Simultaneous measurement of regional cerebral blood flow by perfusion CT and stable xenon CT: a validation study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Knowledge of cerebral blood flow (CBF) alterations in cases of acute stroke could be valuable in the early management of these cases. Among imaging techniques affording evaluation of cerebral perfusion, perfusion CT studies involve sequential acquisition of cerebral CT sections obtained in an axial mode during the IV administration of iodinated contrast material. They are thus very easy to perform in emergency settings. Perfusion CT values of CBF have proved to be accurate in animals, and perfusion CT affords plausible values in humans. The purpose of this study was to validate perfusion CT studies of CBF by comparison with the results provided by stable xenon CT, which have been reported to be accurate, and to evaluate acquisition and processing modalities of CT data, notably the possible deconvolution methods and the selection of the reference artery. METHODS: Twelve stable xenon CT and perfusion CT cerebral examinations were performed within an interval of a few minutes in patients with various cerebrovascular diseases. CBF maps were obtained from perfusion CT data by deconvolution using singular value decomposition and least mean square methods. The CBF were compared with the stable xenon CT results in multiple regions of interest through linear regression analysis and bilateral t tests for matched variables. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed good correlation between perfusion CT and stable xenon CT CBF values (singular value decomposition method: R(2) = 0.79, slope = 0.87; least mean square method: R(2) = 0.67, slope = 0.83). Bilateral t tests for matched variables did not identify a significant difference between the two imaging methods (P >.1). Both deconvolution methods were equivalent (P >.1). The choice of the reference artery is a major concern and has a strong influence on the final perfusion CT CBF map. CONCLUSION: Perfusion CT studies of CBF achieved with adequate acquisition parameters and processing lead to accurate and reliable results.

Coronary artery anomalies and variants: technical feasibility of assessment with coronary MR angiography at 3 T.

The purpose of this study was to prospectively use a whole-heart three-dimensional (3D) coronary magnetic resonance (MR) angiography technique specifically adapted for use at 3 T and a parallel imaging technique (sensitivity encoding) to evaluate coronary arterial anomalies and variants (CAAV). This HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the local institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Twenty-two participants (11 men, 11 women; age range, 18-62 years) were included. Ten participants were healthy volunteers, whereas 12 participants were patients suspected of having CAAV. Coronary MR angiography was performed with a 3-T MR imager. A 3D free-breathing navigator-gated and vector electrocardiographically-gated segmented k-space gradient-echo sequence with adiabatic T2 preparation pulse and parallel imaging (sensitivity encoding) was used. Whole-heart acquisitions (repetition time msec/echo time msec, 4/1.35; 20 degrees flip angle; 1 x 1 x 2-mm acquired voxel size) lasted 10-12 minutes. Mean examination time was 41 minutes +/- 14 (standard deviation). Findings included aneurysms, ectasia, arteriovenous fistulas, and anomalous origins. The 3D whole-heart acquisitions developed for use with 3 T are feasible for use in the assessment of CAAV.

Radiation doses in computed tomography: pitfalls in comparing CT to chest X-ray

Rapid response to : Madan M Rehani and Manorma Berry Radiation doses in computed tomography BMJ 2000; 320: 593-594

Diagnosis of right ventricular dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism using helical computed tomography.

Forty-six consecutive patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) who underwent pulmonary angiography, helical computed tomography (CT), and echocardiography in the investigators' emergency department were studied. It was determined that the CT right ventricular (RV)/left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic area ratio was correlated with PE obstruction and echocardiography. A CT RV/LV area ratio >1 had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% in diagnosing significant PE. The present study suggests that helical CT may be used as a triage tool in acute PE for selecting high-risk patients, using calculation of the RV/LV area ratio to detect RV dysfunction.

TEP/TDM en radiothérapie : indications et perspectives [PET/CT and radiotherapy: indications and potential applications].

The implementation of new techniques of imaging in the daily practice of the radiation oncologist is a major advance in these last 10 years. This allows optimizing the therapeutic intervals and locoregional control of the disease while limiting side effects. Among them, positron emission tomography (PET) offers an opportunity to the clinician to obtain data relative to the tumoral biological mechanisms, while benefiting from the morphological images of the computed tomography (CT) scan. Recently hybrid PET/CT has been developed and numerous studies aimed at optimizing its use in the planning, the evaluation of the treatment response and the prognostic value. The choice of the radiotracer (according to the type of cancer and to the studied biological mechanism) and the various methods of tumoral delineation, require a regular update to optimize the practices. We propose throughout this article, an exhaustive review of the published researches (and in process of publication) until December 2011, as user guide of PET/CT in all the aspects of the modern radiotherapy (from the diagnosis to the follow-up): biopsy guiding, optimization of treatment planning and dosimetry, evaluation of tumor response and prognostic value, follow-up and early detection of recurrence versus tumoral necrosis. In a didactic purpose, each of these aspects is approached by primary tumoral location, and illustrated with representative iconographic examples. The current contribution of PET/CT and its perspectives of development are described to offer to the radiation oncologist a clear and up to date reading in this expanding domain.

Indications à la coronarographie en urgence. Partie I: syndromes coronariens aigus avec élévation du segment ST [Indications for urgent coronary angiography. Part I: ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes]

The indications for urgent coronary angiography are stated in the guidelines for treatment of acute coronary syndromes. An invasive approach is considered the treatment of choice for patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction within 12 hours of the beginning of symptoms. In the absence of contraindication, intravenous thrombolysis continues to be a valuable alternative to primary angioplasty within 3 hours of the beginning of clinical symptoms. Urgent coronary angiography continues to be recommended following the failure of thrombolysis, persistent myocardial ischemia after 12 hours of symptoms, recurrent myocardial ischemia following myocardial infarction or in the case of cardiogenic shock.

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle: correlation of MR and CT findings with histology and chemical analysis.

Eight patients with colloid cysts of the third ventricle were examined with CT and MR. In six, surgical resection was performed and the material was subjected to histologic evaluation; the concentrations of trace elements were determined by particle-induced X-ray emission. Stereotaxic aspiration was performed in two. The investigation showed that colloid cysts are often iso- or hypodense relative to brain on CT (5/8), but sometimes have a center of increased density. Increased density did not correlate with increased concentration of calcium or other metals but did not correlate with high cholesterol content. Colloid cysts appear more heterogeneous on MR (6/8) than on CT (3/8), despite a homogeneous appearance at histology. High signal on short TR/TE sequences is correlated with a high cholesterol content. A marked shortening of the T2 relaxation time is often noticed in the central part of the cyst. Analysis of trace elements showed that this phenomenon is not related to the presence of metals with paramagnetic effects. Our analysis of the contents of colloid cysts does not support the theory that differing metallic concentrations are responsible for differences in MR signal intensity or CT density. We did find that increased CT density and high MR signal correlated with high cholesterol content.

Nonenhanced arterial spin labeled carotid MR angiography using three-dimensional radial balanced steady-state free precession imaging.

PURPOSE: To optimize and preliminarily evaluate a three-dimensional (3D) radial balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) arterial spin labeled (ASL) sequence for nonenhanced MR angiography (MRA) of the extracranial carotid arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The carotid arteries of 13 healthy subjects and 2 patients were imaged on a 1.5 Tesla MRI system using an undersampled 3D radial bSSFP sequence providing a scan time of ∼4 min and 1 mm(3) isotropic resolution. A hybridized scheme that combined pseudocontinuous and pulsed ASL was used to maximize arterial coverage. The impact of a post label delay period, the sequence repetition time, and radiofrequency (RF) energy configuration of pseudocontinuous labeling on the display of the carotid arteries was assessed with contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements. Faster, higher undersampled 2 and 1 min scans were tested. RESULTS: Using hybridized ASL MRA and a 3D radial bSSFP trajectory, arterial CNR was maximized with a post label delay of 0.2 s, repetition times ≥ 2.5 s (P < 0.05), and by eliminating RF energy during the pseudocontinuous control phase (P < 0.001). With higher levels of undersampling, the carotid arteries were displayed in ≤ 2 min. CONCLUSION: Nonenhanced MRA using hybridized ASL with a 3D radial bSSFP trajectory can display long lengths of the carotid arteries with 1 mm(3) isotropic resolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1150-1156. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Etude prospective sur l'utilité et valeur diagnostique du PET/CT au 18F-FDG pour le diagnostic d'infection sur cathéters veineux centraux permanents

Contexte Lié au vieillissement et à la sédentarisation de la population, ainsi qu'à la chronicisation du cancer, l'emploi de cathéters veineux centraux permanents (CVCP) n'a cessé d'augmenter. La complication majeure de ces dispositifs, induisant de forts taux de morbi-mortalité, est l'infection. Actuellement, le diagnostic de ces infections reste surtout basé sur la clinique et les hémocultures. Lorsque le doute persiste, une ablation chirurgicale suivie de la mise en culture des prélèvements chirurgicaux et du cathéter permettent de poser le diagnostic. En clinique, après ces examens, nous constatons que seule la moitié des cathéters retirés étaient réellement infectés. Alors que la tomographie par émission de positons fusionnée à la tomographie (PET/CT) a montré de bons résultats dans la détection des infections chroniques, la valeur diagnostique du PET/CT au fluorodeoxyglucose marqué au 18F (18F-FDG) pour les infections de CVCP n'a encore jamais été déterminée dans une étude prospective. Objectifs Au travers de cette étude prospective, ouverte et monocentrique, nous chercherons à connaître la valeur diagnostique du PET/CT au 18F-FDG dans la détection d'infections de CVCP et ainsi d'en déterminer son utilité. Nous essaierons aussi de déterminer la différence de valeur diagnostique du PET/CT au 18F-FDG par rapport aux méthodes conventionnelles (paramètres cliniques et culture du liquide d'aspiration), afin de se déterminer sur l'éventuelle utilité diagnostique de celui-ci. Méthodes Cadre : Etude prospective d'au moins 20 patients, avec 2 groupes contrôles d'au moins 10 patients ayant chacun respectivement une faible et une forte probabilité d'infection, soit au moins 40 patients au total. Population : patients adultes avec CVCP devant être retiré. Cette étude prévoit un examen PET/CT au 18F-FDG effectué auprès de patients nécessitant une ablation de CVCP sur suspicion d'infection, sans confirmation possible par les moyens diagnostiques non chirurgicaux. Deux acquisitions seront réalisées 45 et 70 minutes après l'injection de 5,5MBq/Kg de 18F-FDG. Le groupe contrôle à faible probabilité d'infection, sera formé de patients bénéficiant de l'ablation définitive d'un CVCP pour fin de traitement durant le laps de temps de l'étude, et ayant bénéficié au préalable d'un examen PET/CT pour raison X. Après avoir retiré chirurgicalement le CVCP, nous utiliserons la culture microbiologique des deux extrémités du CVCP comme étalon d'or (gold standard) de l'infection. Le groupe contrôle à forte probabilité d'infection sera formé de patients nécessitant une ablation de CVCP sur infection de CVCP confirmée par les moyens diagnostiques non chirurgicaux (culture positive du liquide de l'aspiration). Lors de l'examen PET/CT, ces patients auront aussi deux acquisitions réalisées 45 et 70 minutes après l'injection de 5,5MBq/Kg de 18F-FDG. Les résultats de ces examens seront évalués par deux spécialistes en médecine nucléaire qui détermineront le niveau de suspicion de l'infection sur une échelle de Likert allant de I à V, sur la base du nombre de foyers, de la localisation du foyer, de l'intensité de la captation de 18F-FDG au voisinage du cathéter et du rapport tissu/arrière-plan. Par la suite, nous retirerons chirurgicalement le CVCP. Nous utiliserons la culture microbiologique du pus (si présent), des deux extrémités du CVCP ainsi que l'histologie des tissus formant un tunnel autour du cathéter comme étalon d'or de l'infection. Les résultats seront analysés à l'aide de courbes ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) afin de déterminer la valeur diagnostique du PET/CT dans l'infection de CVCP. Les résultats des examens des patients avec suspicion clinique d'infection seront ensuite analysés séparément, afin de déterminer la différence de valeur diagnostique du PET/CT au 18F-FDG par rapport aux méthodes conventionnelles. Résultats escomptés Ce projet veut chercher à savoir si le PET/CT au 18F-FDG peut être un moyen diagnostique valide dans les infections de CVCP, s'avérer utile lorsque les autres moyens diagnostiques sont non conclusifs. Plus-value escomptée Actuellement, lors d'incertitude sur le diagnostic d'infection de CVCP, une opération chirurgicale est effectuée à titre préventif afin d'enlever le cathéter en cause, cependant seulement la moitié de ces cathéters sont réellement infectés en pratique. Le PET/CT au 18F-FDG, grâce à sa sensibilité élevée et probablement une bonne valeur prédictive négative, pourrait éviter à une partie des patients un retrait inutile du cathéter, diminuant ainsi les risques chirurgicaux et les coûts liés à de telles opérations, tout en préservant le capital d'accès vasculaire futur.

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Primary Ovarian Cancer Staging: Comparison Between MDCT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare multidetector CT (MDCT), MRI, and FDG PET/CT imaging for the detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen women with ovarian cancer and suspected PC underwent MDCT, MRI, and FDG PET/CT, shortly before surgery. Nine abdominopelvic regions were defined according to the peritoneal cancer index. We applied lesion size scores on MDCT and MR and measured FDG PET/CT standard uptake. We blindly read MDCT, MR, and PET/CT before joint review and comparison with histopathology. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ten women had PC (67%). Altogether, 135 abdominopelvic sites were compared. Multidetector CT, MRI, and FDG PET/CT had a sensitivity of 96%, 98%, and 95%, and specificity was 92%, 84%, and 96%, respectively. Corresponding receiver operating characteristics area was 0.94, 0.90, and 0.96, respectively, without any significant differences between them (P = 0.12). FDG PET/CT detected supradiaphragmatic disease in 3 women (20%) not seen by MDCT or MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Although MRI had the highest sensitivity and FDG PET/CT had the highest specificity, no significant differences were found between the 3 techniques. Thus, MDCT, as the fastest, most economical, and most widely available modality, is the examination of choice, if a stand-alone technique is required. If inconclusive, PET/CT or MRI may offer additional insights. Whole-body FDG PET/CT may be more accurate for supradiaphragmatic metastatic extension.

Hémorragie par le canal de Wirsung: forme rare d'hémorragie digestive haute. A propos d'une observation [Hemorrhage through Wirsung's duct: rare form of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. A case report].

The case of a 41-year-old alcoholic patient who presented with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding is reported. The diagnosis was established rapidly by endoscopy which revealed bleeding through the papilla of Vater. Selective angiography of the superior mesenteric artery opacified the pancreatic duct as well as the duodenum. CT scan showed signs of chronic pancreatitis. Because of the recurrence of bleeding and shock, an urgent operation was necessary and a Whipple procedure was performed. Recovery was complete. The clinical presentation, the etiology, the diagnostic modalities and the treatment of this particular condition are discussed. Usually, hemorrhage through the pancreatic duct presents as repeated episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with no source found at endoscopy. The presence of chronic pancreatitis or of epigastric pain during bleeding should suggest the diagnosis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and angiography are the principal diagnostic tools. Definitive treatment requires surgery, and resection in most of the cases.