Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Andrew J LeRoy

Publications and source records attributed to Andrew J LeRoy.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Three-dimensional CT virtual endoscopy in the detection of simulated tumors in a novel phantom bladder and ureter model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy have limitations in the evaluation for urothelial tumors, and both are invasive. We studied the utility of three-dimensional (3D) CT virtual endoscopy in phantom models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom pelvis was constructed of Plexiglas, porcine pelvic bones, and processed animal fat and scanned at various table speeds in a four detector-row CT machine for ability to detect "tumors" of Solidwater plastic polymer. Images were reconstructed at slice thicknesses of 2.5 to 5.0 mm and reconstructed in 3D for evaluation by two radiologists with no knowledge of the scanning parameters or tumor location. Similar studies were performed with a ureter model. RESULTS: With 5-mm slices, the sensitivity for bladder tumors ranged from 67% for 2-mm tumors to 100% for 4-mm tumors, with 12 false-positive findings. The overall sensitivity was 86% with 3.75-mm slices with one false positive, and with 2.5-mm slices, the sensitivity was 93%, again with one false positive. For the ureteral tumors, the overall sensitivities and numbers of false positives were 88.9% and eight with 5.0-mm collimation, 88.9% and four with 3.75-mm collimation, and 100% and three with 2.5-mm collimation. The effective radiation dose for all studies was equivalent to that of a standard abdomen/pelvis scan. CONCLUSIONS: Although virtual endoscopy traditionally has had difficulty detecting tumors <5 mm, the multidetector-row CT protocols used in this study could detect most lesions smaller than this. The scan also depicts the other tissues of the pelvis, which is valuable for staging. The 3D images were produced using data from the CT urogram parameters standard at our institution.

Animals↗

Detection of crossing vessels as the cause of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: the role of antegrade pyelography prior to endopyelotomy.

PURPOSE: To review the utility of antegrade pyelography in detecting crossing vessels as the cause of uretero-pelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction prior to planned endopyelotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records, surgical reports, and medical images was performed in 109 consecutive adult patients in our practice who underwent antegrade pyelography just prior to planned endopyelotomy for symptomatic UPJ obstruction between January 1996 and December 2002. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were identified in whom a specific antegrade pyelographic appearance was detected in the diagnosis UPJ obstruction caused by crossing vessels. Surgical plans were changed in all 14 patients from antegrade endopyelotomy to open surgical pyeloplasty, during which the anterior (ventral) crossing vessels causing obstruction were confirmed. An additional three patients in the reviewed endopyelotomy group clinically failed their initial endopyelotomy procedure and were shown at the time of subsequent open or laparoscopic reconstructive surgery to have UPJ obstruction caused by anterior crossing vessels, but that diagnosis was missed at the time of the initial antegrade pyelogram. CONCLUSION: A specific antegrade pyelographic appearance was identified to diagnose UPJ obstruction caused by anterior crossing vessels with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 100%. The direct obstructing effect of the vessels on the ureter is defined with pyelography as an acute posteriorly angulated ureteral deformity just below a patent UPJ. Recognition of this specific antegrade pyelographic appearance permits use of an appropriate surgical technique for UPJ obstruction repair.

Adolescent↗

Imaging of urethral disease: a pictorial review.

Retrograde urethrography and voiding cystourethrography are the modalities of choice for imaging the urethra. Cross-sectional imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and computed tomography, are useful for evaluating periurethral structures. Retrograde urethrography is the primary imaging modality for evaluating traumatic injuries and inflammatory and stricture diseases of the male urethra. Sonourethrography plays an important role in the assessment of the thickness and length of bulbar urethral stricture. Although voiding cystourethrography is frequently used to evaluate urethral diverticula in women, MR imaging is highly sensitive in the demonstration of these entities. MR imaging is also accurate in the local staging of urethral tumors.

Adult↗

CT urography.

With the recent introduction of multi-detector row helical computed tomography (CT), the radiologic evaluation of patients with urologic disease has changed rapidly. Two major approaches to CT urography have been developed. The first approach combines axial CT with timed excretory urography (EU) performed by using conventional radiography, digital radiography, or CT scanned projection radiography (SPR). This approach produces traditional projection urograms, and the timed imaging technique is familiar to radiologists and clinicians. Additional excretory phase CT can be performed when the EU findings are positive or indeterminate. Improved CT SPR processing technology produces radiographlike images, thus eliminating patient transportation between the CT and urography suites or the necessity for a CT suite with a ceiling-mounted x-ray tube and a modified CT tabletop for performance of EU. The second approach to CT urography combines axial CT with thin-section excretory phase CT. The near-isotropic volume data set enables creation of high-resolution two- and three-dimensional reformatted images. However, the increased amount of radiation and the time required for data manipulation are concerns. Further studies evaluating large numbers of patients with various urothelial abnormalities will be necessary to determine the optimal CT urography technique for clinical practice.

Equipment Design↗

Prospective analysis of computerized tomography and needle biopsy with permanent sectioning to determine the nature of solid renal masses in adults.

PURPOSE: We prospectively determined the accuracy of computerized tomography (CT) and needle biopsy of solid renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with a solid renal mass who were scheduled for operation were prospectively evaluated. CT was performed before radical or partial nephrectomy. Biopsy of the surgical specimens was done twice through the tumor using an 18 gauge biopsy gun. Specimens were sent for permanent section and review by 2 pathologists blinded to each other and to the whole tissue specimens. Images were reviewed by 2 radiologists blinded to each other and to the results of pathological analysis. Results of CT and permanent biopsy were compared with the results of whole tissue specimen analysis. RESULTS: Specimens were obtained from 59 radical and 41 partial nephrectomies. Malignant neoplasms were present in 85 patients (85%). Overall accuracy was 77% and 72%, the nondiagnostic rate was 20% and 21%, sensitivity was 81% and 83%, and specificity was 60% and 33%. For the 2 radiologists overall accuracy was 60% and 66%, the nondiagnostic rate was 31% and 23%, sensitivity was 70% and 77%, and specificity was 20% and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall permanent biopsy results were accurate in more than 72% of cases and CT was accurate in more than 60%. However, because the nondiagnostic rate for CT and needle biopsy was 20% and 31%, respectively, and specificity was low, we do not recommend routine preoperative CT and subsequent needle biopsy to guide treatment decision making. Rather, cases must be decided individually.

Adult↗

Radiologic evaluation of patients with renal infections.

Although renal imaging is not indicated routinely in cases of uncomplicated renal infection, CT is a highly sensitive modality to diagnose and guide the management of patients with acute renal infection. CT is particularly useful in identifying complications of renal infection. Intravenous urography and US are limited to screening for urinary obstruction, renal calculi, and underlying anomalies. CT is also of value in establishing the diagnosis in equivocal cases, in evaluating high-risk patients, and in determining the nature and extent of disease. CT urography is increasingly performed as a comprehensive urinary tract imaging study. MRI may be performed when patients have contraindications to iodinated contrast material. Cortical scintigraphy is the preferred imaging study for the evaluation of children with acute pyelonephritis, although power Doppler US can be considered as a possible alternative. Recent limited studies using gadolinium-enhanced MRI have been shown to be valuable in the depiction of changes of acute pyelonephritis.

Bacterial Infections↗