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M Prokop

Publications and source records attributed to M Prokop.

97 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

CT angiography of the abdominal arteries.

Arterial DSA is being replaced by less invasive technique such as CTA, MRA, and color-coded duplex ultrasound. With their three-dimensional capabilities, both CTA and MRA are potent tools for imaging of the abdominal arteries that provide highly accurate and reproducible results. At present, however, a standard CTA provides similar information as a high-end, state-of-the-art Gd-MRA, but it is much easier, costs much less, and can be performed on an average spiral CT scanner.

Abdomen↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Benign liver tumors: differential diagnosis and indications for surgery.

The differential diagnosis for hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and hepatocellular adenoma may be difficult. Reliable diagnosis is mandatory for the decision of whether to apply surgery or observation. Experience with long-term observation in nonoperated patients with hemangioma and FNH is limited. A group of 437 patients from a single institution were analyzed with regard to a diagnostic algorithm, the indications for surgery, and observation. There were 238 hemangiomas, 150 cases of FNH, 44 adenomas, and 5 mixed tumors. Of the 437 patients, 173 underwent surgery; 103 with hemangioma and 54 with FNH were observed at our own institution, whereas 117 patients underwent follow-up elsewhere or were lost. Among the operated patients with confirmed histology, a good diagnostic yield was found for a combination of ultrasonography (US), contrast (bolus)-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and labeled red blood cell (RBC) scanning: sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) 81.8%, and accuracy 91.3%. For FNH and combination of US and CT plus cholescintigraphy showed a sensitivity 82.1%, specificity 97.1%, PPV 95.8%, NPV 84.6%, and accuracy 90.3%. Surgical mortality was 0.6%. Observation of patients with hemangioma and FNH for a median of 32 months revealed no increase in tumor size in 80% and a decrease in fewer than 7%. There was no tumor rupture and no evidence of malignant transformation. We concluded that liver hemangioma and FNH can be differentiated from adenoma with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy by labeled RBC scanning and cholescintigraphy in combination with US and contrast-enhanced CT. In the case of symptoms or an equivocal diagnosis with respect to adenoma or hepatocellular carcinoma, surgery can be performed with very low risk. Because in asymptomatic patients with observed hemangioma or FNH no increase of tumor size can be expected for many years, the indications for surgery must be carefully evaluated.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of maximum intensity projections in CT angiography: a basic review.

Maximum intensity projection (MIP) is a simple three-dimensional visualization tool that can be used to display computed tomographic angiography data sets. MIP images are not threshold dependent and preserve attenuation information. Thus, they often yield acceptable results even in cases in which shaded surface display images fail because of threshold problems. MIP is particularly useful for depicting small vessels. Because MIP does not allow for differentiation between foreground and background, MIP images are best suited for displaying relatively simple anatomic situations in which superimposition of structures does not occur (eg, the abdominal aorta). If anatomic structures are superimposed over the vessel of interest, the MIP technique can provide images of diagnostic quality as long as the contrast of the vessel of interest is sufficiently high compared with that of surrounding structures. Editing procedures for MIP are usually used to exclude unwanted structures from the volume of interest and include cutting functions and region-growing algorithms. Artifacts from vessel pulsation and respiratory motion may occur and simulate abnormalities, but, with careful attention, they can be distinguished from real disease. MIP images should always be interpreted together with the original transaxial data set. Knowledge of display properties and artifacts is necessary for correct interpretation of MIP images and helps one create images of optimal quality, choose appropriate examination parameters, and distinguish artifacts from disease.

Angiography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

CT angiography ofthe carotid arteries.

The introduction of multislice scanning has made CT angiography (CTA) a serious competitor to MR angiography (MRA) as a second line method for the evaluation of the carotid arteries. For optimum display of the morphology of stenoses, it is necessary to apply the thinnest possible section collimation (ideally [symbol: see text] 1.25mm). While the scan range is limited for single slice CTA, it is possible to cover the whole supraaortic circulation from the aortic arch to the intracranial vessels using multislice scanning. Timing of contrast injection is important, however, the injection technique for carotid CTA is more forgiving than for other body regions. Image evaluation is mainly based on axial sections and curved planar reformations (CPR). Other techniques only serve as an adjunct to better be able to demonstrate the findings. Most potential pitfalls can be avoided by using the appropriate technique. CTA has been shown to have a pooled sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 98% for the detection of >70% stenoses, even if only older single-slice techniques are used. Differentiation between lipid, fibrous and calcified plaques may be possible, especially with multislice scanning. Multislice CTA can in addition detect tandem stenoses in the region of the carotid origin from the aorta, the carotid siphon, and the intracranial portion of the carotids. CT is able to provide a comprehensive evaluation of patients with acute stroke by using a combined approach of pre-contrast CT to detect hemorrhage and manifest infarction, CT brain perfusion measurements to differentiate between penumbra and infarct and CTA to detect the occluded vessel as well as potential concomitant carotid abnormalities. In summary, carotid CTA has come of age and can be used to quantify stenoses more precisely than ultrasound, to detect tandem stenoses and for the workup of acute stroke patients. The learning objectives include learning how to chose acquisition parameters for carotid CTA, how to process and interpret carotid CTA, to become familiar with the artifacts and pitfalls of carotid CTA, and to comprehend the role of CTA relative to the other modalities for carotid imaging.

Angiography↗