Residual Flow Inside the Woven EndoBridge Device at Follow-Up: Potential Predictors of the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is an established technique for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Occasionally, persistent opacification inside the WEB lumen can be observed at follow-up (previously described as Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1). We evaluated potential risk factors of this phenomenon, hypothesizing that initial deviation of the WEB device from the aneurysm axis, size of the aneurysmal neck surface, or inappropriate WEB sizing correlates with Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically reviewed all patients treated with the WEB device between February 2014 and December 2018 in our neurointerventional center. Patients with midterm follow-up DSA available were considered for aneurysm evaluation applying the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score. WEB angle deviation from the aneurysm axis, neck widths, and WEB sizes were collected. RESULTS: We included 65 patients with 67 intracranial aneurysms. Eleven of 67 (16.4%) intracranial aneurysms showed the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 phenomenon at follow-up. Anterior-posterior projections of WEB axis deviation (angles measured in degrees) were significantly different between the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 cohort (median ± interquartile range, 17 ± 17) and all other Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Scores (median ± interquartile range, 7 ± 11; P = .023), whereas in lateral projections, no significant difference was observed (median ± interquartile range, 10 ± 10 versus 8 ± 9; P = .169). Neck or aneurysm recurrence, but not the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 phenomenon, occurred significantly more often in patients with inappropriate WEB sizing compared with appropriate WEB sizing (median ± interquartile range, 1 ± 1.3 versus 0 ± 0; P < .001/P = .664). CONCLUSIONS: The Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 phenomenon is associated with an initial deviation of the WEB device from the aneurysm axis but does not correlate with aneurysmal neck surface measurements or WEB sizing.

The FRED for Cerebral Aneurysms of the Posterior Circulation: A Subgroup Analysis of the EuFRED Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow diversion for the posterior circulation remains a promising treatment option for selected posterior circulation aneurysms. The Flow-Redirection Intraluminal Device (FRED) system has not been previously assessed in a large cohort of patients with posterior circulation aneurysms. The purpose of the present study was to assess safety and efficacy of FRED in this location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with posterior circulation aneurysms treated at 8 centers participating in the European FRED study (EuFRED) between April 2012 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Complication and radiographic and functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients (median age, 54 years) with 84 posterior circulation aneurysms were treated with the FRED. A total of 25 aneurysms (29.8%) had previously ruptured, even though most aneurysms were diagnosed incidentally (45.2%). The intradural vertebral artery was the most common location (50%), and saccular, the most common morphology (40.5%). The median size was 7 mm. There were 8 (9.5%) symptomatic thromboembolic and no hemorrhagic complications. Thromboembolic complications occurred mostly (90.9%) in nonsaccular aneurysms. On last follow-up at a median of 24 months, 78.2% of aneurysms were completely occluded. Functional outcome at a median of 27 months was favorable in 94% of patients. All mortalities occurred in patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and its sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: The largest cohort of posterior circulation aneurysms treated with the FRED to date demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy profiles of the device for this indication. Treatment in the setting of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage was strongly related to mortality, regardless of whether procedural complications occurred.

Embolus Analog Trajectory Paths Under Physiological Flowrates Through Patient-Specific Aortic Arch Models.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common irregular heartbeat among the world's population and is a major contributor to cardiogenic embolisms and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the role AF flow plays in the trajectory paths of cardiogenic emboli has not been experimentally investigated. A physiological simulation system was designed to analyze the trajectory patterns of bovine embolus analogs (EAs) (n = 720) through four patient-specific models, under three flow conditions: steady flow, normal pulsatile flow, and AF pulsatile flow. It was seen that EA trajectory paths were proportional to the percentage flowrate split of 25-31% along the branching vessels. Overall, AF flow conditions increased trajectories through the left- (LCCA) and right (RCCA)-common carotid artery by 25% with respect to normal pulsatile flow. There was no statistical difference in the distribution of clot trajectories when the clot was released from the right, left, or anterior positions. Significantly, more EAs traveled through the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) than through the LCCA or the left subclavian. Yet of the EAs that traveled through the common carotid arteries, there was a greater affiliation toward the LCCA compared to the RCCA (p < 0.05).

European Multicenter Study for the Evaluation of a Dual-Layer Flow-Diverting Stent for Treatment of Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysms: The European Flow-Redirection Intraluminal Device Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endoluminal reconstruction with flow-diverting stents represents a widely accepted technique for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. This European registry study analyzed the initial experience of 15 neurovascular centers with the Flow-Redirection Intraluminal Device (FRED) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the FRED between February 2012 and March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Complications and adverse events, transient and permanent morbidity, mortality, and occlusion rates were evaluated. RESULTS: During the defined study period, 579 aneurysms in 531 patients (median age, 54 years; range, 13-86 years) were treated with the FRED. Seven percent of patients were treated in the acute phase (≤3 days) of aneurysm rupture. The median aneurysm size was 7.6 mm (range, 1-36.6 mm), and the median neck size 4.5 mm (range, 1-30 mm). Angiographic follow-up of >3 months was available for 516 (89.1%) aneurysms. There was progressive occlusion witnessed with time, with complete occlusion in 18 (20%) aneurysms followed for up to 90 ± 14 days, 141 (82.5%) for 180 ± 20 days, 116 (91.3%) for 1 year ± 24 days, and 122 (95.3%) aneurysms followed for >1 year. Transient and permanent morbidity occurred in 3.2% and 0.8% of procedures, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 1.5%. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study in real-world patients demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the FRED for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. In most cases, treatment with a single FRED resulted in complete angiographic occlusion at 1 year.

Factors Influencing Confidence in Diagnostic Ratings and Retreatment Recommendations in Coiled Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Angiographic occlusion and retreatment of coiled aneurysms are commonly used as surrogate end points in clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate the influence of aneurysm, patient, and rater characteristics on the confidence of visual evaluation of aneurysm coiling and retreatment decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six participants of the Advanced Course in Endovascular Interventional Neuroradiology of the European Society of Neuroradiology were asked to evaluate digital subtraction angiography examinations of patients who had undergone endovascular coiling, by determining the grade of aneurysm occlusion, the change between immediate postprocedural and follow-up angiograms, their level of confidence, the technical difficulty of retreatment, and the best therapeutic approach. The experience, knowledge, and skills of each participant were assessed. The influence of rater and case characteristics on indicated confidence in diagnostic ratings and retreatment recommendations was analyzed. RESULTS: Interrater reliability was moderate regarding the assessment of aneurysm occlusion grade (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.581) and substantial regarding change (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.776). Overall confidence in the diagnostic rating was high (median, "very certain"). Confidence was statistically significantly higher in cases that were generally rated as "worse." The odds of recommending retreatment were significantly higher in cases that were generally rated with higher mean confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Although overall confidence in the diagnostic rating was high, our study confirms the suboptimal interrater reliability of visual assessment of aneurysm occlusion as well as retreatment recommendations, rendering both questionable as primary outcome measures. Besides recurrence status, recommendation of retreatment is significantly influenced by patient age, aneurysm neck width, and characteristics of the therapist.

Safety and Efficacy of Aneurysm Treatment with the WEB: Results of the WEBCAST 2 Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow disruption with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is an innovative technique for the endovascular treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. The initial version of the device (WEB Double-Layer) was evaluated in the WEB Clinical Assessment of IntraSaccular Aneurysm Therapy (WEBCAST) study, whereas the French Observatory study evaluated both WEB Double-Layer and Single-Layer versions of the device. WEBCAST 2 was designed to evaluate the WEB Single-Layer with Enhanced Visualization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms for which WEB treatment was possible were included. Clinical data including adverse events and clinical status at 1 month and 1 year were collected and analyzed. A core laboratory evaluated anatomic results at 1 year following the procedure. RESULTS: Ten European neurointerventional centers included 55 patients (38 women; 27-77 years of age; mean, 54.4 ± 10.0 years) with 55 aneurysms. Aneurysm locations were the middle cerebral artery in 25 aneurysms (45.5%), the anterior communicating artery in 16 (29.1%), the basilar artery in 9 (16.4%), and the internal carotid artery terminus in 5 (9.1%). Procedural morbidity and mortality at 1 month were, respectively, 1.8% (1/55 patients) and 0.0% (0/55 patients). Morbidity and mortality at 1 year were, respectively, 3.9% (2/51 patients) and 2.0% (1/51 patients). At 1 year, complete occlusion was observed in 27/50 aneurysms (54.0%); neck remnant, in 13/50 (26.0%); and aneurysm remnant, in 10/50 (20.0%) (adequate occlusion in 40/50, 80.0%). CONCLUSIONS: WEBCAST 2 confirms the high safety and efficacy of WEB aneurysm treatment demonstrated in the WEBCAST and French Observatory studies.

3D Printing of Intracranial Aneurysms Using Fused Deposition Modeling Offers Highly Accurate Replications.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As part of a multicenter cooperation (Aneurysm-Like Synthetic bodies for Testing Endovascular devices in 3D Reality) with focus on implementation of additive manufacturing in neuroradiologic practice, we systematically assessed the technical feasibility and accuracy of several additive manufacturing techniques. We evaluated the method of fused deposition modeling for the production of aneurysm models replicating patient-specific anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D rotational angiographic data from 10 aneurysms were processed to obtain volumetric models suitable for fused deposition modeling. A hollow aneurysm model with connectors for silicone tubes was fabricated by using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Support material was dissolved, and surfaces were finished by using NanoSeal. The resulting models were filled with iodinated contrast media. 3D rotational angiography of the models was acquired, and aneurysm geometry was compared with the original patient data. RESULTS: Reproduction of hollow aneurysm models was technically feasible in 8 of 10 cases, with aneurysm sizes ranging from 41 to 2928 mm(3) (aneurysm diameter, 3-19 mm). A high level of anatomic accuracy was observed, with a mean Dice index of 93.6% ± 2.4%. Obstructions were encountered in vessel segments of <1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Fused deposition modeling is a promising technique, which allows rapid and precise replication of cerebral aneurysms. The porosity of the models can be overcome by surface finishing. Models produced with fused deposition modeling may serve as educational and research tools and could be used to individualize treatment planning.

The Benefits of High Relaxivity for Brain Tumor Imaging: Results of a Multicenter Intraindividual Crossover Comparison of Gadobenate Dimeglumine with Gadoterate Meglumine (The BENEFIT Study).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance) has higher r1 relaxivity than gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) which may permit the use of lower doses for MR imaging applications. Our aim was to compare 0.1- and 0.05-mmol/kg body weight gadobenate with 0.1-mmol/kg body weight gadoterate for MR imaging assessment of brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed crossover, intraindividual comparison of 0.1-mmol/kg gadobenate with 0.1-mmol/kg gadoterate (Arm 1) and 0.05-mmol/kg gadobenate with 0.1-mmol/kg gadoterate (Arm 2). Adult patients with suspected or known brain tumors were randomized to Arm 1 (70 patients) or Arm 2 (107 patients) and underwent 2 identical examinations at 1.5 T. The agents were injected in randomized-sequence order, and the 2 examinations were separated by 2-14 days. MR imaging scanners, imaging sequences (T1-weighted spin-echo and T1-weighted high-resolution gradient-echo), and acquisition timing were identical for the 2 examinations. Three blinded readers evaluated images for diagnostic information (degree of definition of lesion extent, lesion border delineation, visualization of lesion internal morphology, contrast enhancement) and quantitatively for percentage lesion enhancement and lesion-to-background ratio. Safety assessments were performed. RESULTS: In Arm 1, a highly significant superiority (P < .002) of 0.1-mmol/kg gadobenate was demonstrated by all readers for all end points. In Arm 2, no significant differences (P > .1) were observed for any reader and any end point, with the exception of percentage enhancement for reader 2 (P < .05) in favor of 0.05-mmol/kg gadobenate. Study agent-related adverse events were reported by 2/169 (1.2%) patients after gadobenate and by 5/175 (2.9%) patients after gadoterate. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly superior morphologic information and contrast enhancement are demonstrated on brain MR imaging with 0.1-mmol/kg gadobenate compared with 0.1-mmol/kg gadoterate. No meaningful differences were recorded between 0.05-mmol/kg gadobenate and 0.1-mmol/kg gadoterate.

Thoracic Pathologies on Scout Views and Bolus Tracking Slices for Computed Tomographic Cerebral Angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of additional thoracic pathologic findings (TPF) detected on scout views and corresponding bolus tracking slices (SVBT) for computed tomographic cerebral angiography (CTCA) and to test the reliability and accuracy of these findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study collective included 505 consecutive patients who underwent multidetector CTCA. Appendant SVBT of all patients were reviewed for any pathologic findings and patient medical reports were analyzed, if any medical treatment was initiated for the detected pathologic findings. In 18 patients thoracic CT scans were performed in the same session. These were additionally reviewed by two blinded observers to test for intra- and interobserver reliability as well as for accuracy of detecting thoracic pathologies on SVBT. RESULTS: TPF were detected in 165 (33%) SVBT. The five most common pathologic findings were: pleural effusion, 12%; pneumonia, 8%; atelectasis/dystelecatsis, 6%; pericardial effusion, 2% and elevated diaphragm, 1%. For 48 % of these findings medical treatment was initiated. SVBT showed a sensitivity of 53%, a specificity of 99%, a positive predictive value of 89%, a negative predictive value of 94% and accuracy of 94% for the detection of TPF. The intraobserver reliability was very good and the interobserver reliability showed moderate agreement. CONCLUSION: SVBT for CTCA should be reviewed with care by radiologists, since additional TPF can affect patient management. Nevertheless, despite a high specificity of SVBT for detecting TPF, an only moderate sensitivity has to be taken into account. KEY POINTS: Thoracic pathologies are frequently found on scout views for cerebral CTA. Reviewing additional bolus trigger slices will improve diagnostic sensitivity. Despite high specificity, scout views and trigger slices offer a moderate sensitivity. Evaluation of scout views and trigger slices can result in medical treatment.

Sensitivity of visual and quantitative detection of middle cerebral artery occlusion on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate diagnostic sensitivity and reliability for the detection of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NECT) by visual assessment (VA), Hounsfield unit (HU) measurement, calculation of the Hounsfield unit/hematocrit (HU/Hct) ratio, and combination of visual assessment and attenuation measurement (VA + HU). METHODS: NECT of 18 patients with angiographically proven MCAO and 18 patients without MCAO were reviewed by two blinded observers. Visual assessment of presence or absence of a hyperdense sign was followed by HU measurement of both middle cerebral arteries (MCA). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for VA, HU measurement, HU/Hct ratio, and VA + HU measurement. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (ROC) was performed to determine the optimal cut-off values for MCAO using attenuation measurements or HU/Hct ratio. RESULTS: Diagnostic sensitivity/specificity was 63%/91% for VA, 56%/88% for attenuation measurement, 68 %/81 % for HU/Hct ratio, and 75%/78% for VA + HU. ROC curve analysis revealed cut-off values of >42.5 HU for attenuation measurements and >1.12 HU/Hct for HU/Hct ratio. CONCLUSION: Combination of visual assessment with additional attenuation measurement with a cut-off value of 42.5 HU is recommended for most sensitive and reliable detection of MCAO on NECT.

[Radiology in combination with hospital communication - challenges, solutions and pitfalls : radiology IT as important component of electronic patient records in the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)]. / Radiologie im Verbund der Klinikkommunikation - Herausforderungen, Lösungen und Fallstricke : Die Radiologie-IT als wichtiger Baustein der elektronischen Patientenakte im Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).

BACKGROUND: Radiological information technology (IT) is nowadays one of many components of an integrated hospital IT structure. OBJECTIVE: This review article is concerned with the challenges of a comprehensive and complete integration of all documented information and communication of all medical disciplines in a hospital in the electronic patient records. Special attention is paid to the role of radiology and the interface between radiological and clinical systems. PERSPECTIVES: The utilization of the documented data paying special attention to the requirements of data protection is a core aim for the further development of electronic patient records in the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf in the coming years.

Intraindividual evaluation of the influence of iterative reconstruction and filter kernel on subjective and objective image quality in computed tomography of the brain.

OBJECTIVES: To intraindividually evaluate the potential of 4th generation iterative reconstruction (IR) on brain CT with regard to subjective and objective image quality. METHODS: 31 consecutive raw data sets of clinical routine native sequential brain CT scans were reconstructed with IR level 0 (= filtered back projection), 1, 3 and 4; 3 different brain filter kernels (smooth/standard/sharp) were applied respectively. Five independent radiologists with different levels of experience performed subjective image rating. Detailed ROI analysis of image contrast and noise was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out by applying a random intercept model. RESULTS: Subjective scores for the smooth and the standard kernels were best at low IR levels, but both, in particular the smooth kernel, scored inferior with an increasing IR level. The sharp kernel scored lowest at IR 0, while the scores substantially increased at high IR levels, reaching significantly best scores at IR 4. Objective measurements revealed an overall increase in contrast-to-noise ratio at higher IR levels, which was highest when applying the soft filter kernel. The absolute grey-white contrast decreased with an increasing IR level and was highest when applying the sharp filter kernel. All subjective effects were independent of the raters' experience and the patients' age and sex. CONCLUSION: Different combinations of IR level and filter kernel substantially influence subjective and objective image quality of brain CT.

Application of a novel metal artifact correction algorithm in flat-panel CT after coil embolization of brain aneurysms: intraindividual comparison.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel algorithm for correcting beam hardening artifacts caused by metal implants in computed tomography performed on a C-arm angiography system equipped with a flat panel (FP-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 datasets of cerebral FP-CT acquisitions after coil embolization of brain aneurysms in the context of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage have been reconstructed by applying a soft tissue kernel with and without a novel reconstruction filter for metal artifact correction. Image reading was performed in multiplanar reformations (MPR) in average mode on a dedicated radiological workplace in comparison to the preinterventional native multisection CT (MS-CT) scan serving as the anatomic gold standard. Two independent radiologists performed image scoring following a defined scale in direct comparison of the image data with and without artifact correction. For statistical analysis, a random intercept model was calculated. RESULTS: The inter-rater agreement was very high (ICC = 86.3 %). The soft tissue image quality and visualization of the CSF spaces at the level of the implants was substantially improved. The additional metal artifact correction algorithm did not induce impairment of the subjective image quality in any other brain regions. CONCLUSION: Adding metal artifact correction to FP-CT in an acute postinterventional setting helps to visualize the close vicinity of the aneurysm at a generally consistent image quality.

Impact of a 4th generation iterative reconstruction technique on image quality in low-dose computed tomography of the chest in immunocompromised patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the image quality of an iterative reconstruction (IR) technique in low-dose MDCT (LDCT) of the chest of immunocompromised patients in an intraindividual comparison to filtered back projection (FBP) and to evaluate the dose reduction capability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 chest LDCT scans were performed in immunocompromised patients (Brilliance iCT; 20-40 mAs; mean CTDIvol: 1.7 mGy). The raw data were reconstructed using FBP and the IR technique (iDose4™, Philips, Best, The Netherlands) set to seven iteration levels. 30 routine-dose MDCT (RDCT) reconstructed with FBP served as controls (mean exposure: 116 mAs; mean CDTIvol: 7.6 mGy). Three blinded radiologists scored subjective image quality and lesion conspicuity. Quantitative parameters including CT attenuation and objective image noise (OIN) were determined. RESULTS: In LDCT high iDose4™ levels lead to a significant decrease in OIN (FBP vs. iDose7: subscapular muscle 139.4 vs. 40.6 HU). The high iDose4™ levels provided significant improvements in image quality and artifact and noise reduction compared to LDCT FBP images. The conspicuity of subtle lesions was limited in LDCT FBP images. It significantly improved with high iDose4™ levels (> iDose4). LDCT with iDose4™ level 6 was determined to be of equivalent image quality as RDCT with FBP. CONCLUSION: iDose4™ substantially improves image quality and lesion conspicuity and reduces noise in low-dose chest CT. Compared to RDCT, high iDose4™ levels provide equivalent image quality in LDCT, hence suggesting a potential dose reduction of almost 80%.

Glioma infiltration of the corpus callosum: early signs detected by DTI.

The most frequent primary brain tumors, anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and glioblastomas (GBM): tend to invasion of the surrounding brain. Histopathological studies found malignant cells in macroscopically unsuspicious brain parenchyma remote from the primary tumor, even affecting the contralateral hemisphere. In early stages, diffuse interneural infiltration with changes of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) is suspected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of DTI as a possible instrument of depicting evidence of tumor invasion into the corpus callosum (CC). Preoperatively, 31 patients with high-grade brain tumors (8 AA and 23 GBM) were examined by MRI at 3 T, applying a high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequence. ADC- and FA-values were analyzed in the tumor-associated area of the CC as identified by fiber tracking, and were compared to matched healthy controls. In (MR-)morphologically normal appearing CC the ADC values were elevated in the tumor patients (n = 22; 0.978 × 10(-3) mm²/s) compared to matched controls (0.917 × 10(-3) mm²/s, p < 0.05), and the corresponding relative FA was reduced (rFA: 88 %, p < 0.01). The effect was pronounced in case of affection of the CC visible on MRI (n = 9; 0.978 × 10(-3) mm²/s, p < 0.05; rFA: 72 %, p < 0.01). Changes in diffusivity and anisotropy in the CC can be interpreted as an indicator of tumor spread into the contralateral hemisphere not visible on conventional MRI.

Neoplastic meningitis: How MRI and CSF cytology are influenced by CSF cell count and tumor type.

BACKGROUND: Although CSF cytology and MRI are standard methods to diagnose neoplastic meningitis (NM), this complication of neoplastic disease remains difficult to detect. We therefore reevaluated the sensitivity of gadolinium (GD)-enhanced MRI and cerebrospinal-fluid (CSF)-cytology and the relevance of tumor type and CSF cell count. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 111 cases of NM diagnosed in our CSF laboratory since 1990 with complete documentation of both MRI and CSF cytology. 37 had haematological and 74 solid neoplasms. CSF cell counts were increased in 74 and normal in 37 patients. RESULTS: In hematological neoplasms, MRI was positive in 49% and CSF cytology in 97%. In solid tumors, the sensitivity of MRI was 80% and of cytology 78%. With normal CSF cell counts, MRI was positive in 59% (50% hematological, 72% solid malignancies) and CSF cytology in 76% (92% in hematological, 68% in solid neoplasms). In cases of elevated cell counts, the sensitivity of MRI was 72% (50% for hematological, 83% for solid malignancies) and of CSF cytology 91% (100% for haematological and 85% for solid neoplasms). 91% of cytologically positive cases were diagnosed at first and another 7% at second lumbar puncture. Routine protein analyses had a low sensitivity in detecting NM. CONCLUSIONS: The high overall sensitivity of MRI was only confirmed for NM from solid tumors and for elevated CSF cell counts. With normal cell counts and haematological neoplasms, CSF-cytology was superior to MRI. None of the analysed routine CSF proteins had an acceptable sensitivity and specificity in detecting leptomeningeal disease.

Comparison of 3D computer-aided with manual cerebral aneurysm measurements in different imaging modalities.

INTRODUCTION: To compare intra- and inter-observer reliability of aneurysm measurements obtained by a 3D computer-aided technique with standard manual aneurysm measurements in different imaging modalities. METHODS: A total of 21 patients with 29 cerebral aneurysms were studied. All patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA), contrast-enhanced (CE-MRA) and time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA). Aneurysm neck and depth diameters were manually measured by two observers in each modality. Additionally, semi-automatic computer-aided diameter measurements were performed using 3D vessel surface models derived from CE- (CE-com) and TOF-MRA (TOF-com) datasets. Bland-Altman analysis (BA) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate intra- and inter-observer agreement. RESULTS: BA revealed the narrowest relative limits of intra- and inter-observer agreement for aneurysm neck and depth diameters obtained by TOF-com (ranging between ±5.3 % and ±28.3 %) and CE-com (ranging between ±23.3 % and ±38.1 %). Direct measurements in DSA, TOF-MRA and CE-MRA showed considerably wider limits of agreement. The highest ICCs were observed for TOF-com and CE-com (ICC values, 0.92 or higher for intra- as well as inter-observer reliability). CONCLUSION: Computer-aided aneurysm measurement in 3D offers improved intra- and inter-observer reliability and a reproducible parameter extraction, which may be used in clinical routine and as objective surrogate end-points in clinical trials.

Impact of protein content on proton diffusibility in intracranial cysts.

PURPOSE: The physical background of diffusion phenomena in intracranial cysts is unclear in some cases. To evaluate a potential dependency of proton diffusion on the concentration of proteins in cystic lesions we investigated the correlation of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetization transfer ratio imaging (MTR) in intracranial cystic pathologies in vivo and in vitro with protein solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 patients (14 male/7 female) with intracranial cystic lesions underwent preoperative MRI (1.5T) including MTR and DWI sequences. For comparison a series of samples with declining concentration of albumin was investigated in vitro with a 7T animal scanner. RESULTS: In the patients examination mean ADC values were 1.93×10-3mm2/sec and mean MTR values were 0.2. Mean ADC value of the albumin solutions was 0.22× 0-3mm2/sec and mean MTR was 0.12. ADC and MTR values showed a strong negative correlation in the patients (Spearman's rank correlation rs=-0.80, p<0.01) and a very strong negative correlation in the in vitro examinations (rs=-1.0, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The strong negative correlation of ADC and MTR values suggest a strong influence of proteins on proton diffusion in intracranial cysts. The phenomena can be explained by macromolecules that bind nearby protons in their vicinity.

Diffusion weighted MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): does the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) correlate with tracer uptake (SUV)?

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the potential correlation of the apparent diffusion coefficient assessed by diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and glucose metabolism determined by the standardized uptake value (SUV) at 18F-FDG PET/CT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18F-FDG PET/CT and DWI (TR/TE, 2000/66 ms; b-values, 0 and 500 s/mm(2)) were performed in 41 consecutive patients with histologically verified NSCLC. Analysing the PET-CT data calculation of the mean (SUV(mean)) and maximum (SUV(max)) SUV was performed. By placing a region-of-interest (ROI) encovering the entire tumor mean (ADC(mean)) and minimum ADC (ADC(min)) were determined by two independent radiologists. Results of 18F-FDG PET-CT and DWI were compared on a per-patient basis. For statistical analysis Pearson's correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman and regression analysis were assessed. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation of the ADC(min) and SUV(max) (r=-0.46; p=0.032). Testing the correlation of the ADC(min) and SUV(max) for each histological subtype separately revealed that the inverse correlation was good for both adenocarcinomas (r=-0.47; p=0.03) and squamouscell carcinomas (r=-0.71; p=0.002), respectively. No significant correlation was found for the comparison of ADC(min) and SUV(mean) (r=-0.29; p=0.27), ADC(mean) vs. SUV(mean) (r=-0.28; p=0.31) or ADC(mean) vs. SUV(max) (r=-0.33; p=0.23). The κ-value of 0.88 indicated a good agreement between both observers. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study is the first to verify the relation between the SUV and the ADC in NSCLC. The significant inverse correlation of these two quantitative imaging approaches points out the association of metabolic activity and tumor cellularity. Therefore, DWI with ADC measurement might represent a new prognostic marker in NSCLC.

High-resolution in utero 3D MR imaging of inner ear microstructures in fetal sheep.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Developmental inner ear abnormalities can occur due to embryopathies as well as in the context of syndromal diseases like the CHARGE association. In severe cases, an early and definite in utero diagnosis is important for decision-making; here, fetal MR imaging can be a helpful tool. We present results of performing high-resolution MR imaging of the inner ear structures of fetal sheep in vivo. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Six ewes carrying singleton fetuses (mean gestational age, 120 days) were examined under general anesthesia at 1.5T. A 3D true FISP sequence with isotropic voxel size (0.7 mm) was applied; acquisition time was 2:35 minutes. For a standard of reference, 1 stillborn lamb of equivalent gestation age was examined. Image analysis was performed in consensus by 2 radiologists regarding the depiction of anatomic landmarks on a 5-point scale. Motion artifacts were quantified on a 3-point scale. RESULTS: The turns and modiolus of the cochlea as well as the origins of all 3 semicircular canals of the vestibular system of both sides could be reliably identified in every animal. Motion artifacts due to maternal breathing excursions or movements of the fetus were minimal. In case of breech presentation, the ventilation of the ewe had to be paused during the image acquisition to achieve acceptable results. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution intrauterine MR imaging of the inner ear microstructures in an animal model is feasible. However, the acquisition time of the sequence applied is still too long to perform such measurement in a clinical setting.