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Biomedical subjects

M Taupitz

Publications and source records attributed to M Taupitz.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Multifocal nodular fatty infiltration of the liver mimicking metastatic disease on CT: imaging findings and diagnosis using MR imaging.

The aim of this study was to describe the MR appearance of multifocal nodular fatty infiltration of the liver (MNFIL) using T1-weighted in-phase (IP) and opposed-phase (OP) gradient-echo as well as T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequences with fat suppression (FSTSE) and without (HASTE). Magnetic resonance imaging examinations at 1.5 T using T1-weighted IP and OP-GRE with fast low angle shot (FLASH) technique, and T2-weighted FSTSE, T2-weighted HASTE of 137 patients undergoing evaluation for focal liver lesions were reviewed. Five patients were identified in whom CT indicated metastatic disease; however, no liver malignancy was finally proven. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy (n = 3), additional wedge resection (n = 1) or follow-up MRI 6-12 months later (n = 5). Regarding the identified five patients, the number of focal liver lesions was 2 (n = 2) and more than 20 (n = 3). The MR imaging characteristics were as follows: OP-image: markedly hypointense (n = 5); IP image: isointense (n = 2) or slightly hyperintense (n = 3); T2-weighted FSTSE-image: isointense (n = 5); T2-weighted HASTE image isointense (n = 1); slightly hyperintense (n = 4). On OP images all lesions were sharply demarcated and of almost spherical configuration (n = 5). Further evaluation by histology or follow-up MR imaging did not give evidence of malignancy in any case. Histology revealed fatty infiltration of the liver parenchyma in three patients. Magnetic resonance follow-up showed complete resolution in two patients and no change in three patients. Multifocal nodular fatty infiltration can simulate metastatic disease on both CT and MR imaging. The combination of in-phase (IP) and opposed-phase (OP) gradient-echo imaging can reliably differentiate MNFIL from metastatic disease.

Aged↗

[Determination of left ventricular function parameters and myocardial mass: comparison of MRI and EBT].

PURPOSE: Comparative volumetric assessment of the left ventricle by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electron beam tomography (EBT) in patients with ischemic and dilated cardiac disease. METHODS: Thirty-two patients underwent cine MRI and EBT in the multislice mode. All studies were triggered to the ECG. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV), and myocardial mass (MM) were determined by 3D-volumetry by MRI and EBT and results were compared. RESULTS: The correlation between MRI and EBT for EF, EDV, ESV, and MM were r = 0.86, r = 0.95, r = 0.95, and r = 0.93, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is an excellent correlation between MRI and EBT in determining left-ventricular parameters. Both methods are suitable for volumetric assessment of the left ventricle.

Adult↗

[The staging of bladder tumors in MRT: the value of the intravesical application of an iron oxide-containing contrast medium in combination with high-resolution T2-weighted imaging].

AIM: To investigate superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles as intravesically applied contrast material in combination with high-resolution T2-weighted MR imaging for the diagnostic assessment of urinary bladder tumors. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 40 patients with suspected urinary bladder tumors who underwent MR imaging with a body phased-array coil at 1.5 T. Prior to imaging, a SPIO-containing solution (179.2 mg Fe/l) was instilled into the bladder. All patients were examined with T2-weighted, half-fourier acquired single shot turbo spin echo sequences and T1-weighted fast low angle shot sequences in 3 planes as well as a T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequence (TSE) using a 512 matrix. An additional gadolinium-enhanced dynamic study was performed in 33 patients. All patients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder or cystectomy. RESULTS: The combination of intravesically applied SPIO particles and a high-resolution T2-weighted TSE sequence depicted intravesical tumors as small as 4 mm. A reliable identification of the different layers of the bladder wall was possible in 5 cases only. The T2-weighted TSE sequence allowed the correct determination of the depth of infiltration in 29 of 36 patients with urothelial cancer by assessing the inner and outer boundary of the urinary bladder wall. This sequence had a diagnostic accuracy of 81% compared to 84% for the dynamic study (26/31). CONCLUSION: Even small tumors could be identified with the T2-weighted TSE sequence after intravesical administration of SPIO particles but it was not possible to reliably differentiate the layers of the bladder wall. The results suggest that a dynamic MR imaging study cannot be dispensed with in patients with urinary bladder cancer.

Administration, Intravesical↗

[MRI of the prostate after combined radiotherapy (afterloading and percutaneous): histopathologic correlation].

AIM: To identify the MRI changes of the prostate after combined (high-dose rate interstitial with external beam) radiotherapy for, localized prostate cancer and to correlate the findings with histology in order to determine the value of MR imaging in the follow-up of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T between 6 and 24 months after completion of combined radiotherapy. The prostate was imaged with axial and coronal T2-weighted sequences and axial T1-weighted sequences before and after intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA. Quadrant or sextant biopsy was performed in all cases and three patients with proven persistence of the tumor underwent salvage prostatectomy. The MRI findings were compared with the biopsy results or the large-area sections. RESULTS: On T2-weighted images the fibrotically changed peripheral zone was hypointense while persistent tumor tissue showed hyperintensity. Solid tumors were depicted when they had a diameter of 1 cm or more. Persistent tumors of the diffuse multifocal type escaped detection. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging yielded no additional information. The accuracy in detecting persistent tumor was 74%. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologic changes seen after combined radiotherapy correlate with the findings on T2-weighted MR images. MR imaging cannot replace follow-up by routine biopsy. Its only role is assessing local operability in cases found to have increasing PSA levels during follow-up. Further studies are needed to determine the role of MR imaging in this patient population.

Adult↗

Coronary artery bypass grafts: improved electron-beam tomography by prolonging breath holds with preoxygenation.

In 45 patients with coronary bypass grafts, the breath-hold interval with and that without preoxygenation was measured. Its effect on depiction of the distal graft anastomosis at electron-beam tomography was evaluated. Preoxygenation prolonged the breath-hold interval in most patients, thereby allowing greater anatomic coverage including more distal anastomoses. Preoxygenation may improve scanning of coronary bypass grafts and increase detectability of graft stenoses.

Adult↗

[Diagnostic assessment after myocardial infarction: What is the role of magnetic resonance imaging?].

There have been considerable advances in the diagnostic assessment of the heart by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in recent years. Thus MRI as a one-stop shop modality for the comprehensive noninvasive evaluation of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction may soon become a reality. This article presents an overview of the present possibilities and future potential of evaluating myocardial anatomy, function, perfusion, and coronary anatomy after myocardial infarction. Cine MRI provides a reliable analysis of regional and global disturbances of cardiac wall motion with a high temporal and spatial resolution. Tagging techniques permit the noninvasive labelling of parts of the myocardium and the identification of three-dimensional patterns of contraction. Myocardial perfusion and disturbed wall motion under pharmacologic stress can be reliably assessed by MRI as well. What is unique is the visualization of myocardial edema, which is made possible by the high soft-tissue contrast resolution. The as yet limited potential to assess coronary arteries and coronary bypasses is likewise discussed.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Ferric ammonium citrate as a positive bowel contrast agent for MR imaging of the upper abdomen. Safety and diagnostic efficacy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and diagnostic efficacy of two different doses of ferric ammonium citrate as a paramagnetic oral contrast agent for MR imaging of the upper abdomen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-nine adult patients referred for MR imaging for a known or suspected upper abdominal pathology were included in this randomized multicenter double-blind clinical trial. Imaging was performed with spin-echo (T1- and T2-weighted) and gradient-echo (T1-weighted) techniques before and after administration of either 1200 mg or 2400 mg of ferric ammonium citrate dissolved in 600 ml of water. Safety analysis included monitoring of vital signs, assessment of adverse events, and laboratory testing. Efficacy with regard to organ distension, contrast distribution, bowel enhancement and delineation of adjacent structures was graded qualitatively. RESULTS: No serious adverse events were reported for either of the two concentrations. A total of 31 minor side effects were noted, of which significantly more occurred in the higher dose group (p<0.01). The diagnostic confidence in defining or excluding disease was graded as better after contrast administration for 48% of all images. Marked or moderate enhancement of the upper gastrointestinal tract was achieved at both doses in 69.5% of cases with no evident difference between the two doses. The higher dose tended to show better results in terms of the contrast assessment parameters. CONCLUSION: Ferric ammonium citrate is a safe and effective oral contrast agent for MR imaging of the upper abdomen at two different dose levels. The higher dose showed a tendency toward better imaging results while the lower dose caused significantly fewer side effects. Therefore the 1200 mg dose can be recommended in view of the risk-to-benefit ratio.

Abdomen↗

[Thoracic diagnosis with electron-beam computed tomography].

The electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) is characterised by an up to 10-fold increased speed in comparison to a spiral CT scanner. Although originally designed for diagnosing the heart, some indications in the chest and for the vessels have also become well established. In the forefront exists the possibility to exam a large volume with a small slice thickness in a short time period without having to sacrifice on important features of spiral CT scanning. During one breathhold, the thorax can be continually examined with 1.5 mm slice thickness, which means that indications for high-resolution (HR-) CT, spiral-CT and for virtual bronchoscopy can be combined into one examination. Beyond the artefact-reduced images, the EBCT presents image data which, following image processing (sliding MIPs, coronal reconstructions), allow recognition of a new horizon in thoracic diagnostics.

Aged↗

Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-DTPA as a hepatobiliary contrast agent for use in MR cholangiography: results of an in vivo phase-I clinical evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the time course of contrast enhancement in bile ducts and the gallbladder (GB) after injection of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-DTPA (Gd-EOB-DTPA). In a clinical phase-I study, MR imaging at 1.5T was performed in 16 healthy volunteers with four different doses of Gd-EOB-DTPA (10, 25, 50, and 100 micro;mol/kg b. w., four volunteers per dosage). The study protocol comprised a heavily T1-weighted fast multiplanar gradient-echo (GE) sequence before and at increasing intervals for up to 360 min after injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA. The signal enhancement was evaluated in extra- and intrahepatic bile ducts as well as in the GB. In all 16 volunteers the common bile duct showed intense signal enhancement beginning 5-16 min after injection (mean 10 min) and persisting for at least 120 min in 4 subjects and for 360 min in 12 subjects. The duration of signal enhancement was significantly (p < 0.05) longer for higher doses (50, 100 micro;mol/kg) than for lower doses (10, 25 micro;mol/kg). Intrahepatic bile ducts were hyperintense as compared with liver parenchyma in all subjects receiving 10 micro;mol/kg from approximately 50-120 min after contrast agent application. Intrahepatic bile ducts were not displayed using the higher doses, probably because of the strong enhancement of the liver parenchyma. Gallbladder contrasting was achieved in all cases beginning 7-33 min after injection (mean 19 min) and remained visible for up to 360 min in 94 %. Hyperintense visualization of normal extrahepatic bile ducts as well as the GB is regularly achieved with the hepatobiliary contrast agent Gd-EOB-DTPA. The dosage for hyperintense visualization of intrahepatic bile ducts is 10 micromol/kg.

Adult↗

Contrast agents for MR imaging of the liver: a clinical overview.

Different contrast agents have been clinically used in MR imaging of the liver including extracellular gadolinium chelates, contrast agents targeted to the macrophage-monocytic phagocytic system (MMPS), hepatobiliary contrast agents, and blood-pool contrast agents. Extracellular gadolinium chelates are optimally used for characterization of focal hepatic lesions, whereas hepatobiliary and MMPS-targeted contrast agents are optimally used for detection and preoperative evaluation. The present review portrays these contrast agents and discusses their advantages and shortcomings.

Contrast Media↗

Hepatic magnetic resonance imaging: new techniques and contrast agents.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a relatively new method of examining the liver. Attempts have been made to optimize the method by developing new imaging techniques and introducing new contrast agents. The new imaging techniques have improved the image quality by shortening the examination time, reducing motion artifacts, and improving contrast-to-noise ratio. Contrast agents have improved the diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions in MR imaging in several ways. Extracellular gadolinium chelates have significantly improved the characterization of lesions, and can be optimally used as a problem-solving method for differentiating focal lesions of an unknown nature that have already been detected by other imaging modalities or by unenhanced MR imaging. Hepatobiliary and macrophage monocytic phagocytic system (MMPS)-targeted contrast agents have improved the detection of hepatic lesions. These agents are best used for preoperative evaluation of the exact number of lesions in patients with primary or secondary hepatic neoplasms.

Animals↗

[Electron-beam tomographic imaging of the coronary arteries: an experimental comparison between monomeric and dimeric x-ray contrast media].

PURPOSE: Comparison of a monomeric and a dimeric radiographic contrast medium in the visualisation of the coronary arteries via electron beam tomography (EBT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a total of 6 Göttingen minipigs the heart was examined by EBT (40 sections, ECG-triggering, 1.5 mm section thickness, 100 ms acquisition time) after injection of both iopamidol (monomer, 370 mg l/ml) and iotrolan (dimer, 320 mg l/ml) at a dose of 740 mg l/kg. Injection rate and scan delay were adjusted to heart rate and circulation time. RESULTS: The intravascular increase in density after intravenous injection of iotrolan was significantly higher and longer than after injection of iopamidol (> 300 HE: 28 +/- 4 versus 17 +/- 5 cardiac cycles; p < 0.05). Iotrolan attained a higher score in the visualisation of the coronary arteries in three-dimensional surface reconstructions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The dimeric contrast medium iotrolan proved superior to the monomeric agent iopamidol for visualisation of the coronary arteries via EBT.

Animals↗

Liver metastases: improved detection with dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging?

PURPOSE: To compare dynamic gadolinium-enhanced with unenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in detection of liver metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of patients were prospectively examined with unenhanced and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging. The first group (n = 48) had proved liver metastases; the second group (n = 49) did not. One set of unenhanced and one set of gadolinium-enhanced MR images were selected per patient. Three independent, blinded readers assessed the images for presence, number, location, and conspicuity of lesions. Data were analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curves, and contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated for the images. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the use of unenhanced and gadolinium-enhanced MR images in the differentiation of patients with from patients without metastases. The numbers of false-positive and false-negative diagnoses of individual lesions were higher (not statistically significant) with dynamic MR images than with unenhanced MR images. At dynamic MR imaging, contrast-to-noise ratio was highest in the early phase (30 seconds after injection of the contrast agent) but was not significantly different from the contrast-to noise ratio of the T2-weighted images. CONCLUSION: Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging showed no improvement over unenhanced MR imaging in detectability of liver metastases.

Adult↗

Peripheral washout sign on contrast-enhanced MR images of the breast.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of the peripheral washout sign on delayed contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images in differentiation of benign from malignant breast masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 49 women with 79 breast lesions (55 malignant and 24 benign), dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging was performed every 90 seconds during the first 7 minutes and repeated at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes after injection of contrast material. Qualitative analysis of the images was performed to evaluate the presence of the peripheral washout sign (a hypointense zone in the periphery of the lesion relative to the center). Quantitative analysis of the images was performed by measuring the signal intensity of the periphery and center of the lesions. RESULTS: The peripheral washout sign was seen in 28 (51%) of the 55 carcinomas on delayed contrast-enhanced MR images (> 10 minutes). Quantitative analysis demonstrated different enhancement profiles of the periphery and center of these lesions. The periphery showed early increase and decrease of enhancement, while the center showed gradual increase and persistent enhancement. The peripheral washout sign was not seen in any of the benign lesions. Specificity was 100% and sensitivity was 51% for diagnosis of breast carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Peripheral washout may be a reliable sign of malignancy on delayed contrast-enhanced MR images of the breast.

Adult↗

[Contrast media for magnetic resonance tomographic lymph node diagnosis (MR lymphography)].

In MR-imaging, similar to computed tomography, diagnosis of metastatic lymph-node disease is based on lymph-node sizes, and thereby it is non-specific. Super-paramagnetic iron oxide as a potential contrast medium for MR-lymphography accumulate in normal lymph node tissue after endolymphatic, interstitial and, in case of very small particles, after intravenous injection. No accumulation occures in lymph node metastases. Lymph-node metastases can be detected by all three injection techniques. It has been shown experimentally, that in particular small metastases can be detected in normal sized lymph nodes. However, MR-lymphography also has inherent methodologic problems, as there may occure an uneven distribution of the contrast medium between different lymph-node groups. The experimental results with endolymphatic, interstitial, and intravenous MR-lymphography as well as first clinical results with intravenous contrast medium injection are presented and discussed.

Contrast Media↗

Magnetic resonance lymphography in rats: effects of muscular activity and hyperthermia on the lymph node uptake of intravenously injected superparamagnetic iron oxide particles.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated the influence of muscular activity and regional body temperature changes on the accumulation of intravenously (i.v.) administered, dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles in the lymph nodes of rats. METHODS: Four groups of rats (N = 21) were used. Five rats were allowed to move freely after i.v. contrast administration (group 1). In another five rats, muscular inactivity (group 2) was induced during i.v. injection of SPIO particles and for up to 2 hr thereafter by anesthesia. In seven rats (likewise anesthetized), the contrast agent was administered while the extremities of one side of the body were warmed in a water bath for 2 hr (group 3). The rats in groups 1-3 received 100 mumol Fe/kg of the contrast agent. Four rats not given SPIO particles served as the control group (group 4). The lymph nodes of all animals were removed 24 hr after SPIO administration and were embedded in an agar matrix for magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T using a proton-density-weighted spin-echo (PD-SE) sequence and a T2*-weighted gradient-recalled echo (T2* GRE) sequence. RESULTS: Signal loss varied widely among the different lymph nodes in group 1. A pronounced signal reduction was observed in the mesenteric (PD-SE = 20 +/- 6%, T2* GRE = 55 +/- 19%), iliac (PD-SE = 13 +/- 13%, T2* GRE = 44 +/- 24%), and popliteal (PD-SE = 24 +/- 7%, T2* GRE = 70 +/- 11%) lymph nodes and only a moderate reduction in the mandibular (PD-SE = 4 +/- 7%, T2* GRE = 42 +/- 15%), axillary (PD-SE = 0 +/- 4%, T2* GRE = 8 +/- 7%), and inguinal (PD-SE = 5 +/- 5%, T2* GRE = 34 +/- 18%) lymph nodes. The least pronounced signal loss occurred in the peripheral lymph nodes of group 2, ranging from 0 +/- 3% for PD-SE sequences and 10 +/- 11% for T2* GRE sequences to 13 +/- 15% for PD-SE sequences and 41 +/- 19% for T2* GRE sequences. In group 3, the uptake of contrast material in the peripheral lymph nodes of the hyperthermal side was significantly more pronounced than on the contralateral side (p < .01), and the contrast agent was distributed more evenly to the different lymph node groups than in group 1. CONCLUSION: Muscular activity and regional hyperthermia markedly influence the accumulation of SPIO particles in different lymph node groups in rats. These findings must be considered in preclinical studies and in the clinical administration of MR lymphography.

Anesthesia↗