bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CT in the Evaluation of Complicated Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Gupta S. , Seith A. , Sud K. , Kohli H.S. , Singh S.K. , Sakhuja V. , Suri S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: We retrospectively reviewed the CT findings in 24 cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) to assess the role of CT in the diagnostic work-up of patients with complicated ADPKD. Material and Methods: Twenty-four patients with ADPKD underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT for flank pain, haematuria, or fever. The images were retrospectively reviewed for presence of complicated cysts, their morphological features and associated findings in the perinephric space/retroperitoneum. Results: Cyst haemorrhage was present in all patients, seen as high-density cysts, which were mostly bilateral. Most of these cysts had sharply outlined contours, sharp interfaces with adjacent renal parenchyma, imperceptible walls, and homogeneous density, and did not enhance following i.v. contrast administration. However, a few haemorrhagic cysts (9 cysts in 6 patients) showed inhomogeneous density (n = 7), dependent layering of high-density blood leading to fluid-fluid level (n = 2), and contour irregularity (n = 3). CT revealed presence of cyst infection in 6 cases; the involved cysts were larger (average size 4.2 cm) than adjacent cysts, had only a mildly increased or near water density, and showed wall thickening and enhancement. Other findings included air within the infected cyst (n = 1), thickening and enhancement of peri- and paranephric fasciae (n = 5), and abscesses in the posterior paranephric space and adjoining psoas muscle (n = 2). In 2 other patients, although CT suggested cyst infection because of presence of wall enhancement, diagnostic needle aspiration revealed only sterile haemorrhagic fluid. In 1 case, CT revealed a soft tissue density enhancing mass in one of the cysts; this proved to be a renal cell carcinoma by fine-needle biopsy. Calculi were observed in 7 patients, and cyst wall calcification in 11 cases. Conclusion: A combination of unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT allows correct diagnosis and differentiation amongst the various complications affecting patients with ADPKD. However, in a small subgroup of patients, it may not be possible to differentiate between haemorrhage and infection; such cases require diagnostic needle aspiration for diagnosis.
From Donor to Recipient: Doppler US, power US and scintigraphy of kidney perfusion before and after transplantation
Authors: Isiklar I. , Aktas A. , Akgun S. , Karakayali H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To follow kidneys from the donor to the recipient by assessing whether perfusion changes occur by using duplex Doppler US, power Doppler US and scintigraphy. Material and Methods: The prospective study included 12 donors and their corresponding 12 recipients. For each donor, both donor kidneys were evaluated by duplex Doppler US, power Doppler US and scintigraphy 1 day before surgery. The same procedure was carried out on the renal allografts at days 1, 3, 5 and months 1 and 3 post-transplantation. Power Doppler findings were classified according to a grading system of 1 to 4. Resistive indices (RIs) were determined based on interlobar and segmental arterial flow. Peak systolic velocity and RIs of the main renal artery were also measured. A perfusion parameter named the peak-to-plateau ratio was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired-samples t-test. Results: Intrarenal RI elevation and decreased renal artery peak systolic velocity was observed in normally functioning recipient kidneys. Conclusion: Duplex Doppler sonography demonstrated that transplanted kidneys had an increase in intrarenal vascular resistance at 1 month and a decrease in renal artery peak systolic velocity at 3 months post-transplantation. Scintigraphy and power Doppler US did not reveal any statistically significant perfusion change in normally functioning kidneys from donor to recipient.
Enhancement Pattern of Normal Extraocular Muscles in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Mr Imaging with Fat Suppression
Authors: Taoka T. , Iwasaki S. , Uchida H. , Fukusumi A. , Kichikawa K. , Nakagawa H. , Takayama K. , Sakamoto M. , Ohishi H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the internal structure of normal extraocular muscles on fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Material and Methods: Ten subjects were examined using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. We evaluated the enhancement pattern (C-shaped or ring-like) of extraocular muscles and quantified the maximum ratios of enhancement (Rmax) and maximum ratios of signal increase (Vmax). We also quantified Rmax and Vmax in the central and peripheral portions of medial rectus muscles. Results: In the early phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, a C-shaped or ring-like pattern was observed in 100% of inferior rectus, 95% of medial rectus, 55% of superior rectus, 20% of lateral rectus, and 15% of superior oblique muscles. Overall mean Rmax and Vmax values showed statistically significant differences to the temporal muscles. For the peripheral portion of medial rectus muscles, mean Rmax and Vmax values were greater than for the central portion. Conclusion: Using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, the C-shape or ring-like internal structure of the extraocular muscles could be visualized, and were considered to reflect their structure of orbital and global layers. Potential usefulness of the fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging for detecting pathological status is suggested.
Pulmonary disease in liver transplant recipients: Spectrum of CT features
Authors: Knollmann F.D. , Mäurer J. , Bechstein W.O. , Vogl T.J. , Neuhaus P. , Felix R. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the features of pulmonary disease in liver transplant recipients by CT. Material and Methods: Of 792 patients, 102 were referred to thoracic CT 3-2093 days after the transplantation procedure (median 107 days). All CT studies were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with clinical, microbiological, serological and histopathological findings. Results: Eighty-eight of 102 patients (86%) had an abnormal CT. In 25 patients (25%), an elevated right hemidiaphragm, basal atelectasis and small effusions were the only abnormalities. Fourty-one patients (40%) displayed an infiltrate and 13 (13%) a mass lesion. Evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was found in 20 patients. CMV pneumonia was suggested by an interstitial pattern of pneumonia on CT (n=13). Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was highlighted by peribronchovascular infiltrates (n=5/8), bacterial pneumonia (n=24) including legionellosis (n=13) by bilateral effusions (n=14) and lobar consolidation (n=13). In 7/41 patients (17%) with both clinically apparent pulmonary disease and CT signs of pneumonia, no pathogen could be detected. Neoplastic disease was mostly due to tumor recurrence (n=6). Conclusion: Thoracic CT of liver transplant recipients aids in detecting and classifying both infectious and neoplastic complications.
Radiological changes of the symphysis in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Jajić Z. , Jajić I. , Grazio S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the symphyseal changes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Material and Methods: Radiological-morphological changes of the symphysis were studied in 68 patients (66 men, 2 women) with ankylosing spondylitis whose age ranged from 21 to 75 years. The duration of the disease was from 2 to 50 years. Results and Conclusion: Changes in the symphysis were found in 16 patients (23.5%) and were less prominent than findings in the sacroiliac joints. We classified these changes into four stages: minimal changes, apparent destruction, reparation and ankylosis. The third and the fourth stages of the changes in the symphsis were found more frequently in patients who suffered from the disease for more than 15 years. Radiological evaluation of symphyseal changes can be helpful in the evaluation of disease progression as well as in establishing a differential diagnosis.
Non-invasive myocardial iron assessment in thalassaemic patients: T2 relaxometry and magnetization transfer ratio measurements
Authors: Papanikolaou N. , Ghiatas A. , Kattamis A. , Ladis C. , Kritikos N. , Kattamis C. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare T2 relaxometry and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) measurements of myocardial tissue in normal volunteers and thalassaemic patients for assessment of the myocardial iron levels. Material and Methods: All examinations were done on a 1 T MR system using a multi-echo spin-echo sequence with 8 echoes for T2 measurements and a gradient echo sequence for MTR measurements. Diastolic cardiac triggering was used in both sequences. Ten patients and 10 normal subjects were included in the study. T2 and MTR measurements were correlated with serum ferritin levels. Results: Regression analysis between T2 and MTR measurements and ferritin demonstrated a reversed linear relationship, (r=−0.932, p<0.05) and (r=−0.824, p<0.05), respectively. Mean T2 relaxation time and mean MTR of the normal subjects (57.95±4.9 ms and 43.70±3.3%) was significantly higher than that of the thalassaemic patients (38.8±6.2 ms and 26.40±6.1%) ( p<0.01), respectively. Conclusion: MTR measurements can be used to complement T2 measurements for non-invasive myocardial iron assessment.
Imaging end-stage kidney disease in adults: Low-field MR imaging with magnetization transfer vs. ultrasonography
Authors: Kajander S. , Kallio T. , Alanen A. , Komu M. , Forsström J. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To 1) assess the potential of magnetization transfer (MT)-weighted MR imaging to improve the often poor visibility of native kidneys in patients with a renal transplant; and 2) compare low-field MR imaging and ultrasonography (US) for imaging these fibrotic kidney remnants. Material and Methods: Seventy-two native kidneys of 36 patients were prospectively evaluated with US and MR. In low-field (0.1 T) MR imaging, T1-, T2- and MT-weighted sequences were used. MT-weighted images were compared with T2-weighted images in their ability to delineate the kidneys from their surroundings whereas US and MR were compared for detection of renal cysts and possible solid tumors. Results: MT-weighted images proved superior to conventional T2-weighted images in producing contrast between the kidney remnants and their fatty surroundings. Although US revealed a few small renal cysts that were not seen at MR images, no statistical difference was found between the two modalities in this respect. Conclusion: MT imaging, due to its unique protein-specific signal depression, offers significantly improved visualization and delineation of end-stage kidneys. US, because its better availability and cost-benefit ratio, remains the method-of-choice compared to low-field MR imaging in detecting cysts in multicystic kidneys. MR investigation is helpful in selected patients and may be used as an alternative.
Differentiated thyroid carcinomas: Prediction of tumor invasion with MR imaging
Authors: Takashima S. , Takayama F. , Wang Q. , Kawakami S. , Saito A. , Kobayashi S. , Sone S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess diagnostic accuracy for tumor invasion of surrounding organs by measurement of tumor circumferences on MR images in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Material and Methods: Surgical and MR imaging findings in 50 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (43 primary, 7 recurrent lesions) were retrospectively reviewed. The degrees of circumference of tumor encroachment to the organs were measured, and the measurements and morphologic diagnosis of tumor invasion made by a head and neck radiologist were compared with surgical and pathologic findings using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Diagnosis of tumor invasion by the radiologist was superior to the measurements of the carotid artery and cartilage, while the reverse was true for the trachea and esophagus. However, no statistical differences were noted between them for each structure. Optimal thresholds for tumor invasion were 90° or more for the cartilage (94% accuracy) and esophagus (86% accuracy), 135° or more for the trachea (86% accuracy), and 225° or more for the carotid artery (90% accuracy). Conclusion: Tumor invasion was more accurately diagnosed by measurement of tumor circumferences of each organ on MR images.
Iodixanol and iohexol in cardioangiography: A comparative vectorcardiographic study
Authors: Flinck A. , Selin K. , Björneld L. , Nossen J.Ø. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: The non-ionic dimeric contrast medium (CM) iodixanol is isotonic with blood through the addition of electrolytes. In this study, we evaluated computerised dynamic vectorcardiography (VCG) as a tool in CM research by comparing the electrophysiological effects of iodixanol with those of the low-osmolar CM iohexol. Material and Methods: A total of 119 patients referred for cardioangiography were included in this double-blind, randomised, parallel comparison of iodixanol (320 mg I/ml) and iohexol (350 mg I/ml). VCG was recorded and different VCG parameters were analysed. General tolerability, safety and radiographic efficacy were also assessed. Results: Iodixanol induced less changes than iohexol in all VCG parameters and the sensation of warmth was significantly milder after iodixanol, but both CM were well tolerated. VCG might be useful in future studies to analyse electrophysiological effects caused by CM.
Seasonal variation in the occurrence of late adverse skin reactions to iodine-based contrast media
Authors: Mikkonen R. , Vehmas T. , Granlund H. , Kivisaari L. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To study the possible seasonal effect in the occurrence of late adverse skin reactions to iodine-based contrast media (CM). Material and Methods: Data on 4,875 adult patients followed for late adverse reactions after i.v. injections of iohexol or iopamidol, or intra-arterial injection of ioxaglate were retrospectively investigated with respect to the amount of global radiation vs. the occurrence of reactions. The information on these reactions was collected from questionnaires that were filled out by the patients (outpatients) or by nurses (in-patients). The follow-up time was 24 h. Results: Fifty-two of 4,875 patients (1.07%) had experienced a late skin reaction (urticaria or rash); this number exceeds the reports on spontaneous occurrence of such reactions by a factor of 300. Most of the reactions in a known location occurred on sun-exposed areas of the body. A 2-month peak in the incidence of reactions (May to June) included 35% of all events ( p<0.025) and a 3-month peak (April to June) 46% of all events ( p<0.01). There was a significant rank correlation (r=0.613, p<0.05) between the frequency of reactions and the mean amount of global radiation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a seasonal variation in skin reactions after intravascular injection of iodine-based CM. The possible photosensitising effect of these drugs should be further studied.
Radiation dose and image information in computed radiography: A phantom study of angle measurements in the weight-bearing knee
Authors: Sanfridsson J. , Holje G. , Svahn G. , Ryd L. , Jonsson K. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To establish a correlation between radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy when employing a new digital method for angle determinations. The specific intention was to determine how far the radiation dose can be reduced without losing measuring accuracy and to compare this radiation dose with that employed with our conventional method. Material and Methods: An image succession of an anthropomorphic phantom was generated with a computed radiography (CR) system, by reducing the exposure stepwise. The images were archived and transferred to a workstation for evaluation. The intraobserver variation of two angle determinations was used as an indicator of the evaluation accuracy. Patient radiation doses were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters. The energy imparted, indicating the relative risk associated with exposure to ionising radiation, and the effective dose, which determines the absolute risk, were calculated. Results and Conclusion: No significant correlation was found between patient dose and measuring accuracy within the evaluated exposure interval. At the lowest exposure of the CR system, the energy imparted to the patient was 30 μJ. Compared with our conventional analogue method this is a reduction by 98%. The effective dose was as low as 1.5 μSv. The CR technique creates possibilities to adapt exposure parameters, and thus the radiation dose to the patient, according to the purpose of the investigation.
Gadobenate dimeglumine and cerebral glucose metabolism: Continuous monitoring of striatal lactate levels in freely moving rats
Authors: La Noce A. , Frigeni V. , Filatori I. , Danieli A. , Tirone P. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: Brain contrast-enhanced MR imaging reflects the leakage of contrast material into the brain tissue due to blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. The contact between brain tissue and contrast material requires a high level of neurotolerability of the contrast agent (CA). In the present study, we investigated the neurotolerability of the paramagnetic CA gadobenate dimeglumine, locally applied into the corpus striatum of freely moving rats, by evaluating its potential effects on cerebral glucose metabolism based on lactate levels. Material and Methods: Lactate levels were monitored using a microdialysis technique coupled with an enzyme reaction. A microdialysis probe for extracellular fluid sampling, together with a stainless steel cannula for CA administration, were inserted into the right corpus striatum of rats. Lactate levels were monitored for 2 h after gadobenate dimeglumine administration at 120 nmol/rat, at fixed volume of 1.2  μl. The same volume of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) was administered to control rats. Results: Gadobenate dimeglumine did not induce any significant changes in the lactate striatal levels over the 30-min period after administration. Small, but significant, reductions in lactate concentration were found from the 45-min control point after gadobenate dimeglumine administration. Lactate response showed the same pattern in rats given aCSF. Conclusion: Gadobenate dimeglumine, intracerebrally administered, did not affect cerebral glucose metabolism in rats as it showed the same behaviour as aCSF on cerebral glucose utilization. The gradual attenuation in the endogenous lactate release observed 45 min after test compound administration is possibly due to a slight reduction in the probe recovery. The present findings confirm the neurotolerability of gadobenate dimeglumine previously shown in behavioural and electrophysiological studies.
MR imaging in clinically suspected acute cholecystitis: A comparison with ultrasonography
Authors: Håkansson K. , Leander P. , Ekberg O. , Håkansson H.-O. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: The diagnostic value of fast pulse sequences in MR imaging was compared with US in patients with clinically suspected acute cholecystitis. Material and Methods: In a prospective study of 94 patients, 35 were examined with both MR and US within 24 h. Results: MR diagnoses were acute cholecystitis in 23, gallbladder and common bile duct stones in 3, other pathologic conditions of the abdomen in 7 and normal in 2 patients. US diagnoses were acute cholecystitis in 17, gallbladder stones in 8, other pathologic conditions of the abdomen in 2, normal in 5 and non-conclusive in 3 patients. Conclusion: MR has a higher sensitivity than US for diagnosing acute cholecystitis and, with increased accessibility, may be the first imaging method.
Hepatic falciform artery: Angiographic findings in 25 patients
Authors: Baba Y. , Miyazono N. , Ueno K. , Kanetsuki I. , Nishi H. , Inoue H. , Nakajo M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the frequency of hepatic falciform artery (HFA) occurrence on celiac or hepatic angiograms and elucidate the anatomy and clinical importance. Material and Methods: Among 1,250 patients who underwent celiac or hepatic arteriography, we encountered 25 patients (2%) with a HFA. Prospectively, CT hepatic falciform arteriography (CTHA) was performed in 4 patients. Indigocarmine dye was injected into the HFA in 6 patients to evaluate whether the abdominal skin was stained. Embolization of the HFA before chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma was performed in 4 patients to prevent abdominal wall injury. Results: Among 25 patients, the HFA arose as a terminal branch of the middle hepatic artery in 14 patients (56%) and of the left hepatic artery in 11 patients (44%). The vessel was single in 18 patients (72%) and double in 7 patients (28%). Two vessels ran side by side along the hepatic falciform ligament. On CTHA, the HFA ran within the hepatic falciform ligament and the branches were connected with the liver around the hepatic falciform ligament. After indigocarmine dye injection, the stain of abdominal skin was recognized in all 6 patients. No abdominal wall injury occurred in any of the 4 patients who were subjected to hepatic chemoembolization. Conclusion: HFA is an extrahepatic pathway which runs to the abdominal wall. Before chemoembolization of the middle or left hepatic artery for hepatic malignancy, the HFA should be recognized.
Percutaneous management of occluded biliary duct endoprostheses
Authors: Cwikiel W. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To present interventional methods for percutaneous treatment of patients with occluded bile duct endoprostheses. Material and Methods: Thirteen patients with endoscopically inserted occluded or damaged bile duct endoprostheses and recurrent jaundice were treated percutaneously. Endoscopic treatment was not available in 2 cases and unsuccessful in 11 other patients. Eleven interventions were performed under systemic sedation and local anaesthesia and 2 under general anaesthesia. The endoprostheses were dislodged to the bowel using different interventional devices. Adequate bile duct drainage was subsequently achieved by insertion of self-expanding metallic stents. Results: All procedures were accomplished successfully and without immediate serious complications. Two metallic stents and 18 plastic endoprostheses were dislodged to the bowel using percutaneous interventional techniques. One plastic endoprosthesis became bent in the duodenum and had to be removed endoscopically due to abdominal pain. None of the other endoprostheses left in the bowel caused any symptoms. Two patients died during the first week after the procedure due to progressive liver failure. Conclusion: Occluded bile duct endoprostheses can be safely dislodged to the bowel and replaced by metallic stents using percutaneous interventional techniques.