PURPOSE: Evaluation of a correlation between surgical stabilization of fractures of the vertebral spine and postoperative short-term CT findings with special attention to degenerative changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pre- and post-operative CT of 55 patients (43male, 12 female, age: 7 - 73 years, mean = 37.7 years) with traumatic fractures of the vertebral spine who underwent surgical stabilization using an internal fixator were analyzed retrospectively. The interval between surgical intervention and first postoperative CT control did not exceed one week. The interval to the second short-term follow-up CT ranged from 6 up to 24 months (mean: 10.3 +/- 2.7 months). The consensus reading of the short-term CT by two experienced radiologists was compared to the pre- and immediately postoperative CT examinations and with the neurologic findings. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-square- or the Fisher's exact-test. RESULTS: No statistically significant correlation (p > 0.05) was found between the patient's age and the postoperative incidence of osteoporosis, spondylarthrosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis or disc protrusion after posttraumatic surgical stabilization using an internal fixator. Also, there was no significant correlation between the fracture's type or location, presence of polytraumatization, the technique of surgical intervention, and the incidence of postoperative degenerative changes in the neighboring segments. The thesis has not been verified (p > 0.05) that polysegment stabilization or prior surgical interventions at the vertebral spine with scar induction are responsible for a higher rate of degeneration. The only risk factor observed for postoperative scoliosis was the burst rotation fracture type C1.3 (AO-classification). CONCLUSIONS: No short-term acceleration of degenerative changes after surgical intervention in vertebral spine fractures was observed. However, due to the short-term interval between surgical intervention and follow-up CT (mean: 10.3 +/- 2.7 months), a final conclusion cannot yet be drawn. A follow-up CT seems to be indicated in patients with increasing complaints during this period. Thus, low grade complications can be diagnosed early.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

[Computed tomography of the patellofemoral alignment after arthroscopic reconstruction following patella dislocation].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic impact of different CT-based measurements to analyze the patellofemoral alignment after arthroscopic reconstruction in patients with patella dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 18 patients with dislocation of the patella, CT of the patellofemoral joint was performed after arthroscopic reconstruction. Various methods recommended in the literature were used to analyze the structure and the alignment of the patellofemoral joint with a relaxed quadriceps muscle. Axial CT scans were taken in four different knee flexion angles (15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees ). RESULTS: After arthroscopic stabilization in patients with patella dislocation, only the lateral patellofemoral angle (15 degrees and 30 degrees knee flexion) and the congruence angle (15 degrees knee flexion) showed significant differences between the CT-measurements in the normal and the operated group. The differences of the remaining mean values were not significant due to a high standard deviation. With increasing flexion of the knee, the differences between the normal and the dislocation group almost disappeared. Only the lateral patellofemoral angle, the patella tilt and the lateral patella shift revealed differences between the normal and the group with recurrent dislocation in every degree of knee flexion. With increasing knee flexion above 30 degrees and especially at 60 degrees, the majority of the measured values returned to the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: For CT-measurements of the patellofemoral joint after arthroscopic stabilization, the patellofemoral angle and the congruence angle seemed to be most useful. The measurements of the patellofemoral joint should be taken in various degrees of knee flexion.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

[Accuracy of routine MRI in lesions of the supraspinatus tendon--comparison with surgical findings].

PURPOSE: To determine the correlation of the extent of lesions of the supraspinatus tendon in MRI's of the shoulder with surgical or arthroscopic findings using the classification of Snyders and Batemann, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preoperative MRI's of 80 patients (age: 16 - 76/47.4 +/- 14.0 years) which were performed due to various complaints of the shoulder were analyzed retrospectively by two experienced and blinded radiologists. We evaluated the incidence and the extent of partial or complete ruptures of the supraspinatus tendon. After MRI, an arthroscopic or open surgical intervention was performed (= gold standard). Various MR-scanners were used with a field strength of 1.0 T (17 cases), or 1.5 T (63 cases) and flexible or inflexible arthro coils. Additionally to plain MRI, 38 of 80 patients underwent contrast enhanced MRI. The MR and the surgical or arthroscopic findings were compared and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Neglecting the localization and the extent of discontinuity of the supraspinatus tendon, the sensitivity of the 80 MRI's was 0.93, the specificity 0.69, and the accuracy 0.85. The sensitivity increased to 0.96 with constant specificity and an accuracy of 0.83 excluding the lesions with an extent below 1 cm. Compared with non-enhanced examinations, the contrast enhanced MRI revealed higher sensitivity (+ 7 %, 0.89 vs. 0.96), higher specificity (+ 11 %, 0.64 vs. 0.75), and higher accuracy (+ 8 %, 0.81 vs. 0.89) in depicting lesions of the supraspinatus tendon at all. On T 1 -weighted images, the detection of lesions at all and the differentiation between partial and complete ruptures were improved significantly by contrast enhancement, especially in lesions with an extent below 1 cm. Diagnostic failures were seen in examinations without intravenous contrast application, artifacts, extent of the lesion below 1 cm, differentiating between degeneration and partial rupture of the tendon, differentiating between severely degenerated tendons with partial rupture and complete rupture, and covered ruptures. CONCLUSIONS: The performance and consecutively the analysis of the widely used MRI of the shoulder is often not sufficiently reliable in its present routine form. To be able to compete with other imaging modalities such as sonography, standardized MR protocol, contrast enhancement as needed, avoiding the described source of failure, and an exact analysis should be applied.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

[Cost-utility analysis of contrast-enhanced MR angiography with automated table-translation for diagnosis and therapy planning in patients with peripheral vascular disease].

PURPOSE: To analyze the cost-utility of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (ceMRA) in the diagnosis and the planning of surgical or interventional treatment in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Additional costs and incremental costs per quality-adjusted life-year for ceMRA were calculated by a decision model. The costs of ceMRA and conventional angiography were compared. Treatment was either surgery or PTA. A retrospective analysis of 24 patients provided the data for the diagnostic accuracy of ceMRA. The data about quality of life assessment were taken from the literature. Costs were calculated in Euro using the current fee schedule. The influence of the individual parameters on the model was estimated from a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Per quality-adjusted life-year, ceMRA added euro; 24,408.60 in cases undergoing radiologic intervention and euro; 24,191.32 in cases treated surgically. CONCLUSION: Despite its high costs, ceMRA is an effective diagnostic procedure considering patient benefits. Additional costs do not exceed an acceptable range.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Diagnostic value of three-dimensional reconstruction in CT of traumatic spinal fractures].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the diagnostic value of three-dimensional CT-reconstruction in the pre-operative evaluation of traumatic fractures of the spine, compared with axial slices and two-dimensional reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT image data of 65 patients with 85 different acute traumatic spine fractures (C 2 through L 5) were collected in a period of 42 months. Retrospectively performed 2D- and 3D-reconstructions were analyzed independently by three CT-experienced readers using the Magerl classification and the readings compared with intraoperative findings or the final diagnoses. RESULTS: The fractures were classified according to the AO-classification as 56 compression, 16 distraction and 13 rotation fractures. Axial slices alone incorrectly classified 2 (1.2 %) of 168 (56 fractures x 3 readers) type A fractures. The CT classification was incorrect in 17 (35.4 %) of 48 (16 fractures x 3 readers) type B fractures and in 31 (79.5 %) of 39 (13 fractures x 3 readers) type C fractures. The 2D-reconstruction increased the percentage of incorrect diagnoses to 13 (7.7 %) type A, to 26 (54.2 %) type B and to 27 (69.2 %) type C fractures. The 3D-mode incorrectly classified 2 of 168 type A fractures (1.2 %), 6 of 48 type B fractures (12.5 %), and 1 of 39 type C fractures (2.6 %). The axial mode was superior to the 2D-reconstructions in type A and type B fractures, but inferior in type C fractures. The percentage of correctly classified type B fractures was significantly higher (p < 0.05) with 3D-reconstruction than with the 2D-mode. In type C fractures, this percentage was significantly higher (p < 0.001) with the 3D-mode than with axial slices or 2D-reconstruction. The interactive monitor analysis of the 3D-reconstructions with additional virtual cutting by the reader improved the analysis, especially the evaluation of the spinal canal. CONCLUSION: The 3D-reconstruction in traumatic spine fractures significantly improves the diagnostic outcome, especially the visualization and classification of rotation fractures. Its disadvantages are a slight increase in artifacts and impaired visualization of small details. Interactive monitor analysis and post-processing of the 3D-mode proved to be advantageous.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound vs. CT and MRI in palpable enlarged lymph nodes of the head and neck].

PURPOSE: To compare the value of B-mode-, plain and contrast enhanced color Doppler ultrasound, CT and MRI with respect to their diagnostic accuracy in palpable enlarged cervical lymph nodes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (18 - 90 years old) with palpable enlarged lymph nodes of the head and neck underwent B-mode-ultrasound, plain and contrast enhanced color Doppler, CT and MRI (gold standard: histologic analysis in 22 and clinical follow up for at least six months in eight patients). The criteria of malignancy were maximal and minimal lymph node diameter, M/Q-ratio, various morphologic criteria (necrosis, hilus line, internal structure, contour, contrast enhancement), spectral Doppler indices, and vascular architecture in color Doppler. RESULTS: The highest sensitivity (= 1.00, specificity = 0.07 - 0.15) was obtained measuring the lymph node diameter independent on the used imaging modality (ultrasound, CT, MRI), the highest specificity (= 1.00, sensitivity = 0.71) analyzing the vascularity of the lymph node by plain color Doppler. The highest diagnostic (= 0.93) accuracy was delivered by contrast enhanced color Doppler analysis of the vascularity. Sensitivity (= 0.94) and specificity (= 0.92) of this imaging modality were only slightly inferior to the top values. Fisher's exact test revealed significant values in differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes for B-mode- and MR-analysis of the M/Q-ratio (p < 0001/p < 0.05), B-mode morphology (p < 0.00005), plain and contrast enhanced color Doppler analysis of the vascularity (p < 0.0001/p < 0.000005), MR-morphology (p < 0.0001), and CT-morphology (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: CT is inferior to MRI, B-mode-ultrasound and contrast-enhanced color Doppler in the differential diagnosis of selectively analyzed, palpably enlarged cervical lymph nodes using the criteria of our study. The analysis of the MR-morphology revealed a slightly inferior diagnostic accuracy to B-mode morphology and color Doppler analysis of the vascularity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

[Analysis of vascularity in breast tumors--comparison of high frequency ultrasound and contrast-enhanced color harmonic imaging].

PURPOSE: To compare the ability of standard power Doppler and color harmonic imaging for visualising breast tumor vascularity using ultrasound probes of various frequencies, and to evaluate the influence on diagnostic accuracy using ultrasound contrast agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (x = 43.6 +/- 11.7 years) with suspected malignancy of the breast underwent power Doppler to evaluate vascularity and to offer a differential diagnosis of the lesion. Two criteria were used for differential diagnosis: The quantitative extent of vascularity ("percentage vessel area", PVA) and the qualitative assessment of vascular architecture. The following power Doppler modes were compared in every patient: Plain and enhanced (Levovist(R)) 9 MHz and 12 MHz standard power mode and enhanced 9 MHz color harmonic imaging-(CHI). RESULTS: The PVA increased from a mean of 2.2 +/- 2.9 % (9 MHz standard plain) via 4.8 +/- 4.1 % (12 MHz standard plain), 9.7 +/- 15.3 % (9 MHz standard enhanced), 17.4 +/- 20.0 % (9 MHz CHI enhanced) up to 19.4 +/- 14.8 % (12 MHz standard enhanced). The perceptibility of the vascular structure was best using the enhanced 12 MHz standard power mode, immediately followed by the enhanced 9 MHz CHI mode. The improved detection of vascular signal did not translate into improved diagnostic accuracy. The highest diagnostic accuracy (95 %) was obtained using the enhanced 9 MHz CHI mode (criterion "PVA") and the enhanced 9 MHz standard power mode (criterion "vascular structure"), whereas the 12 MHz probes delivered insufficient diagnostic accuracy and very low specificity. CONCLUSION: Best quantitative and qualitative visualisation of the tumor vascularity was achieved using the enhanced 12 MHz standard power mode. Nevertheless, the highest diagnostic accuracy was obtained using enhanced 9 MHz standard power Doppler and enhanced 9 MHz color harmonic imaging. The visualisation of tumor vascularity and, partially, the diagnostic accuracy are improved significantly by color harmonic imaging without changing the probe frequently.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Quantitative computerized tomography of bone mineral density of the mandible. Imaging of topographic distribution of bone mineral density in automated segmentation of mandibular structures].

PURPOSE: Confirmation of a new technique for evaluating bone mineral density (BMD). Colored coded imaging of topographical distribution of bone mineral density in the spongy substance. METHOD: For 20 patients, dental CT examinations of the mandible were made in axial slices. Spongy substance and cortical bone pixels were automatically segmented at foramina mentalia level by means of threshold fixation. The segments were separated in areas relevant to implantology. For each region, BMD was measured by means of quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Spongiose substance of 20 mandibles was segmented by using three threshold intervals to image topographical BMD distribution. RESULTS: Cortical bone and spongy substance could be automatically segmented for 20 mandibles. BMD could be measured in each region. The results were comparable with those of other techniques. Three threshold intervals were segmented for 20 mandibles in the spongy substance to depict topographical BMD distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Areas of low BMD can be detected by imaging topographical BMD distribution. This way, subjective rating by the examiner is eliminated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Cystic space-occupying lesion of the pancreas. Invasive mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the tail of the pancreas].

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Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Neoplasms of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Diagnosis, differential diagnosis and intervention].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic and interventional radiological techniques for neoplastic lesions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Modern diagnosis of the TMJ is based on the clinical use of conventional X-ray techniques, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and interventional techniques like biopsies, vascular occlusion and ablation. RESULTS: Conventional X-ray still forms the basic diagnostic procedure applied in open and closed mouth position. CT improves the diagnostic information and serves as the standard diagnostical instrument for cartaliganeous or osseous neoplastic lesions. MRI evaluates soft tissue infiltration in multiplanar techniques and high spatial resolution. Interventional vascular and ablative techniques improve the treatment of neoplastic disorders. CONCLUSION: Radiological diagnostic procedures are essentials for the diagnosis and intervention of neoplastic lesions of the temporomandibular joint.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2001

Vascularization of malignant and benign skin tumours measured by D-galactose-based signal-enhanced colour Doppler sonography.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of colour Doppler criteria to differentiate between malignant and benign skin tumours on the basis of the degree of vascularization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The B-mode sonomorphology and the degree of vascularization in colour Doppler of 81 clinically potentially malignant tumours of cutaneous and subcutaneous structures were analyzed and quantified by number of intratumoral vessels per sonographic slice and percentage vessel area. RESULTS: Of all criteria employed, counting the intratumoral vessels visible on one ultrasound slice after application of a signal-enhancing agent led to highest sensitivity (94%) of all used criteria but the specificity was poor (64%). The highest specificity (88%) and greatest diagnostic accuracy (86%) discriminating benign and malignant lesions were found using the criterion "percentage vessel area >5.0%" after all inflamed lesions had been excluded on the basis of clinical criteria. Plain colour Doppler increased the specificity up to 97%, although the sensitivity decreased simultaneously to max. 75%. Analysis of the B-mode morphology and spectral Doppler parameter of intratumoral vessels did not contribute to the differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Signal-enhanced colour Doppler sonography is a valuable tool in the pretherapeutic assessment of cutaneous lesions. This method may be relevant for therapy and prognosis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[A case of painful defect of unknown origin of the pediatric patella].

An uncertain history of potential trauma versus possible developmental variants and disorders in childhood may cause differential diagnostic problems in pediatric radiology. We report the case of a 12-year old boy with an unclear unilateral defect of the patella and long-persisting complaints in his knee. The plain radiological and MRI morphology of this lesion are described and possible differential diagnoses are discussed.

Arthralgia↗

PubMed2000

[The correlation between the CD4 count in HIV-positive patients and the radiological findings in diseases of the paranasal sinuses].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sinusitis is a frequent and typical disease in HIV-positive patients. It was the aim of this study to examine retrospectively computed tomograms (CT) and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of such patients for sinusitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CT and MRI of the nasal sinuses were retrospectively analysed in 71 HIV-positive patients. RESULTS: Sinusitis was diagnosed in 49 of the 71 patients by conventional radiology (38), CT (13) and/or MRI. In patients with sinusitis, contrary to those without it, there was a significant correlation between progression of the HIV infection, as measured by reduction in CD4 count, and an increased number of symptoms (r = -0.297; p < 0.05). The latter also correlated significantly with the frequency of concomitant sinusitis (r = 0.336, p < 0.05). The radiological findings correlated more closely with the CD4 count when tomography was used. The correlation coefficient for the number of patients with concomitant sinus disease rose from r = -0.305 to r = -0.459 and for the degree of severity from r = -0.324 to r = -0.484 (p < 0.05). Severity of sinus disease was clearly more marked among HIV-positive than HIV-negative patients. CONCLUSION: The severity of sinusitis in HIV-positive patients correlated directly with the level of the CD4 count. In these patients tomographic methods are preferable to conventional radiology.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed2000

Pulmonary disease in liver transplant recipients. Spectrum of CT features.

PURPOSE: To determine the features of pulmonary disease in liver transplant recipients by CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 792 patients, 102 were referred to thoracic CT 3-2093 days after the transplantation procedure (median 107 days). All CT studies were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with clinical, microbiological, serological and histopathological findings. RESULTS: Eighty-eight of 102 patients (86%) had an abnormal CT. In 25 patients (25%), an elevated right hemidiaphragm, basal atelectasis and small effusions were the only abnormalities. Fourty-one patients (40%) displayed an infiltrate and 13 (13%) a mass lesion. Evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was found in 20 patients. CMV pneumonia was suggested by an interstitial pattern of pneumonia on CT (n=13). Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was highlighted by peribronchovascular infiltrates (n=5/8), bacterial pneumonia (n=24) including legionellosis (n= 13) by bilateral effusions (n=14) and lobar consolidation (n= 13). In 7/41 patients (17%) with both clinically apparent pulmonary disease and CT signs of pneumonia, no pathogen could be detected. Neoplastic disease was mostly due to tumor recurrence (n=6). CONCLUSION: Thoracic CT of liver transplant recipients aids in detecting and classifying both infectious and neoplastic complications.

Adolescent↗