European journal of radiology
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Review Meta Analysis
Diagnostic accuracy of post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses, children and adults: a systematic review.
To determine, in a systematic review, the diagnostic accuracy, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of less invasive autopsy by post-mortem MR imaging, in fetuses, children and adults. We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane library and reference lists to identify all studies comparing post-mortem MR imaging with conventional autopsy, published between January 1990 and March 2009. 539 abstracts were identified; 15 papers met the inclusion criteria; data from 9 studies were extracted (total: 146 fetuses, 11 children and 24 adults). ⋯ Insufficient data is available on acceptability and economic evaluation of post-mortem MR imaging. Well designed, large, prospective studies are required to evaluate the accuracy of post-mortem MR imaging, before it can be offered as a clinical tool.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The infiltration of the AC joint performed by one specialist: ultrasound versus palpation a prospective randomized pilot study.
The acromio-clavicular (AC) joint is very susceptible to degenerative processes that result in pain and functional impairment. One common modality of treatment has been local infiltration of the joint space. Although this procedure has produced notable positive results, needle misplacement occurs frequently. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of an intra articular infiltration by comparing precise needle placement into the joint space using high-resolution-ultrasound with the conventional palpation technique. ⋯ Ultrasound guided infiltration of the AC joint is an easily achieved procedure without any complications. However, clinical follow-up did not differ between free-hand and ultrasound-guided AC joint space infiltration.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of quantitative dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI perfusion estimates obtained using different contrast-agent administration schemes at 3T.
Absolute cerebral perfusion parameters were obtained by dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) carried out using different contrast-agent administration protocols. Sixteen healthy volunteers underwent three separate DSC-MRI examinations each, receiving single-dose (0.1 mmol/kg b.w.) gadobutrol, double-dose gadobutrol and single-dose gadobenate-dimeglumine on different occasions. DSC-MRI was performed using single-shot gradient-echo echo-planar imaging at 3T. ⋯ The present results showed increased absolute values of CBV and CBF at higher dose, not predicted by the assumption of a quadratic response to contrast-agent concentration in blood. This indicates that the signal components of measured AIFs were not purely of arterial origin and that arterial signal components were more effectively extinguished at higher CA dose. This study also indicates that it may not be completely straightforward to compare absolute perfusion estimates obtained with different CA administration routines.
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To assess the feasibility and potential limitations of the acceleration techniques SENSE and k-t BLAST for time-resolved three-dimensional (3D) velocity mapping of aortic blood flow. Furthermore, to quantify differences in peak velocity versus heart phase curves. ⋯ We demonstrated the feasibility of SENSE and detected potential limitations of k-t BLAST when used for time-resolved 3D velocity mapping. The effects of higher k-t BLAST acceleration factors have to be considered for application in 3D velocity mapping.
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The aim of the current study was to compare the diagnostic information obtained from a helical CT examination in low severity cervical spine trauma with that from a lateral CT scout view. We included alert and clinically stable patients, who had suffered acute blunt trauma of low or moderate severity. Their scout images were interpreted independently by two radiologists and the final outcome of the CT exam which was the gold standard. ⋯ There were three false negative and one false positive cases. The effective dose value was estimated to be 0.02 mSv which is at least two orders of magnitude lower than that from a CT scan. When clinical examination is not suggestive of a C1-C2 fracture, adequate depiction of an intact cervical spine at the scout view, without proceeding to a full CT scan, is a sufficient dose and time-effective imaging approach.