bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of CT in local staging of gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Kim B.S. , Ha H.K. , I.-J. Lee , Kim J.H. , Eun H.W. , Bae I.Y. , Kim A.Y. , Kim T.K. , Kim M.H. , Lee S.K. , Kang W. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of CT for staging gallbladder cancers, especially the T-factor of the TNM staging system. Material and Methods: CT investigations of 100 patients with surgically proven gallbladder cancers were retrospectively analyzed. Dynamic helical CT was performed in 16 patients and conventional CT in the remaining 84. On CT, three radiologists attempted tumor staging for these patients; the majority opinion was used for final decision. According to CT protocols (dynamic helical CT vs. conventional CT) and each tumor type (thickened wall/intraluminal mass/massive), the accuracy of CT staging was compared. The CT staging was correlated with the surgico-pathologic results. Results: The overall accuracy of CT for staging gallbladder cancers was 71%; it was 79% for T1 and T2 tumors, 46% for T3 tumors, and 73% for T4 tumors. For all three readers, the poorest accuracy was obtained in T3 tumors. No statistically significant difference was noted in the accuracy between the groups undergoing conventional CT and dynamic helical CT. A statistically significant difference was noted in the accuracy for staging thickened wall and intraluminal mass types of tumors ( p&lt;0.05); the highest accuracy was obtained in the intraluminal mass type (89%) and the massive type (83%), while it was 54% in the thickened wall type. Conclusion: The accuracy of tumor staging with CT in patients with gallbladder cancer depends on the morphological type of tumor. The poorest result is obtained in the thickened wall type.
MR and ultrasound in screening of patients with suspected biliary tract disease
Authors: Håkansson K. , Ekberg O. , H.-O. Håkansson , Leander P. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: The diagnostic value and cost-efficiency of MR imaging were compared with US before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with clinically suspected biliary tract disease. Material and Methods: In a prospective study of 219 patients, 85 were examined with both MR and US before ERCP. Results: To find the correct diagnosis in the jaundiced patients the sensitivity of US, MR and ERCP was 53%, 93%, and 89%, respectively. In the patients with abdominal upper quadrant pain and normal serum bilirubin, the sensitivity of US, MR and ERCP was 50%, 100% and 70%, respectively. Examination with MR costs four times more than US. Screening with US and supplemental MR in non-diagnostic cases would cost 80% of the total amount compared to screening with MR only. Conclusion: MR had a higher sensitivity than US for diagnosing biliary tract disease and MR was superior to US in visualising stones in the common bile duct and in diagnosing the cause of cholestasis. However, screening with US and supplemental MR in non-diagnostic cases is at present most cost-effective. With increased accessibility and slightly lower costs, MR will probably replace US as screening method in patients with suspected biliary tract disease.
MR imaging of the neural foramina of the cervical spine: Comparison of 3D-DESS and 3D-FISP sequences
Authors: Muhle C. , Ahn J.M. , Biederer J. , Schäfer F.K.W. , Frahm C.H. , Mohr A. , Brossmann J. , Resnick D. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess whether a single three-dimensional double-echo steady state (3D-DESS) sequence can produce equivalent results when compared to a 3D free induction with steady precession (3D-FISP) sequence for the evaluation of the neural foraminal diameter and structures. Material and Methods: Five phantoms were imaged on CT with 3-mm axial slices followed by reformatted axial 3D-DESS and 3D-FISP sequences. In addition, 3D-DESS and 3D-FISP sequences of 20 healthy subjects were compared with regard to image quality, differentiation between vertebrae and discs, differentiation between discs and neural foramina, and differentiation between vertebrae and neural foramina. Results: Compared with CT, 3D-DESS and 3D-FISP sequences consistently underestimated the diameters of the neural foramina. The mean difference values for the 3D-DESS was 12.8%, compared to 9.5% for the 3D-FISP sequence. Concerning the in vivo studies, the 3D-DESS sequence was superior but not statistical significant to the 3D-FISP sequence with regard to image quality, differentiation between vertebrae and discs, differentiation between discs and neural formina, and identification of the nerve roots. Conclusion: The 3D-DESS sequence is moderately accurate in the evaluation of the neural foraminal size. Compared to the 3D-FISP sequence, the 3D-DESS sequence is compatible concerning the image quality, differentiation between the cervical vertebrae and discs, and between the discs and neural foramina.
MR follow-up of small experimental intracranial haemorrhages from hyperacute to subacute phase
Authors: Ripoll M. Alemany , Gustafsson O. , Siösteen B. , Olsson Y. , Raininko R. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare pulse sequences in revealing intracranial bleeding from the hyperacute to subacute phase. Material and Methods: We injected 0.3-1 ml of autologous blood into the brain of 8 rabbits. MR imaging was performed immediately after haematoma creation and then at determined intervals up to 9-12 days. All images were analysed by two observers. After the last MR investigation, the brain was fixed in formalin. The last MR images were compared to the fixed brain sections and to the histologic findings. Results: T2*-weighted GE sequences, both conventional spoiled and echoplanar sequences, revealed the intraparenchymal haematomas as hypointensities in all but 1 case, which was negative from the second day onward (a rabbit with 0.3 ml blood injected). The signal patterns remained unchanged during the follow-up. The haematoma sizes and shapes corresponded well to gross pathology. Blood in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space was detected with T2*-weighted GE sequences in a great majority of the examinations during the first 2 days. The cases with the smallest injected volume of blood were negative. SE sequences were rather insensitive. The FLAIR sequence often revealed blood in CSF spaces but not in the brain. Conclusion: T2*-weighted GE sequences are capable of revealing very small intraparenchymal haemorrhages from the hyperacute to the subacute phase, and blood in CSF spaces during at least the first 2 days.
MR angiography in the follow-up of coiled cerebral aneurysms after treatment with guglielmi detachable coils
Authors: Nome T. , Bakke S.J. , Nakstad P.H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has been considered the gold standard examination in the follow-up of patients treated with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs). However, DSA is an invasive and expensive investigation and results in exposure to ionising radiation to both patient and operator. The aim of this study was to compare MR angiography (MRA) with DSA with regard to patency of the occlusion of aneurysms following GDC treatment. Material and Methods: We performed 75 MRA and DSA examinations on 51 patients treated with GDCs. The examinations were performed 3-36 months after embolisation and the interval between MRA and DSA was less than 1 week. Hard copies of both studies were interpreted retrospectively and independently for residual flow within the aneurysm, residual aneurysmal neck, and parent and branch vessel flow. Results: Patency status of parent and branch vessel flow was correctly identified with MRA in all patients except 1. The sensitivity of MRA in revealing residual flow within the aneurysm was 97%. The specificity in ruling out residual flow within the aneurysm was 91%. Conclusion: MRA may replace DSA in the long-term follow-up of coiled cerebral aneurysms. The initial follow-up examination should, however, include both modalities.
Embolization of cranial/spinal tumours and vascular malformations with hydrogel microspheres: An experience of 69 cases
Authors: Phadke R.V. , Venkatesh S.K. , Kumar S. , Tandon V. , Pandey R. , Tyagi I. , Jain V.K. , Chhabra D.K. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: To evaluate polymethyl methacrylate hydrogel microspheres (HMs) as an embolization material in the management of hypervascular craniofacial and spinal lesions. Material and Methods: Sixty-nine patients with vascular lesions of the craniofacial and spinal regions underwent embolization with HM. The pathologies included craniofacial tumours (n=38), cranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) (n=7), dural AVM (n=1), cavernous carotid fistula (n=1), spinal tumours (n=7), spinal AVMs (n=6), orbital lesions (n=4) and scalp AVMs (n=5). Surgery was done in 56 patients. The blood loss at surgery, tumour shrinkage, surgical cleavage and ease of removal of tumour was noted from the records. Histopathology was available in 39 patients. A follow-up of 3 months to 6 years was available in 13 patients in whom embolization was the sole treatment. Surgical and histopathological findings were correlated with angio-embolization findings. Results: HMs were easy to inject through the microcatheter with good control. Good devascularization was obtained in 61 patients and partial in 8 patients. Two patients developed complications due to presence of anastomoses between intra- and extracranial circulation and 1 patient due to tumor swelling. Histopathology showed presence of HMs in all the lesions, with minimal inflammatory reaction in 2 patients. Patients with spinal lesions treated with embolization only stabilised in neurologic deficits. Conclusion: HMs are highly suitable as embolization agents in the management of craniofacial and spinal hypervascular lesions.
Airway changes in children with mucopolysaccharidoses: CT evaluation
Authors: S.-L. Shih , Y.-J. Lee , S.-P. Lin , C.-Y. Sheu , Blickman J.G. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: To assess the CT findings of the airway in children with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Material and Methods: The study included 13 patients (9 boys, 4 girls; age range 2-17 years; mean age 9.2 years) with MPS: 6 with Hunter syndrome, 3 with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, 2 with Sanfilippo syndrome, 1 with Hurler/Scheie syndrome and 1 with Morquio syndrome. CT of the airways was done in the axial section with 3-mm collimation from the oropharynx at the level of C3 to the base of the lung. The shape of the vocal cords and trachea at the level of T1 was evaluated. The tracheal surface area (TSA) at the level of T1 was measured both in patients and in age-matched subjects. Results: CT showed an abnormality of the vocal cords in 7 of the 13 patients. Six patients had an abnormal shape and 7 had an inhomogenous density. The abnormalities included elliptical (5 of 6) and star-shaped (1 of 6) cords. Eight of 13 tracheas were also abnormal, either U-shaped (6 of 8) or worm-shaped (2 of 8). The TSA was significantly smaller in patients (79.6±28.9 mm2) than in control subjects (138.1±50.1 mm2). The TSA of those ≤⃒9 years was 61.4±15.2 mm2 as compared with 99.9±23.5 mm2 for the control group. The TSA of patients ≥11 years was 107.1±25.3 mm2 as compared with 187.6±32.0 mm2 for the control group. Conclusion: Significant changes in the shape of the vocal cords and trachea in patients with MPS were found. The most common abnormal configuration of trachea was the U-shape. The TSA was smaller in patients with MPS than in controls. The airway changes may be due to abnormal submucosal storage of substances such as keratan or dermatan sulfate.
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: CT peritoneography findings and assessment of related clinical complications
Authors: Karahan O.I. , Taşkapan H. , Tokgöz B. , Coşkun A. , Utaş C. , Güleç M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in uremic patients with and without clinical symptoms by CT peritoneography. Material and Methods: A total of 64 patients with end-stage renal disease and on continuous CAPD were investigated. Twenty-eight had some clinical symptoms, which might be related to the complications of CAPD. Thirty-six patients had no complaints or symptoms due to the dialysis treatment. Results: CT peritoneography revealed various complications including hernias (50%), dialysate leakage (46%), localized fluid collection (4%) and peritoneal adhesions (4%) in the patients who had clinical symptoms that might be related to the dialysis treatment. Moreover, similar complications were found in the asymptomatic patients at a lower rate: hernia (3%), dialysate leakage (17%), peritoneal adhesions (3%) and abdominal wall laxity (3%). Complication detection rate by CT peritoneography was 68% (n=19) in the symptomatic patients and 22% (n=8) in the asymptomatic patients. The number of complications found in each group was significant. Conclusion: CT peritoneography was an effective modality in detecting complications from CAPD in patients with and without clinical symptoms.
Efficacy of sequential use of superparamagnetic iron oxide and gadolinium in liver MR imaging
Authors: Halavaara J. , Tervahartiala P. , Isoniemi H. , Höckerstedt K. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of combined (double contrast) use of superparamagnetic iron particles (SPIOs) and gadolinium (Gd) in liver MR imaging. Material and Methods: Unenhanced, Gd-enhanced, SPIO-enhanced, and both SPIO- and Gd-enhanced images were acquired at 1.5 T. Twenty patients with previously detected liver lesions were included. Fast SE-STIR, and breath-hold true FISP, fat-suppressed T1- and T2-weighted sequences were obtained with all techniques. Lesion count was assessed by consensus reading. Results: Collective evaluation of all MR sequences revealed 61 lesions in 16 patients; SPIO-enhanced MR detected lesions with a sensitivity of 95% (n=58). The sensitivity of unenhanced MR imaging was 90% (n=55). There was no statistical difference between SPIO-enhanced and unenhanced MR images. From single sequences, the greatest number of lesions was detected with the SPIO-enhanced fast SE-STIR sequence (n=56, sensitivity 92%). By using the fat-suppressed T1-weighted sequence, Gd-enhanced and both SPIO- and Gd-enhanced MR images demonstrated sensitivities of 77% (n=47) and 80% (n=49), respectively. Despite the combined use of both contrast media, this sequence was significantly less sensitive in lesion detection when compared to SPIO-enhanced imaging. Conclusion: SPIO-enhanced MR imaging was the most sensitive method in lesion detection. The benefit of the combined use of SPIO and Gd was negligible.
A new liquid embolic material for liver tumors: An animal experimental study using Onyx
Authors: Komemushi A. , Tanigawa N. , Okuda Y. , Kojima H. , Fujii H. , Shomura Y. , Sougawa M. , Sawada S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a new liquid embolic material, Onyx, for treating liver tumors. Material and Methods: Onyx is a mixture of 6% (w/v) ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer dissolved in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with 28% (w/v) tantalum powder. In addition to 6% Onyx, we also tried 4%, 2% and 1% solutions, prepared by adjusting the amount of DMSO. We used 15 white rabbits with liver tumors created by percutaneous injection of VX2 tumor cells. In 4 groups with 3 rabbits in each, the liver arteries were embolized with 6%, 4%, 2% and 1% Onyx, respectively, and in 3 rabbits DMSO alone was injected. The injections were performed just proximal to the bifurcation of the proper hepatic artery, followed by celiac arteriography. Post mortem, the livers were examined by soft-tissue radiography, and liver-tissue section microscopy. Results: The maximum number of arterial branching points passed by embolic material in either the right or left hepatic arteries was 11, 15 and 16, for 6%, 4% and 2% Onyx, respectively, but was non-measurable for 1% Onyx. Minimum diameters of arteries reached by 6%, 4%, 2% and 1% Onyx in tumorous areas were 40 μm, 35 μm, 20 μm and 10 μm, respectively, and in non-tumorous areas 35 μm, 5 μm, 5 μm and 5 μm, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that Onyx may be feasible for treatment of hepatic tumors.
CT angiography in the assessment of carotid artery atherosclerosis: A comparative analysis with MR angiography with reference to contrast angiography and intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Berg M.H. , Manninen H.I. , Räsänen H.T. , Vanninen R.L. , Jaakkola P.A. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of CT angiography (CTA) to detect atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries in comparison with 3D time-of-flight MR angiography (3D TOF MRA), using contrast angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as a reference. Material and Methods: Contrast angiography and CTA were performed in 31 patients (mean age 65 years, range 45-79). The image quality was evaluated, atherosclerotic lesions were registered, and diameter stenosis degree was visually estimated from axial source images of CTA and 3D TOF MRA (21 patients), and results of interpretations were compared. The comparison of quantitative measurements was performed using IVUS as a reference. Results: Contrast angiography detected 51 lesions (mean diameter stenosis 50%, range 10-100%), and CTA detected all same lesions. CTA provided better image quality and consistency of image interpretation than 3D TOF MRA. IVUS verified 29 atherosclerotic lesions with a mean diameter stenosis of 35%, (range 4-40%). CTA yielded a sensitivity of 96% to 100% (≤⃒10% or ≤⃒20% diameter stenosis regarded as normal) for the detection of lesions with reference to IVUS. Conclusion: CTA seems feasible and accurate for the detection of atherosclerosis in carotid arteries.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and histopathology in chronic achilles tendinosis: A longitudinal MR study of 15 patients
Authors: Shalabi A. , Kristoffersen-Wiberg M. , Papadogiannakis N. , Aspelin P. , Movin T. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DEMRI) and its correlation to symptoms and histopathology in chronic Achilles tendinosis. Material and Methods: Fifteen patients with severe symptoms underwent DEMRI preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. US-guided core biopsies of tendinosis tissue were obtained preoperatively and the specimens were analyzed using a semiquantitative protocol. DEMRI was evaluated by calculating the area under curve (AUC) of signal alteration and the static MR by a semiquantitative grading scale. A questionnaire and clinical examination evaluated the clinical outcome. Results: Early contrast enhancement (first 72 s) was seen in DEMRI at tendon lesions of the symptomatic Achilles tendons with a significant difference to asymptomatic contralateral tendon that revealed no or mild enhancement. Increased severity of tendon pathology (including fiber structure abnormality, increased vascularity, rounding of nuclei and increased amount of glycosaminoglycans) was correlated to both dynamic and static signal enhancement. Two years following surgical treatment, the signal alterations showed regression of early contrast enhancement (AUC decreased from 9 preoperatively to 2 postoperatively). The clinical outcome was as follows: 8 patients excellent, 4 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. Conclusion: Patients with chronic painful achillodynia showed an early contrast-agent enhancement corresponding to the tendon lesion. Increased enhancement correlated to increased severity of tendon histopathology and patient symptoms. Two years after surgical treatment the contrast-agent enhancement decreased.
MR imaging, bone scintigraphy, and radiography in bone stress injuries of the pelvis and the lower extremity
Authors: Kiuru M.J. , Pihlajamaki H.K. , Hietanen H.J. , Ahovuo J.A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare MR imaging, radiography and bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of stress injuries to bones of the pelvis and lower extremity. Material and Methods: Fifty consecutive conscripts with clinical signs of a stress injury to bone underwent MR imaging and bone scintigraphy. Forty-three patients also had radiographs available. Bone scintigraphy served as a gold standard. Results: Compared to the bone scintigraphy, the sensitivity of radiography was 56%, specificity 94%, accuracy 67%, positive predictive value (PPV) 95%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 48%. The kappa value for radiography and bone scintigraphy was fair (0.39). Correspondingly, the sensitivity of MR imaging was 100%, specificity 86%, accuracy 95%, PPV 93% and NPV 100%. The kappa value for MR imaging and bone scintigraphy was very good (0.89). MR imaging depicted 3 bone stress injuries that were not visible on bone scintigraphy. Positive findings obtained from radiography correlated with MR signs of fracture line or callus ( p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: MR imaging is more sensitive than two-phase bone scintigraphy, and MR imaging should be used as the gold standard in the assessment of stress injuries of bone. Radiography reveals mainly the late phases of bone stress injuries, such as stress fracture and callus.
Capsular distance in the hip of the healthy child – normal values with sonography and MR imaging
Authors: Laurell L. , Hochbergs P. , Rydholm U. , Wingstrand H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the normal values of the anterior and posterior capsular distances of the hip joint in healthy children by means of US, using MR imaging as reference, and to evaluate any possible correlation between age, length, weight and anterior capsular distance (ACD). Material and Methods: In our first study both hips in 14 healthy children (5-18 years old) were examined with US and MR to obtain measurements of the ACD and the posterior capsular distance (PCD). The distance from the anterior or posterior aspect of the femoral neck to the anterior or posterior aspect, respectively, of the outer limit of the capsule was determined. The distances were measured both with the hips in spontaneous external rotation of 10-15° and in internal rotation of 45°. In our second study, both hips in 28 healthy children (3-16 years old) were examined with US to determine the ACD. Age, length and weight were recorded. Results: Study I: There was good correlation between the US and MR measurements in all positions. The ACD measured by US was significantly increased in inward rotation of the hip. Study II: There was no correlation between ACD and age, length or weight. Conclusion: The PCD of the hip joint can be accurately measured by US with the hip in internal rotation of 45°. When compared with MR values, the ACD measured by US was dependent on the degree of rotation of the leg and increased significantly in internal rotation. Because the outer limit of the external layer of the joint capsule is sonographically more distinct, we suggest that the capsular distance should be measured from the outer limit of the joint capsule to the anterior or posterior aspect of the femoral neck. The measurement should be made perpendicular to the femoral neck, at the position where the greatest numerical value is obtained.