bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uterine artery embolization of symptomatic uterine fibroids: Initial success and short-term results
Authors: Andersen P.E. , Lund N. , Justesen P. , Munk T. , Elle B. , Floridon C. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate reduction in fibroid volume, the effect on clinical symptoms, adverse events and complications after percutaneous uterine artery embolization (UAE) as primary invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Material and Methods: Sixty-two patients entered the study. Indications for treatment were fibroid-induced menorrhagia, bulk symptoms, pain, and/or large fibroid size. The first 50 patients were evaluated by clinical examination and ultrasonography with measurement of fibroid volume before treament and 1, 6 and 12 months after UAE. The remaining 12 patients were followed 3 and 12 months after treatment. Embolization with microparticles was performed percutaneously in local analgesia by selective catheterization of both uterine arteries. Results: A primary technical success with bilateral UAE was achieved in 60/62 (97%) of the patients. They were treated for postprocedural pain lasting up to 24 h. In 30 of the 62 patients with 6 months follow-up, the mean fibroid volume was reduced 68% 6 months after treatment. Twenty-nine (96%) of the patients experienced reduced bleeding, 21 (70%) reduced pain, and 18 (61%) reduced bulk symptoms at follow-up. Conclusion: UAE is a method with a high technical success rate. The treatment has good effect on fibroid volume reduction and clinical symptoms. Severe post-procedural pain occurs generally in successful bilateral embolizations, but complications and adverse events are otherwise few and minor. UAE represents a promising new method for treating uterine fibroid-related symptoms.
CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions: Diagnostic accuracy, complications and therapeutic impact
Authors: Hänninen E. Lopez , Vogl T.J. , Ricke J. , Felix R. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, complications, and therapeutic impact of CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions. Material and Methods: Seventy-nine patients underwent diagnostic CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions between July 1995 and March 1999. Evaluation included corresponding clinical data, pathologic results, and therapeutic consequences. Results: There were 29 benign and 50 malignant lesions. Percutaneous core biopsy had an overall diagnostic accuracy of 95%. For malignant lesions, core biopsy was positive in 48 patients (sensitivity 96%), and for benign lesions, in 27 (sensitivity 93%). There were no false-positive findings. Pneumothoraces were observed in 19 patients (24%) and 4 of them required a chest drain (5%). There were no hematothoraces or major bleeding complications; however, postinterventional local hemorrhages were observed in 23 patients (29%). No hemoptysis was noted. Conclusion: Percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions offer excellent diagnostic accuracy for both benign and malignant pulmonary lesions at a low complication rate.
Effects of JPEG and wavelet compression of spiral low-dose CT images on detection of small lung cancers
Authors: Li F. , Sone S. , Takashima S. , Kiyono K. , Yang Z.-G. , Hasegawa M. , Kawakami S. , Saito A. , Hanamura K. , Asakura K. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare the effect of compression of spiral low-dose CT images by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) and wavelet algorithms on detection of small lung cancers. Material and Methods: Low-dose spiral CT images of 104 individuals (52 with peripheral lung cancers smaller than 20 mm and 52 control subjects) were used. The original images were compressed using JPEG or wavelet algorithms at a ratio of 10:1 or 20:1. Five radiologists interpreted these images and evaluated the image quality on a high-resolution CRT monitor. Observer performance was studied by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in the detection of cancers measuring 6 to 15 mm in uncompressed images and in those compressed by either of the algorithms, although the quality of images compressed at 20:1 with the wavelet algorithm was somewhat inferior. A lower diagnostic accuracy was noted using images compressed by the JPEG or wavelet algorithms at 20:1 in detecting lung cancers measuring 6 to 10 mm and cancers measuring from 6 to 15 mm with ground-glass opacity. Conclusion: Compression of low-dose CT images at a ratio of 10:1 using JPEG and wavelet algorithms does not compromise the detection rate of small lung cancers.
Palliative treatment of inoperable malignant esophageal strictures with conically shaped covered self-expanding stents
Authors: Poyanli A. , Sencer S. , Rozanes I. , Acunaş B. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of conically shaped covered self-expanding (Flamingo) stents in palliative treatment of malignant esophagogastric strictures in terms of patency, improved dysphagia score and survival. Material and Methods: Flamingo stents were placed under fluoroscopic guidance between August 1998 and December 1999 for palliation of malignant dysphagia in 33 cases. There were 21 males and 12 females aged 40–80 years (average 64.2 years). Results: Stent placement was successful in all patients, with good symptomatic control and no procedure-related complications. Spontaneous esophago-respiratory fistula and perforation accompanying malignant esophageal stricture in a total of 4 cases (12.2%) were successfully closed. In 1 case, tumor ingrowth was detected from the distal uncovered segment of the stent. In 2 cases with esophago-respiratory fistula, gastrointestinal bleeding occurred. The cause of hemorrhage could not be found by angiography. The mean survival time in 17 patients, later deceased, was 129 days (range 9–360), and the mean observation time in 16 patients still alive is 180 days (range 18–365). Conclusion: Flamingo stents provide an effective and safe choice of palliative therapy in inoperable malignant esophagogastric strictures.
Detection of occult metastatic lymph nodes in the neck with gray-scale and power doppler us
Authors: Wang Q. , Takashima S. , Takayama F. , Wang J. , Kawakami S. , Saito A. , Matsushita T. , Sone S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the most accurate criterion for predicting malignancy of small cervical lymph nodes with gray-scale ultrasound (GSUS) and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS). Material and Methods: Findings of 69 pathologically verified cervical nodes (38 benign, 31 malignant) in 57 patients without wide echogenic hilum on GSUS that measured less than 10 mm in minimal axial diameter were prospectively studied. Minimal and maximal axial diameters, ratios of minimal to maximal axial diameters, and presence or absence of calcification or necrosis of the nodes were assessed. On PDUS, vascularity in the node was classified into 4 pattern groups. A logistic model was used to evaluate the significant factors for predicting malignancy. Results: The logistic model revealed that the minimal axial diameter and vascularity patterns were the only significant factors for malignancy. Using the minimal axial diameter, a node larger than 8 mm showed the highest accuracy (73%) with 45% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Of the vascularity patterns, spotted or peripheral pattern had the highest accuracy (80%) with 61% sensitivity and 93% specificity. A combined criterion of the minimal axial diameter larger than 8 mm and spotted or peripheral pattern increased the accuracy to 82% and sensitivity to 77% but specificity decreased to 86%. Conclusion: A combined criterion of minimal axial diameter and vascular patterns was most accurate for diagnosing occult metastatic lymph nodes in the neck.
Large vestibular aqueduct in distal renal tubular acidosis: High-resolution MR in three cases
Authors: Berrettini S. , Neri E. , Forli F. , Panconi M. , Massimetti M. , Ravecca F. , Sellari-Franceschini S. , Bartolozzi C. 
Published: July 2004

High-resolution MR of the inner ear performed in 3 consecutive pediatric patients affected by distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) and progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) revealed enlarged vestibular aqueducts (LVA) (bilateral in 1 case and unilateral in 2). LVA is associated to sporadic, progressive SNHL, often secondary to minor head trauma and activities involving the Valsalva maneuver. We believe that the presence of LVA may have contributed to the onset of SNHL and its progression in our patients, and therefore want to stress the importance of morphological studies of the inner ear in patients affected by dRTA and SNHL.
Hepatic subcapsular steatosis in diabetic CAPD patients treated with intraperitoneal insulin: Description of a typical pattern
Authors: Kallio T. , Nevalainen P.I. , Lahtela J.T. , Mustonen J. , Pasternack A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To describe a specific imaging pattern of hepatic fatty change typical of diabetic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) insulin. Material and Methods: Liver ultrasound was applied in 16 CAPD patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Presence of hepatic subcapsular steatosis and maximum thickness of the fatty layer were recorded. Liver MR examination was made of 1 patient found to have extensive subcapsular steatosis. Results: Hepatic ultrasound revealed a typical pattern of subcapsular steatosis ("coating-of-fat") in 7/8 patients treated with i.p. insulin. None (0/8) of the diabetic CAPD patients treated with subcutaneous insulin had subcapsular steatosis. Conclusion: Hepatic subcapsular steatosis is specific to CAPD patients on i.p. insulin treatment. To our knowledge this is the first report to describe imaging findings in this particular form of hepatic fatty change.
Quantification of the ionising radiation effect over angiogenesis in the chick embryo and its chorioallantoic membrane by computerised analysis of angiographic images
Authors: Karnabatidis D. , Dimopoulos J.C.A. , Siablis D. , Papazafiropoulos D. , Kalogeropoulou C.P. , Nikiforidis G. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: We evaluated, in vivo, the effect of ionising radiation on the angiogenesis process in the chick embryo and its chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in conjunction with computer-assisted image analysis. Information regarding the ionising effect on endothelial cells during radiation treatment was extracted. Material and Methods: Two series of fertilized eggs were irradiated with a single ionising radiation dose of 10 Gy on days 9 and 13 of embryonic development. Angiography was carried out 24 h after irradiation. The angiographic images were digitized and subsequently processed. A set of specific morphological parameters was defined to allow an analytical characterization of the vascularity status. Vessels were classified into three categories according to their diameters (≥200 μm, 100-200 μm and 50-100 μm). The data were normalized and statistically evaluated. Results: On day 10, total vascular area and total vascular length presented a 15.6±1.2% and 18.4±2.4% reduction, respectively, while vascular diameters increased 3.3±0.5%. The vessel area and length of the first category (≥200 μm) increased 9.8±1.1% and 8.1±0.9%, respectively, while these morphometric parameters for each of the remaining two categories decreased 44.3±2.9%, 38.7±4.2% and 45±3.8%, 30.7±3.4%, respectively. On day 14 insignificant changes were observed. Conclusion: Computerised analysis of angiographic images showed that the antiangiogenic effect of irradiation during the various phases of CAM development is larger on the 10th day than that observed on day 14 and it depends on the vessel size.
Safety of gadolinium contrast agent in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Okada S. , Katagiri K. , Kumazaki T. , Yokoyama H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: We evaluated the safety of a gadolinium (Gd) contrast agent in hemodialysis patients. Material and Methods: Seventy hemodialysis patients underwent contrast-enhanced MR examination. After the examination, the patients were hemodialyzed on a usual schedule, i.e., 3 times per week at 4 h each session. The hemodialysis was performed on the same day in 16 patients, the next day in 34, 2 days later in 14 and 3 days later in 6 patients. Serum Gd concentrations before and after the first to fourth hemodialysis sessions were analyzed in 11 patients. Cardiovascular, cutaneous, respiratory, psycho-neurological and digestive side effects were evaluated in all patients. Changes in liver and kidney functions, blood counts, and electrolytes were also checked. Results and Conclusion: Neither side effects nor blood changes were noted in any of the patients. Average excretory rates were 78.2%, 95.6%, 98.7% and 99.5% in the first to fourth hemodialysis sessions, respectively. These results suggest that Gd contrast agents can be used in hemodialysis patients if hemodialysis is carried out promptly after the examination.
Book Reviews
Authors: Montelius Anders , Wegenius Göran 
Published: July 2004

Achieving Quality in Brachytherapy. By B. Thomadsen, Medical Science Series, Institute of Physics Publishing, Bristol and Philadelphia 2000, ISBN 0 7503 0554 1. Radiology of Blunt Trauma of the Chest. By P. Schnyder & M. Wintermark. Springer Verlag 2000. ISBN 3-540-66217-0. Price Hardcover: DEM 159.
Post-traumatic cerebral infarction: Neuroimaging findings, etiology and outcome
Authors: Server A. , Dullerud R. , Haakonsen M. , Nakstad P.H. , Johnsen U.L.-H. , Magnæs B. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the radiological characteristics of post-traumatic cerebral infarctions (PTCIs), the etiology and site of infarction, and to provide neuroimaging indicators of a poor clinical outcome. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 16 patients with the neuroimaging-based diagnosis of PTCI was carried out. All CT, MR examinations, cerebral angiograms and medical records of the patients were reviewed. Results: Infarcts were diagnosed in the territory of the posterior cerebral artery in 9 patients, in the middle cerebral artery in 5, in the anterior cerebral artery in 3, lenticulostriate-thalamoperforating in 2, vertebrobasilar in 3, and cortical infarcts in 2 patients. Neuroimaging studies suggested focal mass effect and/or acquired intracranial herniations as the cause of infarction in 13/16 patients (81.2%). In 3/16 patients (18.8%), PTCI was due to vascular injury of which 2 were angiographically documented (carotid artery dissection). Eight of the 16 patients in this study died or were left in a persistent vegetative state. Patients with associated subdural hematoma, brain swelling/edema and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) exhibited the worst outcome. Conclusion: Gross mechanical shift of the brain and herniation across the falx and/or tentorium accounted for infarction in a majority of cases in our study. The overall death rate was 43.8% and this result suggests that PTCI is an indication of a poor clinical outcome, especially among patients with associated subdural hematoma, brain swelling/edema and tSAH.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in symptomatic bone stress of the pelvis and the lower extremity
Authors: Kiuru M.J. , Pihlajamäki H.K. , Perkiö J.P. , Ahovuo J.A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in bone stress of the pelvis and the lower extremity. Material and Methods: Thirty patients (37 reactions; aged 17-25 years, mean 20.5 years) with MR findings of 37 bone stress reactions were examined using dynamic gadolinium contrast enhancement. The enhancement was evaluated with time-intensity curves. The highest slope and maximum enhancement values were calculated and compared with the different precontrast MR imaging signs of bone stress reactions. Results: There was a significant difference in the highest slope values between the site of the bone stress reaction and the reference points. In 24 of the 37 reactions the dynamic contrast enhancement was regarded as positive. A fracture line, callus, and muscle edema were the MR imaging signs which had a significant correlation to the dynamic contrast enhancement. Neither periosteal nor marrow changes showed any significant correlation. A new MR grading system for bone stress reactions could be assessed. Conclusion: Increased tissue perfusion could be seen if precontrast MR imaging revealed callus, fracture line or muscle edema surrounding the bone stress reaction.
A comparative study of MR imaging profile of titanium pedicle screws
Authors: Malik A.S. , Boyko O. , Aktar N. , Young W.F. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: We compared the MR imaging profile of three different types of titanium pedicle screw implants in common usage in a human cadaveric model. We additionally compared the change in temperature during imaging among three constructs. Material and Methods: Titanium-based lumbar pedicle screw/rod constructs from three manufacturers were implanted sequentially in a human cadaveric spine. MR imaging was then performed using both conventional spin-echo sequences and advanced imaging pulse sequences. Changes in tissue temperature were also measured during imaging to assess differences among the various implants. MR images were compared in a blinded fashion by two neuroradiologists. Results: No significant differences in imaging profile were noted between the three types of titanium implants with regards to their MR artifact profile. Fast spin-echo sequences led to a decrease in perceptible MR artifacts. Moreover, there were no significant differences in temperature increase among the three manufacturers (mean increase 0.5°C) during imaging. Conclusion: Slight differences in the percentage of titanium among the three pedicle screw systems does not appear to result in artifact differences during MR imaging. Therefore, with regard to imaging profile considerations, the three systems studied should be considered interchangeable.
MR-guided core biopsies of soft tissue tumours on an open 0.23 T imager
Authors: Parkkola R.K. , Mattila K.T. , Heikkilä J.T. , Ekfors T.O. , Komu M.E.S. , Vaara T. , Aro H.T. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of MR-guided soft tissue core biopsies on an open 0.23 T magnet. Material and Methods: Twenty-nine consecutive patients with known or suspected benign or malignant soft tissue tumours underwent MR imaging. A one-slice dynamic enhancement sequence was used to obtain an enhancement curve of the tumour. MR-guided core biopsy of the tumour was performed in the same session. Results: All biopsies could be performed on an open 0.23 T magnet. Standard MR images and dynamic enhancement curves were used in deciding biopsy route and target. The MR-guided core biopsy specimens were sufficient for histopathological diagnosis in 27 of 29 cases. Conclusion: Open magnet configuration allows easy access to the patient and near real-time imaging guidance of soft tissue tumours. Minimally invasive MR-guided core biopsies of soft tissue tumours are feasible and help to avoid open surgical biopsies.
Radiological image data migration: Practical experience and comparison of the costs of work
Authors: Maass M. , Kosonen M. , Kormano M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To identify costs deriving from data migration of obsolete digital archives by measuring the workload, and to analyse migration-associated problems. Material and Methods: Two digital archives were used (DTL and MOD) and the capacity of these archives could no longer support the needs of the Medical Imaging Centre. The entire content of the DLT archive and selected data from the MOD archive were transferred to the current higher capacity (17 TB) tape archive. The running time of work processes was measured by self-reporting, and the cost of work was calculated. Results: The transfer of 43,096 studies required 314 working hours over the course of 15 months in total. The work was partly manual, partly automatic. The percentage of non-retrievable MOD images was 35. Less than 0.2% of the DLT image transfers failed due to incorrect patient or image data. The MOD - DLT transfer cost was six times higher per study than the DLT - DLT transmission cost. Conclusion: At present, data migration may be inevitable as the amount of data increases and technology advances. The data transfer proved to be labour intensive, with high fault sensitivity regarding the MOD archive. The cost of work of data migration was 0.4% of estimated digital archiving total yearly cost. Automated data migration is preferable.
Long-term follow-up of reflux nephropathy in adults with vesicoureteral reflux – radiological and pathoanatomical analysis
Authors: Köhler J. , Thysell H. , Tencer J. , Forsberg L. , Hellström M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To study the long-term development of urographic renal morphology in adults with vesicoureteral reflux, to investigate the relationship between renal damage and reflux grade, and to analyse the association between the long-term urographic outcome and the occurrence of acute pyelonephritis and reflux during follow-up. The purpose was also to try to distinguish between acquired and developmental renal damage, based on analyses of renal histological specimens and urographic features, and to analyse associated congenital urogenital abnormalities and family history of reflux, reflux nephropathy, urological malformation or death from end-stage renal disease. Material and Methods: Renal damage was identified in 100 (83 women) of 115 adults, selected because of documented reflux. Eighty-seven patients had two urographies done (median interval 14.3 years). The extent and progression of renal damage were assessed and features of developmental renal damage were determined. Histological renal specimens were available in 23 patients with renal damage. Results and Conclusions: The extent of renal damage correlated positively with the severity of reflux. No renal damage developed during the follow-up in 45 previously undamaged kidneys and progression of renal damage was rare (4 of 120 previously damaged kidneys), despite persisting reflux in half of the cases and episodes of acute pyelonephritis during follow-up. Thus, repeated renal imaging is rarely justified in adults with reflux nephropathy. Histological examination showed "chronic pyelonephritis" in all 23 cases and co-existing renal dysplasia in 1 case. The detailed urographic analysis did not reveal support for developmental renal damage. High frequencies of associated congenital urogenital abnormalities and of a positive family history were found. Thus, congenital and/or hereditary factors cannot be discarded as background factors for the development of renal damage.
Neonatal periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage: Subacute and chronic MR findings
Authors: Asao C. , Korogi Y. , Kondo Y. , Yasunaga T. , Takahashi M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate MR findings at subacute and chronic stages after neonatal periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH), and to determine the clinical significance of follow-up MR. Material and Methods: Twenty-six children (estimated gestational age, 23-39 weeks; mean 29 weeks) with a history of previous PIVH underwent MR examination during their subacute and chronic clinical courses. PIVHs were initially detected with ultrasound examination in all cases. PIVH was divided into three grades (mild, moderate, and severe) according to the findings at the initial US studies, which were correlated to the MR findings. Results: Abnormal signal intensities related to hemorrhage were demonstrated in 10 of 21 patients (47.6%) on initial MR studies; the very low signal intensities on T2-weighted images found on the periventricular wall with a linear or a spotty shape had disappeared at one year after the initial US. The children with ventriculomegaly and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) were increased in number on the follow-up studies. Conclusion: MR imaging provided valuable information about the consequences of neonatal PIVH such as developments of ventriculomegaly or PVL. It is noteworthy that hemorrhagic lesions could not be detected in half of the cases at the subacute or chronic stage of PIVH.