Biomedical subjects

K Murata

Publications and source records attributed to K Murata.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

[Evaluation of renal function using Gd-DTPA dynamic MR imaging].

To establish a new method for evaluating renal function using MRI, we performed dynamic Gd-DTPA enhanced MR imaging at 1.5 T in 68 subjects (71 examinations), including 23 normal volunteers, 19 patients with chronic renal failure, 22 with hydronephrosis, and 7 with renal vascular disorders. Thirty GRASS images [35/9/20 degrees /1 (TR/TE/Flip Angle/NEX)] were obtained after a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA (0.2 mmol/Kg) in each case, and were evaluated in the following respects. (1) Whether or not the initial signal increase and/or the following signal drop in cortex was observed. (2) Whether or not the signal drop in medulla and/or calyces was observed. (3) Time between initial signal increase in cortex and signal drop in medulla (Ta). (4) Time between signal drop in medulla and calyces (Tb). (5) Time between signal increase in cortex and signal drop in calyces (Tc). (6) Maximum ratio of signal intensity between cortex and medulla (Max. C/M). In normal subjects, the initial signal increase and the following signal drop in cortex, and the signal drop in medulla and calyces were observed. In patients with abnormal renal function, the characteristic signal changes described above were not seen clearly or disappeared in many cases. In normal subjects, Ta, Tb, Tc, and Max. C/M were 41.9 +/- 6.9 sec, 53.2 +/- 10.6 sec, 95.0 +/- 9.5 sec, and 1.10 +/- 0.05, respectively. In the patients, time parameters were significantly larger than those of normal subjects and C/M ratios were lower. This study suggested that dynamic Gd-DTPA renal MR imaging can serve as a new method for the evaluation of renal function.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Measurement of gastric emptying by magnetic resonance imaging].

The purpose of the study was to establish a new method of measuring gastric emptying using MR Imaging in human. Gastric emptying was measured in 6 healthy male volunteers aged from 28 to 43 years, using MR imaging and RI. The measurements were performed after the oral administration of liquid meal containing glucose, protein and fat. The MR imaging was performed with 0.5T superconducting magnet machine, and consecutive 12 transaxial T1 weighted spin echo images (TR/TE = 300/17) of the upper abdomen were recorded every 10 minutes for more than 1 hour. Gastric emptying curves and their T1/2 values obtained by MR imaging and RI method were correlated well in 5 of 6 cases. We concluded that a non invasive and radiation free method using MR imaging was proved to be a useful tool for measuring gastric emptying.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

CT of the pulmonary hilum: evaluation with thin-section ultrafast CT.

The recent progress of CT technology, such as spiral and ultrafast CT, has made it possible to obtain contiguous thin-section CT images of the pulmonary hilum during rapid injection of contrast material. These CT images consistently provide clear images of the pulmonary hilum, including normal peribronchovascular interstitium, bronchi, and pulmonary vessels, enabling a more precise and detailed evaluation of various pathological conditions than CT previously allowed. This article illustrates high-quality CT images in normal and abnormal conditions occurring in the pulmonary hilum and discusses the present CT diagnosis of various pulmonary hilar diseases.

Contrast Media↗

PubMed1996

[A case of recurrent multiple HCC after surgical resection showing regression by two TAEs using 5-FU and zinostatin stimalamer].

A-68-year-old man had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the area of S6 segment which was resected surgically. Three months after surgery, multiple recurrent lesions were found in both lobes of the liver. A transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with 5-FU and zinostatin stimalamer (SMANCS) was done. After TAE, the tumor mass disappeared in the right lobe and reduced to 10% in the left lobe. Although mass lesions remained unchanged for 3 months, the increased of AFP (143.9 ng/ml) was noticed after 4 months. Ten months after the second TAE with 5-FU and SMANCS, the disappearance of tumor masses was confirmed by diagnostic images.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[Factors affecting ADL improvement and QOL in stroke patients a community-based study].

To clarify the factors affecting improvement of activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) in stroke patients, 141 patients and their families attending municipal rehabilitation programs in Saitama Prefecture were surveyed by means of self-rating questionnaires and interviews. Subjects had attended the rehabilitation programs for 0-16 (mean 3.2) years. The patients were divided into two groups, i.e., ADL-improved and ADL-unimproved, according to Katz scale scores before and after their rehabilitation. Results of the multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that initial ADL before attending the rehabilitation programs and a short time interval between disease onset and start of rehabilitation are major factors for the improvement of ADL. Similarly, old age, high ADL, official certification of disability, and low frequency of rehabilitation were significant factors for high QOL as measured by Philadelphia Geriatric Center morale scale (stepwise multiple regression analysis). It is suggested that municipal rehabilitation programs pay special attention not only to accessibility of low-ADL patients, but also to psychological factors of young patients with low ADL, high frequency of attendance at rehabilitation programs and no official certification of disability.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1996

Three-dimensional bone scintigraphy using volume-rendering technique and SPECT.

UNLABELLED: Three-dimensional bone scintigraphic images were made and their usefulness and limitations discussed. METHODS: After usual bone scan procedures, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data were taken and reconstructed into three-dimensional images. Volume rendering methods were used. RESULTS: Three cases of three-dimensional bone scintigraphy were obtained; one of a normal patient, one of a case of transplanted kidney and incomplete fracture of the left femoral head, and one of a case of degenerative joint disease (DJD) on the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The three-dimensional structure of the skeletal system was depicted more clearly by the three-dimensional images than by a conventional bone scan. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional bone scintigraphs were thought to provide additional information for better understanding of the nature of bone lesions. Some technical improvements including automated threshold level determination and feature extraction for detecting abnormal high uptake are required before routine use can be envisaged.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The relationship between trinucleotide repeat length and phenotypic variation in Machado-Joseph disease.

Trinucleotide repeat expansion in the Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) gene has been found in 26 patients from 20 unrelated Japanese families. Expanded alleles had 68 to 84 repeats, whereas normal alleles had 14 to 37 repeats. The age of onset was inversely correlated with the repeat length. To evaluate in detail the relationship between the repeat length and clinical features, we subdivided the 26 patients into three groups on the basis of the repeat length (group 1, 78 repeats or more; group 2, 74 to 77 repeats; group 3, 73 repeats or less). Group 1 and group 2 had common features of spasticity, hyperreflexia, Babinski sign, bulging eyes, facial myokymia and extrapyramidal signs as well as cerebellar ataxia and ophthalmoplegia. It should be noted that group 1 showed more prominent pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs than group 2. In contrast, group 3 showed hypotonia, hyporeflexia and sensory disturbance in addition to cerebellar ataxia and ophthalmoplegia. These findings suggest that the repeat length plays an important role in phenotypic variation. DNA analysis for the MJD mutation was clearly useful for making an accurate diagnosis in patients without bulging eyes, facial myokymia, dystonia or marked spasticity.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Regional adoptive immunotherapy using activated lymphocytes].

The antitumor effect of PSK was analysed with the "double grafted tumor system" in which BALB/c mice received simultaneous intradermal inoculations of Meth-A in the right (10(6) cells) and left (2 x 10(5) cells) flanks and were then injected with PSK in the right tumor on day 3. PSK inhibited the growth of not only the right but also the left, non-treated tumor. Immunized spleen cells were taken from mice which had been cured by intratumoral administration of 5 mg of PSK. On day 3, one hour after intravenous injection of cyclophosphamide, immunized spleen cells (2 x 10(7) cells/mouse) were injected into the Meth-A tumor. Adoptive transfer of PSK immunized spleen cells caused the complete regression of Meth-A tumors. However, the intravenous administration of spleen cells showed no antitumor effect. Expansion of peripheral blood lymphocytes was stimulated with immobilized anti CD3 antibody plus IL-2 for use in adoptive immunotherapy. gamma delta T cells proliferated in response to immobilized anti CD3. About 5 x 10(9) BRM-activated killer (BAK) cells were treated in cancer patients who gave their informed consent. One patient with colon cancer and metastatic cancer of the liver was treated with BAK cells by transcatheter arterial infusion without side effect. During the course of BAK treatment, serum IAP CIAE (crossed immunoaffino electrophoresis) pattern of patient changed tumor IAP pattern to normal IAP pattern. Two patients with malignant tumor in maxillary sinus were treated with BAK cells and OK-432 intratumorally. BAK treatment induced more infiltration of T cells, M phi and granulocytes in the tumor than OK-432 treatment alone and showed an antitumor effect with extensive necrosis.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[Ultra-low-dose spiral (helical) CT of the thorax: a filtering technique].

To reduce the radiation dose from spiral (helical) CT, a custom-made aluminium filter was installed in the X-ray tube and a reduction of effective tube current was attempted. A pronounced reduction of effective tube current, namely, 6 and 3 mA, was achieved with 26 and 37 mm thick aluminium filters, respectively. Visualization of normal lung structure was accomplished with both 6 and 3 mA settings. However, images of 3 mA failed to delineate mediastinal structures because of marked beam hardening resulting from the bone structure of the thoracic inlet. Six mA was considered the lowest dose setting of spiral (helical) CT of the thorax that could be used for lung cancer screening.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Lumbosacral nerve root enhancement with disk herniation on contrast-enhanced MR.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical importance of nerve root enhancement associated with lumbar disk herniation. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with lumbar disk herniation were examined with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced MR imaging. We investigated the relationship between nerve root enhancement and location of herniated disk in the epidural space, onset pattern of symptoms, subsequent treatment, and surgical findings. RESULTS: Ten of the 32 patients had nerve root enhancement, and all belonged to the group with abrupt and severe nerve root compression with no residual space for the root between the herniated disk and the pedicle in the lateral recess. Tight compression of the root without mobility was seen in the four patients with nerve root enhancement who were treated surgically. CONCLUSION: Nerve root enhancement may indicate the existence of abrupt and severe compression of the nerve root as well as the presence of severe adhesion of the herniated disk and the nerve root. This finding does not necessarily determine the type of subsequent treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Dynamic Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging in evaluation of the function of transplanted kidneys].

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential of dynamic Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging in assessing of the function of transplanted kidneys. Dynamic MR imaging was performed using the GRASS pulse sequence in 21 subjects (56 examinations), and in each examination 30 images were obtained after a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA. Imaging findings including signal increase and/or signal drop in cortex, signal drop in medulla, and signal drop in calyces were utilized for the evaluation of renal function. Renal function was also evaluated using the following parameters: Ta, time between the initial observation of signal increase in cortex and signal drop in medulla. Tb, time between the initial observation of signal drop in medulla and in calyces; Tc, Ta + Tb, and Max. C/M, maximum ratio of signal intensity between cortex and medulla among 30 images. In the group of patients with normal graft function (Ccr > or = 60ml/min), all imaging findings were observed. In the group of patients with mild graft dysfunction (30ml/min < or = Ccr < 60ml/min), all imaging findings but signal drop in cortex were observed. The time parameters of Ta, Tb, and Tc were significantly larger, and Max. C/M was significantly smaller than those observed in the group with normal graft function. In the group of patients with severe graft dysfunction (Ccr < 30ml/min), almost none of the findings were observed. The investigation in patients in the postoperative state revealed a close correlation of the imaging findings and the values of parameters with changes in graft function over time. The results indicated the usefulness of the method in semiquantitative evaluation of graft function, including that of patients in postoperative state. This study suggests that dynamic Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging could be a valuable method for the management of transplanted kidneys.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[MR imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma following microwave coagulation therapy].

MRI was performed in 13 patients who had microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Six of them underwent surgery after MRI. The area (including tumor) treated by MCT showed low to high intensity on T1WI, and low to isointensity on T2WI. No enhancement was obtained on dynamic MRI. Histologically, this area was supposed to be coagulation necrosis. On T1WI, only tumor showed high intensity within the MCT area in 8 patients, and nearly uniform intensity was observed in 5 patients. Histologically, residual cell nuclei were observed in the former, and nearly uniform coagulation necrosis in the latter. The marginal part of the MCT area exhibited low intensity on T1WI, and high intensity on T2WI. Strong enhancement was obtained on dynamic MRI, and histologically, granulation tissue was noted. In the hepatic parenchyma around the MCT area, a ring-or wedge-shaped high intensity part was observed in 7 patients on T2WI, and that part was enhanced on dynamic MRI. This finding was considered to reflect changes such as hepatic hyperperfusion. In terms of the capability of visualizing residual tumor after MCT, MRI was superior to CT. Furthermore, a clear distinction was seen between the MCT area and non-MCT area on T2WI and dynamic MRI. Thus, MRI was useful in the determination of additional therapy.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[The relationship between muscle pathology and DM kinase abnormalities in patients with dystrophia myotonica].

We studied the relationship between muscle pathology and the number of trinucleotide (CTG) repeats observed in lymphocytes and biopsied muscle tissues from patients with dystrophia myotonica (DM). The diameter of type 1 muscle fibers was smaller than that of type 2 fibers in all patients. The diameter and proportion of each muscle fiber type were related to the patient's age, but not to the number of trinucleotide (CTG) repeats of DM kinase in biopsied muscles. On the other hand, the proportion of type 1 fibers with central nuclei was closely related to the number of trinucleotide (CTG) repeats in muscles. These findings suggest that DM kinase abnormalities influence the muscle nuclei, and increase the number of central nuclei.

Adult↗

PubMed1996