-
03/2007; , ISBN: 9780470034590
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Volumetric analysis was compared with conventional unidimensional measurements for follow-up of rectosigmoid cancer before and after radiation therapy.
Fifteen patients with rectosigmoid cancer underwent helical CT before and after neoadjuvant radiation therapy. The helical CT examination was performed after colon distention with air and IV administration of an antiperistaltic drug. Two scans were obtained: one with the patient in the supine position and the other with the patient in the prone position after contrast medium injection. The maximal wall thickness and the volumetric analysis of the tumor were obtained through manual segmentation.
The mean of the differences between the volumetric analysis of the scans obtained before and after radiation therapy was 8.3 +/- 10.3 (SD) mL (-22.7%) (p <0.05). The mean of the differences between the maximal wall thickness of the pre- and post-radiation therapy scans was 3.4 +/- 2.6 mm (-19.1%) (p <0.05). A significant difference was observed between the variation of the maximal wall thickness and the variation of volumetric analysis in pre- and post-radiation therapy scans (p <0.05). The patients could be classified in different response categories depending on the measurement method and on the response criteria.
Volumetric analysis of rectosigmoid cancer is feasible. A long-term study is needed to correlate volumetric assessment with patient outcome.
American Journal of Roentgenology 03/2005; 184(2):526-30. · 2.78 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Computed Tomography (CT) with three-dimensional reconstructions was studied in cranio-facial deformities. The pre-operative and follow-up study of cranio-facial deformities can be performed with spiral CT. With this modality quantitative information can be provided in order to measure the entity of airway obstruction and the result of procedure affecting bone structures.
Acta bio-medica: Atenei Parmensis 09/2004; 75(2):122-5.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The visualization of coronary arteries has become possible only after the introduction of multislice CT scanners (MSCT), which allow a gantry rotation time of 500/ms, a number of 4 detector array, and an in-plane spatial resolution of 1 mm. Such spatial and temporal resolution has been recently improved with a new generation of MSCT scanners with 16 detector rows and a gantry rotation time of 420/ms. We report a preliminary experience with this new generation of scanners in a patient with coronary artery stent. Technical parameters are described with particular focus on the comparison with the past generation of 4-row MSCT scanners.
Acta bio-medica: Atenei Parmensis 05/2004; 75(1):63-8.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of simultaneous ante/retrograde (A/R), trans-scrotal and trans-brachial approach in sclerotherapy of varicocele.
Between June 2000 and June 2002, 99 patients with varicocele were submitted to simultaneous A/R sclerotherapy of internal spermatic venous plexus. All presented grade III left varicocele, 39 also had right varicocele. Recurrent left varicocele was present in 25 following surgical ligations, in 1 following retrograde sclerosis, in 3 following both surgical and sclerosing techniques. Simultaneous A/R approach was performed using transbrachial percutaneous access for retrograde catheterization which does not obstruct trans-scrotal surgical field. The procedure is performed without need for general anaesthesia.
Sclerotherapy of spermatic veins was always completed. At minimum 12 months follow-up (mean 18 months), only 1 failure was observed.
Trans-scrotal access allowed to guide, by means of antegrade venography, retrograde selective cannulation of spermatic vein. A/R procedure allows a complete diagnostic evaluation of collateral circulation, with possibility to occlude all vessels draining varicocele. Results at long-term follow-up show very low incidence of recurrence.
Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia: organo ufficiale [di] Società italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica / Associazione ricerche in urologia 04/2004; 76(1):29-33.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Since its introduction, spiral computed tomography (CT) technology underwent a continuous and fast technical and clinical development. In particular, spatial and temporal resolutions were constantly increased during the last decade. The main breakthrough for clinical application was the introduction of multislice technology, first with 2-row and 4-row equipment and more recently with 16-row scanners. A high-resolution sub-millimeter CT dataset can be acquired easily, although with an increased x-ray exposure for the patient. The high speed of the scan requires up-to-date and careful protocol optimization. Scanner technology and geometry affect image formation procedure and imaging protocols should be adapted accordingly. The technical foundations of spiral CT imaging and the main scan and reconstruction parameters are described in this article. Updated protocols and clinical examples of the latest applications are also discussed.
Seminars in Ultrasound CT and MRI 03/2004; 25(1):2-16. · 1.24 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To test the added information of a retrospective ECG-gating to the 16-row Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) scan of intrathoracic vessels.
Ninety-six patients (61 males, aged 59 +/- 20 years) underwent MSCT with a 16-row scanner (Sensation 16, Siemens, Germany) for the study of the thoracic vessels. In group 1 (66 patients) a retrospectively ECG-gated protocol was applied; in the control-group 2 (30 patients) a conventional MSCT protocol for thoracic imaging was applied. Images were scored regarding 1) presence or absence of artifacts determined by breath-hold, beam hardening and mis-triggering; 2) visualization (optimal, mild and poor) of great intrathoracic vessels (aorta, pulmonary arteries and veins); 3) visualization (presence or absence) of proximal, mid and distal coronary arteries (left main--LM, left anterior descending--LAD, circumflex--CX, and right coronary artery--RCA).
Ascending aorta showed motion artifacts in 7 (24%) cases in group 2 and 2 (4%) in group 1. In group 1, proximal LAD, CX, and RCA were assessable in 89%, 91%, and 89%, respectively. Left main coronary artery was assessable in 61 (92%) and 18 (60%) cases for group 1 and 2, respectively.
The retrospectively ECG-gated 16-row MSCT provides information regarding ascending aorta and coronary arteries not available in the conventional scan.
Acta bio-medica: Atenei Parmensis 01/2004; 74(3):126-30.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Aim of this paper is to describe the technical main features that characterize Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) angiography. In particular, the technical features of the three main generations of single, four, and sixteen multislice scanners have been analised. Particular attention have been addressed to scan and reconstruction parameters, and to the geometry of contrast material related to angiographic scan. Guidelines for the different generations of CT scanner have been extracted to give the radiologist a platform for diagnostic questions.
La radiologia medica 11/2003; 106(4):269-83. · 1.44 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To compare virtual endoscopy of the upper airways with fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination in patients affected by non-neoplastic inflammatory disease of the trachea.
Twelve patients with non-neoplastic tracheal stenosis or with tracheo-oesophageal fistula underwent a fiberoptic endoscopy and a spiral CT examination with the following protocol: collimation/table feed/reconstruction increment 3 mm/6 mm/1 mm from the larynx to the carenabronchial septum. Images were sent to a dedicated workstation equipped with a software allowing generation of 3D reconstructions and virtual endoscopic images. Lesion features were compared in the two examinations.
In all cases the lesions features visualized with virtual display modality were confirmed by conventional endoscopy. Measurements were easily made on the 3D MPR images while conventional endoscopy allowed only a qualitative assessment of the lesion. In no cases did virtual endoscopy provide information on the mucosa appearance. Swallowing and breathing never caused significant artifacts during the 3D post processing.
Virtual bronchoscopy is a useful technique for preoperative evaluation and for the follow-up of patients with non-neoplastic inflammatory disease of the upper airways.
La radiologia medica 10/2003; 106(3):147-53. · 1.44 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to compare different techniques for the estimation of liver volume, and to evaluate errors associated with volume estimation techniques based on linear measurements. Fifteen patients with focal liver lesion underwent spiral CTA for preoperative evaluation. The scan protocol was: collimation 3 mm; rotation time 0.75 s; pitch 2; and reconstruction index 1 mm. Reconstructed images were sent to a workstation running on a NT platform equipped with post-processing software allowing 3D reconstructions. Linear measurements and volume estimation through manual segmentation were obtained with preset window and magnification. Volume was calculated from linear measures using different equations. With equations based on linear measurements the right lobe was overestimated (mean=+53%; mean error=14.7%), the second and third segments were underestimated (mean=-47%; mean error=43.3%) and the total volume was underestimated (mean=-86%; mean error=36%). The volume calculated by summing the areas of all the sections and multiplying the result by the increment was not significantly different from the volume estimated using the manual volumetric segmentation technique. Volume estimation obtained through linear measurements is not reliable to appraise the volume of irregular-shaped solids, even assuming the prevalence of a particular morphology.
European Radiology 07/2003; 13(6):1286-90. · 3.22 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between dose levels of contrast medium and image quality in magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the carotid arteries with fluoroscopically monitored, manually triggered, elliptically ordered image acquisitions.
Twenty-five patients with clinical indications for angiography of the carotid arteries were examined with MR at 1.5 T by using a fluoroscopically monitored, manually triggered, elliptically ordered pulse sequence with the administration of one of three different volumes of gadolinium-based contrast medium. The signal intensities of the vessel lumen and the surrounding tissues were measured in single partitions at the origin of the common carotid artery, the carotid bifurcation, and the intracranial internal carotid arteries. The contrast-to-noise ratio in these regions of interest also was measured. Maximum intensity projection image quality was appraised for blurring, artifacts, venous enhancement, background suppression, and contrast medium distribution.
No artifacts or venous enhancement was observed. The position of the fluoroscopic section affected the distribution of contrast medium along the vessel, as evidenced by the difference between the contrast-to-noise ratio at the origin of the common carotid artery and the ratio at the carotid bifurcation and the intracranial internal carotid arteries (P < .01). The contrast medium dose administered was strongly correlated with image quality (r = 0.90).
Contrast medium dose is related to image quality in MR angiography of the carotid arteries performed with elliptical ordering, fluoroscopic monitoring, and manual triggering.
Academic Radiology 05/2003; 10(5):520-6. · 1.69 Impact Factor
-
Circulation 03/2003; 107(5):E34-5. · 14.74 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Ganglion cysts of the common peroneal nerve are rarely described in the literature and a bilateral lesion has not been previously reported. We present a case of a 41-year-old man with a bilateral cyst of the common peroneal nerve diagnosed with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.
European Radiology 12/2002; 12(11):2803-6. · 3.22 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To evaluate the accuracy of spiral hydro-CT in the diagnosis and preoperative staging of colo-sigmoideal neoplasms and the impact of this technique on therapeutic decisions.
Sixty patients with colo-sigmoideal neoplasms, 16 in caecum-ascending colon, 2 in transverse colon, 14 in descending colon, and 28 in sigmoid colon, diagnosed with fiberoptic colonoscopy and histopathological specimen, under-went spiral hydro-CT with IV contrast medium administration. Local invasion (T factor) and nodal involvement (N factor) were evaluated. In all cases, the CT reports were compared with the result of the histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. TNM and Dukes staging classifications were applied.
Local invasion was correctly identified in 80% of cases. There was overstaging in 18.3% and understaging in 1.7% of the patients. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for nodal involvement were 57.9%, 67.5% and 63.3%, respectively. There was overstaging in 23.3% and understaging in 15% of patients. With Dukes classification, CT correctly staged 38.8% of patients. Significant differences were detected in different stages. The stage with the highest concordance was A/B1 with 58.8% (10/17), whereas the one with the lowest concordance was B2 with 9.1% (2/22). All of the three patients in stage D were correctly staged and none of the patients with stage C was overstaged.
Spiral hydro-CT with intravenous contrast medium administration, despite the limits in the correct evaluation of local depth invasion and nodal involvement, proved useful for selecting patients likely to benefit from surgery.
La radiologia medica 11/2002; 104(4):295-306. · 1.44 Impact Factor
-
Academic Radiology 09/2002; 9 Suppl 2:S417-20. · 1.69 Impact Factor
-
Academic Radiology 06/2002; 9 Suppl 1:S134. · 1.69 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To evaluate centric ordered MR angiography with fluoroscopic triggering of renal artery disease.
21 patients underwent MR-Angiography with a fluoroscopically triggered centric ordered sequence. The fluoroscopic trigger was obtained with the parameters that follow: TR/TE/TI: 1000/1.7/500 ms; NEX 1; MTX 141 x 256; SL 10mm; AT 0.83 s. The angiographic sequence was obtained with a CareBolus sequence (TR/TE: 3.9/1.5 ms; NEX 1; MTX 176 x 512; SL 1.1 mm; AT ~20s) after the intra-venous injection of 18 ml of Gd-BOPTA 0.5M followed by saline solution at a rate of 2.5 ml.s-1. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was obtained at the origin of the renal arteries. Statistical analysis was performed considering image quality, contrast media dose and the CNR.
Ringing artifacts never occurred. The collaboration of the patient and the use of the earphones are critical to avoid motion artifacts. Renal veins have never been visualized. High CNR were noticed.
This technique allows a more efficient use of the contrast media. MRA with centric ordering and fluoroscopic triggering allows an optimal and easy assessment of the renal arteries.
La radiologia medica 105(1-2):42-7. · 1.44 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the fundamentals of contrast-enhanced MR angiography, its recent advances and future prospects. The factors influencing contrast-enhanced MR angiography are identified. The main acquisition and timing techniques are described with emphasis on their advantages and drawbacks.
La radiologia medica 105(5-6):471-81. · 1.44 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We report a rare case of small-cell carcinoma of the uterine corpus. To our knowledge, this is the first radiological report. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrates a hypodense lesion within the endometrial cavity with nonhomogeneous contrast enhancement.
Clinical Imaging 26(2):133-5. · 0.75 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: CT angiography (CTA) is based on acquisition of data during the arterial phase of contrast material passage. CTA needs timing of the contrast bolus, which should be based on accurate knowledge of bolus geometry. Experimental and human studies on bolus geometry and bolus timing in CTA were reviewed. Important parameters of bolus geometry and methods of bolus timing (test bolus and bolus tracking) are described. Recommendations are given for an optimal CTA protocol.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography 26(4):598-607. · 1.22 Impact Factor
