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E Prvulovich

Publications and source records attributed to E Prvulovich.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

EANM/ESC procedural guidelines for myocardial perfusion imaging in nuclear cardiology.

The European procedural guidelines for radionuclide imaging of myocardial perfusion and viability are presented in 13 sections covering patient information, radiopharmaceuticals, injected activities and dosimetry, stress tests, imaging protocols and acquisition, quality control and reconstruction methods, gated studies and attenuation-scatter compensation, data analysis, reports and image display, and positron emission tomography. If the specific recommendations given could not be based on evidence from original, scientific studies, we tried to express this state-of-art. The guidelines are designed to assist in the practice of performing, interpreting and reporting myocardial perfusion SPET. The guidelines do not discuss clinical indications, benefits or drawbacks of radionuclide myocardial imaging compared to non-nuclear techniques, nor do they cover cost benefit or cost effectiveness.

Cardiology↗

A new approach to pre-treatment assessment of the N0 neck in oral squamous cell carcinoma: the role of sentinel node biopsy and positron emission tomography.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-operative staging of the clinically N(0) neck in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma is hindered by the relatively high false negative/positive rates of conventional imaging techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of (18)F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and sentinel lymph node (SLN) imaging and biopsy to determine the true disease status of the loco-regional lymphatics. METHODS: Nineteen patients with biopsy proven disease without palpable or radiological evidence of neck metastases underwent pre-operative (18)F-FDG PET and SLN imaging. All patients underwent whole-body FDG PET and a single view of the head and neck. SLN technique was performed using four peri-tumoural injections of (99m)Tc labeled albumin colloid each of 10 MBq. Dynamic and static imaging followed in the antero-posterior and lateral projections. At operation 1 ml of 2.5% Patent Blue Dye and a hand held gamma probe (Neoprobe 1500) were used in combination to identify and remove the SLN. Surgery then continued along conventional lines including a neck dissection. Histology of the resultant specimen was correlated with that of the SLN and pre-operative imaging. RESULTS: In all patients SLN harvesting was feasible. In 15/19 patients the SLN(s) and the residual neck dissection were -ve for tumour. In 3/19 patients the SLN(s) were +ve for tumour as were other neck nodes. In 1/19 patients the SLN was -ve but another single tumour +ve node was identified in the neck. This patient occurred early in our series with a SLN close to the primary tumour. (18)F-FDG PET failed to identify nodal disease in all four patients with histologically proven lymph node metastases. The size of these nodes ranged from 12 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm to 25 mm x 15 mm x 10 mm. CONCLUSION: SLN imaging and biopsy with probe and Patent Blue Dye guided harvest is feasible in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and can predict cervical nodal status. (18)F-FDG PET may be less useful.

Adult↗

Positron emission and computed X-ray tomography: a coming together.

We describe the introduction of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to the investigation of patients with cancer. The first such unit in the UK and its mode of operation is discussed and initial applications shown. Five hundred and thirty-five patients have been scanned with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose from mid-January 2002 to the end of August 2002. From this initial experience a clear view of the impact of this technology is emerging. It can now be stated that (1) PET/CT does speed up the throughput of patient studies by at least 25% and hence adds to the comfort of patients scanned; and (2) PET/CT leads to greater accuracy in the interpretation of data. In view of the routine availability of high quality PET and CT fused maps a significant development in radiotherapy planning is on the horizon. We discuss our experience at present and point to further developments in the near future.

Equipment Design↗

Nuclear medicine and radionuclide imaging: a survey of recruitment issues in the United Kingdom.

This wide ranging survey has highlighted difficulties in recruiting trained and committed individuals into nuclear medicine and radionuclide radiology. Several key factors have been recognised that reduce the attractiveness of the training. Recommendations include the rotation of medical senior house officers through nuclear medicine, reconsideration of dual accreditation in nuclear medicine and medicine, an increase in the number of consultant posts in nuclear medicine, parity of remuneration for nuclear medicine trainees and finally, an appropriate sessional provision for those providing radionuclide radiology services.

Education↗

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in clinical oncology: the referrer's perspective.

From January 2000 to April 2002 a prospective audit based on a questionnaire was carried out concerning the attitudes and viewpoints of clinicians referring patients to fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) scanning. A standard and structured audit form was posted to each referring doctor with the formal clinical report issued by the nuclear medicine consultant. Three hundred and thirty evaluable forms were analysed, a return rate of approximately 22%, from a total of 1500 PET patients studied during this period. FDG PET scanning was deemed by the referring physician to have altered the staging of cancer patients in 39% of all cases. Twenty-five per cent of patients were upstaged with FDG PET and 14% of patients downstaged. Patient management was changed in 39% of cases whilst a change in treatment occurred in 10% of cases. The reported FDG PET study was judged as being helpful in over 75% of all cases. These data further support evidence of the increasing role of FDG studies in the investigation of patients with cancer.

Adolescent↗

Nuclear cardiology in the UK: British Nuclear Cardiology Society survey 1994.

This study surveyed practice in nuclear cardiology in the UK in 1994. A questionnaire was sent to 219 centres performing nuclear imaging asking for details of current practice in nuclear cardiology. Replies were received from 192 centres (88%). Activity in performance of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and radionuclide ventriculography (RNV), anticipated changes in activity, differences between regional and district general hospitals, technical imaging parameters and referral sources were surveyed. Of the responding centres, 125 (65%) performed nuclear cardiology. More regional centres (85 vs 55%, P < 0.0003) performed a higher proportion (62 vs 24%, P < 0.001) of nuclear cardiology activity compared with district general hospitals. Nuclear medicine activity was estimated at 9.3 scans/1000/year, of which 8.9% was cardiology (0.82/1000/year; MPI, 0.56/1000/year; RNV, 0.26/1000/year). A comparison with previous surveys showed a significant increase of 24% in nuclear cardiology since 1988, with a strong rise in MPI (350%); however, RNV has fallen by 47%. Myocardial perfusion activity in the UK remains very low (25 and 5% for MPI and RNV respectively) when compared with the average of 2.2/1000/year for Europe and 10.8/1000/year for the USA. In conclusion, MPI has increased on average by 23% per annum (compound rate) since 1988, but in 1994 was still only 32% of the British Cardiac Society target of 2.6 scans/1000/year. Proper resourcing for capital expenditure on new equipment and new staff will be important to maintain momentum in closing the gap. Also important is clinical understanding, as already implemented by including nuclear cardiology in guidelines for specialist cardiology training.

Cardiology↗

Nuclear cardiology in the UK 1994: activity relative to Europe, USA, and British Cardiac Society targets.

OBJECTIVE: To survey practice in nuclear cardiology in the UK in 1994. DESIGN: A questionnaire was sent to 219 centres performing nuclear imaging asking for details of current practice in nuclear cardiology. Replies were received from 192 centres (88%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Activity in performance of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and radionuclide ventriculography (RNV), anticipated changes in activity, differences between regional and district hospitals, technical imaging parameters, and referral sources. RESULTS: Of the responding centres, 125 (65%) performed nuclear cardiology procedures. More regional than district hospitals performed nuclear cardiology procedures (85% v 55%, p < 0.0003) and regional centres performed a higher proportion (62% v 24%, p < 0.001) of nuclear cardiology activity. Nuclear cardiology activity was 0.82 scans per 1000 population per year (MPI 0.56, RNV 0.26). There has been a significant increase (24%) in nuclear cardiology since 1988. There has been a pronounced rise in MPI (350%) while RNV has fallen by 47%. Myocardial perfusion activity in the UK remains very low (25% and 5% in regional and district hospitals, respectively) compared with the 1994 figures of 2.2/1000/year for Europe or 10.8/1000/year for the USA. CONCLUSIONS: MPI has increased on average by 23%/annum (compound rate) since 1988, but in 1994 was still only 32% of the British Cardiac Society target of 2.6/1000/year. Proper resources for capital expenditure on new equipment and new staff will be important to maintain momentum in closing the gap. Also important is improved clinical understanding, as already implemented by including nuclear cardiology in guidelines for specialist cardiology training.

Cardiology Service, Hospital↗

Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium-DTPA enhancement in the differentiation of benign from neoplastic cord cavitation.

A patient with an extensive spinal cord glioma is presented. The lumbar mass and cervical cavity associated with the tumour were demonstrated by myelography and computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging provided greater detail than these conventional imaging modalities without exposure to ionising radiation and was of considerable additional value in the planning of surgery.

Adult↗

Nuclear cardiology.

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Coronary Angiography↗

Nuclear cardiology.

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Cardiomyopathies↗