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Shahid M Hussain

Publications and source records attributed to Shahid M Hussain.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hepatocellular adenoma: findings at state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography and pathologic analysis.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the most recent concepts and pertinent findings of hepatocellular adenomas, including clinical presentation, gross pathology and histology, pathogenesis and transformation into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and imaging findings at ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗

Octreotide exerts only acute, but no sustained, effects on MRI enhancement of liver metastases in carcinoid syndrome.

We have investigated the acute and sustained hemodynamic effects of octreotide on hepatic metastases of midgut carcinoids using contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Seven patients with the carcinoid syndrome and metastasized midgut carcinoid tumors underwent functional dynamic multi-phase gadolinium-enhanced MRI of selected liver metastases at baseline and 60 min after the subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of 100 microg octreotide, and also after 3 months with three times daily (t.i.d.) 100 microg octreotide s.c. Baseline MRIs showed the typical aspect of carcinoid liver metastases with a very bright signal on the T2-weighted sequences and intense enhancement in the arterial phase after injection of gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate. MRIs 60 min after the s.c. administration of 100 microg octreotide showed a 34.9 +/- 6.2% (mean +/- SD) reduction in relative enhancement in the selected liver metastases as compared to baseline. In 2 patients, however, there was no (significant) reduction in the relative enhancement in the selected liver metastases 60 min after the s.c. administration of 100 microg octreotide as compared to baseline. Only in 2 patients did the MRIs at 3 months show a decrease in relative enhancement in one of the selected liver metastases. At 3 months, with 100 microg octreotide s.c. t.i.d., there was no correlation between the change in relative enhancement on MRI and the change in 24-hour 5-HIAA excretion. There is thus only an acute effect of octreotide on the perfusion of liver metastases. This study further shows that contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI can be a very useful tool for studying hemodynamic effects of medical therapies on liver metastases in patients with metastatic midgut carcinoids.

Aged↗

Stepwise carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in the cirrhotic liver: demonstration on serial MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate imaging findings of stepwise carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis at serial state-of-the-art MR imaging exams. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective search of the hospital archives, three patients were identified in which developing HCC was observed in serial MR examinations, with histopathology or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) correlation. Image findings were assessed for signal intensity of the lesions at multiple sequences, including dynamic gadolinium-enhanced imaging. RESULTS: Initial findings in patient A showed a small nodule with fatty infiltration that developed in HCC in follow-up MRI, comprised of low-grade dysplastic nodule (DN; DN I), high-grade DN (DN II), and eventually classic HCC. In patient B, increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images in a single DN among numerous regenerative nodules was the only initial sign. Follow up MRI showed further increase in signal intensity and increased neovascularity, which suggested focal HCC in a DN II. Patient C demonstrated gradually increasing neovascularity as only initial sign, with development of classic HCC over time. CONCLUSION: MR imaging provides insight in various pathways of stepwise carcinogenesis of developing HCC in cirrhosis. This may further explain the genetic heterogeneity, and may facilitate early detection and better selection of patients for follow-up.

Adult↗

Focal nodular hyperplasia: lesion characteristics on state-of-the-art MRI including dynamic gadolinium-enhanced and superparamagnetic iron-oxide-uptake sequences in a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To image a cohort of patients with pathology-proven focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) to assess which characteristics of state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver are the most useful for improving the detection and characterization of FNH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 14 patients, pathology-proven FNH (N=33) were prospectively examined using gadolinium (Gd) and superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) contrast media. All lesions were evaluated for signal intensity (SI), fatty infiltration, central scar, mode of enhancement with Gd, and uptake of SPIO. The percentage of dynamic contrast enhancement in the arterial, portal, and delayed phases was assessed. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) before and after administration of SPIO contrast was calculated. RESULTS: The SI of the lesions was low to isointense on T1-weighted (T1W) images, and intermediate to isointense on T2W images. Fatty infiltration of the lesions was present in 6%. The percentages of enhancement in the liver and lesion were 110%, 115%, and 95%, and 151%, 182%, and 160%, respectively (P<0.0001). All lesions showed uptake of SPIO with improved conspicuity of the central scar and septa. The CNR values precontrast and post-Gd/SPIO were significantly different for T1 in- and opposed-phase and black-blood echo-planar imaging (BBEPI). CONCLUSION: Combining dynamic Gd-enhanced imaging with T1W and T2W sequences after administration of SPIO facilitates comprehensive evaluation of FNH.

Adult↗

Diagnosis and treatment of benign focal liver lesions.

BACKGROUND: With the routine use of improved imaging modalities, more benign liver lesions are detected nowadays. An accurate characterization of these incidental lesions may be a challenge, and frequently a biopsy or even unnecessary surgery is being performed. However, these interventions are not always to the benefit of the patient. METHODS: A Medline search of studies relevant to imaging diagnosis and management of the most common, benign, solid and non-solid liver lesions was undertaken. References from identified articles were handsearched for further relevant articles. The authors' own experiences with benign liver lesions were also taken into account. RESULTS: Although atypical imaging features are the exception rather than the rule, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and knowledge of their imaging features is essential if unnecessary work-up is to be avoided. The use of tissue-specific contrast media, which has clearly improved the accuracy of highly advanced radiological techniques, may be helpful during differential diagnosis. Once having established an accurate diagnosis, surgery is rarely indicated for a benign liver lesion because of its asymptomatic nature. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of imaging features and a clear management strategy during diagnostic work-up, emphasizing the indications for surgery, will minimize the number of patients who have to undergo biopsy or unnecessary surgery.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary and metastatic liver tumors: A single institution phase i-ii study.

The feasibility, toxicity and tumor response of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for treatment of primary and metastastic liver tumors was investigated. From October 2002 until June 2006, 25 patients not suitable for other local treatments were entered in the study. In total 45 lesions were treated, 34 metastases and 11 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Median follow-up was 12.9 months (range 0.5-31). Median lesion size was 3.2 cm (range 0.5-7.2) and median volume 22.2 cm3 (range 1.1-322). Patients with metastases, HCC without cirrhosis, and HCC < 4 cm with cirrhosis were mostly treated with 3 x 12.5 Gy. Patients with HCC > or =4 cm and cirrhosis received 5 x 5 Gy or 3 x 10 Gy. The prescription isodose was 65%. Acute toxicity was scored following the Common Toxicity Criteria and late toxicity with the SOMA/LENT classification. Local failures were observed in two HCC and two metastases. Local control rates at 1 and 2 years for the whole group were 94% and 82%. Acute toxicity grade > or =3 was seen in four patients; one HCC patient with Child B developed a liver failure together with an infection and died (grade 5), two metastases patients presented elevation of gamma glutamyl transferase (grade 3) and another asthenia (grade 3). Late toxicity was observed in one metastases patient who developed a portal hypertension syndrome with melena (grade 3). SBRT was feasible, with acceptable toxicity and encouraging local control. Optimal dose-fractionation schemes for HCC with cirrhosis have to be found. Extreme caution should be used for patients with Child B because of a high toxicity risk.

Adult↗

Can a single-shot black-blood T2-weighted spin-echo echo-planar imaging sequence with sensitivity encoding replace the respiratory-triggered turbo spin-echo sequence for the liver? An optimization and feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To optimize and assess the feasibility of a single-shot black-blood T2-weighted spin-echo echo-planar imaging (SSBB-EPI) sequence for MRI of the liver using sensitivity encoding (SENSE), and compare the results with those obtained with a T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six volunteers and 16 patients were scanned at 1.5T (Philips Intera). In the volunteer study, we optimized the SSBB-EPI sequence by interactively changing the parameters (i.e., the resolution, echo time (TE), diffusion weighting with low b-values, and polarity of the phase-encoding gradient) with regard to distortion, suppression of the blood signal, and sensitivity to motion. The influence of each change was assessed. The optimized SSBB-EPI sequence was applied in patients (N = 16). A number of items, including the overall image quality (on a scale of 1-5), were used for graded evaluation. In addition, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver was calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out with the use of Wilcoxon's signed rank test for comparison of the SSBB-EPI and TSE sequences, with P = 0.05 considered the limit for significance. RESULTS: The SSBB-EPI sequence was improved by the following steps: 1) less frequency points than phase-encoding steps, 2) a b-factor of 20, and 3) a reversed polarity of the phase-encoding gradient. In patients, the mean overall image quality score for the optimized SSBB-EPI (3.5 (range: 1-4)) and TSE (3.6 (range: 3-4)), and the SNR of the liver on SSBB-EPI (mean +/- SD = 7.6 +/- 4.0) and TSE (8.9 +/- 4.6) were not significantly different (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Optimized SSBB-EPI with SENSE proved to be feasible in patients, and the overall image quality and SNR of the liver were comparable to those achieved with the standard respiratory-triggered T2-weighted TSE sequence.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗

Approach to abdominal imaging at 1.5 Tesla and optimization at 3 Tesla.

This article reviews fundamental principles and sequence techniques that have been used successfully for imaging diseases of the abdomen and pelvis at 1.5 Tesla. This article also introduces concepts and the specific alteration of sequence parameters for optimization of abdominal-pelvic imaging at 3 Tesla.

Abdomen↗

Liver masses.

In summary, MR imaging is superior to other imaging modalities, including CT, for the work-up of liver masses. The current challenge is whether the superior performance of MR imaging translates into a beneficial effect on patient management, disease outcome, and health care costs. New MR sequences, phased-array surface coils, and tissue-specific MR contrast agents suggest that MR imaging may exceed further the diagnostic ability of CT.

Contrast Media↗

MR imaging of the liver.

MR imaging is establishing a role as a primary diagnostic technique, with increasing evidence showing MR imaging to have advantages over CT regarding diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for many pathologies of solid organs, bile and pancreatic ducts, bowel, peritoneum, and retroperitoneum. In addition, there are increasing concerns regarding the risks of radiation and iodinated contrast associated with CT imaging of the abdomen. The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy associated with iodinated contrast used for CT scanning is difficult to ascertain because reporting is spurious and variable in interpretation.

Contrast Media↗

Hepatic imaging: comparison of modalities.

This article describes a number of aspects of liver imaging, including the main reasons for imaging of the liver; the current status and recent developments of ultrasound, CT, MR imaging, and PET; and the role of these imaging modalities in the assessment of hepatic abnormalities. Finally, a systematic review of the current relevant literature on studies that compare modalities is presented, and a strategy for the work-up of liver diseases is proposed.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of perianal fistulas.

Most cases of fistula-in-ano are nonspecific and result from inflammation of anal glands and crypts (cryptoglandular). The classification of cryptoglandular fistulas depends on the degree of involvement of the anal sphincter complex and determines the type of treatment. Studies have shown that preoperative MR imaging revealed important additional information compared with surgery alone and better predicts clinical outcome of patients with fistula-in-ano than initial surgical exploration. With the emergence of novel surgical treatments like MRI-guided surgery, laser, and adhesive treatments, MR imaging is a mainstay for preprocedural and intraoperative evaluation to ensure the adequacy of the procedure.

Contrast Media↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the gastrointestinal tract.

Comprehensive bowel examination results from the combined use of T2-weighted single-shot and breath hold T1-weighted gradient echo, minus/plus fat suppression, and gadolinium-enhanced 3D gradient echo (3D VIBE, T1 FAME, 3D THRIVE). Gadolinium-enhanced imaging should be performed dynamically, but the venous 60- to 90-second delayed phase images with fat suppression are generally the most valuable. Removal of fat signal for detection of enhancing normal and abnormal structures is critical. Newly available True-FISP (FIESTA, BFFE) sequences obtained in the 2D form can be very helpful in delineation of bowel wall pathology and overall bowel anatomy, particularly when combined with a water-based intraluminal distending agent. Advantages include rapid acquisition, high signal-to-noise, and motion insensitivity. Generalized protocol for comprehensive evaluation of the entire abdomen and pelvis can be used for the following bowel indications: type and severity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); identifying enteric abscesses and fistulae; preoperative staging of malignant neoplasms, including rectal carcinoma; differentiating postoperative and radiation therapy changes from recurrent carcinoma; follow-up evaluation of metastases response to localized ablative or systemic chemotherapy. For improved visualization of bowel wall in dedicated examinations, bowel distension should be achieved using either orally or rectally delivered contrast agents to produce either bright or dark lumen. We have found 2D True-FISP without fat suppression superior to 3D True-FISP and to single-shot echo-train sequences to provide a T2-weighted image of bowel morphology. Strengths include: performed without fat suppression results in the very dark bowel wall being sandwiched between intermediate high signal fat adjacent to bowel serosa, and very high lumen signal from water-distending agent; 2D True-FISP provides motion insensitivity that is lost if 3D is used; True-FISP produces better edge sharpness than single-shot echo-train, higher contrast, and resists flow void artifacts commonly seen with single-shot echo-train imaging combined with a water distending agent. Drawbacks of this technique include: artifacts related to extreme sensitivity to field inhomogeneity, including air-soft tissue interfaces at the patient skin surface, and from retained bowel gas; retained bowel gas is dark against dark bowel wall, impairing bowel wall assessment; and True-FISP does not provide sensitivity for edema, which is superior on single-shot echo-train imaging. Small/large bowel indications for MRI include: inflammatory bowel disease, infectious disease including abscess evaluation or for appendicitis, inflammatory conditions including ischemia, and partial obstruction, malnutrition, and neoplasm search.

Contrast Media↗

Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 T: problem or a promise for the future?

The development of transmit-receive body coils and local and phased-array radiofrequency receive coils for 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, and their recent approval in Europe and North America has promoted a move toward higher field, whole-body MRI. With approximately double the signal-noise ratio of a 1.5-T system, 3.0-T MR systems can substantially improve image quality and image acquisition speed; 3.0 T can potentially deliver square root(2) improvement in resolution in the same acquisition time of a comparable study at 1.5 T or one-half slice thickness with identical coverage or 4-fold speedup in scanning time for identical resolution settings. Parallel imaging, multiple coil elements, specific absorption rate, and altered MR physical properties at 3.0 T (T1 relaxation times, susceptibility, T2*) are important issues during optimization of sequences at high field. Possible future applications in the abdomen include high-resolution, contrast-enhanced imaging of the liver and pancreas; MR angiography; and MR spectroscopy. In this article, we will present our initial experience with optimization of sequences for abdominal MRI at 3.0 T and will include a short description of parallel imaging because of its importance for imaging at 3.0 T, general remarks comparing some of the physical properties of 1.5 T and 3.0 T, and some of the challenges during sequence optimization for the abdomen at 3.0 T with examples of abdominal MRI at 3.0 T with 4- and 8-channel coils.

Abdomen↗

Contrast-enhanced MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography in living renal donors: diagnostic agreement, impact on decision making, and costs.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic agreement, the impact on decision making, and the costs of contrast-enhanced MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography in the workup of living renal donors. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced MR angiography for the preoperative evaluation of renal donors is superior to digital subtraction angiography in revealing vascular anomalies and depicting parenchymal abnormalities and is less costly; furthermore, it does not lead to preoperative decisions that differ from those based on digital subtraction angiography. If contrast-enhanced MR angiography does not provide sufficient information to make a confident decision, an additional digital subtraction angiography examination should be performed.

Adult↗

Hydrogen peroxide-enhanced three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography and endoanal magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating perianal fistulas: agreement and patient preference.

OBJECTIVES: To determine agreement between hydrogen peroxide-enhanced three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D HPUS) and endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative assessment of perianal fistulas, and to assess patient preference with regard to these techniques. METHODS: Forty patients (31 males, aged 21-70 years) with symptoms of a perianal fistula and a visible external opening underwent preoperative 3D HPUS and endoanal MRI. The results were assessed separately by experienced observers. Fistulas were described according to the following characteristics: classification of the primary fistula tract according to Parks, location of the internal opening, presence of secondary tracts and fluid collections. Patients were asked to score the amount of discomfort experienced during both procedures and express their preference for either method. RESULTS: The median time interval between 3D HPUS and endoanal MRI was 14 days (range, 0-91 days). The methods agreed in 88% (35/40, kappa = 0.45) for the primary fistula tract, in 90% (36/40, kappa = 0.83) for the location of the internal opening, in 78% (31/40, kappa = 0.62) for secondary tracts, and in 88% (35/40, kappa = 0.63) for fluid collections. Both methods were associated with similar discomfort, and there was no patient preference for one procedure over the other. CONCLUSIONS: 3D HPUS and endoanal MRI are equally adequate for the evaluation of perianal fistulas. Both methods are associated with similar discomfort and patients have no preference for either procedure.

Adult↗

Anovaginal fistulas: evaluation with endoanal MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate endoanal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the assessment of anovaginal fistulas and associated findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective descriptive study, two radiologists systematically reviewed MR findings in 20 patients with a clinically proved anovaginal fistula and looked for the main fistula tract, the internal opening in the anal canal and/or vagina, secondary fistula tracts, abscesses within the rectovaginal septum, and sphincter damage. Interobserver variability was calculated, and clinical records were searched for possible underlying causes that could explain the complexity of anovaginal fistulas. The kappa value was calculated. Patients with or without a complex anovaginal fistula were compared in regard to the presence of any underlying disease or condition. Statistical significance was calculated with the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In all 20 patients, anovaginal fistulas were identified on T2-weighted MR images as predominantly high-signal-intensity linear abnormalities extending between the anal canal and the vagina. In all patients, the fistulas were typically located in the sagittal plane, and the mean distance from the anal verge to the fistula was 25.0 mm (range, 13-32 mm). The internal opening in the anal canal was detected in all patients. The internal opening in the vagina was detected in 19 (95%) patients. In seven (35%) patients, an anovaginal fistula with an additional abnormality was found and included an abscess within the rectovaginal septum (n = 1), a perianal fistula (n = 3), and a perianal fistula in combination with an abscess (n = 3). Defects of the external anal sphincter were present in three (15%) patients. There was complete agreement between observers for all items on endoanal MR images, except for the presence of secondary fistula extensions (agreement, 90%; kappa, 0.74). History of obstetric trauma, pelvic floor surgery, or Crohn disease was present in 10 (50%) patients. Of these patients, six (60%) had a complex anovaginal fistula and four (40%) had a simple anovaginal fistula. In the remaining 10 patients without relevant medical history, one (10%) had a complex anovaginal fistula. This difference tended toward statistical significance (P =.057). CONCLUSION: Endoanal MR imaging allows evaluation of anovaginal fistulas and additional abnormalities, such as abscesses within the rectovaginal septum, secondary perianal fistula tracts, and sphincter damage.

Adult↗