AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Mar 2015
ReviewRadiologic manifestations of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
OBJECTIVE. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction promises to become an effective treatment option in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ⋯ CONCLUSION. Familiarity with the intended effects and adverse events will aid the radiologist in supporting bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.
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OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the use of MRI in breast density measurement and breast cancer risk estimation and to discuss the role of MRI as an alternative screening to mammography for screening women with dense breasts. ⋯ The potential of MRI for screening women with dense breasts remains controversial because of the paucity of clinical evidence, the possibility of overdiagnosis, and the cost-effectiveness of the technique in this population. Although methods of MRI measurement require standardization and automation, future addition of MRI density to risk models may positively impact their value.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Feb 2015
ReviewAlternative screening for women with dense breasts: breast-specific gamma imaging (molecular breast imaging).
OBJECTIVE. Given mammography's limitations in evaluating dense breasts, examination with breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI)-also called molecular breast imaging (MBI)-has been proposed. We review the literature pertinent to the performance of BSGI in patients with dense breasts. ⋯ Many studies have reported the sensitivity of BSGI in finding cancers even in dense breasts. However, BSGI has not yet been validated as an effective screening tool in large prospective studies. In addition, whole-body dose remains a significant concern.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Dec 2014
ReviewAccuracy of MRI in diagnosing peripheral nerve disease: a systematic review of the literature.
MRI is increasingly being used to evaluate extracranial peripheral nerve disease in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to systematically review the accuracy of MRI in distinguishing normal from abnormal extracranial peripheral nerves. ⋯ There is significant heterogeneity between studies investigating the accuracy of MRI. Studies have shown that nerve T2-weighted or STIR hyperintensity, nerve enlargement, and nerve flattening are associated with peripheral nerve disease.
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Key points. 1. CT is used to confirm the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis when the diagnosis is in doubt and to differentiate acute interstitial pancreatitis from necrotizing pancreatitis, which is a key element of the updated Atlanta nomenclature. The acute interstitial variety accounts for 90-95% of cases, with acute necrotizing pancreatitis accounting for the remaining cases. 2. ⋯ Mild acute pancreatitis has neither acute complications nor organ failure. Moderate-severity acute pancreatitis is associated with acute complications or organ failure lasting fewer than 48 hours. Severe acute pancreatitis is characterized by single- or multiorgan failure persisting for greater than 48 hours.