Magnetic resonance imaging clinics of North America
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Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am · Feb 1996
ReviewContrast-enhanced MR imaging of the bladder and prostate.
The staging of both bladder and prostate carcinoma is important to determine appropriate therapy. Routine clinical staging of these tumors, however, has only limited accuracy. This article reviews the literature on contrast-enhanced MR of both bladder and prostate cancer, including technique optimization and potential benefits of contrast-enhanced studies.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that is often diagnosed by careful history and physical examination. Symptoms from cervical disc disease, thoracic outlet syndrome, and more proximal entrapment syndromes of the median nerve may be confused clinically with carpal tunnel syndrome. Incision of the flexor retinaculum in these patients will not relieve the symptoms, because the locus of the entrapment is not in the carpal tunnel. ⋯ Knowledge of the course of the median nerve may be helpful when planning corticosteroid injection or surgery, especially with the endoscopic technique. MR imaging also may serve a role in postoperative evaluation of patients with recurrent symptoms by demonstrating an incomplete release of the flexor retinaculum or healing of an incised retinaculum. These unique abilities of MR imaging makes it a useful diagnostic tool not only for the initial evaluation and management but also in the postoperative evaluation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Specialized rf coils and pulse sequence techniques for contrast-enhanced breast imaging have been a focus of recent attention in MR imaging research. The imaging strategies for maximizing sensitivity and specificity involve trade-offs between spatial and temporal resolution. This article discusses these issues and others, such as considerations for coil design, fat suppression, patient positioning, motion artifact reduction, and methods for quantitative measurement of dynamic contrast enhancement.