European journal of radiology
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Aim of this study was to compare the utility of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) with the established diagnostic techniques CT and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) in their detecting capacity of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and further to compare the combined SWI/FLAIR MRI data with CT to evaluate whether MRI is more accurate than CT. ⋯ By combining SWI and FLAIR, MRI yields a distinctly higher detection rate for SAH than CT alone, particularly due to their complementary detection characteristics in different anatomical regions. Detection strength of SWI is high in central areas, whereas FLAIR shows a better detection rate in peripheral areas.
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To evaluates a semi-automated method for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) measurement using ECG-gated Dual Source CT Angiogram (DSCTA). ⋯ Compared to the commonly used manual method, semi-automated measurement of vessel dimensions is feasible in the thoracic aorta with the advantage of reduced post-processing time.
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Dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) allows imaging of the physiology of the microcirculation. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of time intensity curve (TIC) and DCE parameters for characterization of orbital masses. ⋯ DCE-MRI, especially the qualitative TIC pattern and quantitative value of Slopemax, ERmax and Tpeak, could be a complementary investigation in distinguishing malignant orbital tumor from benign ones.
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Maximum diameter and growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) which are currently used as the only variables to set the indication for elective repair are recorded through computed tomography (CT) measurements on an axial plane or on an orthogonal plane that is perpendicular to vessel centerline, interchangeably. We will attempt to record possible discrepancies between the two methods, identify whether such differences could influence therapeutic decisions and determine in which cases this should be expected. ⋯ Although the mean difference between measurements is low there is a wide range among cases, mainly observed in asymmetrical AAAs. ShapeIndex may identify those which are more likely to be misestimated. CT measurements performed to establish AAA growth rates should consistently use either the axial or orthogonal technique to avoid inaccuracies from occurring.
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It remains unclear whether direct vessel wall imaging can identify carotid high-risk lesions in symptomatic subjects and whether carotid plaque characteristics are more effective indicators for cerebral infarct severity than stenosis. This study sought to determine the associations of carotid plaque characteristics by MR imaging with stenosis and acute cerebral infarct (ACI) sizes on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). ⋯ A substantial number of high-risk plaques characterized by vessel wall imaging exist in carotid arteries with lower grade stenosis. In addition, carotid plaque characteristics, particularly the % wall volume and LRNC size, are independently associated with cerebral infarction as measured by DWI lesions. Our findings indicate that characterizing atherosclerotic plaque by MR vessel wall imaging might be useful for stratification of plaque risk and infarction severity.