bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Pancreatography under Ultrasonographic Guidance
Authors: Opačić M. , Rustemović N. , Pulanić R. , Vucelić B. , Frković M. , Mandić A. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate percutaneous pancreatography as an alternative method for pancreatic duct visualisation in patients with pancreatic disease. Material and Methods: In 21 patients with pancreatic disease and previously unsuccessful ERCP, puncture of the pancreatic duct was carried out under ultrasonographic guidance with an 0.7-mm Chiba needle, and contrast injection was made under fluoroscopic control in the pancreatic duct. Results: The procedure was successful in 18 patients (86%). In 10 patients, chronic pancreatitis was found, and in 8 patients, pancreatic carcinoma. Conclusion: Percutaneous pancreatography is a good alternative method for visualisation of the pancreatic duct in patients with pancreatic disease and previously unsuccessful ERCP.
Effect of Bone Density of the Head on Total Body Dexa Measurements in 100 Healthy Swedish Women
Authors: Brismar T. B. , Ringertz H. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: The aims of this study were to examine the bone areal density of the head and how it varied in relation to the density of the rest of the skeleton, and with age, and body mass index (BMI). Our intention was to study the feasibility of excluding the head from the rest of the body, a method which might improve the fracture prediction power of bone mineral measurements. Material and Methods: Bone mineral per area (BMA) and bone mineral content (BMC) (g) were determined in 100 consecutive female volunteers, aged 17 to 78 years, with total and partial body measurements. Results: BMC of the head was found to be 20.2±2.2% of that for the total body. The BMA of the head was 2.38±0.21 times higher than that of the rest of the body. The correlation between the BMA of the head and the rest of the body was significant (r=0.73). The average change in z-score (referred to the same age group in our material) was 0.20 when the head was excluded from total body BMA. The BMA of a) total body, b) total body, head excluded, and c) head decreased with age. The BMA of the head was correlated to BMI in the older age groups (p<0.01). The relative statistical uncertainty for repeated measurement of head BMA was 1.8%. Conclusion: The change of the bone density of the head with age and BMI, in comparison to that of the rest of the skeleton, suggests that when the head is excluded from total body BMA better predictive value for fracture risk is obtained.
In Vitro Study of the Accuracy of Bone Mineral Measuring Devices in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Kullenberg R. J. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of different types of equipment for bone mineral assessment in Sweden and Norway with standardised phantoms. Material and Methods: Measurements of the bone mineral content of 2 semi-anthropomorphic phantoms, one simulating the human torso and one the lower arm, at 21 hospitals in Norway and Sweden, were undertaken. The phantoms had inserts of hydroxyapatite in different concentrations and were measured together with additions of stearic acid simulating fat. The phantoms were repeatedly measured on 14 dual X-ray absorptiometry, 5 single X-ray absorptiometry, and 3 single photon absorptiometry devices and 1 quantitative CT device. Results: The measurements showed a large spread in the measured hydroxyapatite concentrations among different devices. The inaccuracy was slightly lower than 10% without fat present when the results were expressed as bone mineral areal mass (BMA, g/cm2). With fat included the inaccuracy was at worst 50%. Conclusion: The large inaccuracy found in this study gives rise to a large overlap between healthy and osteoporotic cases and makes the diagnosis of osteoporosis difficult in the individual patient.
Measurement of Blood Flow in the Superior Sagittal Sinus in Healthy Volunteers, and in Patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension with Phase-Contrast Cine MR Imaging
Authors: Gideon P. , Thomsen C. , Gjerris F. , Sørensen P. S. , Ståhlberg F. , Henriksen O. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To measure blood flow and velocity in the superior sagittal sinus. Material and Methods: MR velocity mapping was used to examine 14 healthy volunteers, 15 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), 3 patients with high pressure hydrocephalus (HPH), and 11 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Results: Mean blood flow was 443 ml/min in healthy volunteers with a tendency towards reduced blood flow with increasing age. In NPH patients significantly lower superior sagittal sinus blood flow values were found, but this difference was no longer significant when patients and controls were matched for age. In HPH and IIH patients blood flow and velocity were within the normal range. In one patient with thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus the blood flow was reduced to 40 ml/min. Conclusion: MR velocity mapping methods may be of value in the assessment of blood flow in the dural sinuses in various pathologies resulting in dural sinus occlusion, such as dural sinus thrombosis, and for following the progress of these patients while undergoing treatment.
3DFT-Flash MR Imaging of Pancreatic Cancer with Gadopentetate Dimeglumine
Authors: Murakami T. , Tsuda K. , Nakamura H. , Osuga K. , Tomoda K. , Hori S. , Miyata M. , Monden M. , Wakasa K. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: We evaluated the usefulness of dynamic 3-dimensional Fourier transformation (3DFT) fast low angle shot (FLASH) MR imaging using gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) to assess the extent of pancreatic cancer. Material and Methods: Breath-hold 3DFT-FLASH MR images (20/4; 25° flip angle; 7 partitions; 3–5-mm slice thickness) were obtained before the administration of 0.1 mmol/kg of Gd-DTPA, just after (early phase), and 1 and 2 min (late phases) after in 14 patients with pancreatic cancer. All patients underwent surgical removal or laparotomy. We compared the findings of T1-, T2-, and postcontrast T1-weighted spin-echo (conventional SE) and 3DFT-FLASH imaging with histologic or surgical findings. Results: Dynamic MR images could delineate the pancreatic tumors more clearly than the conventional SE images, and were useful for diagnosing vessel invasion. The contrast-to-noise ratio between the pancreatic cancer and the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma was significantly higher with the dynamic 3DFT-FLASH image than with the conventional SE images (p<0.01). Conclusion: Dynamic 3DFT-FLASH MR imaging with Gd-DTPA is useful in delineating and evaluating the extent of pancreatic cancer.
Phantom Gastric Mucosa for Evaluating Computed Radiography in Double-Contrast Upper Gastrointestinal Examinations
Authors: Murakami M. , Watanabe H. , Nakata H. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To test the clinical usefulness of computed radiography (CR) with a storage phosphor plate in upper gastrointestinal radiographic examinations, a newly devised phantom gastric mucosa was used. Material and Methods: Simulated small elevated and depressed lesions were created on a phantom gastric mucosa made from a styrofoam “plate”. Twenty-four sets of each CR and screen-film radiographs (SR) were obtained using phototimed exposures. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) study and visual ranking using these images were performed. Results: There was no significant difference between the ROC curves of CR and SR. By visual ranking, CR was equal to or better than SR in most cases. In no case was SR definitely superior to CR. Conclusion: CR can be safely applied in upper gastrointestinal roentgenologic examinations.
Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Intraarterially Enhanced Ultrasonography with Co2 Microbubbles
Authors: Arakawa A. , Nishiharu T. , Matsukawa T. , Urata J. , Hatanaka Y. , Yamashita Y. , Takahashi M. , Kanemitsu K. , Mihara M. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced US with CO2 microbubbles (EU) for HCCs. Detectability was compared with DSA, dynamic CT, and Lipiodol CT. Material and Methods: Forty-seven histologically proven HCCs detected with US were evaluated with EU, DSA, and dynamic CT. In 23 patients (35 lesions), Lipiodol CT was also performed. The size of the tumors ranged from 8 to 71 mm (average 28.1 mm); 24 lesions were smaller than 20 mm and 23 lesions were larger than 20 mm. Results: Overall detection was possible in 40 of 47 lesions (85%) by EU, in 32 of 47 (68%) by DSA, in 33 of 47 (74%) by dynamic CT, and in 27 of 35 (77%) by Lipiodol CT. In tumors smaller than 20 mm, detection was possible in 21 of 24 lesions (88%) by EU, 14 of 24 (58%) by DSA, 14 of 24 (58%) by dynamic CT, and 11 of 17 (65%) by Lipiodol CT. Conclusion: EU has significant diagnostic value for detection of HCCs, particularly tumors smaller than 20 mm.
Factors Predicting the Outcome of Intraarterial Thrombolysis in Peripheral Arterial and Graft Occlusions
Authors: Sandbæk G. , Staxrud L. E. , Rosen L. , Bay D. , Stiris M. , Gjølberg T. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To determine the association between successful intraarterial thrombolysis and the following factors: sex, age, symptoms, duration of symptoms, length of occlusion, conduit type, runoff, and catheter localization. Material and Methods: Forty-six patients with acute or subacute occlusions of peripheral native arteries and grafts were treated with continuous intraarterial infusion of streptokinase or urokinase. A univariate chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used. Results: Successful lysis was achieved in 27 of 46 patients (59%). The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between successful thrombolysis and good runoff (p<0.01). A catheter position above the occlusion resulted in lysis in only one of 11 patients. The variables rest pain and claudication were slightly significant (p=0.07). None of the other variables were significant, but a trend toward a separate effect of duration of occlusion was found. Conclusion: Good runoff and intrathrombotic infusion are virtual necessities in obtaining a positive immediate outcome in peripheral arterial and graft occlusions. In our study, other factors were less important.
Phantom Study of Chest Radiography with Storage Phosphor, Selenium, and Film-Screen Systems
Authors: Kehler M. , Lyttkens K. , Andersson B. , Hochbergs P. , Lindberg C.-G. , Medin J. , Nordström A.-J. , Sanfridsson J. , Vojciechowski J. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: Chest radiographs from 3 digital systems − 2 based on luminescent phosphors and one on selenium — and a conventional film-screen system were evaluated and compared. Material and Methods: Computed radiography (CR) has for the past years been dominated by a single manufacturer, but now several systems have been marketed. Using a chest phantom and, as test objects, 2 simulated tumours for the lung and mediastinum, respectively, and one object simulating pulmonary lines, a total of 400 exposures were made, 100 on each system. The test objects were placed randomly with a ratio of presence/absence of each object of about 50. Six radiologists participated, 2 residents and 4 staff members. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed with construction of curves, and the difference between the curves was estimated with a 2-tailed paired t-test. Results and Conclusion: The selenium-based system performed significantly better for pulmonary line detection than all the other systems, and better than one storage phosphor system for the lung “tumour” (p<0.05), while one storage phosphor system was slightly better than the other in diagnosing all 3 test objects. The score for the film-screen system was only average.
Postoperative Lumbar MR Imaging with Contrast Enhancement
Authors: Grane P. , Tullberg T. , Rydberg J. , Lindgren L. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose and Material: Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the spine after surgery for lumbar disk herniation almost always shows pathologic changes. To investigate to what extent these changes are correlated to patients' actual clinical symptoms, we compared the postoperative MR findings in 19 asymptomatic patients with 42 symptomatic patients (43 levels). Methods: The asymptomatic patients underwent MR examination one year after surgery. Twenty-six of the symptomatic patients underwent MR one year or less after surgery, and in 16 patients (17 levels) MR was performed more than one year after surgery. Results: Sixteen percent of the asymptomatic and 42% of the symptomatic patients had disk herniation at the level of previous surgery. Most of the herniated disks were found in the symptomatic patients less than one year after surgery. The amount of epidural scar tissue, displacement and thickening of nerve roots, and compression of the dural sac were also studied. Disk herniation as a probable cause of recurrent sciatica was a common finding among symptomatic patients examined one year or less after surgery. In comparing asymptomatic patients and symptomatic patients with more than one year between surgery and MR examination, no significant radiologic differences, including disk herniation, were found.
Low-Field MR Imaging — Development in Finland
Authors: Sepponen R. E. 
Published: June 2015

The development project for application of MR imaging to diagnosis of internal hemorrhages was initiated by the Instrumentarium Corporation in 1978. The goal was to develop a diagnostic tool for emergency clinics. Due to the rapid development of imaging technology, the goal was changed to a cost-effective MR unit. During the past 16 years, several generations of low-field units have been introduced. Consequently, a vast amount of clinical and technical knowledge about low-field MR has been gained. The interest in low-field units is rapidly increasing. A part of this may be explained by the pressure to reduce the cost of health care. There are some features which make the low-field approach clinically interesting. These include the feasibility of open magnet configurations, and the availability of unique contrast parameters such as magnetization transfer and T1ρ. One important aspect is the inherent safety of a low-field MR unit. This article reviews the methods and devices introduced through the development of low-field technology in Finland.
Comparison between Conventional and Fast Spin-Echo Stir Sequences
Authors: Hittmair K. , Trattnig S. , Herold C. J. , Breitenseher M. , Kramer J. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the common characteristics and differences in contrast behavior of short-TI-inversion-recovery (STIR) and short-TI-inversion-recovery fast spin-echo (TurboSTIR) sequences. Material and Methods: Phantoms doped with increasing doses of Gd-DTPA and a pork-fat phantom were used to evaluate the dependence of the STIR and TurboSTIR signals on the T1 relaxation time. Clinical TurboSTIR images were obtained from 30 patients with musculoskeletal abnormalities and compared to conventional STIR images in 15 cases and to postcontrast TurboSTIR images in another 15 cases. Results: In the phantom measurements, a significantly shorter inversion time (TI) was needed to achieve fat suppression on TurboSTIR images, and, with an identical number of signal averages, contrast-to-noise ratios were lower on TurboSTIR images. These differences between STIR and TurboSTIR can be attributed to the contribution of stimulated echoes to overall TurboSTIR signal and can be compensated by a shorter TI and a higher number of signal averages for TurboSTIR, respectively. With these adaptations, clinical TurboSTIR and STIR images showed an identical contrast behavior with fat suppression and a high sensitivity to pathological lesions but TurboSTIR saved a significant amount of scan time and reduced some types of artifacts. Contrast uptake impaired lesion conspicuity on TurboSTIR images. Conclusion: TurboSTIR sequences should replace conventional STIR sequences and should be performed before contrast administration.
Effect of Iomeprol on Renal Function Immediately after Abdominal Angiography
Authors: Murakami R. , Tajima H. , Kumazaki T. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To investigate the acute renal effects of 2 osmolality levels of iomeprol in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study. Material and Methods: Ten patients received iomeprol 300 mg I/ml, and a further 10 received iomeprol 400 mg I/ml intraarterially at routine abdominal angiography. The mean volume of contrast medium administered was 227.3±59.3 ml in the iomeprol 300 group and 221.5±30.9 ml in the iomeprol 400 group. Results: The urinary minute volume increased immediately after angiography, but tended to return to baseline 120 min after the examination. No significant decrease in creatinine clearance occurred; however, the fraction excretion of sodium increased immediately after angiography. The lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and the proximal tubular brush border enzyme γ-glutamyl transferase increased up to 120 min after the procedure. Free water clearance was negative during each study period. No statistical differences in any parameter were evident between these 2 groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that osmotic diuresis and its acute effect on proximal tubular function are induced by the administration of iomeprol, but that these changes are reversible.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy
Authors: Nordenstam G. , Aspelin P. , Edsborg N. , Hallin A. , Berlin T. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To detect possible morphologic changes in the urethra in an attempt to clarify the effects of thermotherapy (TUMT). Material and Methods: Eighteen patients with symptomatic disturbance in micturition and a prostatic volume of 14–133 cm3 underwent voiding cystourethrogram and retrograde urethrogram before and 6 and 12 months after treatment. TUMT treatment was carried out with a Prostatron unit. Results: No correlation was found between subjective improvement in symptoms and morphologic changes of the urethra. There were more responders among patients who received a high microwave effect. Conclusion: We conclude that there is no evidence to support the view that TUMT leads to significant necrosis in the prostate with loss of tissue and retraction. Our results support the view that TUMT causes denervation of the prostate.
Painful Ankle Region in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lehtinen A. , Paimela L. , Kreula J. , Leirisalo-Repo M. , Taavitsainen M. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To establish the diagnostic usefulness of ultrasonography (US) and MR imaging in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffering from prolonged pain in the ankle region, where plain radiography did not demonstrate any changes. Material and Methods: Seventeen patients were studied with 0.1 T MR imaging and with high-frequency US. Talocrural and subtalar joints (including talonavicular joints), and medial, lateral, and extensor tendons and their synovial sheaths were examined by MR and US. Results: Abnormal findings were found by MR imaging and US in altogether 76% of the patients, by MR alone in 53%, and by US alone in 59%. In 41% of the patients, lesions were demonstrated only by one method. Talocrural and subtalar joints were the most often affected sites (41% each), followed by the peroneus tendon (23%). In the joints, the abnormal findings were interpreted as synovitis; in the tendon areas, mostly as tenosynovitis. MR and US were highly significantly concordant (p<0.0001), but correlation with clinical features was poor. Conclusion: In patients with pain in the ankle region, US and MR imaging can contribute to the diagnosis and localization of the abnormality when the plain radiography is normal. Easily available and inexpensive US can be recommended as the first imaging method after plain radiography. Some divergence seems to exist between US and MR, and in complicated cases both methods are recommended.
Iohexol Clearance for Renal Function Measurement in Gynaecologic Cancer Patients
Authors: Lundqvist S. , Edbom G. , Groth S. , Stendahl U. , Hietala S.-O. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To determine a valid and practical routine for glomerular filtration rate measurement in gynaecologic cancer patients. Material and Methods: The established method, endogenous creatinine clearance, was compared to 51Cr-EDTA clearance and contrast medium clearance in 68 women with various gynaecologic carcinomas. Contrast medium clearance was determined in association with conventional urography (iohexol 300 mg I/ml, 40 ml) for evaluation of urinary tract involvement by the tumour. Automated X-ray fluorescence analysis equipment was used for the plasma analysis of iohexol and clearance calculations. Endogenous creatinine clearance and 51Cr-EDTA clearance were determined according to standard routine procedures. Simultaneous determinations of contrast medium clearance and 51Cr-EDTA clearance (n=33), contrast medium clearance and endogenous creatinine clearance (n=50), as well as 51Cr-EDTA clearance and endogenous creatinine clearance (n=30) were compared. Results and Conclusion: The mean differences were −2.8 (SD 6.6), −1.8 (SD 22.3), and 2.7 (SD 18.3) ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. It is concluded that contrast medium clearance is as adequate as 51Cr-EDTA clearance for glomerular filtration rate measurement. We suggest that contrast medium clearance should replace endogenous creatinine clearance, especially in patients referred for urography.
Mr Arthrography in the Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Funke M. , Kopka L. , Vosshenrich R. , Oestmann J. W. , Grabbe E. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To examine the value of fat-suppressed images in MR arthrography of the shoulder in patients with rotator cuff tears. Material and Methods: MR arthrography was performed in 25 patients (9 women, 16 men) ranging from 19 to 64 years. Standard T1-weighted spin-echo images (sSE) and fat-suppressed images (FS) were obtained after intraarticular injection of contrast material. The MR studies were analyzed according to contrast, image quality and conspicuity of pathology. A diagnosis was established without knowledge of the conventional arthrographic findings on the basis of sSE versus FS techniques. Results: The contrast between the intraarticular fluid and the adjacent structures in FS images was increased compared to sSE images in all patients. The conspicuity of anatomical structures was improved in 8 patients. Without fat suppression, 2 false-negative and one false-positive full-thickness tears were diagnosed. With the FS technique, 14 full-thickness tears and 4 partial-thickness tears of the cuff were correctly classified. Conclusion: The results suggest that, if MR arthrography is chosen for a diagnosis of rotator cuff disorders, a fat suppression sequence should be included.