Adult-onset Still's disease: evaluation by gallium-67 citrate scintigraphy.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
Tatsuro Kaminaga
Publications and source records attributed to Tatsuro Kaminaga.
Interindividual uniformity and variety of the "Writing center": a functional MRI study.
Our aim is to investigate the neural substrates for writing using fMRI (twenty right-handed subjects). We assumed that common areas involved in both writing with right and left hands are crucial to the central process of writing. We employed Japanese phonograms (Kana), in which phoneme-grapheme conversion would be extremely simple. Brain activation was examined under three conditions: (1) written naming with the right hand (WR), (2) written naming with the left hand (WL), and (3) naming silently (NA). While the comparison of WR to NA (WR>NA) exhibited activation only in the left frontoparietal area, the WL>NA comparison exhibited broader activation than the WR>NA comparison, i.e., the left frontoparietal area except the motor and sensory areas and the right frontoparietal area. A conjunction analysis in SPM2 revealed common areas of activation across the WR>NA and WL>NA comparisons, which are assumed to be crucial to writing. In the group analysis, three areas were found to be activated: the posterior end of the left superior frontal gyrus, which is superior and posterior to Exner's center; the anterior part of the left superior parietal lobule; and the lower part of the anterior limb of the left supramarginal gyrus. In the single-subject analysis, whereas the first two of the above three areas were found to be crucial for writing in all individuals, an interindividual inconsistency of involvement with writing was observed in three areas: the lower part of the anterior limb of the left supramarginal gyrus (60% involved); the right frontal region (47%); and the right intraparietal sulcus (47%).
Adolescent↗
Detection of cerebral blood flow changes during repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation by recording hemoglobin in the brain cortex, just beneath the stimulation coil, with near-infrared spectroscopy.
Many studies measured cerebral blood flow changes in the stimulated primary motor cortex during repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using PET, SPECT, and fMRI; however, most of these procedures are associated with problems related to temporal resolution and magnetic field artifacts that are produced by rTMS. In this study of 12 healthy right-handed volunteers, we measured the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration change in the stimulated primary motor cortex during and after rTMS using rTMS coil and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with high temporal sampling (every 125 ms). The left primary motor cortex that controls the right first dorsal interosseus (FDI) muscle was stimulated 10 times with an angle figure-of-eight coil at a frequency of 0.5 or 2 Hz, at intensity of 80% or 120% of resting motor threshold (RMT). We used 4 stimulus conditions: (1) 2 Hz-120% RMT, (2) 2 Hz-80% RMT, (3) 0.5 Hz-120% RMT, and (4) 0.5 Hz-80% RMT. We observed small intensity-dependent increments in total- and oxy-Hb concentrations around 5 s at the 120% RMT condition. Greater decrements in total- and oxy-Hb concentrations and increment of deoxy-Hb concentration were observed during and after rTMS at all conditions, both at the supra-threshold and sub-threshold stimulus intensities. Our results emphasize the suitability of NIRS combined with rTMS for detecting changes in cerebral blood flow.
Algorithms↗
Hemispheric processing of categorical/metric properties in object recognition.
Participants indicated whether two sequentially presented objects were of the same category (between-task) or were identical (within-task). Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to examine cortical activation during the tasks. During the between-task, the left inferior parietal lobule was more activated than the right. During the within-task, the right superior occipital gyrus was more activated than the left. These results suggest that a hemispheric asymmetry, corresponding to spatial relation processing, exists for recognition of objects.
Adult↗
Impact of 16-slice computed tomography in percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions.
The main reason for failure of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) is because the calcified plaque prevents the guide wire crossing the occlusion. We aimed to identify the route, and characterize plaque components within CTO, using 16-slice computed tomography (MSCT). Twenty three angiographic CTO in 22 patients (mean age 69 +/- 5 years, 17 males) were included. All patients had undergone MSCT prior to PCI. Images were analyzed for lesion visibility and plaque characteristics of CTO. The presence and location of calcified plaque within the CTO were systematically assessed. Each lesion was classified as a noncalcified, moderately calcified, or exclusively calcified plaque. Procedural failure was defined as the inability to cross a guide wire through the occlusion. All coronary routes of CTO segment were visualized. MSCT revealed three markedly bent CTO segments (13.0%), which could not be identified by coronary angiography only. Calcified plaques were detected in 30 lesions of 19 CTO segments (82.6%), but were not detected in the other four. The majority of calcified plaque was located in the proximal lesion, or both proximal and distal lesions. Fifteen out of 30 calcified lesions (50.0%) were exclusively calcified plaques. Overall procedural success was obtained in 21 CTOs (91.3%). MSCT can accurately identify the route of the CTO segment and evaluate both distribution and amount of the calcified plaque within it. Even with the complicated and/or calcified lesions, PCI success rate was excellent under MSCT guidance. MSCT should become a useful tool in PCI of CTO.
Aged↗
Accuracy of attenuation measurement of vascular wall in vitro on computed tomography angiography: Effect of wall thickness, density of contrast medium, and measurement point.
OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the effects of measurement point, wall thickness, and intravascular density of contrast material on attenuation measurement of vascular wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used vascular models (actual attenuation value of the wall: 83 HU) with wall thicknesses of 1.5, 1.0, or 0.5 mm, filled with contrast material of 254, 325, or 400 HU. The 9 vascular models were fixed in an oil-filled container and scanned with a 16-detector computed tomography. The wall attenuation values were measured at 1 point for 0.5-mm thickness models, 3 for 1.0-mm thickness models, and 5 for 1.5-mm thickness models with the same interval of 0.25 mm. Total 20 measurements were done for each point. RESULTS: For 1.0-mm and 1.5-mm thickness models, wall attenuation progressively increased as the measurement points approached the lumen (P < 0.0001). At all the measurement points for 0.5-mm and 1.0-mm thickness models and the 2 inner measurement points for 1.5-mm thickness models, the densities of contrast material affected the wall attenuations significantly (P < 0.0001). At the midportion for 1.5-mm thickness models, the wall attenuations were not affected by the densities of the contrast material (P = 0.6301), and were 65-68 HU. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the intravascular density of contrast material, measurement point, and wall thickness should be considered in the attenuation measurement of the wall.
Angiography↗
Accuracy and efficiency of left ventricular ejection fraction analysis, using multidetector row computed tomography: effect of image reconstruction window within cardiac phase, slice thickness, and interval of short-axis sections.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy and efficiency of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) analysis by multidetector row computed tomography (CT). METHODS AND RESULTS: The CT data of 21 patients were analyzed by semi-automated software on a workstation. In analysis of LVEF using systolic volumes in the 6 phases (30-55%), systolic images of 10% interval (35, 45, 55%) were underestimated with a mean measurement error of -0.4% and the standard error of the estimate (SEE) of 0.6%, compared with the LVEF using images of 5% interval. In analysis of LVEF using 3-slice thicknesses of axial images (1, 2, and 3 mm), and 3-slice numbers of short-axis sections (10 14, and 30 slices), there was no significant difference between the SEE of the intraobserver reproducibility and that of the analysis with 30 short-axis sections using axial images of 1-, 2- and 3-mm thickness, and that with 14 short-axis sections using axial images of 1- and 2-mm thickness. The mean analysis times were 96.9 s, 119.8 s, and 227.0 s for the analysis with 10, 14, and 30 short-axis sections, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proper selection of the reconstruction interval in the cardiac phase, the slice thickness of the axial images, and the number of short-axis sections reduces the analysis time, maintaining the accuracy of LVEF analysis. This will be acceptable for practical use at present, although more accurate analysis is preferable.
Adult↗
Regional cerebral blood flow in a patient with Nasu-Hakola disease.
We report a functional neuroimaging study of a 43-year-old woman with Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD). Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) images were measured with technetium-99m ethyl cysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). rCBF was decreased in the bilateral frontal lobes and thalamus. This finding was consistent with the known underlying neuropathology in patients with NHD. Brain SPECT is useful for demonstrating the pathophysiologic brain region in patients with NHD.
Adult↗
Performance of the automated motion correction program for the calculation of left ventricular volume and ejection fraction using quantitative gated SPECT software.
The effectiveness of the automated motion correction software (INSTILL, Philips Medical Systems Co. Ltd., Andover, USA) proposed by Matsumoto et al. to prevent motion artifact in quantitative gated SPECT, was tested with a technetium-99m point source and cardiac phantom. INSTILL well corrected the error due to point source movement during acquisition up to a distance of 5 pixels (32.8 mm) in the right and caudal directions, as well as with a distance of up to 7 pixels (45.9 mm) of oblique (caudal-right 45 degree) movement inside the coronal plane. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and ejection fraction (EF) were also well adjusted with INSTILL, for up to 3 pixels (19.7 mm) movement of the dynamic cardiac phantom during acquisition in the right, caudal and oblique directions. The respective maximum error with one, two and three pixel movement was 9, 24 and 23 ml in EDV, and 8, 22 and 21 ml in ESV. The maximum error of EF was 3% in all conditions without INSTILL. After using INSTILL, the maximum residual errors of both EDV and ESV were 7 ml and that of EF was 3% in all conditions. Quantitative gated SPECT software with INSTILL will calculate EDV, ESV and EF against movement of patients in the coronal plane. INSTILL is therefore concluded to be a reliable software for motion correction in clinical use.
Algorithms↗
Neural consequences of somatosensory extinction: an fMRI study.
There are currently two main interpretations proposing mechanisms underlying tactile extinction: sensory and attention deficit hypotheses. Kinsbourne proposed an opponent processor model to support the attention deficit hypothesis. He insisted that bilateral hemispheres interact reciprocally through contralaterally oriented vectors, and in patients presenting extinction, balance is impaired, causing inattention. From Kinsbourne's point of view, extinction is not caused by sensory disturbance but inattention, therefore even in extinction patients, simultaneous bilateral stimuli should reach the bilateral primary sensory cortices (SI). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), tactile stimuli were administered to both hands of healthy subjects as well as a tactile extinction patient. The patient with tactile extinction extinguished right palm stimuli following simultaneous palm stimulation. During the fMRI study, we gave tactile stimuli to the right palm, the left palm, and simultaneously to both palms. In normal subjects, simultaneous bilateral stimuli activated the bilateral SI and bilateral secondary sensory cortices (SII). In the patient with right tactile extinction, simultaneous bilateral stimuli activated the bilateral SI along with the bilateral SII and right superior parietal lobule. Our study suggests that activation of SI is insufficient to engender an awareness of sensory stimuli. From the view point of Kinsbourne, stimulus driven activity in one hemisphere suppresses activity in the other hemisphere via callosal connections. Our results support the notion that an undamaged superior parietal lobule in the patient with tactile extinction suppresses the damaged parietal lobe function and causes extinction.
Adolescent↗
Evaluation of coronary stents in vitro with CT angiography: effect of stent diameter, convolution kernel, and vessel orientation to the z-axis.
BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to assess the effect of the stent diameter, convolution kernel, and vessel orientation to the z-axis on the evaluation of coronary stents, in vitro with computed tomography (CT) angiography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven vascular models (2 models without stenosis, 2 with obstruction, and 3 with stenosis) with an approximate inner diameter of 3 or 4 mm, filled with contrast material (79 or 330 HU) were scanned with a 16-detector CT. The diameter measurement of the stent lumen and stenosis evaluation were both done in an orientation parallel to the z-axis of the scanner using 4 convolution kernels. The measured diameters of the stented lumen were 47-57% and 36-45% smaller than the actual inner diameter of the 3- and 4-mm diameter models, respectively. The diameter measurement of the stent lumen and visualization of the in-stent stenosis were improved by using convolution kernels with higher spatial resolution. The in-stent artifacts were evaluated in 4 orientations (0 degrees , 30 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees ) to the z-axis. The artifact was the minimum in 0 degrees to the z-axis, and the maximum in 90 degrees . CONCLUSION: Visualization of the lumen of a stent by CT is affected by its diameter, convolution kernel, and vessel orientation to the z-axis, and these factors should be taken into consideration in the stent evaluation.
Angiography↗
Accuracy of automated CT angiography measurement of vascular diameter in phantoms: effect of size of display field of view, density of contrast medium, and wall thickness.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of wall thickness, density of intravascular contrast material, and size of the display field of view on the accuracy of measurements of vascular diameter in phantoms yielded by automated software for CT angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vascular models with three wall thicknesses (1.0, 0.8, and 0.5 mm) and an inner diameter of approximately 4 mm were filled with contrast material of three different densities (198, 270, and 350 H) and scanned with helical CT. Three sizes of display field of view (10, 15, and 20 cm) were used. We evaluated the measurement error of the automated software, which was defined as the difference between the diameter measurement of the automated software and the true inner diameter of the vascular model. Statistical analysis involved three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the measurement errors among the three wall thicknesses of the vascular model, three densities of intravascular contrast material, and three sizes of display field of view. The overall measurement errors progressively increased with larger sizes of display field of view (p < 0.01) and with lower densities of intravascular contrast material (p < 0.001). The measurement errors tended to progressively increase as the thickness of the wall of the vascular models increased. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of the diameter measurements by automated software for CT angiography was affected by the size of the display field of view, intravascular density of the contrast material, and wall thickness of the vessel. It is necessary to consider the effects of these factors on the diameter measurements of small arteries.
Angiography↗
[Cardiac rupture caused by myocardial infarction in the diagonal branch area: evaluation by cardiac multislice computed tomography: a case report].
A 75-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room because of hypotension and loss of consciousness induced by cardiac tamponade. Electrocardiography revealed ST elevation and laboratory data showed elevation of serum creatine kinase and troponin I. The patient was referred to the cardiology department 5 days later. Cardiac catheterization revealed ventricular aneurysm in the anterior wall, significant stenosis (75%) in the left anterior descending coronary artery and subtotal stenosis (99%) in the diagonal branch. Cardiac multislice computed tomography suggested that the ventricular pseudoaneurysm was probably due to cardiac rupture caused by myocardial infarction in the diagonal area. Subsequently, aneurysmectomy and coronary artery bypass graft surgery were performed. Cardiac multislice computed tomography is useful for evaluating coronary artery and cardiac rupture.
Aged↗
The role of iodine-123-labeled 15-(p-iodophenyl)-3R,S-methylpentadecanoic acid scintigraphy in the detection of local myocardial involvement of sarcoidosis.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the role of Iodine-123-labeled 15-(p-iodophenyl)-3R,S-methylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) scintigraphy in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Study materials were six patients with pathologically proven cardiac sarcoidosis. BMIPP and resting Thallium-201 (201Tl) myocardial scintigraphy, echocardiography, were performed within 22 days in each patient. RESULTS: Myocardium was divided into nine areas per one case. A total of 24 areas had involvement by sarcoidosis. A total of 18 areas with defects of BMIPP accumulation and 14 areas with defects of 201Tl accumulation were detected. A total of 12 areas were determined as showing reduced wall motion. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of wall motion abnormality for the detection of myocardial involvement were 50%, 100%, 100% and 71%. The sensitivities of BMIPP and 201Tl scintigraphy for the detection of local myocardial involvement were 75% and 58%. The specificities of BMIPP and 201Tl scintigraphy were both 100%. The positive predictive values of BMIPP and 201Tl scintigraphy were both 100%. The negative predictive values of BMIPP and 201Tl scintigraphy were 83% and 75%. CONCLUSION: BMIPP scintigraphy was more sensitive and had a higher negative predictive value compared to 201Tl scintigraphy and echocardiography for the detection of myocardial involvement of sarcoidosis.
Cardiomyopathies↗
Measurement of vascular diameter in vitro by automated software for CT angiography: effects of inner diameter, density of contrast medium, and convolution kernel.
OBJECTIVE: This investigation was performed to evaluate the accuracy of diameter measurement of vessels in vitro by automated software for CT angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vascular models with three inner diameters ( approximately 3, 4, and 6 mm) filled with contrast medium of three different densities ( approximately 460, 350, and 210 H) were scanned with helical CT. Five convolution kernels (soft, standard, detail, bone, and lung) were used. We evaluated the measurement error, defined as the difference between the diameter measured by the automated software and the true inner diameter of the vascular model. Statistical analysis involved three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS: Significant differences occurred in measurement error among the three vascular model inner diameters, among the three densities of intravascular contrast medium, and among the five convolution kernels (p < 0.01). In all the convolution kernels except lung, measurement errors progressively decreased with higher densities of intravascular contrast medium (p < 0.01). In vascular models filled with contrast medium of 350 H, measurement errors were significantly smaller in soft (mean +/- standard deviation [SD], 0.29 +/- 0.16 mm) and bone (0.23 +/- 0.05 mm) than in other convolution kernels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of diameter measurement was affected by the vascular model inner diameter, the density of contrast medium, and the convolution kernel. A higher density of intravascular contrast medium and selection of the proper convolution kernel will improve accuracy.
Angiography↗
[Accuracy of diameter measurement in vitro using automated software for CT angiography: effect of convolution kernels].
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diameter measurement in vitro using automated software for CT angiography with five convolution kernels. Vascular models with three diameters (about 3, 5, and 8 mm) in three materials (water, oil, and air) were scanned by helical CT. Five convolution kernels were used for reconstruction. The accuracy of diameter measurement was affected by the diameter of the vascular model, material around the model, and convolution kernels. Selection of the proper convolution kernels may improve accuracy.
Angiography↗
Role of magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of tumors in the cardiac region.
The aim of this study was to review the role of MRI in the assessment of heart neoplasm, 25 cases with heart neoplasm (10 myxoma, 6 rhabdomyoma, 5 angiosarcoma, 2 mesothelioma, 1 lymphoma, and 1 fibroma) were examined with MRI and echocardiography. Multislice T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images and static gradient-echo images were taken in appropriate directions with electrocardiogram gating. Gadolinium enhancement was performed in 21 cases. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all cases. Except for the 5 patients with rhabdomyoma, the pathological diagnosis was obtained. MRI proved to be useful for tissue characterization of myxoma, angiosarcoma, mesothelioma, and fibroma in cases with tuberous sclerosis. MRI also proved to be useful for detection of the tumor, depiction of contour, relation with other cardiac structures, in cases with myxoma, angiosarcoma, mesothelioma, lymphoma, and fibroma. In the differential diagnosis, MRI provided important information in cases with myxoma, rhabdomyoma, angiosarcoma, and fibroma. In cases with tumors expanding into the mediastinum, such as mesothelioma and fibroma in this report, MRI was useful in determining the location and border. In cases with tumors adjacent to pericardium, MRI was useful in detecting pericardial invasion. Gadolinium enhancement added useful information in cases with myxoma, rhabdomyoma, angiosarcoma, and mesothelioma. The role of MRI with and without Gd enhancement differs somewhat in individual types of heart neoplasm, and adaptation must be considered in each kind of neoplasm. On the other hand, MRI is an essential examination in all cases with a cardiac mass, which has not been diagnosed, since it may provide useful information for the differential diagnosis.
Adolescent↗
The usefulness of 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime white blood cell scintigraphy in a patient with eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
White blood cell (WBC) 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime (HMPAO) scintigraphy was performed in a patient with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. WBC accumulation was detected in the terminal ileum to descending colon, and pathological studies demonstrated eosinophilic infiltration at the same region. 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC scintigraphy was proved to be a useful tool for the detection of eosinophilic infiltration in eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
Adult↗