RESUMEN
Background and aims. The imaging techniques commonly used for foreign body detection include plain radiography, xeroradiography, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography. The aim of the present study was to compare cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with conventional CT scan in determination of the exact location of a foreign body in the maxillofacial area in vitro. Materials and methods. In this descriptive study, seven different materials were selected as foreign bodies with dimensions of approximately 2 mm, 1 mm, and 0.5 mm. These materials consisted of metal, glass, wood, stone, plastic, graphite and tooth. These foreign bodies were placed in a sheep head between the corpus of the mandible and muscle, in the tongue and in an air space. One conventional CT scan and two CBCT scans were made on the models. Results. Tooth, metal, stone and glass foreign bodies were seen clearly on CT and CBCT scans made by NewTom at the smallest size in air. However, CBCT scan by NewTom was a more effective technique for visualization of foreign bodies in air compared to conventional CT. Foreign bodies measuring 0.5 mm made of metal, stone, glass, graphite and teeth were detected by all devices in muscle tissue and adjacent bone. Conclusion. According to the results, CBCT scans of NewTom and Planmeca are appropriate tools for detecting foreign bodies with relative high density in the maxillofacial area.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We tested whether hepatic haemodynamics assessed by Doppler ultrasonography can be a predictor of response to therapy in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to prevent further unnecessary diagnostic tests and interventions. METHODS: Forty eight consecutive patients affected by NAFLD, who refered to some clinics in Tabriz, Iran between 2009 and 2011 were included in the study. Response to therapy was assessed by decrease in liver enzyme levels. Three liver Doppler parameters (hepatic artery resistance index [RI], hepatic artery pulsatility index [PI] and portal vein waveform [PVW]) were analysed in all subjects who showed a decrease in liver function tests results. Wilcoxon and paired student's t-test were used for analysis. RESULTS: Forty eight subjects with NAFLD were included in the study during 21 months, out of which 22 (39.1% male - mean age: 37.6 ± 8.3) responded to the treatment and formed the basis of this study. Mean hepatic artery RI increased significantly from 0.60 ± 0.07 to 0.83 ± 0.27before and after treatment, however, there was no significant differences between hepatic artery PI or PVW. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in hepatic artery RI assessed by Doppler ultrasound may provide information on improvement of NAFLD in patients during the course of therapy.