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Biomedical subjects

T J Vogl

Publications and source records attributed to T J Vogl.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Transarterial chemoembolization alone and in combination with other therapies: a comparative study in an animal HCC model.

The purpose of this study is to compare transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) alone and in combination with other therapies in an animal model. Subcapsular implantation of a solid Morris hepatoma 3924A in the liver was carried out in 50 male ACI rats (day 0). Tumor volume (V1) was measured by MRI (day 13). After laparotomy and retrograde placement of a catheter into the gastroduodenal artery (day 14), the following protocols of the interventional procedure were applied: TACE (mitomycin C + lipiodol) + immunotherapy (group A: TNFalpha + IL-2, group B: OK-432 + IL-2); TACE + antiangiogenesis therapy (group C: TNP-470, group D: endostatin); TACE alone in group E (control group). Tumor volume (V2) was assessed by MRI and the mean ratio of x (V2/V1) was calculated. Data were analyzed using Dunnett's t test (comparing therapeutic groups with the control group) and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (comparing significant therapeutic groups). Multivariate analysis showed a significant reduction in the tumor growth rate (P<0.05) in groups B (x=6.53) and C (x=4.01) compared to the mean ratio of the control group E (x=9.14). Significant results were observed in group C (P<0.05) in comparison with the other therapeutic groups. TACE combined with immunotherapy (OK-432) and antiangiogenesis therapy (TNP-470) retards tumor growth compared with TACE alone in an HCC animal model.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Automated mass detection in contrast-enhanced CT colonography: an approach based on contrast and volume.

The purpose of this feasibility study was to design and test an algorithm for automating mass detection in contrast-enhanced CT colonography (CTC). Five patients with known colorectal masses underwent a pre-surgical contrast-enhanced (120 ml volume 1.6 g iodine/s injection rate, 60 s scan delay) CTC in high spatial resolution (16-slice CT: collimation: 16x0.75 mm, tablefeed: 24 mm/0.5 s, reconstruction increment: 0.5 mm). A CT-density- and volume-based algorithm searched for masses in the colonic wall, which was extracted before by segmenting and dilating the colonic air lumen and subtracting the inner air. A radiologist analyzed the detections and causes of false positives. All masses were detected, and false positives were easy to identify. Combining CT density with volume as a cut-off is a promising approach for automating mass detection that should be further refined and also tested in contrast-enhanced MR colonography. More information under http://www.screening.info.

Aged↗

Phase- and size-adjusted CT cut-off for differentiating neoplastic lesions from normal colon in contrast-enhanced CT colonography.

A computed tomography (CT) cut-off for differentiating neoplastic lesions (polyps/carcinoma) from normal colon in contrast-enhanced CT colonography (CTC) relating to the contrast phase and lesion size is determined. CT values of 64 colonic lesions (27 polyps <10 mm, 13 polyps > or =10 mm, 24 carcinomas) were determined by region-of-interest (ROI) measurements in 38 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CTC. In addition, the height (H) of the colonic lesions was measured in CT. CT values were also measured in the aorta (A), superior mesenteric vein (V) and colonic wall. The contrast phase was defined by xA + (1-x)V using x as a weighting factor for describing the different contrast phases ranging from the pure arterial phase (x=1) over the intermediate phases (x=0.9-0.1) to the pure venous phase (x=0). The CT values of the lesions were correlated with their height (H), the different phases (xA+(1-x)V) and the ratio [xA+(I-x)V]/H. The CT cut-off was linearly adjusted to the imaged contrast phase and height of the lesion by the line y=m[xA+(1-x)V]H+y(0). The slope m was determined by linear regression in the correlation (lesion approximately [xA+(i-x)V]/H) and the Y-intercept y(0) by the minimal shift of the line needed to maximize the accuracy of separating the colonic wall from the lesions. The CT value of the lesions correlated best with the intermediate phase: 0.4A + 0.6V (r=0.8 for polyps > or =10 mm, r=0.6 for carcinomas, r=0.4 for polyps <10 mm). The accuracy in the differentiation between lesions and normal colonic wall increased with the height implemented as divisor, reached 91% and was obtained by the dynamic cut-off described by the formula: cut-off (A,V,H)=1.1 [0.4A+0.6V]/H+69.8. The CT value of colonic polyps or carcinomas can be increased extrinsically by scanning in the phase in which 0.4A + 0.6V reaches its maximum. Differentiating lesions from normal colon based on CT values is possible in contrast-enhanced CTC and improves when the cut-off is adjusted (normalized) to the contrast phase and lesion size.

Adult↗

Traumatic injuries of the pelvis and thoracic and lumbar spine: does thin-slice multidetector-row CT increase diagnostic accuracy?

The objective is to evaluate different multidetector-row CT (MDCT) strategies for adequate classification of spinal and pelvic injuries. Seventy intubated patients after multiple trauma underwent conventional radiography (CR) and MDCT. Examinations included the pelvis (P), the lumbar spine (LS) and the thoracic spine (TS). Conventional radiographs, 3-mm (CT5) and 5-mm scans (CT3) and 3-mm and 5-mm scans combined with MPR (CT3R/CT5R) were compared to surgery, autopsy and clinical course. MDCT led to significantly better results than CR (P<0.01). Correlation coefficients were r=1.0 (CT3R), r=0.96 [TS] to r=1.0 [P/LS] (CT5R), r=0.8 [P] to r=1.0 [TS] (CT3), r=0.80 [P] to r=0.86 [TS] (CT5) and r=0.3 [TS] to r=0.69 [P] (CR). Fractures were identified by CT3R in 100% of cases, by CT5R in 95%, by CT3 in 90% [P]-100% [TS], by CT5 in 83.3% [LS]-90% [P] and by CR in 57.1% [TS]-87.2% [P]. Unstable fractures were identified in 100% by CT3R, CT5R and CT3, 85.7% [TS]-100% [P/LS] by CT5 and 57.1% [TS]-80% [P] by CR. Only overlapping thin-slice multiplanar reformation allows for an adequate classification of spinal and pelvic injuries and thus is highly emphasized in patients after severe blunt trauma.

Adult↗

[Modern diagnosis of lung nodules].

Despite numerous technical improvements, modern diagnosis of lung nodules can still be divided into three partially overlapping stages: (1) detection, (2) characterization, and (3) follow-up and management. With respect to these steps, this article reviews the diagnostic significance of different modalities. New and not definitively evaluated techniques are considered. Furthermore, methods that are not routinely applied but have been published and are thought to have some value in the characterization of pulmonary lung nodules are discussed. Statistical data are included to assist the classification of the results of imaging. Remarks on biopsy of lung nodules to obtain histopathologic correlation complete this overview. The authors are convinced that the established methods (radiography for detection, spiral CT for characterization), after thorough evaluation, will soon be replaced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recent experience with MRI points to its potential for detection and characterization of pulmonary nodules while avoiding ionizing radiation. The development of indications for MRI of the lung (e.g. paediatric radiology) will be fascinating to observe.

Humans↗

[Laser-induced thermotherapy of lung metastases and primary lung tumors].

We present laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) of primary and secondary lung tumors analysing indications and technical concepts. Thirty patients with lung metastases of different primary tumors (n=24) as well as localized lung tumors (n=6) were prospectively treated in 41 sessions using laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT). An MR-compatible puncture system was used with direct puncture technique. The puncture was performed via CT guidance in care vision technique. Eight patients were thermoablated using MR tomographical monitoring, 22 patients using CT monitoring. Local therapy effects, tumor control rate, side effects, complications, and survival were evaluated. In 74% of cases (28/38 lesions) of 24 patients with lung metastases and in all cases of the 6 patients with lung carcinoma a complete local ablation could be achieved. The complication rate (pneumothorax) was 9,8%. One patient with bronchial carcinoma had to be thoracotomized and resected. 93% of the patients are still alive. Percutaneous LITT of lung tumors permits a complete ablation of lung metastases and lung carcinomas with a low complication rate. Indications for the procedure were defined for patients with no more than 5 metastases up to 3 cm in size.

Adult↗

[Remote access to a web-based image distribution system].

PURPOSE: To assess different network and security technologies for remote access to a web-based image distribution system of a hospital intranet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following preparatory testing, the time-to-display (TTD) was measured for three image types (CR, CT, MR). The evaluation included two remote access technologies consisting of direct ISDN-Dial-Up or VPN connection (Virtual Private Network), with three different connection speeds of 64, 128 (ISDN) and 768 Kbit/s (ADSL-Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), as well as with lossless and lossy compression. RESULTS: Depending on the image type, the TTD with lossless compression for 64 Kbit/s varied from 1 : 00 to 2 : 40 minutes, for 128 Kbit/s from 0 : 35 to 1 : 15 minutes and for ADSL from 0 : 15 to 0 : 45 minutes. The ISDN-Dial-Up connection was superior to VPN technology at 64 Kbit/s but did not allow higher connection speeds. Lossy compression reduced the TTD by half for all measurements. CONCLUSIONS: VPN technology is preferable to direct Dial-Up connections since it offers higher connection speeds and advantages in usage and security. For occasional usage, 128 Kbit/s (ISDN) can be considered sufficient, especially in conjunction with lossy compression. ADSL should be chosen when a more frequent usage is anticipated, whereby lossy compression may be omitted. Due to higher bandwidths and improved usability, the web-based approach appears superior to conventional teleradiology systems.

Internet↗

[Grading of carotid artery stenosis using high resolution dynamic magnetic resonance angiography in comparison to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography. Are stenoses over 70% reliably detectable?].

PURPOSES: Evaluation of high resolution dynamic magnetic resonance angiography (ceMRA) in detection and graduation of carotid artery stenosis in comparison to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance angiography and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography was performed in 65 patients with suspected carotid artery stenosis by ultrasound examination. Detection and graduation of carotid artery stenosis by magnetic resonance angiography were compared to those of intraarterial digital subtraction angiography after stenosis grading according to NASCET criteria. RESULTS: All magnetic resonance angiographies were of excellent quality, with 46 stenoses type I and II and 12 stenoses type III NASCET correctly identified and classified by magnetic resonance angiography. Overestimation was found in 4 cases and underestimation in 2 cases. Both modalities detected 13 occlusions. Sensitivity and specificity of ceMRA were 92%. The positive predictive value was 86% and the negative predictive value 96%. CONCLUSION: High resolution dynamic magnetic resonance angiography is suitable in detecting and classifying carotid artery stenoses over 70% with high sensitivity and specificity in comparison to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography should only be performed in critical cases.

Aged↗

[Reference values of MRI flow measurements of the pulmonary outflow tract in healthy children].

PURPOSE: To provide reference values for MRI-based flow measurements in the main pulmonary artery in healthy children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 98 healthy children (age: 3 - 17 years, median: 11 years), the main pulmonary artery was examined using MRI-based flow measurements with high temporal resolution (9.6 ms per cardiac phase). RESULTS: The acceleration time revealed a distinct age dependency and varied between 90 and 155 ms (mean: 124 ms +/- 14). The relative acceleration time (related to the RR-interval) varied between 12.7 and 27 % (mean: 18 % +/- 2.6). The mean values and the standard deviations for the determined values were as follows: cardiac output (5.4 l/min +/- 1.4), cardiac output normalized to the body surface area (4.2 [l/min]/m(2) +/- 0.8), average systolic flow velocity (66 cm/s +/- 12), maximum systolic flow (309 ml/s +/- 79), mean flow (110 ml/s +/- 30), distensibility of the wall of the main pulmonary artery (79 % +/- 26), peak velocity (96 cm/s +/- 15), pressure gradient along the pulmonary valve (3.8 mm Hg +/- 1.2), stroke volume (63.2 ml +/- 17.9), acceleration volume (23.7 ml +/- 8.7), maximum acceleration of flow (4924 ml/s(2) +/- 1431), and reverse volume (0.2 ml +/- 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The acquired values of reference are applicable to all pediatric patients and serve as a framework for the communication between the radiologist and the pediatric cardiologists. High temporal resolution of the measurement sequence is mandatory. Noticeable deviations of these values should induce additional (probably invasive) evaluation.

Adolescent↗

[Percutaneous thermoablation of pulmonary metastases. Experience with the application of laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and a literature review].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of technical aspects, local efficiency and complications of thermoablative procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), in percutaneous lung metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Techniques of thermal ablative procedures of RFA and LITT are presented. For primary positioning, monitoring and therapy control, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Different monopolar systems and one bipolar system were available for RFA and two different cooling systems for LITT. Percutaneous CT-guided RFA was performed on 32 metastases in 20 patients and percutaneous LITT on 34 metastases in 24 patients. Inclusion criteria were metastases < or = 5 cm in diameter in unresectable patients with up to 3 metastases per lung. All treatments were performed on outpatient basis using analgosedation. RESULTS: In our patient group, all patients tolerated both the RFA and LITT procedures well with mild sedation. The pneumothorax rate was 15 % (5/32 procedures) for the RFA group and 12 % (4/34 procedures) for the LITT group, without insertion of a chest tube. In all RF ablations, a complete "roll off" (increase in impedance) was achieved. Local tumor control rate in the 6-month follow-up was 85 % for RFA and 91 % for LITT. Nineteen of the 20 patients treated are still alive, one patient died from tumor progression. CONCLUSION: Both pulmonary RFA and LITT allow safe thermal ablation of pulmon arg metastases with a low complication rate and an acceptable tumor control rate.

Adult↗

[Uterine adenomyosis in infertile patients: MR imaging findings and clinical conclusions].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus and the pelvis in infertile female with symptomatic endometriosis for the assessment of uterine morphology and function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one infertile women (mean age: 33.2 years) with symptomatic endometriosis documented by laparoscopy were evaluated with high-field MRI (Sonata, Siemens) using T2- and T1-weighted sequences. In addition, the patients underwent hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSSG) for evaluation of the uterotubal transport capacity. Pathologic findings of the uterine junction zone were correlated with the laparoscopic results, clinical symptoms and uterotubal transport capacity. RESULTS: Adenomyosis was diagnosed on T2-weigthed MR-images in 35 (85.4 %) patients (focal adenomatosis in 26 patients and diffuse adenomatosis in 9). Patients showing signs of adenomyosis tended to be older than patients without adenomyosis (mean age 34.1 years vs. 30.1 years) and showed a longer history of symptomatic endometriosis. A positive transport capacity in HSSG was observed in 73.1 % (19/26) of the patients with focal adenomyosis and in only 22.2 % (2/9) of patients with diffuse adenomyosis. In 83.3 % (5/6) of the patients without signs of adenomyosis, a positive uterotubal transport was documented. CONCLUSION: MRI of the uterus is a helpful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of adenomyosis and for planning further therapies. Patients with the diagnosis of adenomyosis showed a reduced uterotubal transport capacity that depended on the severity of adenomyotic changes and might be a possible cause of infertility.

Adult↗

Infarct remodeling after intracoronary progenitor cell treatment in patients with acute myocardial infarction (TOPCARE-AMI): mechanistic insights from serial contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Experimental and initial clinical studies suggest that transplantation of circulating blood- (CPC) or bone marrow-derived (BMC) progenitor cells may beneficially affect postinfarction remodeling processes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To relate functional characteristics of the infused cells to quantitative measures of outcome at 4-month follow-up, we performed serial contrast-enhanced MRI and assessed the migratory capacity of the transplanted progenitor cells immediately before intracoronary infusion. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 28 patients with reperfused AMI receiving either BMCs or CPCs into the infarct artery 4.7+/-1.7 days after AMI, serial contrast-enhanced MRI performed initially and after 4 months revealed a significant increase in global ejection fraction (from 44+/-10% to 49+/-10%; P=0.003), a decrease in end-systolic volume (from 69+/-26 to 60+/-28 mL; P=0.003), and unchanged end-diastolic volumes (122+/-34 versus 117+/-37 mL; P=NS). Infarct size, measured as late enhancement (LE) volume, decreased significantly, from 46+/-32 to 37+/-28 mL (P<0.05). There was a significant correlation between the reduction in LE volume and global ejection fraction improvement. The migratory capacity of transplanted cells as assessed ex vivo toward a gradient of vascular endothelial growth factor for CPCs and stromal cell derived factor-1 for BMCs was closely correlated with the reduction of LE volume. By multivariate analysis, migratory capacity remained the most important independent predictor of infarct remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of serial contrast-enhanced MRI suggests that intracoronary infusion of adult progenitor cells in patients with AMI beneficially affects postinfarction remodeling processes. The migratory capacity of the infused cells is a major determinant of infarct remodeling, disclosing a causal effect of progenitor cell therapy on regeneration enhancement.

Cell Movement↗

Upload capacity and time-to-display of an image Web system during simultaneous up- and download processes.

The aim of this study was to assess the up- and download performance of an image Web system (IWS) during simultaneous up- and download procedures. Following preparatory tests, the upload capacity (UC) with and without simultaneous download and the time-to-display (TTD) with and without simultaneous upload were determined for different image, server and compression types, and with up to 16 concurrent clients. The UC varied between 1.7-5.5 Gigabyte per hour (GB/h) and was slightly influenced by a simultaneous download; however, the TTDs were substantially prolonged during an upload and only below 5 s with up to four to six concurrent clients. The choice of image and server type had a strong impact on UC and TTD. Lossy primary compression proved slightly superior. An effective UC of approximately 4.0 GB/h or 96 Gigabyte per day (GB/day) can be achieved, which appears suitable even for large institutions. Because of its substantial influence on UC and TTD during simultaneous up- and download, the server hardware should be equipped with two processors and 1 GB RAM. Lossy primary compression may be used with slight performance benefits when full-resolution images are not required. The upload is a time-demanding process, and it is possible that during peak hours the waiting times are unacceptable for clinicians.

Data Compression↗

Performance of Web-based image distribution: server-oriented measurements.

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Web-based image distribution when multiple personal computers (PCs) are downloading images simultaneously for different server hardware configurations. Using specially developed software, the time-to-display (TTD) of different image types was measured with up to 16 concurrent PCs for various combinations of processor, random access memory (RAM), network connection and image compression. The TTD increased linearly with the number of concurrent PCs but remained under 5 s in most of the cases, even with 16 concurrent PCs. Only with a 10-Mbit/s network connection or with lossy compression were TTDs above 5 s obtained. Two processors instead of one led to a slight and constant improvement of the TTD. Reducing the amount of RAM increased the TTD mainly for computed radiography (CR) images. There was no difference between a 200- and 100-Mbit/s network, but 10 Mbit/s proved significantly worse. When increasing the number of clients lossless compression performed substantially better than lossy. A standard off-the-shelf server provides an appropriate download performance even with 16 concurrent clients. Processor speed and RAM amount are of minor importance, but it is highly recommended to use a 100-Mbit/s network connection and to avoid the application of on-demand lossy compression in a local area network.

Internet↗

Performance of Web-based image distribution: client-oriented measurements.

The aim of this study was to define a clinically suitable personal computer (PC) configuration for Web-based image distribution and to assess the influence of different hard- and software configurations on the performance. Through specially developed software the time-to-display (TTD) for various PC configurations was measured. Different processor speeds, random access memory (RAM), screen resolutions, graphic adapters, network speeds, operating systems and examination types (computed radiography, CT, MRI) were evaluated, providing more than half a million measurements. Processor speed was the most relevant factor for the TTD; doubling the speed halved the TTD. Under processor speeds of 350 MHz, TTD mostly remained above 5 s for 1 CR or 16 CT images. Here Windows NT with lossy compression were superior. Processor speeds of 350 MHz and over delivered TTD <5 s. In this case Windows 2000 and lossless compression were preferable. Screen resolutions above 1280 x 1024 pixels increased the TTD mainly for CR images. The RAM amount, network speed and graphic adapter did not have a significant influence. The minimum threshold for clinical routine is any standard off-the-shelf PC better than Pentium II 350 MHz, 128 MB RAM; hence, high-end PC hardware is not required.

Computers↗