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Biomedical subjects

J Scheidler

Publications and source records attributed to J Scheidler.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Echo-planar magnetic resonance imaging (EPI) with high-resolution matrix in intra-axial brain tumors.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of high-speed interleaved echo-planar imaging (EPI) to achieve diagnostic image quality comparable to T2-weighted imaging in patients with brain tumors. Seventeen patients with intra-axial, supratentorial tumors (10 untreated gliomas, 7 radiated gliomas) were investigated on a 1. 5-T scanner. The conventional scan (SE, TR/TE = 2200/80 ms, 18 slices) was acquired in 8 min, 4 s, and EPI (TR/TE = 3000/80 ms, 18 slices) was completed in 25 s. The films were compared in a blinded trail by three radiologists. On the general impression and anatomic display, both sequences were rated to be of similar quality. Artifacts were slightly more pronounced at the skull base and around surgical clips using EPI. Tumor delineation was nearly equivalent using EPI, compared with the T2-weighted sequence. Echo-planar imaging reached diagnostic quality in all patients. Interleaved high-resolution EPI yielded sufficient quality to depict intra-axial, supratentorial brain tumors. Since EPI can be obtained in a small fraction of the time needed for conventional spin echo, in addition to other indications it could be considered to study patients unable to cooperate.

Artifacts↗

[MRI of plantar fasciitis].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the type and frequency of characteristic bone and soft tissue changes on MRI of patients with a clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 patients with a clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis underwent MR imaging. Besides T1- and T2-weighted sequences, short-tau-inversion-recovery sequences were used routinely. In 27 patients T1-weighted images after intravenous contrast injection were acquired additionally. As a control group the images of 15 patients without clinical signs for plantar fasciitis were evaluated. RESULTS: In 25 of 28 cases (89%) the clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis was established by MR imaging. The most common finding was a peritendinous edema at the calcaneal insertion site which was found in all 25 patients. In 19 of 25 cases (76%) a bone marrow edema of the calcaneus was present. In 14 of 25 cases (56%) an intratendinous signal intensity increase of the plantar fascia could be observed which showed contrast enhancement in 12 cases. Compared to the control group (mean thickness 3.3 mm) the plantar fascia showed significant thickening in the 25 MR positive patients (mean thickness 6.72 mm). DISCUSSION: Besides thickening of the plantar fascia and intratendinous signal intensity increase with contrast enhancement to some extent, bone marrow edema of the calcaneus and peritendinous edema close to the plantar fascia are characteristic signs of plantar fasciitis on MRI. Both signs can reliably be seen on STIR sequences only.

Adult↗

Prostate cancer: localization with three-dimensional proton MR spectroscopic imaging--clinicopathologic study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of combined magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and three-dimensional (3D) proton MR spectroscopic imaging in the detection and localization of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging and 3D MR spectroscopic imaging examinations were performed in 53 patients with biopsy-proved prostate cancer and subsequent radical prostatectomy with step-section histopathologic examination. The prostate was divided into sextants. At MR imaging, the presence or absence of cancer in the peripheral zone of each sextant was assessed independently by two readers (readers 1 and 2) unaware of the findings at 3D MR spectroscopic imaging and histopathologic examination. At 3D MR spectroscopic imaging, cancer was diagnosed as possible if the ratio of choline plus creatine to citrate exceeded 2 SD above population norms or as definite if that ratio exceeded 3 SDs above the norm. RESULTS: On the basis of sextants, sensitivity and specificity, respectively, for MR imaging were 77% and 61% (reader 1) and 81% and 46% (reader 2) with moderate interreader agreement (kappa = 0.43). The 3D MR spectroscopic imaging diagnosis of definite cancer had significantly higher specificity (75%, P < .05) but lower sensitivity (63%, P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed significantly (P < .001) improved tumor localization for both readers when 3D MR spectroscopic imaging was added to MR imaging. High specificity (up to 91%) was obtained when combined MR imaging and 3D MR spectroscopic imaging indicated cancer, whereas high sensitivity (up to 95%) was obtained when either test alone indicated a positive result. CONCLUSION: The addition of 3D MR spectroscopic imaging to MR imaging provides better detection and localization of prostate cancer in a sextant of the prostate than does use of MR imaging alone.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

Prostate cancer: prediction of extracapsular extension with endorectal MR imaging and three-dimensional proton MR spectroscopic imaging.

PURPOSE: To determine if the addition of three-dimensional (3D) proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic imaging to endorectal MR imaging helps diagnose extracapsular extension (ECE) of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endorectal MR imaging and 3D MR spectroscopic imaging were performed in 53 patients with prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy. MR imaging studies were evaluated by two independent readers unaware of histopathologic findings. The presence of ECE was graded on a five-point scale. At 3D MR spectroscopic imaging, cancer was diagnosed if the ratio of choline plus creatine to citrate was 2 or more SDs above normal. The accuracy of MR imaging alone was compared with that of combined MR imaging and 3D MR spectroscopic imaging, with use of the step-section histopathologic results as the standard of reference. RESULTS: For the less experienced reader, the addition of 3D MR spectroscopic imaging to MR imaging significantly improved accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [Az] = 0.75 vs Az = 0.62, P < .05). For the more experienced reader, the addition improved accuracy but not significantly (Az = 0.86 vs Az = 0.78). The addition also reduced interobserver variability (Az = 0.86 vs Az = 0.75). CONCLUSION: The addition of 3D MR spectroscopic imaging to MR imaging improves accuracy for less experienced readers and reduces interobserver variability in the diagnosis of ECE of prostate cancer.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

Endovaginal ultrasound to exclude endometrial cancer and other endometrial abnormalities.

CONTEXT: Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding is a common clinical problem. Endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that may help determine which women should undergo endometrial biopsy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of EVUS in detecting endometrial disease in postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding according to hormone replacement use. DATA SOURCES: Literature search of English-language and non-English-language articles published from 1966 through November 1996 using MEDLINE and by a manual search of bibliographies of published articles. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included if they prospectively collected EVUS measurements of endometrial thickness prior to obtaining endometrial tissue for histologic evaluation in postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding. Of 85 studies that included data on EVUS and endometrial histology, 35 were included in the meta-analysis and included 5892 women. DATA EXTRACTION: Articles were reviewed and independently selected and abstracted by 2 reviewers. Disagreement was resolved by consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: The overall summary mean weighted estimates of sensitivity and specificity were calculated for thresholds of endometrial thickness from 3 to 10 mm. Using a 5-mm threshold to define abnormal endometrial thickening, 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94%-98%) of women with cancer had an abnormal EVUS result, whereas 92% (95% CI, 90%-93%) of women with endometrial disease (cancer, polyp, or atypical hyperplasia) had an abnormal result. This did not vary by hormone replacement use. However, the number of women with normal histology who had an abnormal EVUS result did vary by hormone replacement use. In women who were not using hormone replacement therapy, 593 (8%) with normal histological findings had an abnormal EVUS result (specificity, 92%; 95% CI, 90%-94%), whereas 1544 (23%) using hormone replacement therapy had an abnormal EVUS result (specificity, 77%; 95% CI, 75%-79%). For a postmenopausal woman with vaginal bleeding with a 10% pretest probability of endometrial cancer, her probability of cancer is 1% following a normal EVUS result. CONCLUSION: Endovaginal ultrasound has a high sensitivity for detecting endometrial cancer and other endometrial disease and can reliably identify postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding who are highly unlikely to have significant endometrial disease so that endometrial sampling may be unnecessary.

Biopsy↗

[Virtual colonoscopy using CT and MRI].

PURPOSE: To evaluate experimentally and in patients the sensitivity and effective dose of virtual electron-beam tomography (EBT) colonoscopy for detecting small colon tumors and to compare the methods and results with virtual colonoscopy using spiral CT and MR imaging in a review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six polyps with diameters between 3 and 12 mm were created and randomly placed in resected pig colon. After distension with air, the pig colon was scanned with continuous volume scanning (CVS, 3 mm collimation) and a pitch of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.5. Twenty patients positive for the fecal blood test were examined after rectal CO2 insufflation and i.v. administration of 1 mg glucagon. A 13 s CVS scan was used to cover the entire colon within one breath-hold. 3D volume-rendered fly-throughs were evaluated by two independent radiologists. Effective dose equivalent was estimated using an Alderson phantom equipped with thermoluminescence dosimeters. RESULTS: In the tumor model, all polyps were detectable at a pitch of 1.5. A further reduction of the pitch ratio did not improve the conspicuity of the polyps. In patient studies, all tumors (n = 4) and polyps (n = 3) were correctly identified on 3D fly-throughs. Two false positive results were obtained. Effective dose equivalent was calculated at 3.2 mSv per scan. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results indicate that virtual EBT colonoscopy holds promise for fast screening for colon polyps. The best technique for virtual colonoscopy (Spiral CT, EBT, MRI) has not yet been determined and the future role of virtual colonoscopy must still be defined.

Colonic Polyps↗

Parametrial invasion in cervical carcinoma: evaluation of detection at MR imaging with fat suppression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate detection of parametrial invasion at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with fat suppression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 35 patients with cancer of the cervix, MR imaging was performed with the following sequences: T2-weighted turbo spin echo (SE), turbo short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR), and unenhanced or gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted SE with and without excitation-spoiling fat suppression. Images obtained with each sequence were evaluated for parametrial invasion by two blinded radiologists separately, who scored their level of diagnostic confidence from 0 to 10 (no confidence to high confidence). Then, all images were evaluated together and findings were correlated with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between staging with T2-weighted turbo SE, turbo STIR, and T1-weighted fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced SE images. Staging with T1-weighted SE, T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced SE, and T1-weighted fat-suppressed SE images was significantly worse (P < .05). Diagnostic confidence was lower (P < .001) with T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced SE and T1-weighted fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced SE images (5.5 and 6.2 points, respectively) compared to staging with T2-weighted turbo SE and turbo STIR images (8.2 and 7.6 points, respectively). No statistically significant improvement in staging accuracy was found when all images were evaluated together. CONCLUSION: In MR diagnosis of parametrial invasion, the addition of fat-suppressed or gadolinium-enhanced MR images did not improve the accuracy with T2-weighted turbo SE images alone.

Cervix Uteri↗

Radiological evaluation of lymph node metastases in patients with cervical cancer. A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To apply meta-analysis to compare the utility of lymphangiography (LAG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical cancer. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE literature search and manual reviews of article bibliographies. STUDY SELECTION: Studies selected included at least 20 patients with imaging-histologic correlation, described diagnostic criteria for lymph node metastasis, and presented data to allow calculation of contingency tables. DATA EXTRACTION: Independently by 2 investigators, stratified for stage of disease (early vs late) and for lymph node location (pelvic vs para-aortic). DATA SYNTHESIS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria for LAG, 17 for CT, and 10 for MR imaging. Summary receiver operator characteristic analysis showed no significant differences in the overall performance of LAG, CT, and MR imaging. There was, however, a trend toward better performance for MR imaging than for LAG or CT, both globally and when stratified for stage of disease or for lymph node location. Bayesian analysis of clinical utility showed only moderate increases in positive posttest probability of lymph node metastasis for all methods. Negative test results had a greater impact and, depending on the clinical setting, decreased the probability of lymph node metastasis from 15% to 44% (pretest) to 3% to 18% (posttest). CONCLUSIONS: The LAG, CT, and MR imaging perform similarly in the detection of lymph node metastasis from cervical cancer. As CT and MR imaging are less invasive than LAG and also assess local tumor extent, they should be considered the preferred adjuncts to clinical evaluation of invasive cervical cancer.

Female↗

MRI gadolinium enhancement of bone marrow: age-related changes in normals and in diffuse neoplastic infiltration.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify gadolinium-related enhancement in the bone marrow of the spine in normals and in patients with homogeneous diffuse malignant bone marrow infiltration. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The patients consisted of two groups: group 1 comprised 94 healthy adults (18-86 years) without bone marrow disease and group 2 comprised 30 patients with homogeneous diffuse malignant bone marrow infiltration due to myeloma (n = 20) or breast carcinoma (n = 10). All patients received intravenous gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA), 0.1 mmol/kg body weight. Pre- and postcontrast signal intensity (SI) on T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) images (TR/TE: 572 ms/15 ms) was measured over a region of interest (ROI) and the percentage SI increase was calculated. The results were confirmed by bone marrow biopsy (n = 20) and clinical parameters (n = 10). Dynamic contrast-enhanced studies using a spoiled gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequence (TR/TE/alpha: 68 ms/6 ms 75 degrees) were performed in 10 controls with normal bone marrow. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Contrast material enhancement in healthy persons can vary greatly (range 3-59%, mean 21%, SD 11%). With increasing age there is a significant decrease in contrast enhancement (Pearson's correlation, P < 0.01). The percentage SI increase in patients with intermediate-grade (biopsy 20-50 vol%) and high-grade (biopsy > 50 vol%) diffuse malignant bone marrow infiltration was significantly higher than in normals (mean 67%, SD 34%, P < 0.001). Low-grade (biopsy < 20 vol%) diffuse malignant bone marrow infiltration can not be assessed by non-enhanced T1-weighted SE images or Gd-DTPA application. In conclusion, contrast material enhancement in healthy persons can vary greatly and is dependent on age, while intermediate-grade and high-grade diffuse malignant bone marrow infiltration can be objectively assessed with SI measurements.

Adolescent↗

[Lymph node staging in cervix carcinomas: the results of high-resolution magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) with a phased-array body coil].

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic value of high resolution MR imaging with a circularly polarised (c.p.) body phased-array coil for the staging of pelvic lymph nodes in cervical carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 42 patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the cervix were studied on a 1.5 T scanner by using a c.p. body phased-array coil. The imaging protocol included T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo (TSE) and T1-weighted spin-echo sequences pre and post i.v. application of Gd-DTPA; slice thickness was 5-7 mm and pixel size 0.53 mm2. Lymph nodes with a diameter of > or = 8 mm were considered to have metastatic involvement. MR imaging results were compared with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: MR imaging showed enlarged lymph nodes (> or = 8 mm) in 16 of 18 patients with histologic proof of lymph node metastases (sensitivity 89%). In 22 of 24 cases MR findings were true negative (specificity 92%). Diagnostic accuracy was 91%. CONCLUSION: High-resolution MR imaging with a c.p. body phased-array coil provides high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for pelvic lymph node staging in cervical carcinoma.

Adult↗

[Parametrial infiltration of cervix carcinoma: diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted SE sequences at 1.5 tesla].

PURPOSE: To determine whether contrast-enhanced and fat-suppressed sequences contribute to the MR imaging diagnosis of parametrial invasion. METHODS: 21 patients with carcinoma of the cervix were prospectively examined with a phased-array coil and a 1.5T MR-scanner using the following sequences: transverse T2-weighted turbo spin echo (T2-TSE), T1-weighted spin echo (T1-SE) and fat suppressed T1-weighted SE sequences before and after Gd-DTPA. The sequences were evaluated separately for the presence of parametrial invasion. Image quality and diagnostic confidence were classified on a scale of 0-10 (nondiagnostic-excellent). Findings were compared to the results of the pathohistological examination. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were highest for T2-TSE sequences (100%, 79% and 86%, respectively). Contrast-enhanced T1-SE sequences with fat-suppression (71%, 79%, and 76%) showed no improvement compared to T2-TSE. Unenhanced fat-suppressed T1-SE (100%, 30%, and 56%) and unenhanced T1-SE (100%, 7%, and 38%) as well as contrast-enhanced T1-SE (86%, 20%, and 47%) were significantly worse than T2-TSE. With similar image quality (p < 0.05) diagnostic confidence was higher on T2-TSE than on any of the other sequences (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering the cost-effectiveness of the examination, for the MR diagnosis of parametrial invasion the use of fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced sequences can be abandoned in favour of T2-weighted TSE sequences.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis. New circularly polarized body array coil versus standard body coil.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors compare the value of a new circularly polarized body array coil (BAC) system with a standard body coil (BC) for high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis. METHODS: Twenty patients with cervical cancer were examined with a BC and BAC. Imaging parameters were kept constant (sagittal T2-weighted turbo spin-echo: repetition time = 4000 mseconds; effective echo time = 99 mseconds; 160 x 160 mm field of view; 256 x 256 matrix; 0.63 x 0.63 mm pixel size; 4-mm slice thickness). Images were scored for lesion-to-organ delineation and overall image quality/ artifacts using a scale from 5 to 1 (excellent to poor). Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios for different tissues (tumor, uterus, vagina, rectum, muscle, and fat) as well as contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratios between tumor and (1) uterus, (2) vagina, and (3) rectum were calculated. Magnetic resonance tumor staging was performed according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification. RESULTS: Using the BAC, S/N and C/N ratios increased significantly compared with the BC (S/N: 2.7-3.4-fold increase for all organs evaluated, P < 0.001: C/N: tumor versus uterus 2.4-fold, P < 0.01; tumor versus vagina 6.1-fold, P < 0.001; tumor versus rectum 3.1-fold, P < 0.01). This resulted in an improved overall image quality (average ratings: BAC-4.3 points; BC-2.6 points; P < 0.001). Lesion-to-organ delineation (average ratings: BAC 4.3-4.1 points, BC 3.5-2.7 points for all organs evaluated; P < 0.001) was increased noticeably on BAC images. No significant difference was found for staging accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Circularly polarized BAC provide superior S/N and C/N ratios and improve lesion conspicuity compared with standard BC.

Adult↗

Degenerative disk vascularization on MRI: correlation with clinical and histopathologic findings.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was designed to determine the MRI features, clinical significance, and correlation to histopathologic findings of secondary vascularized degenerative intervertebral disks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with localized painful spine syndrome were investigated prospectively by contrast-enhanced MRI. Pain was not predominantly radiating and there was no clinical evidence of spinal infection. In all patients sagittal SE T1-weighted, fast SE T2-weighted or turbo-STIR, and T1-weighted frequency-selective fat-suppressed images were obtained. RESULTS: We identified 37 vascularized disks in 26 patients. In 18 patients the changes had occurred spontaneously, in 6, the affected disk had been operated on previously, and 2 patients had spondylolisthesis. In 15 patients, vascularization was accompanied by medullary edema adjacent to the vertebral endplates. In one of the vascularized disks, herniation was also found. In seven patients, ventral diskectomy was performed. Histopathologic findings confirmed disk vascularization in six of seven cases. CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative, band-like disk vascularization is a feature which is associated with local pain. It was demonstrated by contrast-enhanced MRI. Degenerative disk vascularization is an important differential diagnosis to bacterial spondylodiskitis. It can be a cause of pain in patients with postdiskectomy syndrome.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Diagnostic approach in acute pulmonary embolism: perfusion scintigraphy versus spiral computed tomography.

For diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism, perfusion scintigraphy in combination with ventilation studies is a well-established and sensitive method. Recently, computed tomography (CT) incorporating an angiographic technique was introduced for evaluating the pulmonary arterial system without breathing artefacts. The present study compared lung scans with spiral CT data to establish the diagnostic value of the latter approach. Twenty-five patients with a clinical suspicion of acute pulmonary embolism were examined using both methods. Perfusion and ventilation lung scans were done and spiral volumetric CT studies were performed. In 18 patients, pulmonary embolism was diagnosed using both methods. However, the results were interpreted differently. Particularly when centrally localized emboli were present in both pulmonary arteries, assessment of the more affected side was difficult on CT and depended on the experience of the physicians interpreting the scans. Small, (sub-)segmental emboli could not be demonstrated on CT. This may explain the false-positive and false-negative results, respectively. Spiral CT enables an exact demonstration of thrombosis in severe, centrally localized emboli. In incompletely occluded vessels, estimation of the degree and the location of perfusion defects is better with scintigraphy. Based on the present results and the technical equipment necessary for spiral CT, it is concluded that perfusion scintigraphy remains the method of choice for diagnosing acute pulmonary emboli.

Acute Disease↗

[3-phase spiral CT--a new noninvasive procedure for the differentiation of multifocal liver lesions].

Dynamic CT is an established method for the differentiation of focal liver lesions by monitoring the contrast enhancement. It is especially restricted in the assessment of small and multiple lesions due to respiratory organ movements. Spiral-CT allows the examination of large volumes in the breathhold technique. Spiral-CT with controlled i.v. contrast media administration can be used for the assessment of the entire liver in distinct phases of perfusion. We describe the use of this new technique in a patient with multifocal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), for whom assessment with dynamic CT was not suitable. The lesions were first located with a conventional contrast-enhanced CT-scan. The impossibility to assess all the lesions with dynamic CT led to the decision to perform a three-phase spiral-CT with three sequential scans (native, arterial, and portal perfusion phase). The entire liver was scanned after power injector-controlled i.v. administration of contrast media with the following parameters: 1) arterial phase: 70 ml contrast media, 2 ml/s, start delay 18 s; 2) portal phase: 80 ml contrast media, 2 ml/s, start delay 60 s; slice 8 mm, table feed 8 mm, increment 4 mm; 24 s of breathhold data acquisition.

Adult↗

[Fast and ultra-fast sequences in MRI of the pelvis and retroperitoneum].

Fast and ultrafast sequences are crucial prerequisite for optimum diagnostic impact in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the pelvis and retroperitoneum. In MR imaging of the pelvis, heavily T2-weighted fast turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences with acquisition times of 2-4 min have widely replaced time-consuming conventional T2-weighted SE sequences due to substantial time savings and better image quality. Fast and ultrafast gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequences are the basis of dynamic contrast-enhanced studies. In MR imaging of the retroperitoneum, fast and ultrafast sequences currently play the most important role as they allow for breath-hold acquisition of a sufficient number of images free of motion artifacts. The current roles of TSE, tubo gradient spin echo (TGSE), GRE and echoplanar imaging (EPI) sequences in MR imaging of the pelvis and retroperitoneum is discussed.

Artifacts↗