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Low-frequency low-field magnetic susceptibility of ferritin and hemosiderin.

Low-frequency low-field magnetic susceptibility measurements were made on four samples of mammalian tissue iron oxide deposits. The samples comprised: (1) horse spleen ferritin; (2) dugong liver hemosiderin; (3) thalassemic human spleen ferritin; and (4) crude thalassemic human spleen hemosiderin. These samples were chosen because Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements on the samples indicated that they exemplified the variation in magnetic and mineral structure found in mammalian tissue iron oxide deposits. The AC-magnetic susceptometry yielded information on the magnetization kinetics of the four samples indicating samples 1, 2, and 3 to be superparamagnetic with values of around 10(11) s(-1) for the pre-exponential frequency factor in the Néel-Arrhenius equation and values for characteristic magnetic anisotropy energy barriers in the range 250-400 K. Sample 4 was indicated to be paramagnetic at all temperatures above 1.3 K. The AC-magnetic susceptometry data also indicated a larger magnetic anisotropy energy distribution in the dugong liver sample compared with samples 1 and 3 in agreement with previous Mössbauer spectroscopic data on these samples. At temperatures below 200 K, samples 1-3 exhibited Curie-Weiss law behavior, indicating weak particle-particle interactions tending to favor antiparallel alignment of the particle magnetic moments. These interactions were strongest for the dugong liver hemosiderin, possibly reflecting the smaller separation between mineral particles in this sample. This is the first magnetic susceptometry study of hemosiderin iron deposits and demonstrates that the AC-magnetic susceptometry technique is a fast and informative method of studying such tissue iron oxide deposits.

Animals↗

Magnetic carbon nanotubes: synthesis by electrostatic self-assembly approach and application in biomanipulations.

Magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were facilely prepared by the electrostatic self-assembly approach. Poly(2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) was covalently grafted onto the surfaces of MWNTs by MWNT-initiated in situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA). The PDEAEMA-grafted MWNTs were quaternized with methyl iodide (CH(3)I), resulting in cationic polyelectrolyte-grafted MWNTs (MWNT-PAmI). Magnetic iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles were loaded onto the MWNT surfaces by electrostatic self-assembling between MWNT-PAmI and Fe(3)O(4), affording magnetic nanotubes. The assembled capability of the nanoparticles can be adjusted to some extent by changing the feed ratio of Fe(3)O(4) to MWNT-PAmI. The obtained magnetic nanotubes were characterized with TEM, EDS, STEM, and element mapping analyses. TEM and EDS measurements confirmed the nanostructures and the components of the resulting nanoobjects. The magnetic nanotubes were assembled onto sheep red blood cells in a phosphate buffer solution, forming magnetic cells. The blood cells attached with or without magnetic nanotubes can be selectively manipulated in a magnetic field. These results promise a general and efficient strategy to magnetic nanotubes and the fascinating potential of such magnetic nanoobjects in applications of bionanoscience and technology.

Animals↗

Synthesis of magnetic chelator for high-capacity immobilized metal affinity adsorption of protein by cerium initiated graft polymerization.

A novel magnetic chelator with high adsorption capacity of protein by immobilized metal affinity adsorption was prepared by cerium (IV) initiated graft polymerization of tentacle-type polymer chains with iminodiacetic acid (IDA) chelating group on magnetic particles with hydroxyl groups. The micron-sized magnetic poly(vinyl acetate-divinylbenzene) (PVAc-DVB) particles were prepared by a modified suspension polymerization in the presence of oleic acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles and subsequently modified by ester exchange reaction to introduce functional hydroxyl groups. Bovine hemoglobin (BHb) was selected as a model protein to investigate the adsorption capacity of these magnetic particles. The magnetic particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the magnetic particles had an average size of 5 microm and superparamagnetism with saturation magnetization of 20.0 emu/g at room temperature. The protein adsorption indicated that the graft polymerization of tentacle type polymer chains on the magnetic particles could produce magnetic adsorbents with high adsorption capacity (1428.21 mg/g) and low nonspecific adsorption of protein. The magnetic particles with grafted tentacle polymer chains have potential application in large-scale affinity separation of proteins.

Adsorption↗

Controlling chemical reactivity at solid-solution interfaces by means of hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles.

Hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles are employed to reversibly regulate the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of surfaces and to control the electrochemistry and bioelectochemistry at chemically modified electrodes. Selective bioelectrocatalytic transformations at relay-functionalized electrodes are accomplished by the magnetic attractions of the hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles with coadsorbed hydrophobic redox relays to the electrode. The selective activation of one of two biocatalysts solubilized in the aqueous electrolyte solution in the absence or presence of hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles results in the specific activation of bioelectrocatalytic processes. The magnetic attraction and retraction of hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles to and from semiconductor nanoparticle (CdS)-functionalized electrodes enable the control of the photocurrent directions at the electrode from cathodic to anodic directions, respectively. The magnetic attraction of the hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles to the surfaces is also employed to control biorecognition and biocatalytic transformations at solid supports. The magnetic attraction and retraction of the hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles to and from the surfaces allow the blockage and activation of DNA hybridization, polymerization, and enzymatic digestion, respectively.

Electrochemistry↗

Magnetic-sensitive behavior of intelligent ferrogels for controlled release of drug.

An intelligent magnetic hydrogel (ferrogel) was fabricated by mixing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels and Fe3O4 magnetic particles through freezing-thawing cycles. Although the external direct current magnetic field was applied to the ferrogel, the drug was accumulated around the ferrogel, but the accumulated drug was spurt to the environment instantly when the magnetic fields instantly switched "off". Furthermore, rapid to slow drug release can be tunable while the magnetic field was switched from "off" to "on" mode. The drug release behavior from the ferrogel is strongly dominated by the particle size of Fe3O4 under a given magnetic field. The best "magnetic-sensitive effects" are observed for the ferrogels with larger Fe3O4 particles due to its stronger saturation magnetization and smaller coercive force. Furthermore, the amount of drug release can be controlled by fine-tuning of the switching duration time (SDT) through an externally controllable on-off operation in a given magnetic field. It was demonstrated that the highest burst drug amounts and best "close" configuration of the ferrogel were observed for the SDT of 10 and 5 min, respectively. By taking these peculiar magnetic-sensitive characteristics of the novel ferrogels currently synthesized, it is highly expected to have a controllable or programmable drug release profile that can be designed for practical clinical needs.

Drug Delivery Systems↗

Collective behaviour in two-dimensional cobalt nanoparticle assemblies observed by magnetic force microscopy.

The use of magnetic nanoparticles in the development of ultra-high-density recording media is the subject of intense research. Much of the attention of this research is devoted to the stability of magnetic moments, often neglecting the influence of dipolar interactions. Here, we explore the magnetic microstructure of different assemblies of monodisperse cobalt single-domain nanoparticles by magnetic force microscopy and magnetometric measurements. We observe that when the density of particles per unit area is higher than a determined threshold, the two-dimensional self-assemblies behave as a continuous ferromagnetic thin film. Correlated areas (similar to domains) of parallel magnetization roughly ten particles in diameter appear. As this magnetic percolation is mediated by dipolar interactions, the magnetic microstructure, its distribution and stability, is strongly dependent on the topological distribution of the dipoles. Thus, the magnetic structures of three-dimensional assemblies are magnetically soft, and an evolution of the magnetic microstructure is observed with consecutive scans of the microscope tip.

Anisotropy↗

Clinical hyperthermia of prostate cancer using magnetic nanoparticles: presentation of a new interstitial technique.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether the technique of magnetic fluid hyperthermia can be used for minimally invasive treatment of prostate cancer. This paper presents the first clinical application of interstitial hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles in locally recurrent prostate cancer. Treatment planning was carried out using computerized tomography (CT) of the prostate. Based on the individual anatomy of the prostate and the estimated specific absorption rate (SAR) of magnetic fluids in prostatic tissue, the number and position of magnetic fluid depots required for sufficient heat deposition was calculated while rectum and urethra were spared. Nanoparticle suspensions were injected transperineally into the prostate under transrectal ultrasound and flouroscopy guidance. Treatments were delivered in the first magnetic field applicator for use in humans, using an alternating current magnetic field with a frequency of 100 kHz and variable field strength (0-18 kA m(-1)). Invasive thermometry of the prostate was carried out in the first and last of six weekly hyperthermia sessions of 60 min duration. CT-scans of the prostate were repeated following the first and last hyperthermia treatment to document magnetic nanoparticle distribution and the position of the thermometry probes in the prostate. Nanoparticles were retained in the prostate during the treatment interval of 6 weeks. Using appropriate software (AMIRA), a non-invasive estimation of temperature values in the prostate, based on intra-tumoural distribution of magnetic nanoparticles, can be performed and correlated with invasively measured intra-prostatic temperatures. Using a specially designed cooling device, treatment was well tolerated without anaesthesia. In the first patient treated, maximum and minimum intra-prostatic temperatures measured at a field strength of 4.0-5.0 kA m(-1) were 48.5 degrees C and 40.0 degrees C during the 1st treatment and 42.5 degrees C and 39.4 degrees C during the 6th treatment, respectively. These first clinical experiences prompted us to initiate a phase I study to evaluate feasibility, toxicity and quality of life during hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles in patients with biopsy-proven local recurrence of prostate cancer following radiotherapy with curative intent. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on clinical application of interstitial hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles in the treatment of human cancer.

Aged↗

An in vitro study of magnetic particle targeting in small blood vessels.

The magnetic guidance and capture of particles inside the human body, via the circulatory system, is a novel method for the targeted delivery of drugs. This experimental study confirms in vitro that a dipolar capturing device, based on high-energy magnets with an active space of 8.7 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, retains colloidal magnetic particles (MPs) (<30 nm) injected in the capillary tubes, where flow velocities are comparable to that encountered in the capillary beds of tumours (<0.5 cm s(-1)). The build-up of the deposition of the MPs was investigated using video imaging techniques that enabled continuous monitoring of the blocking of the vessel whilst simultaneously recording the colloid's flow rate. The parameters of practical importance (length of MP deposit, time of capillary blocking) were estimated and were found to be dependent on the initial fluid velocity, the MP concentration and the distance between the capillary tube and the polar magnetic pieces. Although the tube used in this experiment is larger (diameter = 0.75 mm, length = 100 mm) than that of real capillaries (diameter = 0.01 mm, length approximately 1.5 mm), the flow velocities chosen were similar to those encountered in the capillary beds of tumours and the length/diameter ratio was approximately equal (133 for the present set-up, 100-150 for real capillaries). In these circumstances and using the same magnetic field conditions (intensity, gradient) and MPs, there is close similarity with magnetic capture in a microscopic capillary system. Moreover, the macroscopic system permits analysis of the distribution of MPs in the active magnetic space, and consequently the maximum targetable volume. This study revealed that the capture of particles within the active space was strongly influenced by the gradient of the magnetic field and the flow velocity. Thus, when the magnetic field gradient had medium values (0.1-0.3 T cm(-1)) and the fluid velocity was small (0.15 cm s(-1)), the particles were captured in small, compact and stable deposits (L < 4 cm) and the time necessary for blocking of the capillary was <150 s. Doubling the value for the flow velocity did not influence significantly either the length of MP deposits nor the blocking time. However, lower gradients (<0.1 T cm(-1)) and larger velocities (0.3-0.9 cm s(-1)) result in the formation of larger deposits (4 cm < L < 10 cm) that are unstable at the beginning of the capture process. These large deposits do become stable given sufficient time for the deposition process to take place in conjunction with a decrease in the flow rate. As a consequence, the time necessary for blocking of the capillary increased up to 450 s. Decreasing the MP concentration from 0.02 g cm(-3) to 0.005 g cm(-3) decreased the deposit lengths by approximately 20% and doubled the values of the blocking time. The maximum targetable volume obtained by the present method is approximately 350 cm(3), which corresponds to medium-sized tumours. The capillary vessels were blocked only for the situation that occurs for microcirculation within a tumour. This reduces the concentration of MPs trapped within the normal tissues, which occurs when using particles of micrometre size. This work showed the potential of using colloidal MPs and dipolar magnetic devices for treatment of human patients, when the affected sites are positioned at medium distances from the surface of the body (e.g. head, neck, breast, hands and legs).

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Human dental pulp and gingival tissue after static magnetic field exposure.

The aim of this intra-individual study was to examine human dental pulp and gingival tissue after exposure to static magnetic fields generated by orthodontic samarium-cobalt magnets. In seven individuals, aged between 11.5 and 17.5 years, the maxillary first premolars and immediately adjacent gingival tissues were exposed to a static magnetic field from a bonded magnet on one side (test) and a demagnetized magnet was used as a control on the contralateral side. After a period of 8 weeks the test and control teeth were clinically examined regarding gingival conditions, then biopsies of the buccal gingival tissues were taken and the maxillary first premolars were extracted. The teeth and the tissue biopsies were examined histologically. The static magnetic field exposure (flux density) of the coronal pulp sections on the test sides ranged between 100 and 150 Gauss, and the exposure of the buccal gingival tissues ranged between 200 and 900 Gauss. The contralateral control tissues were exposed to flux density values at the level of the natural magnetic field on earth (0.3-0.6 Gauss). Static magnetic fields produced by orally placed orthodontic rare earth magnets did not result in any change in human dental pulp or gingival tissue adjacent to the magnets. There was no difference in clinical gingival conditions between test and control sites.

Adolescent↗

Magnetic anchor for more effective endoscopic mucosal resection.

BACKGROUND: Technical difficulties are involved in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of gastric cancer since it is a "one handed surgery". These difficulties prevent this technique from being indicated for larger lesions, even when it can possibly be performed for patients with such lesions. If microforceps could assist EMR, this procedure would become easier and safer. Since magnetic force can control objects without direct contact, it can be applied to control microforceps internally in assistance with EMR. METHODS: We developed a magnetic anchor consisting of three parts: a magnetic weight with dimensions of 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.5 cm, microforceps and a connecting thread. Endoscopic clips used in hemostasis were used as the microforceps of the magnetic anchor in this study. The magnetic control system consisted of a 0.68 kOe/10 cm/100 A electromagnet, 350 mm in diameter and a circumventing positional frame. The microforceps were inserted into a sheath within the endoscope, and the magnetic weight was secured to the tip of the sheath protruding from the endoscope. The magnetic anchor, along with the endoscope, was inserted through an overtube into the gastric cavity of a swine under general anesthesia. The magnetic anchor was used in a manner similar to that in standard surgery, and EMR was thereby performed. RESULTS: The mucosa to be resected was satisfactorily dragged and stabilized. The magnetic anchor facilitated EMR, regardless of the technical skills of the endoscopist and region of the stomach at which the technique was performed. CONCLUSION: The magnetic anchor is considered to have alleviated some technical problems involved in EMR. It has the potential for making EMR a safer and quicker procedure for the treatment of early gastric cancer, when appropriately indicated.

Animals↗

In vitro characterization of a magnetically suspended continuous flow ventricular assist device.

A magnetically suspended continuous flow ventricular assist device using magnetic bearings was developed aiming at an implantable ventricular assist device. The main advantage of this device includes no mechanical wear and minimal chance of blood trauma such, as thrombosis and hemolysis, because there is no mechanical contact between the stationary and rotating parts. The total system consists of two subsystems: the centrifugal pump and the magnetic bearing. The centrifugal pump is comprised of a 4 vane logarithmic spiral radial flow impeller and a brushless DC motor with slotless stator, driven by the back emf commutation scheme. Two radial and one thrust magnetic bearing that dynamically controls the position of the rotor in a radial and axial direction, respectively, contains magnetic coils, the rotor's position sensors, and feedback electronic control system. The magnetic bearing system was able to successfully suspend a 365.5g rotating part in space and sustain it for up to 5000 rpm of rotation. Average force-current square factor of the magnetic bearing was measured as 0.48 and 0.44 (kg-f/Amp2) for radial and thrust bearing, respectively. The integrated system demonstrated adequate performance in mock circulation tests by providing a 6 L/min flow rate against 100 mmHg differential pressure at 2300 rpm. Based on these in vitro performance test results, long-term clinical application of the magnetically suspended continuous flow ventricular assist device is very promising after system optimization with a hybrid system using both active (electromagnet) and passive (permanent magnets) magnet bearings.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing factors affecting healing in scaphoid nonunions.

This study evaluates the role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing the factors affecting the rate and healing time in scaphoid nonunions after surgery. Nineteen patients were assessed before surgery by radiographs, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Fifteen had viable bone marrow and 4 patients had nonviable bone marrow on magnetic resonance imaging. All patients with normal preoperative magnetic resonance imaging healed in an average time of 4.7 months. Of the 4 patients with abnormal magnetic resonance imaging, but normal plain radiographs, 2 went on to heal in 10.5 months. The remaining 2 patients with abnormal magnetic resonance imaging and abnormal plain radiographs did not heal by 24 months. This study suggests 3 groups of scaphoid nonunions. Group 1 has normal trabecular bone radiographically and vascular bone marrow on magnetic resonance imaging and should be expected to heal after surgery. Group 2 has normal trabecular bone radiographically but avascular marrow on magnetic resonance imaging and may be expected to eventually heal after surgery. Group 3 has abnormal radiographs suggestive of fibrous replacement of the scaphoid proximal pole by the presence of cystic changes and the loss of trabecular bone, and avascular bone, as shown on magnetic resonance imaging. This study failed to show healing in this group of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging may be of benefit in predicting the healing potential in patients presenting with scaphoid nonunion.

Adolescent↗

Magnetic resonance discography in cadavers: tears of the annulus fibrosus.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance discography in the detection of tears of the annulus fibrosus, and to compare the findings with those derived from conventional magnetic resonance imaging. Twenty-four intervertebral discs from cadavers were examined with magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance discography, and anatomic correlation was done. Forty-six annular tears were documented on anatomic inspection of the specimens. Magnetic resonance discography allowed significantly better observation of radial than transverse annular tears, and identification of radial tears was significantly better than that of concentric tears. With magnetic resonance discography, detectability of concentric tears was not significantly better than that of the transverse tears. No significant differences in the detection of different types of annular tears were appreciated on the magnetic resonance images obtained before discography. Magnetic resonance discography allowed direct diagnosis of radial, transverse, and concentric tears in 100%, 57%, and 21% of specimens, respectively. With magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis of radial, transverse, and concentric tears was possible in 67%, 71%, and 21% of specimens, respectively. Magnetic resonance discography does well in the evaluation of the clinically important radial tears of the annulus fibrosus, although not uniformly well in the identification of other types of annular tears.

Aged↗

Magnetic resonance navigation for head and neck lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Review applications of interventional magnetic resonance imaging and describe methods, procedures, and additional instrumentation for the magnetic resonance "operating theater." Describe advantages of magnetic resonance navigation for biopsies of head and neck tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with palpable and nonpalpable head and neck and cranial base tumors were recruited into the study. Patients underwent magnetic resonance-guided biopsy. Retrospective analysis of 21 patients was conducted. METHODS: 0.5 Tesla superconducting open magnetic resonance imaging was used for navigation of the biopsy needle. Patient records and magnetic resonance images were reviewed. The type, size, and location of the lesions were tabulated. Type of anesthesia and monitoring method were analyzed. The histopathologic correlation was conducted in patients who required further surgeries or open surgical biopsies. RESULTS: Twenty-two biopsies were carried out in the magnetic resonance suite. One patient required general anesthesia and the other biopsies were conducted under intravenous sedation. There was only one case of nonconcurrence in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis of the posterior orbit. Overall, a 92% concurrence rate between image-directed fine-needle aspiration, open biopsy, and surgical therapy was encountered. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The use of interventional magnetic resonance imaging to assist with fine-needle aspiration core biopsy has made the biopsy procedure safer and more accurate. Potentially morbid and disfiguring surgeries have been avoided in some patients. Deeper lesions have been more easily approached, as the needle for biopsy is under constant magnetic resonance guidance. Improved visualization for critical structures allows safer performance of biopsies. The primary difficulties of open magnetic resonance imaging relate to the need for nonferromagnetic instrumentation and equipment and their high costs. An inverse relationship exists between the imaging quality and the "dead time" required to acquire images.

Adult↗

A prospective analysis of magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with sciatica and lumbar disc herniation. Correlation of outcomes with disc fragment and canal morphology.

STUDY DESIGN: A two-part observational study. In Part 1, consecutive lumbar magnetic resonance imaging scans in patients with sciatica meeting enrollment criteria were prospectively and blindly analyzed by a set protocol. In Part 2, further clinical findings at the time of the magnetic resonance imaging were obtained by retrospective chart review and outcome assessment done at follow-up of more than 2 years. OBJECTIVES: To determine the quantitative magnetic resonance findings of disc and canal measures in patients with sciatica and to analyze the predictive values of these magnetic resonance imaging and clinical variables on outcomes. METHODS: Part 1: Consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of sciatica who came to lumbar magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled, and magnetic resonance imaging dimensions of discs and canal at the herniated level were collected. Part 2: Of 186 patients in Part 1, 135 were followed for more than 2 years; 87 were treated conservatively, and 48 were treated surgically. Outcomes were judged on satisfaction, activity level, medication intake, and reported pain at follow-up (mean, 2.6 years). RESULTS: Part 1: Wide ranges of disc and canal measurements were seen in all parameters. Significant differences in all magnetic resonance parameters were noted between male and female patients. Men had proportionately greater canal compromise by the affected disc than women. Positive sciatic tension signs and short duration of symptoms correlated with large disc herniation. Right-sided symptomatic herniations were usually larger than left. Part 2: At follow-up, predictors of outcome were determined independently for the surgery and the nonoperative groups. In the nonoperative group, a shorter duration of sciatica was the most significant predictor of a good outcome (P = 0.0018). Moreover, a duration of symptoms less than 6 months, no involvement with litigation, and younger age were also correlated with a favorable outcome. The only magnetic resonance parameter associated with good outcome was a small ratio of disc hemiarea to remaining canal hemiarea (P = 0.045). For the surgical group, a larger anteroposterior disc length was the most significant independent predictor of a positive outcome (P < 0.0001). Larger ratios of disc area to canal area are also significantly associated with good outcomes (P < 0.0001), as are large disc areas and small remaining canal areas. Large right-left canal widths and small disc widths are also identified as predictors of a favorable outcome. Of the clinical parameters, concurrent medical illness, workers' compensation involvement, and female gender appear to be the most significantly correlated with poor outcome. All fair or poor surgical outcomes were in patients with smaller (< 6 mm) disc herniations. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative measurements by magnetic resonance imaging of disc and canal morphology of 188 patients with sciatica indicate a wide range of herniation and canal sizes, with significant differences between men and women. In a cohort of 135 patients followed for more than 2 years, demographic and clinical features appeared to predict outcomes of nonoperative treatment, whereas morphometric features of disc herniation and the spinal canal seen on magnetic resonance imaging were much more powerful predictors of surgical outcomes.

Adult↗

Temporal bone anomalies in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome: detailed computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: To inventory computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in the branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging study on a family with the BOR syndrome. SETTING: Department of medical imaging and magnetic resonance imaging at St. Jan Brugge, Brugge, Belgium. PATIENTS: Eight affected members of a Belgian family. Younger affected family members were excluded because of their age. RESULTS: Computed tomography showed inner ear malformations in all eight affected patients. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on five patients and showed inner ear malformations. To define hypoplasia or congenital enlargement of the inner ear structures, measurements obtained from a control group of normal subjects were used for comparison. Almost symmetrical cochlear abnormalities were observed on the three-dimensional Fourier transformation-constructive interference in steady state images of the five patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging; four had dysplasia of the cochlea, and one had hypoplasia. The vestibule was slightly enlarged in one patient; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed semicircular canal malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging clearly showed bilateral enlarged endolymphatic sacs and ducts, whereas computed tomography showed only unilateral widening of the vestibular aqueduct and borderline widening of the vestibular aqueduct. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral hypoplasia of the cochlear branch of the eighth nerve in one patient. CONCLUSION: Hypoplasia and dysplasia of the cochlea were consistent findings, and only magnetic resonance imaging was able to evaluate the intracochlear changes in detail and corrected computed tomography in most patients. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging also detected bilateral hypoplasia of the cochlear branch of the eighth nerve in one patient. A widened vestibular aqueduct and a widened vestibular sac were frequent but not obligatory features of the BOR syndrome. Other malformations of the middle ear included a reduced middle ear cavity and malformations of the ossicular chain.

Adolescent↗

Value of magnetic resonance imaging and discography in determining the level of cervical discectomy and fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: The correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and discography of the cervical spine in degenerative disc disease was studied. In addition, the results of cervical discectomy and fusion were evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To compare the value of cervical magnetic resonance imaging versus discography in selecting the level for discectomy and fusion and to evaluate the surgical outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The value of magnetic resonance imaging and discography in patients with cervical discogenic pain is less clear. Also, the status of a hypointense signal (dark) cervical disc and/or a small herniated disc on magnetic resonance imaging has not been determined. METHODS: The magnetic resonance imaging studies and discography followed by computed tomography in 55 patients with cervical discogenic pain were evaluated. Surgical planning was based on the complete information of clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging, and discography as well as computed tomography discography. Anterior cervical discectomy and keystone fusion was performed. Postoperative pain relief was assessed by the patients, and the follow-up radiographs were viewed by an independent reviewer. The overall surgical outcome was evaluated using Odom's criteria. RESULTS: There were 161 disc levels that successfully underwent cervical discography with 79 positive levels. A positive discography result was found in 63% of dark (hypointense signal) discs and 45% of speckled discs. Fifty-nine percent of small herniated discs and 59% of torn discs had a positive discography, respectively. There were 100 abnormal cervical discs on magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging had a false-positive rate of 51% and a false-negative rate of 27%. Successful cervical fusion was achieved in 95% of patients, and the overall satisfactory result was 76%. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging can identify most of the painful discs but still has relatively high false-negative and false-positive rates. There is a high chance that hypointense signal and small herniated discs are the pain generators, but they are not always symptomatic. Discography can save the levels from being unnecessarily fused. The combination of clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging, and discography provides the most information for decision making and can improve the management of cervical discogenic pain.

Adult↗

Evaluation of magnetic navigation in an in vitro model of uterine artery embolization.

PURPOSE: To compare steering of a novel magnetic guide wire with a standard 0.014-inch guide wire within a vascular phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The magnetic guiding system (MGS) was composed of two permanent magnets on each long side of the fluoroscopy table generating a 0.1-T magnetic field, and a C-arm angiography system. The magnetic field was created according to vectors drawn onto two radiographic projections. Consequently, the tip of the intravascular guide wire containing a permanent magnet was deflected parallel to the magnetic field. Ninety-six catheterizations were performed in water-filled polyvinyl chloride tubes imitating the arterial tree of a female pelvis. This vascular phantom resembled a total of 12 uterine arteries with three different calibers (inner diameters: 1.1 mm, 1.7 mm, and 4.2 mm). Fluoroscopy and procedure times were measured to compare magnetic-assisted and conventional catheterization. RESULTS: Catheterization to every predefined target was successful for all attempts with both guiding techniques. The fluoroscopy time during magnetic navigation was significantly shorter in vessels of all three sizes compared with conventional navigation (means of 19.6 sec, 5.9 sec, and 4.8 sec vs. 48.8 sec, 49.8 sec, and 32.7 sec for small, medium, and large vessels, respectively; P < .05). Procedure times with use of the magnetic guide wire (149.6 sec, 52.1 sec, and 39.9 sec) were not significantly different than those with conventional navigation (60.4 sec, 68.6 sec, and 47.7 sec). CONCLUSIONS: The MGS enables exact endovascular navigation with shorter fluoroscopy time in an in vitro model. The MGS may offer opportunities to reduce x-ray exposure to patients and staff.

Catheterization↗