Biomedical subjects

S Naganawa

Publications and source records attributed to S Naganawa.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1989

[An autopsy revealing hepatocellular carcinoma with solitary metastatic gastric cancer].

This case concerns a 61-year-old man who had been determined as having rt-hypochondrialgia. The plasma AFP was found to have increased and an abdominal-CT revealed multiple low density areas in the liver. Endoscopic examination of the stomach revealed a Borrmann type III cancer and the specimens taken by punch biopsy demonstrated a tubular adenocarcinoma. Therefore, he had been diagnosed as having a gastric cancer with a metastatic liver cancer, or double cancer. Histologically, liver tumor proved to be a hepatocellular carcinoma (Edmondson: Gr III), and the histological findings of the gastric tumor was found to be identical with that of the liver tumor. The fact that this case has esophageal varices during the course of the disease suggested that metastasis to the stomach has likely occurred through the portal vein system.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Accuracy of plastic replica of aortic aneurysm using 3D-CT data for transluminal stent-grafting: experimental and clinical evaluation.

PURPOSE: To plan stent-grafting for aortic aneurysms with complicated morphology, we prepared life-sized aortic replicas by laser stereolithography using helical 3D--CT data. The accuracy of the replica was evaluated by measurement of vessel phantoms and clinical 3D--CT data. METHOD: An imaginary aortic wall was created from helical CT images of the aorta, and a hollow plastic replica was produced by laser stereolithography. The accuracy of the replica was evaluated in five abdominal aortic aneurysms by experimental phantom studies and measurements of the replicas. RESULTS: The mean difference in measurements between 3D--CT images and model vessels and between 3D--CT images and aortic replicas was 0.2 mm each. Therefore, the difference in measurements between real aortic aneurysms and the replicas was at most 0.4 mm. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of the replica is satisfactory, making it useful for preoperative evaluation and simulation for stent-grafting.

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical evaluation of three-dimensional MR-cholangiopancreatography using three-dimensional Fourier transform fast asymmetric spin echo method (3DFT-FASE): usefulness of observation by multi-planar reconstruction.

MR-cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a new method that is non-invasive and permits volume data collection and three-dimensional expression. With the three-dimensional Fourier transform fast asymmetric spin echo (3DFT-FASE) method, a higher spatial resolution can be obtained both in-pain and in slice selecting direction. In this paper, the usefulness of this new technique is investigated in the clinical diagnosis of MIP images and MPR. The study was performed in 10 normal volunteers and 21 patients with abnormalities in the pancreas or bile-duct sustem. The study was done using a 1.5 Tesla super-conductive machine. The MRCP images were interpreted by three radiologists. In most cases good images were obtained. The additional clinical information provided by MPR was remarkably useful in cystic lesions, especially in mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. Even when the intestine overlapped the pancreas, it was possible to evaluate the pancreatic duct by MPR. Three-dimensional observation and clinically useful diagnosis were possible by utilizing the advantageds of the 3DFT-FASE method appears quite useful in clinical application.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

High-resolution MR cisternography of the cerebellopontine angle, obtained with a three-dimensional fast asymmetric spin-echo sequence in a 0.35-T open MR imaging unit.

High-resolution MR cisternography performed with 3D fast asymmetric spin-echo imaging (3D fast spin-echo with an ultra-long echo train length and asymmetric Fourier imaging) was optimized in a 0.35-T open MR imaging unit. The 0.35- and 1.5-T images of the two volunteers and three patients with acoustic schwannomas were then compared. The optimal parameters for images obtained by 3D fast asymmetric spin-echo imaging at 0.35 T were as follows: field of view, 15 cm; matrix, 256 x 256 x 40; section thickness, 1 mm; echo train length, 76; and imaging time, 10 minutes 44 seconds. Scans obtained from both normal volunteers showed the facial, cochlear, and superior and inferior vestibular nerves separately in the internal auditory canal on both 0.35- and 1.5-T images. All three acoustic schwannomas were depicted on both 0.35- and 1.5-T images. Screening for disease at the cerebellopontine angle and in the internal auditory canal, without the administration of contrast material on a low-field open MR imaging unit and within a clinically acceptable imaging time, may be possible. Further controlled prospective studies are required, however, before implementation on a wide basis. If proved effective, this may be of particular value for reducing healthcare costs and for imaging claustrophobic and pediatric patients in an open system.

Cerebellopontine Angle↗

PubMedDate not supplied

High-resolution MR images of inner ear internal anatomy using a local gradient coil at 1.5 Tesla: correlation with histological specimen.

PURPOSE: To obtain high-resolution MR images of the inner ear at 1.5 Tesla with a local gradient coil and to correlate these images with the histological specimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All studies were performed on a 1.5 Tesla MR unit with a local gradient coil (23 mT/m, slew rate of 107 mT/m/ms). The cranio-facial region of a cadaver was examined using 3D-fast spin echo (FSE) imaging with the voxel size of 0.27 mm x 0.27 mm x 0.5 mm in 9 h 37 min. Two normal volunteers were examined with the same system using 3D-FSE imaging with the voxel size of 0.20 mm x 0.26 mm x 1.0 mm in 57 min. These images were correlated with the cadaver images and histological specimens. RESULTS: On cadaver images, internal structures such as the macula utriculi, macula sacculi, crista ampullaris, lamina spiralis ossea, ligamentum spirale cochleae, modiolus, scala tympani, scala vestibuli, and cochlear aqueduct were visualized. On the images of both volunteers, the same structures were visualized as on the cadaver images. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that high-resolution MR images obtained at 1.5 Tesla can visualize inner ear internal anatomy. Knowledge obtained in this study may be of significant value for the diagnosis of pathology in the area of the inner ear.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Real-time interactive MR imaging system: sequence optimization, and basic and clinical evaluations.

A real-time interactive MR imaging system (real-time MRI) is an MR scanner which has a fast image updating cycle and the ability to freely change slice orientation, just like an ultrasound imaging system. Recently, such a system has been developed and installed on a clinical 1.5-Tesla system. The purpose of this study was to optimize the pulse sequences for clinical use and to evaluate the clinical usefulness and basic functionality of real-time MRI. For T1-weighted imaging, FLASH (fast low angle shot) can be selected, and up to 5 frames per second can be acquired depending on the matrix size. For T2-weighted imaging, true FISP (fast imaging with steady-state precession) can be selected, and up to 4 frames per second can be acquired. Maximum C/N between liver and spleen was obtained at a flip angle of 20 degrees on FLASH. Maximum C/N between cardiac cavity and wall was obtained at a flip angle of 60 degrees on true FISP. Localization of the right and left coronary arteries could be performed within 30 seconds in three volunteers. Although the present real-time MRI system has drawbacks such as low spatial resolution and relatively low contrast resolution, we expect real-time MRI to be one of the most important tools for future clinical MRI.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Stent-graft placement for pseudoaneurysm of the aorta.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of endovascular stent-graft placement to repair pseudoaneurysm of the aorta. METHODS: Six patients were treated with stent-grafts for pseudoaneurysms located in the thoracic aorta (n=2), thoracoabdominal aorta (n=3), and abdominal aorta (n=1). Etiologies of the pseudoaneurysms included leakage from surgical graft, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, pneumonia, perforated esophageal ulcer, and mycotic aneurysm. All patients were clinically considered to be at high surgical risk. RESULTS: Stent-grafts were successfully placed in all patients. There was one death in the perioperative period due to massive hemoptysis before stent-grafting. Two patients died of persistent infection. One patient with persistent perigraft leak died of rupture. Two other patients needed no further therapy for pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSION: Stent-graft placement for pseudoaneurysm of the aorta can play the role of a temporizing method prior to surgical repair in high-risk cases and be a therapeutic alternative in cases without infection or perigraft leakage.

Aneurysm, False↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Arachnoid granulations on high-resolution MR images and diffusion-weighted MR images: normal appearance and frequency.

Arachnoid granulations (AGs), protrusions into the cerebral venous sinus lumen, have been reported on cerebral venography, contrast enhanced CT, and conventional MR imaging. Although thin-sliced high-resolution MR images and diffusion-weighted images are frequently obtained, there have been no detailed reports concerning AGs on these images. In this study, the frequency and positional distribution of AGs in the transverse sinus was investigated on thin-sliced high-resolution MR images, and their appearance on diffusion-weighted MR images was evaluated. At least one AG was found in 107 of 151 subjects (70.9%). No statistically significant differences were noticed between males and females or between the right and left sides. No significant correlations between age and size or between age and the number of AGs were noted. On diffusion-weighted images, all AGs showed iso-intensity to normal brain tissue, which was higher than the reported signal intensity of arachnoid cyst and lower than that of epidermoids. In conclusion, AGs are normal structures that are frequently found in the cerebral venous sinuses on high-resolution MR images. Knowledge regarding their frequency and normal appearance would be helpful to avoid confusion between pathological processes and AGs. It is also important to know that AGs are frequently found even in the younger population.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Aortoiliac stenooculusive disease and aneurysms: screening with non-contrast enhanced two-dimensional cardiac gated cine phase contrast MR angiography with multiple velocity encoded values and cardiac gated two-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of two-dimensional cine phase contrast MRA with multi-velocity encoded values (multi-VENC cine PC) and ECG-gated two-dimensional time-of-flight MRA (ECG-2D-TOF) for the detection of stenoocclusive lesions and aneurysms in the aortoiliac area, when each method was used individually and when the two methods were used together. METHODS: Forty-one patients were included in this study. Multi-VENC cine PC and ECG-2D-TOF were obtained first, then contrast enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (CE-3D-MRA) was performed as the standard of reference. Two observers reviewed the images separately without knowledge of patients' symptoms or histories. Sensitivities and specificities were obtained separately for stenooclusive lesions and aneurysms by two reviewers. RESULTS: When the two methods were applied together, high sensitivities (93.0 by observer 1 and 91.9% by observer 2) and adequate specificities (87.6 and 82.3%) were obtained for stenoocclusive lesions. For aneurysms, moderate to high sensitivities (91.1 and 71.1%) and high specificities (98.8 and 99.4%) were obtained. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the performance of two non-contrast enhanced MRA techniques may be valuable as a screening tool when the two methods are applied together.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

MR cisternography of the cerebellopontine angle: comparison of three-dimensional fast asymmetrical spin-echo and three-dimensional constructive interference in the steady-state sequences.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR cisternography has been used as the noninvasive screening tool of the cerebellopontine angle. The purpose of this study was to directly compare two currently dominant types of sequences for heavily T2-weighted MR cisternography. METHODS: Three-dimensional fast asymmetric spin-echo (3D-FASE) sequences, which are 3D half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement and 3D constructive interference in the steady-state (3D-CISS) sequences, were compared on a clinical 1.5-T MR unit using the same scan times. In five healthy volunteers, the contrast-to-noise ratio (C/N) between CSF and the cerebellum was measured at three locations. Then, for qualitative analysis, the quality of the labyrinth was scored on the original source multiplanar reformatted images, the virtual endoscopic images, and the maximum intensity projection (MIP) images. In 20 consecutive patients with suspected cerebellopontine angle tumors, visualization of the tumors was evaluated using 3D contrast-enhanced spoiled gradient-echo imaging as the standard of reference. RESULTS: Both sequences showed comparable mean C/N values; however, in qualitative analysis, the scores for 3D-CISS on the source, virtual endoscopic, and MIP images were significantly lower than those on the images obtained with 3D-FASE, owing to more prominent flow and magnetic susceptibility artifacts on the 3D-CISS sequences. In all subjects, discontinuity of the semicircular canals was seen on the virtual endoscopic and MIP images obtained with 3D-CISS, owing to susceptibility artifacts, but not on those obtained with 3D-FASE. All 12 tumors were detected by both sequences, but 3D-CISS gave one false-positive result. CONCLUSION: 3D-FASE is considered the method of choice because artifacts are reduced and specificity is increased.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

CT and MR imaging of pancreatic cancer.

Recent improvements in imaging techniques have made it possible to improve the diagnostic accuracy for detection, staging, and indicating surgical resectability of pancreatic cancer. The latest advance in the computed tomography technique, is the introduction of subsecond multislice helical scanning that improves z-axis resolution in the reformatted images and three-dimensional rendering with a large volume data. Magnetic resonance imaging provides versatile information including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography that allows noninvasive delineation of the pancreatic and biliary duct systems. The presence of pancreatic cancer may best be evaluated by dynamic computed tomography or dynamic magnetic resonance imaging with administration of intravenous contrast material. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are valuable for the preoperative assessment of local invasion and vascular involvement. Multislice helical computed tomography is currently considered as the best single modality for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as it provides excellent image quality. When advanced magnetic resonance imaging equipment is used as a primary modality, in the future, it may have a possibility to replace other imaging modalities.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the carotid artery using 3D time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics: comparison with real-time fluoroscopic triggered 3D-elliptical centric view ordering.

PURPOSE: To evaluate contrast-enhanced MR angiography using the 3D time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics technique (3D-TRICKS) by direct comparison with the fluoroscopic triggered 3D-elliptical centric view ordering (3D-ELLIP) technique. METHODS: 3D-TRICKS and 3D-ELLIP were directly compared on a 1.5-Tesla MR unit using the same spatial resolution and matrix. In 3D-TRICKS, the central part of the k-space is updated more frequently than the peripheral part of the k-space, which is divided in the slice-encoding direction. The carotid arteries were imaged using 3D-TRICKS and 3D-ELLIP sequentially in 14 patients. Temporal resolution was 12 sec for 3D-ELLIP and 6 sec for 3D-TRICKS. The signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the common carotid artery was measured, and the quality of MIP images was then scored in terms of venous overlap and blurring of vessel contours. RESULTS: No significant difference in mean S/N was seen between the two methods. Significant venous overlap was not seen in any of the patients examined. Moderate blurring of vessel contours was noted on 3D-TRICKS in five patients and on 3D-ELLIP in four patients. Blurring in the slice-encoding direction was slightly more pronounced in 3D-TRICKS. However, qualitative analysis scores showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: When the spatial resolution of the two methods was identical, the performance of 3D-TRICKS was found to be comparable in static visualization of the carotid arteries with 3D-ELLIP, although blurring in the slice-encoding direction was slightly more pronounced in 3D-TRICKS. 3D-TRICKS is a more robust technique than 3D-ELLIP, because 3D-ELLIP requires operator-dependent fluoroscopic triggering. Furthermore, 3D-TRICKS can achieve higher temporal resolution. For the spatial resolution employed in this study, 3D-TRICKS may be the method of choice.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Rapid MR imaging of the liver: comparison of twelve techniques for single breath-hold whole volume acquisition.

Twelve magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequences for single breath-hold whole volume acquisition of the liver were evaluated on volunteers. Liver and spleen contrast to noise ratio (C/N), overall image quality, and grade of artifacts were compared. The 12 sequences included T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) with or without fat suppression (FS), fast multiplanar spoiled gradient recalled imaging (FMPSPGR), fast gradient recalled imaging without preparation pulses (FGR), FGR with inversion recovery preparation pulse nulling the liver or fat (IR-FGR-L and IR-FGR-F), FGR with driven equilibrium preparation pulse (DE-FGR), single shot moderately or heavily T2-weighted spin echo echo planar imaging (SE-EPI-mT2 and SE-EPI-hT2), multi-shot moderately T2-weighted spin echo echo planar imaging (multi-shot SE-EPI-mT2), inversion recovery EPI, and gradient echo EPI. In the quantitative analysis, FSE + FS showed a significantly higher C/N ratio than the others (p < 0.05). In the qualitative evaluation, DE-prepFGR, and single and multi-shot SE-EPI-mT2 had good results, as did FSE and FSE + FS. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether or not these breath-hold sequences can obviate current conventional non-breath-hold sequences.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Flow velocity and volume measurement of superior and inferior mesenteric artery with cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging.

The flow velocity and volume of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (SMA, IMA) were measured with cine phase contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in five healthy volunteers. Each volunteer was first measured in a fasting state, and then one, two, and three hours after a meal. The average SMA flow volume of the volunteers was 230.3 +/- 46.8 ml/min (mean +/- standard error) during the fasting state, and 714.7 +/- 207.7 ml/min, 339.2 +/- 85.7 ml/min, and 263.8 +/- 21.0 ml/min, respectively, at one, two, and three hours postmeal. The increase at one hour postmeal was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The corresponding flow measurements in the IMA were 63.1 +/- 11.2 ml/min, 67.6 +/- 11.2 ml/min, 57.9 +/- 8.6 ml/min, and 53.2 +/- 6.8 ml/min. These values do not represent a statistically significant flow volume change in the IMA. In all volunteers, the SMA volumetric flow increased the most one hour after the food challenge (72-400% relative to baseline). Diastolic velocity in the SMA increased significantly one hour postmeal, but systolic velocity did not change significantly. The IMA did not demonstrate a significant change in either systolic or diastolic velocity. The difference between the SMA and IMA in the way of reacting against the food challenge is thought to represent the difference between the requirements of small and large intestine for blood supply after the food challenge. These data demonstrate the possibility of this modality for the assessment of conditions such as chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cerebral black blood MR angiography with the interleaved multi-slab three-dimensional fast spin echo sequence.

To overcome the disadvantages of conventional three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography (3D-TOF), such as saturation or intravoxel dephasing, black blood MR angiography (BB-MRA) using an interleaved multi-slab 3D fast spin echo sequence was developed and evaluated clinically. In major branches, the contrast-to-noise ratio of the flow was not as good as 3D-TOF in BB-MRA. However, in-plane slow flow and large aneurysm were visualized better on BB-MRA than on 3D-TOF. Furthermore, BB-MRA could provide wider coverage than 3D-TOF. BB-MRA using interleaved multi-slab 3D fast spin echo is now feasible and complementary to 3D-TOF.

Cerebrovascular Circulation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Screening helical CT for mass screening of lung cancer: application of low-dose and single-breath-hold scanning.

PURPOSE: To investigate the usefulness of helical CT with low-dose and single-breath-hold scanning for lung cancer screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four helical CT scans of the lung were performed using various parameters in 10 healthy volunteers. The effects of tube current and pitch were evaluated by assessment of image quality and detection of simulated nodules. Screening helical CT was performed at 120 kVp, 50 mA, 1 sec/rotation, 10 mm collimation, and a pitch of 2.0 in 110 patients. The ability of this method to detect nodules and masses, focal parenchymal opacities, and diffuse fibrotic changes was evaluated using conventional CT as the gold standard. RESULTS: A reduction in tube current to 50 mA did not significantly change the assessment of image quality or detection of simulated nodules. Although these factors were degraded by increasing the pitch, there was no significant difference between 1.5 and 2.0. Screening helical CT permitted the entire lung to be scanned with ease during a single-breath-hold in all patients. This method detected 177 of 196 nodules and masses (87 of 91 lesions greater than 5 mm in diameter), 54 of 57 focal parenchymal opacities, and 15 of 15 cases with fibrotic changes. CONCLUSION: Screening helical CT with low-dose and single-breath-hold scanning shows promise for lung cancer screening.

Adult↗