S.-E. , Edenbrandt L. , Palmer J.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the optimal time for scintigraphy after injection of the radio-labelled somatostatin analogue, Octreotide. A secondary purpose was to evaluate the value of SPECT. One SPECT study and up to 4 whole body scans were performed in 22 patients with neuroendocrine tumours 0.5, 5, 24 and 48 hours after an injection of 110 MBq In-DTPA Octreotide. A total of 98 scintigrams were studied. A pathological uptake was found in 19 of the 22 patients. In 3 cases, early scintigrams (0.5 and 5 hours after injection) were of the most value whereas late scintigrams (24 and 48 hours) were the best in 4 cases. SPECT was found to be of value in 13 of 21 cases. For correct interpretation of Octreotide scintigraphy it is necessary to obtain both early and late scintigrams as well as a SPECT study.
MR Imaging of Tubo-Ovarian Abscess
Authors: Ha H. K. , Lim G. Y. , Cha E. S. , Lee H. G. , Ro H. J. , Kim H. S. , Kim H. H. , Joo S. W. , Jee M. K.
Published: June 2015

Purpose, and Material and Methods:

MR findings of 9 surgically proven tubo-ovarian abscesses were analyzed in 8 patients. The images were evaluated for signal intensity characteristics and morphologic appearance of the mass, and presence of secondary changes in adjacent pelvic organs and structures.

Results:

The signal intensity of the lesions on T1-weighted images was hypointense to the surrounding muscle and myometrium in 5 patients, isointense in 3 and hyperintense in 1. On T2-weighted images the signal intensity was hyperintense (n=6) or heterogeneous (n = 3). A thin rim (1–3 mm) with hyperintensity on T1-weighted images was noted in the innermost aspect of the masses. Other findings were ill-defined margin, thickened wall, multiple internal septa, shading and gas collection. “Mesh-like” linear strands were noted in the pelvis in all patients, with involvement of adjacent pelvic organs in 7 and lymphadenopathy in 3.

Conclusions:

In this limited number of cases MR imaging showed great potential for demonstrating the extent of the disease, characterizing the lesions and making a specific diagnosis.
Use of an Enhanced Gradient System for Diffusion MR Imaging with Motion-Artifact Reduction
Authors: Brockstedt S. , Thomsen C. , Wirestam R. , De Poorter J. , De Wagter C. , Salford L. G. , Holtås S. , Ståhlberg F.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

A spin-echo diffusion-sensitized pulse sequence using high gradients (23 mT/m) is introduced.

Material and Methods:

In order to minimize motion artefacts, velocity-compensating gradients, ECG-triggering and post-processing with phase correction and raw data averaging using navigator echoes was performed. The in vitro ratio of diffusion coefficients for water and acetone was determined and the water self-diffusion coefficient at different temperatures was evaluated. The pulse sequence was tested in 7 healthy volunteers and in 2 tumour patients with astrocytomas of grades I—II and III—IV. Both single-slice and multi-slice techniques were used.

Results:

The incorporation of phase correction clearly improved the quality of both diffusion-encoded images and the calculated diffusion maps. Mean values of the diffusion coefficients in vivo were for CSF 2.66×10−9 m2/s and for white and grey matter 0.69×10−9 m2/s and 0.87×10−9 m2/s, respectively.

Conclusion:

Velocity-compensating gradients in combination with a high gradient strength were shown to be useful for in vivo diffusion MR imaging.
MR Angiography of Abdominal and Peripheral Arteries
Authors: Ekelund L. , Sjöqvist L. , Thuomas K.-Å. , Åsberg B.
Published: June 2015

This review article deals with MR angiography (MRA) of abdominal and peripheral arteries. Pulsatile flow, respiratory motion and peristalsis impose difficulties in imaging the vascular structures in the abdomen and the lower extremities. Development of new techniques, such as segmentation of the data acquisition, using specific acquisition windows in relation to a cardiac trigger, magnetization preparation of the tissue and phase-encoding re-ordering or sorting, have reduced the artifacts associated with abdominal and peripheral MRA. Clinical MR investigations of the arteries branching from the abdominal aorta such as the renal and mesenteric arteries and arteries in the lower extremities have revealed that severe stenoses or occlusions can be diagnosed accurately while the grading of less severe stenosis is more difficult.

The phase-contrast method has been used to quantify blood flow and study the hemodynamics in abdominal and peripheral vessels. Quantitative flow information can be used to diagnose vascular disease and provides important physiological information.

More prospective clinical studies, in which recently developed MRA techniques are compared with conventional angiography, are necessary before conclusive decisions can be made as to whether MRA may replace these methods.
Long-Term Results of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: von Knorring J. , Edgren J. , Lepäntalo M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The long-term effect of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) was assessed in 50 patients with renovascular hypertension.

Material and Methods:

Thirty-eight of the patients had atherosclerotic disease and 12 patients fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Dilatation with a balloon catheter was performed at 6 to 8 atm for 15 to 30 s.

Results:

PTRA was technically successful in 46 (92%) patients. Three of the failures underwent surgical revascularization. There was no mortality connected with PTRA. Minor complications occurred in 6 (12%) patients, and surgical intervention was required in 1. In 4 patients with restenosis, repeated PTRA was performed in 2, and surgery in the other 2 patients. Bilateral disease occurred in 12 patients, and 3 had sequential bilateral PTRA. In 9 patients with atherosclerotic ostial stenosis, PTRA was technically successful in 8 (89%). Thirty-eight patients were re-examined with a mean follow-up of 4 years. At follow-up, 5 (45%) of the patients with FMD were classified as cured, 6 (55%) as improved, and none as failed. In the 27 patients with atherosclerotic disease, 23 (85%) had long-term benefit, 3 (11%) were cured, 20 (74%) were improved, and 4 (15%) were failures. In the 8 patients with ostial atherosclerotic lesions and successful PTRA, there was a 75% long-term benefit. Two patients died during follow-up, both from myocardial infarction.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that PTRA is effective in long-term management of renovascular hypertension, not only in patients with fibromuscular stenosis, but also in patients with atherosclerotic disease, even when ostial lesions are present.
Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Sortland O. , Kleppe H. , Aandahl M. , Blikra G.
Published: June 2015

Lumbar disc herniation was treated by percutaneous discectomy using a new instrument for automatic aspiration and cutting of disc material. The inclusion criteria were limited to patients with pure disc herniation without stenosis or any other additional factors. Only contained hernias with a maximum size of 50% of the thecal sac were included. Three procedures out of 45 were technical failures. At 1-year follow-up 69% of the patients were satisfied. No complications were seen. The result was not influenced by the amount of disc material removed, age, duration of symptoms or the size of the disc hernia. Reduced size of disc hernia was found in 13 out of 14 satisfied patients followed by CT. All unsatisfied patients were conventionally operated on. The percutaneous treated patients had 1 day of hospitalisation and on average 11 weeks of sick-leave compared to an average of 6 days and 16 weeks following conventional discectomy.
Posttraumatic Spinal Osteolysis in Ankylosing Spondylitis as Part of Pseudoarthrosis
Authors: Albertsen A. M. , Jurik A. G.
Published: June 2015

A case of ankylosing spondylitis with pronounced osteolysis of the 12th thoracic vertebral body as part of posttraumatic pseudoarthrosis is described. The appearance of posttraumatic osteolysis simulates a malignant lesion, and it is important to consider the diagnosis in cases of osteolytic lesions of unknown origin.
Development of Radiology in Finland
Authors: Standertskjöld-Nordenstam C.-G.
Published: June 2015

The development of diagnostic radiology in Finland is described.
Cervicocranial Artery Dissection
Authors: Bakke S. J. , Smith H.-J. , Kerty E. , Dahl A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate pulsed Doppler ultrasound and MR angiography (MRA) in the diagnosis of cervicocranial dissection.

Material and Methods:

Fourteen patients with cervicocranial artery dissection were examined over a 3-year period. Twelve patients had dissection of the extracranial part of the internal carotid artery, and 2 had vertebral artery dissection. All patients were examined with pulsed Doppler ultrasound. In addition, all patients had conventional angiography (n=9) and/or MR imaging including MRA (n=9).

Results:

Doppler ultrasound disclosed unspecific abnormalities in 11 of 14 dissected vessels; 3 patients had false-negative Doppler findings. MRA showed vessel abnormalities in 9 of 9 patients; 2 vessels were occluded, and 7 vessels had changes typical of dissection (double lumen and/or string sign). Twelve patients had follow-up examinations with pulsed Doppler ultrasound (n=12), conventional angiography (n=3), and MRA/MR (n=11). Follow-up Doppler showed complete or partial normalization in 61 of 9 patients, all confirmed by either angiography or MRA.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that Doppler ultrasound may be used in follow-up of pathologic Doppler findings in known dissections, and that MRA may replace angiography in the confirmative diagnosis of cervicocranial dissection.
Percutaneous Transluminal Treatment of an Iliac Pseudoaneurysm with Endoprosthesis Implantation
Authors: Christensen L. , Justesen P. , Larsen K. E.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Evaluation of a covered stent in the treatment of an iliac pseudoaneurysm.

Material and Methods:

During PTCA, a 61-year-old man with angina pectoris was shown to have an asymptomatic pseudoaneurysm, 5×4×4 cm, of the left common iliac artery (CIA). The patient was not a candidate for surgery. The pseudoaneurysm was treated by insertion of a covered stent (8 mm/6 cm).

Results:

By 30 s after stent placement, the pseudoaneurysm was angiographically excluded. Twelve and 17 months after stent implantation, the patient had no symptoms from the lower extremities and the left CIA was open with normal flow in the stent.

Conclusion:

Our case illustrates the ability of a covered stent to exclude a pseudoaneurysm. Percutaneous intravascular stent placement in the management of iliac pseudoaneurysms might be the treatment of choice in patients with increased risk of major anesthesia and surgery.
Angular Configuration of the Knee
Authors: Sanfridsson J. , Ryd L. , Eklund K. , Kouvaras Y. , Jonsson K.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to assess the QUESTOR Precision Radiography system (QPR) and to compare it with the routine hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle measurements. The aim was also to evaluate the robustness of the QPR system against the osseous changes of arthrotic disease.

Material and Methods:

Twenty-four patients, operated on with a high tibial osteotomy for medial gonarthrosis, were examined. The alignment of the leg was measured by the conventional technique and by the QPR method.

Results and Conclusion:

The 2 methods correlated well. The intraobserver variation in the QPR measurements was, with the exception of the capito-midcondylar-femoral shaft angle and the tibial plateau width, not affected by the osseous changes inflicted by the arthrotic process. The patients tolerated both systems well while the staff preferred the QPR system.
Ultrasonography of the Neck Splenius Capitis Muscle
Authors: Soltani A. Reza , Kallinen M. , Mälkiä E. , Vihko V.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the reproducibility of real-time ultrasonography as a method for measuring the size of the splenius capitis muscle (SPCM).

Material and Methods:

Ten right-handed women (non-athletes) aged 19–29 years were studied. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), anterior-posterior dimension (APD), and lateral dimension (LD) were measured bilaterally on 2 successive days, twice each day.

Results:

The coefficient of variation (CV) of CSA was 2.7% between times, and 3.0% between days. No significant correlations were found between muscle CSA and the anthropometric variables (neck girth, height, weight, fat percentage and body mass index). A significant correlation between CSA and the multiple of the 2 linear dimensions (MLD = LD×APD) was found (r=0.76, p=<0.01). CSA of SPCM was larger on the dominant side (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The results suggest that real-time ultrasonography is a useful method for evaluating the size of the SPCM.
Volume Imaging in Fluoroscopy
Authors: Kolitsi Z. , Yoldassis N. , Siozos T. , Pallikarakis N.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

This work involves the development of a new digital tomosynthesis technique into a clinical prototype imaging system for the three-dimensional visualization of patient anatomy.

Material and Methods:

The multiple projection algorithm (MPA) has been developed into a clinical prototype imaging system comprising a digital chain that is interfaced with an isocentric fluoroscopic unit to form an integrated DTS facility. Planes of varying orientations can be synthesized retrospectively on the basis of an acquired set of appropriate projection images extending over the whole volume of interest.

Results and Conclusion:

The system provides an image reconstruction and processing facility that can effectively augment fluoroscopic examinations. Reconstruction times of a few seconds per plane have been achieved. The region of interest can be approached by tracking through cross-sections with user-selected orientations. Anatomical planes of particular interest can be identified and their reconstructed images can be stored. The characteristics of the image presentation modality have the potential to extend the field of current digital tomosynthesis applications to new areas in radiology and other clinical domains.
CT-Guided Pericardiocentesis
Authors: Duvernoy O. , Magnusson A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Pericardial effusion in patients who have recently undergone cardiac surgery is often trapped in compartments. CT of the pericardium provides good information about the distribution of pericardial fluid in the postoperative period after cardiac surgery. Contrary to echocardiography, CT imaging is not affected by postoperative mediastinal emphysema and pain from the wound. A method for CT-guided pericardiocentesis was developed.

Material and Methods:

CT-guided pericardiocentesis was carried out with a stereotactic device in 10 patients. The pericardium was punctured with a 0.9-mm needle and a 0.46-mm guide wire was introduced through the needle. An indwelling catheter was introduced over the guide wire and was left in the pericardium. Both the subxiphoid and parasternal approaches were used.

Results:

CT guidance facilitated placement of an indwelling catheter into the pericardial space in positions difficult to reach in patients with postoperative pericardial compartments, i.e. near the right atrium and adjacent to the cardiac apex/left ventricle.

Conclusion:

CT-guided pericardiocentesis offers a new possibility in patients where fluoroscopically or echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis is difficult.
Mr Imaging of Spastic Diplegia
Authors: Hayakawa K. , Kanda T. , Hashimoto K. , Okuno Y. , Yamori Y. , Yuge M. , Ando R. , Ozaki N. , Tamamoto A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The MR findings in patients with spastic diplegia were investigated and the role of MR imaging in assessing the extent of brain injury was evaluated.

Material and Methods:

39 male and 24 female patients (preterm/term 43/20) were imaged using a 0.5 T MR system.

Results:

The MR findings in term patients were quite different from those in preterm patients; 55% of the term patients showed normal and minimal changes on MR, whereas 90.7% of the 43 preterm children had periventricular leucomalacia. The deep cerebral white matter was the most frequently involved site. Objective measurements revealed significant reductions of the entire sagittal area of corpus callosum in diplegic patients in comparison with normal controls. The motor palsy severity correlated well with the extent of corpus callosum involvement.

Conclusion:

The corpus callosum appears to be a sensitive marker site for the assessment of the extent of white matter injury.
Radiological Measurement of Femoral Head Position in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Authors: Kaniklides C. , Dimopoulos P.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Since the establishment of the principle of weight-bearing methods of treatment in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), lateral displacement of the femoral head has become an important prognostic factor.

Material and Methods:

In order to establish reliable boundary lines between orthotopic and subluxated hip, the migration percentage (MP) and the medial joint space (MJS) were determined retrospectively: a) on 166 normal hip radiographs; b) on bilateral arthrograms and radiographs from 37 patients with unilateral LCPD.

Results and Conclusion:

The mean upper normal values for MP and MJS on normal radiographs were 20.8 and 11.5 respectively. On arthrograms, the corresponding values were 31 and 5.7. The MP is easy to determine on both radiographs and arthrograms, and is recommended for detecting and measuring subluxation in cases with LCPD. MJS is of no advantage for detecting containment in LCPD but may be used in other diseases such as coxitis simplex.
Effect of Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy
Authors: Nordenstam G. , Aspelin P. , Isberg B. , Svensson L. , Hallin A. , Berlin T.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To detect morphological changes in the prostate, as depicted with MR imaging, in order to clarify the effects of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT).

Material and Methods:

Twenty patients with prostatism and a prostatic volume of 30–71 cm3 underwent MR examination before, the day after, and 6 months after treatment. TUMT was carried out with a Prostatron. A method to detect oedematous changes on heavily T2-weighted MR images was developed and used as an indicator of morphological changes.

Results:

The study showed some correlation (r=0.59) between the energy given at TUMT and an increased T2 signal. All patients with increased T2 signal except one were found among those who received the highest amount of energy to the prostate. Of 8 patients, 6 showed a symptomatic response to the treatment and 2 did not. There was a weak statistical correlation (r=0.41) between treatment response and increased T2 signal.

Conclusion:

The study does not support the view that TUMT leads to significant necrosis in the prostate with loss of tissue and retraction. We theorize that the response to TUMT may be caused by a denervation of the prostate.
Governance and Regional Variation of Homicide Rates
Authors: Cao Liqun , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2015

Criminological theories of cross-national studies of homicide have underestimated the effects of quality governance of liberal democracy and region. Data sets from several sources are combined and a comprehensive model of homicide is proposed. Results of the spatial regression model, which controls for the effect of spatial autocorrelation, show that quality governance, human development, economic inequality, and ethnic heterogeneity are statistically significant in predicting homicide. In addition, regions of Latin America and non-Muslim Sub-Saharan Africa have significantly higher rates of homicides ceteris paribus while the effects of East Asian countries and Islamic societies are not statistically significant. These findings are consistent with the expectation of the new modernization and regional theories.
Defining Probability in Sex Offender Risk Assessment
Authors: Elwood Richard W.
Published: June 2015

There is ongoing debate and confusion over using actuarial scales to predict individuals’ risk of sexual recidivism. Much of the debate comes from not distinguishing Frequentist from Bayesian definitions of probability. Much of the confusion comes from applying Frequentist probability to individuals’ risk. By definition, only Bayesian probability can be applied to the single case. The Bayesian concept of probability resolves most of the confusion and much of the debate in sex offender risk assessment. Although Bayesian probability is well accepted in risk assessment generally, it has not been widely used to assess the risk of sex offenders. I review the two concepts of probability and show how the Bayesian view alone provides a coherent scheme to conceptualize individuals’ risk of sexual recidivism.
Emotional Security Theory
Authors: Cummings E. Mark , Miller-Graff Laura E.
Published: June 2015

Emotional security theory (EST), initially proposed as a process model for understanding relations between marital conflict and child development, has been empirically tested and validated in numerous studies over the past 20 years. This has demonstrated the relevance of children’s emotional security to consequent emotional and behavioral adjustment. Recently, investigations of EST have employed an exciting new range of multimethod processes that include biobehavioral and physiological evaluations. Together with a broadening of the ecological contexts in which EST is examined, EST research is making innovative strides in the study of process and context that promise to bring it to the forefront of social-ecological systems research.