bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Esophageal Rings and Strictures: Manometric characteristics in patients with food impaction
Authors: Røhl L. , Aksglæde K. , Funch-Jensen P. , Thommesen P. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the manometric characteristics in patients with lower esophageal rings or strictures with special reference to food impaction. Material and Methods: The material comprised 344 patients (158 female and 186 male). Lower esophageal rings or strictures were diagnosed radiologically by the full column technique. Manometry was performed with triple lumen catheters connected to a hydraulic capillary system and external transducers. Results: Forty patients had rings, and 21 patients strictures. The reference group comprised 283 patients. Dysphagia was seen most frequently in patients with rings. Food impaction was seen only in patients with rings or strictures, whereas chest pain and heartburn appeared with the same incidence in all 3 groups. Non-specific motor disorders were seen most frequently in patients with strictures, but as delayed esophageal emptying with no influence on the tendency to food impaction. Only ring diameter, but not stricture diameter, was of any significance with a higher incidence of food impaction in patients with narrow rings. Conclusion: Radiology rather than manometry should be the first diagnostic step in patients with benign dysphagia suffering from food impaction.
Transrectal US and Endorectal MR Imaging in Partial and Complete Obstruction of the Seminal Duct System: A comparative study
Authors: Engin G. , Kadioǧlu A. , Orhan I. , Akdöl S. , Rozanes I. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate transrectal ultrasonography (US) and MR imaging findings of infertile patients with suspected complete or partial obstruction of the seminal duct system. Material and Methods: Two hundred and eighteen infertile patients with low ejaculate volume were evaluated by transrectal US. Endorectal MR imaging was performed on 62/218 patients. Prostatic cysts, ejaculatory duct (ED) dilatation (>2 mm in width), ED calculi or calcifications, seminal vesicle (SV) dilatation (a.p. diameter >15 mm), SV hypo/agenesis (a.p. diameter <7 mm), SV cysts (>5 mm), vasal agenesis and chronic prostatitis (coarse calcifications, heterogeneity in prostate) were considered significant findings for obstruction of the seminal duct system. Results: Pathologic findings were detected in 75% and 61% of patients with azoospermia on transrectal US and MR imaging, respectively. Transrectal US and MR imaging did not reveal any pathologies in 64.7% and 59.1% of patients with nonazoospermia, respectively. The incidences of hypoplastic/atrophic SV (12/48 vs. 5/170), SV agenesis (6/48 vs. 1/170), vasal agenesis (5/48 vs. 1/170) were significantly higher in the azoospermic subgroup ( p < 0.002). Conclusion: US is a good method for initial evaluation of these patients – especially in complete obstruction. Endorectal MR imaging should be reserved for selected patients in whom results of transrectal US are not conclusive.
Us Versus Conventional Radiography in the Diagnosis of Sternal Fractures
Authors: Engin G. , Yekeler E. , Güloǧlu R. , Acunaş B. , Acunaş G. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To investigate the value of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of sternal fractures. Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients (mean age 35.4 years) with a clinical suspicion of sternal fracture after blunt chest trauma were retrospectively reviewed. At admission, a.p. and lateral chest radiographies and sternal US were obtained. Sternal fractures were classified as nondisplaced or displaced. US and conventional radiographic findings were compared. Results: In 3/23 (13.0%) of the patients, no fracture was found by radiography or by US. Both radiography and US demonstrated sternal fractures in 16/23 (69.6%) of the patients. Sternal fractures were detected only by US while the conventional radiography was negative in 2/23 (8.7%) cases. Also in 2/23 (8.7%) of the patients with US positive for fracture, radiographies were suspicious. In 2 patients, the degree of fracture displacement on US was lesser than that found by radiography. Conclusion: US was better than lateral radiography to diagnose sternal fractures; however, conventional radiography remains the standard means of demonstrating grade of displacement.
Neurologic Complications of Cerebral Angiography: A retrospective study of complication rate and patient risk factors
Authors: Leffers A. , Wagner A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the neurologic complication rate and individual patient risk factors in cerebral angiographies using the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) technique and non-ionic contrast media in a department with many radiologists in training. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 483 cerebral angiographic examinations in 454 patients was carried out. The following parameters were registered: sex and age of the patient, indication for the angiography, cerebral CT diagnosis, laboratory data, type of anesthesia, type of angiographic procedure, level of training of the angiographer, number of participating angiographers, type of catheters, number of vessels catheterized, number of exposures, use of compression series, total amount of contrast media, diagnosis of the angiogram, complications and duration of complications. Results: The frequency of all neurologic complications was 2.3%, the frequency of persistent neurologic deficits was 0.4%. Non-neurologic complications were observed in 14.7% of the examinations. Of all the parameters studied, the only factor that significantly increased neurologic risk was a normal angiogram, a finding we are inclined to ascribe to chance. Performance of a compression series showed a trend towards increasing the neurologic risk. Conclusion: This study showed a complication rate of persistent neurologic deficits of 0.4% which is in accordance with other recent reports. A compression series should not be performed routinely, but only on special indication. This study confirms the low risk of cerebral angiography when performed in a neuroradiological department using the DSA technique and non-ionic contrast media.
Ultrasound Demonstration of Mammographically Detected Microcalcifications
Authors: Gufler H. , Buitrago-Téllez C. Hernando , Madjar H. , Allmann K.-H. , Uhl M. , Rohr-Reyes A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the capabilities of breast ultrasound (US) for identifying microcalcifications in benign breast changes, in situ carcinomas, and small non-palpable invasive carcinomas. Material and Methods: Forty-six consecutive patients with 49 clustered microcalcifications detected by mammography were included in this prospective study. Patients with palpable breast lesions were excluded. Breast US was performed with knowledge of mammographic findings for presence and visibility of microcalcifications, and for parenchymal structure abnormalities. Mammographic and US findings were compared with histology. Results: Nine ductal in situ carcinomas, 2 lobular in situ carcinomas, 11 invasive carcinomas and 27 benign lesions were confirmed by histology. For all lesions, US achieved a sensitivity of 75% in the detection of microcalcifications. The detection rate for microcalcification in invasive and in situ carcinomas was 100%. In 11 cases, no microcalcifications were visible on US; they all proved to be benign on histology. Conclusion: Microcalcifications in malignant lesions are reliably recognized by US. They are, however, difficult to detect in fibrocystic breast changes.
The Potential Influence of Fine-Needle Aspiration on MR Imaging of the Breast
Authors: Wiberg M. Kristoffersen , Boné B. , Aspelin P. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of breast lesions causes structural changes or changes in contrast enhancement, that could impair the evaluation of these lesions at MR investigation of the breast. Material and Methods: Fifteen patients with 17 lesions were examined with MR imaging of the breast both before and after the FNAB with a mean interval of 7.1 days. At both examinations, signal intensities were measured pre- and post-contrast enhancement in the lesions as well as in surrounding breast parenchyma and muscle. Imaging with contrast enhancement was performed semi-dynamically with two images obtained in rapid sequence (acquisition time 6.23 min) immediately after bolus injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine, 0.1 mmol/kg b.w., and the contrast enhancement in both images was calculated. Results: The diagnostic value of MR images was unimpaired by FNAB, and no statistical difference between contrast enhancement in corresponding images obtained before and after FNAB was found, either within the lesions or in the breast parenchyma or muscle. Conclusion: FNAB of the breast can be performed without impairing the diagnostic outcome of MR investigation.
High-resolution CT in renal transplant patients with suspected pulmonary infections
Authors: Gulati M. , Kaur R. , Jha V. , Venkataramu N.K. , Gupta D. , Suri S. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: This prospective study was carried out to assess the usefulness of high-resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest in immunocompromised renal transplant patients with suspected pulmonary infections. Material and Methods: Twenty-one consecutive renal transplant patients with clinically suspected pulmonary infections underwent chest radiography, HRCT and other tests including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). HRCT was performed using a high spatial frequency algorithm with 2-mm-thick sections at 10-mm intervals from apices to domes of the diaphragm. The findings on chest radiography and HRCT were interpreted by two thoracic radiologists and the usefulness of HRCT was evaluated. The images were interpreted independently by two radiologists, who were blinded to the findings of other imaging modalities and the final diagnosis. Any differences regarding the imaging findings were resolved through consensus. Results: Final diagnosis was obtained in 17 patients, and no cause for symptomatology was established in 4 patients. The spectrum of infections included pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in 11 patients, cytomegalovirus pneumonia (CMV) in 2 patients, cryptococcal and streptococcal pneumonia, pulmonary aspergillosis and esophageal candidiasis in 1 patient each. Compared to chest radiography, HRCT revealed additional findings in 11 patients. HRCT findings were suggestive of underlying infection in 11 patients. The final diagnosis coincided with HRCT diagnosis in all but 1 patient. HRCT findings were non-specific in 3 patients and normal in 7. The findings were concordant in 19 cases. The results were not in agreement in only 2 cases. Conclusion: HRCT can provide useful information and suggest the diagnosis in a significant proportion of renal transplant patients with pulmonary infection.
CT lung densitometry in assessing intralobular air content: An experimental and clinical study
Authors: Perhomaa M. , Jauhiainen J. , Lähde S. , Ojala A. , Suramo I. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To introduce a parameter called “intralobular air content percentage” to replace the CT number of the lung and to establish a proper protocol for its assessment. Material and Methods: We calibrated the HU (Hounsfield unit) scale for low densities with foam and evaluated the influence of certain acquisition and reconstruction parameters on the accuracy of CT densitometry of the lungs. The reproducibility of the results obtained in human experiments and the intralobular air content percentage of normal and diseased lung tissue were assessed. Results: Air content could be reliably derived from the calibrated CT number of an area within a secondary lobulus. The mean intralobular air content of normal lungs varied from 77.8% to 88.0% in full inspiration. Helical or axial recording with a 10-mm slice thickness, a standard or soft algorithm and high tube currents and voltage settings, was suitable for the measurements. Conclusion: Before absolute lung density measurements (as a HU number or an air content percentage), the CT equipment has to be calibrated for low densities. The intralobular air content percentages of cooperative patients were reliably reproducible.
Optimal tube current for lung cancer screening with low-dose spiral CT
Authors: Oguchi K. , Sone S. , Kiyono K. , Takashima S. , Maruyama Y. , Hasegawa M. , Feng L. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the optimal tube current for spiral CT for lung cancer screening. Material and Methods: Low-dose spiral CT images from 20 subjects were obtained with 50 mA, 25 mA, 10 mA and 5 mA tube currents. The accuracy in detecting 21 nodules measuring 3 to 14 mm in diameter was tested using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to determine the diagnostic accuracy and statistical significance. Results: Compared with 50 mA, 25 mA showed no statistical difference. A significant difference was seen between 50 mA and 5 mA images and between 25 mA and 10 mA images, in the detection of lung parenchymal nodular lesions. Conclusion: Approximately 25 mA is the optimal tube current for the detection of pulmonary nodules as it allows a reduction of the radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.
Detection and characterisation of renal lesions by multiphasic helical CT
Authors: Dahlman P. , Semenas E. , Brekkan E. , Bergman A. , Magnusson A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: The fast helical CT technique allows examination of the kidneys during different phases of contrast medium enhancement. However, every additional phase increases the radiation dosage to the patients. We investigated the detection rate and characterisation of renal lesions during different phases and evaluated them separately, and considered the possibility of excluding phases without loss of important information. Material and Methods: Sixty patients who underwent contrast-enhanced multiphasic renal helical CT examination were included. Every CT phase was evaluated separately. The number of lesions and the characteristics of the lesions were noted and all lesions were viewed together. Results: A total of 153 cysts and 17 solid lesions were detected. The largest and an equal number of cysts (142/143) was detected in the nephrographic and excretory phases. However, the nephrographic phase detected more cortical cysts and the excretory phase detected more sinus cysts. All solid lesions were detected in all phases. Renal parenchymal tumours were best characterised in the cortical phase and angiomyolipomas in the native phase. Conclusion: The cortical phase was best for characterisation of renal parenchymal tumours. The nephrographic and excretory phases were best in detecting and characterising renal cysts. The nephrographic phase was the phase giving the least diagnostic information.
Pancreatoblastoma: Three original cases and review of the literature
Authors: Kohda E. , Iseki M. , Ikawa H. , Endoh M. , Yokoyama J. , Mukai M. , Hata J. , Yamazaki H. , Miyauchi J. , Saeki M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To describe the characteristics of pancreatoblastoma. Material and Methods: We studied 3 cases of pancretoblastoma and reviewed another 59 cases. Parameters analyzed were tumor site, hemorrhage, capsule formation, necrosis, vascularity, production of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), cystic changes and calcification. Results: The diagnostic findings were as follows: pancreatic head origin (24/54, 44%), pancreatic body and tail origin (30/54, 56%), hemorrhage (16/17, 94%), capsule formation (24/26, 92%), necrosis (28/31, 90%), hypervascularity (10/14, 71%), production of AFP (19/28, 68%), cystic changes (11/16, 69%), and calcification (10/21, 48%). All neonatal cases demonstrated cystic changes. Three of them were patients with Beckwith-Wiedmann syndrome. The incidence of capsule formation and calcification was not related to the origin of the tumor. Conclusion: The most common features of pancreatoblastoma are hemorrhage, capsule formation and necrosis.
Intraductal papillary tumors of the pancreas: Histopathologic correlation of MR cholangiopancreatography findings
Authors: Arakawa A. , Yamashita Y. , Namimoto T. , Tang Y. , Tsuruta J. , Kanemitsu K. , Hirota M. , Hiraoka T. , Ogawa M. , Tsuchigame T. , Yoshimatsu S. , Kurano R. , Sagara K. , Matsuo A. , Shibata K. , Tanimura M. , Takahashi M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings of intraductal papillary tumors of the pancreas and correlate them with histopathology. Material and Methods: Seventeen patients with intraductal papillary tumor of the pancreas underwent MRCP before surgery. MRCP findings were correlated to histopathology with regard to the presence of septa and excrescent nodules in the cystic lesion, communication between the cystic lesion and the main pancreatic duct (MPD), degree of dilatation of MPD, and dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD). Results: MRCP demonstrated septa in 17 cases (100%), excrescent nodules in 8 cases (47.1%), communication between the intraductal papillary tumor and the MPD in 14 cases (82.3%), dilatation of MPD over 50% in 6 cases (35.3%), and dilatation of CBD in 3 cases (17.6%). These findings showed excellent correlation with histopathology. The septum on MRCP corresponded with a layer of connective tissue with pancreatic duct epithelium. Excrescent nodules in the carcinomas consisted not only of malignant cells, but also of dysplasia and adenoma. Excrescent nodules in adenomas were consistent not only with minimal papillary growth of adenoma, but also with proliferation of fibrosis, and hematoma and organized fibrin with minimal fibrosis. Pancreatic tissue was affected by chronic pancreatitis in all cases. Cases with dilatation of CBD on MRCP were due to microscopic invasion by the carcinoma. Conclusion: MRCP appearances of intraductal papillary tumors are well correlated with the findings at histopathology.
The role of scintimammography with 99mtc-sestamibi as a complementary diagnostic technique in the detection of breast cancer
Authors: Danielsson R. , Reihnér E. , Grabowska A. , Boné B. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To prospectively determine the clinical value of scintimammography (Sc) with 99mTc-sestamibi as a complementary method to triple diagnosis (TD) in detecting malignant disease of the breast. Material and Methods: Ninety-six patients with 119 clinically or mammographically detected breast lesions underwent TD procedures, including clinical examination, mammography and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Prone planar Sc with 99mTc-sestamibi was performed in all 96 patients. Five groups were defined for diagnosis: 1 = normal; 2 = benign; 3 = probably benign; 4 = highly suspect of malignancy; and 5 = malignant. All lesions were histopathologically examined. The results of each method per se and the combination of TD with Sc (TD + Sc) were analyzed. Results: Histopathology of the 119 surgically excised breast lesions found 83 malignant and 36 benign lesions. TD missed 6 of 83 carcinomas, resulting in a sensitivity of 92.7%. Sc alone showed sensitivity of 85.5%. The combination TD + Sc missed 1 of 83 carcinomas, and thus had a sensitivity of 98.7%. In mammographically dense breasts both TD and Sc detected 16 of 18 carcinomas, while the combination TD + Sc led to detection of all 18 carcinomas. Conclusion: Adding Sc to TD increases the sensitivity for detection of breast carcinomas. Sc with 99mTc-sestamibi is recommended as a complimentary method to TD in selected cases such as mammographically dense breasts.
Fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in malignant melanoma: Diagnostic comparison with conventional imaging methods
Authors: Krug B. , Dietlein M. , Groth W. , Stützer H. , Psaras T. , Gossmann A. , Scheidhauer K. , Schicha H. , Lackner K. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in screening for melanoma metastases. Material and Methods: The case records of 94 melanoma patients who had been examined by whole-body FDG-PET between 1995 and 1999 were evaluated retrospectively. Forty patients showed evidence of lymphogenous and 42 of hematogenous metastasis. The maximal interval between PET and the diagnostic procedure under comparison was 2 weeks. Confirmation of the findings was based on histology or the clinical or radiological course. Results: In 24 patients, all diagnostic examinations including CT had been performed within 2 weeks from PET. In no case did PET change the staging. In 13 patients, PET agreed with morphological diagnosis in the number of metastatically invaded organs. This included 3 patients without metastases. The estimated number of organs invaded by metastases was higher with PET in 5 patients and higher with morphological imaging techniques in 6 patients. Among the PET findings with higher or equivocal counts of organs with metastases there were 2 confirmed false-positive findings. Conclusion: In a selected patient population, FDG-PET was found to be inferior to CT for diagnosing lung and liver metastases. The supplementary use of FDG-PET is not generally of value once metastasis has been established.
Contrast-Enhanced color doppler US in malignant portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Ricci P. , Cantisani V. , Biancari F. , Drudi F.M. , Coniglio M. , Di Filippo A. , Fasoli F. , Passariello R. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the role of contrast-enhanced color Doppler US in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant portal vein thrombosis. Material and Methods: Fifty-six patients with portal vein thrombosis underwent color and power Doppler US examination before and after i.v. injection of galactose-palmitic acid suspension. The criterion for diagnosing the presence and extension of thrombosis was the lack of visualization of portal vein flow in a segment of the portal vein. The criterion for diagnosing malignant portal vein thrombosis was the detection of pulsatile arterial flow, either hepatopetal or hepatofugal, in the thrombus. The US data were correlated with the types of portal vein thrombosis. Results: Among the 56 patients, there were 40 benign and 16 malignant portal thromboses. Unenhanced Doppler US detected continuous blood flow in 24 benign thromboses and pulsatile in 3 malignant thromboses. No flow, either continuous or pulsatile, was detected in 16 cases with benign thrombosis and in 13 cases with malignant thrombosis. Contrast-enhanced Doppler US allowed to assess pulsatile flow in 15 cases with malignant thrombosis (94%). The use of pulsatile flow as diagnostic criterion of malignant thrombosis yielded a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 95% with conventional Doppler US, whereas contrast-enhanced US achieved a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced Doppler US is a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing malignant portal vein thrombosis.