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Biomedical subjects

J G Fletcher

Publications and source records attributed to J G Fletcher.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Polyp measurement with CT colonography: multiple-reader, multiple-workstation comparison.

OBJECTIVE: The risk of invasive colorectal cancer in colorectal polyps correlates with lesion size. Our purpose was to define the most accurate methods for measuring polyp size at CT colonography (CTC) using three models of workstations and multiple observers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six reviewers measured 24 unique polyps of known size (5, 7, 10, and 12 mm), shape (sessile, flat, and pedunculated), and location (straight or curved bowel segment) using CTC data sets obtained at two doses (5 mAs and 65 mAs) and a previously described colonic phantom model. Reviewers measured the largest diameter of polyps on three proprietary workstations. Each polyp was measured with lung and soft-tissue windows on axial, 2D multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), and 3D images. RESULTS: There were significant differences among measurements obtained at various settings within each workstation (p < 0.0001). Measurements on 2D images were more accurate with lung window than with soft-tissue window settings (p < 0.0001). For the 65-mAs data set, the most accurate measurements were obtained in analysis of axial images with lung window, 2D MPR images with lung window, and 3D tissue cube images for Wizard, Advantage, and Vitrea workstations, respectively, without significant differences in accuracy among techniques (0.11 < p < 0.59). The mean absolute error values for these optimal settings were 0.48 mm, 0.61 mm, and 0.76 mm, respectively, for the three workstations. Within the ultralow-dose 5-mAs data set the best methods for Wizard, Advantage, and Vitrea were axial with lung window, 2D MPR with lung window, and 2D MPR with lung window, respectively. Use of nearly all measurement methods, except for the Vitrea 3D tissue cube and the Wizard 2D MPR with lung window, resulted in undermeasurement of the true size of the polyps. CONCLUSION: Use of CTC computer workstations facilitates accurate polyp measurement. For routine CTC examinations, polyps should be measured with lung window settings on 2D axial or MPR images (Wizard and Advantage) or 3D images (Vitrea). When these optimal methods are used, these three commercial workstations do not differ significantly in acquisition of accurate polyp measurements at routine dose settings.

Algorithms↗

Quantitative measurement and visual assessment of ileal Crohn's disease activity by computed tomography enterography: correlation with endoscopic severity and C reactive protein.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have correlated computed tomography (CT) enterography findings with endoscopic severity and C reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. AIM: To examine whether small bowel inflammation at CT enterography correlates with endoscopic severity and CRP in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: CT enterography datasets from 143 CD patients undergoing ileoscopy were examined for three different CT parameters: CT bowel enhancement, as defined by the ratio of terminal ileal versus control ileal loop attenuation; vascular enlargement of the vasa recta ("the comb sign"); and mesenteric fat density. Correlations between CT scan parameters, endoscopy, and histology severity scores, and CRP were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation and logistic regression. RESULTS: Endoscopic score was significantly correlated with CT bowel enhancement, comb sign, and fat density (Spearman correlation coefficients 0.33-0.39; p<0.001). Correlations with histological inflammation were strongest for bowel enhancement (r = 0.34-0.38; p<0.001). CRP was elevated in patients with increased fat density versus those with increased bowel enhancement only (median 0.96 v 0.23, p = 0.002). CRP did not differ significantly between patients without evidence of active Crohn's and those with bowel enhancement and endoscopic inflammation not involving the perienteric tissues by CT (median 0.24 v 0.36; p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Quantitative measures of bowel enhancement at CT enterography correlate with endoscopic and histological severity. CRP correlates with radiological findings of perienteric inflammation (increased fat density), but not of inflammation limited to the small bowel wall, underscoring the potential role of perienteric inflammation in CRP response in CD.

Adolescent↗

Pelvic organ prolapse in defecatory disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in subjects with defecatory disorders with that in control subjects. METHODS: In 55 subjects with fecal incontinence, 42 subjects with obstructed defecation, and 45 healthy subjects without defecatory symptoms, a urogynecologist assessed pelvic organ prolapse by the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system, and a gastroenterologist evaluated perineal descent during simulated evacuation. A multiple logistic regression model evaluated whether obstetric-gynecological variables, including pelvic organ prolapse, could discriminate among controls, subjects with fecal incontinence, and subjects with obstructed defecation. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of controls, 42% of those with obstructed defecation, and 29% of those with fecal incontinence had stage II or greater prolapse by clinical examination. Eleven percent of controls, 7% of those with obstructed defecation, and 47% of subjects with fecal incontinence had a forceps delivery. Eighteen percent of controls, 31% of those with obstructed defecation, and 64% of those with fecal incontinence had a hysterectomy. Even after controlling for a higher prevalence of obstetric risk factors and hysterectomy, fecal incontinence was associated with a lower risk of stage II or greater pelvic organ prolapse (odds ratio for fecal incontinence in > or = stage II pelvic organ prolapse relative to stage 0 pelvic organ prolapse = 0.1, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.53). In contrast, pelvic organ prolapse severity was not associated with control versus obstructed defecation status. Seven percent of controls, 18% of subjects with obstructed defecation, and 7% of those with fecal incontinence had increased perineal descent during simulated evacuation. Excessive perineal descent was associated (P < .01) with pelvic organ prolapse. CONCLUSION: Despite a higher prevalence of risk factors for pelvic floor injury, pelvic organ prolapse severity was lower in those with fecal incontinence than in subjects without bowel symptoms. However, a subset of subjects with defecatory disorders, predominantly obstructed defecation, have excessive perineal descent, which is associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

Adult↗

Relationship between symptoms and disordered continence mechanisms in women with idiopathic faecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anal sphincter weakness and rectal sensory disturbances contribute to faecal incontinence (FI). Our aims were to investigate the relationship between symptoms, risk factors, and disordered anorectal and pelvic floor functions in FI. METHODS: In 52 women with "idiopathic" FI and 21 age matched asymptomatic women, we assessed symptoms by standardised questionnaire, anal pressures by manometry, anal sphincter appearance by endoanal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pelvic floor motion by dynamic MRI, and rectal compliance and sensation by a barostat. RESULTS: The prevalence of anal sphincter injury (by imaging), reduced anal resting pressure (35% of FI), and reduced squeeze pressures (73% of FI) was higher in FI compared with controls. Puborectalis atrophy (by MRI) was associated (p<0.05) with FI and with impaired anorectal motion during pelvic floor contraction. Volume and pressure thresholds for the desire to defecate were lower, indicating rectal hypersensitivity, in FI. The rectal volume at maximum tolerated pressure (that is, rectal capacity) was reduced in 25% of FI; this volume was associated with the symptom of urge FI (p<0.01) and rectal hypersensitivity (p = 0.02). A combination of predictors (age, body mass index, symptoms, obstetric history, and anal sphincter appearance) explained a substantial proportion of the interindividual variation in anal squeeze pressure (45%) and rectal capacity (35%). CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic FI in women is a multifactorial disorder resulting from one or more of the following: a disordered pelvic barrier (anal sphincters and puborectalis), or rectal capacity or sensation.

Aged↗

CT colonography: unraveling the twists and turns.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The performance of CT colonography has varied widely among published studies to date. This paper reviews differences in indications, populations, technique, and radiologist visualization, to elucidate the key factors that may give rise to disparate results. RECENT FINDINGS: The role of CT colonography in screening asymptomatic patients is controversial. Studies employing subjects with known neoplasms generally report higher accuracy, while studies employing surveillance subjects report lower accuracy. Technical factors that appear to be associated with higher accuracy include meticulous bowel preparation and inflation, multidetector CT, combined two- and three-dimensional visualization, and radiologist experience and proclivity. Interobserver variability and practice guidelines remain significant issues for this developing technique. Interobserver variability may be reduced in the future by computer-aided detection algorithms or the routine use of skilled second readers. CT colonography is performed routinely for some indications, as it has demonstrated superior performance to noncolonoscopic screening alternatives. SUMMARY: The disparity in results of reported large-scale CT colonography studies in asymptomatic subjects may be explained in part by differences in patient population characteristics, CT technique, and interobserver variability. CT colonography exceeds the performance of nonendoscopic approaches to colorectal cancer screening. Continuing innovation will seek to improve endoluminal visualization, reduce interobserver variability, and improve patient acceptance.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

Characterization of lesions missed on interpretation of CT colonography using a 2D search method.

OBJECTIVE: We examined potential factors that may cause false-negative results on CT colonography examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective and retrospective study, 500 asymptomatic patients at high risk for colorectal cancer underwent CT colonography and colonoscopy. Each CT data set was interpreted by two independent observers, who were unaware of endoscopic findings, using a method of searching through enlarged axial images to detect intraluminal lesions. Another observer identified and characterized lesions missed at prospective interpretation. Polyps were assessed for size, method of visualization, intrinsic and extrinsic features, and examination quality. RESULTS: We found 116 polyps at least 5 mm in diameter, 54 (47%) of which were missed by at least one of the prospective observers. Polyps seen in only one position were missed more often than polyps seen in both supine and prone positions (84% vs 50%, p < 0.01). Polyps located in suboptimally prepared colonic segments or along a thickened colonic wall were more frequently missed (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05, respectively). Endoscopic morphology and irregular surface contour were associated with missed lesions of all sizes (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). Rounded intraluminal lesions were detected more often than other morphologies on CT (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Factors that influence the likelihood that a polyp may be missed at interpretation of CT colonography include being seen only in one position, having flat endoscopic or CT morphology, having surface irregularity, and being located in a poorly prepared segment or along a thickened colonic wall. Understanding these features should lead to improved polyp detection on CT colonography.

Aged↗

Time interval between abnormalities seen on CT and the clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: retrospective review of CT scans obtained before diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether abdominal CT can detect pancreatic cancer before its clinical diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two radiologists interpreted in a blinded manner 62 CT scans in 28 pancreatic cancer patients that were obtained before histologic diagnosis and 89 CT scans in 89 control subjects and noted specific CT findings. The presence of pancreatic cancer was characterized as definite, suspicious, low probability, or normal. The scans of the pancreatic cancer patients were divided into four groups on the basis of the time interval preceding cancer diagnosis (0-2, 2-6, 6-18, or > 18 months), and one scan (closest to 18 months) was selected per patient per time interval. Sensitivity and specificity for pancreatic cancer and interobserver agreement for CT findings were calculated. RESULTS: Radiologists agreed that CT findings definite or suspicious for pancreatic cancer were present in 50% of the scans obtained 2-6 and 6-18 months before the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (3/6 and 4/8 scans, respectively), but they noted such CT findings in only 7% (1/15) of the scans obtained more than 18 months before diagnosis. Pancreatic duct dilatation and cutoff were early CT findings identified by both radiologists and were associated with near-perfect and substantial interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.84 and 0.76, respectively). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of specificity for tumor absence ranged from 92% to 100%. CONCLUSION: CT can detect a significant proportion of asymptomatic incident pancreatic cancers before the clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. CT should be considered in screening at-risk patient populations. Pancreatic duct dilatation and cutoff are early findings associated with the development of pancreatic cancer and can be detected on CT with a high degree of reproducibility.

Aged↗

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: CT patterns of recurrence and multiobserver performance in detecting recurrent neoplasm after surgical resection.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of our study were to describe the CT appearance of recurrent intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas after surgical resection and estimate the performance of CT in detecting recurrent neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single unblinded reviewer characterized the presence and appearance of recurrent intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms on 66 CT scans of 17 patients with proven recurrence, noting location and appearance of recurrent neoplasm. These results, described in this article, were summarized in tabular format and shown to three blinded observer. The observers then evaluated one postoperative CT examination from every patient at our institution who underwent surgical removal of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (n = 45) for the presence or absence of local or distant recurrence. RESULTS: The unblinded reviewer found 11 cases of local recurrence. Extrapancreatic local recurrences tend to have solid components (5/6), tend to be located adjacent to the resection margin (5/6), and may exhibit vascular invasion (2/6). Intrapancreatic neoplasms are usually cystic (4/5). Nine patients had distant metastases. Prospective sensitivity for recurrent tumor ranged from 76% (13/17) to 94% (16/17). Sensitivity for local recurrence ranged from 55% (6/11) to 82% (9/11). Specificity ranged from 79% (22/28) to 96% (27/28). Interobserver agreement for predicting recurrence was moderate to substantial (kappa = 0.51-0.65). CONCLUSION: Locally recurrent intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas tend to be either extrapancreatic and solid at the resection margin or intrapancreatic and cystic. CT can detect most recurrent intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas with moderate to substantial interobserver agreement.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of anatomic and dynamic defects of the pelvic floor in defecatory disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Endoanal ultrasound identifies anal sphincter anatomy, and evacuation proctography visualizes pelvic floor motion during simulated defecation. These complementary techniques can evaluate obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence. Our aim was to develop a single, nonionizing, minimally invasive modality to image global pelvic floor anatomy and motion. METHODS: We studied six patients with fecal incontinence and seven patients with obstructed defecation. The anal sphincters were imaged with an endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil and endoanal ultrasound (five patients). MR fluoroscopy acquired images every 1.4-2 s, using a modified real-time, T2-weighted, single-shot, fast-spin echo sequence, recording motion as patients squeezed pelvic floor muscles and expelled ultrasound gel; no contrast was added to other pelvic organs. Six patients also had scintigraphic defecography. RESULTS: Endoanal ultrasound and MRI were comparable for imaging defects of the internal and external sphincters. Only MRI revealed puborectalis and/or external sphincter atrophy; four of these patients had fecal incontinence. MR fluoroscopy recorded pelvic floor contraction during squeeze and recorded relaxation during simulated defecation. Corresponding comparisons for angle change and perineal descent during defecation were not significant; only MRI, but not scintigraphy, identified excessive perineal descent in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic MRI is a promising single, comprehensive, nonradioactive modality to measure structural and functional pelvic floor disturbances in defecatory disorders. This method may provide insights into mechanisms of normal and disordered pelvic floor function in health and disease.

Adolescent↗

Preoperative detection of pancreatic insulinomas on multiphasic helical CT.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze enhancement characteristics of insulinomas and to determine the ability of multiphase CT to localize these tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective interpretations of multiphase helical CT scans were reviewed in 30 patients who had insulinomas resected over a 5-year period. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed to determine enhancement characteristics, tumor conspicuity in each phase of enhancement, and potential causes for false-negative findings. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent (19/30) of tumors were identified on CT prospectively. An additional six tumors were visualized in retrospect, allowing characterization of 25 (83%) of 30 tumors. Most tumors were hyperdense on at least one phase (n = 19), three tumors were hypoattenuating, and three were isodense and pedunculated. Insulinomas were most conspicuous on the early phase in 15 patients and in the portal venous phase in three. All tumors that underwent pancreatic phase imaging were seen (13/13), whereas three of 18 arterial and six of 25 portal venous phase findings were inconclusive for tumor. In the six examinations with false-negative findings in which the tumor could be seen in retrospect, two tumors were isodense and pedunculated, three were in close proximity to vessels, and one had a cystic appearance. CONCLUSION: Multiphasic CT has a moderate sensitivity in the detection of insulinomas. Most tumors are more conspicuous on the earlier phases of enhancement. The pancreatic phase may be more useful than the arterial phase. Potential sources of false-negative results include tumors adjacent to vessels, pedunculated morphology, or nonhyperattenuating lesions.

Adult↗

CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) for the detection of colorectal polyps and neoplasms. current status and future developments.

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a new, rapidly developing non-invasive CT technique used to detect colonic polyps and cancers. It employs two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images of the colon in order to display neoplastic lesions. Clinical trials demonstrate promising results for the detection of polyps and cancers greater than or equal to 10 mm in size. Our purpose is to describe the technique of CT colonography, review recent published trials of CT colonography, and elucidate current clinical applications. Continuing technical innovations such as multidetector CT, computer-aided diagnosis, new image display techniques and faecal tagging promise to improve the performance and patient acceptance of CT colonography in the future.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Contrast-enhanced CT colonography in recurrent colorectal carcinoma: feasibility of simultaneous evaluation for metastatic disease, local recurrence, and metachronous neoplasia in colorectal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Contrast-enhanced CT colonography has the potential to detect local recurrence, metachronous disease, and distant metastases in patients with a history of invasive colorectal cancer. The purpose of our study was to determine whether colonic anastomoses prohibit adequate colonic distention on contrast-enhanced CT colonography and to estimate the performance of contrast-enhanced CT colonography in detecting recurrent colorectal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with a history of resected invasive colorectal carcinoma underwent contrast-enhanced CT colonography and colonoscopy. Colonic distention was graded for different colonic segments. Two radiologists evaluated for the presence of local recurrence, metachronous disease, and metastatic disease. Results were compared with colonoscopy, histology, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Most patients had adequate colonic inflation (37/50, 74%). Eleven of 13 patients with inadequate distention had collapse in the sigmoid colon, usually associated with ileocolic anastomoses. Contrast-enhanced CT colonography detected local recurrences with an accuracy of 94% (95% confidence interval, 83-99%). The accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT colonography for metachronous lesions greater than or equal to 1 cm was 92% (95% confidence interval, 80-98%), but there was only one such lesion, which was missed on initial colonoscopy. Stool, granulation tissue, and inflammation can mimic the CT appearance of local recurrence or metachronous disease and account for false-positive examinations. Contrast-enhanced CT colonography identified five patients with metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal sigmoid distention can be seen on contrast-enhanced CT colonography, predominantly in patients with right hemicolectomies. Contrast-enhanced CT colonography is a promising method for detecting local recurrence, metachronous disease, and distant metastases in patients with prior invasive colorectal carcinoma. The technique can also serve as a useful adjunct to colonoscopy by detecting local recurrences or metachronous disease that are endoscopically obscure or by serving as a full structural colonic examination when endoscopy is incomplete.

Adult↗

A comparison of endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and exam under anesthesia for evaluation of Crohn's perianal fistulas.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To determine accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of Crohn's disease perianal fistulas. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with suspected Crohn's disease perianal fistulas were prospectively enrolled in a blinded study comparing EUS, MRI, and examination under anesthesia (EUA). Fistulas were classified according to Parks' criteria, and a consensus gold standard was determined for each patient. Acceptable accuracy was defined as agreement with the consensus gold standard for > or =85% of patients. RESULTS: Three patients did not undergo MRI; 1 did not undergo EUS or EUA; and consensus could not be reached for 1. Thirty-two patients had 39 fistulas (20 trans-sphincteric, 5 extra-sphincteric, 6 recto-vaginal, 8 others) and 13 abscesses. The accuracy of all 3 modalities was > or =85%: EUS 29 of 32 (91%, confidence interval [CI] 75%-98%), MRI 26 of 30 (87%, CI 69%-96%), and EUA 29 of 32 (91%, CI 75%-98%). Accuracy was 100% when any 2 tests were combined. CONCLUSIONS: EUS, MRI, and EUA are accurate tests for determining fistula anatomy in patients with perianal Crohn's disease. The optimal approach may be combining any 2 of the 3 methods.

Adolescent↗

CT colonography without cathartic preparation: feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate methods for contrast material labeling of stool in the unprepared colon for computed tomographic (CT) colonography and to determine their sensitivity for polyp detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients with suspected or known polyps were assigned to five groups. Two to seven doses of 225 mL of dilute contrast material were orally administered during 24 or 48 hours. Transverse CT images were assessed for effectiveness of stool labeling. Colonoscopy was performed in all patients and was the standard. Two radiologists blinded to prior imaging and colonoscopic results assessed polyp detection. RESULTS: For each group, average stool labeling scores and ranges were as follows: 24 hour two dose, 16% and 8%-21%; 24 hour five dose, 53% and 27%-66%; 48 hour four dose, 38% and 22%-48%; 48 hour six dose, 68% and 54%-77%; and 48 hour seven dose, 88% and 75%-98%. Sensitivity for the two radiologists for the identification of patients with polyps 1 cm or larger for each group was as follows: 24 hour two dose, 50% and 67%; 24 hour five dose, 100% and 100%; 48 hour four dose, 58% and 75%; 48 hour six dose, 56% and 67%; and 48 hour seven dose, 100% and 80%. CONCLUSION: Ingestion of contrast material adequately labels stool for lesion identification; a 48-hour lead time and multiple doses of contrast material are required. Sensitivity for polyp detection in patients with adequate stool labeling approaches the sensitivity for polyp detection in prepared colons.

Barium Sulfate↗

Carcinoid tumors of the stomach: a clinical and radiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose is to describe associated and coexistent diseases of gastric carcinoid tumors, the unique biologic behavior of these tumors, the appearance of these tumors on fluoroscopic and CT images, and the radiologic management of these neoplasms. CONCLUSION: First, multiple gastric carcinoid tumors are associated with enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia, chronic atrophic gastritis, and pernicious anemia and have a low risk of malignancy. Second, solitary gastric carcinoid tumors, or gastric carcinoid tumors associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia-type I (MEN-I) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, have a higher potential for metastatic disease. Third, the radiologic appearance and management of these tumors depend on the clinical background of the patient.

Aged↗

Interactive fast spin-echo imaging.

It is shown that a spin-echo sequence may be used to acquire T(2)-weighted, high-resolution, high-SNR sections at quasi-real-time frame rates for interactive, diagnostic imaging. A single-shot fast spin-echo sequence was designed which employs driven equilibrium to realign transverse magnetization remaining at the final spin echo. Driven equilibrium is shown to improve T(2) contrast at a given TR, or conversely to reduce TR by approximately 1000 msec and thus increase temporal resolution while maintaining a given level of contrast. Wiener demodulation of k-space data prior to reconstruction is shown to reduce blurring caused by T(2)-decay while constraining noise often associated with other inverse filters. Images are continuously acquired, reconstructed, and displayed at rates of one image every one to two seconds, while section position and contrast may be altered interactively. The clinical utility of this method is demonstrated with applications to dynamic pelvic floor imaging and interactive obstetric imaging.

Computer Systems↗

CT colonography and MR colonography: current status, research directions and comparison.

With the introduction of multidetector technology in CT and the moveable table with integrated coil modules in MRI, the concept of multiorgan screening has become realistic. CT colonography and MR colonography are new radiologic techniques that promise to be highly sensitive colorectal screening examinations. This article reviews the current status and research directions in CT colonography and MR colonography, and compares these methods.

Colonic Neoplasms↗