Niccolò Faccioli

Università degli studi di Verona, Verona, Veneto, Italy

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Publications (24)39.63 Total impact

  • Article: How to create Radiology Papers and Presentations in Windows™ with Open-Source Software
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    ABSTRACT: To illustrate the availability, effectiveness, and practical use of Open-Source tools in developing a radiology paper from its beginning to its presentation and publication. Practical use of a complete set of Open-Source applications for writing, e-mail corresponding, slide show, image retrieval, and manipulation is shown by simulating a scientific paper development. Open-Source software proved to be an inexpensive, effective, widely compatible, and user-friendly alternative to commercial toolkits in developing and deploying a scientific paper, either on paper or on slide show.
    Journal of Digital Imaging 04/2012; 22(6):589-597. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Three-dimensional morphology of heel fat pad: an in vivo computed tomography study.
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    ABSTRACT: Heel fat pad cushioning efficiency is the result of its structure, shape and thickness. However, while a number of studies have investigated heel fat pad (HFP) anatomy, structural behavior and material properties, no previous study has described its three-dimensional morphology in situ. The assessment of the healthy, unloaded, three-dimensional morphology of heel pad may contribute to deepen the understanding of its role and behavior during locomotion. It is the basis for the assessment of possible HFP morphological modifications due to changes in the amount or distribution of the loads normally sustained by the foot. It may also help in guiding the surgical reconstruction of the pad and in improving footwear design, as well as in developing a correct heel pad geometry for finite element models of the foot. Therefore the purpose of this study was to obtain a complete analysis of HFP three-dimensional morphology in situ. The right foot of nine healthy volunteers was scanned with computed tomography. A methodological approach that maximizes reliability and repeatability of the data was developed by building a device to lock the foot in a neutral position with respect to the scan planes during image acquisition. Scan data were used to reconstruct virtual three-dimensional models for both the calcaneus and HFP. A set of virtual coronal and axial sections were extracted from the three-dimensional model of each HFP and processed to extract a set of one- and two-dimensional morphometrical measurements for a detailed description of heel pad morphology. The tissue exhibited a consistent and sophisticated morphology that may reflect the biomechanics of the foot support. HFP was found to be have a crest on its anterior dorsal surface, flanges on the sides and posteriorly, and a thick portion that reached and covered the posterior surface of the calcaneus and the achilles tendon insertion. Its anterior internal portion was thinner and a lump of fat was consistently present in this region. Finally, HFP was found to be thicker in males than in females.
    Journal of Anatomy 08/2011; 219(5):622-31. · 2.37 Impact Factor
  • Article: Incidental adrenal lesions: Accuracy of quadriphasic contrast enhanced computed tomography in distinguishing adenomas from nonadenomas.
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    ABSTRACT: To evaluate the accuracy in distinguishing adrenal adenomas from nonadenomas by means of quadriphasic CT exam, including unenhanced (UE), arterial enhanced (AE), portal enhanced (PE) and 5-min delayed enhanced (DE) CT scans. This retrospective study had institutional review board approval; the need for informed consent was waived. From September 2007 to September 2009, 104 adrenal masses were evaluated in 87 patients (49 M, 38 F, mean age 58.4 years) undergoing UE, AE (35-s delay), PE (80-s delay) and DE (5-min delay) CT scans. The mean adrenal attenuation during all imaging phases was measured by two readers. The accuracy values of absolute unenhanced attenuation (UE), absolute wash-out (AWO), relative percentage wash-out (RPWO) and percentage enhancement wash-out (PEW) were assessed by using receiver operator curves (ROC) analysis. The overall accuracy of the quadriphasic protocol and other triphasic protocols were evaluated. A value of p≤0.05 was considered significant. The accuracy in characterizing adrenal lesions was 86.5% (90/104) for UE attenuation (≤10 HU threshold), 90.1% (82/91) for RPWO (≥30% threshold), 85.7% (78/91) for AWO (≥12 HU threshold) and 83.5% (76/91) for PEW (≥30% threshold), respectively. Quadriphasic CT (accuracy 97.1%, 101/104) performed better than triphasic CT including only AE scan (efficiency 90.0%, 94/104; p=0.011) and triphasic CT including only PE scan (efficiency 96.1%, 100/104; p=0.025). Quadriphasic CT protocol including 5-min DE scan may be used to characterize incidentally detected adrenal masses. RPWO represented the best wash-out parameter for characterizing adrenal lesions.
    European journal of radiology 05/2011; 81(8):1742-50. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Solid focal liver lesions: dynamic and late enhancement patterns with the dual phase contrast agent gadobenate dimeglumine.
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    ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate contrast enhancement patterns of solid focal liver lesions on dynamic and late phase imaging with gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA). IMAGING FINDINGS: Unenhanced T2- and T1-weighted, dynamic T1-weighted (arterial, portal-venous, and equilibrium) and late phase (1-3 h) Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MR imaging of different focal liver lesions (nodular regenerative hyperplasia, hepatic adenoma, liver adenomatosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, hypervascular metastases, and hypovascular metastases) are shown. Dynamic imaging was performed using GRE T1-w sequences after the bolus injection of 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-BOPTA; late-phase imaging was obtained at 1-3 h after contrast injection. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic imaging with Gd-BOPTA provides the same information as with conventional gadolinium-based extracellular contrast agents, while late-phase imaging gives additional information for lesion identification and characterization.
    Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer 12/2010; 41(4):221-32.
  • Article: Solid hypervascular liver lesions: accurate identification of true benign lesions on enhanced dynamic and hepatobiliary phase magnetic resonance imaging after gadobenate dimeglumine administration.
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    ABSTRACT: To evaluate hepatobiliary phase magnetic resonance imaging with gadobenate dimeglumine for differentiation of benign hypervascular liver lesions from malignant or high-risk lesions. Retrospective assessment was performed of 550 patients with 910 hypervascular lesions (302 focal nodular hyperplasia [FNH], 82 nodular regenerative hyperplasia [NRH], 59 hepatic adenoma or liver adenomatosis [HA/LA], 329 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCC], 12 fibrolamellar-HCC [FL-HCC], 21 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas [PCC], 105 metastases). Imaging was performed before and during the arterial, portal-venous, equilibrium, and hepatobiliary phases after gadobenate dimeglumine administration (0.05 mmol/kg). Histologic confirmation was available for ≥1 lesion per patient, except for patients with suspected FNH (diagnosis based on characteristic enhancement/follow-up). Lesion differentiation (benign/malignant) on the basis of contrast washout and lesion enhancement (hypo-/iso-/hyperintensity) was assessed (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV) relative to histology or final diagnosis. On portal-venous or equilibrium phase images, washout was not seen for 208 of 526 (39.5%) malignant (HCC, FL-HCC, PCC, metastases) and high-risk (HA/LA) lesions. Conversely, only 5 of 384 (1.3%) true benign lesions (FNH/NRH) showed washout. Taking washout as indicating malignancy, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for malignant lesion identification during these phases was 61.8%, 98.7%, and 77.4%. On hepatobiliary phase images, 289 of 302 FNH, 82 of 82 NRH, 1 of 59 HA or LA, 62 of 341 HCC or FL-HCC, and 2 of 105 metastases were hyperintense or isointense. Taking iso- or hyperintensity as an indication for lesion benignity, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV for benign lesion identification was 96.6%, 87.6%, 91.4%, 85.1%, and 97.3%, respectively. Hepatobiliary phase imaging with gadobenate dimeglumine is accurate for distinguishing benign lesions from malignant or high-risk lesions. Biopsy should be considered for hypointense lesions on hepatobiliary phase images after gadobenate dimeglumine.
    Investigative radiology 11/2010; 46(4):225-39. · 4.85 Impact Factor
  • Article: Evaluation of relative wash-in ratio of adrenal lesions at early biphasic CT.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of unenhanced attenuation and relative percentage wash-in ratio in early, that is, arterial and portal venous phase, biphasic CT in differentiating adrenal adenomas from metastatic lesions. One hundred seven adrenal masses in 86 consecutively registered patients (45 men, 41 women; mean age, 56 years) were evaluated. Diagnosis was achieved with percutaneous biopsy (n = 6), surgery (n = 13), and at least 1 year of imaging follow-up (n = 88). Unenhanced, arterial phase, and portal phase scans were obtained. Diameter and absolute attenuation values in each phase of CT were measured in a region of interest covering one to two thirds of a lesion. Relative percentage wash-in ratio was calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy in differentiation of adenomas from metastatic lesions were calculated for unenhanced attenuation and for wash-in ratio. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. The final diagnosis was metastasis in 51 cases and adenoma in 56 cases. A significant difference was found between benign and malignant lesions in regard to diameter (p = 0.001), unenhanced CT attenuation (p = 0.001), and relative percentage wash-in ratio from the arterial to the portal venous scan (p = 0.014). In the differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of unenhanced CT attenuation (at an 11-HU threshold) were 98%, 86%, 86%, 98%, and 92%, and those of relative percentage wash-in ratio from the arterial to the portal venous phase were 94%, 77%, 79%, 93%, and 85%. Relative percentage wash-in ratio may help in differentiating adenoma from metastasis and in guiding the decision to perform CT directed at the adrenal glands when unenhanced CT is not available.
    American Journal of Roentgenology 06/2010; 194(6):1484-91. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: Finger fractures imaging: accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography and multislice computed tomography.
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    ABSTRACT: To compare the diagnostic accuracy and radiation exposure of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the evaluation of finger fractures. In a 3-year period, 57 consecutive patients with post-traumatic fractures of the metacarpal-phalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints with involvement of the articular surface were studied by means of CBCT and MSCT. Student's t test was used to compare CBCT and MSCT accuracy in evaluating the percentage of joint surface involvement and in detecting bone fragments. The average tissue-absorbed doses of CBCT and MSCT were also compared. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Inter-observer agreement was calculated. In all cases, CBCT allowed the percentage of articular involvement to be correctly depicted compared with MSCT, showing 100% sensitivity and specificity (p < 0.001). A total of 103 bone fragments were depicted on MSCT (mean 3.8 per patient, range 1-23). CBCT indicated 92 out of 103 fragments (89.3%) compared with MSCT (mean diameter of missed fragments 0.9 mm, range 0.6-1.3 mm), with no statistically significant difference between CBCT and MSCT (p < 0.025). Multislice CT radiation exposure was significantly higher than that of CBCT (0.18 mSv vs 0.06 mSv, p < 0.0025). Inter-observer agreement was good (overall κ = 0.89-0.96). Cone beam CT may be considered a valuable imaging tool in the preoperative assessment of finger fractures, when MSCT is not available.
    Skeletal Radiology 03/2010; 39(11):1087-95. · 1.54 Impact Factor
  • Article: Freehand liver volumetry by using an electromagnetic pen tablet: accuracy, precision, and rapidity.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy, precision, and rapidity of liver volumes calculated by using a freehand electromagnetic pen tablet contourtracing method as compared with the volumes calculated by using the standard optical mouse contourtracing method. The imaging data used as input for accuracy and precision testing were computed by software developed in our institution. This computer software can generate models of solid organs and allows both standard mouse-based and electromagnetic pen-driven segmentation (number of data sets, n = 70). The images used as input for rapidity testing was partly computed by modeling software (n = 70) and partly selected from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examinations (n = 12). Mean volumes and time required to perform the segmentation, along with standard deviation and range values with both techniques, were calculated. Student's t test was used to assess significance regarding mean volumes and time calculated by using both segmentation techniques on phantom and CT data sets. P value was also calculated. The mean volume difference was significantly lower with the use of the freehand electromagnetic pen as compared with the optical mouse (0.2% vs. 1.8%; P < .001). The mean segmentation time per patient was significantly shorter with the use of the freehand electromagnetic pen contourtracing method (354.5 vs. 499.1 s on phantoms; 457.4 vs. 610.0 s on CT images; P < .001). Freehand electromagnetic pen-based volumetric technique represents a technologic advancement over manual mouse-based contourtracing because of the superior statistical accuracy and sensibly shorter time required. Further studies focused on intra- and interobserver variability of the technique need to be performed before its introduction in clinical application.
    Journal of Digital Imaging 03/2010; 24(2):360-5. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the pancreas.
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    ABSTRACT: Ultrasound is often the first examination performed in patients with suspicion of pancreatic disease. The introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has led to great developments in the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound. Dynamic observation of an enhancement allows a highly sensitive evaluation of any perfusion of the abdominal organs. Study of the pancreas is a new and promising application of CEUS, and can be used to characterize pancreatic lesions visible with conventional ultrasonography (US). This article reviews the clinical and surgical applications of CEUS in different pancreatic diseases and in their management.
    Pancreatology 09/2009; 9(5):560-6. · 1.99 Impact Factor
  • Article: Contrast-enhanced sonography of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
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    ABSTRACT: Diagnosis of malignancy and prognostic assessment continue to be problems in the management of nonfunctioning pancreatic endocrine tumors. Histologic examination is the reference standard. The aim of our study was to compare B-mode and contrast-enhanced sonographic findings regarding nonfunctioning pancreatic endocrine tumors. Signs of malignancy, such as Ki67 index and presence of hepatic metastasis, were considered. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 38 consecutively registered patients with nonfunctioning pancreatic endocrine tumors evaluated with B-mode and contrast-enhanced sonography and resected. At contrast-enhanced sonography all lesions were divided into hypovascular lesions and isovascular or hypervascular lesions. On the basis of homogeneity of enhancement, lesions were classified as homogeneous and inhomogeneous. During the late phase of contrast enhancement, all solid focal hypoechoic liver lesions detected at contrast-enhanced sonography were considered hepatic metastatic lesions. Among pathologic data, grading, mitotic index, and Ki67 index were evaluated. Spearman's test was used to compare contrast-enhanced sonographic enhancement pattern with pathologic grade. In the arterial phase, 24 of 38 nonfunctioning pancreatic endocrine tumors (63.1%) were hypervascular, seven (18.4%) were isovascular, and seven (18.4%) were hypovascular. Positive correlation was found between contrast-enhanced sonographic findings and Ki67 index (r(s) = 0.62; p < 0.0001). The difference between contrast-enhanced and B-mode sonography in the diagnosis of nonfunctioning pancreatic endocrine tumors was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Use of contrast-enhanced sonography increased diagnostic confidence in the detection of hepatic metastasis. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.916 for B-mode sonography and 1.000 for contrast-enhanced sonography (p < 0.05). There was moderate positive correlation between contrast-enhanced sonographic enhancement pattern and the presence of hepatic metastasis at diagnosis (r(s) = 0.46; p = 0.004) and between Ki67 index and the presence of hepatic metastasis (r(s) = 0.48; p = 0.0022). The contrast-enhanced sonographic enhancement pattern of nonfunctioning pancreatic endocrine tumors has a positive correlation with Ki67 index, which is considered the most reliable independent predictor of the presence of malignancy.
    American Journal of Roentgenology 02/2009; 192(2):424-30. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: How to create Radiology Papers and Presentations in Windows
    J. Digital Imaging. 01/2009; 22:589-597.
  • Article: How to create radiology papers and presentations in Windows with Open-Source software.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To illustrate the availability, effectiveness, and practical use of Open-Source tools in developing a radiology paper from its beginning to its presentation and publication. Practical use of a complete set of Open-Source applications for writing, e-mail corresponding, slide show, image retrieval, and manipulation is shown by simulating a scientific paper development. Open-Source software proved to be an inexpensive, effective, widely compatible, and user-friendly alternative to commercial toolkits in developing and deploying a scientific paper, either on paper or on slide show.
    Journal of Digital Imaging 11/2008; 22(6):589-97. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Imaging findings of genitourinary tumors in the elderly.
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    ABSTRACT: Aging-correlated pathologies are atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, bacterial infections, and malnutrition. The progressive impairment of renal function is the cause of the drug-induced renal pathologies: direct damage induced by nephrotoxic drugs or indirect damage induced by decreased renal excretion of serum molecules. In the elderly, an increase in different pathologies occurs in the genitourinary tract. Among these pathologies, an increase in neoplastic disorders is present; at the same time, several non-neoplastic pathologies are more frequent in old patients. This article considers first the neoplastic genitourinary pathologies and second the non-neoplastic genitourinary pathologies.
    Radiologic Clinics of North America 08/2008; 46(4):773-84, vi. · 2.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Barium enema evaluation of colonic involvement in endometriosis.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of our study was to define the role of double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) compared with laparoscopy in the diagnosis and local staging of intestinal endometriosis. A search of our radiology database revealed the cases of 234 women who underwent surgical resection for pelvic endometriosis with associated intestinal surgery for intestinal endometriosis. We retrospectively evaluated all preoperative DCBE images for the presence of bowel endometriosis and the number, site (rectum, sigmoid, cecum), and size of the lesions. The radiographic findings at DCBE were retrospectively correlated with those at surgical pathologic examination. DCBE revealed 211 intestinal lesions of bowel endometriosis in 168 (71.8%) of 234 patients with pelvic endometriosis clinically enrolled. Forty (23.8%) of the 168 women had more than one endometriotic bowel nodule (two nodules in 37 cases, three in three cases). Laparoscopy revealed 233 intestinal lesions in 174 (74.3%) of the patients. Fifty-four (31.0%) of 174 women had more than one endometriotic bowel nodule (two nodules in 49 cases, three in five cases). There was 100% correlation between the DCBE and histologic findings as far as site and size of the lesions were concerned. DCBE had a sensitivity of 88.4%, specificity of 93.0%, positive predictive value of 97.5%, negative predictive of 71.0%, and accuracy of 89.5% in the identification of bowel endometriosis. DCBE is helpful in discerning bowel wall involvement in endometriosis, enabling proper surgical planning. DCBE also appears to have a role in the management of endometriosis.
    American Journal of Roentgenology 05/2008; 190(4):1050-4. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: Evaluation of serial changes of pancreatic branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms by follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to clarify the biological behaviour of branch duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) by evaluating serial changes at magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Fifty-two patients with a diagnosis of branch duct IPMN based on either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (9/52) and/or MRCP examination (43/52), were followed up over a mean period of 31.2 months (range 12-108). All imaging data were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists in order to evaluate serial changes in the maximum diameter of the cystic lesion, in the presence of main pancreatic duct dilatation (MPD), and filling defects within the lesion. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact probability test. Serial MRCP proved growth in seven cases. In two cases the size decreased; in the remaining 43 there was no change in size. Lesions greater than 3 cm at presentation and the presence of MPD dilatation or filling defects at imaging were most likely to grow. Only 2/37 cystic lesions less than 3 cm in diameter grew in size over the period of observation. No cystic lesion showed changes in morphology and structure. Branch duct IPMNs smaller than 3 cm, without associated filling defects, tend to be stable, making 'watch and wait' management possible.
    Cancer Imaging 02/2008; 8:220-8. · 1.50 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comparison of contrast-enhanced sonography and MRI in displaying anatomic features of cystic pancreatic masses.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy rates of unenhanced sonography, contrast-enhanced sonography, and MRI in displaying the anatomic features of cystic pancreatic masses larger than 1.5 mm in diameter. Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced sonographic and MRI examinations of 33 patients who underwent resection of a cystic pancreatic mass were retrospectively reviewed. Two radiologists blinded to the final histologic diagnosis reviewed the images, specifically assessing the presence of intralesional mural nodules and septa. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were calculated on the basis of correlation with surgical findings. Results of unenhanced sonography, contrast-enhanced sonography, and MRI were compared by McNemar test. Correlation of unenhanced and contrast-enhanced sonographic versus pathologic results was established with Spearman's test. Interobserver variability was determined. Contrast-enhanced sonography correctly depicted intralesional septa in 14 of 15 lesions (sensitivity, 93.3%; specificity, 88.8%; positive predictive value, 87.5%; negative predictive value, 94.1%; accuracy, 90.9%) and nodules in six of eight lesions (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 96%; positive predictive value, 85.7%; negative predictive value, 92.3%; accuracy, 90.9%). MRI correctly depicted intralesional septa in 14 of 15 lesions (sensitivity, 93.3%; specificity, 61.1%; positive predictive value, 66.6%; negative predictive value, 91.6%; accuracy, 75.7%) and nodules in seven of eight lesions (sensitivity, 87.5%; specificity, 80%; positive predictive value, 58.3%; negative predictive value, 95.2%; accuracy, 81.8%). The difference between the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced sonography and that of MRI was not significant (p = 0.05, McNemar test) in the identification of septa and nodules. The correlation between contrast-enhanced sonographic findings and pathologic results (Rs = 0.93; p < 0.001) was significantly better than that between sonographic and pathologic results (Rs = 0.52; p < 0.0001). Interobserver agreement had a kappa value of 0.86-0.94. Contrast-enhanced sonography compares favorably with MRI in displaying the anatomic features of cystic pancreatic masses seen on transabdominal sonography.
    American Journal of Roentgenology 12/2007; 189(6):1435-42. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: Standardize and compare contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic digital images obtained with different technologies: how to overcome the subjectivity.
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    ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to compare digital images obtained with cadence contrast pulse sequencing (CPS) and coherent contrast imaging (CCI) technologies for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). A CEUS study on 17 focal liver lesions was performed using CPS and CCI technologies with a second-generation contrast media. The lesion/liver ratio and conspicuity index were then calculated and compared with Adobe Photoshop 6.0. Lesion/liver ratio and conspicuity index using CCI ranged from 1.3 to 7.1 (mean value, 3) and 19 to 127 (mean value, 58), respectively; by using CPS, we obtained results ranging from 2 to 19.1 (mean value, 8.9) and 57 to 164 (mean value, 109.2). Lesion/liver ratio and the conspicuity index for the lesions using CPS showed significantly (p < 0.0001) superior results than those obtained using CCI. The computed analysis with standardization allows an objective evaluation of digital images of CEUS. CPS technology resulted in better lesion conspicuity compared to CCI during CEUS study on focal liver lesions.
    Journal of Digital Imaging 09/2007; 20(3):256-62. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Pancreatic granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis: a case report and review of the literature.
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    ABSTRACT: This paper describes a 48-year-old woman admitted to surgical department with mid-epigastric pain. Ultrasonography of the abdomen and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ipoechoic mass in the head of pancreas suggestive for malignant tumor. She underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy; histologic examination showed a granulomatous inflammation with necrosis and destruction of the wall of small-medium size blood vessels very suggestive for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). No other visceral involvement was found; test for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies was negative. Initial and symptomatic involvement of pancreas was reported in very few cases of WG.
    Rheumatology International 09/2007; 27(10):989-91. · 1.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: Standardize and Compare Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonographic Digital Images Obtained with Different Technologies: How to Overcome the Subjectivity
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    ABSTRACT: ObjectiveThis study was conducted to compare digital images obtained with cadence contrast pulse sequencing (CPS) and coherent contrast imaging (CCI) technologies for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). MethodsA CEUS study on 17 focal liver lesions was performed using CPS and CCI technologies with a second-generation contrast media. The lesion/liver ratio and conspicuity index were then calculated and compared with Adobe Photoshop 6.0. ResultsLesion/liver ratio and conspicuity index using CCI ranged from 1.3 to 7.1 (mean value, 3) and 19 to 127 (mean value, 58), respectively; by using CPS, we obtained results ranging from 2 to 19.1 (mean value, 8.9) and 57 to 164 (mean value, 109.2). Lesion/liver ratio and the conspicuity index for the lesions using CPS showed significantly (p < 0.0001) superior results than those obtained using CCI. ConclusionThe computed analysis with standardization allows an objective evaluation of digital images of CEUS. CPS technology resulted in better lesion conspicuity compared to CCI during CEUS study on focal liver lesions.
    Journal of Digital Imaging 08/2007; 20(3):256-262. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the pancreas.
    JOP: Journal of the pancreas 02/2007; 8(1 Suppl):71-6.