bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daily quality control programme in mammography
Authors: Nassivera E , Nardin L 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The Medical Physics Department of S.Chiara Hospital (Trento, Italy) has developed, promoted and organized a quality control programme in mammography in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology. The aim of this paper is to describe the procedure for daily quality control carried out by the radiological technologist and analysed by the medical physicist, and also to discuss some interesting results obtained in the various departments during 1994. A sensitometric strip provides the film characteristic parameters to meet the requirements of DIN 6868 Part II (base plus fog level, average gradient, relative speed, maximum density, speed index and contrast index). A test phantom radiograph provides information on the detection of microcalcifications and simulated tumours (high and low contrast resolution) as well as on the central background density and the contrast. The exposure time-current product, mAs, needed to expose the phantom is always noted. Characteristic parameters of the two systems are compared with limiting values given by International Protocols or with the permissible ranges calculated in advance. It has been possible to discover variations in the performance of mammographic and automatic processing units due to the quality control programme. In one department, for example, the malfunctioning of the automatic exposure control device was observed. In another, replacement of mammography films and the automatic processing unit resulted in a better image quality.
A comparison of fine and medium screens for mammography
Authors: Burch A , Law J 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Intensifying screens for mammography may be categorized as fine, giving priority to image quality, or medium, achieving a lower dose at the expense of some image quality. It is important to be aware of the possible consequences of changing from a fine to a medium screen The relative image quality and dose of four films–screen combinations (Fuji MIMA/UMMA film with Fuji HR Mammo Fine and HR Mammo Medium screens, Kodak MinRE film with Kodak MinR and MinR Medium screens) were evaluated using Leeds TOR(MAM) and Ackermann test objects. In each case, the performance of the medium screen was compared with that of the fine screen from the same manufacturer, it was not the purpose of this study to compare one manufacturer's products with the other's. Both medium screens showed measurably poorer image quality than the corresponding fine screens. The reduction in dose was only 30–40%. Careful evaluation of other dose reduction methods is recommended before changing from fine to medium screens.
Mobile fatty globules in benign cystic teratoma of the mediastinum
Authors: Hession P R , Simpson W 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Benign cystic teratoma is a well recognized cause of an anterior mediastinal mass. The presence of fat, found in approximately half the cases, suggests the diagnosis. We report a new feature, which consists of components of the tumour drifting upwards (anteriorly) during the course of a computed tomography examination. The appearance is compared with a popular light fitting.
Imaging of Takayasu arteritis in the acute stage
Authors: Hayashi K , Ogawa Y , Sakamoto I , Matsuoka Y , Matsunaga N 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We report a case of Takayasu arteritis (TA) in the acute stage. The case is unique in two points. First, the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis was initially suspected from a subtle finding on plain radiography. Second, thickening of the aortic and pulmonary arterial walls was demonstrated by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the acute non-pulseless stage of the disease.
Rapid assessment of left ventricular volume by short axis cine MRI
Authors: Forbat S M , Sakrana M A , Darasz K H , El-Demerdash F , Underwood S R 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
MRI is an established and accurate method of measuring left and right ventricular volumes by summing chamber areas in multiple contiguous slices. Acquisition time may be up to 45 min. We have estimated volumes with gradient echo imaging to test the accuracy of a more rapid method (total acquisition time 15 min) using a recognized echocardiographic algorithm. The results were compared with the spin echo method. We studied 20 patients (mean age 52 years, 15 male) within 6 months of anterior myocardial infarction and 20 normal subjects (mean age 40 years, 19 males). For the rapid method, cine acquisitions were made in the horizontal long axis plane and in two short axis planes which divided the long axis into three equal parts. Volume was calculated assuming the ventricle to be composed of a cylinder, a truncated cone and a cone. There was good agreement between the two methods at end diastole with a mean difference (±standard error, ±95% confidence interval for limits of agreement) of − 3 ml (±83, ±37%) for normal subjects and 15 ml (±42, ±25%) for patients. Agreement was less good at end systole with mean difference of 121 (±35, ±41%) for normal subjects and 257 (±37, ±47%) for patients. The rapid method, therefore, significantly underestimated end systolic volume compared with the previous method. Rapid measurements of end diastolic volume are more accurate than those of end systolic volume and hence ejection fraction. Provided the potential error is recognized, the rapid technique can be used in routine clinical practice in both normal and abnormal ventricles.
Microcalcification clustering parameters in breast disease: a morphometric analysis of radiographs of excision specimens
Authors: NG K-H , Looi L-M , Bradley D A 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
X-ray microradiography of surgically excised breast specimens offers the possibility of morphological characterization of calcifications. When combined with digital imaging techniques there exists added potential for obtaining valuable basic quantitative morphometric information regarding differences between microcalcifications in tissues exhibiting evidence of fibrocystic change, benign and malignant tumours. A total of 157 excised breast specimens from 84 patients were microradiographed using a Softex Super Soft X-ray unit and Kodak AA high resolution industrial film. A Quantimet 570C image analysis system was used to digitize and analyse the microradiographs. Of the 157 microradiographs, 51 (from 30 patients) revealed microcalcification clusters. The existence of significant differences between the three identified categories of tissue were indicated by clustering parameters. These included the number of particles per cluster, area of clusters, maximum distance to nearest neighbour, and geometric mean distance to nearest neighbour. The distribution pattern index (DPI), another of the clustering parameters used in this study, has been observed to be a particularly powerful discriminator. The value for fibrocystic change was found to be significantly smaller (0.514) than that for benign tumour (0.796) whilst that for benign tumour was observed to be significantly larger than that for malignant tumour (0.604) at a p-value of less than 0.05 (Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance).
Total craniofacial photon shell technique for radiotherapy of extensive angiosarcomas of the head
Authors: Kinard J D , Zwicker R D , Schmidt-Ullrich R K , Kaufman N , Pieters R 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Effective radiotherapy for extensive angiosarcomas of the face and scalp is technically difficult due to the complex shape of the volume at risk, which can consist of the superficial tissues of the entire head. This work reports the details of a rotational X-ray technique used to deliver a large part of the tumour dose. The technique consists of four consecutive 90° arcs with changing centre blocks to protect critical midline structures. Multilevel CT based treatment planning is carried out to determine the centre block dimensions and beam weights. As a result the radiation dose is delivered with acceptable uniformity over the entire shell of superficial tissues of the head. The overall treatment combines the rotational fields with large lateral field irradiation and/or local boosts with photons or electrons. Two of three patients treated with this technique had local control of the disease until their deaths at 13 and 18 months. A third patient responded well, with only a small region of stable disease at 9 months.
Pontine haemorrhage following iohexol lumbar myelography
Authors: Yeh Y-F , Lin S-K , Sung C-Y , Chu C-C , Wu Y-R 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A case of pontine haemorrhage following lumbar myelography using iohexol is described. Stress, inducing transient hypertension during the procedure, with superimposed neurotoxicity from contrast medium (iohexol) is suggested as a possible mechanism. No brain stem lesion was seen on the initial brain. CT scan, possibly because of the high attenuation of the contrast medium in the subarachnoid space. A delayed CT brain scan demonstrated the pontine haemorrhage and was necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Focal areas of increased renal tracer uptake on bone scans can mimic metastases in the lower ribs
Authors: Pickuth D , McCready V R 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Focal renal concentration of radioactivity can simulate metastatic deposits in the lower ribs on bone scintigrams. 400 consecutive bone scintigrams were reviewed for focal areas of increased tracer activity in the kidneys. 62 patients (15.5%) had at least one renal hot spot. In 42 of these 62 patients (67.7%) there was an increased focal uptake in the left kidney (18 upper pole, 18 middle pole and six lower pole). 50 out of 62 bone scans (80.7%) showed increased activity in the right kidney (14 upper pole, 32 middle pole and four lower pole). With the incidence of focal areas of activity in the upper poles of the kidneys being 8%, the interpretation of a single focal abnormality projected over the lower ribs should be made with particular care, especially in cancer patients.
A portable system for measuring bone mineral density in the pre-term neonatal forearm
Authors: Truscott J G , Milner R , Holland P C , Wood C , Smith M A 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Current systems used to measure bone mineral content (BMC) in the neonate have the major drawback that the child must be well enough to be moved to the scanner. Consequently, low birth weight pre-term neonates, a group at particular risk of mineral compromise, cannot be measured. This paper describes a portable neonatal bone mineral device capable of measuring bone mineral in the incubator. It uses a radiation sensitive, charge coupled device (CCD) to acquire a bone mineral image enabling bone mineral to be measured at various sites. It measures bone mineral density (BMD) with a precision of 5.5 mg cm−2 in vivo, reduced to 7.5 mg cm−2 when repositioning between scans is taken into account. The procedure takes under 5 min with an image acquisition time of 30 s and an absorbed radiation dose to skin of 6 μSv. Calibration has been undertaken with aluminium foils of differing thickness to confirm the linearity of the system throughout the intended measurement range. A regression line fitted to the data demonstrated linearity and correlation between BMD and aluminium thickness with r = 0.99 (p &lt;0.0001). Preliminary measurements on pre-term neonates show values of BMD ranging from 43 to 115 mg cm −2 in babies aged 23–41 weeks post-conception. These figures are within the linear range of the system.
Imaging in bronchiectasis
Authors: Smith I E , Flower C D R 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Bronchiectasis remains an important and relatively common cause of pulmonary disability. High resolution computed tomography has revolutionized imaging of the bronchi and has superseded the chest radiograph and bronchogram in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis. It has enabled a better understanding of the association between clinical features of the disease and structural abnormalities in the airways and has an important role to play in understanding the pathogenesis and natural history of bronchiectasis.
Dynamic magnetic resonance mammography of both breasts following local excision and radiotherapy for breast carcinoma
Authors: Murray A D , Redpath T W , Needham G , Gilbert F J , Brookes J A , Eremin O 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a dynamic gadolinium-diethylene-triaminepentacetate (Gd-DTPA) enhanced magnetic resonance mammography (MRM) protocol, incorporating image subtraction and using a dedicated double breast coil, in patients with treated breast cancer. 36 patients who had undergone breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy, with clinical or mammographic suspicion of locally recurrent breast carcinoma, were examined. 3D rapid volume imaging of both breasts was performed before and repeated three times, at 1, 2 and 3 min, following Gd-DTPA enhancement Image subtraction allowed identification of enhancing lesions and quantitative analysis of these was performed. Five patients had six lesions demonstrating rapid enhancement in the first minute, all of which were histologically confirmed recurrent or second primary tumours. Slower enhancement was seen in six benign lesions and diffuse enhancement was seen in one patient within 6 months of treatment. The dynamic protocol used allowed sufficient temporal resolution for distinguishing malignant from benign lesions at the site of previous surgery and ensured that both breasts were imaged in their entirety, thus enabling the diagnosis of multifocal and second primary tumours.
Clinical evaluation of manual and automatic exposure control techniques in film-based chest radiography
Authors: Ismailos E , Mastorakou I , Kelekis N L , Papadopoulos K P , Efstathopoulos E P , Panayiotakis G , Kelekis D A 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Chest radiographs obtained with either automatic exposure control (AEC) technique, or manual exposure control (MEC) technique, were compared in a sample of 329 cardiological and cardiosurgery patients. Parameters evaluated, were various anatomical regions, according to their appearance in both posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiographs. Lateral radiographs obtained with the AEC technique demonstrated better image quality than those obtained with the manual technique. There was no definite advantage of the AEC technique in PA radiographs. The AEC technique has the potential to improve the quality of lateral chest radiographs of cardiological and cardiosurgery patients. It is considered to be a useful tool in chest radiography.
Radiation prevention of heterotopic ossification after bone and joint surgery in sites other than hips
Authors: Lo T C M , Pfeifer B A , Smiley P M , Gumley G J 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Five patients were given single dose irradiation in an attempt to prevent heterotopic ossification after bone and joint surgery in sites other than hips. All patients were at risk for the development of post-operative heterotopic ossification. Two patients were treated with 6 Gy and three patients were treated with 7 Gy the day after operation. No complications were encountered. Post-operative heterotopic ossification did not develop in patients who received 7 Gy, whereas treatment failed in the two patients who received 6 Gy. Because this is a case report study, no conclusion could be made. Further investigation is needed to assess the efficacy of post-operative single dose irradiation in heterotopic ossification prophylaxis in sites other than hips in high risk patients.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin metastasizing to the breast—imaging findings
Authors: Demİrkazik F Başaran , Başkan Ö , Aydingöz Ü , Tacal T , Firat P 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
An extremely rare case of metastatic squamous cell skin carcinoma to the breast is reported with imaging features. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed well circumscribed, complex solid masses with papillary fronds projecting into cystic centres.
Imaging of patients with pancreaticobiliary diversion for obesity: post-operative anatomy and findings in small bowel obstruction
Authors: Bertolotto M , Gianetta E , Rollandi G A , Perrone R , Carrabetta S , Martinoli C , Scopinaro N , Cittadini G , Derchi L E 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Pancreaticobiliary diversion is a surgical procedure undertaken for obesity. It consists of a distal gastrectomy with a long Roux-en-Y reconstruction, the enteroenterostomy being placed 200 cm distal to the gastroenterostomy and 50 cm proximal to the ileocaecal valve. Three intestinal limbs are recognized: (a) the alimentary loop from the gastroenterostomy to the enteroenterostomy; (b) common loop from the enteroenterostomy to the ileocaecal valve and (c) pancreaticobiliary loop from the duodenum to the enteroenterostomy. The radiological findings in 15 pancreaticobiliary diversion patients with small bowel obstruction were reviewed (15 plain abdominal radiographs, 13 ultrasound (US), 8 CT) and compared with 20 plain abdominal radiographs, 10 US, and 10 CT studies performed for other causes in patients with pancreaticobiliary diversion and 15 CT scans from non-operated patients. After pancreaticobiliary diversion the pancreaticobiliary loop was completely air-free. In the patients operated on more than 1 year previously, alimentary and common loops were significantly larger than the pancreaticobiliary loop and small bowel loops of non-operated subjects. Obstruction of the pancreaticobiliary loop arrests only the flow of pancreaticobiliary secretions with non-specific clinical findings. Plain abdominal radiographs were not diagnostic in all but two cases with radiographically detectable dilated fluid filled loops. Air–fluid levels were never apparent. US and CT showed markedly dilatated intestinal loops and duodenum. Obstruction of the alimentary and common loops presented with symptoms, clinical signs, and radiological findings more typical for bowel obstruction in intact subjects.
Contrast media as extracellular fluid space markers: adaptation of the central volume theorem
Authors: Dawson P , Blomley M J K 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We present some theoretical observations on the pharmacokinetics of the conventional intravascular radiographic and gadolinium chelate MR contrast agents. These agents may be viewed from a physiological perspective as extracellular fluid (ECF) space markers. It can be shown that the passage of such agents through the body may be described by a variant of the “central volume theorem”, if the central volume is taken to be that of the entire extracellular fluid. A consequence is that, in a manner akin to nuclear medicine techniques utilizing technetium-99m diethylene triamine pentacetic acid (DTPA), measures of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) related to total ECF volume rather than to the normal body surface area may be obtained from direct or indirect measurements of iodine or gadolinium plasma levels. Typical measurements are presented. A simple means is also described of generating curves of the fraction of contrast medium excreted from the body, applicable to both patients with normal and with abnormal renal function.
Identification of the transverse mesocolon and root of small bowel mesentery; a new sign of pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Grassi R , Catalano O , Pinto A , Fanucci A , Rotondo A , Di Mizio R 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A new sign of pneumoperitoneum was observed in a patient with perforation of the ascending colon. The presence of free air in the peritoneal cavity allowed identification of the transverse mesocolon and the root of the small bowel mesentery on plain abdominal radiographs obtained in the supine and in the prone position. This sign may be an aid in the diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum.
The radiological spectrum of vertically-acquired HIV infection
Authors: Owens C M , Allan R , Thomas K , Evans J , Stevens J 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Anonymous antenatal and newborn screening demonstrates a positive HIV seroprevalence of one in 400 in areas of inner city London. European Collaborative Study data show a vertical transmission rate of 15% and suggests that 23% of infected children will develop clinical manifestations of AIDS before reaching 1 year of age [1], meaning that recognition of the radiological findings in vertically-acquired HIV is important. 75 serial cases of vertically-acquired HIV (age range 6 weeks to 12 years, mean age 35 months) presenting to a national referral centre over 48 months were reviewed, the radiographic findings we describe constitute a core of typical abnormalities together with a selection of the rarer manifestations of vertically-acquired HIV.
Use of the output video signal for dynamic range, brightness control and image memory assessment in X-ray fluoroscopy
Authors: Okkalides D 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The output video signal from three X-ray fluoroscopy machines was recorded with a storage oscilloscope to calculate the dynamic range of their image intensifier television camera chains. The two MERATE MTH90 and MGR50hf machines employed the same imaging chain but the response of the former to exposure was significantly lower because of a three channel light distribution optical system which was installed but not used. The CGR Stenoscope machine was found to have a very narrow dynamic range to the extent that it was not usable. Additional measurements on the CGR machine showed that the image intensifier brightness control mechanism would produce stabilized brightness in less than 0.4s and it proved to be faster than the manual selection of exposure parameters. The quality of the image stored in the memory device on the same system was compared with the original by subtracting the two video signals on the oscilloscope and thus acquiring a quantitative measure of their difference.
Staff dose reduction during coronary angiography using low framing speed
Authors: Steffenino G , Rossetti V , Ribichini F , Dellavalle A , Garbarino M , Cerati R , Norbiato A , Uslenghi E 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Radiation exposure of cardiac catheterization laboratory staff is a known occupational hazard, and efforts are made to obtain dose levels which are “as low as reasonably achievable”. This study assessed the reduction in staff radiation exposure using cine framing at 12.5 f s−1 during coronary cineangiography, instead of 25 f s−1. Thermoluminescent dosemeters were used to measure equivalent dose at several sites for the operator, nurse assistant, and X-ray technician during 15 procedures at both frame rates. Patient-related and procedure-related variables were similar in the two groups of examinations. Mean equivalent dose absorbed (μSv) at the left side of the forehead was reduced by 61%, 60% and 36%, for the operator, nurse assistant and X-ray technician, respectively. With use of the lower frame rate similar reductions by 42%, 62% and 62% were measured at the thyroid level, and by 51%, 40% and 61% at the mid-thorax level. Cinefilming at low frame rates during coronary arteriography allows a substantial X-ray dose reduction at all body sites for all staff. Use of lower frame rates wherever possible is of special interest since it may also reduce patient radiation exposure.
In vivo study of rabbit irradiated skeletal muscle by MRI—a long-term follow-up
Authors: Ibarrola D , Francois-Joubert A , Leviel J-L , Massarelli R , Lefaix J-L 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The delay in the appearance and the extent of a lesion induced by γ-irradiation, in rabbit iliospinalis muscles, have been evaluated in vivo by MRI. The left side rabbit muscle was irradiated with an 192Ir sealed source at two skin surface doses: 40 Gy and 80 Gy. The progress of the lesion was followed on a long-term basis (12 months) by using T 2 weighted spin echo imaging. The irradiation induced lesions were detected by MRI 22 weeks after irradiation for the 40 Gy group and 17 weeks for the 80 Gy group. The atrophy of the muscle and the extent of the lesion increased as a function of the dose at the skin surface. The threshold depth dose, corresponding to the deepest border of the lesion, was calculated by using the monoexponential attenuation law. The results gave the value of 20 ± 7 Gy for the 40 Gy group and 16 ± 3 Gy for the 80 Gy group.