Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Reiser

Publications and source records attributed to M Reiser.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

A technique for determining the spatial relationship between the rotator cuff and the subacromial space in arm abduction using MRI and 3D image processing.

An MR imaging-based technique for three-dimensional determination of subacromial space width in relation to the rotator cuff in arm abduction is presented. Five volunteers were examined in an open MRI in seven arm positions, and coronal images were obtained with a gradient-echo sequence. 3D reconstruction of the bones and the supraspinatus was performed, and the minimal spatial distances between acromion, clavicle, and humerus were calculated. The closest contact between the supraspinatus and the anterior inferior part of the acromion occurred at 90 degrees abduction in internal rotation. The technique presented allows investigation of the morphological basis of the impingement syndrome.

Acromion↗

Raynaud's phenomenon and acral necrosis after chemotherapy for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a common vascular side effect of chemotherapy drug regimens. Chemotherapy-induced Raynaud's phenomenon leading to acral gangrene has rarely been reported. In this report, one patient who developed gangrene after bleomycin and vincristine/vinblastine chemotherapy for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma and another HIV-infected patient who exhibited symptoms of severe Raynaud's phenomenon related to the same regimen are presented. Because the combination of bleomycin and vinca alkaloids is commonly used for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, clinicians should be aware of the risk of provoking acral necrosis in patients who develop Raynaud's phenomenon under chemotherapy. The literature is reviewed, and clinical symptoms, pathophysiology, and treatment options are discussed.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Comparison of sequences for depicting bone marrow alterations in osteomyelitis applied in a low field strength magnetic resonance imaging system.

OBJECTIVE/PATIENTS: To investigate the efficacy of standard sequences of a low field system for the detection of osteomyelitis, we tested T1wI pre and post i.v. contrast, T2w and fat suppressed IR sequences. DESIGN: On the basis of clinical and laboratory evidence, pathology reports, and three phase granulocyte scintigraphy, osteomyelitis was diagnosed in 18 of 21 patients with Charcot's joints. A consecutive low and high field magnetic resonance (MR) scan confirmed osteomyelitic bone marrow changes in the same osseous regions. These 18 diabetic patients were then studied on a 0.2 Tesla dedicated MR system (Esaote ArtoScan) using T1wI (SE: relaxation time (TR) 520/echo time (TE) 24: axial and coronal) before and after i.v. application of 0.1 mmol/l Gd-DTPA/kg BW, T2w imaging (TSE: TR 3500/TE 80 or TR 2000/TE 120: axial), and fat suppressed inversion recovery (IR) imaging (short tau inversion recovery (STIR): TR 3000/TE 30/TI 80 or inversion recovery gradient echo (IRGE)/fat suppressed IRGE (GEFS): TR 1000/TE 16m 80: coronal). RESULTS: The SE T1w sequence showed a significantly higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) before administration of i.v. contrast. The TSE T2w pulse sequence demonstrated bone marrow changes superiorily utilizing a TE of 120 ms (CNR = 16.5+/-2.7 compared to 5.5+/-2.5 with TE = 80 ms). The IRGE showed a higher CNR than the standard STIR (CNR = 19.2+/-2.5 compared to 12.4+/-2.9). CONCLUSION: Fat suppressed IRGE imaging and longer TE in T2w TSE sequences result in a significantly better CNR in osteomyelitis. This way, using optimized sequences, low field systems are apt to depict bone marrow changes in the course of osteomyelitis.

Adolescent↗

[MRI of the small intestine with rapid MRI sequences in Crohn disease after enteroclysis with oral iron particles].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of breathhold MRI following enteroclysis with addition of oral magnetic particles to study the extension, detection of stenoses and extraluminal manifestations in Crohn's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 18 patients with Crohn's disease and potential of surgical intervention were studied with enteroclysis with addition of oral magnetic particles. T1-/T2-weighted breathhold MRI w/o spectral fat suppression w/o i.v. Gd-DTPA was applied. RESULTS: Typical findings were marked bowel wall thickening with strong contrast enhancement. 95.8% of affected small bowel segments and 94.7% of stenoses were correctly detected by MRI. All four fistulas were detected and important extraluminal findings were seen in 6/18 patients. Additionally, one ileoileal and two ileosigmoidal adhesions, two extraluminal abscesses and affection of the right ureter were delineated. CONCLUSION: MRI in Crohn's disease offers the potential to avoid radiation exposure in this relatively young patient group. Important additional findings relevant to indication of surgery are seen in approximately one third of cases. The replacement of transduodenal intubation by oral contrast application remains to be further studied.

Administration, Oral↗

[Focal liver diseases].

INTRODUCTION: Advanced therapies are improving significantly the survival of patients with malignant focal liver disease. For efficient implementation of these surgical and interventional techniques a clear concept of the diagnostic procedure is mandatory. METHODS: Based on a review of the current literature, the different imaging modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, nuclear medicine and angiography, are discussed and evaluated for their diagnostic efficacy in focal hepatic disease. RESULTS: Considering clinical, diagnostic, and economical appropriateness, recommendations for diagnostic strategies in different clinical scenarios regarding focal heptic disease are presented. CONCLUSION: If the power of specific imaging methods are relevant clinical information is known, problem-based diagnostic strategies help to avoid unnecessary, expensive and time-consuming studies in the work-up of focal liver lesions.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

[Ultrasonography of veins].

PURPOSE: The high incidence of acute and chronic diseases of the venous system requires the application of reliable, non-invasive, low-cost methods in diagnosis and follow-up after therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Current technology, principles of examination, and results of ultrasonography of the peripheral venous systems are reviewed. RESULTS: Since the mid 1980s, compression ultrasonography (US) has been introduced in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. Doppler-US methods reach the hallmarks of venous imaging, particularly since the advent of color duplex US. In thrombosis, postthrombotic syndrome, and primary varicosis, color duplex US increasingly replaces the "gold standard" of phlebography as the imaging method of choice. Venous diseases of the neck, and of the upper and lower extremities are reliably recognized by color duplex US. New areas of application of Doppler and duplex-US include examinations of the venous system in patients in intensive care units, evaluation of transplanted organs, and the demonstration of blood flow in hemodialysis shunts. CONCLUSIONS: Color duplex US is useful in most imaging investigations of the peripheral veins. In view of cost development in the medical imaging sector, however, in which ultrasonography takes a major part, critical indication for the application of Doppler- and duplex-US in the diagnosis and follow-up of venous disease is out most importance.

Humans↗

[Contrast medium studies of the venous system].

PURPOSE: To give an overview of various diagnostic techniques and indications for phlebography in different parts of the body. METHODS: Procedures of conventional phlebography of the lower and upper extremity and cavography are described and their indications in comparison to alternative techniques are discussed. The literature is reviewed with regard to specific advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. RESULTS: Conventional phlebography with iodine contrast media is still considered to be the gold standard in many regards. The diagnosis of acute and chronic thrombotic disease, venous vascular occlusions, hemodynamic malfunctions and anatomic variants of the venous system can readily be established with contrast phlebography. DISCUSSION: Main disadvantages of contrast studies of the venous system are radiation exposure and adverse effects of contrast media. Non-invasive methods such as ultrasound and MR-phlebography are becoming more and more popular and may replace venography. Other techniques such as CT-phlebography and the use of CO2 as contrast medium are under investigation. The latter can be indicated in the case of contraindications against iodine contrast media. CONCLUSION: When choosing diagnostic methods for the venous system, their sensitivity and specificity for specific diagnoses and vascular territories have to be balanced against the risks and disadvantages.

Contrast Media↗

[Vena cava filter. Indications, complications, clinical evaluation].

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of death in the western countries. If anticoagulation fails or is contra-indicated, or if the risk for pulmonary embolism is increased for other reasons, the percutaneous implantation of a vena cava filter should be considered. METHODS: The available filters can be differentiated by the design (cone, basket, net-types), by the material, and by their removability. The rate of complications (caval thrombosis, fracture of filter) and the in vitro efficacy in trapping thrombotic clots is dependent on the specific filter type. RESULTS: In clinical practice there is no evidence for significant differences in trapping efficacy among the different filters. About 4% of all patients treated by caval filters still can have pulmonary embolism, and 1% will have a fatal outcome. Dependent on the filter type, the most common complication is caval thrombosis, in up to 25% of cases. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous implantation of caval filters can readily be performed by interventional radiologists. However, randomized clinical studies failed to clearly document efficacy of caval filters. Therefore, indication has to be considered carefully.

Humans↗

[Computer-assisted diagnosis based on computer-based image interpretation and 3D-visualization].

PURPOSE: To survey methods for 3D data visualization and image analysis which can be used for computer based diagnostics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methods available are explained in short terms and links to the literature are presented. Methods which allow basic manipulation of 3D data are windowing, rotation and clipping. More complex methods for visualization of 3D data are multiplanar reformation, volume projections (MIP, semi-transparent projections) and surface projections. Methods for image analysis comprise local data transformation (e.g. filtering) and definition and application of complex models (e.g. deformable models). RESULTS: Volume projections produce an impression of the 3D data set without reducing the data amount. This supports the interpretation of the 3D data set and saves time in comparison to any investigation which requires examination of all slice images. More advanced techniques for visualization, e.g. surface projections and hybrid rendering visualize anatomical information to a very detailed extent, but both techniques require the segmentation of the structures of interest. Image analysis methods can be used to extract these structures (e.g. an organ) from the image data. DISCUSSION: At the present time volume projections are robust and fast enough to be used routinely. Surface projections can be used to visualize complex and presegmented anatomical features.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗

[Computer-assisted analysis of mammograms in routine clinical diagnosis].

PURPOSE: Computer-aided diagnosis in mammography is a topic many study groups have been concerned with since the first presentation of a system for computer-aided interpretation in 1967. Currently, there is only one system available for clinical use in mammaography, the CAD-System Image Checker (R2 Technology). The purpose of our prospective study was to evaluate whether the integration of the CAD-system into the routine of a radiological breast diagnosis unit is feasible. RESULTS: After the installation of the CAD-system, 300 patients with 1110 mammograms were included for evaluation in the present study. In 54 of these cases histological examination was indicated due to suspect criteria on conventional mammography. In 39 of 54 cases (72.2%) malignancy could be proven histologically. The CAD-system marked 82.1% of the histologically verified carcinomas correctly. 94.3% of all 1797 marks made by the CAD-system indicated normal or benign structures. Routinely performed CAD analysis prolonged patients waiting time by about 15 min because the marks of the CAD system had to be interpreted in addition to the routine diagnostic investigations. CONCLUSION: Our experience with the use of the CAD-system in daily routine showed that CAD analysis can easily be integrated into a preexisting mammography unit. However, the diagnostic benefit is not yet clearly established. Since the rate of false negative marks by the CAD-system Image Checker is still high, the results of CAD analysis must be checked and corrected by an observer well experienced in mammography reading.

Breast Neoplasms↗

[Significance of calcium detection with electron-beam tomography in coronary disease].

PURPOSE: Coronary calcium is a powerful indicator of arteriosclerosis and can be detected very precisely with electron beam tomography. The method can be applied in patients with known coronary artery disease or in asymptomatic patients at risk of arteriosclerotic disease. METHODS: The standard protocol of EBT consists of 30 to 40 slices of 3-mm thickness with a scan time of 100 ms, no overlap. No contrast medium is needed. The total scan can be performed within one breathhold. The calcium score is calculated as described by Agatston. Radiation exposure amounts to 0.8 mSv per total screen. We used spiral CT with and without ECG trigger as an alternative. RESULTS: At the University of Munich we performed an EBT scan of the heart in 1100 patients within the last year. In 567 patients coronary angiography was performed also (+/- 3 days). Confirming previous reports in the literature, we found a correlation of the calcium score with the age and gender of the patients. Severe coronary artery disease (stenoses > or = 75%) was associated with significantly more calcium than less severe CAD. The calcium score did not discriminate between one-, two- and three-vessel disease. The site of calcification does not correlate with the localization of stenoses. Thirty-three percent of the patients with significant coronary artery disease showed a normal age-adjusted calcium score; a total of 8.1% of patients with severe stenoses did not reveal any coronary calcification (score = 0). With asymptomatic patients there are only a few studies available. Soft plaques cannot be detected with EBT, but in most patients soft plaques occur together with hard plaques. Our results show that spiral CT of the newest generation may also be used for calcium screening. There was an excellent correlation of the calcium scores of EBT and spiral CT at all levels of calcification. DISCUSSION: Coronary calcium is a sensitive marker of coronary artery disease. In the clinical setting EBT is indicated in patients with known coronary artery disease (to evaluate prognosis), in patients who are unable to perform a stress test, and in patients with atypical chest pain. However, lack of calcification may be associated with severe stenoses in a minority of patients. The clinical value in asymptomatic patients needs to be defined: randomized studies are necessary. We see a possible indication in patients with known risk factors, in whom primary preventive strategies could be performed more selectively and cost-effectively.

Adolescent↗

[Significance of electron-beam tomography in the evaluation of the patency of aortocoronary bypasses].

PURPOSE: Electron beam tomography (EBT) permits acquisition of images with high spatial and temporal resolution. The value of EBT and other imaging modalities for the depiction of patent coronary artery bypass grafts (ACVB, IMA) are compared to coronary angiography and an overview of current results is given. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Graft patency can be evaluated with indirect methods stress, such as echocardiography, radionuclide ventriculography, myocardial scintigraphy, positron-emission tomography (PET) and direct imaging modalities, such as Doppler/2D echocardiography, EBT, spiral computed tomography (SCT) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). RESULTS: With indirect methods graft patency can be evaluated with sensitivity of 64-100% and specificity of 73-100%. EBT and SCT are equivalent in sensitivity (= 94%) in the assessment of open venous grafts and specificity is up to 100%, but EBT is superior in the diagnosis of patent IMA grafts (sensitivity 100% vs 89%). Visualization of high-grade venous bypass stenosis seems possible with EBT. MRA with gradient echo technique is highly accurate in the assessment of patent venous grafts (sensitivity 77-93%) but has limited value in the evaluation of IMAs (sensitivity = 53%). Promising are ultrafast 3D-MRA methods which permit high accuracy (sensitivity = 94-96%) in assessing venous and arterial grafts. DISCUSSION: Indirect imaging methods cannot differentiate between an occluded bypass, progression of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. EBT and SCT are equivalent in the diagnosis of open and occluded venous grafts, but EBT is superior in the assessment of patent IMA grafts. Visualization of high-grade venous bypass stenosis seems possible with EBT. MRA techniques, especially ultrafast 3D-MR methods, are highly accurate in the assessment of patent venous and arterial grafts but are still limited to scientific research.

Coronary Artery Bypass↗

[Functional imaging of the heart with electron-beam computed tomography].

PURPOSE: Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) enables examinations with a very short acquisition time of 50 ms and thus permits cardiac imaging without motion artifacts. Utilizing eight detector rings simultaneous image acquisition in up to eight levels and complete imaging of the whole heart is possible. In studies, functional imaging with EBCT was compared to our angiocardiography, echocardiography, radionuclide, ventriculography and magnetic resonance tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ECG-triggered long- and short-axis cine studies were performed with the Imatron C-150 Evolution, acquiring 160 and 156 images at 8 and 12 levels. After manual tracing of epicardial and endocardial borders, ventricular size, ejection fraction, wall-thickening and myocardial mass were calculated. RESULTS: A very high correlation between EBCT and direct determination of right and left ventricle (r = 0.98 and r = 0.99) was demonstrated. Compared to echocardiography, angiocardiography and radionuclide ventriculography, assessment of ventricular function was more precise and more reliable. DISCUSSION: EBCT allows the exact and reliable determination of left and right ventricular function. Also precise assessment of myocardial mass is possible. However, the high radiation exposure and diagnostic effort have to be considered.

Angiocardiography↗

[Calculation of absolute cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow by means of electron-beam computed tomography (EBT) in acute ischemia].

The utility of electron beam computed tomography (EBT) to estimate cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) was evaluated. Eleven patients with suspected acute cerebral ischemia were investigated. The EBT was performed with an acquisition time of 50 ms per slice at eight parallel levels. To compare signal/noise and contrast/noise ratios the data from the EBT investigation were compared to a similar examination on a spiral CT. The signal/noise ratio with EBT was about 30%, the contrast/noise ratio 25% of that with spiral CT. The absolute values of CBV were 4.9 +/- 1.2 ml/100 g (EBT); CBF was 50.5 +/- 7.0 ml/100 g/min in normal contralateral brain tissue. In four patients with proven infarcts on follow-up, the ischemic areas had a CBV ranging from 1.7 to 3.8 ml/100 g, while CBF ranged from 9.4 to 24.5 ml/100 g/min. Using a bolus injection of contrast material, calculation of absolute CBV and CBF is feasible using EBT. Advantages of EBT are the absolute measurements possible and it's multislice capability. Disadvantages, however, are caused by the high image noise, limiting the demarcation of ischemic tissue.

Acute Disease↗

MRI assessment of cerebral blood volume in patients with brain infarcts.

MRI perfusion studies have focussed mainly on acute ischaemia and characterisation in ischaemia. Our purpose was to analyse regional brain haemodynamic information in acute, subacute, and chronic ischaemia. We performed 16 examinations of 11 patients on a 1.5 T MR images. Conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging were employed in all examinations. For the dynamic susceptibility sequences, a bolus (0.2 mmol/kg) of gadopentetate dimeglumine was injected. Reconstructed regional relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) maps, bolus maps, and conventional images were analysed by consensus reading. In all examinations decreases in rCBV were observed in the lesions. The distribution of regional rCBV in lesions was heterogeneous. The rCBV of the periphery of the lesions was higher than that at their center. There was a correlation between the time since onset and abnormalities on the rCBV map and T2-weighted images (T2WI). In the early stage of acute stroke, the abnormalities tended to be larger on the rCBV than on T2WI. Many patterns of bolus passage were observed in ischaemic regions. rCBV maps provide additional haemodynamic information in patients with brain infarcts.

Adult↗

Light chain deposition disease in multiple myeloma: MR imaging features correlated with histopathological findings.

The clinical, histopathological, and imaging findings on MRI of a 56-year-old woman with light chain deposition disease occurring in multiple myeloma are presented. Light chain deposition disease is a variant of multiple myeloma with distinct clinical and histological characteristics. MRI of this patient also revealed an infiltration pattern in the bone marrow distinct from that of typical multiple myeloma. Multiple small foci of low signal intensity were present on T1- and T2-weighted spin echo and STIR images, corresponding to conglomerates of light chains in bone marrow biopsy. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin echo images show diffuse enhancement of 51% over all vertebral bodies, with a minor enhancement of the focal conglomerates of light chains. Light chain deposition disease in multiple myeloma should be added to the list of those few entities with normal radiographs and discrete low-signal marrow lesions on T1- and T2-weighted spin echo pulse sequences.

Bone Marrow↗

Breathhold MR urography: comparison between HASTE and RARE in healthy volunteers.

The purpose of our study was to determine relative values of rapid acquisition relaxation enhancement (RARE) and half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequences in breathhold magnetic resonance (MR) urography in healthy volunteers under nonobstructive conditions of the urinary tract. A total of 20 healthy volunteers underwent MR urography with breathhold RARE and HASTE sequences at 1.5 T. For evaluation, the urinary tract was divided into nine segments on each side. Visualization of segments and artifacts was scored and the intensity ratios (InR) were determined. The upper five urinary segments were sufficiently visualized with RARE and significantly better with HASTE (renal calices, p = 0.002-0.037). The middle and lower ureter was sufficiently delineated both with RARE and HASTE, but HASTE images were statistically superior (p = 0.009-0.041). Both in RARE and HASTE images, the lower ureter was frequently superimposed by bowel contents and bowel motion. Superimposition of genital organs degraded image quality in eight of ten female volunteers. InRs were superior with HASTE in the kidney and ureter (p = 0.0003-0.0125). RARE InRs were higher in the bladder (p = 0.0008-0.014). We concluded that neither the RARE nor the HASTE sequences allowed the evaluation of the entire urinary tract under nonobstructive conditions. Although it cannot entirely replace intravenous urography, MR urography seems to lend itself to combination with other MR techniques, particularly in the investigation of pelvic or retroperitoneal disease.

Adult↗