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Biomedical subjects

S McCarthy

Publications and source records attributed to S McCarthy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Pelvic phased array coil: image quality assessment for spin-echo MR imaging.

The NMR phased array coil (PA) provides improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over that available with the body coil. We evaluated image quality obtained with a pelvic PA compared to that obtained with the body coil for spin-echo imaging. Thirty-three women undergoing clinical pelvic MRI were imaged with the body coil followed by imaging with the PA with the same field-of-view (FOV) in 11 patients, and with a small FOV in 23 patients. Image quality was assessed independently by two radiologists. In individual cases there was significant improvement in image quality with the PA, however the expected marked improvement in image quality was not consistently found. Two factors which may limit image quality are increased motion artifact and nonuniformity of signal with distance from the coils. Significant improvements in image quality may occur with improved techniques to decrease motion artifact.

Adult

Effect of prone versus supine patient positioning on pelvic magnetic resonance image quality.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis in the prone position has been proposed as a means of reducing motion-related image blurring. The authors performed a randomized controlled trial to determine if patient positioning affects image quality. METHODS: All women undergoing pelvic MRI during a 7-month period, who could lie both prone and supine, were randomized to the supine or prone position. The quality of axial T2-weighted spin-echo images was rated by two radiologists using a 1-to-4 scale (1 = marked blurring to 4 = sharp definition of pelvic structures). RESULTS: Of 78 eligible women, 61 were randomized. Two patients could not complete the examination. The mean image quality rating of 2.8 for the 32 patients imaged prone was not significantly different from the mean rating of 2.9 for the 27 patients imaged supine (P = .5, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: Patient positioning did not significantly affect pelvic MRI quality. The choice of patient position should be based on other considerations, such as patient comfort or ease of patient positioning.

Adult

Can MR imaging effectively replace diagnostic arthroscopy?

A study was performed to determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is cost-effective and reduces the need for diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee. During a 9-month period, 103 consecutive patients with knee injury that justified diagnostic arthroscopy underwent MR imaging. The MR images were interpreted by means of consensus of three radiologists and reviewed with the referring sports medicine orthopedists. After the examination, 44 patients (42.7%) underwent immediate arthroscopy. The 59 other patients (57.3%) did not undergo arthroscopy; follow-up was performed in 55 of these 59 patients (93%) at a mean of 22 months. The outcome was successful in 49 of 55 patients (89%); 40 patients had normal function and no limitation in activity, six patients with chronic injury of the anterior cruciate ligament underwent reconstruction, and three patients underwent arthroscopy with negative findings. Without the use of MR imaging, all patients in this study would have undergone diagnostic arthroscopy. Because of the diagnoses based on MR images, 53 patients (51.4%) avoided a potentially unnecessary diagnostic arthroscopy, and, as a result, the net savings was $103,700 in the 103 patients.

Adolescent

Fast spin-echo MR imaging of the female pelvis. Part I. Use of a whole-volume coil.

In this prospective study, axial and sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained with T2-weighted conventional spin-echo (CSE) and fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences in 34 consecutive female patients who underwent clinical pelvic MR examination at 1.5 T. The MR images from each patient were compared side by side, blindly and independently, by two radiologists experienced in MR imaging who used a standardized score sheet for anatomic and pathologic findings. The FSE sequences were rated superior significantly more often than the CSE sequences in most categories of findings (P less than .05), including overall image quality and reduction of motion artifact. The examination time for the FSE sequences was 1 minute 46 seconds versus an examination time of 9 minutes 14 seconds for the CSE sequences. (Both CSE and FSE sequences provided 18 sections.) It is concluded that the FSE sequence provides T2-weighted anatomic and pathologic information superior to that provided by the CSE sequence and requires substantially less imaging time.

Adolescent

Multicoil high-resolution fast spin-echo MR imaging of the female pelvis.

A fast spin-echo pulse sequence was combined with multiple surface coils used simultaneously in the form of a "multicoil" in magnetic resonance imaging studies of the female pelvis. This combination allowed maximal resolution with maintenance of the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) at an acceptable level, and the S/N with the multicoil system was substantially better than that achieved with a body coil. Excellent image quality and demonstration of anatomic detail were afforded by use of this technique.

Adolescent

Submucosal uterine leiomyomas: diagnosis of prolapse into the cervix and vagina based on MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the MR appearance, signs and symptoms, and pathologic findings in five patients with submucosal leiomyomas that prolapsed into the cervical or vaginal canal. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During the past 3 years, five women aged 33-53 years (mean, 43 years) were identified prospectively at MR imaging as having prolapsing uterine leiomyomas. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgical pathology. MR imaging was performed on a 1.5-T unit, using both T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo or fast spin-echo sequences. The images were analyzed for signal intensity, presence of a stalk, and caudal extent of the prolapsed leiomyoma. RESULTS: These leiomyomas, the presence of prolapse, and the caudal extent of prolapse were detected prospectively on MR images in all five cases. Prospective localization of the stalk in two cases aided subsequent hysteroscopic resection. MR imaging correctly indicated the presence of hemorrhage in one, degeneration in a second, and the absence of these complications in two others. In the fifth case, a hemorrhagic focus in the distal tip of the leiomyoma was not detected on MR images obtained 3 days before surgery. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is useful for the diagnosis and characterization of uterine leiomyomas that have prolapsed into the cervical or vaginal canal.

Adult

Nursing home employment: the nurse's aide's perspective.

1. Nurse's aides are an essential component of quality nursing home care. This study explores some of their opinions about their employment. 2. Despite the many individual demographic differences, the findings of this study indicate that nurse's aides as a group hold many similar opinions about what they like and dislike about their jobs. 3. Multiple factors affect the attitudes of nurse's aides toward their employment. 4. The findings of this study indicate that attachment to others (residents, co-workers) and a sense of personal gratification in the work itself are major themes associated with both retention and morale of nurse's aides.

Humans

Physics of magnetic resonance.

The magnetic resonance technique has had a major impact on medical imaging. Unlike x-ray imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not use ionizing radiation. It uses a strong external magnetic field provided by a superconducting magnet and radiofrequency radiation to generate tomographic images in any plane. The contrast between different tissues is based upon multiple factors that can be explained in terms of the magnetic properties of matter. The tissue contrast provided by MRI is superior to that of any other imaging technique. This paper provides a brief introduction to the underlying physical principles of clinical MRI. The basic concepts of T1, T2 and image generation are discussed for spin echo pulse sequences.

Forecasting

A monocyte/macrophage antigen recognized by the four antibodies GHI/61, Ber-MAC3, Ki-M8 and SM4.

A new monoclonal antibody, GHI/61, which labels the majority of monocytes and tissue macrophages is described. This antibody recognizes an intracellular antigen of 130,000 MW (reduced) and 110,000 MW (unreduced). Using biochemical, flow cytometry and immunocytochemical studies antibody GHI/61 was shown to recognize the same antigen as the previously described antibodies Ber-MAC3, Ki-M8 and SM4. On the basis of the results obtained, antibodies GHI/61, SM4, Ber-MAC3 and Ki-M8 should form a new CD group at the next Leucocyte Typing Workshop. Since the antigen recognized by the antibody GHI/61 is relatively easy to purify, the sequencing and the isolation of the gene encoding this protein should be possible.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal female pelvis.

MR imaging has emerged as an important modality in the evaluation of the female pelvis as a result of the detailed demonstration of normal anatomy. Tissue planes within the uterus, cervix, vagina, and ovaries are clearly delineated, thus enabling a better understanding of normal anatomy and, therefore, pathology.

Female

Metabolism of dichlorobenzenes in organ cultured liver slices.

A novel in vitro system was used to evaluate tissue specific toxicity. This system utilizes precision cut organ slices in dynamic organ culture and is viable for up to 24 hrs. The three isomers of dichlorobenzene were added to liver slices prepared from Sprague Dawley rats or human donors. The precursor dichlorobenzenes were radiolabelled and metabolites were separated by classes (i.e. glucuronides, sulfates and glutathione and cysteine conjugates). Covalent Binding of the dichlorobenzenes was also determined after extensive extraction of the tissue. The total amount of metabolism of the dichlorobenzenes varied depending on the isomer and the type of tissue. For example, the Sprague-Dawley rat liver slices metabolized 1,2-DCB and 1,3-DCB at approximately the same rate while 1,4-DCB was metabolized at a slower rate. This metabolism profile was also seen in the majority of the adult human liver slices. However, the fetal human slices showed that 1,4-DCB was metabolized to a greater extent than 1,3-DCB or 1,2-DCB while 1,3-DCB was metabolized at a faster rate than 1,2-DCB. Our results show that liver slices in organ culture are a suitable system for species comparisons and of structure/activity relationships in xenobiotic metabolism with an emphasis on the fate of reactive intermediates. In addition, this system is suitable for evaluation of hepatotoxic potency.

Animals

MR appearance of painful conditions of the ankle.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed in 60 patients with ankle pain who were suspected of having various soft-tissue or osseous abnormalities. Results of conventional radiographs had been normal or inconclusive. Soft-tissue disorders depicted by MR imaging included tendon and ligament tears, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, and plantar fasciitis. Osseous conditions demonstrated by MR imaging included osteochondritis dessicans, infarcts, bone bruises, stress fractures, tarsal coalition, and osteoid osteoma. The authors believe that MR imaging is useful in the assessment of a variety of painful ankle disorders.

Adult

[Deep mycoses observed in New Caledonia. Evaluation of observations from the laboratory of pathologic anatomy of the Pasteur Institute of New Caledonia 1975-1990].

All cases of deep mycotic diseases observed between 1975 and 1989 in the Laboratory of Anatomical Pathology at Nouméa's Pasteur Institute have been studied retrospectively together with all available data concerning this pathology both in New Caledonia and the Pacific area. During the period under review, two cases of histoplasmosis, 4 of actinomycosis, 3 sporotrichosis, 5 mycetoma and 5 chromoblastomycosis were recorded in New Caledonia. Clinical and histological data appear to be identical to those observed in other Pacific Islands. Diagnosis is most usually supported only by histological examination and, thus, for future studies it is vital that specific mycologic culture of all cases be carried out.

Actinomycosis

Relation of serum lipoprotein(a) concentration and apolipoprotein(a) phenotype to coronary heart disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia carries a marked increase in the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), but there is considerable variation between individuals in susceptibility to CHD. To investigate the possible role of lipoprotein(a) as a risk factor for CHD, we studied the association between serum lipoprotein(a) levels, genetic types of apolipoprotein(a) (which influence lipoprotein(a) levels), and CHD in 115 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The median lipoprotein(a) level in the 54 patients with CHD was 57 mg per deciliter, which is significantly higher than the corresponding value of 18 mg per deciliter in the 61 patients without CHD. According to discriminant-function analysis, the lipoprotein(a) level was the best discriminator between the two groups (as compared with all other lipid and lipoprotein levels, age, sex, and smoking status). Phenotyping for apolipoprotein(a) was performed in 109 patients. The frequencies of the apolipoprotein(a) phenotypes and alleles differed significantly between the patients with and those without CHD. The allele LpS2, which is associated with high lipoprotein(a) levels, was found more frequently among the patients with CHD (0.33 vs. 0.12). In contrast, the LpS4 allele, which is associated with low lipoprotein(a) levels, was more frequent among those without CHD (0.27 vs. 0.15). We conclude that an elevated level of lipoprotein(a) is a strong risk factor for CHD in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, and the increase in risk is independent of age, sex, smoking status, and serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The higher level of lipoprotein(a) observed in the patients with CHD is the result of genetic influence.

Adult

Scaphoid fractures and Kienbock's disease of the lunate: MR imaging with histopathologic correlation.

Thirteen patients with scaphoid fractures and four patients with Kienbock's disease of the lunate underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgery. A total of 28 specimens had MR-histologic correlation. Biopsy specimens obtained by curettage provided pathologic correlation. MRI proved accurate in prospective evaluation of bone viability for both scaphoid fractures and Kienbock's disease. Normal marrow signal was shown to correlate with the presence of osteoid and osteocytes on light microscopy and a surface layer of fluorescence reflecting tetracycline uptake in viable bone. Decreased marrow signal corresponded to non-viable trabeculae with scant osteoid, without osteocytes and no tetracycline labeling. By virtue of its accurate identification of avascular necrosis, MRI may prove valuable in predicting prognosis for patients with scaphoid fractures and Kienbock's disease of the lunate.

Adult

High-field MRI and US evaluation of the pelvis in women with leiomyomas.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and real-time transabdominal ultrasonography (US) were performed on 23 women with uterine leiomyomas. The uterus, ovaries, and cul de sac were evaluated. Accurate determination of uterine volume was possible in all cases by MRI, but was limited on US in uteri larger than 140 cc. Marked enlargement also prevented visualization of contour abnormalities in eight patients on US, but none on MRI. The endometrial stripe and junctional zone could not be adequately visualized in 21/23 US examinations, whereas they were identified in all 23 MRI (8 normal and 15 distorted). Individual leiomyomas were clearly depicted on 4 US and 19 MR scans, the smallest being 1.1 cm and 0.8 cm, respectively. Of the 31 fibroids present on MRI: 13 were intramural, 4 subserosal, and 14 submucosal. MRI successfully identified 44/46 ovaries as compared to 21/46 on US. Cul de sac fluid was noted in seven women by MRI alone. This data suggests that MRI is superior to US in examination of the entire pelvis in women with leiomyomas.

Adult