bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided transthoracic co-axial biopsy of thoracic mass lesions
Authors: Sagar P. , Gulati M. , Gupta S.K. , Gupta S. , Shankar S. , Joshi K. , Jindal S.K. , Suri S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic yield of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and cutting needle biopsy in thoracic lesions. Material and Methods: Thirty patients with thoracic mass lesions were subjected to ultrasound-guided co-axial FNAB and cutting needle biopsy using 0.7-mm aspirating and 1.0-mm cutting needles, respectively. The diagnostic yield of the individual modalities was compared with the combined yield. Results: A conclusive diagnosis was obtained in 76.6% (n=23) of patients by FNAB and in 66.6% (n=20) by cutting needle biopsy. The combined diagnostic yield of FNAB and cutting needle biopsy was 93.3% (n=28) with a significant statistical difference ( p<0.03) as compared to cutting biopsy alone. Of the patients, 23.2% (n=7) had benign and 76.6% (n=23) malignant aetiologies. The diagnostic yield of FNAB versus cutting needle biopsy in benign lesions was 57.1% (n=4) and 100% (n=7), respectively. The diagnostic yield of FNAB versus cutting needle biopsy in malignant lesions was 82.6% (n=19) and 56.5% (n=13). Two patients remained undiagnosed by either modality. There were no complications. Conclusion: FNAB and cutting needle biopsy are complementary to each other and attempts should be made to obtain small tissue cores in addition to routine cytologic specimens in diagnosing thoracic lesions, especially in benign pathologies. US provides a safe guidance modality for lesions abutting the chest wall.
Influence of pre-examination starvation on liver uptake of the hepatocyte-specific contrast medium FP 736-04 AT CT: An experimental study in the rat
Authors: Bergman A. , Magnusson A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To investigate the effect of starvation on contrast-enhanced CT of the liver using the iodinated hepatocyte-specific lipid emulsion FP 736-04. Material and Methods: CT examination of the liver was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats before and after an i.v. infusion of 1.0 ml/kg b.w. of FP 736-04. The examination was preceded by a 15-h period of food withdrawal (the starvation group). A control group was subjected to the same CT examination protocol with use of FP 736-04 but without prior starvation. Results: Liver attenuation values did not differ significantly between the starvation and the control group ( p>0.05). Conclusion: A pre-examination period of starvation had no effect on FP 736-04 liver enhancement on CT. However, liver attenuation tended to decrease more slowly in the starvation group than in the controls.
Reduced iopromide elimination in hemodialysis with cuprophan membranes
Authors: Matzkies F.K. , Reinecke H. , Tombach B. , Koeneke J. , Hohage H. , Kisters K. , Schaefer R.M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of different membrane materials on the efficiency of iopromide elimination. Material and Methods: Twenty stable patients with chronic renal failure after coronary angiography were investigated for contrast medium elimination during hemodialysis directly after contrast medium application. Results: Clearance during hemodialysis with cuprophan membranes was 102±7 mg/ml in contrast to 153±4 mg/ml in polysulfone membranes. Elimination half-time was 94±5 min in cuprophan and 79±3 min in polysulfone membranes, and the elimination rate after 120 min was 59±2% and 66±1.5%, respectively. Plasma clearance of iopromide was elevated in polysulfone membranes (188±17 ml/min); however, not significantly different to cuprophane membranes (153±11 ml/min). Accordingly, 24-h urinary iopromide excretion was reduced to 26±4 g/24 h vs. 32±7 g/24 h. Conclusion: Hemodialysis for iopromide elimination with polysulfone membranes is more effective than with cuprophan membranes.
Experimental acute intracerebral hemorrhage: Value of MR sequences for a safe diagnosis at 1.5 and 0.5 T
Authors: Küker W. , Thiex R. , Rohde I. , Rohde V. , Thron A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the detectability of intracerebral hematomas with MR imaging at 1.5 T and 0.5 T with fluid attenuated inversion recovery turbo spin-echo (FLAIR) and gradient-echo sequences. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven intracerebral hematomas were created in 25 piglets by injection of venous blood into the brain through a burr hole. All were imaged with T2*-weighted gradient echo sequences (fast field echo, FFE), T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery turbo spin-echo sequences (FLAIR), T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) and T1-weighted spin-echo sequences. Follow-up was performed on the 2nd, 4th and 10th postoperative days. Ten animals were additionally investigated with similar sequences at 0.5 T. Histologic correlation was obtained in all cases. Results: T2* FFE sequences detected all acute intracerebral hematomas and demonstrated the size correctly at 1.5 T and 0.5 T. The conspicuity was better at 1.5 T. FLAIR sequences were unreliable in the hyperacute phase at 1.5 T. However, subarachnoid and intraventricular extension was best appreciated with FLAIR images. T2 TSE images were incapable of detecting paraventricular and subarachnoid hemorrhages, but clearly demonstrated intracerebral blood in other locations. T1-weighted images were insensitive to hemorrhage in the acute state but very useful in subacute and chronic hematomas. Conclusion: The safe and reliable diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage is probably possible with MR imaging at 1.5 T and 0.5 T even of hematomas less than 90 min old, but requires the application of at least FLAIR, T2* FFE and T1 sequences and is therefore time consuming.
Comparison of MR sequences in early cerebral infarction at 0.5 T
Authors: Saatci I. , Baskan O. , Cekirge H.Saruhan , Besim A. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic values of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and gradient spin-echo (GRASE) with those of conventional spin-echo (SE) and fast SE T2-weighted sequences in the evaluation of acute cerebrovascular lesions at 0.5 T. Material and Methods: Twenty-two consecutive patients with the clinical diagnosis of acute cerebrovascular accident were examined by MR imaging within the first 48 h of ictus. MR examination included 5-mm axial conventional SE and turbo SE (TSE) T2-weighted, dual-echo GRASE and FLAIR sequences. The patients also had pre- and postcontrast T1-weighted axial images. Two examiners evaluated the images and scored the conspicuity of the acute lesions. Results: Regardless of location, FLAIR provided the best lesion conspicuity in the detection of acute infarcts, followed by the GRASE sequence. In the posterior fossa, TSE and SE demonstrated the lesions better than GRASE and FLAIR techniques. In the detection of hemorrhagic elements within the ischemic region, TSE demonstrated statistically significant superiority over other sequences. Conclusion: In the detection of acute ischemic lesions in locations other than the posterior fossa, FLAIR provided the best lesion conspicuity among four T2-weighted sequences, including SE, TSE, GRASE and FLAIR. However, for the posterior fossa examination, preference of SE or TSE T2-weighted sequences is suggested.
Assessment of optic nerve compression in graves' ophthalmopathy: The usefulness of a quick T1-weighted sequence
Authors: So N.M.C. , Lam W.W.M. , Cheng G. , Metreweli C. , Lam D. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: Diagnosis of optic nerve compression can be difficult in patients with equivocal clinical signs. We examined the usefulness of a quick coronal MR sequence performed at a predetermined plane as a screening tool for selecting patients at high risk of optic nerve compression. Material and Methods: Direct coronal images of the orbit were obtained in 37 patients with Graves' disease in a predetermined plane. The muscular indices (MI) of each orbit were calculated. Mann-Whitney U-Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess if there was any statistically significant difference between patients with and without signs of optic nerve compression. The ROC curve was used to identify a value useful for discriminating patients with a higher risk of developing optic nerve compression. Results: There was a statistically significant difference ( p<0.05) in the MI between patients with and without optic nerve compression. An MI of ≥0.48 had 100% sensitivity, 89% specificity and 91% accuracy in identifying patients with optic nerve compression. Conclusion: A quick coronal MR image obtained at the mid-orbital plane is useful in screening patients with Graves' disease for optic nerve compression.
Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of experimental acute tubular necrosis
Authors: Dupas B. , Buzelin M.F. , Karam G. , Vasse N. , Meflah K. , Bach-Gansmo T. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To demonstrate the involvement of the various renal structures in acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Material and Methods: In 15 rats, using a T1-/T2-weighted sequence, either gadodiamide alone, or gadodiamide in combination with sprodiamide (a susceptibility agent) were used to enhance the various anatomical substrates of the kidney. The results were compared to those of pathological verification. Results: Experimentally induced ATN of the rat kidney causes profound changes in the medulla, leaving the cortex largely intact. The difference between the normal cortex and the partially necrotic outer medulla, on the one hand, and the papillary region, was significantly enhanced with the combination, whereas a larger region composed of the inner and outer medulla was enhanced after the gadolinium chelate alone. Conclusion: The results varied considerably between the two procedures; the double contrast demonstrated a clear difference between the inner and outer medulla, and the gadolinium chelate alone demonstrated a clear difference between the medulla and the cortex. These results demonstrated a clear difference in the compartmentalization between the inner and outer medullary regions, providing complementary information about the pathological condition of the kidney.
Percutaneous transcatheter renal embolization with absolute ethanol for uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome: Case reports
Authors: Tikkakoski T. , Leppänen M. , Turunen J. , Anderson S. , Södervik H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate renal ethanol embolization in 2 patients with uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome. Material and Methods: Three kidneys in 2 patients with uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome were embolized with absolute ethanol. The embolization technique, patient outcome and complications were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The treatment was successful in both patients, with angiography-verified exclusion of blood flow to the renal arteries. Elimination of proteinuria was achieved in both patients and their body weight decreased by 25 and 10 kg, respectively. Hospitalization and protein substitution were no longer needed. No complications occurred. Conclusion: Permanent bilateral ethanol embolization of the renal arteries is a feasible method of managing a treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome in selected patients. Non-target embolization can be avoided by using a balloon occlusion catheter.
The combined use of US and MR imaging for the diagnosis of masses in the parotid region
Authors: Goto T.K. , Yoshiura K. , Nakayama E. , Yuasa K. , Tabata O. , Nakano T. , Kawazu T. , Tanaka T. , Miwa K. , Shimizu M. , Chikui T. , Okamura K. , Kanda S. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of the combination of the two non-invasive modalities US and MR imaging to diagnose masses in the parotid region. Material and Methods: The US and MR findings of 21 patients with parotid masses were analyzed retrospectively by two radiologists without any clinical or histopathological information. The specific points evaluated were location, shape, margin, internal architecture, and intensity level on both US and MR, posterior echo enhancement on US, and capsule-like lining of the tumor on MR. Results: The findings concerning the shape and margin on US and MR were in fairly good agreement. Concerning the findings of the internal architecture, US could reveal the minute structures of the tumor while MR demonstrated differences in the signal intensities of histological tissue types of the various tumors. The posterior echo enhancement on US and the capsule-like lining on MR of the tumors were also useful for the diagnosis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the combination of US and MR is useful for examining soft tissue masses in the parotid region to make a more accurate diagnosis, and not just differentiate malignant lesions from those which are benign.
The efficacy of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) method in a radiological department: Comparison with non-CQI control material
Authors: Laurila J. , Standertskjöld-Nordenstam C.-G. , Suramo I. , Tolppanen E.-M. , Tervonen O. , Korhola O. , Brommels M. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: To study the efficacy of continuous quality improvement (CQI) compared to ordinary management in an on-duty radiology department. Material and Methods: Because of complaints regarding delivery of on-duty radiological services, an improvement was initiated simultaneously at two hospitals, at the HUCH (Helsinki University Central Hospital) utilising the CQI-method, and at the OUH (Oulu University Hospital) with a traditional management process. For the CQI project, a team was formed to evaluate the process with flow-charts, cause and effect diagrams, Pareto analysis and control charts. Interventions to improve the process were based on the results of these analyses. Results: The team at the HUCH implemented the following changes: A radiologist was added to the evening shift between 15:00-22:00 and a radiographer was moved from the morning shift to 15:00-22:00. A clear improvement was achieved in the turn-around time, but in the follow-up some of the gains were lost. Only minimal changes were achieved at the OUH, where the intervention was based on traditional management processes. Conclusion: CQI was an effective method for improving the quality of performance of a radiology department compared with ordinary management methods, but some of this improvement may be subsequently lost without a continuous measurement system.
The knee joint in early juvenile idiopathic arthritis: An ROC study for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced MR imaging
Authors: Uhl M. , Krauss M. , Kern S. , Herget G. , Hauer M.P. , Altehoefer C. , Darge K. , Berner R. , Langer M. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: Diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remains difficult due to unspecific clinical and laboratory findings, especially in early stages of the disease. The purpose of our study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of MR imaging in diagnosing JIA of the knee joints. Material and Methods: Forty children (3–17 years old) clinically diagnosed with JIA (follow-up >1 year) of a knee joint and a control group of 40 children with painful knee joints (MR diagnosis: bone bruise of the knee (n=7), normal knee joint (n=12), osteomyelitis (n=6), septic arthritis (n=2), bone tumor (n=7) and miscellaneous bone lesions (n=6)) were examined using a 1.5 T MR unit. T1-weighted spin-echo (SE), T2-weighted fast SE, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE and 2D gradient echo sequences were performed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluation was conducted by 5 independent radiologists. Results: The positive criteria for diagnosing JIA were joint effusions (n=40), contrast-enhancing synovitis (n=39), cartilage lesions (n=15), subchondral erosions and bony destruction (n=1). Sensitivity and specificity were 93.5= and 92.5=, respectively. Both cases of septic arthritis were misdiagnosed as JIA by all radiologists. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced MR imaging seems to be a highly sensitive tool in establishing the diagnosis of JIA.
Estimation or quantification of tumour volume? CT study on irregular phantoms
Authors: Tiitola M. , Kivisaari L. , Tervahartiala P. , Palomäki M. , Kivisaari R.P. , Mankinen P. , Vehmas T. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To compare radiologists' subjective size estimation to computerised volume quantification of tumour-like phantoms in spiral CT. Material and Methods: Eight tubular phantoms with the inside irregularly covered with silicone (8.7–31.6 ml) were imaged. The phantoms were pairwise compared to analyse the differences in silicone volumes. The observers, 2 radiologists and 2 residents, used both subjective image analysis (2 sessions) and computerised volume quantification (1 session). Accuracy and observer agreement of both methods were calculated. Results: Subjective size estimation was correct in 51% (mean weighted kappa, κqw=0.73). Using four observers' mean value (κqw=0.81) or median value (κqw=0.77) slightly improved the results. Average intra-observer agreement was better than average interobserver agreement. In computerised volume quantification 70% of all classifications were correct (mean κqw=0.85). The results were moderate even when every second or fourth slice were measured. Conclusion: Subjective size estimation of irregular tumours should be repeatedly performed by the same observer, or by using the mean or median estimate of several observers. Computer-based methods are even more reliable and their use is especially recommended for film readers with limited radiological experience. Only every fourth slice may be measured without a major loss of measurement accuracy.
B-Mode, power doppler and contrast-enhanced power doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of breast tumors
Authors: Reinikainen H. , Rissanen T. , Päivänsalo M. , Pääkkö E. , Jauhiainen J. , Suramo I. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To investigate the role of B-mode and unenhanced and enhanced power Doppler ultrasonography (US) in differentiating solid breast lesions, and to find out whether morphologically different tumors differ in terms of vascularity. Material and Methods: Sixty-five lesions, indeterminate or suggestive of malignancy after mammography were prospectively examined with B-mode and unenhanced and enhanced power Doppler US. The lesions were classified as benign, indeterminate or malignant at B-mode, and as benign or malignant at power Doppler US. The results were compared to the histologic diagnoses. Vascularity was analyzed also quantitatively to find out whether threshold values for differential diagnostics could be set. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of the morphologic evaluation were 100%, 10%, and 57%, respectively. Rounded lesions were more vascular than spiculated lesions, but vascular assessment was only helpful when it supported a benign morphology. In quantitative analysis, due to the overlap between the benign and malignant lesions, no threshold values could be set. Conclusion: Morphologic criteria were useful in characterizing malignant lesions, but the large proportion of indeterminate findings decreased the specificity of US. Neither unenhanced, nor enhanced power Doppler US was able to improve diagnostic accuracy.
MR imaging in chronic rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb
Authors: Lohman M. , Vasenius J. , Kivisaari A. , Kivisaari L. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: MR imaging has been shown as the best radiologic method for verifying and classifying acute ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) ruptures of the thumb. Our aim was to analyse the usefulness of MR also in old ruptures and to establish the most useful sequences. Material and Methods: Ten patients with an old UCL rupture of the thumb were preoperatively imaged using 1.5 T MR. Three radiologists blinded to the findings separately analysed the MR images of these patients and of 10 age-and sex-matched voluntary controls. MR findings of the patients were compared with those of surgery. Results: The consensus diagnosis of an UCL rupture was accurate in all 10 patients. All controls were classified as having no UCL rupture. In 5 of the 7 patients with a surgically defined Stener or non-Stener lesion, the consensus diagnosis was the same as the operative diagnosis. Due to excessive scarring it was not possible to verify any Stener lesion intra-operatively in 3 patients. The most informative MR sequence was T2 TSE in the coronal plane, the second most informative was T1 SE with fat suppression in the coronal plane. Conclusion: An old UCL rupture is well verified by MR but typing of the lesion as either a Stener or non-Stener type is not always possible.
Age-related changes in cortical and trabecular bone mineral status: A quantitative CT study in lumbar vertebrae
Authors: Tanno M. , Horiuchi T. , Nakajima I. , Maeda S. , Igarashi M. , Yamada H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To investigate the age and sex dependence of the bone mineral status of human lumbar vertebrae with special regard to differences between cortical and trabecular bone. Material and Methods: The study group comprised 125 normal Japanese healthy volunteers (54 males and 71 females), and was subdivided into adult male and female groups (subjects younger than 40 years), intermediate male and female groups (ages ranging between 41 and 64 years) and old male and female groups (subjects older than 65 years). The cortical bone mineral status was estimated using a single-energy quantitative CT (SE-QCT) technique, whereas trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated using a dual-energy (DE-QCT) technique. Results: A considerable gender difference in the age-related cortical bone status was found. There was a significant reduction of the mean values of the cortical volume and BMD in the old female group compared with those obtained in the old male group. Conclusion: The results suggest that in men, cortical and trabecular bone volume decrease very little with age. In women, cortical volume and BMD and trabecular BMD decrease with age while trabecular bone volume does not. The study showed that all variables had higher values in men than in women and that the difference increased with age.
Cerebrospinal fluid flow in children with normal and dilated ventricles studied by MR imaging
Authors: Parkkola R.K. , Komu M.E.S. , Äärimaa T.M. , Alanen M.S. , Thomsen C. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To quantify the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in the aqueduct of children with normal and dilated ventricles using MR phase-contrast technique. Material and Methods: Eighteen patients (6 months to 17 years of age) with various neurological symptoms underwent routine brain MR imaging and CSF flow measurement in the aqueduct. Nine patients had normal ventricles, 5 had dilated ventricles and 4 had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Results: The CSF velocity and flow rates in the aqueduct in patients with normal and dilated ventricles showed marked inter-individual variation and clear overlap. In a patient with tight aqueductal stenosis and increased ventricular pressure, pronounced CSF flow in the aqueduct was measured. Absence of flow in another patient with aqueductal stenosis was detected. Measurable although low flow in the aqueduct in 4 patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was found. Conclusion: Quantitative phase MR flow measurement in the aqueduct demonstrated aqueductal stenosis; these patients had either pronounced flow or no flow in the aqueduct.