AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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The purposes of this article are to summarize the basic concept and the strategies of reporter imaging; introduce reporter genes frequently used in optical imaging, nuclear medicine, and MRI for in vivo application; and show typical examples of reporter gene imaging. ⋯ In molecular biology, many reporter genes have been developed for monitoring cellular processes. Development of controlled gene delivery systems promotes construction of various types of reporter genes for monitoring the level of a gene expression, promoter activity, and protein-protein interaction. When an imaging reporter gene is placed under the control of a promoter, the amount of reporter protein can be dynamically visualized in vivo. Instrumental advances in molecular imaging have increased the sensitivity and resolution of in vivo reporter imaging. Though several types of reporters and multimodal imaging instruments are currently available, more efficient multimodal reporter gene systems and detectors compatible with several imaging modalities are needed.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jul 2013
ReviewImaging after direct and indirect extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery.
The purpose of this article is to describe the imaging features of different types of surgical cerebral revascularization techniques. ⋯ Surgical cerebral revascularization involves direct and indirect techniques. Direct revascularization entails anastomosing a branch of the external carotid artery to a cerebral artery. Indirect revascularization involves delivering an extracranial vascular supply in proximity to the surface of the brain. The results of these techniques have distinctive imaging features.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2013
ReviewPulmonary CT angiography as first-line imaging for PE: image quality and radiation dose considerations.
This article reviews dose reduction techniques in pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) for imaging pulmonary embolism (PE). Dose reduction technologies covered include tube current modulation, kilovoltage modulation, scanning length modification, dynamic z-axis collimation, iterative reconstruction, and dual-energy CT. Age- and weight-specific imaging techniques are suggested. ⋯ Pulmonary CTA plays a vital role in imaging PE. Using dose reduction technologies can provide high-quality diagnostic imaging with a significant reduction in patient dose.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2013
ReviewBreast imaging of the pregnant and lactating patient: imaging modalities and pregnancy-associated breast cancer.
The purpose of this article is to review key clinical, histologic, and imaging features of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. A discussion of imaging modalities, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, and imaging-based interventions available for evaluating this population is provided. ⋯ Successful detection of pregnancy-associated breast cancer requires knowledge of key clinical and imaging features of pregnancy-associated breast carcinoma and selection of the appropriate imaging workup and intervention.
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Dual-energy CT (DECT) is an innovative imaging technique that operates on the basic principle of application of two distinct energy settings that make the transition from CT attenuation-based imaging to material-specific or spectral imaging. The purpose of this review is to describe the use of DECT in oncology. ⋯ Applications of DECT in clinical practice are based on two capabilities: material differentiation and material identification and quantification. The capability of obtaining different material-specific datasets (iodine map, virtual unenhanced, and monochromatic images) in the same acquisition can improve lesion detection and characterization. This approach can also affect evaluation of the response to therapy and detection of oncology-related disorders. DECT is an innovative imaging technique that can dramatically affect the care of oncologic patients.