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Biomedical subjects

F Grünwald

Publications and source records attributed to F Grünwald.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

18FDG PET and acetazolamide-enhanced 99mTc-HMPAO SPET in systemic lupus erythematosus.

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), brain and kidney are the most frequently affected organs. Measurements of cerebral blood flow and metabolism by means of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission tomography (SPET) can contribute to the diagnostic assessment of the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in SLE. Functional imaging has been proven to be more sensitive than morphological imaging (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography). In this report, we present the case of a 70-year-old female patient, suffering from SLE without symptoms of CNS involvement. In addition to a SPET study using technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) and a PET scan with fluorine-18 deoxyglucose (18FDG), a SPET study after acetazolamide injection was performed in order to assess the cerebral perfusion reserve. While the PET scan showed no major abnormalities, and the baseline SPET study revealed only minor changes, the acetazolamide-enhanced SPET study revealed a marked reduction of the cortical perfusion reserve, particularly in both frontal lobes. It is concluded that "preclinical" CNS involvement, mainly caused by pathological mechanisms involving the cerebral blood vessels, can be considered to exist in this patient with SLE.

Acetazolamide↗

The relevance of interictal rCBF brain SPECT in temporal lobe epilepsy: diagnostical value and effects of spatial resolution.

Interictal rCBF-SPECT is frequently being used as an adjunctive method for localization of an epileptogenic area during presurgical evaluation of patients suffering from medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. This study retrospectively evaluates interictal rCBF-SPECT using Tc-99m-HMPAO in comparison to the results of MRI. The final results of surface EEG and ECoG and the postsurgical clinical results as to seizure frequency were used a a 'gold-standard' for the evaluation of both imaging procedures. As spatial resolution is discussed to be the major reason for higher sensitivity of F-18-DG-PET compared to rCBF-SPECT, special attention has been paid to the spatial resolution of the different SPECT systems being used in this study. In 55 patients the complete data set could be obtained retrospectively, 36 of them being evaluated using SPECT systems with relatively low spatial resolution (Picker Dyna 2000, Elscint Helix) and 19 pt. being evaluated using moderate- to high-resolution SPECT systems (ADAC Genesys, DSI Ceraspect). Overall sensitivity of the interictal rCBF-SPECT was 75%, with 69% for low-resolution systems and 84% for high-resolution systems. Approximately at the same time when our institution installed the ADAC Genesys, the MRI equipment was changed form the 1.5 T Philips Gyroscan S15 to the 1.5 T Philips Gyroscan ACS II, the latter allowing superior imaging opportunities. Overall sensitivity of MRI was 60%, with 56%, for the Gyroscan S15 and 68% for the Gyroscan ACS II. The overall positive predictive value (PPV) was 87% for the interictal rCBF-SPECT and 87% for the MRI. Due to the lack of true negative studies in this population specificity was not calculated. False lateralization using rCBF-SPECT occurred in 5 pts. (9%), however, in 3 pts. the area of hypoperfusion correlated with a detectable MRI pathology, yet EEG/ECoG revealed the epileptogenic focus to be elsewhere. In conclusion, the interictal rCBF-SPECT revealed reasonable sensitivity and PPV in pt. suffering from focal temporal lobe epilepsy and modern SPECT systems showed significantly improved results. Since there is a variety of possible reasons for regional cortical hypoperfusion, the interictal SPECT could add significant information prior to the application of ECoG. This specially appeared to be useful in patients with abnormal MRI scan. Furthermore, in patients presenting with a clear pathology on MRI and a corresponding EEG focus, ECoG could be avoided if the interictal rCBF-SPECT additionally showed localized and singular involvement of the affected temporal lobe. ECoG was mainly applied in those patients with relatively wide-spread hypoperfusion additionally involving frontal or parietal cortical areas.

Adolescent↗

Endocrinological applications in nuclear medicine.

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases have played a major role in Central European Nuclear Medicine. Since 1950, endocrinological nuclear medicine has been one of the strengths of this medical discipline. Not only diagnosis but also conservative treatment with thyroid depressants or hormones is performed by the nuclear medicine specialists. Nuclear medicine also takes part in the diagnosis of other endocrine diseases. The respective procedures include imaging of the adrenal gland (cortex and medulla) as well as of the parathyroid glands. Especially in the latter diseases, imaging was improved through Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy. Beyond that, the measurement of bone mineral content contributes to the full spectrum of endocrinological nuclear medicine. The development of In-111 octreotide now plays a limited role in the diagnosis of diseases of the pituitary gland.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

[Multimodal carotid occlusion test for determining risk of infarct before therapeutic internal carotid artery occlusion].

UNLABELLED: In patients with head and neck carcinoma and extensive cervical metastasis, the topographic and functional relationship of the tumor to the carotid artery is highly important. In case of suspected carotid infiltration, the possibility of a carotid resection or a prosthetic replacement has to be considered preoperatively. Treatment of cavernous carotid aneurysms may also require sacrificing the internal carotid artery (ICA). An interdisciplinary test occlusion of the ICA was performed to assess cerebral collateral circulation prior to permanent carotid occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with cervical tumors (n = 45) or inoperable aneurysms (n = 7) were examined. The endovascular balloon test occlusion (BTO) of the ICA was combined with monitoring of the neurological status, cardiovascular status (EKG, blood pressure), cortical function (EEG), and single photon emission CT (SPECT) imaging of the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with 99mTechnetium-HMPAO. In the last 24 patients, transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) was added for direct hemodynamic monitoring during BTO. In order to improve the diagnostic value of the test results and to simulate hemodynamic crisis, the cerebrovascular reserve capacity was then evaluated with acetazolamide (Diamox). RESULTS: BTO could be performed without neurological complications or carotid dissection. In eight (15%) patients BTO had to be interrupted previously due to neurological symptoms or a delta-EEG. These patients and patients with highly pathological test results in SPECT imaging (n = 9) or TCD (n = 3) were excluded from permanent carotid occlusion. Ten (19%) patients were definitely occluded without hemodynamic complications, but two patients suffered embolic infarctions, which can not be predicted by this procedure. In two patients with a severe hypoperfusion in SPECT imaging, the ICA had to be ligated under emergency conditions following a carotid rupture. Predictably, a hemodynamic infarction occurred postoperatively in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: The multimodal BTO with brain perfusion imaging (HMPAO-SPECT) and quantitative blood flow monitoring (TCD) allows a hemodynamic stroke risk assessment prior to permanent occlusion of the ICA. The procedure is important for planning of the therapeutic strategy and for the preoperative dialogue with the patient. Embolic ischemic complications can not be predicted.

Adult↗

Increased technetium-99m-HMPAO uptake in grade II astrocytoma.

Most brain tumors show decreased uptake of blood flow tracers in brain SPECT imaging and in some cases meningiomas show increased uptake, mainly associated with high regional blood flow values. A reason for regionally increased tracer uptake is partial epilepsy when a tracer is injected during the ictal phase. We present a case of a histologically proven Grade II astrocytoma in the mesial part of the left temporal lobe that caused complex partial seizures. After tracer injection during a phase without signs of clinical seizure, markedly increased uptake of 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) occurred, although the tumor was partially calcified.

Adult↗

[Changes in the blood picture after radioiodine therapy of thyroid cancer].

AIM: In this study the effect of radioiodine which was administered because of thyroid carcinoma on blood count and various other parameters was examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 567 patients who had been treated because of a thyroid carcinoma between 1980 and 1990 with radioiodine, changes of hemoglobin, RBC, WBC, platelets, potassium, uric acid, gamma GT, GOT, GPT and AP were measured in correlation with the totally administered dose. RESULT: In low doses (< 18.5 GBq [500 mCi]), which are sufficient in most cases with clinical course without complications, relevant changes of blood count (hemoglobin: < or = 9.0/10.5 g/dl, RBC: < or = 3.1/3.5 10(12)/l (female/male), WBC: < or = 2.5 10(9)/l, platelets: < or = 0.5 10(11)/l) were observed in only 5 out of 469 cases. After moderate doses (> or = 18.5 GBq [500 mCi] and < 37 GBq [1000 mCi]) we found in only 1 out of 77 cases relevant changes. After very high doses (> or = 37 GBq [1000 mCi]), which are used to treat metastases and/or recurrences, thrombopoesis is most sensitive to the radiation exposure of the bone marrow. Relevant decrease of RBC and WBC were observed in 2 out of 21 patients. Pancytopenia (hemoglobin: < or = 12.0/13.5 g/dl, RBC: < or = 3.9/4.3 10(12)/l [female/male], WBC: < or = 3.5 10(9)/l, platelets: < or = 1.4 10(11)/l) occurred in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: In high-dose therapy with radioiodine frequent (monthly, but in any cases before each therapy) controls of blood count are necessary. In patients without metastases or recurrence no relevant changes can be expected in most cases.

Adolescent↗

Brain single-photon emission tomography using technetium-99m bicisate (ECD) in a case of complex partial seizure.

The clinical application of technetium-99m bicisate (ethyl cysteinate dimer, ECD) for ictal and interictal studies of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in a patient suffering from medically intractable simple and complex partial seizures is reported. The interictal study was performed 60 min p.i. and the ictal studies were performed at 60 min p.i. using an annular crystal single photon emission tomography (SPET) system dedicated for high-resolution brain SPET imaging. Visual evaluation of the studies was carried out, as well as semiquantitative measurement of regional tracer uptake. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed atrophy of almost the complete left frontal lobe and the ventral parts of the left temporal lobe, including in part the temporomesial structures. The left parietal and occipital structures and the right hemisphere were normal. The interictal study showed a large perfusion defect involving the whole left frontal lobe as well as the left temporal lobe with remaining small areas of normal cortical tracer uptake. The ictal studies detected circumscribed hyperperfusion within the left mesial temporal lobe (ventral part of the hippocampus). Additionally an increase in perfusion could be seen within the entire remaining left temporal lobe. Semiquantitative evaluation of tracer uptake comparing both studies detected markedly increased uptake within the focus compared to the remaining left temporal lobe. On this basis the newly available tracer for studies of rCBF, 99mTc-bicisate, seems to be of value for the detection of epileptogenic foci. Additionally, the value of ictal rCBF studies in the presurgical evaluation of those patients presenting severe morphological alterations on MRI is clearly underlined by this case.

Adult↗

Vascularisation of ocular coralline hydroxyapatite implants.

Vascularisation of coralline hydroxyapatite used to replace the enucleated bulb is of critical importance for the uncomplicated implantation of a motility peg connecting the implant with the cosmetic prosthesis. Technetium-99m diphosphopropanedicarboxylic acid (DPD) single-photon emission tomography (SPET) was used to evaluate the rate of vascularisation as well as the time required for completion of vascularisation. Twenty-four patients were enrolled in the study, which was designed to evaluate vascularisation 10 days, 2 months and 4 months after implantation of a coralline implant. Nineteen patients completed the study and the visual impression of the completion of the vascularisation was scored from 0 (no vascularisation) to + (complete vascularisation) for each patient. No tracer accumulation was detected in any patient at the 10-day examination. Increasing vascularisation was demonstrated with time, and full vascularisation of the coralline implant was seen in all but one case by 4 months after implantation. We conclude that vascularisation of ocular coralline hydroxyapatite implants occurs early and is completed by 4 months after implantation in most cases, but should be confirmed at this time by 99mTc-DPD SPET.

Adult↗

Evaluation of cerebral vasoreactivity by SPECT and transcranial Doppler sonography using the acetazolamide test.

rCBF SPECT with 99mTc-HMPAO was performed prospectively in 29 patients (3 controls and 26 stroke patients) as well as TCD studies in 20 patients (3 controls and 17 stroke patients) before and after 1 g i.v. acetazolamide. The sensitivity of rCBF SPECT increased from 62% to 77% after acetazolamide provocation in stroke patients. In patients with a reversible neurological deficit, the sensitivity under resting conditions was 50% which increased to 71%, while in cases with a permanent deficit it increased from 75% to 83%. In the evaluation of the cerebrovascular reserve capacity the results of rCBF SPECT and TCD coincided in 91% of the hemispheres. The correlation was statistically significant.

Acetazolamide↗

Ictal and interictal brain SPECT imaging in epilepsy using technetium-99m-ECD.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD), also known as 99mTc-bicisate, in the presurgical evaluation of patients suffering from medically intractable epilepsy. METHODS: Twenty-three brain SPECT studies (8 ictally and 15 interictally) were performed on 16 patients with a high-resolution annular SPECT system (CERASPECT). For the ictal studies, the tracer was injected in the very early phase of the seizure. The delay between seizure onset and 99mTc-ECD injection was 2-20 sec. RESULTS: Interictally, all patients showed circumscribed hypoperfusions. In four patients, the SPECT lesion represented only structural defects. Circumscribed increased tracer uptake was observed in all ictal studies. For all patients with temporal lobe epilepsy without significant mass lesion, in whom an interictal and ictal 99mTc-ECD-SPECT study could be obtained, the asymmetry index was 0.88 +/- 0.03 for the interictal and 1.23 +/- 0.08 for the ictal studies. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that 99mTc-ECD is an effective marker of cerebral perfusion imaging in epilepsy. In comparison to other tracers, it has a high in vitro stability and is therefore particularly useful for ictal studies in the very early phase after seizure onset.

Adolescent↗

Disseminated bone marrow metastases from primary breast cancer: detection and follow-up by radioimmune bone marrow scintigraphy.

Bone scintigraphy of a 40-yr-old patient suffering from primary breast cancer suggested the possibility of diffuse metastases. Bone marrow scintigraphy using 99mTc-labeled monoclonal antibodies (BW 250/183) demonstrated diffuse destruction of bone marrow due to metastatic disease and consecutive bone marrow extension. Bone marrow scintigraphy was highly sensitive in detecting progression of disease in this asymptomatic patient.

Adult↗

Cerebral blood flow in Sneddon syndrome.

Sneddon syndrome is defined as a clinical entity consisting of livedo racemosa generalisata (LRG) and cerebrovascular lesions, which often lead to physical and mental handicaps. Four patients with LRG and the suspected diagnosis of Sneddon syndrome had HMPAO-SPECT studies. The patients underwent CT and/or MR brain imaging and three patients had Duplex sonography of the cerebral arteries (TCD). Brain SPECT was abnormal in all patients, whereas CT/MRI revealed a cerebral lesion in only one patient and all TCD studies were normal. HMPAO-SPECT is valuable in detecting disturbed regional cerebral blood flow before irreversible ischemic insults occur, thus allowing the diagnosis of Sneddon syndrome at an early stage.

Adult↗

Effects of physostigmine on local cerebral glucose utilization in the central components of the rat visual system.

The effects of intravenous administration of physostigmine at doses of 0.03, 0.095, or 0.3 mg/kg on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) were determined in 3 structures of the visual system of the rat brain by means of the quantitative 2-[14C]deoxyglucose method. LCGU was increased in the superior colliculus (superficial gray layer), but unchanged in the visual cortex and the lateral geniculate body. To determine whether the observed effect of physostigmine on the superior colliculus depended on input from the retina, the highest dose of physostigmine was administered to rats which had previously been enucleated bilaterally. Enucleation decreased LCGU in the superior colliculus of the animals not treated with physostigmine and blocked the effect of physostigmine on LCGU. The effect of physostigmine in the superior colliculus appears, therefore, to depend on input from the retina.

Animals↗

Tc-99m labeled monoclonal antibodies against granulocytes (BW 250/183) in the detection of appendicitis.

Scintigraphy with Tc-99m labeled antigranulocyte antibodies (BW 250/183 MoABs) was performed in 32 patients with suspected appendicitis. Abdominal imaging (planar/SPECT) was performed 2 hours after injection of the tracer. All patients also had surgery and a histologic examination of the resected tissue. Of the patients, 17 suffered from "acute appendicitis" and 12 had right positive scans (sensitivity = 70.6%). In 15 patients, acute appendicitis could have been ruled out, and in 11 of these cases the scan was true negative (specificity = 73.3%). The overall accuracy was 71.8% (23/32 cases). The use of Tc-99m antigranulocyte MoABs may overcome the problems associated with the Tc-99m HMPAO granulocyte and In-111 oxine approaches, which include nonspecific intestinal activity or the lack of timeliness. The use of Tc-99m labeled antigranulocyte antibodies is suitable as an emergency procedure and may play a role in the management of patients with suspected appendicitis.

Adolescent↗