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T H Falke

Publications and source records attributed to T H Falke.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

MR imaging and MIBG scintigraphy of pheochromocytomas and extraadrenal functioning paragangliomas.

To compare the potential of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and scintigraphy performed with radiotracer-labeled metaiodobenzyl-guanidine (MIBG) in localization and characterization of functioning paragangliomas, the authors analyzed results of both modalities in 33 patients. Overall sensitivity for detection was 91% for MR imaging and 80% for MIBG scintigraphy. MR imaging demonstrated 100% of adrenal paragangliomas and 75% of extraadrenal paragangliomas, whereas MIBG scintigraphy revealed 75% and 88%, respectively. MIBG scintigraphy was more specific in the characterization of paragangliomas than MR imaging (100% vs 82%). However, MR imaging demonstrated nine other lesions not seen on scintigrams. On the basis of their results and other considerations, the authors believe MR imaging is the preferred initial technique when a functioning paraganglioma is suspected.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

Detection of vertebral metastases: comparison between MR imaging and bone scintigraphy.

In a double-blind, prospective study, the authors analyzed bone scintigrams and magnetic resonance (MR) images of the spine in 71 patients with histologically proved skeletal metastases. Bone scintigrams and MR images were separately reviewed by four independent observers. Bone scintigraphy permitted identification of 499 abnormal vertebrae and MR imaging, 818 abnormal vertebrae. MR imaging depicted additional abnormal vertebrae in 49 patients. The authors conclude that MR imaging is more sensitive than bone scintigraphy in detection of vertebral metastases.

Adolescent↗

Cystic fibrosis: MR imaging of the pancreas.

The appearance of the pancreas in 17 adult patients with cystic fibrosis was evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The pancreas was abnormal in 15 patients. Three patterns were observed: (a) lobulated enlarged pancreas with complete replacement by fatty tissue (n = 9), (b) small atrophic pancreas with partial replacement by fat tissue (n = 5), and (c) diffuse atrophy of the pancreas without fatty replacement (n = 1). Replacement of the pancreas by fat tissue was seen on T1-weighted images with, characteristically, a very high signal intensity. The sensitivity of MR imaging in depicting pancreatic abnormality in cystic fibrosis is 94%, which is comparable to that of computed tomography.

Adolescent↗

Imaging of adrenal metastases.

This paper discusses the application of CT, MR imaging, and 131I-6 beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol scintigraphy in establishing the nature of incidentally discovered adrenal masses. It is concluded that CT and MR imaging can permit confident differentiation between nonhyperfunctioning adenomas and metastases in cases of incidentalomas that meet all the criteria of a nonhyperfunctioning adenoma. In cancer patients, fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lesions is, in general, essential because a definitive diagnosis of metastatic disease is crucial to disease management. MR imaging and norcholesterol scintigraphy are useful if a relative contraindication for fine-needle biopsy exists or when biopsy results are inconclusive in patients with a presumably benign lesion.

Adenoma↗

Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in patients with chemodectomas of the head and neck region.

While studying the uptake of iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine ([123I]MIBG) in chemodectomas, we coincidentally detected catecholamine secreting tumors in 5 out of 14 patients. In three of these cases, a norepinephrine secreting abdominal paraganglioma was subsequently removed. One patient had a norepinephrine secreting chemodectoma and one had a dopamine secreting chemodectoma. Prior to [123I]MIBG imaging and urinary catecholamine measurements, endocrine activity was suspected in only one of these five patients. Apart from these five cases, two other patients showed elevated catecholamine secretion and abnormal abdominal [123I]MIBG concentrations. However, these two patients were not surgically explored, because of normal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) studies. We suspect that catecholamine-secreting tumors are more common in patients with chemodectomas than is assumed in the literature, and we therefore recommend urinary catecholamine screening for all patients with chemodectomas. In case of elevated catecholamine secretion, MIBG scintigraphy is indicated.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

Portal venous gas in a patient with diverticulitis.

Gas in the portal vein is a rare finding associated with a grave prognosis. We present a case of portal venous gas in a 34-year-old man with an abscess due to perforated-sigmoid diverticulitis and Escherichia coli sepsis. successfully treated with sigmoid resection and antibiotic therapy.

Abscess↗

Abnormalities of the uterus and cervix after diethylstilbestrol exposure: correlation of findings on MR and hysterosalpingography.

We determined the value of MR for detecting abnormalities of the uterus caused by in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol in patients in whom such abnormalities were evident on hysterosalpingography. Of 200 women with a history of diethylstilbestrol exposure in utero, 12 had undergone hysterosalpingography as part of an infertility workup. Five of these volunteered to undergo MR imaging of the pelvis. Hysterosalpingography showed abnormalities in all five patients. Abnormalities included hypoplasia of the uterine cavity (3/5), a T-shaped uterine cavity (3/5), constrictions of the uterine cavity (3/5), irregular margins of the uterine cavity (2/5), bilateral hydrosalpinges (2/5), and a diverticulum of a fallopian tube (1/5). MR images showed abnormalities in all five patients. These included hypoplasia of the uterine cavity, uterine corpus, and cervix (3/5); a T-shaped uterine cavity (3/5); constrictions of the uterine cavity (3/5); and bilateral hydrosalpinges (2/5). There was an excellent correlation between the findings on MR images and those on hysterosalpingograms. A thick junctional zone was identified on MR as the cause of constrictions of the uterine cavity seen on hysterosalpingography. MR failed to show the irregular margins of the uterine cavity in two of five cases and a diverticulum of the fallopian tube. We conclude that MR can be used to detect hypoplasia and other congenital abnormalities of the uterus in women with a history of diethylstilbestrol exposure in utero.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the adrenal glands.

Although CT should be used as the initial procedure, MRI potentially can identify most adrenal masses without the hazard of ionizing radiation or the injection of iodinated contrast material.

Adenoma↗

Computed tomography in untreated adults with virilizing congenital adrenal cortical hyperplasia.

Thirteen adult patients with biochemically proven congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) were examined by computed tomography (CT). Six patients had never received glucocorticoid therapy. In three of those six patients, CT revealed a tumorous transformation in one of the hyperplastic adrenal glands. In the seven patients with CAH who were treated since childhood, no mass could be demonstrated on CT. The development of an adrenocortical tumour due to chronic adrenal cortical stimulation by excessive adreno-cortico-trophic hormone (ACTH) production in adult patients with untreated CAH may not be a rare occurrence, as is demonstrated in this series. It is important not to confuse this entity with a primary virilizing adrenal tumour which requires a different form of treatment. In case of tumorous transformation in untreated adults with CAH, suppressive therapy with CT control should be favoured over surgery, as long as the tumour is ACTH-dependent. Moreover, these observations illustrate the desirability of lifelong glucocorticoid therapy in patients with CAH, including adult males who biochemically may not require suppression of steroid androgen excess.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

Bilateral horizontal gaze paralysis due to pontine hemorrhage. A case report.

In a case of bilateral horizontal gaze paralysis, vertical gaze was clinically intact but eye movement recordings demonstrated a transient reduction of vertical saccadic velocities. Horizontal caloric vestibulo-ocular responses were absent. CT scanning and NMR imaging showed a hematoma in the median pontine tegmentum. This case provides additional evidence that vertical and horizontal saccade genesis may be independent of caudal paramedian pontine reticular formation lesions.

Aged↗

An improved saddle coil for MR imaging in resistive magnet systems.

The design of a two-turn radiofrequency coil for MR imaging at 0.15 T is presented. The use of well-isolated copper tube (instead of the usual wire) as conductor material resulted in an open, patient friendly construction. Furthermore, the Q value and signal-to-noise ratio of the tube-type coil were increased as compared to the corresponding values in the case of a geometrically similar wire-type coil.

Brain↗

Early Legg-Perthes disease (ischemic necrosis of the femoral head) demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging.

A case of early Legg-Perthes disease (ischemic necrosis of the femoral head) is presented to illustrate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in demonstrating the presence of and extent of alterations of intensity of the ischemic femoral epiphysis compared with the normal. The unique advantages of flexible imaging planes and ability to perform follow-up examinations without the hazards of ionizing radiation are stressed.

Child↗