Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI
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J Magn Reson Imaging · Dec 2009
Gadolinium-based contrast agents and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: why did it happen and what have we learned?
This article addresses two questions about gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF): "Why did it happen" and "What have we learned"? It reviews the events leading to the discovery of an association between NSF and GBCAs. Various factors are elucidated that contributed to the delay between the time when GBCA came into widespread clinical use and a link was made with NSF, including use in renal-compromised patients, high-dose magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), lack of documentation and adequate databases, policy and regulatory changes, and an absence of scientific evidence. The authors conclude that the overriding cause was lack of awareness. ⋯ Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1236-1239. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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J Magn Reson Imaging · Nov 2009
Diffusion-weighted MRI: a new tool for the diagnosis of fistula in ano.
To retrospectively determine the additional value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to T2-weighted imaging in the evaluation of anal fistulae in comparison with gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced imaging. ⋯ Diffusion-weighted MRI of anal fistulae is a useful sequence and can be a helpful adjunct to T2-weighted imaging, especially in patients with risk factors for contrast agents.
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To investigate the feasibility of a vessel size imaging (VSI) technique with separate contrast agent injections for evaluation of the vessel caliber in normal tissues and in brain tumors. ⋯ This study suggests that VSI with a dual injection method is a feasible technique for estimating microvascular calibers of normal tissues and brain tumors in clinical scanners.