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Dominik Weishaupt

Publications and source records attributed to Dominik Weishaupt.

64 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Electrocardiographically gated multi-detector row CT for assessment of valvular morphology and calcification in aortic stenosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the applicability and image quality of nonenhanced and contrast material-enhanced multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) combined with retrospective electrocardiographic (ECG) gating for visualization of the aortic valve, determination of aortic valve morphology and diameter of the aortic valve annulus, and assessment of the degree of valvular calcification in patients with aortic valve stenosis, as compared with results of surgery and echocardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prior to surgical valve replacement, 25 patients with aortic valve stenosis and sinus rhythm underwent nonenhanced (n = 15) and contrast-enhanced (n = 25) retrospectively ECG-gated multi-detector row CT. Two readers working in consensus evaluated image quality and assessed valvular morphology and the degree of valvular calcification. In addition, the diameter of the aortic valve annulus was measured. Results were compared with surgical and echocardiographic findings by using the paired sign test, kappa statistics, and the method of Bland and Altman. RESULTS: The aortic valve could be visualized nearly free of motion artifacts on all multi-detector row CT images. Image quality and diagnostic confidence for classification of aortic valve morphology were significantly superior on contrast-enhanced rather than nonenhanced images (P =.004 and P =.006, respectively). Nonenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT showed good agreement with surgical findings with regard to quantification of the degree of aortic valve calcification (kappa = 0.77 and kappa = 0.74, respectively). Measurement of the diameter of the aortic valve annulus was more reliable on contrast-enhanced images. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced retrospectively ECG-gated multi-detector row CT allows determination of aortic valve morphology, measurement of the diameter of the aortic valve annulus, and assessment of the degree of aortic valve calcification in patients with aortic stenosis.

Aged↗

Multidetector CT: detection of active hemorrhage in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the imaging findings and the prevalence of active hemorrhage on contrast-enhanced multidetector CT in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced multidetector CT images of 165 patients with blunt abdominal trauma were reviewed for the presence of extravasated contrast agent, a finding that represents active hemorrhage. The site and appearance of the hemorrhage were noted on multidetector CT images. These findings were compared with surgical and angiographic results or with clinical follow-up. RESULTS: On multidetector CT images, active hemorrhage was detected in 22 (13%) of 165 patients with a total of 24 bleeding sites (14 intraperitoneal sites and 10 extraperitoneal sites). Active hemorrhage was visible most frequently as a jet of extravasated contrast agent (10/24 bleeding sites [42%]). Diffuse or focal extravasation was less frequently seen (nine [37%] and five [21%] bleeding sites, respectively). CT attenuation values measured in the aorta (mean, 199 H) were significantly higher than those measured in extravasated contrast material (mean, 155 H) (p < 0.001). Sixteen (73%) of 22 patients with active bleeding on multidetector CT images underwent immediate surgical or angiographic intervention. One patient received angiographic therapy 10 hr after undergoing multidetector CT, and five patients died between 1 and 3 hr after multidetector CT examination. CONCLUSION: Active hemorrhage in patients after blunt abdominal trauma is most frequently visible as a jet of extravasated contrast agent on multidetector CT. When extravasation is detected, immediate surgical or angiographic therapy is required.

Abdominal Injuries↗

FDG positron emission tomography for differentiation of degenerative and infectious endplate abnormalities in the lumbar spine detected on MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of FDG positron emission tomography (PET) for the differentiation of degenerative and infectious endplate abnormalities in the lumbar spine that were detected on MR imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: FDG PET was performed prospectively in 30 consecutive patients with substantial endplate abnormalities (craniocaudal diameter of bone marrow abnormalities, > or = 25% of vertebral height) found during MR imaging of the lumbar spine. Both the MR and PET images were evaluated by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists and two experienced nuclear physicians. The diagnosis of either degeneration with different types of endplate abnormalities or disk-space infection was determined. Clinical follow-up and, in selected cases, bone biopsies with cultures were used as the standard of reference. RESULTS: On the MR images, 25 of the 38 degenerated levels were classified as Modic type I, 13 levels as type II, and none as type III. Five disk-space infections were diagnosed in four patients. MR imaging findings were false-positive at one disk level with type I abnormalities and false-negative at two levels with infection. PET did not show FDG uptake in the intervertebral spaces of any patient with degenerative disease. FDG PET findings were true-positive in all five levels with disk-space infection. The sensitivity and specificity for MR imaging in detecting disk-space infection were 50% and 96%, and were 100% and 100% for FDG PET, respectively (not significant, McNemar test, p = 0.5). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that FDG PET may prove useful for differentiation of degenerative and infectious endplate abnormalities detected on MR imaging. Even in active (Modic type I) degenerative endplate abnormalities in our series, PET did not show increased FDG uptake.

Adult↗

Multidetector-row helical CT: analysis of time management and workflow.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate time management and workflow for multidetector-row helical CT (MDCT). Time for patient and data handling of at total of 580 patients were evaluated at two different time periods (December 1999, August 2000), each for the following baseline measurements: (a) change of clothes/instruction; (b) patient placement on the CT table/i.v. catheter; (c) CT planning and programming; (d) CT data acquisition; (e) CT data reconstruction; (f) CT data storage/printing. All imaging was performed on a Somatom Volume Zoom (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Time measurements summarized for different CT protocols revealed the following: (a) 5:01 min (+/- 2.06 min); (b) 4:36 min (+/- 2.43 min); (c) 4:11 min (+/- 2.55 min); (d) 0:43 min (+/- 0.15 min); (e) 6:59 min (+/- 2.39 min); (f) 09:51 min (+/- 3.51 min). Planning and programming was most time-consuming for CT angiography, whereas chest and abdominal CT needed only 3:26 and 3:30 min, respectively. Reconstruction time was highest for HRCT (9:22 min) and CTA (9:03 min). Data storage/printing was most time-consuming for HRCT (13:02 min), followed by combined neck-chest-abdomen examinations (12:19 min). Comparing the two time periods, during which a software update was performed, a mean time reduction of 4:31 min per patient (15%, p<0.001) was achieved. Whereas CT data acquisition time is no longer a problem with MDCT, patient management, data reconstruction, and data storage are the most time-consuming parts. Well-trained technicians, state-of-the-art workstations, and fast networking are the most important factors to improve workflow.

Efficiency, Organizational↗

MR imaging of the foot and ankle: patterns of bone marrow signal abnormalities.

Diagnosis of marrow disorders of the foot and ankle is among the more challenging aspects of MR interpretation. Evaluation of normal and abnormal bone marrow with regard to pattern, distribution, and signal characteristics on different sequences often allows a specific diagnosis. This pictorial review illustrates MR imaging findings of normal variants of bone marrow of the foot and ankle, and the varied responses of bone marrow to trauma, stress, or disease.

Adolescent↗

Endotracheal neurofibroma in neurofibromatosis type 1: an unusual manifestation.

Tracheal involvement is an extremely rare manifestation in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). We present a 33-year-old women with NF-1 suffering from progressive dyspnea. Multislice spiral CT revealed a neurofibroma located within the trachea with intratracheal extension. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an intratracheal neurofibroma which has been documented by CT. This indicates that multislice spiral CT allows accurate demonstration of localization and extent of this rare manifestation of neurofibromas.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in spinal cord infarction in three small breed dogs.

Fibrocartilaginous embolization (FCE) of the spinal cord is a common disease in large breed dogs. There are only a few reports about this entity in small breed dogs and it has never been reported in chondrodystrophic breed. For definitive diagnosis histopathologic examination is necessary. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a potential diagnostic tool for intravitam diagnosis of FCE has been mentioned before, but results have not been reported so far. This report describes the neurological findings and MRI results in three small breed dogs, including a Pekingese dog, with FCE of the spinal cord. The disease was suspected in two animals based upon clinical and MRI-appearance and confirmed in the third by histopathological examination. In all three cases, similar focal intramedullary lesions, consisting of hyperintensive signals on T2-weighted images, were detected. Based on these findings, high-field MRI may be used as an antemortem tool for the diagnosis of FCE. It is also shown that FCE can occur in chondrodystrophic dogs.

Animals↗

Experience of 4 years with open MR defecography: pictorial review of anorectal anatomy and disease.

Functional disorders of the pelvic floor are a common clinical problem. Diagnosis and treatment of these disorders, which frequently manifest with nonspecific symptoms such as constipation or incontinence, remain difficult. Fluoroscopic x-ray defecography has been shown to aid in detection of functional and morphologic abnormalities of the anorectal region. With the advent of open-configuration magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems, MR defecography with the patient in a vertical position became possible. MR defecography permits analysis of the anorectal angle, the opening of the anal canal, the function of the puborectal muscle, and the descent of the pelvic floor during defecation. Good demonstration of the rectal wall permits visualization of intussusceptions and rectoceles. Excellent demonstration of the perirectal soft tissues allows assessment of spastic pelvic floor syndrome and descending perineum syndrome and visualization of enteroceles. MR defecography with an open-configuration magnet allows accurate assessment of anorectal morphology and function in relation to surrounding structures without exposing the patient to harmful ionizing radiation.

Adolescent↗

Peripheral neuropathies of the median, radial, and ulnar nerves: MR imaging features.

The median, radial, and ulnar nerves of the upper limbs may be affected by various peripheral neuropathies, each of which may be categorized according to its cause, as either an entrapment or a nonentrapment neuropathy. Entrapment neuropathies, also referred to as nerve compression syndromes, include the supracondylar process syndrome, pronator syndrome, anterior interosseous nerve syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and Guyon canal syndrome. Nonentrapment neuropathies include traumatic nerve injuries, infectious and inflammatory conditions, polyneuropathies, and mass lesions at anatomic locations where entrapment syndromes typically do not occur. Although clinical examination and electrophysiologic testing are the cornerstone of the diagnostic work-up, in certain cases magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may provide key information about the exact anatomic location of a lesion or may help narrow the differential diagnosis. In patients with a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, MR imaging may help establish the cause of the condition and provide information crucial for conservative management or surgical planning. In addition, knowledge of the normal anatomy and of the possible causes, typical clinical findings, and MR imaging features of peripheral neuropathies that affect the median, radial, and ulnar nerves allows greater confidence in the diagnosis.

Humans↗