bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of radiological sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Al-Hajjaj M.S. , Joharjy I.A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, clinical factors that are associated with poor radiological outcome have not been adequately addressed in the medical literature. The aim of this study was to explore some of these factors in patients admitted to a large chest hospital in Saudi Arabia with pulmonary tuberculosis. Material and Methods: Chest radiographs of 1080 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were reviewed. Post-treatment residual changes were classified from 1 to 5 according to the severity of these changes. Data analysis was done by tabulating these classes against different variables that were likely to influence the final radiological appearance at the end of the treatment period. Results: Near-complete or complete clearance of chest radiography (Class 1) was seen in 43.5% of patients <20 years old compared to 30.3% in patients >40 years old ( p<0.05). The latter group also had significantly higher rate of pleural thickening (9.4% vs. 3.6%), higher rate of fibronodular densities (24.9% vs. 19.5%) and higher rate of persistent cavitation (18.3% vs. 11.9%). Females had a significantly lower rate of chest radiography clearance (30.5%) than males (41.4%). Patients with a duration of respiratory symptoms of <4 weeks had 45.2% Class 1 radiography compared to 24.6% for those with longer duration of symptoms (>8 weeks). Chest radiography clearance was more frequent (51.6%) in patients with good compliance with drug therapy compared to those with poor compliance (18.8%). Persistent cavitation (Class 5) was seen in 30.4% of cases with a past history of tuberculosis and in only 14% of cases with no such history. Conclusion: Old age, female gender, long duration of symptoms (delayed diagnosis), poor compliance with treatment and positive history of tuberculosis were associated with poor radiological outcome.
Diagnosis of meningeoma: A comparison of costs before CT, during CT and after introduction of MR imaging
Authors: Laurila J. , Suramo I. , Brommels M. , Servo A. , Kotikangas J. , Standertskjöld-Nordenstam C.-G. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: To assess whether the capital investment required by advances in radiological technology is offset by savings in the direct costs of diagnostic services. Material and Methods: Meningeoma was used as an indicator case. All meningeoma patients from three study periods were included: Twenty patients in 1976-77 before the introduction of CT, 22 patients in 1984-85 when CT was used and 16 patients in 1992 when MR imaging had replaced CT as the most informative imaging modality. Radiological and other diagnostic investigations, and the hospital stay were identified and cost analyzed. Results: The costs of radiological examinations increased from 293 Euros in 1976-77 to 513 Euros in 1992. The average number of diagnostic examinations per patient decreased from 5.1 in 1976-77 to 2.4 in 1992. The length of hospital stay decreased from 11.5 to 2.7 days and the total costs of the diagnostic work-up decreased to one-third of the original, i.e. from 3423 Euros in 1976-77 to 1282 Euros in 1992. Conclusion: The costs of the radiological examinations rose, but the development of radiological technology simplified the diagnostic practice. The hospital stay drastically decreased. The total costs of diagnostic work-up per patient dropped to one-third of the baseline costs.
Pre-operative radiotherapy in soft tissue tumors: Assessment of response by static post-contrast MR imaging compared to histopathology
Authors: Einarsdottir H. , Wejde J. , Bauer H.C.F. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate if static post-contrast MR imaging was adequate to assess tumor viability after pre-operative radiotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma. Material and Methods: Post-contrast MR imaging of 36 soft tissue sarcomas performed 0-54 days (median 13 days) after pre-operative radiotherapy, were retrospectively reviewed and compared to post-operative histopathology reports. The contrast enhancement of the tumor was visually graded as minor, moderate or extensive. From the post-operative histopathology reports, three types of tumor response to radiotherapy were defined: Poor, intermediate or good. The size of the tumors before and after radiation was compared. Results: Even if most viable tumors enhanced more than non-viable tumors, there was major overlapping and significant contrast enhancement could be seen in tumors where histopathological examination revealed no viable tumor tissue. Based on histopathology, there were 12 good responders; 8 of these showed minor, 3 moderate and 1 extensive contrast enhancement on MR imaging. Sixteen tumors had an intermediate response; 3 showed minor, 8 moderate and 5 extensive enhancement. Eight tumors had poor response; none showed minor enhancement, 3 moderate and 5 extensive enhancement. Both increase and decrease in tumor size was seen in lesions with a good therapy response. Conclusion: Static post-contrast MR imaging cannot reliably assess tumor viability after pre-operative radiotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma. In tumors with no viable tumor tissue, moderate and extensive contrast enhancement can be seen.
CTA in patients with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage: A comparative study with selective, digital angiography and blinded, independent review
Authors: Pedersen H.K. , Bakke S.J. , Hald J.K. , Skalpe I.O. , Anke I.M. , Sagsveen R. , Langmoen I.A. , Lindegaard K.F. , Nakstad P.H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: Minimal- or non-invasive methods replacing intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) would be of great importance in patients suffering from acute subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The aims of this study were to compare CTA with IA-DSA in patients with acute SAH, to compare CTA interpretations with those of blinded, independent reviewers and to evaluate improvement in CTA diagnostics after 1 year of experience with CTA. Material and Method: During 2 years 162 patients with SAH underwent CTA as well as IA-DSA. Independent blinded review of 77 patients was performed for 1 year. Results: Totally 144 aneurysms were demonstrated in 119 patients at IA-DSA, while 43 patients had normal intracranial arteries. Initially 131 aneurysms were detected at CTA while 2 normal, tortuous arteries were misinterpreted as aneurysms, giving a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 95%. At independent blinded review the observer agreement was 87% and the kappa value 0.68. Conclusion: CTA in SAH is of great value in demonstrating vascular anatomy and the exact size of an aneurysm. However, IA-DSA is still needed for diagnostic evaluation in aneurysms smaller than 5 mm in diameter, especially in those located near bony structures.
Contrast-enhanced thoracic 3D-MR angiography in infants and children
Authors: Holmqvist C. , Larsson E.-M. , Ståhlberg F. , Laurin S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To optimise breath-hold contrast-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) in infants and children with suspected congenital heart or thoracic vessel malformation. Material and Methods: Thirty-nine children (median age 1 year) were examined, using five different ultrafast MRA sequences with a TR between 3.2 and 5.0 ms and the contrast agent meglumine gadoterate. A test injection was used to determine contrast travel time. Different parameters for contrast injection were evaluated. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements were performed and image quality and injection timing were evaluated. Results: MRA was successful in all patients and image quality was considered very good in 52%. Adequate SNR was achieved with no significant differences between the MR sequences. SNR decreased only 25-30% between subsequent scans. The mean contrast dose was 0.23 mmol/kg. The mean scan time was 12.5±3.8 s; the shorter scan times made dynamic examinations possible with high temporal resolution. Highest spatial resolution was obtained with TR 4.6/5.0 sequences. Conclusion: A contrast dose of 0.2 mmol/kg b.w. is recommended with an injection rate of 0.5 to 1.2 ml/s, depending on patient size and scan time. The scan delay time should equal the contrast travel time for optimal vessel enhancement. In the future, contrast-enhanced MRA may be a potential alternative to angiocardiography in infants and children.
Pre-operative evaluation with MR in tetralogy of fallot and pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect
Authors: Holmqvist C. , Hochbergs P. , Björkhem G. , Brockstedt S. , Laurin S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess whether MR imaging could replace angiography in pre-operative evaluation of patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (VSD), especially since the surgical correction was done earlier than was previously the rule. Material and Methods: Fourteen patients with tetralogy of Fallot (n=10) or pulmonary atresia with VSD (n=4), mean age 7.5±4.4 months, were evaluated with angiocardiography and MR before definitive surgical correction. Results: There was good diagnostic agreement between the two modalities when evaluating right ventricular outflow obstruction; 86% for valvular and 93% for supravalvular stenosis, but the agreement was somewhat lower for the subvalvular obstruction (57%). Surgery findings, however, were in favour of MR in 5 patients concerning the subvalvular right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. MR images identified all stenoses in the right and left pulmonary arteries, but overlooked one stenosis in the main pulmonary artery. MR could evaluate patency in all palliative shunts. Conclusion: Even in this young age group, MR imaging offers a good alternative to angiocardiography for the pre-operative evaluation of the right ventricular outflow tract, the main pulmonary artery and the proximal right and left pulmonary arteries, before definitive surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia with VSD.
Optimal timing of post-biopsy MR imaging of the prostate
Authors: Ikonen S. , Kivisaari L. , Vehmas T. , Tervahartiala P. , Salo J.O. , Taari K. , Rannikko S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the quantity and frequency of hemorrhage after prostatic biopsy. As post-biopsy blood products may interfere with interpretation of MR images, we also investigated the optimal timing for MR examination after biopsy. Material and Methods: Fifteen patients scheduled for prostatic biopsies were imaged with endorectal MR before and after the procedure. In addition, MR studies of 42 patients with prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The amount of post-biopsy blood product and the degree of its interference with image interpretation were assessed. Results: Of a total of 57 patients, 44 (77%) had visible post-biopsy hemorrhage. However, the presence of blood products were considered to interfere with interpretation of the images in only 12 (21%) cases. This disturbing effect seems to diminish after 21 days from biopsy. The total amount of blood clearly decreased after 28 days. Conclusion: Deferring MR imaging for at least 3 weeks after prostatic biopsy is advisable. T1-weighted images are necessary to rule out false-positive findings caused by post-biopsy hemorrhage.
CT of the oral vestibule with distended cheeks
Authors: Bredesen K. , Aaløkken T.M. , Kolbenstvedt A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate patient compliance in CT examination of the oral vestibule with distended, blown-up cheeks and to determine how often such images provided additional information when disease processes in this area were suspected. Material and Methods: Fifty-four patients were examined with CT of the oral vestibule with distended cheeks and 16 of them had diseases where oral vestibule affection was considered possible. Results: Fifty-three of 54 patients were able to perform cheek distension. Of 16 patients with possible disease involvement of the oral vestibule, additional information was thus obtained in 11 patients. Conclusion: When lesions involving the oral vestibule or adjacent regions are suspected, CT examination with distended cheeks is recommended as a routine procedure.
MR and other imaging methods in the investigation of mycetomas
Authors: Czechowski J. , Nork M. , Haas D. , Lestringant G. , Ekelund L. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To report features of mycetomas (actino- and eumycetoma infection), which belong to the so-called rare bone infections, as evaluated by MR and other imaging methods and to assess chemotherapy treatment. Material and Methods: Twenty patients (average age 57 years) were diagnosed by different modalities. Analyses of 57 plain films, 31 three-phase bone scans, 28 CT and 35 MR examinations were performed. The MR protocol included T1-weighting without and with contrast, T2-weighted, proton density and fat suppressing sequences. Results: Signs of chronic osteomyelitis were seen in plain films of 10 patients (50%), but the healing process was difficult to assess. Bone scintigraphy was positive in 12 patients (60%). In 14 patients (70%), CT could demonstrate bone lesions, but the healing process was difficult to estimate in 4 patients. MR imaging provided accurate diagnostic information in 15 cases (75%). In 16 patients (80%), small lesions could be identified due to grains, which seemed to differentiate mycetoma from other infections and tumorous lesions. MR examination gave definitive answer about the healing process in 18 cases (90%). Conclusion: MR investigation was superior to the other imaging techniques in the evaluation of mycetoma and the assessment of therapy.
Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted black-blood fast spin-echo MR imaging of the brain: Technique for suppression of enhancing venous signal
Authors: Amano Y. , Takagi R. , Takahama K. , Kumazaki T. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted black-blood fast spin-echo MR imaging (BB-FSE) was performed to suppress enhancing venous signal and flow artifacts in the brain without sacrificing the T1-weighted imaging contrast. Material and Methods: Twenty-five MR imaging sections (17 transverse and 8 coronal images) in 15 patients with various brain diseases were obtained by contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE and BB-FSE images. Results: In contrast-enhanced T1-weighted BB-FSE images, venous signal was significantly less and T1-weighted contrast of the brain was more evident. No differences in flow artifacts were found between the two imaging techniques. The interobserver agreements were good for the venous signal and flow artifacts using both techniques. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted BB-FSE imaging reduced the venous signal in the brain with maintaining T1-weighted contrast. This novel MR technique can be used when the suppression of enhancing venous signal is expected to improve the depiction of enhancing lesions in the brain.
Perfusion-related parameters in intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging compared with CBV and CBF measured by dynamic susceptibility-contrast MR technique
Authors: Wirestam R. , Borg M. , Brockstedt S. , Lindgren A. , Holtås S. , Ståhlberg F. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: Perfusion-related parameters obtained by intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging (MRI) were compared with cerebral blood volume and flow (CBV and CBF), retrieved by dynamic susceptibility-contrast (DSC) MRI. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight volunteers (average age 68.5 years) were investigated. Spin-echo echo-planar imaging with IVIM-encoding gradients was employed (36 different b values, 0-1200 s/mm2). The perfusion fraction and the pseudo-diffusion coefficient were calculated for regions in thalamus gray matter and frontal white matter, using asymptotic and full fitting. In DSC-MRI, a Gd-DTPA-BMA contrast-agent bolus was monitored using simultaneous-dual FLASH. Deconvolution of the measured tissue concentration-versus-time curve with an arterial input function from the carotid artery was applied, and maps of CBV and CBF were calculated. Results: The correlation between the perfusion fraction and CBV was r=0.56 ( p<0.0000006) using asymptotic fitting, and r=0.35 ( p<0.0004) when full fitting was applied. Average CBF was 41.5 ml/(min 100 g), to be compared with the IVIM-based value of 63.6 ml/(min 100 g), obtained from the median value of the pseudo-diffusion coefficient in combination with assumptions about capillary network structure. Conclusion: The IVIM concept provided results that agreed reasonably with conventional CBV and CBF. The non-linear fitting to noisy signal data was problematic, in accordance with previously presented simulations.
Self-expandable metal stents in the treatment of antro-pyloric and/or duodenal strictures
Authors: Profili S. , Meloni G.B. , Bifulco V. , Conti M. , Feo C.F. , Canalis G.C. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the usefulness of self-expandable metal stents in the recanalization of antro-pyloric and/or duodenal strictures. Material and Methods: We report our experience of 15 patients with inoperable antro-pyloric and/or duodenal strictures treated by implantation of 21 self-expandable metal stents (18 uncovered and 3 covered) inserted perorally under fluoroscopic guidance. The patients were 11 men and 4 women, mean age 65.3 years. Fourteen of 15 patients were affected by a malignant stricture of the antro-pyloric region and/or duodenum either primary or secondary in 10 and 4 cases, respectively. Only in 1 case there was a benign stricture from postoperative scarring. Stricture length and diameter varied from 3 to 9 cm (mean 5.4 cm) and from 0 to 4 mm (mean 1.27 mm), respectively. Results: Twenty-one stents were placed in 15 patients: Technical success was achieved in all cases while clinical improvement was obtained in 14 cases. No short-term complications were observed. A mean 4.3-month follow-up was obtained. Two patients had emesis secondary to peritoneal dissemination of the tumor after 1 and 2 months, respectively. Two other patients showed tumor overgrowth of the oral edge of the prosthesis after 3 and 2 months, respectively, and required another coaxial stent to bridge the new stenosis. The patient treated for a benign stricture had jaundice after 3 months and percutaneous internal-external biliary drainage was necessary. Conclusion: Self-expandable metal stents are a safe and effective treatment of antro-pyloric and duodenal strictures; therefore, they should be considered an alternative to palliative resection in cases of advanced stage disease or poor general physical condition.
The prevalence of disc aging and back pain after fusion extending into the lower lumbar Spine: A matched MR study twenty-five years after surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Danielsson A.J. , Cederlund C.G. , Ekholm S. , Nachemson A.L. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the long-term outcome after fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in terms of degenerative disc findings diagnosed using MR imaging and to elucidate the clinical consequences. Material and Methods: Thirty-two patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, who had undergone spinal fusion using Harrington rods to the lower lumbar spine with one or two unfused discs below the fusion, were re-examined 25 years after the fusion. The re-examinations included validated questionnaires, clinical examination, full standing frontal and lateral radiographs and MR examination of the lower lumbar region. Curve size and degenerative findings on MR images were evaluated by two unbiased radiologists, blinded to the clinical findings. A matched control group of 32 persons without scoliosis was subjected to the same examinations. Results and Conclusion: There were significantly more degenerative disc changes ( p<0.0001), disc height reduction ( p=0.0010) and end-plate changes ( p<0.0001 for both upper and lower end-plates) in the lowest unfused disc in the patient group compared with the control group. The MR findings in the lowest unfused disc, but not the one above, in the patient group correlated to lumbar pain intensity as well as to the diminished lumbar lordosis.
Radiographic measurement of femorotibial rotation in weight-bearing: The influence of flexion and extension in the knee on the extensor mechanism and angles of the lower extremity in a healthy population
Authors: Sanfridsson J. , Ryd L. , Svahn G. , Fridén T. , Jonsson K. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: A system for examination and measurement of the weight-bearing knee was developed earlier on examination equipment used for QUESTOR Precision Radiography (QPR), adapted to computed radiography and to a picture archiving and communication system. In this study the same system was used to develop a method to define “patellar variables” including measurements of the rotation of the femur and the tibia and the patellar translation, between semiflexion and extension, as well as the Q-angle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of these patellar variables and also to establish “normal” reference values for both the patellar variables and the variables in the original QPR system. Material and Methods: For evaluation of the reproducibility 10 volunteers with healthy knees were examined twice. To obtain the reference values, 80 volunteers with healthy knees, 10 females and 10 males within each decade between 20 and 59 years of age, were examined. Results and Conclusion: The reproducibility of the rotation of the femur and the tibia and of the Q-angle was 2–3° (SD) and of the patellar translation about 3 mm (SD). The result from the healthy volunteers will be a useful tool for evaluation of disorders in the knee joint.
Enhanced visualisation of the normal prostate blood flow in young healthy volunteers using a new ultrasound contrast agent
Authors: Hagen E. Krüger , Magnusson A. , Aksnes A.-K. , Norberg M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the sonographic appearance of normal prostate vascularity before and after injection of a new ultrasound contrast agent, Sonazoid (NC100100, Nycomed Amersham). Material and Methods: Five healthy male volunteers were given three injections of Sonazoid each. Transrectal B-mode, colour Doppler and colour Doppler energy (i.e. power Doppler) imaging was performed. The visibility of the vascular pattern and the vascular architecture of the prostate, including dynamics of contrast inflow and blood flow symmetry, were evaluated. Results: The depiction of the vascularity was improved in all subjects after injection of Sonazoid for both Doppler modes. No improvement was seen for B-mode. Contrast dynamics within the prostate vessels were demonstrated with a mean time from injection of the ultrasound contrast agent to enhancement of the Doppler signals in the subcapsular arteries of 14±1 s (11-17 s), and the ultrasound contrast agent reached the central periurethral veins 4-7 s later. A symmetric, radial, spoke-like intraprostatic vascular pattern could be identified in all subjects using power Doppler imaging and ultrasound contrast agent. Conclusion: Sonazoid improved the detection of normal human prostate vascular anatomy for both colour and power Doppler imaging. Contrast dynamic studies revealed a radial spoke-like intraprostatic vascular pattern. This information might be useful in examination of patients with suspicion of prostate cancer, and needs to be further investigated.