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1.
Curr Probl Diagn Radiol ; 52(6): 519-521, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37690967

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Direct interactions between patients and diagnostic radiologists are uncommon, but recent medicolegal developments in the United States may increase patient interest in communicating directly with radiologists. Patient participation rates in prior attempts at direct radiology consultation vary widely in the literature. Our objective was to design and build a virtual radiology consult service for a subset of patients undergoing lung cancer screening CTs to enable communication between patients and radiologists regarding imaging results and radiology recommendations. METHODS: Patients scheduled for lung cancer screening CTs were identified using a custom scheduling system and offered via text message a free 15-minute consultation with a radiologist to discuss the results. RESULTS: Of 38 patients texted, 10 (26.3%) responded. Nine (90%) scheduled a consultation, but 5 (55.5%) subsequently cancelled. Of the remaining four, 3 (75%) attended their appointments, with an overall 3/38 (7.9%) text-to-consult conversation rate. The 3 consults averaged 18 (±8.2) minutes. CONCLUSION: The recruitment rate for our virtual service was between the low rate of a prior phone consult line study and the high rate in consults integrated into another physician visit. Further research is needed to identify patients most interested in a radiology consultation and optimize consultation modality by patient population.

2.
Stud Health Technol Inform ; 302: 277-281, 2023 May 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37203662

ABSTRACT

Cancers frequently metastasize to the spine, where they can cause severe morbidity, including pain, vertebral collapse, and paralysis. Accurate assessment and timely communication of actionable imaging findings are critical. We developed a scoring mechanism to capture the key imaging features of examinations performed to detect and characterize spinal metastases in patients with cancer. An automated system was developed to relay those findings to the institution's spine oncology team to expedite treatment. This report describes the scoring scheme, the automated results communication platform, and initial clinical experience with the system. The scoring system and communication platform enable prompt, imaging-directed care of patients with spinal metastases.


Subject(s)
Spinal Neoplasms , Humans , Spinal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Neoplasms/therapy , Spine/diagnostic imaging , Diagnostic Imaging , Pain , Medical Oncology
3.
Children (Basel) ; 10(2)2023 Jan 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36832374

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Microvascular imaging ultrasound (MVI) can detect slow blood flow in small-caliber cerebral vessels. This technology may help assess flow in other intracranial structures, such as the ventricular system. In this study, we describe the use of MVI for characterizing intraventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics in infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included infants with brain ultrasound that had MVI B-Flow cine clips in the sagittal plane. Two blinded reviewers examined the images, dictated a diagnostic impression, and identified the third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, fourth ventricle, and CSF flow direction. A third reviewer evaluated the discrepancies. We evaluated the association of visualization of CSF flow as detectable with MVI, with the diagnostic impressions. We also assessed the inter-rater reliability (IRR) for detecting CSF flow. RESULTS: We evaluated 101 infants, mean age 40 ± 53 days. Based on brain MVI B-Flow, a total of 49 patients had normal brain US scans, 40 had hydrocephalus, 26 had intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and 14 had hydrocephalus+IVH. Using spatially moving MVI signal in the third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, and fourth ventricle as the criteria for CSF flow, CSF flow was identified in 10.9% (n = 11), 15.8% (n = 16), and 16.8% (n = 17) of cases, respectively. Flow direction was detected in 19.8% (n = 20) of cases; 70% (n = 14) was caudocranial, 15% (n = 3) was craniocaudal, and 15% (n = 3) bidirectional, with IRR = 0.662, p < 0.001. Visualization of CSF flow was significantly associated with the presence of IVH alone (OR 9.7 [3.3-29.0], p < 0.001) and IVH+hydrocephalus (OR 12.4 [3.5-440], p < 0.001), but not with hydrocephalus alone (p = 0.116). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that MVI can detect CSF flow dynamics in infants with a history of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus with a high IRR.

4.
Am J Perinatol ; 40(5): 475-488, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34225373

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in infants can have long-term adverse neurodevelopmental effects and markedly reduce quality of life. Both the initial hypoperfusion and the subsequent rapid reperfusion can cause deleterious effects in brain tissue. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) assessment in newborns with HIE can help detect abnormalities in brain perfusion to guide therapy and prognosticate patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: The review will provide an overview of the pathophysiological implications of CBF derangements in neonatal HIE, current and emerging techniques for CBF quantification, and the potential to utilize CBF as a physiologic target in managing neonates with acute HIE. CONCLUSION: The alterations of CBF in infants during hypoxia-ischemia have been studied by using different neuroimaging techniques, including nitrous oxide and xenon clearance, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, arterial spin labeling MRI, 18F-FDG positron emission tomography, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), functional NIRS, and diffuse correlation spectroscopy. Consensus is lacking regarding the clinical significance of CBF estimations detected by these different modalities. Heterogeneity in the imaging modality used, regional versus global estimations of CBF, time for the scan, and variables impacting brain perfusion and cohort clinical characteristics should be considered when translating the findings described in the literature to routine practice and implementation of therapeutic interventions. KEY POINTS: · Hypoxic-ischemic injury in infants can result in adverse long-term neurologic sequelae.. · Cerebral blood flow is a useful biomarker in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury.. · Imaging modality, variables affecting cerebral blood flow, and patient characteristics affect cerebral blood flow assessment..


Subject(s)
Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain , Quality of Life , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/blood supply , Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/diagnostic imaging , Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/therapy , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology , Ischemia
5.
J Magn Reson Imaging ; 57(1): 25-44, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36120962

ABSTRACT

Modern MRI scanners have trended toward higher field strengths to maximize signal and resolution while minimizing scan time. However, high-field devices remain expensive to install and operate, making them scarce outside of high-income countries and major population centers. Low-field strength scanners have drawn renewed academic, industry, and philanthropic interest due to advantages that could dramatically increase imaging access, including lower cost and portability. Nevertheless, low-field MRI still faces inherent limitations in image quality that come with decreased signal. In this article, we review advantages and disadvantages of low-field MRI scanners, describe hardware and software innovations that accentuate advantages and mitigate disadvantages, and consider clinical applications for a new generation of low-field devices. In our review, we explore how these devices are being or could be used for high acuity brain imaging, outpatient neuroimaging, MRI-guided procedures, pediatric imaging, and musculoskeletal imaging. Challenges for their successful clinical translation include selecting and validating appropriate use cases, integrating with standards of care in high resource settings, expanding options with actionable information in low resource settings, and facilitating health care providers and clinical practice in new ways. By embracing both the promise and challenges of low-field MRI, clinicians and researchers have an opportunity to transform medical care for patients around the world. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 6.


Subject(s)
Brain , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Child , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Software
6.
BMC Neurol ; 22(1): 466, 2022 Dec 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36494636

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy is used to treat depression and schizophrenia with infrequent use in pediatric patients. We report a case of an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder and acute catatonia that presented with status epilepticus (SE) and prolonged neurologic deficits with unilateral left cerebral edema on imaging following unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the right side, subsequently found to have a CACNA1a pathogenic variant. This case highlights a potential adverse effect of ECT in patients with CACNA1a related disorders. CASE: The patient received unilateral ECT to the right side and subsequently had an episode of SE with right-sided hemiplegia for 72 h prior to regaining some function with persistent mild right-hand weakness that persisted for at least 1-2 weeks. A brain MRI 2 days after ECT was unremarkable, but a repeat MRI on day four of admission showed left hemisphere cortical diffusion restriction, increased perfusion and T2 prolongation suggestive of cortical edema. They had whole exome genetic testing sent after discharge that showed a known pathogenic CACNA1a variant (p.I1709T). CACNA1a encodes the P/Q type calcium channels and deleterious variants in this gene result in a channelopathy associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders that include autism spectrum disorder, hemiplegic migraine with unilateral cerebral edema, epileptic encephalopathies, or episodic ataxia syndromes. CONCLUSION: A literature review of ECT and neurologic deficits showed that most neurologic deficits resolve within 30 min of ECT. Case reports of prolonged deficits are rare and there are no prior reports of acute MRI changes related to ECT. Thus, the acute deterioration and MRI findings in this patient are likely related to the underlying CACNA1a channelopathy disorder with ECT as a precipitating event. This case report suggests care should be taken when using ECT in patients with pathogenic variants in CACNA1a. Furthermore, it reinforces the utility and importance of expanded genetic testing in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders as findings can provide valuable information that can guide treatment decisions.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Brain Edema , Channelopathies , Electroconvulsive Therapy , Child , Humans , Adolescent , Calcium Channels/genetics , Brain
7.
Ultrasound Int Open ; 8(2): E43-E52, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36408372

ABSTRACT

Purpose Neurosonography evaluation of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is mainly qualitative. We aimed to quantitatively compare the echogenicity of several brain regions in patients with HIE to healthy controls. Materials and Methods 20 term neonates with clinical/MRI evidence of HIE and 20 term healthy neonates were evaluated. Seven brain regions were assessed [frontal, parietal, occipital, and perirolandic white matter (WM), caudate nucleus head, lentiform nucleus, and thalamus]. The echogenicity of the calvarial bones (bone) and the choroid plexus (CP) was used for ratio calculation. Differences in the ratios were determined between neonates with HIE and controls. Results Ratios were significantly higher for HIE neonates in each region (p<0.05). The differences were greatest for the perirolandic WM, with CP and bone ratios being 0.23 and 0.22 greater, respectively, for the HIE compared to the healthy neonates (p<0.001). The perirolandic WM had a high AUC, at 0.980 for both the CP and bone ratios. The intra-observer reliability for all ratios was high, with the caudate to bone ratio being the lowest at 0.832 and the anterior WM to CP ratio being the highest at 0.992. Conclusion When coupled with internal controls, quantitative neurosonography represents a potential tool to identify early neonatal HIE changes. Larger cohort studies could reveal whether a quantitative approach can discern between degrees of severity of HIE. Future neurosonography protocols should be tailored to evaluate the perirolandic region, which requires posterior coronal scanning.

8.
Ultrasonography ; 41(4): 633-649, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35879109

ABSTRACT

Advanced ultrasound techniques, including brain contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and elastography, are increasingly being explored to better understand infant brain health. While conventional brain ultrasonography provides a convenient, noninvasive means of assessing major intracranial pathologies, its value in revealing functional and physiologic insights into the brain lags behind advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging. In this regard, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography provides highly precise functional information on macrovascular and microvascular perfusion, while brain elastography offers information on brain stiffness that may be associated with relevant physiological factors of diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or prognostic utility. This review details the technical background, current understanding and utility, and future directions of these two emerging advanced ultrasound techniques for neonatal brain applications.

9.
Arch Pediatr ; 29(3): 159-170, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35249799

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Abdominal emergencies in neonates require surgical management in almost all cases and complications may include bowel perforation, sepsis, shock, and even death. Radiological imaging has become a very important aid in the clinical setting as it shortens time to diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to discuss the more prevalent neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies, review appropriate imaging options, and illustrate common radiological presentations of these entities. CONCLUSION: Despite advancements in imaging techniques, it is important to keep in mind that neonates have a higher susceptibility to the adverse effects of ionizing radiation, and therefore radiography and ultrasonography remain the main diagnostic modalities for ruling out the diseases with the worst prognosis. Other modalities (fluoroscopy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) may have limited use in very specific conditions. All providers in an emergency department should be familiar with the basic radiological findings that may indicate a gastrointestinal emergency, especially in health institutions that do not have 24-h radiologist coverage.


Subject(s)
Emergencies , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Radiography , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Ultrasonography
10.
Ultrasound Q ; 38(3): 257-261, 2022 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35221316

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the feasibility and potential utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for real-time imaging of whole-brain perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), cardiac arrest was induced in 8- to 7-week-old 10-kg piglets ( Sus scrofa domesticus ). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed through a parietal cranial window in the coronal plane visualizing the thalami during hemodynamic-directed CPR. Whole-brain mean and maximum pixel intensities in each slice during resuscitation were calculated. Piglets were monitored for 24 hours postarrest. Seven piglets achieved return of spontaneous circulation and 6 survived to 24 hours. Of the 6 surviving piglets, 2 piglets demonstrated greater intra-CPR brain enhancement at maximum 73.2% and 42.1% and mean 36.7% and 31.9% enhancement above background, respectively, compared with maximum 5.8%, 22.9%, 6.0%, and 26.6% and mean 5.1%, 8.9%, 2.9%, and 6.6% above background, respectively, in the other 4. Intra-CPR average mean arterial pressures were similar between all 6 surviving piglets. One piglet achieved return of spontaneous circulation but expired 10 minutes later with enhancement maximum 45.2% and mean 18.9% enhancement above background. The final piglet did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation and exhibited minimal enhancement at maximum 2.8% and mean 0.9% enhancement above background. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can detect brain perfusion during CPR, identifying a spectrum of cerebral blood flow responses in the brain despite similar systemic hemodynamics. This novel application can form the basis for future large animal model studies and eventually human clinical studies to further explore the neurologic implications of cerebral blood flow responses during resuscitation and stimulate novel strategies for optimizing brain perfusion restoration.


Subject(s)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation , Heart Arrest , Animals , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods , Cerebrovascular Circulation , Heart Arrest/therapy , Humans , Perfusion , Swine
12.
Children (Basel) ; 9(2)2022 Jan 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35204891

ABSTRACT

Because of its portability, safety profile, and accessibility, ultrasound has been integral in pediatric neuroimaging. While conventional B-mode and Doppler ultrasound provide anatomic and limited flow information, new and developing advanced ultrasound techniques are facilitating real-time visualization of brain perfusion, microvascular flow, and changes in tissue stiffness in the brain. These techniques, which include contrast-enhanced ultrasound, microvascular imaging, and elastography, are providing new insights into and new methods of evaluating pathologies affecting children requiring critical care, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, stroke, and hydrocephalus. This review introduces advanced neurosonography techniques and their clinical applications in pediatric neurocritical care.

13.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 216(4): 1046-1047, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32903058

ABSTRACT

Among 2820 inpatients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), 59 (2.1%) underwent brain MRI. Of them, six (10.2%) had MRI findings suspicious for COVID-19-related disseminated leukoencephalopathy (CRDL), which is characterized by extensive confluent or multifocal white matter lesions (with characteristics and locations atypical for other causes), microhemorrhages, diffusion restriction, and enhancement. CRDL is an uncommon but important differential consideration in patients with neurologic manifestations of COVID-19.


Subject(s)
Brain/diagnostic imaging , COVID-19/complications , Leukoencephalopathies/etiology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Leukoencephalopathies/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies
14.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 37(1): 63-68, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32661642

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To provide radiologic-pathologic correlation of brain injury in the Papez circuit in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) neonates and correlate radiologic findings with long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. METHODS: Twenty full-term HIE neonates were evaluated. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) values, obtained through pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion-weighted MRI, were compared by permutation test to identify brain regions with statistically significant perfusion changes between 14 HIE neonates without evidence of developmental delay by Bayley-III (mean age 8.2 ± 7.2 days) and 6 HIE neonates with evidence of developmental delay (mean age 13.1 ± 8.0 days). Four histopathologic studies on specimens were taken from post-mortem brains of another group of infants (mean age 10 ± 6.8 days) with HIE. The infants were not the same ones who had MRIs. RESULTS: Significantly decreased perfusion in Papez circuit was found in HIE neonates with developmental delay compared with HIE neonates without delay. Decreased ASL perfusion values were seen in Papez circuit structures of the fornix (p = 0.002), entorhinal cortex (p = 0.048), amygdala (p = 0.036), hippocampus (p = 0.033), and thalamus (p = 0.036). In autopsy specimens of neonates with HIE, anoxic (eosinophilic) neurons, reactive astrocytes, and white matter rarefaction were observed in these regions, providing pathology correlation to the imaging findings of HIE. CONCLUSION: The Papez circuit is susceptible to hypoxic-ischemic injury in neonates as demonstrated by perfusion-weighted imaging and histopathology. This sheds new light onto a possible non-familial mechanism of neuropsychiatric disease evolution initiated in the infant period and raises the potential for early identification of at-risk children.


Subject(s)
Brain Injuries , Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain , Adolescent , Adult , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Cerebrovascular Circulation , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/complications , Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/diagnostic imaging , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Young Adult
15.
Front Pediatr ; 8: 576489, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33102411

ABSTRACT

Rationale and Objectives: To compare cerebral pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) perfusion among controls, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) neonates with normal conventional MRI(HIE/MRI⊕), and HIE neonates with abnormal conventional MRI(HIE/MRI⊖). To create a predictive machine learning model of neurodevelopmental outcomes using cerebral PASL perfusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 73 full-term neonates were evaluated. The cerebral perfusion values were compared by permutation test to identify brain regions with significant perfusion changes among 18 controls, 40 HIE/MRI⊖ patients, and 15 HIE/MRI⊕ patients. A machine learning model was developed to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes using the averaged perfusion in those identified brain regions. Results: Significantly decreased PASL perfusion in HIE/MRI⊖ group, when compared with controls, were found in the anterior corona radiata, caudate, superior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus. Both significantly increased and decreased cerebral perfusion changes were detected in HIE/MRI⊕ group, when compared with HIE/MRI⊖ group. There were no significant perfusion differences in the cerebellum, brainstem and deep structures of thalamus, putamen, and globus pallidus among the three groups. The machine learning model demonstrated significant correlation (p < 0.05) in predicting language(r = 0.48) and motor(r = 0.57) outcomes in HIE/MRI⊖ patients, and predicting language(r = 0.76), and motor(r = 0.53) outcomes in an additional group combining HIE/MRI⊖ and HIE/MRI⊕. Conclusion: Perfusion MRI can play an essential role in detecting HIE regardless of findings on conventional MRI and predicting language and motor outcomes in HIE survivors. The perfusion changes may also reveal important insights into the reperfusion response and intrinsic autoregulatory mechanisms. Our results suggest that perfusion imaging may be a useful adjunct to conventional MRI in the evaluation of HIE in clinical practice.

16.
J Am Coll Radiol ; 17(3): 414-420, 2020 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31843346

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a call triage assistant, who answered telephone calls to the main reading room during the busiest hours of weekend call, would impact resident workflow efficiency, diagnostic errors, and stress level. METHODS: The call triage assistant answered all telephone calls to the main reading room from 12 pm to 7 pm on 6 weekend days over a 3-month period. We compared report turnaround times and resident discrepancy rates on these days with control days, when the same residents were on call without the assistant. We also surveyed residents to determine whether the assistants relieved anxiety associated with the call shift. RESULTS: We recorded 168 telephone calls over the study period. We found the majority of telephone calls could be handled by the assistant without disturbing the on-call resident, resulting in a 71% reduction in interruptions. The mean turnaround time for studies read on the days the assistant was on duty was 44.3 min, compared with 75.2 min on the control days (P < .01). Resident major discrepancy rates (0.4% on the intervention days compared to 0.2% on the control days) were similar (P = .58), as were minor discrepancy rates (7.5% on the intervention days compared with 6.7% on the control days; P = .61). Residents reported fewer distractions, improved workflow efficiency, and decreased call-related stress when the assistant was on duty. CONCLUSIONS: A call triage assistant effectively improved workflow efficiency and reduced resident stress on call. Resident error rates were unaffected by the presence of the assistant.


Subject(s)
Internship and Residency , Triage , Diagnostic Errors , Efficiency , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , Workflow
17.
J Neuroimaging ; 29(6): 673-688, 2019 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31529762

ABSTRACT

Variations in the venous drainage of the central nervous system can have imaging and clinical findings that mimic pathology, presenting a challenge for neuroimagers and clinicians. Patients with these variants may undergo unnecessary testing, and patients with pathology may receive delayed diagnoses because of overlap with benign findings. Consequently, the accurate identification of venous variations on cross-sectional imaging and angiography and their potential causes are critical for differentiating benign imaging variants from potential pathologic processes requiring further evaluation. For example, in the epidural space, benign dilation of the epidural venous plexus may be mistaken for evidence of a fistula, abscess, or metastasis. Hypoplasia of a dural venous sinus or an arachnoid granulation may mimic venous sinus thrombosis. The superior ophthalmic vein may demonstrate benign dilation in intubated patients, mimicking thrombosis, increased intracranial pressure, orbital varix, inflammatory pseudotumor, or other conditions. Furthermore, certain venous variations, such as the occipital sinus or emissary veins, may complicate surgery or herald pathology and should be reported. In addition, some supposedly benign variations, such as the developmental venous anomaly, can be complicated by pathology. The objective of this review article is to provide a descriptive and pictorial review of common anatomic and physiologic variations in the venous drainage system of the brain, spine, and orbits that can mimic pathology. Neuroimaging findings of related pathologies and differences in clinical presentations will also be discussed to assist in the approach to differential diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Brain/diagnostic imaging , Cerebral Veins/diagnostic imaging , Cranial Sinuses/diagnostic imaging , Neuroimaging/methods , Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/diagnostic imaging , Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial/diagnostic imaging , Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal/diagnostic imaging , Humans
18.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 210(4): 869-875, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29446671

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether unenhanced MRI without sedation is a feasible substitute for dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy in the detection of renal scars in pediatric patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients scheduled for 99mTc-labeled DMSA scintigraphy for assessment of possible renal scars were recruited to undergo unenhanced MRI (free-breathing fat-suppressed T2-weighted single-shot turbo spin-echo and T1-weighted gradient-echo imaging, 13 minutes' total imaging time). Scintigraphic and MRI studies were evaluated by two independent blinded specialty-based radiologists. For each imaging examination, readers identified scars in upper, middle, and lower kidney zones and rated their diagnostic confidence and the quality of each study. The scintigraphic readers' consensus score opinion for the presence of scars was considered the reference standard. RESULTS: DMSA scintigraphy showed scarring in 19 of the 78 (24.4%) evaluated zones and MRI in 18 of the 78 (23.1%). The two MRI readers found mean sensitivities of 94.7% and 89.5%, identical specificities of 100%, and diagnostic accuracies of 98.7% and 97.4%. Interobserver agreement was 98.7% for MRI and 92.3% for DMSA scintigraphy. The MRI readers were significantly more confident in determining the absence rather than the presence of scars (p = 0.02). MRI readers were more likely to rate study quality as excellent (84.6%) than were the scintigraphic readers (57.7%) (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Unenhanced MRI has excellent sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and interobserver agreement for detecting renal scars in older children who do not need sedation. It may serve as a substitute modality, especially when DMSA is not available.


Subject(s)
Cicatrix/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Radionuclide Imaging/methods , Radiopharmaceuticals/administration & dosage , Technetium Tc 99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid/administration & dosage , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Sensitivity and Specificity
19.
Hormones (Athens) ; 15(2): 264-270, 2015 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27376419

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Selectivity index (SI) and lateralization index (LI) thresholds determine the adequacy of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and the degree of lateralization. The purpose of this study was investigate the clinical outcome of patients whose adrenal vein sampling was interpreted using "strict criteria" (SC) (SIpre-stimuli≥3, SIpost-stimuli≥5 and LIpre-stimuli≥4, LIpost-stimuli≥4). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 73 consecutive AVS procedures was performed and 67 were technically successful. Forty-three patients showed lateralization and underwent surgery, while 24 did not lateralize and were managed conservatively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), kalemia (K(+)), and the change in number of blood pressure (BP) medications were recorded for each patient before and after AVS and potential surgery were performed. RESULTS: In the surgery group, BP and K(+) changed respectively from 160±5.3/100±2.0 mmHg to 127±3.3/80±1.9 (p <0.001) and from 3.00±0.10 to 4.4±0.09 (p <0.001). In the medically managed group, BP and K(+) changed respectively from 148±7.3/93±4.3 to 135±3.3/86±1.9 (p <0.001) and from 2.68±0.10 to 4.3±0.09. After surgery or AVS, the patients who took ≥3 blood pressure medications were six (14.0%) in the lateralized group and 22 (91.7%) in the non-lateralized group (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AVS interpretation with SC leads to significant clinical improvement in both patients who underwent surgery and those managed conservatively.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Glands/blood supply , Blood Pressure/physiology , Hyperaldosteronism/blood , Potassium/blood , Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards , Adult , Aged , Blood Chemical Analysis/standards , Female , Humans , Hyperaldosteronism/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies , Veins
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