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1.
Eur Radiol ; 27(6): 2326-2332, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27578046

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate the temporal evolution of the acute thrombus by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its relationship to venous recanalization in patients with recurrent DVTs. METHODS: Thirteen patients with newly diagnosed lower limb DVTs underwent MRI with non-contrast MR venography (NC-MRV) and MR direct thrombus imaging (MR-DTI), an inversion-recovery water-selective fast gradient-echo acquisition. Imaging was performed within 7 days of the acute thrombotic event, then at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: By 3 months from the thrombotic event a third of the thrombi had resolved and by 6 months about half of the cases had resolved on the basis of vein recanalisation using NC-MRV. On the initial MR-DTI acute thrombus was clearly depicted by hyperintense signal, while the remaining thrombi were predominantly low signal at 3 and 6 months. Some residual thrombi contained small and fragmented persisting hyperintense areas at 3 months, clearing almost completely by 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that synergistic venous assessment with combined NC-MRV and MR-DTI is able to distinguish acute venous thrombosis from the established (old) or evolving DVT detected by ultrasound. KEY POINTS: • MRI can distinguish between acute and evolving or chronic lower limb DVT • Two advanced MRI techniques can follow the evolution of lower limb DVT • MRI could be used to avoid an incorrect diagnosis of recurrent DVT • MRI could help avoid the risks and complications of lifelong anticoagulation therapy.


Subject(s)
Venous Thrombosis/pathology , Acute Disease , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Lower Extremity/blood supply , Lower Extremity/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Angiography/methods , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Male , Middle Aged , Multimodal Imaging , Phlebography/methods , Popliteal Vein/pathology , Recurrence , Young Adult
2.
Placenta ; 43: 35-40, 2016 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27324097

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the uterine arteries (UtA) could be identified and their flow profiles measured during a fetal MRI examination. A comparison was performed against same day sonographic Doppler assessment. METHODS: 35 normal, healthy, singleton pregnancies at 28-32 weeks gestation underwent routine Doppler examination, followed by MRI examination. The resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the left and right UtA were measured using phase contrast MRI. Bland Altman statistics were used to compare MRI and ultrasound results. RESULTS: Sixty-nine comparable vessels were analysed. Six vessels were excluded due to artefact or technical error. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated the ultrasound indices were comparable, although systematically lower than the MRI indices; Right UtA RI bias -0.03 (95% limits of agreement (LOA) -0.27 to +0.20), and left UtA RI bias -0.06 (95% LOA -0.26 to +0.14); Right UtA PI bias -0.06 (95% LOA -0.50 to +0.38), Left UtA PI bias -0.11 (95% LOA -0.54 to +0.32). The inter-rater agreement for the MRI derived PI and RI analysis was good. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that in the majority of early third trimester pregnancies, the uterine arteries can be identified, and their flow profiles measured using MRI, and that the derived PI and RI values are comparable with Doppler ultrasound values.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pregnancy Trimester, Third/physiology , Ultrasonography, Doppler , Uterine Artery/diagnostic imaging , Vascular Resistance/physiology , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Pulsatile Flow/physiology , Uterine Artery/physiology
3.
Eur Radiol ; 26(10): 3752-9, 2016 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26792428

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This work evaluates rapid magnetic resonance projection hydrography (PH) based amniotic fluid volume (AFV) estimates against established routine ultrasound single deepest vertical pocket (SDVP) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) measurements, in utero at 28-32 weeks gestation. Manual multi-section planimetry (MSP) based measurement of AFV is used as a proxy reference standard. METHODS: Thirty-five women with a healthy singleton pregnancy (20-41 years) attending routine antenatal ultrasound were recruited. SDVP and AFI were measured using ultrasound, with same day MRI assessing AFV with PH and MSP. The relationships between the respective techniques were assessed using linear regression analysis and Bland-Altman method comparison statistics. RESULTS: When comparing estimated AFV, a highly significant relationship was observed between PH and the reference standard MSP (R(2) = 0.802, p < 0.001). For the US measurements, SDVP measurement related most closely to amniotic fluid volume, (R(2) = 0.470, p < 0.001), with AFI demonstrating a weaker relationship (R(2) = 0.208, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: This study shows that rapid MRI based PH measurement is a better predictor of AFV, relating more closely to our proxy standard than established US techniques. Although larger validation studies across a range of gestational ages are required this approach could form part of MR fetal assessment, particularly where poly- or oligohydramnios is suspected. KEY POINTS: • MR projection hydrography can be used to estimate amniotic fluid volume. • MR projection hydrography relies on the T2w signal from amniotic fluid. • Amniotic fluid volume (AFV) is more accurately assessed than with ultrasound.


Subject(s)
Amniotic Fluid/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Adult , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Observer Variation , Pregnancy , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Young Adult
5.
Ann Oncol ; 26(10): 2113-8, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26202597

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The detection of occult bone metastases is a key factor in determining the management of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially when curative surgery is considered. This prospective study assessed the sensitivity of (18)F-labelled sodium fluoride in conjunction with positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-NaF PET/CT) for detecting RCC bone metastases, compared with conventional imaging by bone scintigraphy or CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An adaptive two-stage trial design was utilized, which was stopped after the first stage due to statistical efficacy. Ten patients with stage IV RCC and bone metastases were imaged with (18)F-NaF PET/CT and (99m)Tc-labelled methylene diphosphonate ((99m)Tc-MDP) bone scintigraphy including pelvic single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Images were reported independently by experienced radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians using a 5-point scoring system. RESULTS: Seventy-seven lesions were diagnosed as malignant: 100% were identified by (18)F-NaF PET/CT, 46% by CT and 29% by bone scintigraphy/SPECT. Standard-of-care imaging with CT and bone scintigraphy identified 65% of the metastases reported by (18)F-NaF PET/CT. On an individual patient basis, (18)F-NaF PET/CT detected more RCC metastases than (99m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy/SPECT or CT alone (P = 0.007). The metabolic volumes, mean and maximum standardized uptake values (SUV mean and SUV max) of the malignant lesions were significantly greater than those of the benign lesions (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: (18)F-NaF PET/CT is significantly more sensitive at detecting RCC skeletal metastases than conventional bone scintigraphy or CT. The detection of occult bone metastases could greatly alter patient management, particularly in the context when standard-of-care imaging is negative for skeletal metastases.


Subject(s)
Bone Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Bone Neoplasms/secondary , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/pharmacokinetics , Kidney Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Multimodal Imaging/methods , Research Design , Technetium Tc 99m Medronate/pharmacokinetics , Aged , Carcinoma, Papillary/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Papillary/secondary , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/secondary , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Radionuclide Imaging , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods
6.
Clin Radiol ; 70(8): 898-908, 2015 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25979853

ABSTRACT

A variety of transplants have been performed in the abdomen including liver, kidney, pancreas and islet, bowel, and multivisceral transplants. Imaging plays an important role in graft surveillance particularly to exclude post-transplant complications. When complications occur, therapeutic image-guided interventions are invaluable as these may be graft-saving and even life-saving. Vascular complications following transplantation have been extensively reported in recent reviews. The focus of this review is to discuss post-transplant complications that are primarily extravascular in location. This includes biliary, urological, intestinal, malignancy, infections, and miscellaneous complications. Familiarity with the imaging appearances of these complications is helpful for radiologists as accurate diagnosis and expedient treatment has an impact on graft and patient survival.


Subject(s)
Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Child , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Treatment Outcome , Ultrasonography, Doppler/methods , Young Adult
7.
Gastroenterol Res Pract ; 2015: 207012, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25649410

ABSTRACT

Acute renal impairment is common in patients with chronic liver disease, occurring in approximately 19% of hospitalised patients with cirrhosis. A variety of types of renal impairment are recognised. The most important of these is the hepatorenal syndrome, a functional renal impairment due to circulatory and neurohormonal abnormalities that underpin cirrhosis. It is one of the most severe complications of cirrhosis with survival often measured in weeks to months. A variety of treatment options exist with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment providing the best hope for cure. This paper provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of hepatorenal syndrome and lays out the topic according to the following sections: pathophysiology, historical developments, diagnostic criteria and limitations, epidemiology, precipitating factors, predictors, clinical and laboratory findings, prognosis, treatment options, prophylaxis, and conclusion.

8.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage ; 22(10): 1360-6, 2014 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24642349

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We have developed a new grading system for hip osteoarthritis using clinical computed tomography (CT). This technique was compared with Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) grading and minimum joint space width (JSW) measurement in digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) from the same CT data. In this paper we evaluate and compare the accuracy and reliability of these measures in the assessment of radiological disease. DESIGN: CT imaging of hips from 30 female volunteers aged 66 ± 17 years were used in two reproducibility studies, one testing the reliability of the new system, the other testing K&L grading and minimum JSW measurement in DRRs. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-observer reliability was substantial for CT grading according to weighted kappa (0.74 and 0.75 respectively), while intra- and inter-observer reliability was at worst moderate (0.57) and substantial (0.63) respectively for DRR K&L grading. Bland-Altman analysis showed a systematic difference in minimum JSW measurement of 0.82 mm between reviewers, with a least detectable difference of 1.06 mm. The area under the curve from ROC analysis was 0.91 for our CT composite score. CONCLUSIONS: CT grading of hip osteoarthritis (categorised as none, developing and established) has substantial reliability. Sensitivity was increased when CT features of osteoarthritis were assigned a composite score (0 = none to 7 = severest) that also performed well as a diagnostic test, but at the cost of reliability. Having established feasibility and reliability for this new CT system, sensitivity testing and validation against clinical measures of hip osteoarthritis will now be performed.


Subject(s)
Hip Joint/diagnostic imaging , Osteoarthritis, Hip/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results , Severity of Illness Index
9.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage ; 22(10): 1488-98, 2014 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24631578

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Plain radiography has been the mainstay of imaging assessment in osteoarthritis for over 50 years, but it does have limitations. Here we present the methodology and results of a new technique for identifying, grading, and mapping the severity and spatial distribution of osteoarthritic disease features at the hip in 3D with clinical computed tomography (CT). DESIGN: CT imaging of 456 hips from 230 adult female volunteers (mean age 66 ± 17 years) was reviewed using 3D multiplanar reformatting to identify bone-related radiological features of osteoarthritis, namely osteophytes, subchondral cysts and joint space narrowing. Scoresheets dividing up the femoral head, head-neck region and the joint space were used to register the location and severity of each feature (scored from 0 to 3). Novel 3D cumulative feature severity maps were then created to display where the most severe disease features from each individual were anatomically located across the cohort. RESULTS: Feature severity maps showed a propensity for osteophytes at the inferoposterior and superolateral femoral head-neck junction. Subchondral cysts were a less common and less localised phenomenon. Joint space narrowing <1.5 mm was recorded in at least one sector of 83% of hips, but most frequently in the posterolateral joint space. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of hip osteoarthritis using unenhanced clinical CT in which we describe the co-localisation of posterior osteophytes and joint space narrowing for the first time. We believe this technique can perform several important roles in future osteoarthritis research, including phenotyping and sensitive disease assessment in 3D.


Subject(s)
Bone Cysts/diagnostic imaging , Femur Head/diagnostic imaging , Femur Neck/diagnostic imaging , Hip Joint/diagnostic imaging , Osteoarthritis, Hip/diagnostic imaging , Osteophyte/diagnostic imaging , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Bone Cysts/etiology , Female , Humans , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Middle Aged , Osteoarthritis, Hip/complications , Osteophyte/etiology , Severity of Illness Index , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
11.
Clin Radiol ; 67(10): 988-1000, 2012 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22486993

ABSTRACT

Adenoma, myelolipoma, phaeochromocytoma, metastases, adrenocortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma, and lymphoma account for the majority of adrenal neoplasms that are encountered in clinical practice. A variety of imaging methods are available for evaluating adrenal lesions including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine techniques such as meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy and positron-emission tomography (PET). Lipid-sensitive imaging techniques such as unenhanced CT and chemical shift MRI enable detection and characterization of lipid-rich adenomas based on an unenhanced CT attenuation of ≤ 10 HU and signal loss on opposed-phase compared to in-phase T1-weighted images, respectively. In indeterminate cases, an adrenal CT washout study may differentiate adenomas (both lipid-rich and lipid-poor) from other adrenal neoplasms based on an absolute percentage washout of >60% and/or a relative percentage washout of >40%. This is based on the principle that adenomas show rapid contrast washout while most other adrenal neoplasms including malignant tumours show slow contrast washout instead. ¹8F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose-PET (¹8FDG-PET) imaging may differentiate benign from malignant adrenal neoplasms by demonstrating high tracer uptake in malignant neoplasms based on the increased glucose utilization and metabolic activity found in most of these malignancies. In this review, the multi-modality imaging appearances of adrenal neoplasms are discussed and illustrated. Key imaging findings that facilitate lesion characterization and differentiation are emphasized. Awareness of these imaging findings is essential for improving diagnostic confidence and for reducing misinterpretation errors.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Image Enhancement/methods , Humans
12.
Eur J Radiol ; 81(7): 1438-45, 2012 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21501940

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Dual-energy dual source CT can almost simultaneously image patients using two different tube potentials, allowing material decomposition and creation of 'virtual unenhanced' (VU) images from post-contrast series. METHODS: 75 patients undergoing triple-phase liver CT examinations were imaged using a second generation dual-source CT machine with tube potentials 140/100 kVp. Post-processing VU series were derived from arterial and portal phases. Regions-of-interest from liver parenchyma and within fat ('noise' assessment) were drawn to compare VU series to conventional unenhanced (CU) series. Subjective analysis assessed image quality and the suitability of VU to replace CU series. RESULTS: Mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values of liver were higher in the VU series: portal 51.9 (SD = 10.29), arterial 51.1 (SD = 10.05), compared to the CU series 49.2 (SD = 9.11); P<0.001. However, Pearson's correlation of the VU and CU series remained excellent: 0.838 (portal), 0.831 (arterial). Bland-Altman plots also showed good agreement between both VU and the CU datasets. Noise measurements were significantly lower in both VU series (P<0.001). For subjective analysis, image quality was rated as very good/excellent in 100% of CU images, 93.3% of portal VU and 88.7% of arterial VU series. Overall, portal VU and arterial VU images were acceptable replacements for the CU series in 97.4% and 96.1%, respectively. Post-processing was noted to create a number of artefacts in VU images--knowledge of these is essential for interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: Portal and arterial-derived VU images objectively correlate to CU images and demonstrate good image quality and acceptability. VU image sets could replace the conventional unenhanced images in the vast majority of cases, significantly reducing radiation dose.


Subject(s)
Liver Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Algorithms , Artifacts , Female , Humans , Male , Radiation Dosage , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Retrospective Studies
13.
Br J Radiol ; 85(1014): 736-44, 2012 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21385912

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest malignancies worldwide. Prognosis is predicted by size at diagnosis, vascular invasion and tumour proliferation markers. This study investigates if MRI features of histologically proven HCCs correlate with vascular invasion. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, 18 consecutive patients, with a total of 27 HCCs, had comprehensive MRI studies performed at our institution within a median of 36 days of histology sampling. Each lesion was evaluated independently on MRI by 3 radiologists (blinded to both the radiology and histopathology reports) using a 5-point confidence scale for 23 specific imaging features. The mean of the rating scores across readers was calculated to determine interobserver consistency. The most consistent features were then used to examine the value of features in predicting vascular invasion, using a χ(2 )test for trend, having eliminated those features without sufficient variability. RESULTS: 22 of the 23 imaging features showed sufficient variability across lesions. None of these significantly correlated with the presence of vascular invasion, although a trend was identified with the presence of washout in the portal venous phase on MRI and the median size of lesions, which was greater with vascular invasion. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that no single MRI feature accurately predicts the presence of vascular invasion in HCCs, although a trend was seen with the presence of washout in the portal venous phase post gadolinium. Larger prospective studies are required to investigate this further.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Vascular Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Retrospective Studies
14.
Clin Radiol ; 67(3): 258-62, 2012 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22014555

ABSTRACT

AIM: To demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining liver stiffness measurements with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) at 3T in normal healthy volunteers using the same technique that has been successfully applied at 1.5 T. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was approved by the local ethics committee and written informed consent was obtained from all volunteers. Eleven volunteers (mean age 35 ± 9 years) with no history of gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, or cardiovascular disease were recruited. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol included a gradient echo-based MRE sequence using a 60 Hz pneumatic excitation. The MRE images were processed using a local frequency estimation inversion algorithm to provide quantitative stiffness maps. Adequate image quality was assessed subjectively by demonstrating the presence of visible propagating waves within the liver parenchyma underlying the driver location. Liver stiffness values were obtained using manually placed regions of interest (ROI) outlining the liver margins on the gradient echo wave images, which were then mapped onto the corresponding stiffness image. The mean stiffness values from two adjacent sections were recorded. RESULTS: Eleven volunteers underwent MRE. The quality of the MRE images was adequate in all the volunteers. The mean liver stiffness for the group was 2.3 ± 0.38 kPa (ranging from 1.7-2.8 kPa). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary work using MRE at 3T in healthy volunteers demonstrates the feasibility of liver stiffness evaluation at 3T without modification of the approach used at 1.5 T. Adequate image quality and normal MRE values were obtained in all volunteers. The obtained stiffness values were in the range of those reported for healthy volunteers in previous studies at 1.5 T. There was good interobserver reproducibility in the stiffness measurements.


Subject(s)
Elasticity Imaging Techniques/methods , Liver/anatomy & histology , Adult , Algorithms , Female , Humans , Image Enhancement/methods , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Liver/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results
15.
Magn Reson Med ; 67(3): 778-85, 2012 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22135228

ABSTRACT

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a key primary treatment for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer and is an important neoadjuvant before radiotherapy. We evaluated 3.0 T dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI in monitoring ADT response. Twenty-three consecutive patients with prostate cancer treated by primary ADT were included. Imaging was performed at baseline and 3 months posttreatment with ADT. After 3 months therapy there was a significant reduction in all dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI parameters measured in tumor regions of interest (K(trans), k(ep), v(p), IAUGC-90); P < 0.001. Areas of normal-appearing peripheral zone showed no significant change; P = 0.285-0.879. Post-ADT, there was no significant change in apparent diffusion coefficient values in tumors, whilst apparent diffusion coefficient values significantly decreased in areas of normal-appearing peripheral zone, from 1.786 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s to 1.561 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s; P = 0.007. As expected the median Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) significantly reduced from 30 ng/mL to 1.5 ng/mL posttreatment, and median prostate volume dropped from 47.6 cm(3) to 24.9 cm(3) ; P < 0.001. These results suggest that dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI offer different information but that both could prove useful adjuncts to the anatomical information provided by T2-weighted imaging. dynamic contrast-enhanced as a marker of angiogenesis may help demonstrate ADT resistance and diffusion-weighted imaging may be more accurate in determining presence of tumor cell death versus residual tumor.


Subject(s)
Androgen Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use , Anilides/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/therapeutic use , Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Goserelin/therapeutic use , Nitriles/therapeutic use , Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Tosyl Compounds/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Contrast Media , Feasibility Studies , Humans , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Male , Middle Aged , Organometallic Compounds , Treatment Outcome
16.
Clin Radiol ; 67(5): 461-7, 2012 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22176725

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate whether virtual unenhanced (VU) computed tomography (CT) images generated of the aorta were of sufficient quality to replace the conventional unenhanced (CU) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients undergoing examination of the thoracic or abdominal aorta were examined using a dual-energy protocol. VU images were generated from the arterial phase images and compared to the CU images. Objective analysis was performed by drawing paired regions of interest (ROIs) within the thoracic and abdominal aorta and measuring the radiodensity in Hounsfield units attenuation within the ROIs. Subjective analysis was performed by two experienced readers evaluating the VU images in terms of noise, quality, calcium loss, and overall acceptability. RESULTS: The attenuation was significantly higher in the VU images compared to the CU images within the thoracic aorta (p < 0.01) but not within the abdominal aorta (p = 0.15). Overall the VU images of the abdominal aorta were deemed acceptable as replacements for the CU images in 93% of cases. For the thoracic aorta, the VU images were deemed acceptable in only 12% of cases, primarily due to pulsation artefact. CONCLUSION: VU images of the abdominal aorta are acceptable as replacements for the CU images in the vast majority of cases; however, they are not suitable as replacements for the CU images of the thoracic aorta.


Subject(s)
Aorta, Abdominal/diagnostic imaging , Aorta, Thoracic/diagnostic imaging , Radiographic Image Enhancement/methods , Thrombosis/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Contrast Media , Female , Humans , Male , Reproducibility of Results
17.
Clin Radiol ; 66(4): 349-56, 2011 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21295772

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation. Secondary aims were to examine the effect of radiologist experience and lesion size on diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (72% male with a mean age of 56.5 years) underwent liver transplantation following preoperative triple-phase MDCT examination of the liver. MDCT examinations were retrospectively independently reviewed by three radiologists for the presence and location of suspected HCCs, with the diagnostic confidence recorded using a five-point confidence scale. MDCT examinations were compared with explant specimens for histopathological correlation. RESULTS: Histopathological results demonstrated 46 HCCs in 29 of the 39 patients. Analysis demonstrated a sensitivity of 65-75% and specificity of 47-88% for detection of HCC lesions. The sensitivity dropped to 48-57% for lesions of size ≤20mm. As the diagnostic confidence increased, there was a further decrease in the sensitivity (4-26%). The radiologist with the greatest number of years experience was found to have a significantly higher accuracy of detection of HCC lesions compared with the least experienced radiologist. CONCLUSION: Larger lesion size of HCC and greater number of years experience of the radiologist resulted in significantly higher accuracy of HCC lesion detection. The overall sensitivity and specificity results for MDCT detection of HCC are comparable to previous helical CT imaging.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging , Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Liver Transplantation/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Female , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tumor Burden
18.
Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol ; 37(3): 317-23, 2011 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20878677

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Autopsy is an important investigation following fetal death or termination for fetal abnormality. Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide macroscopic information of comparable quality to that of conventional autopsy in the event of perinatal death. It does not provide tissue for histological examination, which may limit the quality of counseling for recurrence risks and elucidation of the cause of death. We sought to examine the comparability and clinical value of a combination of postmortem MRI and percutaneous fetal organ biopsies (minimally invasive autopsy (MIA)) with conventional fetal autopsy. METHODS: Forty-four fetuses underwent postmortem MRI and attempted percutaneous biopsy (using surface landmarks) of major fetal organs (liver, lung, heart, spleen, kidney, adrenal and thymus) following fetal death or termination for abnormality, prior to conventional autopsy, which was considered the 'gold standard'. We compared significant findings of the two examinations for both diagnostic information and clinical significance. Ancillary investigations (such as radiographs and placental histology) were regarded as common to the two forms of autopsy. RESULTS: In 21 cases conventional autopsy provided superior diagnostic information to that of MIA. In two cases the MIA provided superior diagnostic information to that of conventional autopsy, when autolysis prevented detailed examination of the fetal brain. In the remaining 21 cases, conventional autopsy and MIA provided equivalent diagnostic information. With regard to clinical significance, however, in 32 (72.7%) cases, the MIA provided information of at least equivalent clinical significance to that of conventional autopsy. In no case did the addition of percutaneous biopsies reveal information of additional clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Although in some cases MRI may provide additional information, conventional perinatal autopsy remains the gold standard for the investigation of fetal death. The utility of adding percutaneous organ biopsies, without imaging guidance, to an MRI-based fetal autopsy remains unproven. Postmortem MRI, combined with ancillary investigations such as placental histology, external examination by a pathologist, cytogenetics and plain radiography provided information of equivalent clinical significance in the majority of cases.


Subject(s)
Autopsy/methods , Biopsy/methods , Fetus/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Brain/embryology , Brain/pathology , Female , Humans , Liver/embryology , Liver/pathology , Lung/embryology , Lung/pathology , Observer Variation , Organ Size , Pregnancy
19.
Clin Radiol ; 63(12): 1336-41; discussion 1342-3, 2008 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18996264

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided direct arthrography of the glenohumeral joint with a 1.5 T MR system, performing the entire procedure in a single MR examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR-guided direct arthrography was performed on 11 patients. MR imaging guidance and interactive MR fluoroscopy, with in-room control and display system, were used for needle placement and contrast medium injection. The outcome measures were success or failure of joint puncture, the time taken for introduction of contrast medium, and the diagnostic quality of the subsequent MR arthrography images. RESULTS: Contrast medium was successfully instilled into the joint and diagnostic quality MR arthrography images were obtained in all cases. The median time from initial placement of the skin marker to introduction of the contrast medium was 17 min (range 11-29 min). There were no immediate post-procedure complications. CONCLUSION: Accurate needle placement is feasible in a single MR examination on a commercial 1.5 T closed-bore MR system, using an in-room control and display system together with interactive fluoroscopic imaging, and this was used to provide direct MR arthrography in this study.


Subject(s)
Arthrography/methods , Fluoroscopy/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional , Punctures/methods , Shoulder Joint/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Arthrography/trends , Clinical Competence/standards , Feasibility Studies , Female , Fluoroscopy/trends , Humans , Image Enhancement/instrumentation , Injections, Intra-Articular , Male , Punctures/standards , Shoulder Joint/pathology , Young Adult
20.
Clin Anat ; 21(5): 374-82, 2008 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18470939

ABSTRACT

The recent introduction of 3-Tesla MRI offers substantial advances in musculoskeletal applications. High resolution images can now be obtained with shorter data acquisition times. This article provides a pictorial review of 3-Tesla imaging in the knee with descriptions of both normal anatomy and the more common lesions involving the menisci, ligaments, and articular cartilage. A discussion of the issues associated with imaging at higher field strengths is also included.


Subject(s)
Knee Injuries/pathology , Knee Joint/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Cartilage, Articular/pathology , Humans , Ligaments/pathology , Menisci, Tibial/pathology , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
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