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Biomedical subjects

Klaus Jürgen Pfeifer

Publications and source records attributed to Klaus Jürgen Pfeifer.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

3D imaging with an isocentric mobile C-arm comparison of image quality with spiral CT.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the image quality of the new 3D imaging system (ISO-C-3D) for osteosyntheses of tibial condylar fractures in comparison with spiral CT (CT). Sixteen human cadaveric knees were examined with a C-arm 3D imaging system and spiral computed tomography. Various screws and plates of steel and titanium were used for osteosynthesis in these specimens. Image quality and clinical value of multiplanar (MP) reformatting of both methods were analyzed. In addition, five patients with tibial condylar fractures were examined for diagnosis and intra-operative control. The image quality of the C-arm 3D imaging system in the cadaveric study was rated as significantly worse than that of spiral CT with and without prostheses. After implantation of prostheses an increased incidence of artifacts was observed, but the diagnostic accuracy was not affected. Titanium implants caused the smallest number of artifacts. The image quality of ISO-C is inferior to CT, and metal artifacts were more prominent, but the clinical value was equal. ISO-C-3D can be useful in planning operative reconstructions and can verify the reconstruction of articular surfaces and the position of implants with diagnostic image quality.

Artifacts↗

Classification of calcaneal fractures by spiral computed tomography: implications for surgical treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate spiral computed tomography and multislice CT (SCT/MSCT) with multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) in the classification of calcaneal fractures according to a modified CT classification and to quantify fragment displacement to guide surgical treatment. Forty-eight calcaneal fractures were examined by spiral CT (1- to 2-mm slice thickness, pitch=1.5) with multiplanar reconstructions (MPR). Fractures were grouped according to a modified Munich classification scheme, differentiating six categories of fractures by joint involvement, number of fragments in the posterior facet, and the presence and extent of displacement. A qualitative and quantitative statement was made for the presence of clinical relevant displacement of the posterior articular facet (A: >2 mm), widening of the heel (B: crossing fibular reference line), reduction in calcaneal height (C: >10%), and axis shift of the calcaneocuboid angle (D: >10 degrees ). Treatment recommendations resulting from the CT classification were retrospectively compared with the treatment given by examining the patients' files. There were 10 extra-articular and 38 intra-articular fractures; 8 were in class I (extra-articular, nondisplaced), 2 in class II (extra-articular, displaced), 1 in class III (intra-articular, nondisplaced), 20 in class IV (two fragments), 9 in class V (three fragments), and 8 in class VI (>4 fragments), one of the latter being uncertain; 34 showed displacement of the articular facet, 35 widening of the heel, 35 reduction in calcaneal height, and 20 a shift of the axis. In 94% of the cases the procedure recommended by the Munich system of classification was followed; there was disagreement in 1 case in class I and 1 in class IV. Spiral CT allowed fracture classification and quantification of relevant displacement of fragments by radiologists. The implemented recommendations for treatment were adopted by surgeons in most cases.

Adolescent↗

Gadolinium as an alternative contrast agent for diagnostic and interventional angiographic procedures in patients with impaired renal function.

BACKGROUND: The study was designed to investigate the safety and feasibility of gadopentetate dimeglumine, a gadolinium-based contrast medium, as an alternative angiographic contrast agent in patients with impaired renal function and high risk for iodinated contrast-induced nephropathy. METHODS: Gadopentetate dimeglumine was used as the radiographic contrast agent in 32 diagnostic or interventional angiographic procedures in 29 patients (59% diabetics) with severe renal insufficiency (average serum creatinine of 3.6+/-1.4 mg/dl). The average dose of gadopentetate dimeglumine was 0.34+/-0.06 mmol/kg body weight. Gadopentetate dimeglumine was used either alone (n=20) or in conjunction with carbon dioxide (n=12). RESULTS: Thirty-two angiographic procedures (24 diagnostic angiographies and 8 interventional procedures) were performed in 29 patients. For diagnostic purposes, eleven selective renal arteriographies, six angiographies of the iliac arteries and lower extremities, and seven venous angiographies of the upper extremity and central veins were performed. Interventional procedures consisted of two percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasties with stenting, four percutaneous peripheral vascular interventions, and two balloon angioplasties of a dialysis fistula. None of the patients, except one, had evidence of post-procedure contrast material-induced renal failure (increase in serum creatinine >0.5 mg/dl within 72 h) or other complications. This patient had a clinically important increase in serum creatinine level after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty and stenting, probably due to cholesterol embolism. Gadopentetate dimeglumine had sufficient radiographic density to allow adequate diagnostic visualization with digital subtraction equipment in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Gadopentetate dimeglumine is an alternative and safe radiographic contrast agent for angiography and interventional procedures in patients with severe pre-existing renal impairment. In this population with high risk for contrast-induced acute renal failure, it is obviously less nephrotoxic than iodinated contrast media.

Adult↗

Three-dimensional CT with a modified C-arm image intensifier: feasibility.

A portable C arm was modified for cone-beam computed tomography (CT). This three-dimensional (3D) CT imaging system facilitated the acquisition of fluoroscopic images during a 190 degrees rotation and computed a 3D data cube (matrix, 256 x 256 x 256; scanning time, 100 seconds) with multiplanar image reformation. The high-contrast resolution, 0.9 line pairs per millimeter, was comparable; the low-contrast resolution, minimal; and the radiation dose, 60%-80% lower, as compared with these parameters at spiral CT. The normal anatomy of small joints could be depicted, and the osteosynthesis screws in the talus were correctly identified.

Bone Screws↗

Whole-body computed tomography in polytrauma: techniques and management.

An interdisciplinary team should be involved in the diagnosis and management of severely injured patients. The adoption of criteria for starting treatment for multiple trauma avoids underestimation of seriousness of injury. These criteria are established by the circumstances of the accident, the patterns of trauma, and the vital findings. Basic diagnosis comprises a limited number of plain films in the trauma room, including supine chest, lateral cervical spine, and pelvis, and ultrasound of abdomen, pleura, and pericardium. Organ diagnosis using CT is complementary and depends on the clinical findings and findings from the basic investigations. We recommend spiral CT (skull base 2/2/4 mm, cerebrum 8/8/8 mm native) and after intravenous contrast medium thoracic (5/7.5/5 mm) and abdominal CT (8/12/8 mm). Image reconstruction of bony structures can be added. The CT and the trauma center should be in close proximity; time-consuming transfers must be avoided. If this is not possible, a CT can be integrated in the trauma room. Our hospital trauma registry contains over 2200 entries. A quality committee has been established and external quality control is implemented.

Humans↗