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Biomedical subjects

R J Alfidi

Publications and source records attributed to R J Alfidi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Initial experience with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging of the human breast.

Two patients with breast abnormalities, one malignant and one benign, were studied with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging utilizing a cryogenic superconducting magnet. Three-dimensional NMR images were obtained in one case and single slice planar images were obtained in the other. The NMR images correlated well with the corresponding mammograms. Although both conditions exhibited a different signal intensity for the area of abnormality compared to adjacent ductal and fatty tissue, the configuration of the abnormal areas allowed distinction between benign and malignant process.

Breast Diseases↗
PubMed1983

NMR evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Eighteen patients with hilar or mediastinal masses demonstrated at CT were selected for examination by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Only regions identified as abnormal on CT scans were scanned by NMR. All patients had histologically proved disease or characteristic findings on the CT scan. The NMR images of two patients were uninterpretable, but all other images clearly distinguished masses from either blood vessels or normal mediastinal tissues without the use of contrast medium. In four cases NMR showed a greater extent of disease than did CT. NMR is a promising modality for visualizing hilar and mediastinal masses.

Carcinoma, Bronchogenic↗
PubMed1983

NMR imaging of the spine.

The usefulness of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) images in the evaluation of spinal disorders below the craniocervical junction was studied. Six normal subjects and 41 patients with various spinal abnormalities were examined. NMR proved capable of demonstrating important normal and pathologic anatomic structures; it was useful in the evaluation of syringohydromyelia and cystic spinal cord tumors, and the bright signal intensity of lipoma was quite impressive. In the evaluation of herniated disk, NMR images offered a new perspective by visualizing abnormal degradation of the signal intensity of the nucleus pulposus itself. NMR images were least valuable in the evaluation of spondylosis and spinal stenosis. Although NMR imaging of the spine is still in a very early developmental stage, the absence of both ionizing radiation and risks associated with contrast material makes it especially attractive as a new diagnostic method. This limited experience with currently available equipment suggests that, with technical refinement, the efficacy of NMR of the spine will increase.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the mediastinum and hili: early impressions of its efficacy.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) scans of the mediastinum and/or hili were obtained in 22 of 25 patients selected on the basis of an abnormal CT scan. All patients had proven disease; 19 malignant and four benign processes were studied successfully. The high contrast resolution of NMR in the mediastinum allowed clear definition of disease in all cases. In six, NMR showed a greater extent of disease than CT. The ability of NMR to perform sagittal and coronal images also aided in disease analysis. In this preliminary study, NMR proved to be as useful as CT, or more so, in the evaluation of malignant disease of the hili and mediastinum.

Humans↗
PubMed1982

Lymphangioma of the thymus in a child.

Computed tomographic (CT) evaluation of a rare thymic tumor in a child is described. The CT characteristics, pre- and postcontrast enhancement, are described and correlated with ultrasound and plain radiographic findings. Correlation is made between the CT results and the thymic lymphangioma with a subsequently identified abdominal lymphangioma.

Child↗
PubMed1982

Preliminary experimental results in humans and animals with a superconducting, whole-body, nuclear magnetic resonance scanner.

In order to determine the clinical usefulness of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, the investigators examined a variety of normal volunteers, patients with neoplastic lesions, and experimental animals. Preliminary results were obtained with the use of potential contrast agents. It was found that imaging applications of NMR in the vascular system, spine, brain, lung, and mediastinum offer certain advantages over other modalities. The absence of biological hazard as well as the ability to obtain unenhanced, noninvasive, gated images of the vascular system, as demonstrated in this study, make NMR particularly attractive. In addition to single-section capability, NMR makes it possible to obtain volume images of the spine and other organs which can be displayed in any desired plane or section thickness.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

The environmental density artifact: a beam-hardening effect in computed tomography.

The environmental density artifact is an effect due to beam hardening in computed tomography (CT), and is the small but definite change in the CT number of a central region when surrounded by a larger region of different attenuation coefficient. This effect was measured in concentric cylindrical phantoms. The outer cylinder contained different solutions of iodinated contrast medium or isopropyl alcohol, and the central cylinder contained water. When the CT number in the outer cylinder increased by about 100 HU, that of the central water-filled cylinder increased by about 5 HU. This artifact may be the cause of erroneous diagnosis when contrast enhancement is employed in computed tomography.

Models, Structural↗
PubMed1978

Foreign body localization and removal utilizing computerized axial tomography.

In this preliminary report, computerized tomography guidance was instrumental in allowing the safe and rapid removal of a metallic foreign body from paravesical soft tissues deep within the male pelvis. Hopefully, expanded future experience with this technique will further clarify its value in the management of retained foreign bodies.

Foreign Bodies↗
PubMed1978

Computed tomography-guided biopsy. I. Overview.

The authors are preparing a series of communications on CT-guided biopsy procedures to be published in future issues of this journal. The present article, which previously appeared in the Cleveland Clinic Quarterly, is intended to serve as an introduction to the concept of CT-guided biopsies. Because the principles of the biopsy procedure remain the same, we do not believe that a "rewrite" of the previously published article would be required. We hope that by presenting this article and subsequent articles concerning the use of CT-guided biopsies, the reader will acquire an appreciation of the proper role of this exciting new technique in comparison to the available imaging modalities. We believe that as individuals become more experienced with the imaging capabilities of these CT devices, they will want to develop the technique of obtaining biopsy confirmation of the imaging diagnosis.

Abscess↗
PubMed1978

Urological applications of computerized axial tomography: a preliminary report.

Computerized tomography scanning of the chest and abdomen has been used as a diagnostic technique in more than 4,500 patients since 1974, 190 of whom had histologically proved disorders of the genitourinary system and retroperitoneum. On the basis of this experience computerized tomography scanning has been found to be safe and effective, and offers certain advantages over conventional techniques. The number, extent and content of renal mass lesions can be determined with relatively great accuracy. The presence and extent of metastases into the retroperitoneum, liver and chest can often be shown by computerized tomography scanning when other tests are negative. Placement of needles for aspiration, biopsy, injection of contrast medium or insertion of drainage tubes can be done more accurately under computerized tomography control. Computerized tomography in itself is non-invasive, carries a low radiation exposure comparable to other radiographic procedures and therefore, can be valuable in following the course of patients with various diseases during and after therapy. While scanning will not replace other diagnostic procedures it should lead to a more judicious selection of potentially hazardous tests in selected cases, such as angiography, aspiration and open biopsy.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1978

Computed tomography of the gallbladder.

Computed tomography (CT) was used to study 79 patients with suspected gallbladder disease. First and second generation scanners were used to determine the efficacy of CT in detecting cholecystitis or cholelithiasis. Manifestations of gallbladder disease such as hydrops, opaque and nonopaque gallstones, chronic cholecystitis with thickened inflammatory walls, and secondary liver abscesses can be easily detected. It is a useful technique for individuals in whom the gallbladder has failed to opacity on oral cholecystography. The scanning method is described, and estimates of reliability are given including its accuracy, limitations, and place in the management of gallbladder disease, especially cholelithiasis. When conventional radiographic examinations or ultrasound fail to give definitive diagnostic information, CT can be a useful alternative with an overall diagnostic accuracy greater than 80%.

Cholecystography↗