Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
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A review of MRI findings in seven patients with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome was carried out. Seven patients presented with unilateral painful ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were carried out to evaluate the cavernous sinuses and orbits. ⋯ One patient had a relapse of symptoms after discontinuing therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of the cavernous sinus and orbital apex show high sensitivity for the detection and follow up of inflammatory mass lesions in Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging should be the initial screening study in these patients.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialPatients' preference for radiotherapy fractionation schedule in the palliation of symptomatic unresectable lung cancer.
The palliative radiotherapeutic management of unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer is controversial, with various fractionation (Fx) schedules available. We aimed to determine patient's choice of Fx schedule after involvement in a decision-making process using a decision board. A decision board outlining the various advantages and disadvantages apparent in the Medical Research Council study of Fx schedules (17 Gy in two fractions vs 39 Gy in 13 fractions) was discussed with patients who met Medical Research Council eligibility criteria. ⋯ The decision board was useful in aiding decision-making, with both Fx schedules being acceptable to patients. Interestingly, despite the longer average survival associated with longer Fx, nearly half of the patients believed that this was not as important as a shorter duration of treatment and lower cost. Despite patients' preferences, there were significant alterations of preferred schedules because of RO's own biases.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Oct 2008
Clinical TrialRetrievable Gunther Tulip inferior vena cava filter: experience in 317 patients.
The aim of our study was to assess our experience with the retrievable Gunther Tulip (GT) inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, with regard to its insertion, efficacy, ease of placement and retrieval, and associated complications. Between November 2001 and October 2005, 322 GT filters were placed in 317 patients. Insertion indications included the following: pulmonary embolus (PE) prophylaxis in trauma patients (n = 232), PE prophylaxis in perioperative patients (n = 27), PE prophylaxis in moribund intensive care unit patients (n = 22), recent PE (n = 48), extensive deep venous thrombosis (n = 66), contraindication to anticoagulation (n = 63), anticoagulation complication (n = 8) and deep venous thrombosis with failed anticoagulation (n = 8). ⋯ The mean time from filter insertion to attempted retrieval was 76.95 days. The ideal filter implantation time gives the patient the benefit of PE protection, while avoiding the long-term risks associated with caval filters. Although GT retrieval times have lengthened considerably, our data suggest that this is at the expense of successful retrieval rates.