Isolated impact of liver herniation on outcome in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia - A matched-pair analysis based on fetal MRI relative lung volume.

PURPOSE: To evaluate liver-herniation as individual parameter on outcome in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective matched-pair analysis based on observed to expected fetal lung volume (o/e FLV), birth weight, gestational age at time-point of examination, status of tracheal occlusion therapy and side of the defect the individual impact of liver-herniation on survival, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy and chronic lung disease (CLD) was investigated. In total 61 pairs (122 patients) were included. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate influence of liver-herniation and a p-value of <0.05 was defined as statistically significant. The study was approved by the local review board. RESULTS: Children with liver-herniation have lower survival rates (78.7% vs. 95.1%; p = 0.0073), need ECMO-therapy more often (41.0% vs. 16.4%; p = 0.0027) and are more likely to develop CLD (71.7% vs. 37.9%; p = 0.0004) than their corresponding matched-pair without liver-herniation. CONCLUSION: Liver-herniation itself and not further lung-volume restriction due to liver-herniation is responsible for poor outcome in CDH.

Region of interest-based versus whole-lung segmentation-based approach for MR lung perfusion quantification in 2-year-old children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair.

OBJECTIVE: With a region of interest (ROI)-based approach 2-year-old children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) show reduced MR lung perfusion values on the ipsilateral side compared to the contralateral. This study evaluates whether results can be reproduced by segmentation of whole-lung and whether there are differences between the ROI-based and whole-lung measurements. METHODS: Using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI, pulmonary blood flow (PBF), pulmonary blood volume (PBV) and mean transit time (MTT) were quantified in 30 children after CDH repair. Quantification results of an ROI-based (six cylindrical ROIs generated of five adjacent slices per lung-side) and a whole-lung segmentation approach were compared. RESULTS: In both approaches PBF and PBV were significantly reduced on the ipsilateral side (p always <0.0001). In ipsilateral lungs, PBF of the ROI-based and the whole-lung segmentation-based approach was equal (p=0.50). In contralateral lungs, the ROI-based approach significantly overestimated PBF in comparison to the whole-lung segmentation approach by approximately 9.5 % (p=0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: MR lung perfusion in 2-year-old children after CDH is significantly reduced ipsilaterally. In the contralateral lung, the ROI-based approach significantly overestimates perfusion, which can be explained by exclusion of the most ventral parts of the lung. Therefore whole-lung segmentation should be preferred. KEY POINTS: • Ipsilaterally, absolute lung perfusion after CDH is reduced in whole-lung analysis. • Ipsilaterally, the ROI- and whole-lung-based approaches generate identical results. • Contralaterally, the ROI-based approach significantly overestimates perfusion results. • Whole lung should be analysed in MR lung perfusion imaging. • MR lung perfusion measurement is a radiation-free parameter of lung function.

High temporal versus high spatial resolution in MR quantitative pulmonary perfusion imaging of two-year old children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) leads to lung hypoplasia. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR imaging, lung perfusion can be quantified. As MR perfusion values depend on temporal resolution, we compared two protocols to investigate whether ipsilateral lung perfusion is impaired after CDH, whether there are protocol-dependent differences, and which protocol is preferred. METHODS: DCE-MRI was performed in 36 2-year old children after CDH on a 3 T MRI system; protocol A (n = 18) based on a high spatial (3.0 s; voxel: 1.25 mm(3)) and protocol B (n = 18) on a high temporal resolution (1.5 s; voxel: 2 mm(3)). Pulmonary blood flow (PBF), pulmonary blood volume (PBV), mean transit time (MTT), and peak-contrast-to-noise-ratio (PCNR) were quantified. RESULTS: PBF was reduced ipsilaterally, with ipsilateral PBF of 45 ± 26 ml/100 ml/min to contralateral PBF of 63 ± 28 ml/100 ml/min (p = 0.0016) for protocol A; and for protocol B, side differences were equivalent (ipsilateral PBF = 62 ± 24 vs. contralateral PBF = 85 ± 30 ml/100 ml/min; p = 0.0034). PCNR was higher for protocol B (30 ± 18 vs. 20 ± 9; p = 0.0294). Protocol B showed higher values of PBF in comparison to protocol A (p always <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilateral lung perfusion is reduced in 2-year old children following CDH repair. Higher temporal resolution and increased voxel size show a gain in PCNR and lead to higher perfusion values. Protocol B is therefore preferred. KEY POINTS: • Quantitative lung perfusion parameters depend on temporal and spatial resolution. • Reduction of lung perfusion in CDH can be measured with different MR protocols. • Temporal resolution of 1.5 s with spatial resolution of 2 mm (3) is suitable.

[Radiology and pregnancy : Part 2: clinical recommendations]. / Radiologie und Schwangerschaft : Teil 2: Klinische Empfehlungen.

In spite of a growing number of radiological scans in pregnant women there is still a high level of uncertainty concerning radiation exposure to the fetus. At the same time, the risk of fetal radiation injury is frequently overestimated. This entails an avoidable fear in the pregnant patient and may delay urgently required imaging and thus lead to an increased risk for maternal and fetal health. As a consequence, radiological scans in pregnant patients do not only require a thorough medical check but also a careful estimate of the specific radiation exposure to the fetus. The previous first part of the article described the legal requirements in Germany, the technical exposure and pharmacological risks for the pregnant woman and the fetus. The current second article focuses on the risk analysis for examinations with ionizing radiation and will provide recommendations for typical indications for maternal and fetal imaging.

Quantitative pulmonary perfusion imaging at 3.0 T of 2-year-old children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: initial results.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the lung following congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair is feasible at 3.0 T in 2-year-old children and whether associated lung hypoplasia (reflected in reduced pulmonary microcirculation) can be demonstrated in MRI. METHODS: Twelve children with a mean age 2.0 ± 0.2 years after hernia repair underwent DCE-MRI at 3.0 T using a time-resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories sequence. Quantification of lung perfusion was performed using a pixel-by-pixel deconvolution approach. Six regions of interest were placed (upper, middle and lower parts of right and left lung) to assess differences in pulmonary blood flow (PBF), pulmonary blood volume (PBV) and mean transit time (MTT) while avoiding the inclusion of larger pulmonary arteries and veins. RESULTS: The difference in PBF and PBV between ipsilateral and contralateral lung was significant (P < 0.5). No significant differences could be detected for the MTT (P = 0.5). CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI in 2-year-old patients is feasible at 3.0 T. Reduced perfusion in the ipsilateral lung is reflected by significantly lower PBF values compared with the contralateral lung. DCE-MRI of the lung in congenital diaphragmatic hernia can help to characterise lung hypoplasia initially and in the long-term follow-up of children after diaphragmatic repair. KEY POINTS: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia often leads to lung hypoplasia and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Dynamic contrast-enhanced 3-T magnetic resonance can assess these complications in 2-year-olds. The affected ipsilateral lung shows reduced perfusion and lower pulmonary blood flow. Thoracic DCE-MRI helps characterise lung hypoplasia in children after hernia repair.

[Radiology and pregnancy. Principles, general requirements and exposure]. / Radiologie und Schwangerschaft. Grundlagen, Rahmenbedingungen und Belastungen.

In a radiology department there are frequently asked questions associated with pregnant and breast feeding women. These are related to either pregnant patients or staff members or the questions are centered on the fetus as a patient. For pregnant patients the potential exposure to the mother and the fetus related to the imaging modality selected as well as the effects of the necessary contrast media must be taken into account. Even for methods without ionizing radiation possible limitations in the use for pregnant women must be discussed. Finally, this medical check defines the imaging modality and the necessary protocol and contrast media. The present article describes the legal requirements in Germany, the technical exposure and pharmacological risks for the pregnant woman and the fetus regarding imaging modalities with and without ionizing radiation. The forthcoming second article will address the risk analysis for examinations with ionizing radiation and will present recommendations for typical clinical imaging problems.

Prediction of chronic lung disease, survival and need for ECMO therapy in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: additional value of fetal MRI measurements?

INTRODUCTION: The lung-to-head ratio (LHR), measured by ultrasound, and the fetal lung volume (FLV), measured by MRI, are both used to predict survival and need for extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The aim of this study is to determine whether MRI measurements of the FLV, in addition to standard ultrasound measurements of the LHR, give better prediction of chronic lung disease, mortality by day 28 and need for ECMO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral isolated CDH born between January 2002 and December 2008 were eligible for inclusion. LHR and FLV were expressed as observed-to-expected values (O/E LHR and O/E FLV). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed and areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated to determine predictive values. RESULTS: 90 patients were included in the analysis. Combined measurement of the O/E LHR and O/E FLV gave a slightly better prediction of chronic lung disease (AUC=0.83 and AUC=0.87) and need for ECMO therapy (AUC=0.77 and AUC=0.81) than standard ultrasound measurements of the O/E LHR alone. Combined measurement of the O/E LHR and O/E FLV did not improve prediction of early mortality (AUC=0.90) compared to measurement of the O/E LHR alone (AUC=0.89). An intrathoracal position of the liver was independently associated with a higher risk of early mortality (p<0.001), chronic lung disease (p=0.007) and need for ECMO therapy (p=0.001). DISCUSSION: Chronic lung disease and need for ECMO therapy are slightly better predicted by combined measurement of the O/E LHR and the O/E FLV. Early mortality is very well predicted by measurement of the O/E LHR alone. CONCLUSION: Clinical relevance of additional MRI measurements may be debated.

[Whole-body MRI in preoperative diagnostics of breast cancer--a comparison with [corrected] staging methods according to the S 3 guidelines]. / Ganzkörper-MRT in der präoperativen Diagnostik des Mammakarzinoms--ein Vergleich mit den Stagingmethoden in der S 3-Leitlinie.

PURPOSE: The German Society of Senology (step-3 guidelines for the early recognition of breast cancer in Germany) recommends whole-body staging including chest X-ray, ultrasound of the liver and bone scintigraphy before systemic therapy in patients with breast cancer. The performance of these three examinations is time-consuming and involves radiation exposure. Whole-body MR imaging (WB-MRI) allows staging in a single examination without radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of WB-MRI with staging according to the guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 04/07 and 06/09, the initial staging in 51 patients (56 ± 12 yrs) with breast cancer (24 patients with lymph node metastases) was performed according to the S 3-guidelines. Additionally, all patients underwent contrast-enhanced WB-MRI (1.5-Tesla-Magnetom Avanto, Siemens, Erlangen). The findings of the different modalities were compared after correlation of the lesions by follow-up. The detection of suspicious findings and the accuracy of prediction of malignancy of the detected lesions were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 14 metastases were detected in 4 of 51 patients after completion of the follow-up. By means of WB-MRI, all 14 metastases could be detected, while just 4 of these metastases were identified by the conventional methods. CONCLUSION: The detection of distant metastases has an important impact on patient management. In this study WB-MRI in breast cancer staging has shown promising results in regard to possible clinical implementation as a matter of routine staging.

Fetal MR lung volumetry in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH): prediction of clinical outcome and the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

BACKGROUND: Despite the ultrasound (US) based lung-to-head ratio (LHR) and first results of fetal lung volume (FLV) determination in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is no reliable prenatal parameter for the clinical course and outcome of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), in particular for the need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). PATIENTS AND METHOD: MR FLV measurement was evaluated in 36 fetuses with CDH using T2-weighted half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) imaging. FLV and liver herniation, respectively, were correlated with survival and the need for ECMO therapy. A total of 18 healthy fetuses served as controls. MR FLV measurement was applied to predict survival and the need for neonatal ECMO therapy and to assess liver herniation as a prognostic parameter. RESULTS: On MRI there was a highly significant correlation of the FLV and patients' survival (p=0.0001) and ECMO requirement, respectively (p=0.0029). Compared to normal controls mean FLV in infants who died was 10% (9.4+/-5.8 ml) and 32% in surviving infants (25+/-9.7 ml). Liver herniation significantly decreased lung volume and negatively impacted clinical outcome (p<0.0005). CONCLUSION: The MR FLV is a strong predictor of survival in CDH patients. MR FLV measurements are also valuable to identify patients who may benefit from ECMO therapy. Upward liver herniation is the most important additional prognostic parameter.

Blood volume flow quantification of the brain-supplying circulation in fibromuscular dysplasia using 2D cine phase-contrast MRI.

To determine blood volume flow (BVF) in the brain-supplying arteries in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), we used two-dimensional cine phase-contrast MR blood flow quantification to evaluate haemodynamic compromise. Nine patients with angiographically proven FMD (mean age, 46.7+/-10.4 years) of the cervical and intracranial arteries were examined using two-dimensional phase contrast MR to measure blood flow in the carotid arteries and the basilar artery (BA). Quantitative BVF results were compared intra- and inter-individually and also with the results of 15 age-matched normal controls. No patient showed evidence of acute or chronic infarction of the brain. FMD lesions were found in a total of 19 arteries (internal carotid artery: n = 14; vertebral arteries: n = 5). Five patients demonstrated severe stenoses of cervical vessels; four patients showed only mild or up to moderate stenoses. Total brain BVF in all FMD patients reached high-normal values compared with normal controls (747+/-64 ml min(-1) vs 682+/-38 ml min(-1)). In the five patients with severe stenotic lesions, blood flow was reduced in stenotic vessels and higher in the non-haemodynamically relevant stenosed cervical vessels. BVF was normal in the four patients with mild and moderate stenoses. By quantifying blood flow, we demonstrated for the first time changes (which can be severe) in the BVF of the brain-supplying arteries in FMD. Individual differences are associated with the haemodynamic relevance of the FMD lesions. Total BVF in patients with severe FMD was not decreased but maintained or even increased, possibly as an overcompensation.

[Cardiac MR imaging in arrhythmogenic heart diseases]. / Kardiale MRT in der Diagnostik arrhythmogener Herzerkrankungen.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrhythmias are assessed with a combination of history, clinical examination, electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, if necessary supplemented by invasive cardiac electrophysiology. In ischemic heart disease (IHD) coronary angiography is performed in addition. METHODS: Echocardiography is usually the primary imaging modality. MRI is increasingly recognized as an important investigation allowing more accurate cardiac morphological and functional assessment. RESULTS: Approximately one-fifth of deaths in Western countries are due to sudden cardiac death, 80% of which are caused by arrhythmias. Typical causes range from diseases with high prevalence (IHD in men 30%) to myocarditis (prevalence 1-9%) and rare cardiomyopathies (prevalence HCM 0.2%, ARVC 0.02%, Brugada syndrome approx. 0.5%). The characteristic MRI features of arrhythmogenic diseases and the new aspects of characteristic distribution of late enhancement allow etiologic classification and differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: MRI represents an important tool for detection of the underlying cause and for risk stratification in many diseases associated with arrhythmias.

[Fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnostics in cases of congenital cystadenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM)]. / Fetale Magnetresonanztomographie. Diagnostik bei zystadenomatoider Malformation der Lunge (CCAM).

Despite advancing therapeutic strategies, congenital cystadenomatoid malformation of the fetal lung is still a potentially life-threatening anomaly. Antenatally, the development of hydrops as well as the natural history of the malformation is of particular therapeutic and prognostic importance. Postnatally, respiratory distress due to pulmonary hypoplasia counts as a crucial limiting factor. Owing to its feasibility and practicability, as well as a high sensitivity, antenatal ultrasound is still the screening method of choice for the detection of fetal thoracic malformations. However, particularly in cases of indistinguishable sonographic findings, fetal MRI is the modality of choice for proving the diagnosis and preliminary appraisal of intensive care therapy and extracorporal membrane oxygenation postnatally. Furthermore, fetal MRI often facilitates assessment and planning of intrauterine surgical procedures. These two features frequently require a close transfer to an expert neonatal centre.

[Fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnostics in congenital diaphragmatic hernia]. / Fetale Magnetresonanztomographie. Diagnostik bei kongenitaler Zwerchfellhernie.

Ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of fetal or maternal anomalies. This method is safe, relatively inexpensive, easily accessible, and allows real-time imaging. Continuous technical improvements in ultrasonography in the last 10-15 years have led to improved diagnostic accuracy for fetal malformations. In cases of complex anomalies magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide additional information. MRI has evolved as a valuable diagnostic method for evaluating fetal pathology. Particularly with regard to similarity of liver and lung parenchyma in ultrasonography, diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can be difficult. Beside morphological aspects, e.g., herniation of abdominal contents into the chest, small amounts of compressed lung can be visualized on MRI. The feasibility of using volumetric measurement on MRI may be helpful to predict high-risk fetuses and facilitate decisions to assure adequate prenatal and postnatal management to improve postnatal outcome.

[Correlation of duplex sonographic stenosis grading by means of cross-sectional analysis and MR-tomographic blood volume flow quantification in unilateral stenosis of the internal carotid artery]. / Korrelation von duplexsonographischer Stenosegraduierung mittels Querschnittsflächenbestimmung und MR-tomographischer Blutvolumenflussquantifizierung bei unilateraler Stenose der Arteria carotis interna.

PURPOSE: Correlation of duplex ultrasonographic grading of unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and ICA blood volume flow (BVF) quantification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a 2D cine phase-contrast MR technique, 62 patients with unilateral ICA stenosis at the level of the bifurcation between 50 % and 98 % and 20 age-matched normal controls were examined. BVF was measured in the stenosed ICA. Ultrasonographic grading of stenoses was based on cross-sectional duplex sonography (color Doppler flow imaging [CDFI], real-time compound imaging) and compared to the changes in BVF in the stenosed ICA. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in BVF in stenoses of the ICA up to 70 % and in normal controls. ICA stenoses greater 70 % began to be hemodynamically relevant. With increasing stenosis, a decrease in BVF in the ipsilateral ICA was determined with a high and linear correlation of r = - 0.83. Normal controls showed a BVF in an ICA of 247.0 +/- 32.0 ml/min, patients with 70 % stenosis a mean BVF of 225.3 +/- 32.2 ml/min (P = 0.4) without significant reduction, patients with 80 % stenosis a significant reduction of BVF to a mean flow of 184.0 +/- 53.8 ml/min (P < 0.005), patients with 90 % stenosis a reduction of the mean BVF in the stenosed ICA to 84.6 +/- 41.9 ml/min (P < 0.0005) and patients with stenoses > 95 % a mean BVF of only 26.0 +/- 4.0 ml/min (P < 0.0005). In patients with unilateral ICA stenosis greater than 81 %, a significant decrease of BVF in the stenosed ICA was documented. CONCLUSION: Comparison of ultrasonographic grading of unilateral ICA stenosis and BVF determination in patients with ICA stenoses demonstrate a high correlation between increase in the stenosis and decrease in the ipsilateral blood flow beginning at 70 % stenosis. ICA stenoses greater than 80 % are significantly hemodynamically relevant.

[Selective intraarterial axillar artery thrombolysis in a neonate: angiographic and thermographic serial time course]. / Selektive intraarterielle Lysetherapie bei neonatalem Arteria-axillaris-Verschluss: Angiographische und thermographische Verlaufskontrolle.

Arterial thrombotic vascular occlusions in the neonatal period are rare. Intraarterial thrombolytic therapy in infants and children is unchanged rarely used but can be very effective. Thrombolytic therapy in adults is well established and a summary of clinical and pharmacologic aspects exists of different thrombolytic agents. Recombinant-Tissue-Plasminogen-Activator (rTPA) is increasingly used in thrombolytic therapy in infants and children in the last years. We report thrombolysis of axillar arterial thrombosis with rTPA in a premature infant. Additional thermographic images were performed, which were very helpful in the clinical monitoring of the newborn.

Extracranial-intracranial arterial bypass surgery improves total brain blood supply in selected symptomatic patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion and insufficient collateralization.

It remains controversial whether extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) arterial bypass surgery leads to a significant increase in brain blood supply, allowing the reversal of regional cerebral hypoperfusion in symptomatic patients with occlusive cerebrovascular disease and hemodynamic impairment. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of EC-IC bypass surgery on cerebral brain-supplying blood volume flow (BVF; ml/min) from a purely hemodynamic point of view, using 2D cine phase-contrast MR imaging. Twenty-five patients with symptomatic, unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and hemodynamic compromise received EC-IC arterial bypass surgery. All patients underwent quantitative BVF measurements of brain-supplying arteries preoperatively and postoperatively, including the direct BVF measurement in the established EC-IC bypass after surgery. Preoperatively, total brain BVF was reduced in comparison to normal controls (595 +/- 89 vs 663 +/- 49 ml/min; [mean +/- SEM]; p = 0.039). Mean BVF through the EC-IC bypass reached 84 +/- 32 ml/min (range: 14-177 ml/min), leading to a significant net increase in total BVF of 78 +/- 43 ml/min (range: 7-136 ml/min) when compared with BVF prior to surgery (p < 0.001), with resulting postoperative BVF reaching values obtained in normal controls. EC-IC arterial bypass surgery increases total brain blood supply, allowing restoration of local perfusion in hemodynamically compromised brain tissue in patients with symptomatic ICA occlusion.

[Long-term hemodynamic compromise in internal carotid artery dissection: quantitative blood volume flow evaluation using 2D Cine phase-contrast MR imaging]. / Langzeit-Entwicklung von Dissektionen der A. carotis interna: Quantitative Blutvolumenfluss-Untersuchungen mit der 2D cine Phasen-Kontrast MR Technik.

PURPOSE: To use the magnetic resonance (MR) phase-contrast technique as a non-invasive method to determine blood volume flow in internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection, which has variable initial volume flow reduction and long term hemodynamic compromise. ICA dissection can lead to partial or complete recanalization or persistent occlusion, and strong clinical motivation exists for reliable assessment of the blood flow, in particular blood volume flow, in the carotid artery circulation after ICA dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood volume flow in the carotid artery circulation was quantified in 28 patients with unilateral ICA dissection and 20 age-matched normal controls. Blood volume flow was measured in the ICAs and the common carotid arteries (CCAs) using 2D cine phase-contrast MR imaging. Final measurements were performed until after at least 6 months the hemodynamic compromise showed no changes by ultrasound and MRA. RESULTS: In long term follow up, 11/28 patients demonstrated remaining vessel occlusion, 10/28 partial and 7/28 complete recanalizations. Patients with ICA occlusion showed a significant contralateral volume flow increase (mean 56 %, p < 0.001) in comparison to normal controls. Patients with partial recanalization demonstrated volume flow rates between 24 ml/min and 188 ml/min in the dissected ICA and a less but significant (p < 0.001) increase in the contralateral volume flow. In patients with complete recanalization, normal volume flow conditions were found for both ICAs and CCAs. CONCLUSION: In ICA dissection, quantitative volume flow determination using 2D cine phase-contrast MR imaging is helpful in the initial assessment and long term follow-up of hemodynamic compromise. ICA dissection demonstrated a partial or complete recanalization in nearly (2/3) of the investigated patients and a persisting vessel occlusion in little more than (1/3). Compensatory contralateral increase in volume flow was found.

Solitary bone metastasis from myxoid liposarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Extrapulmonary metastasis is more common in liposarcoma than in other soft tissue sarcomas. However, osseous metastases are rare. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with a solitary histologically proven bone metastasis of the right femur from primary myxoid liposarcoma of the left thigh. In September 2000 resection of the primary tumor was performed. Histology showed a high-grade liposarcoma with round cell differentiation. Postoperative radiotherapy with 60 Gy was performed. In a follow-up MRI examination 11 months after initial diagnosis, a suspicious formation in the marrow space of the right proximal femur was detected. CT-guided biopsy was performed and histology showed a metastasis from liposarcoma. PET examination confirmed the metastasis as solitary. Curettage of the metastasis was performed followed by radiotherapy with 60 Gy. The patient was without evidence of disease in the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: No standard treatment exists for the management of solitary extrapulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcoma. Interdisciplinary cooperation is advised and the therapy concept should be chosen individually.

[Long-term follow-up MRI in children with craniocerebral trauma]. / Kernspintomographische Verlaufskontrolle bei Kindern nach Schädel-Hirn-Trauma.

PURPOSE: A prospective study was initiated for the correlation of the findings in the initial cranial CT with the long-term follow-up MRI in children with severe head injury. Another aim was the evaluation of frequency and location of lesions, found only in MRI. METHODS: 70 children with severe head injury and initially performed pathological CCT were followed up (mean time 3 years) by MRI. RESULTS: 71% of the children had a pathological MRI. In 43% of the children with subdural bleeding could be found parenchymal lesions in the underlying cortex. All 15 children with epidural bleeding had unsuspicious findings at the former hematoma. All of the contusions were found as parenchymal residual lesions. 44% of the children had evidence of parenchymal lesions in the follow-up MRI initially and retrospectively not revealable. 16 lesions in the corpus callosum were only revealed by MRI. CONCLUSION: This study shows the higher sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging in non-hemorrhagic parenchymal lesions and in "diffuse axonal injury". A MRI-examination is recommended in children with severe head injury, especially in patients with normal CCT and posttraumatic neurological deficits.