The aim of this study was to compare the value of two magnitude-based MR sequences, a contrast-enhanced ultrafast MR sequence and a cine MR sequence, for the detection of flow around the graft in the postoperative ascending thoracic aorta. Thirteen patients who underwent ascending aortic surgery for dissection (n = 11) and aneurysm (n = 2) were enrolled. They were referred to MRI for mediastinum enlargement on the chest x-ray or mediastinal symptoms. All patients had replacement of the diseased ascending aorta using a graft-inclusion technique (with wrapping of the native aorta over the graft). Delays between surgery and MRI ranged from 15 days to 8 years (mean: 10 months). All patients were examined using a T1-weighted spin-echo sequence, a magnitude-based cine gradient-echo sequence, and an ultrafast contrast-enhanced MR sequence. MR images of the cine and the contrast-enhanced sequences were retrospectively and independently analyzed by two qualified radiologists for evidence of flow or thrombus around the graft, including perigraft structure and aneurysmal formations. Evidence of flow was detected by both methods in all aneurysmal formations of the ascending aorta located at suture level (n = 6). Evidence of flow in the perigraft structure was found in seven cases by contrast-enhanced MR sequence and in only four cases by cine MR sequence. Contrast-enhanced ultrafast MR sequence could be proposed as a minimally invasive and fast modality for assessing the perigraft structure, in graft-inclusion surgical procedures of the ascending aorta, when noncontrast enhanced MR sequences do not exclude the possibility of flowing blood in this structure.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical assessment of a new stereoscopic digital angiography system.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical feasibility of an experimental modified angiographic system capable of real-time digital stereofluoroscopy and stereography in X-ray angiography, using a twin-focus tube and a stereoscopic monitor. METHODS: We report the experience obtained in 37 patients with a well-documented examination. The patients were examined for coronary angiography (11 cases), aortography (7 cases), pulmonary angiography (6 cases), inferior vena cava filter placement (2 cases), and cerebral angiography (11 cases). Six radiologists were asked to use stereoscopic features for fluoroscopy and angiography. A questionnaire was designed to record their subjective evaluation of stereoscopic image quality, ergonomics of the system, and its medical interest. RESULTS: Stereofluoroscopy was successfully used in 25 of 37 cases; diplopia and/or ghost images were reported in 6 cases. It was helpful for aortic catheterization in 10 cases and for selective catheterization in 5 cases. In stereoangiography, depth was easily and accurately perceived in 27 of 37 cases; diplopia and/or ghost images were reported in 4 cases. A certain gain in the three-dimensional evaluation of the anatomy and relation between vessels and lesions was noted. As regards ergonomic considerations, polarized spectacles were not considered cumbersome. Visual fatigue and additional work were variously reported. Stereoshift tuning before X-ray acquisition was not judged to be a limiting factor. CONCLUSION: A twin-focus X-ray tube and a polarized shutter for stereoscopic display allowed effective real-time three-dimensional perception of angiographic images. Our clinical study suggests no clear medical interest for diagnostic examinations, but the field of interventional radiology needs to be investigated.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

3D display of high resolution vertebral structure images.

A methodology for three-dimensional (3D) representation of vertebral trabecular structures was proposed. A set of X-ray CT images was obtained using a specific high resolution acquisition system. The images were then segmented in order to separate trabecular and cortical bone structures. Finally, the complex 3D surfaces were visualized using a volume rendering technique.

Computer Graphics↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Image quality study in 3D X-ray angiography: a first approach using the experimental design strategy.

The visual detection of fine structures and the accuracy of the quantitation of geometric and densitometric features, are closely related to the quality of the images available in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) X-ray angiography. In this context, we propose to analyze all the parameters influencing this accuracy using an experimental design strategy. Preliminary tests of this procedure, applied to 2D and 3D angiographic data obtained from a dedicated phantom, yield encouraging results. We show that the detection of small arteries in a 3D angiogram is more sensitive to the number of projections than to the X-ray dose.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cardiovascular radiology. Subcellular localization of uro-angiographic contrast by 125I-labeled media.

Various uro-angiographic contrast media have been injected in the rabbit. The partition at the organ level and in subcellular fraction has been studied. Blood enzymatic inhibition with specific enzymatic systems is reported.

Alanine Transaminase↗