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Biomedical subjects

Y Gandon

Publications and source records attributed to Y Gandon.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Non-invasive assessment of hepatic iron stores by MRI.

BACKGROUND: MRI has been proposed for non-invasive detection and quantification of liver iron content, but has not been validated as a reproducible and sensitive method, especially in patients with mild iron overload. We aimed to assess the accuracy of a simple, rapid, and easy to implement MRI procedure to detect and quantify hepatic iron stores. METHODS: Of 191 patients recruited, 17 were excluded and 174 studied, 139 in a study group and 35 in a validation group. All patients underwent both percutaneous liver biopsy with biochemical assessment of hepatic iron concentration (B-HIC) and MRI of the liver with various gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequences obtained with a 1.5 T magnet. Correlation between liver to muscle (L/M) signal intensity ratio and liver iron concentration was calculated. An algorithm to calculate magnetic resonance hepatic iron concentration (MR-HIC) was developed with data from the study group and then applied to the validation group. FINDINGS: A highly T2-weighted GRE sequence was most sensitive, with 89% sensitivity and 80% specificity in the validation group, with an L/M ratio below 0.88. This threshold allowed us to detect all clinically relevant liver iron overload greater than 60 micromol/g (normal value <36 micromol/g). With other sequences, an L/M ratio less than 1 was highly specific (>87%) for raised hepatic iron concentration. With respect to B-HIC range analysed (3-375 micromol/g), mean difference and 95% CI between B-HIC and MR-HIC were quite similar for study and validation groups (0.8 micromol/g [-6.3 to 7.9] and -2.1 micromol/g [-12.9 to 8.9], respectively). INTERPRETATION: MRI is a rapid, non-invasive, and cost effective technique that could limit use of liver biopsy to assess liver iron content. Our MR-HIC algorithm is designed to be used on various magnetic resonance machines.

Algorithms↗

The RETAIN project: DICOM teleradiology over an ATM-based network. Radiological Examinations Transfer on an ATM Integrated Network.

The RETAIN project (Radiological Examinations Transfer on an ATM Integrated Network) has aimed at testing videoconferencing and DICOM image transfers to get advice about difficult radiological cases over an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)-based network, which affords a more comfortable interface than narrow-band networks and allows exchange of complete image series using the DICOM format of studies. For this purpose, an experimental ATM network was applied between six university hospitals in four different countries. An assessment of the functionalities of the system was performed by means of log-file analysis, video recording of the sessions and forms filled out by the participants at the end of each session. Questionnaires were answered by the users at the end of the project to bring out perspectives of utilisation and added value. We discussed 43 cases during 20 sessions. For technical or organisational problems, only 20 of the 36 planned sessions took place. The throughput over ATM (10.5 Mbit/s, 20 times faster than six ISDN B-channels) was adequate. Despite the experimental configuration of the network, the system was considered as satisfactory by all the physicians. In 72 % of the sessions, the expected result (answer to the question) was gained. By common consent, videoconferencing was unanimously regarded as a prominent tool in improving the interaction quality. Asynchronous transfer mode is an efficient method for fast transferring of radiologic examinations in DICOM format and for discussing them through high-quality videoconferencing.

Computer Communication Networks↗

[Quantification of iron overload].

Iron overload involves primarily hepatocytes in case of digestive hyperabsorption (hemochromatosis and dyserythropoiesis) and macrophages in case of transfusional excess. Serum iron and transferrin saturation are poorly correlated with the degree of iron overload. Serum ferritin is a better reflect of iron stores but numerous clinical conditions, unrelated to variations of iron load, can increase the serum level. Biochemical determination of liver iron overload is the gold standard of iron quantification and well correlated to the level of iron burden appreciated by the amount of iron removed by venesection, but its determination necessitates a liver biopsy and is dependant of sampling error in case of heterogeneous iron deposits (cirrhosis). The sensitivity of computed tomography is insufficient, beeing unable to detect iron overload below 5 times the normal liver iron load, especially in case of associated steatosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool when using T2 weighted gradient echo sequences on 1.5 Tesla magnet and permits non invasive iron overload quantification.

Biopsy↗

Magnetic resonance iron-free nodules in genetic hemochromatosis.

OBJECTIVE: In hemochromatosis, areas of normal hepatic magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensity indicate the presence of iron-free-nodules, which are strongly suspected of being neoplastic. The goal of the study was to define the prevalence and the nature of these iron-free MR nodules at the time of diagnosis in 116 patients included in a prospective study assessing the accuracy of MR imaging (MRI) in the quantification of liver iron overload. METHODS: Seventy-nine of the 116 patients had homozygous hemochromatosis on a phenotypic basis. Fifteen-millimeter-thick contiguous slices were performed using T1- and T2-weighted gradient echo sequences with a 0.5 Tesla magnet. RESULTS: Six of 79 homozygous hemochromatotic patients had one or more MR iron-free nodules. Five of the six patients proved to have malignant tumors. Four of six iron-free nodules were hepatocellular carcinoma (5% in the hemochromatosis group and 17.5% in hemochromatotic patients with severe fibrosis). CONCLUSIONS: The present data confirm the high prevalence of liver cancer at the time of diagnosis, mainly in cirrhotic patients greater than 45 years of age, and indicate that, when performing MRI for liver iron quantification, a complete hepatic MRI examination is preferable to a simple signal measurement in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Analysis of cerebrovascular diseases by a new 3-dimensional computerised X-ray angiography system.

We set out to validate the concept of three-dimensional (3D) angiography. We evaluated the sensitivity and the quality of morphological analysis mode possible by an experimental system for imaging cerebrovascular disease versus standard digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The system, the 3D Morphometer, is a computerised X-ray angiography unit capable of acquiring a set of two-dimensional (2D) projections during a rotation and then reconstructing a 3D volume from them. We studied 78 patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease. 3D and 2D images (standard 2D DSA performed during the same procedure), were reviewed blindly to assess detection and display of morphological characteristics of cerebrovascular diseases. We found 53 aneurysms, 22 arteriovenous malformations and two venous angiomas. On 3D angiography we detected two aneurysms we missed on 2D angiography. In 47 aneurysms on which further data were obtained during surgery or embolisation, the 3D angiography allowed more accurate analysis of the neck and surrounding vessels in cases in which the 2D angiographic findings were doubtful. Assessment of arteriovenous malformations was equivalent with both techniques. Under the conditions of our study, the technical constraints being the same for both methods, 3D angiography was superior to 2D angiography. Implementation on C-arm vascular systems is being evaluated.

Algorithms↗

Efficacy and safety of iobitridol versus iohexol for contrast-enhanced CT of the head.

PURPOSE: The efficacy and adverse reactions of iobitridol versus iohexol in contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) of the head were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This double-blind randomized parallel study compared the clinical and biological safety of iobitridol and iohexol (350 mgI/ml), administered intravenously (1 ml/kg) to 276 patients undergoing CECT of the head. Vital signs were assessed just before after injection, and 24 hours after. A biologic examination was performed before and after injection. Both groups were comparable at inclusion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The within-group variation for vital signs after injection and 24 hours after was not clinically relevant and no significant difference was evident between treatment groups. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups (11.0% for iobitridol and 7.1 % for iohexol), consisting most often of a sensation of warmth. Biologic parameters remained stable and did not differ significantly between groups. The quality of imaging was rated good or excellent in 70% of cases and a very high diagnostic discrimination was achieved (98%). Iobitridol compared favorably with iohexol for head CECT.

Adolescent↗

[Test of a teleradiology network based on ATM (asynchronous transfer mode)].

The retain project (Radiological Examination Transfer on ATM Integrated Network) consisted in teleradiology trials focused on pediatric imaging between two university hospitals. Rennes (France) and Barcelona (Spain) using an integrated broadband communication network based on ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), as part of a European research program. The network used was a full 10 Mbits/s ATM network directly connected to local PACSs (medical imaging hospital networks). One important reason to explicitly consider ATM for medical imaging is that multimedia applications on such networks allow integration of digital data and person-to-person communication. The utility of broadband communication for teleradiology has been confirmed. High quality video and sound are important for both human communication and medical video transfer. The project led to guidelines regarding technical options still open to improvement.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Hemochromatosis: diagnosis and quantification of liver iron with gradient-echo MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in detection and quantification of liver iron overload. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging at 0.5 T was prospectively performed on 77 patients (67 with liver iron overload and 10 without) who underwent a liver biopsy with biochemical determination of the liver iron concentration (LIC) (normal, < 36 mumol per gram of liver tissue [dry weight]). Ratios of signal intensities and liver T2 relaxation time were calculated from images obtained with spin-echo and breath-hold gradient-echo (GRE) sequences. RESULTS: Liver-to-tissue signal intensity ratios were better correlated with LIC than T2 relaxation time. Long-echo-time GRE sequences were the most sensitive for detection of slight overload. Thus, high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (90%) were obtained with a liver-to-fat ratio threshold of 1. The quantification of iron with MR imaging was accurate when the LIC was 80-300 mumol/g. For heavy overload, above 300 mumol/g, quantification was impossible owing to complete signal loss. Pancreatic and splenic signal intensity were unchanged in most cases. CONCLUSION: This method, which can be improved by using more sensitive sequences with a high-field-strength system, should be competitive with biopsy for the diagnosis of substantial liver iron overload.

Female↗

[Station of interpretation].

Revisualization or image processing stations are constantly improving, but they have not yet been designed to replace the x-ray display unit for the interpretation of films. An improvement of the integration of these stations within the hospital computer system and functional enrichment must be achieved in order to prepare for the "digital" era. Although this prospect is not for the immediate future, it is important to develop tomorrow's tools with a minimum of intelligence to facilitate their acceptance.

Humans↗

[Image archiving and communication systems: review of ten years' experiences and perspectives].

The paper starts by presenting the major PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) related concepts and highlights the medical motivations which resulted in PACS developments. The authors review some PACS experiments carried out during the last decade and draw the conclusions of these experiments; the experience of the University Hospital of Rennes is also briefly presented. Finally a discussion is engaged about the future of PACS and their position within the Hospital Information System. According to the authors, this process should not be confined within the small community of PACS specialists but should concern all actors of the hospital, namely medical staff involved in the production or utilisation of medical images, technical staff in charge of equipment and the Hospital Information System, and hospital administrators. Three major lines are proposed: the first one deals with the functional capacities of PACS and their adaptation to actual user needs; the second concerns the methodology required to set up such systems to ensure adequate integration within the HIS and the third concerns economic issues.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

Magnetic resonance imaging and assessment of liver iron content in genetic hemochromatosis.

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is not highly sensitive in the assessment of liver iron content and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appears to be more efficient. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MRI in the evaluation of liver iron content using a standard spin-echo technique. The study included 23 patients with genetic hemochromatosis and 24 non-iron-overloaded patients as controls. A comparison was made of: (a) MRI signal intensity of liver, spleen, paravertebral muscles and subcutaneous adipose tissue using two different spin-echo sequences (SE 500/28; SE 2000/28,56); (b) liver attenuation determined by a single energy CT scan; and (c) a biochemical determination of hepatic iron. There was a significant decrease in liver signal intensity in the genetic hemochromatosis group (256 +/- 201, mean +/- S.D.) compared with the control group (801 +/- 413, p less than 0.001), but there was no correlation with liver iron concentration. However, such a correlation was found and was even more highly significant than in CT when the ratio between the liver and another organ was taken into account. For a lower limit of liver/spleen ratio calculated at 0.46 (mean 2 S.D. in the control group), the specificity (0.96) of MRI was satisfactory, but the sensitivity (0.78) remained insufficient (MRI being unable to detect an iron overload of up to 125 mumol/g). Hopefully, these results might be improved in the near future by using more sensitive sequences such as gradient echo sequences.

Adipose Tissue↗

Contribution of MRI to the diagnosis of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Exploration of 9 patients with Cushing's disease.

Between June 1987 and October 1989, nine patients with suspected Cushing's disease were explored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using an 0.35 or 0.5 Tesla magnet. All these patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and radio-surgical correlations could be established. MRI showed a lesion in 5 cases; it was negative in 2 cases and doubtful in 2 cases. Surgery was positive for pituitary adenoma in 7 cases and negative in 2 cases (including 1 patient with subsequently discovered paraneoplastic syndrome). Using sagittal and coronal planes and combined with gadolinium enhancement, MRI proved to be the most sensitive and specific of all exploratory methods for the diagnosis of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

Adenoma↗

[Anterior rectal duplication. Value of ultrasonic diagnosis].

A case of neonatal anterior rectal duplication is reported. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a prerectal cystic mass. The different types of rectal duplications and the main differential diagnosis are described. Mechanical obstruction and neoplastic risk make early surgery necessary.

Cysts↗

[Radiologic aspects of a case of Waldmann's disease].

The Waldmann's disease or intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease. We observed a case which occurred in a 14 years old boy. The disease was discovered in the screening of an intermittent diarrhea. The diagnosis was suspected on biological signs of protein-losing enteropathy and the presence of lymphangiectasias seen during endoscopy. The lymphography was conclusive showing the abnormal opacification of the mesenteric region. The other examinations were also important to assert the idiopathic origin of the disease.

Adolescent↗

Contribution of MRI to the diagnosis and post-therapeutic monitoring of brain stem tumours.

MRI has become indispensable to the positive diagnosis of brain stem tumours which develop preferentially in young people. The prognosis of these tumours, especially infiltrating gliomas, being relatively sombre, it is important to make a precise morphological diagnosis of the lesions (increase in size, signal abnormalities) which will help both neurosurgeons and radiotherapists. As regards post-therapeutic monitoring, MRI with gadolinium contrast injection is harmless and will make it possible to follow these patients regularly and to detect recurrences.

Adolescent↗