Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Gouliamos

Publications and source records attributed to A Gouliamos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

CT appearance of solitary and multiple cystic and cavitary lung lesions.

Cystic and cavitary lung lesions constitute a spectrum of pulmonary diseases diagnosed in both children and adults. We reviewed the CT findings of the most common cystic and cavitary lung lesions and we defined useful morphological criteria that will help radiologists to distinguish benign from malignant cavitary lesions. However, in many cases the considerable overlap in morphological features of benign and malignant cavities renders transthoracic needle biopsy necessary to establish the correct diagnosis.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Comparison of dual spin echo echo planar imaging (SE_EPI), turbo spin echo with fat suppression and conventional dual spin echo sequences for T(2)-weighted MR imaging of focal liver lesions.

The performance of T(2)-weighted spin-echo version of echo planar imaging (SE_EPI), conventional spin echo (SE) and fat-suppressed turbo spin-echo (TSE_SPIR) sequences for the detection of focal liver lesions was evaluated. Twenty patients that were included in our study, had CT examinations prior to the MR study and were scheduled for surgery for removal of liver lesions. All patients had intraoperative sonographic examinations. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the images was performed. Overall image quality of SE_EPI sequences was better than SE (p<0.001) and similar to TSE_SPIR sequences. There were fewer motion and ghost artifacts on SE_EPI and TSE_SPIR images compared to SE images (p<0.001). Susceptibility artifacts were statistically equivalent on SE_EPI and SE images (p<0.001) while chemical shift artifacts were equally observed on SE and SE_EPI sequences. Overall image quality of EPI-SE and TSE_SPIR sequences was better compared to SE sequences. There was no significant difference in the number of lesions detected by each of the three sequences. Quantitative analysis showed that liver/lesion contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of liver, lesion, spleen was higher on TSE_SPIR sequences (p<0.001) while SE_EPI and SE sequences showed non-significant differences (p>0.05). SE_EPI sequences of the liver resulted in fewer artifacts and shorter acquisition times than SE sequences. They provide a diagnostic performance similar to TSE_SPIR and better than that of SE sequences.

Adult↗

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms include serous cystadenomas (SCA), mucin-producing cystic tumors, cystic islet-cell tumors, and cystic solid and papillary epithelial neoplasms. Imaging techniques are of great value in the demonstration and differential diagnosis of these tumors. In this article we present the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the aforementioned cystic neoplasms. Although the radiological features are in many cases informative, a significant overlap does exist; fine-needle aspiration biopsy and cytology or excisional biopsy and histological examination are necessary to determine a definitive diagnosis.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

MR appearance of pelvic hemangiopericytoma.

A case of pelvic hemangiopericytoma in a 59-year-old woman is reported. The MR imaging features are presented. The tumor was unresectable and the patient received postoperative irradiation of 4200 cGy on the pelvis. One year after diagnosis, metastasis to a lumbar vertebra was discovered and additional irradiation of 3900 cGy was applied. One year later, CT showed control of the pelvic tumor and its metastasis.

Biopsy↗

Abdominal retained surgical sponges: CT appearance.

Retention of surgical sponges is rare. They cause either an aseptic reaction without significant symptoms or an exudative reaction which results in early but nonspecific symptoms. Computed tomography is very useful for recognition of retained sponges. The appearance of retained sponges is widely variable. Air trapping into a surgical sponge results in the spongiform pattern which is characteristic but unfortunately uncommon. A low-density, high-density, or complex mass is found in the majority of cases, but these patterns are not specific. Sometimes, a thin high-density capsule may be seen. Rim or internal calcification is a rare finding. Finally, a radiopaque marker is not a reliable sign. Differentiation from abscess and hematoma is sometimes difficult.

Abdomen↗

MR imaging of complex tail-gut cysts.

Retrorectal-cyst hamartomas (RCH) are rare developmental tail-gut cystic tumours of the retrorectal space, which occasionally undergo malignant transformation. We describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in two patients with RCH and in a third patient with unclassified sarcoma arising from a RCH. The RCH were hypointense or hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images; they did not enhance and they contained multiple septations. A solid component in the periphery of one cyst was markedly hypointense on T2-weighted images in keeping with fibrous material. The sarcoma arising from the wall of the RCH enhanced and was of intermediate signal intensity on all sequences. MR may help establish the diagnosis of RCH if an unenhanced cystic tumour is discovered in the retrorectal space and it can help detect those rare cases of malignant transformation of these developmental tumours.

Adult↗

The real incidence of extracapsular (satellite) cysts of liver echinococcus.

BACKGROUND: The presence of extracapsular (Satellite) cysts in liver echinococcus granulosus is known for many years. In one of our previous studies of radiological (CT) material they were found to be present in 16% of cases. METHODS: In the present study the operative findings, in cases of total capsectomy (cystopericystectomy) or partial lobectomy are presented. RESULTS: The real incidence of these cysts in operative specimens was as high as 29,5%. They were present in 15 out of 51 totally excised cysts. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that satellite cysts are present more often than they are radiologically detected. As they can be incriminated as a cause of recurrence of the disease they must be excised en block with the main parasitic cysts, by means of more radical procedures such as cystopericystectomy or partial hepatectomy, whenever it is feasible.

Adolescent↗

Bone lesions with soft-tissue mass: magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of lymphomatous involvement of the bone marrow versus multiple myeloma and bone metastases.

Bone metastases from solid primary tumors, as well as multiple myeloma and secondary lymphoma may all present with bone lesions and associated soft-tissue masses on magnetic resonance images of the spine. In bone metastases and myeloma, the cortex of the affected bone is usually destroyed and a bulging contour is observed at the site of extraosseous spread. In cases of lymphomatous involvement of the bone marrow, however, we have observed that spread to the extraosseous soft-tissues occurs without alteration of the shape or contour of the affected bone. In order to assess whether this pattern of spread is indeed suggestive or even diagnostic of lymphoma of the bone marrow, we reviewed spinal bone marrow MR images of 66 patients, with bone metastases from solid primary tumors (33 patients), multiple myeloma (20 patients) and stage IV lymphoma with bone marrow involvement (13 patients), who had bone lesions and contiguous soft-tissue masses. If tumor was present on either side of the bony cortex but the contour of the affected bone was preserved, a "wrap-around" sign was diagnosed. A "wrap-around" sign was found in 12 of the 13 patients with lymphoma but in none of the patients with metastases or myeloma. On MR images of the bone marrow, the demonstration of tumor spread beyond the bony cortex without disruption of the outline of the diseased bone may favor the diagnosis of lymphoma more than that of metastases or multiple myeloma.

Adolescent↗

Postcarotid endarterectomy symptoms. Pre- and postoperative clinical and MRI findings.

BACKGROUND: The hyperperfusion syndrome represents a highly debated clinical entity, without having yet any clinically identifiable limits. The correlation of clinical with pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings following carotid endarterectomy in patients with a possible hyperperfusion syndrome was investigated. METHODS DESIGN: Prospective clinical and laboratory study. SETTING: At the Aretaieio University Hospital. MEASURES: Comparison to the postoperative clinical symptomatic and MRI findings. Patients. We studied 30 patients (mean age 66.6) of whom 14 (46.6%) were asymptomatic, 16 (53.4%) were symptomatic, 17 (56.6%) were hypertensive, 18 (60%) hyperlipidaemic, 5 (16.6%) diabetic and 17 (56.6%) had coronary artery disease. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (70%) exhibited disturbances such as ipsilateral headache, seizures, vomiting or facial pain; immediate postoperative MRI scans revealed new ischaemic foci in 4 (19%) without any objective neurological findings. Lesions displayed in postoperative MRI scans did not always cause symptoms and normal findings on MRI did not exclude the presence of symptoms. Hypertension favoured the presence of subjective disturbances, without necessarily any change in the MRI appearances. Preoperative MRI and clinical findings did not contribute to the identification of patients who might have exhibited postoperative symptoms. Thus, the symptomatology remains unclear and open to debate, as a variety of other conditions may produce the same clinical picture postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective disturbances, objective neurological findings and MRI abnormalities with or without hypertension may appear independently after carotid endarterectomy, a fact which makes the pathogenesis of the hyperperfusion syndrome more difficult to elucidate.

Aged↗

Retroperitoneal tumors: do the satellite tumors mean something?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary retroperitoneal tumors constitute a rather uncommon disease with an incidence of 2 in 100,000. Local recurrence after surgical resection is reported between 60% and 90% at 10 yr. The aim of this study was to present the problem of satellite tumors around the main tumor mass and their possible relation to local recurrence. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with retroperitoneal tumors underwent surgical resection in our department during an 8-yr period. We reviewed their records including their preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: Twenty patients had "complete" resections requiring seven nephrectomies, four colectomies, two splenectomies, and one appendectomy. In nine cases the resection was incomplete because of tumor invasion to vital structures. Histopathology revealed that the resected tumors were: liposarcomas (12), leiomyosarcomas (4), paragangliomas (5), malignant fibrous histiocytomas (3), other sarcomas (3), schwannoma (1), myelolipoma (1), and the malignancy grade was I in 6, grade II in 11, and grade III in 12 cases. Two patients died within 30 d of the operation. The I year recurrence rate was 41.4% (12/29) and the total recurrence rate 55.2% (16/29). Survival at 5 yr was 31% (9/29), whereas the disease-free survival was 20.7% (6/29). Four patients required reoperations. In seven cases (24,1%) preoperative CT scans revealed small nodular lesions around the main tumor that were removed en bloc and were of the same histopathological type as the main tumor. We called these "satellite" tumors. All seven patients had local recurrence within 1 yr. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a close relationship between the finding of satellite tumors and the recurrence of the disease. The existence of satellite tumors on the preoperative CT scan may be used as a guide for the extent of the resection, and further investigations are necessary before they are used as a prognostic sign.

Adolescent↗

Subcortical frontal lesions on MRI in patients with motor neurone disease.

MRI was performed in 32 patients with motor neurone disease (26 men and 6 women, aged 40-77 years) and in a control group of 21 subjects. Of the patients studied, 19 had definite and 11 probable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and two had progressive bulbar palsy. In 10 patients there were asymmetrical bilateral foci of increased signal intensity on proton-density and T2-weighted images, confined to the white matter. Two patients had only cortical frontal atrophy and slightly increased ventricular size, whereas 20 had normal MRI. The focal lesions were not confined to corticospinal tracts, but were also observed in subcortical frontal areas. While the lesions along the corticospinal tracts correspond to pyramidal tract degeneration, the subcortical foci correlate with degeneration of the frontal bundles and indicate generalised involvement of the central nervous system.

Adult↗

Myocardial iron deposition in beta-thalassemia studied by magnetic resonance imaging.

Myocardial iron deposition is a common finding in beta-thalassemia. The iron content of the myocardium was assessed using the T2 relaxation time of the heart. The T2 relaxation time of the liver and skeletal muscle was also assessed in order to study the relation of iron deposition between heart, liver and skeletal muscle. ECG gated spin echo images were obtained from thirty-eight consecutive adult thalassemic patients examined in an outpatient clinic, aged (x +/- SD) 25 +/- 6 years, using a 0.5 T system. Patients were divided into groups A and B, according to their average serum ferritin levels of the preceding five years (> or < 2000 ng/ml). Results were compared with nine controls, aged 24 +/- 7 years. Heart T2 relaxation time in the control group (x +/- SD) (48.3 +/- 5.5 msec) was higher compared to group A (28.4 +/- 6.7 msec, p < 0.001) but not to group B (43.4 +/- 7.4 msec). The T2 relaxation time of the heart correlated positively with the T2 relaxation time of the liver (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and negatively with ferritin levels (r = -0.67, p < 0.001). There was no correlation with the T2 relaxation time of skeletal muscle. This study indicates that regularly transfused beta-thalassemia patients may present with a broad variation of heart iron deposition which, however, is related to serum ferritin levels.

Adult↗

The cerebral effects of carbon dioxide during digital subtraction angiography in the aortic arch and its branches in rabbits.

PURPOSE: We studied the neurotoxicity of carbon dioxide as a contrast agent in the central nervous system by performing CO2 digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the aortic arch and its branches in experimental animals. METHODS: Twenty-five rabbits underwent intraarterial CO2 DSA while under general anesthesia, during which 50 angiograms were obtained after administration of 3 mL/kg CO2. MR imaging was performed before and after the angiographic procedure. The animals were killed 12 hours later and their brains examined macroscopically and microscopically. RESULTS: Three animals died of a cause irrelevant to CO2. No animal had clinical symptoms of hemiplegia or stroke. Neither MR imaging nor macroscopic and microscopic examination of the brain revealed any ischemic infarct hemorrhage, thrombosis, or foci of necrosis. CONCLUSION: The absence of neurologic symptoms, the lack of pathologic findings at MR imaging, and the negative pathologic findings in the brain encourage further research on CO2 neurotoxicity of the central nervous system and support its application in the imaging of intracranial vessels.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Cognitive function in non-demented individuals complaining of short-term memory disturbances: a study with event-related potentials (P 300) and brain CT scan.

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were elicited in 30, non-consecutive, non-demented individuals, complaining of short-term memory disturbances. Fifteen of them had a moderate diffuse cerebral atrophy on their brain CT and the other 15 had a negative brain CT. ERPs were also elicited in 15 age-matched controls with no reported memory disturbances and negative brain CTs. The statistical analysis showed that the group of individuals with cerebral atrophy had a significantly prolonged P300 (P3) latency and a decreased P3 amplitude compared to controls. It is concluded that among persons complaining of short-term memory disturbances, the individuals who show cerebral atrophy, taken as a group, have a P3 latency prolongation and/or low P3 amplitude a finding which reflects an impaired information processing.

Adult↗

Radiotherapy effects on vertebral bone marrow: easily recognizable changes in T2 relaxation times.

The effect of localized radiotherapy on vertebral bone marrow was demonstrated in two patients using quantitative MRI studies with pixel-by-pixel measurement of T2 relaxation times with generation of T2 images. Conventional T1-weighted spin-echo images were obtained as well. Irradiated vertebral bone marrow was found to have longer T2 relaxation times than the neighboring nonirradiated bone marrow. These changes corresponded to the increased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and to the field of radiotherapy and were noted 2.5 to 32 mo after radiotherapy. Radiologists should be aware of the increased T2 relaxation times in irradiated bone marrow to correctly assess spinal disorders in irradiated patients. The reported T2 changes may reflect the abundance of adipose cells that proliferate in bone marrow after radiotherapy, or may indicate an additional histological change, such as bone marrow necrosis or edema. Conclusive histological proof remains to be obtained.

Bone Marrow↗

Abdominal aortic aneurysm combined with a second intraabdominal non vascular disease--a clinical study and surgical treatment.

The surgical tactics in cases of aneurysm of the infrarenal abdominal aorta and a second intraperitoneal operative procedure are not uniform in the literature and still remain a matter of debate. In 170 aneurysms of the abdominal aorta there were 18/170 (10.5%) other co-existent surgical non-vascular diseases as follows: Thirteen cases with symptomatic or asymptomatic cholecystopathy, one case with abdominal hernia, three cases with Ca of the colon and one case with Ca of the liver. In 9 cases, the aneurysm and the gallbladder were removed concomitantly, in 3 cases only aneurysmectomy was carried out due to cardiopulmonary problems, of which in two cholecystectomy was carried out in a second stage. In one case with cholecystitis, the gallbladder was removed and aneurysmectomy followed one month after. Aneurysmectomy and sigmoidectomy were carried out in one case and in a second similar case sigmoidectomy preceded followed by aneurysmectomy 6 months later. In one case aneurysmectomy and restoration of the abdominal hernia was performed concomitantly, while two more cases, one with liver lobectomy and another with orthosigmoidectomy due to Ca. No one of the above patients presented with any infection of the graft or other postoperative complication. No other complications were noted during a follow-up period of 19 months. The one stage operation management of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and a second (intra-abdominal) surgical procedure is feasible if appropriate care is given to the technical details and due consideration to the rules of antisepsis, without affecting surgical morbidity and mortality of the patient.

Aged↗

Percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses using large lumen tubes under computed tomographic control.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience of percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses with large-bore catheters under computed tomographic control. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Greece. SUBJECTS: 185 Patients treated for abdominal abscesses during the period 1989-94. INTERVENTIONS: Needle aspiration (n = 27), drainage through conventional pigtail catheters (n = 22), and drainage through large-bore (8-16F) Argyle drains (n = 136). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 166/185 (92%). Of the 136 patients for whom the large-bore drains were used, 9 (7%) developed major complications (bowel fistula, n = 5; and pneumothorax and haemorrhage, n = 2 each) and 10 (7%) developed minor complications (obstruction of the tube, n = 4; dislocation of the tube, n = 3; bleeding from the wound, n = 2; and haematoma of the liver, n = 1). There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: Large-bore Argyle drains are efficient and safe for the percutaneous drainage of certain types of abdominal abscesses.

Abdominal Abscess↗