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Biomedical subjects

B Siewert

Publications and source records attributed to B Siewert.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Diffusion and perfusion imaging techniques.

Diffusion imaging techniques including the Stejskal-Tanner and the stimulated emission of amplitude echoes (STEAM) pulse sequences are discussed. The calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps is reviewed. The perfusion imaging techniques of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) and first pass bolus perfusion techniques as well as the newer technique of echo-planar imaging with signal targeting and altering radiofrequency (EPISTAR) are also discussed. Finally, the theory of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and its relationship to both diffusion and perfusion phenomena is examined.

Brain Diseases↗

Stroke and ischemia.

With the introduction of diffusion imaging the diagnosis and acute stroke can be made within minutes of clinical onset. In combination with perfusion imaging, tissue viability can be assessed. The etiology of ischemia can in most cases be investigated by MR angiography. The current applications of these techniques are reviewed, and pitfalls as well as problems in the diagnosis of acute stroke are discussed. With the availability of these techniques, patients can almost instantaneously be approved for pharmacotherapy and monitored and thus clinical outcome potentially can be improved tremendously.

Acute Disease↗

Signal targeting with alternating radiofrequency (STAR) sequences: application to MR angiography.

We describe a time of flight subtraction method for cine MR angiography that provides nearly perfect suppression of background signal intensity with excellent flow contrast. The method consists of a preparation phase, during which the longitudinal magnetization of the target tissue is inverted on alternate acquisitions and the background tissue is presaturated, followed by a readout phase using a cine segmented turboFLASH sequence with a shared echo modification to improve temporal resolution. With appropriate alternation of the phases of the radiofrequency excitation pulses, there is cancellation of the background signal intensity but flow signal is optimized. By using a thick section (up to 25 mm), substantial portions of the vascular territory are encompassed in a single plane. This permits rapid, dynamic assessment of flow patterns in areas such as the circle of Willis, carotid bifurcation, or renal arteries. Applications of the method for bright and dark blood cine MR angiography are demonstrated.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

[The value of MR tomography after transsphenoidal hypophyseal resection. A retrospective comparison between endocrinology, operation and MRT].

Postoperative magnetic resonance images of 40 patients after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma were evaluated retrospectively. The signal intensities of packing material and residual tumour were analysed. T1-weighted spin-echo sequences were obtained in coronal and sagittal views with and without intravenous injection of contrast media. Residual tumour demonstrated homogeneous or inhomogeneous signal intensity on the native scan with homogeneous or inhomogeneous enhancement. Packing material demonstrated a homogeneous signal intensity on the images obtained without injection of contrast media with a peripheral enhancement or alternate layers of low and intermediate signal intensity with alternate enhancement after injection of contrast media. In 5 of 54 examinations different results were found in MRI, endocrinology and surgery (two false negative and one false positive MRI in correlation with endocrinology; two residual tumours on MRI where surgery was supposed to be complete). Application of intravenous contrast media facilitates the interpretation of postoperative examination of the pituitary gland as well as comparison with preoperative examinations and the knowledge of the intraoperative procedure.

Adenoma↗

[The role of magnetic resonance angiography prior to the transjugular placement of a portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS)].

The authors employed magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to guide catheter placement for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) procedures in 14 of 24 patients, and compared the results to the 10 patients who did not have prior planning based on MRA. Two-dimensional time-of-flight venography was performed during breath holding, and projection venograms were formatted in sagittal, coronal and axial planes. MRA defined venous anatomy sufficiently well to shorten the procedure and helped to minimize invasiveness. With MRA guidance, intrahepatic needle punctures were significantly fewer (without MRA guidance: mean 12.1; with MRA guidance: mean 3.5, p < 0.001) and associated complications were absent (without MRA guidance: failed placement, N = 1; bleeding requiring blood transfusions, N = 2; death complicating intraperitoneal haemorrhage with haemobilia, N = 1, and hepatic capsular perforation, N = 1). The average time for the procedure was 2.8 hours without MRA guidance and 1.8 hours with MRA guidance (p < 0.0005). The authors conclude that MR angiography is a useful technique to define portal and hepatic venous anatomy prior to TIPS, and planning based on MRA may decrease the difficulty and length of the procedure.

Adult↗

[The in-vivo diffusion measurements of the liver, kidneys, spleen and m. erector with an echo-planar imaging system in normal subjects].

A diffusion sensitive pulse sequence using a stimulated echo (STEAM) type excitation and echo-planar (EPI) readout was developed on a 1.5 T echo-planar MR imaging system. Using this sequence the authors measured the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) of water in normal human liver, spleen, muscle and kidney in 12 volunteers. ADCs measured in normal volunteers were: liver, 1.39 +/- 0.16 x 10(-3) mm2/s, spleen, 0.95 +/- 0.15 x 10(-3) mm2/s, muscle, 1.99 +/- 0.16 x 10(-3) mm2/s, kidney, 3.54 +/- 0.47 x 10(-3) mm2/s. A large scatter of the ADCs in the kidneys was found in the different degrees of hydration status among the volunteers and also due to inter-subject variability. With further clinical experience, in vivo diffusion measurements of the abdominal organs may prove helpful in the identification and classification of abdominal disease by MRI.

Adult↗

Abdominal diffusion mapping with use of a whole-body echo-planar system.

PURPOSE: To measure apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of water in liver, spleen, kidney, and muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten volunteers (seven women and three men, aged 19-31 years [mean, 24 years]) and nine patients (five women and four men, aged 49-70 years [mean, 62 years]) (liver cyst, n = 3; liver hemangioma, n = 3; liver cirrhosis, n = 2; hepatocellular carcinoma, n = 1; and liver metastasis, n = 1) underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. A stimulated-echo acquisition mode (STEAM)-type excitation and echo-planar imaging (EPI) readout was used in a 1.5-T echo-planar MR imaging system. RESULTS: ADCs measured in volunteers were liver, 1.39 x 10(-3) mm2/sec +/- 0.16; spleen, 0.95 x 10(-3) mm2/sec +/- 0.15; muscle, 1.99 x 10(-3) mm2/sec +/- 0.16; and kidney, 3.54 x 10(-3) mm2/sec +/- 0.47 (mean +/- standard deviation). Distinctive ADC values were found in organs with abnormalities. ADCs in patients with hepatic disease included liver cysts, 3.9-5.3; liver hemangiomas, 2.0-2.8; liver metastases from an islet cell tumor, 1.2; hepatocellular carcinoma, 1.7; and liver cirrhosis, 0.9-1.2 x 10(-3) mm2/sec. CONCLUSION: In vivo diffusion measurements of abdominal organs obtained with MR imaging may prove helpful in the identification and classification of abdominal disease.

Abdomen↗

Qualitative mapping of cerebral blood flow and functional localization with echo-planar MR imaging and signal targeting with alternating radio frequency.

PURPOSE: To create qualitative maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF) with the EPISTAR (echo-planar imaging and signal targeting with alternating radio frequency) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The EPISTAR technique was performed in a pig model of hypercapnia and then tested in 26 volunteers by using various paradigms for cortical activation. Echo-planar images were acquired with and without use of a radio-frequency inversion pulse applied to inflowing arterial spins. A qualitative map of CBF was then created by subtracting the image obtained without the radio-frequency pulse from that obtained with the radio-frequency pulse. RESULTS: Progressively more distal portions of the tagged vessels were seen as the inflow time was lengthened until cortical enhancement was seen for inflow times of approximately 1 second or longer. Signal intensity increases from rest to sensorimotor activation ranged from 13% to 193%. CBF changes in the motor strip, primary visual cortex, and the motor area for eye movements were well localized to the cortical gray matter ribbon. CONCLUSION: The EPISTAR technique is a rapid, noninvasive means for creating qualitative maps of CBF.

Animals↗

Fast MR imaging of the liver: quantitative comparison of techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare several techniques for fast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of focal liver lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients (37 men and 53 women, aged 19-92 years [mean, 54 years]) with 137 focal liver lesions (56 metastases, 13 hepatocellular carcinomas, 52 hemangiomas, 16 cysts) underwent MR imaging with rapid acquisition spin-echo (RASE), T1-weighted fast low-angle shot (FLASH), turboFLASH, segmented turboFLASH, and T2-weighted conventional and turbo spin echo (SE). Images were analyzed for spleen-to-liver and lesion-to-liver signal difference-to-noise ratios (SD/Ns). RESULTS: Turbo SE T2-weighted imaging had the highest SD/N for spleen-to-liver (P < .01) and for lesion-to-liver (P < .02) contrast. Segmented T1-weighted turboFLASH imaging had the second highest SD/N for spleen-to-liver (P < .001) contrast and was better overall than other T1-weighted sequences for depicting liver lesions (P < .01). Results at segmented turboFLASH imaging were second best for hemangiomas (P < .01). For metastases, no significant difference was found for results with the T1-weighted sequences. CONCLUSION: Segmented T1-weighted turboFLASH and turbo SE T2-weighted imaging hae advantages over conventional techniques for liver imaging.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

CT of the acute abdomen: findings and impact on diagnosis and treatment.

An acute abdomen is a clinical condition characterized by severe abdominal pain that develops suddenly over several hours or less [1]. Abdominal tenderness and rigidity, either generalized or localized, usually are severe and indicate an urgent need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. The underlying cause of acute abdomen varies, and some cases require immediate surgical treatment, whereas for others, surgery is unnecessary or contraindicated. This need for prompt diagnosis and treatment should not preclude an appropriate investigation to establish the precise diagnosis before undertaking surgery [1, 2].

Abdomen, Acute↗

[Differentiating between tumor and implant material in the postoperative sella using MRT].

MRT criteria have been developed to distinguish between tumour and implant material following examination of 50 patients who had transsphenoidal hypophysectomies for tumours. Judgements were based on the postoperative hormonal status and the operation notes. Following contrast injection of Gd-DTPA and using T1 weighted spin-echo sequences, implant material appeared as sandwich-like, linear or circular structures. Residual recurrent tumour produced homogenous or non-homogenous aspects without marginal enhancement in 84% of cases. Postoperative displacement of the infundibulum to the opposite side was observed in 73% of patients with tumour remnants. Sensitivity of MRT was 70%, specificity 95%. There was a positive predictive value of 94% and a negative predictive value of 72% with an accuracy of 81%. This provides assistance in differentiating between tumour remnants and implant material. MRT is recommended as a method of examination for hypophyseal tumours to evaluate the success of surgery and where there is clinical doubt concerning residual or recurrent tumour.

Adenoma↗

Portal magnetic resonance angiography.

MR angiography has shown definite clinical use in the portal venous system. Methods have been developed for noninvasive assessment of portal venous anatomy and blood flow using a variety of techniques. Time-of-flight techniques for portal angiography and both time-of-flight and phase-contrast techniques for flow measurement are reviewed.

Humans↗

Plasma concentrations of S-verapamil after single doses of two different galenic formulations of racemic verapamil.

The results of enantioselective analysis of verapamil (CAS 52-53-9) in plasma samples obtained at tmax after single dose applications of a 80 mg fast dissoluting (IR) tablet, a controlled release (CR) formulation (240 mg) and an intravenous injection of 5 mg verapamil are reported. The mean fraction of S-verapamil obtained in samples containing the Cmax of racemic verapamil was somewhat smaller after application of the IR-form than observed with the CR formulation. (IR = 15.8 +/- 3.8%; CR = 18.8 +/- 2.0%; p < 0.01), after the intravenous application the mean S-fraction was 32.8 +/- 1.4%. In vitro dissolution tests of the two oral preparations prove that the isomers were released as racemate.

Administration, Oral↗

[Cryptogenetic ascites. Attempts at original pathophysiologic explanation of a monomorphic sonographic image pattern].

In 15,645 consecutive ultrasound examinations of the abdomen (1986 to 1988), free fluid in the peritoneal cavity was found in 247 patients by internal trial during 397 sessions (= 2.5%). Most frequent basic diagnosis for the reason of this symptom were tumorous diseases (99 patients corresponding to 40.1%), cirrhosis of the liver (52 patients corresp. to 22.1%) and heart failure (31 patients corresp. to 12.6%, among these complex gayprooft myocardial insufficiency 24, right heart failure 7). Ovarian cysts or cystomas (7), acute/chronic-recurrent pancreatitis (6), Crohn's disease (3), infections (3), rheumatoid disorders (3), nephrotic syndrome (2), and extra-uterine pregnancy (2) were more rarely represented. In 23 patients (corresp. to 9.3%) the cause of an ascites remained obscure. Among these, a high prevalence of the female sex in the premenopausal age was remarkable with a score of 20:3 (statistically significant difference in terms of the other patients of our group). This observation suggests that an ovarian factor plays a role in the development of ascites in the absence of other evident causes. The literature implies that endometriosis is rather prominent, followed by oligosymptomatic infections or inflammatory diseases.

Adolescent↗

[Spontaneous necrosis of the femoral condyle--new findings in T2-weighted spin-echo sequences and gradient-echo studies].

The spontaneous necrosis of the femur condyles might cause diagnostic problems because clinical symptoms precede the radiologic changes on conventional x-ray. MRI offers an early detection of the necrosis of the femur condyle like bone necrosis of other localisation. Nine patients were examined by T1- and T2-weighted spin echo- and by T2*-weighted gradient echo sequences. All patients had reduced signal intensity in the subchondral bone marrow on T1-w SE sequences. In three patients new findings were observed on T2-w SE and gradient echoes respectively. These findings allow better understanding in the underlying pathologic-anatomical changes.

Aged↗

[MR venography in deep venous thromboses of the leg and pelvis. A comparison of 2D single layer images and 3D MIP reconstructions with phlebography].

A total of 22 MR venograms were performed in 7 volunteers and 15 patients suspected of deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb and pelvis. MR findings were compared to conventional venography in all patients. MR venography is a reliable method for the exclusion of thrombosis proximal to the popliteal vein. In the calf veins, diagnosis of thrombosis is not yet reliable. For MR venography 2D-time-of-flight-inflow-technique and secondary 3D-MIP reconstructions were used and compared to each other. With both methods there were no false negative results in comparison to conventional venography. 2D single slice MR venography showed two false positive results in iliac and one in popliteal vein. MIP 3D reconstructions led to seven false positive results (three iliac, two femoral, two popliteal). The exclusive interpretation of MIP-3D reconstruction is not reliable for decision-making in deep venous thrombosis.

Adult↗

[Chronic hemorrhagic pleural effusion in mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst].

A 48-year-old patient is presented with chronic hemorrhagic pleural effusion due to a pancreatitis-induced pseudocyst. High levels of pleural fluid amylase and demonstration of the pseudocyst by endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) provided the diagnosis. After chest tube draining for about two weeks curative surgery was undertaken.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗