European journal of radiology
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Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) provides information on the diffusivity of water molecules in the human body. Technological advances and the development of the concept of diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) have opened the path for routine clinical whole-body DWI. Whole-body DWI allows detection and characterization of both oncological and non-oncological lesions throughout the entire body. This article reviews the basic principles of DWI and the development of whole-body DWI, illustrates its potential clinical applications, and discusses its limitations and challenges.
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Review Meta Analysis
Multi-detector row CT angiography in the assessment of coronary in-stent restenosis: a systematic review.
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy of multi-detector row computed tomography angiography (MDCT) for detection of coronary in-stent restenosis in patients treated with coronary stenting when compared to invasive catheter angiography. ⋯ The results showed that MDCT angiography (with 16 or more detector rows) has moderate sensitivity and high specificity for the detection of coronary in-stent restenosis when compared to invasive catheter angiography. A high specificity value of MDCT may be most valuable as a non-invasive technique of excluding coronary stent restenosis or occlusion. The main factors affecting visualization are stent diameters and stent materials.
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The choice of therapies for Crohn's disease has expanded greatly over the past 30 years. Increasingly it is important that we attempt to identify subgroups of patients who will benefit most from each type of therapy. This article reviews the therapeutic options currently available, organized by the goal the practitioner hopes to achieve. Imaging is one critical way of aiding the classification of Crohn's disease by attempting to accurately determine the location, extent and, most importantly, the nature of the disease.
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Despite the growing role of imaging, trauma remains the leading cause of death in people below the age of 45 years in the western industrialized countries. Trauma has been touted as the largest epidemic in the 20th century. ⋯ However, there are still challenges in CT imaging of the polytrauma individual including time restraints, diagnostic errors, radiation dose effects and bridging the gap between anatomy and physiology. This article will analyze these challenges and provide possible solutions offered by the unique design of the dual source CT scanner.
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Among the various imaging modalities available, CT has remained over time the core imaging technique for the evaluation of respiratory disorders. The recent advent of dual-source CT offers innovative approaches to investigate thoracic diseases, based on the use of one or two tubes as well as single or dual energy to scan the entire thorax. ⋯ Dual-source, dual-energy acquisitions represent another very innovative means of investigating respiratory disorders, adding tissue characterization and functional analysis to morphological evaluation. The purpose of this review article is to provide results on preliminary experiences with the above-mentioned scanning conditions with dual-source CT and to envisage potential forthcoming applications in the field of thoracic imaging.