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Biomedical subjects

S Braitinger

Publications and source records attributed to S Braitinger.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

[Structures of the knee joint in nuclear magnetic resonance tomography. Improved representation with 3D volume imaging].

Despite 3D gradient echo technique has a better spacial resolution than spin echo sequences, 3D imaging is not well accepted for clinical routine. Because of the large amount of data evaluation cannot be done by single photo-documented slices. Postprocessing of the 3D data sets with an image analysis system is indispensable. A maximum of two different gradient echo sequences (FLASH, FISP) are necessary for imaging of the whole interesting volume with continuous slices. Time of examination is shorter (16 resp. 32 minutes) compared with conventional spin echo sequences. In our opinion 3D gradient echo-sequences are a reliable noninvasive technique for the evaluation of pathological changes of the knee joint which could replace diagnostic arthroscopy in the future.

Bone Neoplasms

[The extension of MR diagnosis in dissecting aortic aneurysms by means of FLASH and snapshot-FLASH sequences].

Using a combination of T1 weighted snapshot-flash sequences and intravenous contrast bolus it was possible to demonstrate intraluminal signal differences in a period of seconds. 5 confirmed aortic lesions were studied; 2 old aortic dissections (with differentiation between the true and false lumen), 1 acute aortic dissection and a partially thrombosed thoracic aortic aneurysm were demonstrated. The advantage of this technique lies in its simplicity and reproducibility. Difficulties in interpreting the intraluminal phases arising from spin echo and flash techniques are made easier by interpreting the available signals from this method.

Aortic Dissection

[Use of the 3D procedure in nuclear magnetic resonance tomography in ENT diagnostics].

The use of 3D-gradient-echo sequences improved the diagnosis of malignant tumors of the skull base, the nasopharynx, the nasal cavities, the paranasal sinuses and the upper parts of the parapharyngeal space with relation to the skull base. Therefore the tumor extent and infiltration may be better appreciated than in conventional 2D-spin-echo or gradient echo sequences. Using this method, the examinations of 22 patients with carcinomas could be compared. Precise tumor delineation was achieved in six of these patients when compared with surgical and histological findings. The 3D sequences most frequently used were FLASH 40 degrees with TR of 40 ms and the shortest TE (5 to 6 ms). 3D turbo-FLASH (MPRage) with Gad-DTPA was applied in order to shorten the acquisition time by half and especially to reduce motion artefacts.

Follow-Up Studies

[MRT of orofacial tumors--initial clinical experiences with turbo-flash intensity studies].

We examined 36 patients with carcinomas of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. In 11 cases, a clear definition of the tumor extent was not possible using T2 w. spin echo sequences and T1 w. spin echo and gradient echo sequences after injection of contrast material. This delineation was attained with Turbo-FLASH intensity-vs-time studies (Gad-DTPA). The time of acquisition of each measurement was about 1 sec. At the end of injection of Gad-DTPA, 30 measurements with a delay of 1 sec between two measurements were performed. Using this technique, a marginal zone at the boundary of the tumor of very high signal intensity was visible within first minute after Gadolinium injection. This method is not required in the case of clearly hypointense (majority of the tumors) or hyperintense (minority) lesions on T1 w. Gadolinium-enhanced SE or GE images.

Aged

[Thrombocytopenia-induced parenchyma hemorrhage in a newborn infant. A contribution to the etiology of so-called arachnoid cysts].

We report on a newborn baby with thrombocytopenia who developed neonatal seizures caused by a temporal lobe hemorrhage as shown by cerebral ultrasonography. This hemorrhage was followed by a cyst isodense to intracerebral fluid. Differential diagnostic aspects concerning the etiology of arachnoideal cysts will be discussed in relation to the post-hemorrhagic course and the sonographic or the magnetic resonance tomography findings respectively.

Arachnoid Cysts

[CT and MRT of vertebral hemangiomas].

A retrospective comparative study of CT and MRI was carried out involving 38 vertebral haemangiomas; this revealed a typical signal pattern on MRI from benign lesions. It consists of a hyper-intense signal from the bone marrow affecting the T1/T2 sequences; this may be focal or involve the entire vertebral body. These characteristic signals were compared with CT images of the spine. The areas of bone that produce the high intensity signals on MRI appear on CT as spongy patterns with hypertrophic trabeculae surrounding mostly areas with negative absorption values. An analysis of the changes in the spongiosa has revealed three clearly defined types. The signals derived from haemangiomas extending beyond the bone have an intensity of normal spongiosa; this corresponds with an absence of fat, as demonstrated by CT. Extra-osseous components have low intensity T1 signals that increase in T2 sequences.

Adult

[The value of MR tomography in tumorous diseases of the inner nose and paranasal sinuses].

In the examination of the inner nose and the paranasal sinuses, magnetic resonance imaging impresses by its excellent representation of anatomical structures, due above all to the multiplanar orientation of slices, the good possibility to differentiate soft tissue structures, and the accurate visualization of lymph nodes and vessels without contrast medium. Osseous lesions can be better assessed by computed tomography, however, magnetic resonance imaging can indirectly demonstrate bone destructions, too.

Adenocarcinoma

[Magnetic resonance tomography of the postoperative lumbar spine. A comparison of the MR versus CT images in recurrent intervertebral disk prolapse].

In the present study, 40 patients who had undergone disc surgery were examined by high resolution CT and MR for possible recurrence of the disc prolapse and the results are compared. It appears that high resolution spinal MR, using its various tissue parameters provides no new insights into possible recurrence of a disc prolapse. As is the case with CT, the investigator must also evaluate other morphological and clinical factors. In spite of this, MR can be useful in the investigation of abnormal spines.

Diagnostic Errors

[Change in subjective well being and physical complaints in multiple sclerosis patients within the scope of inpatient therapy lasting several weeks].

At the beginning and the end of a 4 to 6 weeks hospital treatment 141 patients with multiple sclerosis were investigated in order to measure changes in subjective well-being and reported symptoms. For this purpose we used self-rating scales (v. Zerssen's "Befindlichkeits-Skala" (state of well-being scale) and "Beschwerden-Liste" (complaints list). Data from treatment onset, as well as changes during treatment, were correlated with age, age at illness onset, duration of illness, disability score and neurological deficit, but also with differences in treatments and with social characteristics. At the time of discharge from hospital, two-thirds of the MS patients reported relief of symptoms, and three-quarters showed a much better general sense of well-being. In general a subdepressive state was found initially, and a normal relaxed mood at time of discharge. ACTH improved the patients well-being to a much greater extent when compared with matched MS patients without ACTH therapy. Reading aids for those with impaired vision, and especially relief of bladder dysfunction (which was found in 80% of the patients) led to an enhanced general sense of well-being, while ACTH did not lead to any greater relief of illness symptoms.

Activities of Daily Living

Disk processes in MR.

Disk processes can be differentiated in MR with the introduction of high resolution coils and the use of a multi slice technique with a minimal slice thickness of 5 mm. By using a sensitive double echo sequence we found that in the 80 patients examined the size and extent of the posterior herniation could be well demonstrated. Sagittal slices show the relationship of the herniation to the spinal cord. The pathomechanical parts of a disk process such as ruptured or preserved anulus fibrosus, perforated or intact posterior longitudinal ligament can be differentiated. For lateral lying processes in connection with the foramen intervertebral and the spinal roots an axial slice parallel to the intervertebral space is recommended. All CT findings especially in the cervical spine region were shown and further qualified.

Cervical Vertebrae

[MR imaging of the cervical spine using special coils].

The signal/noise ratio of MR images can be improved for organs near the surface by means of special coils. It is shown for neck imaging that a close-fitting saddle-shaped coil is more suitable for application between C 2 and Th 1, than a saddle coil for the entire head or a disc-shaped coil. Such a close-fitting saddle-shaped coil is an essential prerequisite for effective neuroradiological diagnoses of the spinal cord with nerve roots, of the spinal column, and of the vessels of the neck.

Cervical Vertebrae