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Biomedical subjects

G Luccichenti

Publications and source records attributed to G Luccichenti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Coronary artery anomalies: incidence, pathophysiology, clinical relevance and role of diagnostic imaging.

Conventional coronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies. Coronary anomalies are relatively rare findings in patients undergoing conventional coronary angiography for suspected obstructive coronary artery disease. Recently, the increasing performance of diagnostic techniques, such as electron beam tomography (EBT), magnetic resonance (MR) and, more recently, multislice computed tomography (MSCT), has enabled their application to cardiac imaging. MSCT, in particular, has a prominent role in coronary imaging due to its spatial and temporal resolution and three-dimensional capabilities. We report the incidence and pathophysiology of coronary artery anomalies based on the capabilities of recent diagnostic tools with the aim of improving an accurate and noninvasive diagnostic approach.

Coronary Angiography↗
PubMed2006

Imaging nervous pathways with MR tractography.

This paper describes the state of the art of tractography, a technique which enables the virtual reconstruction of axon bundles of the central nervous system using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images. This technique has raised enthusiasm and expectations among specialists because it is the only non-invasive method for studying the three-dimensional architecture of axonal fibres in vivo. Tractography is a new technique used to assess the anatomy of the central nervous system, and it will be available for routine clinical use in the future. Understanding its potential applications and limitations is therefore important.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

Atypical multiple sclerosis: MRI findings and differential diagnosis.

In the past few years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly relevant in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Yet, the specificity of MR is limited. Atypical forms of MS and other diseases of the central nervous system may show similar patterns in MR. We briefly discuss the MR findings of the main MS-like diseases. Correct differential diagnosis can be carried out by combining the MR findings with clinical and laboratory findings.

Brain↗
PubMed2003

Non-invasive angiography of the coronary arteries with multislice computed tomography: state of the art and future prospects.

Until now conventional angiography has represented the only technique for assessing the coronary arteries. During the last decade, attempts have been made to validate a non-invasive technique for the study of coronary arteries. In particular, Electron-beam Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging have been used for this purpose, even though they have not become clinical tools. More recently, spiral computed tomography (CT) technology, improved by the use of multiple slices and 500ms gantry rotation times, has shown a good potential without entering routine clinical practice. The introduction of multislice technology with 16 rows and rotation times below 500ms has yielded such good results in detecting significant (>50%) coronary artery stenosis that it has been proposed as a clinical tool. This paper describes the examination technique and the results achieved in CT angiography of the coronary arteries.

Coronary Angiography↗
PubMed2001

Improving the results of virtual colonoscopy: what the future will bring.

Several studies show the possibility of using virtual colonoscopy in radiologic routine. To understand what its future holds, a deep insight into the techniques and pitfalls is mandatory. Currently, patient preparation and insufflation methods have to be improved because they represent the main source of pitfalls. Acquisition techniques currently provide only morphologic information, which is inadequate in the case of flat lesions. Functional information is needed but not yet available. Although the development of postprocessing techniques during the past few years has been rapid, virtual colonoscopy cannot yet be proposed as a screening technique. State-of-the-art technology, however, allows us to imagine that in the near future it will become a tool suitable for routine application.

Colonic Neoplasms↗
PubMed2001

From maximum intensity projection to volume rendering.

Three-dimensional medical images can be generated with a variety of computer algorithms from computed tomography and magnetic resonance data sets. The most commonly used techniques are maximum intensity projection (MIP) and shaded surface display (SSD). Recently, volume rendering (VR) has become available on dedicated workstations, providing the possibility of interaction with data sets. All 3D rendering techniques represent a volume of data in 1 or more 2-dimensional (2D) planes, conveying the spatial relationships inherent in the data with the use of visual depth cues. Techniques and artefacts regarding MIP, SSD, and VR are described here, along with several models of clinical application.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Three-dimensional contrastless varicography by spiral computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: to report and discuss preliminary results obtained in varicose limbs by means of a volume rendering (VR)-computed tomography (CT) technique without contrast medium injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VR-CT and duplex sonography (US) were performed to visualise the superficial veins of the lower extremity in eight healthy and 12 varicose limbs. RESULTS: VR-CT clearly demonstrated the 3D arrangement of the superficial veins and visualised small sized veins which were not visible at US examination. CONCLUSIONS: VR-CT is not suitable for routine evaluation of varicose limbs. VR-CT 3D reconstructions may be useful in the evaluation of atypical varicosis. Further studies are needed to define the role of VR-CT in deep venous disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

MRI of spinal cord in MS.

Over the last 10 - 15 years, magnetic resonance imaging techniques have had a major impact in understanding and managing multiple sclerosis. The present review briefly summarises the current usefulness of spinal cord MRI in MS disease, examining the frequency, distribution and main characteristics of spine MS plaques; the differential diagnosis with other spinal cord disease was also described. Finally we considered how newer imaging sequences when added to semi-automated quantitative methods, may give us a putative tool to reliably quantify subtle changes which develop on the spinal cord of MS patients over time.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2000

[Tridimensional (3D) reconstruction in the osteoarticular area].

Three-dimensional reconstruction techniques have been used since the development of computed tomography. In skeletal radiology they have been used to better visualize fractures and spatial relationships between fragments in maxillo-facial surgery. Aim of this paper is to illustrate the most important reconstruction techniques and their application in skeletal radiology. Images can be obtained by means of a Spiral CT scanner with the following parameters: collimation/pitch/reconstruction interval 2/1/1. Acquired images are sent to a workstation with a software running on a Window NT platform Vitrea 2.01 (Vital Images, USA) equipped with Volume Rendering algorithm. SSD as well as MPR and curved reformatted reconstruction algorithms is available at the CT console. Three-dimensional reconstruction have been shown to be useful for the diagnosis and for a preoperative planning. Other applications of three-dimensional reconstruction techniques are prosthesis engineering and biomechanic research. 3D images help the communication between radiologist and surgeons. Technical advances in acquisition methods and in reconstruction algorithms are needed to improve image quality and use in skeletal radiology.

Arthrography↗
PubMed2000

[Injuries of the cruciate ligament of the knee: diagnostic contribution of MR and spiral CT].

Lesions of cruciate ligament are common after knee trauma of different degree of gravity. Lesions evaluation is possible thanks to CT and MRI. Our purpose is to verify their value in diagnosis of cruciate ligaments lesions. We retrospectively evaluated 160 patients (80 CT and 80 MRI) with subsequent diagnosis of cruciate ligaments injury. CT and MRI were performed in the acute phase and in the subacute phase within 2-3 weeks from trauma. On the basis of our results CT and MRI shown a reduced sensitivity in acute phase owing to the intraarticular haemorrhage; in this phase MRI gives more information about fibres interruption. In subacute or chronic phase, both methods are correct in recognising the lesions but MRI is more sensitive and accurate. It is a real wish that, with more MRI machines diffusion, this method will be preferred in the study of cruciate ligaments both in acute phase and subacute-chronic phase.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Meniscal injuries of the knee. Diagnostic imaging].

Nowadays, treatment of meniscal tears is conservative with removal only of the broken part of meniscus. For this reason, before arthroscopy, the orthopaedic surgeon needs for an accurate preoperative diagnosis that could be obtained with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR). Our purpose is to value the actual role of CT and MR in diagnosis of meniscal tears. We retrospectively evaluated CT and MR images of 128 patients (average age 32 years) who then underwent arthroscopy. On the basis of our findings CT and MR have been shown to be very accurate to detect meniscal tears, even if with both methodics false positives and false negatives are possible. Nevertheless, MR is able to give high resolution multiplanar images without using ionising radiations and is preferable because of its high accuracy in recognising associated lesions of ligaments or articular cartilage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Magnetic resonance imaging outcome of new enhancing lesions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon beta1a.

We investigated whether interferon-beta1a modifies the course of new enhancing lesions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Sixty-eight patients were studied by monthly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a pretest-posttest design including 6 months of observation and 6 months of treatment. We examined the course of new Gd-enhancing lesions on two consecutive scans during observation and during treatment. Lesions detected during treatment were also analyzed by MRI 1 year later for persistence of enhancement, persistence of T2 hyperintensity, development of T1 hypointensity, or disappearance. Among the enhancing lesions detected by observation and treatment MRI, respectively, Gd-enhancement persisted at 2 months in 20% and 3% (P < 0.001), T2 hyperintensity persisted in 86% and 63% (P < 0.03), and T1 hypointensity developed in 49% and 15% (P < 0.01). Progression to T1 hypointensity was significantly more frequent in larger lesions during both the observation and treatment periods (P < 0.01). No reenhancement of plaques was present at 1-year follow-up; a further reduction in T2 hyperintensity (63% vs. 39%) was observed while T1 hypointensity remained unchanged. Both the duration of Gd enhancement and the short-term MRI course of new enhancing lesions benefited by treatment with recombinant interferon-beta1a treatment.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1999

[Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in evaluation of chronic pancreatitis. Part I: techniques and methods].

Until recently, MR examinations of the pancreas were limited by motion artifacts, vascular pulsatility and poor spatial resolution. Today, new techniques have been developed, which allow to overcome these problems and provide additional information such as selective images of biliary and pancreatic ducts and vascular structures. MR examinations of the pancreas need to include either breath-hold or nonbreath-hold morphological T1- and T2-weighted images; a contrast agent is required when the study is performed with fast imaging which allow the acquisition of dynamic images in arterial and portal venous phases. Recently, a new liver-specific contrast agent (Mn-DPDP) has been demonstrated to provide selective pancreatic enhancement. As a complement to baseline sequences, MR cholangiopancreatography images can be acquired, possibly integrated by functional examination after secretin administration. Finally, contrast-enhanced MR angiography opens new perspectives for vascular studies, particularly for the locoregional staging of pancreatic cancer.

Cholangiography↗