Christian Czerny

University of Vienna, Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Are you Christian Czerny?

Claim your profile

Publications (38)99.05 Total impact

  • Article: Intracranial Hematomas at a Glance: Advanced Visualization for Fast and Easy Detection.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Purpose:To retrospectively assess the detection rate for intracranial hematomas achieved with use of curved maximum intensity projections (MIPs) that parallel the inner table of the skull compared with the rate achieved by reading transverse sections of computed tomography (CT) only.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, which waived informed consent. A total of 314 consecutive patients who underwent CT for cranial trauma (155 male, 159 female; mean age ± standard deviation, 58 years ± 24 [range, 2-98 years]) were included. The algorithm unfolded the meningeal spaces into four images per patient. Four radiologists independently evaluated all cases. Hematomas less than 3 mm thick were considered thin. Radiologists were blinded to patient names, and patient and group orders were randomly assigned. The results were compared with a reference standard built by two experts. Logistic regression with repeated measurements was used for statistical analysis.Results:Use of the reference standard helped confirm 121 intracranial hematomas in 39 patients. For all readers, reading time for hematoma detection was significantly shorter (3-5 times shorter, P < .001) for curved MIPs. Mean lesion-based detection rate for all readers was 80% (193 of 242) for transverse sections and 83% (200 of 242) for curved MIPs. For thin hematomas, the mean detection rate increased from 20% (eight of 40) with transverse sections to 83% (33 of 40) with curved MIPs.Conclusion:Curved MIPs of the meningeal spaces may shorten detection time for epidural and subdural hematomas, increase sensitivity (especially for thin hematomas), and reduce the required operator experience for detection.© RSNA, 2013.
    Radiology 12/2012; · 5.73 Impact Factor
  • Article: Endolymphatic sac tumor and angiomatous lesions of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa as a first manifestation of von Hippel-Lindau disease.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: In the present article we report an endolymphatic sac tumor in a 15-year-old male who had additional angiomatous lesions in the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa and was diagnosed with von Hippel-Lindau disease postoperatively. Preoperative imaging excluded cholesteatoma, but did not provide sufficient information to distinguish between jugular paraganglioma and endolymphatic sac tumor. To the authors' knowledge this is the first description of angiomatous lesions in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract in a von Hippel-Lindau disease patient, a potentially useful finding for future radiological differential diagnosis in cases presenting with endolymphatic sac tumor. Laryngoscope, 2012.
    The Laryngoscope 07/2012; 122(10):2300-3. · 1.75 Impact Factor
  • Article: Maxillary dental arch biometry: assessment with fetal MR imaging.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To define normal growth of the fetal maxillary dental arch using magnetic resonance imaging. Four hundred twenty-four consecutive fetuses (18 to 37 weeks) with a morphologically normal anatomy or only minor malformations, not affecting bone growth and face anatomy were included. On axial T2-weighted images the dental arch length and width were measured. The measurements were correlated with gestational age and the biparietal diameter (BPD) of the fetal head using correlation and regression analysis. A linear growth relationship was observed between the dental arch length and gestational age (r = 0.86; p = < 0.0001; y = -1.85 + 0.75 × gestational age) and the dental arch width and gestational age (r = 0.92; p = < 0.0001; y = -2.19 + 1.05 × gestational age). A significant correlation was found between the dental arch length and the BPD (r = 0.903; p = < 0.0001) and the dental arch width and the BPD (r = 0.927; p = < 0.0001). The interobserver variability showed good agreement for the dental arch length (intraclass coefficient 0.981; r = 0.963) and width (intraclass coefficient 0.987; r = 0.974), respectively. We present a nomogram for the in utero assessment of the fetal dental arch. These data may help in the early detection of abnormal dental arch development.
    Prenatal Diagnosis 04/2012; 32(6):530-5. · 2.11 Impact Factor
  • Article: Quantitative evaluation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound after intravenous administration of a microbubble contrast agent for differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules: assessment of diagnostic accuracy.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy, through quantitative analysis, of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), using a microbubble contrast agent, in the differentiation of thyroid nodules. This prospective study enrolled 46 patients with solitary, scintigraphically non-functional thyroid nodules. These patients were scheduled for surgery and underwent preoperative CEUS with pulse-inversion harmonic imaging after intravenous microbubble contrast medium administration. Using histology as a standard of reference, time-intensity curves of benign and malignant nodules were compared by means of peak enhancement and wash-out enhancement relative to the baseline intensity using a mixed model ANOVA. ROC analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy in the differentiation of benign and malignant nodules on CEUS. The complete CEUS data of 42 patients (31/42 [73.8%] benign and 11/42 [26.2%] malignant nodules) revealed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in enhancement between benign and malignant nodules. Furthermore, based on ROC analysis, CEUS demonstrated sensitivity of 76.9%, specificity of 84.8% and accuracy of 82.6%. Quantitative analysis of CEUS using a microbubble contrast agent allows the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and may potentially serve, in addition to grey-scale and Doppler ultrasound, as an adjunctive tool in the assessment of patients with thyroid nodules. • Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) helps differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. • Quantitative CEUS analysis yields sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 84.8%. • CEUS may be a potentially useful adjunct in assessing thyroid nodules.
    European Radiology 02/2012; 22(6):1357-65. · 3.22 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: MRI versus radiography of acromioclavicular joint dislocation.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Acromioclavicular joint injuries are usually diagnosed by clinical and radiographic assessment with the Rockwood classification, which is crucial for treatment planning. In view of the implementation of MRI for visualization of the acromioclavicular joint, the purpose of this study was to describe the MRI findings of acromioclavicular joint dislocation in comparison with the radiographic findings. Forty-four patients with suspected unilateral acromioclavicular joint dislocation after acute trauma were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent digital radiography and 1-T MRI with a surface phased-array coil. MRI included coronal proton density-weighted turbo spin-echo and coronal 3D T1-weighted fast field-echo water-selective sequences. The Rockwood classification was used to assess acromioclavicular joint injuries at radiography and MRI. An adapted Rockwood classification was used for MRI evaluation of the acromioclavicular joint ligaments. The classifications of acromioclavicular joint dislocations diagnosed with radiography and MRI were compared. Among 44 patients with Rockwood type I-IV injuries on radiographs, classification on radiographs and MR images was concordant in 23 (52.2%) patients. At MRI, the injury was reclassified to a less severe type in 16 (36.4%) patients and to a more severe type in five (11.4%) patients. Compared with the findings according to the original Rockwood system, with the adapted system that included MRI findings, additional ligamentous lesions were found in 11 (25%) patients. In a considerable number of patients, the MRI findings change the Rockwood type determined with radiography. In addition to clinical assessment and radiography, MRI may yield important findings on ligaments that may influence management.
    American Journal of Roentgenology 10/2011; 197(4):968-73. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Chapter: Cross-Sectional Imaging of the Hypopharynx and Esophagus
    Christian Czerny, A. Ba-Ssalamah, Wolfgang Schima
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: In most cases, imaging of the hypopharynx and esophagus is performed in patients with swallowing disorders (Czerny and Formanek 2000; Schmalfuss 2002). The aetiology of swallowing disorders can be attributed to different entities, either congenital or acquired. In the pharynx, malignant tumours primarily cause swallowing disorders (Becker et al. 1998; Czerny and Formanek 2000). In the esophagus, swallowing disorders are often due to tumours, inflammatory strictures in gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or achalasia, and also may be due to either benign or malignant tumours. In most cases, the first choice for imaging evaluation is a double-contrast pharyngoesophagogram, which depicts nicely the morphology and extent of mucosal lesions. However, radiography (and endoscopy) are not suited to delineate the extramucosal tumour spread (into lymph nodes and adjacent organs) or abnormalities of the mediastinum in non-neoplastic diseases, such as Boerhaave syndrome or fistulas. In these patients, contrast-enhanced CT or MRI play an important diagnostic role in therapeutic management (Helmberger et al. 1996). Positron emission tomography (PET) may also be used if a malignant process is to be staged pre-therapeutically (Flamen et al. 2000; Junginger et al. 2002). The imaging techniques and pathologies of the hypopharynx and the esophagus differ, and therefore, these techniques and pathologies will be described separately.
    07/2011: pages 183-193;
  • Article: Functional imaging in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: correlation of PET/CT and diffusion-weighted imaging at 3 Tesla.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The purposes of this study were: (a) to prospectively assess the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC); and (b) to assess ADC and SUVmax values in relation to different tumour grades and stages in our patient population. The study group comprised 31 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who were examined using a 3T MRI scanner with a 16-channel head and neck coil. In addition to routine sequences, axial (DWIBS) and sagittal (DW-EPI) diffusion-weighted sequences were obtained using b-values of 0 mm(2)/s and 800 mm(2)/s. The ADC maps were calculated automatically. The ADC values of the tumours were measured with three regions of interest (ROIs) of standard size, and an ROI covering the entire tumour. In all patients, contrast-enhanced, whole-body (18)F-FDG PET/CT was performed within 2 weeks of the MRI examination. SUVmax was measured for every tumour using a 3-D freehand ROI that covered the entire tumour. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used for group comparisons. The Spearman rank correlation test was performed for ADC values. Mean ADC values in the 31 SCC were 0.902 (± 0.134) with a ROI of standard size, and 0.928 (± 0.160) with the large ROI measurements on the axial DWIBS sequence. The ADC values of the tumours were significantly higher when measured with the sagittal DW-EPI sequence: 1.051 (± 0.211) and 1.082 (± 0.208). We observed no significant differences in ADC values and SUVmax between the various T stages or histological grades of the tumours. SUVmax values (26.5 ± 12) did not correlate with ADC values on DWIBS or EPI. There is no correlation between the FDG uptake and the ADC value in head and neck SCC. The three different tumour grades and four tumour stages present in our study population could not be differentiated based on ADC values or SUV.
    European Journal of Nuclear Medicine 04/2011; 38(6):1009-19. · 4.53 Impact Factor
  • Article: The skull unfolded: a cranial CT visualization algorithm for fast and easy detection of skull fractures.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To retrospectively assess the rate of detection of skull fractures at cranial computed tomography (CT) achieved with the use of curved maximum intensity projections (MIPs) compared with that achieved by reading transverse sections only. The institutional review board approved this research and waived informed consent. A curved thin (3-mm) MIP of the skull cap and a curved thick (50-mm) MIP of the skull base were obtained from the cranial CT data in 200 consecutive patients with head trauma. Four radiologists (two residents without experience in cranial CT and two consultants) independently evaluated all cases. Each radiologist reported findings in 100 patients by using transverse sections only and findings in the other 100 patients by using the unfolded view. The radiologists were blinded to patient names, and patient and group orders were randomized. The results were compared with a standard of reference established by two experts from all prior reading results, all reconstructions, and high-spatial-resolution multiplanar reformats. Logistic regression with repeated measurements was used for statistical analysis. The experts found 63 fractures in 30 patients. When transverse sections only were used, the mean patient-based fracture detection rate was 43% (13 of 30) for inexperienced and 70% (21 of 30) for experienced readers; with curved MIPs, the rates were 80% (24 of 30) and 87% (26 of 30), respectively. Overall sensitivity was higher with curved MIPs (P < .001); specificity was higher with transverse sections (P < .001). Curved MIPs enable a significantly higher fracture detection rate than transverse sections. They also considerably close the experience gap in fracture detection rate between residents and experts.
    Radiology 03/2010; 255(2):553-62. · 5.73 Impact Factor
  • Article: The story of 12 Chachapoyan mummies through multidetector computed tomography.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To assess the imaging findings in Chachapoyan mummies of Peru through multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Twelve human mummies and three burial objects from Laguna de los Cóndores, Peru, about 500-1000 years old, were studied, using a MDCT unit. In addition to the standard whole-body acquisitions, high-resolution scans from areas of particular interest were acquired individually (e.g., temporal bone, teeth). Eight mummies were female, three male, and sex was indeterminable in one mummy; the age of the mummies included newborn, 0.7 years, 2.5 years, 13 years, 13 years, 16 years, and six between 20 and 40 years old. The stature of the mummies was reconstructed (mean±standard deviation; adults: 145±14cm, adolescents: 116±17cm, 2.5 years old child: 72cm, newborns: 41±3cm). Dental conditions were compromised in seven and excellent in five mummies. Besides a dislocation of the ossicles, temporal bones and ears were normal in all mummies. An occipital osteoma, a tuberculous spondylodiscitis, and also probable tuberculous erosions at one tarsal joint and one sacral bone, osteoarthritis or tuberculous affection of a sacroiliac joint, as well as five cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were observed. Ten mummies were buried in the fetal position, two were found packaged in bundles; the burial technique was studied in detail. A necklace was found with one mummy. The added burial objects were identified as skeletal parts of two leopardis pardalis and one lagothrix flavicauda. MDCT non-invasively revealed information about age, sex, stature, diseases, burial practices and other cultural aspects of the Chachapoyas.
    European journal of radiology 09/2009; 76(2):143-50. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Three-dimensional fracture visualisation of multidetector CT of the skull base in trauma patients: comparison of three reconstruction algorithms.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the detection rate of skull-base fractures for three different three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction methods of cranial CT examinations in trauma patients. A total of 130 cranial CT examinations of patients with previous head trauma were subjected to 3D reconstruction of the skull base, using solid (SVR) and transparent (TVR) volume-rendering technique and maximum intensity projection (MIP). Three radiologists independently evaluated all reconstructions as well as standard high-resolution multiplanar reformations (HR-MPRs). Mean fracture detection rates for all readers reading rotating reconstructions were 39, 36, 61 and 64% for SVR, TVR, MIP and HR-MPR respectively. Although not significantly different from HR-MPR with respect to sensitivity (P = 0.9), MIP visualised 18% of fractures that were not reported in HR-MPR. Because of the relatively low detection rate using HR-MPRs alone, we recommend reading MIP reconstructions in addition to the obligatory HR-MPRs to improve fracture detection.
    European Radiology 06/2009; 19(10):2416-24. · 3.22 Impact Factor
  • Article: Diagnostic value of sonography, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology, and diffusion-weighted MRI in the characterization of cold thyroid nodules.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the diagnostic value of different modalities for the characterization of cold thyroid nodules. In 35 patients with cold nodules, thyroid carcinoma was suspected on scintigraphy. These patients were prospectively investigated with sonography, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USgFNA), and quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) (navigated echo-planar imaging; maximum b-value 800s/mm(2)) prior to surgery. The sonographic findings, USgFNA cytology, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of DWI were correlated with the postoperative histology of benign and malignant lesions. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Fisher's exact test. P<.05 denoted statistical significance. The accuracy of sonography and USgFNA was 64% and 68.8%, respectively. The sensitivity was 86.7% and 80%, respectively. Specificity was only 57.2% and 50%, respectively. The median ADC values for carcinoma and adenoma were 2.73 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s and 1.93 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively (P<.001). There was no significant difference between the median ADC value for Hashimoto thyroiditis (3.46 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s) and carcinoma. An ADC value of 2.25 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s or higher was proven to be the cut-off value for differentiating between benign and malignant cold thyroid nodules, with an accuracy of 88%, a sensitivity of 85%, and a specificity of 100%. These results show that quantitative DWI is a more reliable diagnostic method for differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid lesions than sonography or USgFNA. However, further studies including a larger study population are necessary to confirm our study results.
    European journal of radiology 02/2009; 73(3):538-44. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: CT-MR image data fusion for computer-assisted navigated surgery of orbital tumors.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To demonstrate the value of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative assessment of orbital tumors, and to present, particularly, CT and MR image data fusion for surgical planning and performance in computer-assisted navigated surgery of orbital tumors. In this retrospective case series, 10 patients with orbital tumors and associated complaints underwent MDCT and MRI of the orbit. MDCT was performed at high resolution, with a bone window level setting in the axial plane. MRI was performed with an axial 3D T1-weighted (w) gradient-echo (GE) contrast-enhanced sequence, in addition to a standard MRI protocol. First, MDCT and MR images were used to diagnose tumorous lesions compared to histology as a standard of reference. Then, the image data sets from CT and 3D T1-w GE sequences were merged on a workstation to create CT-MR fusion images that were used for interventional planning and intraoperative image guidance. The intraoperative accuracy of the navigation unit was measured, defined as the deviation between the same landmark in the navigation image and the patient. Furthermore, the clinical preoperative status was compared to the patients' postoperative outcome. Radiological and histological diagnosis, which revealed 7 benign and 3 malignant tumors, were concordant in 7 of 10 cases (70%). The CT-MR fusion images supported the surgeon in the preoperative planning and improved the surgical performance. The mean intraoperative accuracy of the navigation unit was 1.35mm. Postoperatively, orbital complaints showed complete regression in 6 cases, were ameliorated notably in 3 cases, and remained unchanged in 1 case. CT and MRI are essential for the preoperative assessment of orbital tumors. CT-MR image data fusion is an accurate tool for planning the correct surgical procedure, and can improve surgical results in computer-assisted navigated surgery of orbital tumors.
    European journal of radiology 01/2009; 73(2):224-9. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Diagnostic imaging in Merkel cell carcinoma: lessons to learn from 16 cases with correlation of sonography, CT, MRI and PET.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The authors report imaging findings in a series of 16 patients with MCC, a rare tumour which is often managed primarily by a dermatologist. To our knowledge, no equivalent series of MCC has been described in the nuclear medicine literature. In this IRB-approved retrospective noncomparative case series 16 patients with biopsy-proven Merkel cell carcinoma were included between January 1999 and October 2007. Twenty-nine whole body PET scans (18F-FDG n=24, 18F-FDOPA n=5) in 16 patients were retrospectively reviewed with regard to tracer uptake in six anatomical sites per patient. For 127/144 of FDG-PET evaluated regions and 68/144 of regions depicted by conventional imaging methods, a valid standard of reference could be obtained. A combined standard of reference was applied, which consisted of histopathology (lymphadenectomy or biopsy) or clinical or radiological follow-up for at least 12 months. Results: the mean FDG uptake over the clinicopatholigical verified FDG avid areas was 4.7 SUV (1.5-9.9 SUV). The region based assessment of diagnostic value, in consideration of the standard of reference, resulted in a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 96.2% of FDG-PET (n=127) and in a combined sensitivity of 95.5% and a specificity of 89.1% for morphological imaging methods (n=68). Differences between methods did not reach statistical significance (p=1.00, p=0.18). FDG-PET is a highly useful whole body staging method of comparable value compared to conventional imaging methods with restricted field of view. The lessons learned from case series are discussed.
    European journal of radiology 01/2009; 73(2):317-23. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To evaluate whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a reliable technique to quantify microstructural differences between head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and tumour-free soft tissue. DWI was obtained from 20 patients with histologically proven, untreated head and neck SCC. DWI was acquired using a diffusion-weighted, navigated echo-planar imaging sequence with a maximum b-value of 800 s/mm2. For an objective assessment of image quality, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated. Microstructural differences between vital tumour tissue and tumour-free soft tissue were quantified by calculating the apparent-diffusion-coefficients (ADC) on a pixel by pixel method. Echo-planar DWI provided good image quality in all patients (mean SNR 18.4). The mean ADC of SCC, (0.64+/-0.28 x 10(-3) mm2/s), was significantly (P<0.0001) lower than that of the tumour-free soft tissue, (2.51+/-0.82 x 10(-3) mm2/s). DWI is a reliable diagnostic tool to quantify the microstructural differences between vital tumour tissue and tumour-free soft tissue in patients with head and neck SCC.
    European journal of radiology 12/2008; 68(3):493-8. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Pseudodynamic MRI differs from natural opening of the temporomandibular joint.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: One step toward motion analysis of the temporomandibular joint is pseudodynamic magnetic resonance imaging (i.e., with stepwise mouth opening controlled by a Burnett device). This study intends to clarify whether and how pseudodynamic motion differs from natural motion. Furthermore, the fixing efficiency (i.e., the reliability of the mechanical connection to the jaw) of the Burnett device was tested. In 10 patients we recorded pseudodynamic opening motions by means of MRI and optical tracking technology (as known from image-guided surgery) synchronously; natural opening motions by spatiotemporal tracking only. The MRI was used to allow for interpretation of the pseudodynamic motion as recorded by means of optoelectronic tracking. In 3 subjects the pseudodynamic differed from the natural opening in occurrence of a loop (i.e., a short backward motion of the condyle during the opening process that results from the application of the Burnett device and does not correspond to a natural jaw movement). Fifty percent of the opening steps showed unintended motion and thus did not keep the mandible still during the MRI scan. A method was provided to detect motion during MRI scan using optoelectronic tracking. Pseudodynamic motion may differ from natural motion.
    Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics 04/2008; 105(3):371-8. · 1.50 Impact Factor
  • Article: Sinonasal imaging after Caldwell-Luc surgery: MDCT findings of an abandoned procedure in times of functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Today, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is performed in most of the patients with sinonasal inflammatory disease. The postoperative imaging findings of FESS in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) considerably differ from those of historic Caldwell-Luc (CL) maxillary sinus surgery which is an uncommon procedure today. Thus, the postoperative CL imaging findings may lead to diagnostic confusion and misinterpretation. Therefore, this study explicitly presents the MDCT findings of post-CL patients which have not been described previously. Twenty-eight patients with clinically suspected sinusitis and documented history of CL-procedure underwent 16 row MDCT (MDCT Mx8000 IDT Philips) with multiplanar reconstructions of the paranasal sinuses in the axial plane. The following parameters were used: 140kV, 50mAs; 16mmx0.75mm detector collimation; 1mm reconstructed slice thickness; 0.5mm increment. The studies were reconstructed with a bone algorithm (W3000/L600; 1mm slice thickness) in axial plane and coronal plane (3mm slice thickness). The images were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of normal surgery-related and pathological findings. Surgery-related imaging characteristics presented as follows: an anterior and a medial bony wall defect and sclerosis and sinus wall thickening were observed in all 28/28 cases (100%). Collaps of the sinus cavity was seen in 26/28 cases (92.9%). Furthermore, inflammatory disease of the operated sinus(es) was found in 23/28 cases (82.1%): 14/28 patients (50%) had inflammatory mucosal thickening of the operated sinus(es) as well as of other sinonasal cavities and 9/28 patients (32.1%) had inflammatory mucosal thickening limited to the operated sinus(es). A postoperative mucocele was depicted in 3/28 cases (10.7%). 2/28 patients (7.1%) showed neither maxillary nor other mucosal swelling. MDCT with multiplanar reconstructions is a precise method to evaluate post-CL patients and helps to differentiate normal surgery-related findings, which may mimic pathology, from real pathological findings.
    European journal of radiology 03/2008; 70(1):31-4. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Perineural tumor spread in malignant head and neck tumors.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Perineural tumor spread (PNS) of head and neck malignancies is a course of disease in which tumor metastasizes along the endoneurium or perineurium. Perineural tumor spread is a potentially devastating complication of head and neck cancer and has a high impact on the therapeutical management and overall prognosis. Imaging plays an important role in the detection of this condition, especially in view of a large number of clinically asymptomatic patients with PNS. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice in the assessment of PNS because of its multiplanar capability and its superior soft-tissue contrast. Knowledge of normal cranial nerve anatomy and the imaging appearance of perineural tumor extension is imperative in the evaluation of PNS which represents a special challenge in head and neck radiology.
    Topics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging 01/2008; 18(6):467-71.
  • Article: Detection of cutaneous invasion by malignant head and neck tumors with MDCT.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Cutaneous invasion by direct infiltration and metastasis, in malignant head and neck tumors, has a distinct impact on therapeutic options, especially surgical procedures, curative intent, and overall prognosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in detecting cutaneous invasion by malignant head and neck tumors. Nineteen patients with malignant head and neck tumors and clinical suspicion of cutaneous invasion routinely underwent contrast-enhanced 16-row MDCT (Philips MDCT MX 8000) of the region of interest in the axial plane before surgical intervention. The following parameters were used: 16mmx0.75mm detector collimation; 3mm reconstructed slice thickness; 1.5mm increment; 0.75s rotation speed; 120kV, 200mAs; and 100ml non-ionic contrast agent, i.v., with a flow of 2.0ml/s and a scan delay of 50s. The studies were reconstructed with a soft tissue algorithm (W400, L100 HU), and coronal and sagittal planes were also reconstructed. The axial images were retrospectively reviewed in consensus by two radiologists for the evidence of cutaneous invasion blinded to the histological results. The MDCT results were correlated with histology that was obtained by punch biopsy or surgery. MDCT correctly revealed 11 of 11 cases with cutaneous invasion, and correctly excluded 4 of 8 cases without cutaneous invasion. The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in detecting cutaneous invasion showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 50%, and an overall accuracy of 79%. MDCT reconstructed with a soft tissue algorithm has a good sensitivity and moderate overall accuracy in detecting cutaneous invasion by malignant head and neck tumors.
    European Journal of Radiology 01/2008; 68(2):335-9. · 2.61 Impact Factor
  • Article: Evaluation of bone surface registration applying a micro-needle array.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: In this study we present and evaluated a new registration technology for the jaw-bone surface. It is based on a micromechatronic device for the generation of a "mechanical image" of the bone surface by means of an array of micro-needles that are penetrating the soft tissue until they touch the surface of the bone. This "mechanical impression image" is aligned with the CT data set. Based on laboratory measurements on 10 specially prepared jawbone models we evaluate the accuracy of this new registration method. Results: Our measurements of the 10 specimens revealed a maximum overall location error of 0.97 mm (range: 0.35-0.97 mm). From the technical point of view the presented registration technology has the potential to improve the performance (i.e. accuracy and avoidance of errors) of the registration process for bony structures in selected applications of image-guided surgery.
    Journal Of Clinical Periodontology 12/2007; 34(11):991-7. · 3.00 Impact Factor
  • Article: CT-MR image data fusion for computer assisted navigated neurosurgery of temporal bone tumors.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To demonstrate the value of multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative work up of temporal bone tumors and to present, especially, CT and MR image fusion for surgical planning and performance in computer assisted navigated neurosurgery of temporal bone tumors. Fifteen patients with temporal bone tumors underwent MDCT and MRI. MDCT was performed in high-resolution bone window level setting in axial plane. The reconstructed MDCT slice thickness was 0.8 mm. MRI was performed in axial and coronal plane with T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences, un-enhanced and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequences, and coronal T1-weighted SE sequences with fat suppression and with 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo (GE) contrast-enhanced sequences in axial plane. The 3D T1-weighted GE sequence had a slice thickness of 1mm. Image data sets of CT and 3D T1-weighted GE sequences were merged utilizing a workstation to create CT-MR fusion images. MDCT and MR images were separately used to depict and characterize lesions. The fusion images were utilized for interventional planning and intraoperative image guidance. The intraoperative accuracy of the navigation unit was measured, defined as the deviation between the same landmark in the navigation image and the patient. Tumorous lesions of bone and soft tissue were well delineated and characterized by CT and MR images. The images played a crucial role in the differentiation of benign and malignant pathologies, which consisted of 13 benign and 2 malignant tumors. The CT-MR fusion images supported the surgeon in preoperative planning and improved surgical performance. The mean intraoperative accuracy of the navigation system was 1.25 mm. CT and MRI are essential in the preoperative work up of temporal bone tumors. CT-MR image data fusion presents an accurate tool for planning the correct surgical procedure and is a benefit for the operational results in computer assisted navigated neurosurgery of temporal bone tumors.
    European Journal of Radiology 06/2007; 62(2):192-8. · 2.61 Impact Factor