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Biomedical subjects

C Masciocchi

Publications and source records attributed to C Masciocchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

[MR characterization of breast pathology using inversion recovery sequence].

As yet, a valid tissue characterization of human breast diseases has not been possible with conventional MR techniques. On the basis of the experimental thesis according to which fibroadenomas and carcinomas have a slight, though significant, difference in T1 relaxation times, we employed specific inversion recovery sequences at the T null of the breast glandular and adipose tissues, to enhance the differences in the signal intensities of the various pathologies. We examined 16 (6 cystic dysplasias, 5 fibroadenomas, 3 carcinomas, and 1 phylloid fibroadenoma) selected patients with the above-mentioned sequences in addition to the routine T1- and T2-weighted spin echo sequences. The following conclusions were reached by evaluating the characteristic signal intensities: MR spin echo sequences allow solid lesions to be distinguished from cystic ones; MR inversion recovery sequences allow fibroadenomas to be distinguished from carcinomas with 88% accuracy.

Adenofibroma↗
PubMed1989

[Magnetic resonance of the shoulder: technic, anatomy ana clinical results].

MR imaging was employed in 232 patients with traumatic or degenerative lesions of the shoulder. MR diagnosis was compared with arthrotomic findings in 19 cases, and with arthroscopic results in 3 cases. MR technique is here presented and the choice of scanning planes is discussed, together with the sequences of image acquisition and with the features of the surface coil employed. Axial, sagittal, and coronal scans were used in all cases. Both sagittal and coronal planes were performed obliquely on the basis of precise anatomical structures. T1-weighted sequences were used for they are reliable in locating the various anatomical structures and efficient in defining the several different pathologic conditions. The role of T2-weighted sequences was complementary, and they were employed in selected cases only. A surface coil is presented with a particular configuration of easy clinical use and with such technical features as to allow reduced fields to be imaged, with good spatial resolution. MR imaging could demonstrate with equal accuracy both skeletal-cartilage components and capsulo-ligamentous structures, thus defining associated lesions and small tears. In both degenerative and traumatic lesions of the rotator cuff, MR imaging showed both extent and entity of the pathologic process, with high accuracy in defining the impingement syndrome. MR imaging allowed the depiction of the anterior and posterior glenoid labra, even without intraarticular contrast media. Moreover, MR imaging made it possible to recognize both fractures and degenerative processes within the glenoid labrum on the basis of their signal intensities. This preliminary experience allows the authors to conclude that MR imaging is an accurate and non-invasive diagnostic method for the study of traumatic lesions and of degenerative changes of the shoulder.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Nuclear magnetic resonance as a contribution to the choice of technique in lengthening of the Achilles tendon in a spastic equinus foot.

In the search for a more accurate surgical programme for the correction of spastic equinus foot, the authors have studied the Achilles tendon with NMR before and after surgery. The results were quite interesting. Before operation, NMR provides indications as to the best technique to be adopted based on the finding of fibrotic processes involving the peritendinous tissue, in particular the Kager triangle, while, postoperatively, it allows us to evaluate the development of adherent fibrosis in relation to the different surgical techniques of lengthening adopted.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1988

[Magnetic resonance of the breast. Clinical experience with a dedicated coil].

MR Imaging was performed on 10 healthy volunteers and 86 patients, using a 0.5 T superconducting magnet and a dedicated coil to image both breasts simultaneously. The patients were selected by the presence of nodules at clinical examination. Final diagnoses were made either at histology--in the patients who underwent surgery--or at cytology, with fine needle biopsy. The MR findings of the different breast diseases are discussed. In spite of an improved spatial resolution and of a very good natural contrast between different tissues, MR Imaging does not allow a satisfactory characterization of the lesions; its use is thus limited to the staging of cancers which need a better therapeutic planning.

Adenofibroma↗
PubMed1988

[Osteosarcoma. A new diagnostic approach in presurgical loco-regional staging].

The value of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging was examined in the anatomical staging of bone osteosarcomas. Eleven patients were studied--8 central and 3 parosteal osteosarcomas. The accuracy of MR imaging was compared to that of plain film, scintigraphy, CT, and angiography. MR imaging was superior to both CT and radionuclide scanning in defining intramedullary extension and in showing skip metastases. Cortical erosion in central osteosarcomas was demonstrated by MR imaging, CT, and plain film; in 1 case of parosteal osteosarcoma MR imaging was superior to CT in showing cortical penetration. In two cases MR imaging did not accurately demonstrate the relationship of the tumor to the major vessels; only angiography showed vascular involvement. MR imaging was useful in delineating extraosseous extension. The importance is stressed of a correct use of MR imaging towards an accurate diagnosis. In fact, intramedullary extension and skip metastases were better demonstrated on T1-weighted images with large fields, while T2-weighted images and small fields were needed for the best overall evaluation of extraosseous involvement. In conclusion, MR imaging should be used for preoperative staging of osteosarcomas in those cases where diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical, radiographic, and bioptic findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Prosthetic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee: the roles of CT scan and M.R.

The authors examined 10 patients treated by intra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with an artificial ligament in terylene (Kejo-Leeds type). Clinical evaluation was supplemented by CT scan and magnetic nuclear resonance (M.R.). The basic parameters assessed were the positioning of the tunnels, biological anchoring, presence of reactive synovitis, growth and modification of periligamentous fibrous tissue, characteristics and relationships of the extra-articular plastic. CT scan was better at determining the tunnels, evaluating biological anchoring and visualising the new ligament in its intra-articular course. Magnetic nuclear resonance was better at evaluating changes in the periligamentous tissue. The authors therefore conclude that M.R. is preferable in the early follow-ups, while CT scanning has greater diagnostic value in follow-ups after six months.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Cystic degeneration of the lateral meniscus. Pathogenesis and diagnostic approach.

Twelve patients with cystic degeneration of the lateral meniscus were submitted to magnetic resonance and arthroscopy. This study showed that mixoid degeneration is produced initially within the meniscal substance and subsequently progresses towards and may rupture through the outer margin, so producing the clinically detectable cyst on the outer margin of the joint. In the light of the information obtained from magnetic resonance and subsequent surgical verification, existing hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis and evolution of the lesion have been re-examined.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Magnetic resonance study of renal function. Preliminary evaluation].

The amount of functioning renal parenchyma can be estimated by MRI by considering the ratio between the mean intensities of cortical and medullar zones of the kidney. Fifty-six patients and 5 healthy volunteers were studied by MRI in our department. Scanning was performed with a superconductive magnet system operating at 0.5 Tesla. Pulse sequence was Spin-Echo with TR 300/TE 30 ms. The cortico-medullary ratio (CMR) and differentiation (CMD) were standardized and related with creatine blood levels. CMR data ranged from 1.05 to 3.00, while CMD data ranged from 0.04 to 0.50. High values (good cortico-medullary contrast) were observed in subjects with normal renal function. Patients with renal diseases had low CMR and CMD, proportionally to the degree of renal failure, as proved by laboratory findings. Our preliminary study seems to demonstrate that MRI is an useful technique in the follow-up of patients with chronic renal disease.

Creatinine↗
PubMed1988

[Magnetic resonance in the evaluation of intracranial aneurysms].

Eighteen patients affected by intra-cranial aneurysms, with size ranging from 3 to 30 mm, were studied by means of MRI, CT, and angiography. MRI was performed using Spin-Echo (SE) sequences with different Repetition Times (TR) and Echo Times (TE), which allowed the characterization of the lesions in relation to the relaxation times. MRI could identify all the aneurysms. In 13 subjects the parent vessels could be seen. In 5 patients the aneurysms could be recognized only after angiography, due to their dimension (less than 4 mm). The "flow effects" and the presence of methemoglobin and hemosiderin in the thrombosed portion of the lumen allowed both the detection of flow abnormalities and the characterization of laminate intra-aneurysmal thrombosis. In conclusion, MRI appears to be a sensitive methodology in the detection of intracranial aneurysms, even more sensitive than CT and Angiography in characterizing this kind of lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Chondrosarcoma of the bone. Differential pre- and postoperative diagnosis using magnetic resonance].

Twelve patients were studied by means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in order to demonstrate either loco-regional recurrence of central chondrosarcomas or degenerative evolutions of exostoses. MRI findings were compared with plain film, scintigraphy, and Computed Tomography. MRI showed loco-regional recurrences by demonstrating their site, extent, and relationship with adjacent structures. In showing the degenerative evolution of exostoses MRI--confirmed at surgery--was superior to plain film in 3 cases out of 7, and to Computed Tomography in 2 cases. The authors discuss MRI findings: chondrosarcomas have low-intensity signal in T1-weighted sequences and high-intensity signal in T2-weighted. Thanks to its high contrast resolution MRI always allowed the detection of the chondrosarcoma. Nevertheless, MRI did not allow the tumor grading--which is due either to a difficult evaluation of the morphology of neoplastic calcifications, or to non-specific-intensity signal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

[Role of magnetic resonance in the radiologic diagnosis of parotid pathology].

MRI findings in 13 patients with monolateral parotid tumor were compared with US, sialographic and CT findings. MRI did not allow an accurate diagnosis in 2 patients with diffuse chronic parotitis. MRI was superior to CT in 1 case in defining the intraglandular site of the lesion, and in 2 patients in showing the extraglandular involvement. MRI proved to be superior to CT thanks to its contrast resolution and to multiplanar imaging. MRI high contrast resolution made it possible to demonstrate neoplastic lesions of 4 mm in diameter. The lesion has low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted. Parotid tumors cannot be characterized by signal intensity alone: only morphology allows to discriminate between benign and malignant lesions. To conclude, US is a screening method, while MRI is helpful in detecting multifocal lesions and in evaluating the tumor extent.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1987

Computed tomography of meniscal cysts of the knee joint.

CT findings of meniscal cysts, without intra-articular contrast medium, were compared with those of arthroscopic surgery in 12 patients. CT clearly defined the type, site and extent of the meniscal cysts. The CT diagnosis was confirmed by surgery in all patients. CT is a simple and accurate method for the diagnosis of meniscal cysts, and facilitates surgical planning.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

[Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. Contribution of magnetic resonance].

An attempt was made to establish Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) diagnostic criteria for the study of the reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS). Five patients with hip and knee pain were studied. The radiographic pattern was "positive" only in two patients, while radionuclide studies showed increased activity in the painful joint in all; only in three cases Computed Tomography was performed. In all patients MRI demonstrates the lesions and defines their extension. MRI allows a differential diagnosis between RSDS and other bone lesions such as osteonecrosis and tumors. The relation between anatomopathological findings of RSDS and MRI features is discussed. MRI proved to be a reliable technique in showing and characterizing RSDS better than radiographic examination (often "negative" in early phases), and radionuclide study (a sensitive but not specific technique).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Meniscal lesions of the knee joint: CT diagnosis.

Computed tomography (CT) resulted in a diagnostic accuracy of 89.2% and 96.1% for medial and lateral meniscal lesions, respectively, in 109 patients who underwent surgery after a direct CT study of the knee joint for a clinically suspected meniscal lesion. The meniscal lesions were the only pathologic condition found in 59 patients, while in 35 patients they were associated with various lesions of the cruciate ligaments (31 cases) and collateral ligaments (15 cases) and with cystic bursitis (6 cases). In the remaining 15 patients, the menisci were normal, but in eight of these cases, lesions of other knee joint structures were present. If meniscal lesions are clinically suspected, direct CT study of the knee joint may be considered the elective radiologic diagnostic method, rather than the more invasive arthrography. It may also be helpful in selecting patients for diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy.

Bursitis↗
PubMed1984

Clinical interpretation of cysts in the popliteal space using computerised tomography.

The use of computerised tomography in the examination of the knee joint has made it possible to investigate popliteal cysts much more precisely, particularly as regards incidence, localisation, size, shape and above all their possible relationship with other pathological conditions. In 315 examinations, 60 patients (19.5%) were found to have cysts in the popliteal space of whom only 9 were unassociated with any other pathology of the knee. Fifty-five (91.6%) of these cystic dilatations were semimembranosus bursae. The two pathogenetic theories which are favoured at the moment were considered in the light of our findings, but it appears from our experimental work that both could be valid.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Computed tomography of the knee joint: technique of study and normal anatomy.

Computed tomography was employed in 100 cases to examine the knee joint, without the use of intraarticular contrast medium administration. For greater resolution, only one leg of the patient was introduced into the gantry, and the limb being examined was immobilized and flexed at 8-10 degrees. Computed tomography clearly demonstrated all the anatomical structures that are of clinical interest such as menisci, cruciate and collateral ligaments, and articular and paraarticular soft tissues and tendons. The exact knowledge of the anatomy in axial view and in the indispensable sagittal and coronal reconstructions is fundamental in the identification of pathological conditions.

Humans↗