Academic radiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Perioperative Colonic Evaluation in Patients with Rectal Cancer; MR Colonography Versus Standard Care.
Preoperative colonic evaluation is often inadequate because of cancer stenosis making a full conventional colonoscopy (CC) impossible. In several studies, cancer stenosis has been shown in up to 16%-34% of patients with colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the completion rate of preoperative colonic evaluation and the quality of perioperative colonic evaluation using magnetic resonance colonography (MRC) in patients with rectal cancer. ⋯ MRC is a valuable tool and is recommended as part of the standard preoperative evaluation for patients with rectal cancer.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A pilot trial to examine the effect of high-dose niacin on arterial wall inflammation using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
Although studies have reported direct inhibition of inflammatory pathways with niacin, the effect of niacin on arterial wall inflammation remains unknown. We examined the effect of niacin on arterial (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). ⋯ In this pilot study, adding niacin to statin therapy did not affect arterial wall inflammation measured by FDG-PET/CT. However, an association between changes in arterial FDG uptake and LDL-P was observed. Larger studies are needed to definitively examine the effect of niacin on arterial wall inflammation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Low-concentration contrast medium for 128-slice dual-source CT coronary angiography at a very low radiation dose using prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition.
To assess the impact of low-concentration contrast medium on vascular enhancement, image quality, and radiation dose of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA) by using prospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition with low tube voltage in combination with iterative reconstruction. ⋯ Combining IRT with high-pitch spiral acquisition mode and low-tube-voltage technique, a low-concentration contrast medium of 270 mg I/mL can still maintain the contrast enhancement in coronary arteries without impairing image quality and significantly lower the radiation dose.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
IMpact of Platelet Rich plasma OVer alternative therapies in patients with lateral Epicondylitis (IMPROVE): protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled study: a multicenter, randomized trial comparing autologous platelet-rich plasma, autologous whole blood, dry needle tendon fenestration, and physical therapy exercises alone on pain and quality of life in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is the most common cause of lateral elbow pain and the second most frequently diagnosed musculoskeletal disorder in the neck and upper limb in a primary care setting. Many therapeutic options, including conservative, surgical, and minimally invasive procedures, have been advocated for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Although numerous small studies have been performed to assess the efficacy of various treatments, there are conflicting results with no clear consensus on the optimal treatment. In an economic environment with limited health care resources, it is paramount that optimal cost-effective therapies with favorable patient-important outcomes be identified. ⋯ This study has ethics approval from the McMaster University Research Ethics Board (REB# 12-146) and the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRB# HUM00067750). Successful completion of this proposed study will significantly impact clinical practice and enhance patients' lives. More broadly, this trial will develop a network of collaboration from which further high-quality trials in ultrasound-guided interventions will follow.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of iodine delivery rate with varying flow rates on image quality in dual-energy CT of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
To prospectively compare four contrast material injection protocols for dual-energy computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (DE-CTPA) in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). ⋯ Despite increased artifacts on iodine perfusion maps, highly concentrated iodinated contrast material combined with high flow rates provides improved diagnostic image quality and has the highest target-tract attenuation for DE-CTPA protocols.