AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Apr 2010
ReviewOptimizing detectability of renal pathology with MDCT: protocols, pearls, and pitfalls.
The purpose of this article is to review MDCT acquisition protocol parameters and interpretative practices for evaluating genitourinary lesions other than classic renal cell carcinoma, to optimize lesion detectability and accurately characterize pathologic abnormalities. ⋯ With the goal of refining interpretative performance, this pictorial essay shows the patterns of conspicuity unique to each genitourinary pathologic abnormality, presents experience-based recommendations to improve detection and characterization using multiphasic MDCT, and describes pitfalls to be avoided.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Apr 2010
Pilot study assessing differentiation of steatosis hepatis, hepatic iron overload, and combined disease using two-point dixon MRI at 3 T: in vitro and in vivo results of a 2D decomposition technique.
The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether two-point Dixon MRI using a 2D decomposition technique facilitates metabolite differentiation between lipids and iron in standardized in vitro liver phantoms with in vivo patient validation and allows semiquantitative in vitro assessment of metabolites associated with steatosis, iron overload, and combined disease. ⋯ MR Dixon imaging facilitates metabolite decomposition of intrahepatic lipids and iron using in vitro phantoms with in vivo patient validation. The proposed decomposition technique identified distinct in-phase/opposed-phase and fat/water ratios for in vitro steatosis, iron overload, and combined disease.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Apr 2010
Frequency of use of imaging tests in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: effects of physician specialty, patient characteristics, and region.
The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether clinical practice in diagnosing pulmonary embolism is consistent with recommendations in the literature and to explore variations in practice across site of care (e.g., emergency department), physician and patient characteristics, and geographic location. ⋯ Physician practice in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is broadly consistent with recommendations. However, variations by physician specialty and geographic location may be evidence of inappropriate imaging.
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This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of a new grading system for lumbar foraminal stenosis. ⋯ The new grading system for foraminal stenosis of the lumbar spine showed nearly perfect interobserver and intraobserver agreement and would be helpful for clinical study and routine practice.