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P Landwehr

Publications and source records attributed to P Landwehr.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Emergency radiology of bowel obstruction].

Clinical radiology is a key to the management of bowel obstruction. Plain abdominal radiographs combined with history, clinical exam, and laboratory findings are essential for further individualized strategies. If the cause of obstruction is obvious after plain films and there is a need for emergent surgery, no further imaging is required. In all other cases, multislice CT with at least intravenous and rectal contrast is the method of choice due to its broad diagnostic spectrum. If CT is not available, contrast enema is recommended in suspected large bowel obstruction. Oral administration of water-soluble contrast agents has no significant value in the workup of bowel obstruction.

Humans↗

[Transarterial chemoembolization of liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma using degradable starch microspheres (Spherex): personal investigations and review of the literature].

Since two decades transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of liver metastases has been investigated in numerous studies. However, no standardized therapeutic procedure exists so far. The present study retrospectively investigated survival, response and side effects after TACE of liver metastases in 21 patients with colorectal cancer and results are compared with previous literature. A total of 68 TACE procedures were performed. A suspension of degradable starch microspheres (DSM, Spherex) and Mitomycin C was applied selectively into hepatic arteries via a transfemoral approach. DSM effect a temporary arterial occlusion. Follow-up studies were performed by contrast enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT). The median survival was 13.8 months. Therapeutic response (according to WHO) was observed only in three patients. The progression free interval was 5.8 months. Patients developed a postembolization-syndrome (abdominal pain, fever, nausea) and increased transaminases in 27-43% of all interventions. A gastric ulcer occurred after four, cholecystitis after two TACE. As already shown in most previous studies, regardless of the used agents, also this investigation underlines the moderate therapeutic effect of TACE on colorectal liver metastases. So far, no significant survival benefit has been shown in the literature and the response rates are rather limited. In general, complications of TACE seem to be rare, but should not to be underestimated. Compared to TACE with long or permanent arterial occlusion, postembolization syndrome seems to be less pronounced using DSM. As TACE is rather a palliative therapeutic approach, DSM therefore might be more suited. Further studies on TACE of liver metastases should focus on to the patients' quality of life.

Absorbable Implants↗

Simplified MRI sequences for postoperative control of hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Usually, standard radiographs are used for postoperative quality follow-up after ACL reconstruction. However, with the use of hamstring grafts and bioabsorbable implants, accurate assessment of the tunnel and implant position is impossible. The graft and its relation to anatomical landmarks cannot be evaluated directly. MRI is an alternative to radiography, permitting direct graft visualization and 3-dimensional assessment of the tunnel position, but it is expensive and time consuming for routine use. The aim of this study was to develop a simplified MRI protocol and to evaluate it for routine postoperative quality follow-up after ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various scanning protocols were tested in a series of 105 patients and evaluated for image sharpness, clarity of the structures, susceptibility to artefacts, applicability regarding precise analysis of graft and tunnel position, and time consumption. One simplified specific scan protocol was then defined and applied in a series of 60 consecutive patients after hamstring ACL replacement. The position of the femoral and tibial tunnels was measured in the sagittal, coronal and axial sections and classified according to Harner (femoral) and Stäubli (tibial). Impingement of the graft in the intercondylar roof was analysed according to Howell. The position of the bioabsorbable interference screws was assessed. RESULTS: Scan protocol: T2-weighted gradient-echo sequences (GRE) with TR 246 ms, TE 11 ms, flip angle 25 degrees, 2 mm sections and a 256 x 256 matrix yielded the best image quality of tendon grafts and bone tunnels with tolerable time consumption (average scanning time per patient 1 min 40 s). Altogether 8-16 sections were obtained for every patient. Tunnel placement: 46/60 (77%) of the femoral tunnels were in zone 4, 13/60 (21%) at the border of zones 3 to 4, 1/60 (2%) in zone 3 in the sagittal plane (Harner). The femoral tunnels in the axial plane were at 10:30 o'clock in 32/60 (53%), at 11:00 o'clock at 24/60 (40%) and at 10:00 o'clock in 4/60 (4%) patients. The mean distance of the anterior border of the tibial tunnel from the anterior cortex was 39% (+/- 4.9%) related to the total sagittal diameter of the tibia. There was no graft impingement. The position of the interference screws was anterior to the grafts in all cases. CONCLUSION: Simplified MRI sequences can be used for postoperative quality follow-up after ACL replacement and are an alternative to standard radiographs giving more specific and precise information regarding tunnel position and screw placement. Analyzing the bone tunnels in a series of 60 patients demonstrated that correct assessment of tunnel placement after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is feasible using this simplified MRI technique.

Absorbable Implants↗

Imaging of renal lesions: evaluation of fast MRI and helical CT.

The purpose of this study is to compare triphasic helical CT and fast MRI with respect to detection, characterization and staging of suspected renal masses. To achieve this triphasic helical CT (plain, corticonephrographic and tubulonephrographic phase) and MRI with fast T(1) weighted and T(2) weighted sequences were performed in 29 patients with a suspected renal lesion. Image quality, lesion characterization and lesion extent were assessed for both methods in all patients. The acquisition phase for CT and the image sequence for MRI offering the best image quality and best diagnostic information regarding renal parenchyma, renal vessels, detection of enlarged lymph nodes, and other abdominal organs were determined. Histologically confirmed renal cell carcinomas (n=18) were staged based on the Robson classification. Quantitative data were obtained from operator-defined regions of interest (ROIs) in all acquisition phases (CT) and all image sequences (MRI). For most criteria the rating of image quality for helical CT was generally higher as compared with fast MRI. CT and MRI detected all 24 histologically proven masses, while no false positive solid tumour was diagnosed with both imaging modalities. All three acquisition phases in CT and all applied image sequences in MRI were regarded as necessary in order to gain important diagnostic information. Altogether, 12 of 18 renal cell carcinomas (67%) were correctly staged by CT and MRI. Helical CT and fast MRI allow the correct detection and characterization of suspicious renal lesions. Both imaging modalities can be recommended for clinical routine application. Although the correct histological staging of renal cancer remains difficult for both imaging methods, both are excellent in providing the critical staging information needed before surgery. Helical CT offers a significantly shorter acquisition time to cover the entire abdomen.

Adult↗

MR-guided core biopsies using a closed 1.0 T imager. First clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: High soft-tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities of MRI may be advantageous in biopsy guidance compared to CT. We report our first results with MR-guided core biopsies using a closed 1.0 T MR imager. METHODS AND PATIENTS: In ten patients, seven liver lesions and one lesion each in the muscle of the back, the gluteal muscle and in the breast were biopsied under MR guidance using MR-compatible needles (Tru-Cut type, 18G and 14G). For control scans T1-weighted turbo-spin-echo (TSE), gradient-echo and T2-weighted TSE sequences were used. RESULTS: In all patients, the suspicious lesions and the biopsy needle were exactly delineated in MR control scans. In nine out of ten patients, the suspicious lesion was clarified histologically. Controls of needle position in a second plane were performed twice. Pushing the inner stylet alone resulted in a distortion of the needle in several cases in its flat area. The small diameter of the MR gantry was inconvenient for a few patients. One complication (intrahepatic bleeding) was observed, which healed up without consequences. CONCLUSION: Using a closed 1.0 T MR imager MR-guided core biopsies can be conducted efficiently. Core biopsies should be taken by pulling and pushing the outer cannula. Advantageous compared to CT are the multiplanar imaging capabilities, while the smaller gantry is disadvantageous.

Adult↗

Stent-graft replacement of chronic traumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta after blunt chest trauma.

Chronic traumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is an unusual occurrence. Open-chest surgery for repair of chronic traumatic aneurysms results in mortality rate of 5-18%, and a morbidity rate of 11-50% also. The evolution of endovascular technology offers the promise of a new, less invasive method to achieve aneurysm exclusion. A case of chronic traumatic aneurysm of the near isthmus thoracic aorta discovered on a chest X-ray and evaluated with chest computed tomographic scanning is presented. Stent-grafting procedure is described. Stent-grafting in chronic traumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta seems to be a viable minimal invasive therapeutic option for traumatic rupture of the aortic isthmus.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Ultrasound examination of carotid and vertebral arteries.

Ultrasound is the most widespread diagnostic procedure in obstructive disease of the arteries supplying the brain. The combined non-invasive information on morphology and function makes duplex ultrasound the procedure of choice in screening and follow-up of carotid artery disease. This review deals with all relevant aspects of color duplex ultrasound of the carotids and the vertebral arteries. After a short introduction into the clinical background, the paper focuses on aspects of examination technique. In the main part of the review the relevant ultrasound findings in carotid artery disease are discussed. The different methods for grading stenoses of the internal carotid artery are explained in detail. Other relevant pathologies, such as vertebral artery disease, dissection and aneurysms, are briefly mentioned. The clinical value of ultrasound in the work-up of carotid and vertebral artery disease is briefly discussed in comparison with other imaging procedures.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

Menorrhagia and adenomyosis in a patient with hyperhomocysteinemia, recurrent pelvic vein thromboses and extensive uterine collateral circulation treatment by supracervical hysterectomy.

A 37-year-old patient had recurring thromboses, occlusion of the left femoral vein with hereditary hyperhomocysteinemia, hypermenorrhea and anaemia. Conservative therapy with endometrium ablation and gestagene failed. A supracervical hysterectomy was done to preserve the presacral and left lateral, dorsal and caudal collaterals beside the uterus, and prevent a postoperative congestion, especially of the left leg.

Adult↗

Vasoreactivity of arterial grafts in the patient with diabetes mellitus: investigations on internal thoracic artery and radial artery conduits.

OBJECTIVE: Arterial revascularization with either internal thoracic artery (ITA) or radial artery (RA) appears to be particularly attractive in diabetic patients. Previous investigations have shown that endothelial dysfunction and artherosclerosis are seen more often in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the vasoreactive properties of ITA and RA grafts in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. METHODS: Arterial rings were harvested from 57 patients who underwent complete arterial revascularization. The patients were divided into a non-diabetic group (I: n = 30) and patients with diabetes mellitus (II: n = 27). Arterial rings of the ITA (I: n = 30; II: n = 27) and RA (I: n = 28; II: n = 19) were mounted on a strain gauge in oxygenated, normothermic Krebs's--Henseleit solution at optimal resting tension. With KCL (80 mM) serving as the control, assessment of force of contraction (norepinephrine), endothelium-dependent relaxation (acetylcholine) and smooth muscle-dependent relaxation (glyceroltrinitrate) were obtained. RESULTS: After KCL, the RA showed a trend to lower maximum contraction forces in diabetics (I: 76 +/- 25 mN; II: 69 +/- 29 mN), which was pronounced in patients with diabetes of more than 10 years duration (55 +/- 23 mN; P = 0.1). Maximum contraction force of the ITA was similar in both groups (I: 41 +/- 20 mN; II: 34 +/- 19 mN) and not influenced by the duration of diabetes. The two groups showed no significant differences of the relative vasoconstriction after norepinephrine in RA (I: 53 +/- 18%; II: 61 +/- 19%) and ITA rings (I: 70 +/- 23%; II: 69 +/- 25%). Also, endothelium-dependent relaxation with acetylcholine in RA (I: 53 +/- 14%; II: 57 +/- 16%) and ITA rings (I: 42 +/- 17%; II: 44 +/- 20%), and smooth muscle relaxation with glyceroltrinitrate of RA (I: 72 +/- 8%; II: 73 +/- 12%) and ITA rings (I: 64 +/- 12%; II: 58 +/- 20%) was comparable in both groups. No influence of duration of the diabetic disease was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Although RA rings of patients with a long duration of diabetes have decreased maximum contraction forces, their relative vasoconstriction after norepinephrine, endothelium-dependent relaxation and smooth muscle relaxation was similar to non-diabetic patients. We thus conclude that the RA is an adequate arterial conduit in the patient with diabetes mellitus.

Aged↗

[Functional capacity of MRI-compatible biopsy needles in comparison with ferromagnetic biopsy needles. In vitro studies].

PURPOSE: Comparative evaluation of specimens obtained with different MR-compatible biopsy systems and a conventional ferromagnetic system. METHODS: Biopsies of a pig liver were performed post-mortem with three different MR-compatible (Somatex; E-Z-EM; Daum) and one conventional biopsy system (Somatex), five with each device. The specimens were measured and the histopathological quality was graded on a scale from 0 (no tissue) to 9 (best). The tip of the needle was examined with an electron microscope before and after biopsy to demonstrate abrasion. RESULTS: The histopathological score between the first and fifth specimen taken with one biopsy device showed no significant difference. The conventional system yielded significantly better results in nearly all categories (p < 0.05) than the MR-compatible biopsy systems. The areas of the specimens obtained with the MR-compatible biopsy systems (4.27-5.99 mm2) were significantly smaller than those from the conventional system (9.98 mm2). The needle tip abrasion of the different biopsy systems determined by electron microscopy showed no substantial difference. CONCLUSION: Specimens obtained with MR-compatible biopsy systems compared to conventional biopsy systems are of lower histopathological quality. This might be caused by a smaller side notch of the MR-compatible biopsy devices. There was no difference in abrasion of the needle tip due to the softer, non-ferromagnetic alloys.

Animals↗

In vitro evaluation of intravascular stent artifacts in three-dimensional MR angiography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the intraluminal signal characteristics of various stents and stent-grafts in contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography (3D MRA) in vitro. METHODS: Fourteen stents made of different materials (steel, nitinol, tantalum, cobalt-based alloy, polyethylene) and six stent-grafts were implanted in plastic tubes simulating the common iliac artery. The tubes were filled with gadopentetate dimeglumine in water at a concentration of 25 mmol/L and positioned in a plastic container filled with water. For imaging, the container was placed in the center of the magnet, parallel, orthogonal, and diagonal to the z axis. A 3D gradient-echo sequence (T1-FFE) was acquired with the following parameters: repetition time 5.3 ms, echo time 1.6 ms, flip angle 50 degrees, slice thickness 1.5 mm, and acquisition matrix 256 with zero filling to 512. To evaluate the influence of the frequency-encoding gradient on the appearance of the artifacts, stents were examined with their axes oriented in all three directions both with the frequency-encoding gradient in the feet-head and right-left directions. The size and pattern of stent-related artifacts were evaluated semiquantitatively for each measurement. RESULTS: Five different components of artifacts could be distinguished: homogeneous signal reduction inside the stent, narrowing of the stent lumen, structures of various shapes inside the stents, signal reduction or signal increase at the ends of the stents, and shift of the intraluminal signal orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The size of the artifacts depended heavily on the material of the stent. The polyethylene stent showed no artifacts, the tantalum stent only minor artifacts. Nitinol stents were characterized by artifacts at both ends and signal reduction intraluminally. Stents made of steel demonstrated the strongest artifacts, characterized by almost complete signal loss intraluminally. The characteristics of the artifacts of all stents depended on the direction of the stent relative to the frequency-encoding gradient. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional MRA follow-up after stent placement may be applicable for stent patency evaluation in all instances. However, grading of stenoses seems to be unrealistic in steel stents and in most nitinol stents.

Arteries↗

[Chronic recurrent parotitis in childhood in monozygotic twins. Magnetic resonance sialography].

Recurrent parotitis is rare in childhood. Its occurrence is characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling and pain in the parotid gland, which are usually accompanied by fever and malaise. Inflammation usually resolves spontaneously during adolescence. The disorder is a condition of unknown etiology. Sialectasis and stricturing occurs in the distal ducts, whereas inflammation of the gland and duct epithelium is probably caused by a low salivary flow rate. Which one can be considered the primary event or secondary change remains unknown. The main-stay of diagnosis is sialography, which depicts typical intraparotidal duct system lesions as strictures or ectasias and excludes sialolithiasis. We here report two 10-year-old male monovular twins who suffered from recurrent swelling and pain in only their left parotid glands. Symptoms were noted approximately every 6 weeks in both patients strictly. Characteristic sialectasis of the distal ducts was demonstrated by magnetic resonance-sialography. Our findings support the hypothesis that recurrent parotitis is caused by a congenital abnormality of the salivary gland ducts. Diagnostic imaging was performed by magnetic resonance imaging during the acute phase of the disease. This technique helps to make the diagnosis without retrograde application of a contrast agent.

Child↗

[Magnetic resonance tomography in the diagnosis of intra-articular tibial plateau fractures: value of fracture classification and spectrum of fracture associated soft tissue injuries].

PURPOSE: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray tomography in assessing the type of fracture, degree of comminution and amount of articular surface depression in acute tibial condylar fractures and to describe the associated soft tissue injuries diagnosed with MRI. METHOD: 27 patients with acute tibial plateau fractures were investigated using linear X-ray tomography and MRI employing T1-weighted and proton density turbo spin echo, STIR, and T2-weighted gradient echo images. Fractures were classified according to the AO classification system. The degrees of depression and comminution were measured and soft tissue injuries were recorded. RESULTS: Fractures were classified as type B1 in 7, as B2 in 6, and as B3 in 6 cases by MRI. More complex C-type fractures were diagnosed in 8 cases. MR and X-ray grading were consistent with the exception of two B3 fractures, which were graded as B1 by X-ray tomography. X-ray tomography under-estimated the degree of comminution 63% of the patients had either meniscal tears or complete ruptures of their cruciate or collateral ligaments. Ten meniscal tears were diagnosed in 9 of 27 patients. Complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament were seen in 4, and avulsions of the posterior cruciate ligament in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: MRI allows a detailed assessment of acute tibial plateau fractures and can replace conventional X-ray tomography. The high rate of fracture-associated soft tissue lesions makes MRI an especially valuable tool.

Adult↗

[MRI-controlled preoperative wire marking of uncertain breast lesions].

PURPOSE: Small suspicious breast lesions that are only visible at MR imaging were preoperatively marked with a hook wire under MR-guidance to allow the removal of the lesion with tissue-sparing surgery. METHOD: In all patients the suspicious lesions were marked preoperatively under MR guidance with a hook wire using a commercially available stereotactic device. Interventions were performed with MR guidance on a 1.0 T and on a 1.5 T system. RESULTS: In 19 patients 22 lesions were localized. One lesion was missed and removed in a second procedure. The mean duration for localization was 66 +/- 20 min (range 38-119 min). In two patients two lesions were localized. The mean deviation of the wire tip to the lesion was 2.0 +/- 2.6 mm. In this series, 6 of 22 lesions were malignant. The mean diameter of the lesion was 7.6 +/- 2.6 mm (range 3-14 mm). CONCLUSION: Suspicious breast lesions detectable only in MR imaging can be accurately localized with a hook wire preoperatively under MR control to remove the lesion with a tissue-saving surgery.

Adult↗

[Precision of MRI-guided needle placement--experimental results].

PURPOSE: To estimate the accuracy of the determination of tip position of MR compatible biopsy needles based on signal voids and artifacts in MR guided biopsies. METHOD: In a nylon grid phantom an MR compatible 18G needle (E-Z-EM) was measured in a 1.0 T imager using TSE- and FFE-sequences of 20 s and 40 s duration in 34 different orientations of needle versus B0, frequency and slice selection gradient. 4 radiologists with no experience in the evaluation of signal void artifacts estimated the needle tip positions from needle tip artifacts. The readers determined the needle tip before and after a 15 minute training session based on high resolution images with explanation of size and shape of specific artifacts of biopsy needles in 12 different orthogonal or parallel orientations to B0 and frequency encoding gradient that are possible if the needle lies parallel to the slice, i.e. orthogonal to the slice selection gradient. The values obtained before and after the training session were compared to the real position of the needle tip. RESULTS: Mean distance of actual needle tip and tip position as determined from images was 1.8 +/- 2.3 mm in TSE-versus 2.5 +/- 1.2 mm in FFE-images, with the needle length overestimated. After a 15 minute training session the positioning error decreased significantly to 0.2 +/- 1.8 mm for TSE-sequences and to 1.0 +/- 1.8 mm for FFE-sequences. A higher accuracy of tip localization was obtained with TSE sequences. CONCLUSION: In MR guided biopsies using FFE- and TSE-sequences the needle position can be more accurately determined if the reader is familiar with the 12 orthogonal or parallel positions of the needle with respect to B0 and frequency encoding gradient and the corresponding artifacts.

Artifacts↗