高压氧联合放射治疗对食管癌患者survivin蛋白表达的影响

目的 探讨食管癌患者survivin蛋白的表达及高压氧联合放射治疗对survivin蛋白表达的影响。方法 应用免疫组织化学SP法检测65例食管癌患者及20名正常人食管黏膜组织survivin蛋白表达情况。结果 食管癌患者survivin蛋白表达率为70.8％ (46/65),正常人食管黏膜组织中表达率为5％ (1/20)。survivin蛋白的表达与肿瘤的淋巴转移关系密切,有淋巴转移的患者survivin蛋白阳性率与无淋巴转移的患者比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。食道癌患者高压氧联合放射治疗与单纯放射治疗比较,临床症状有所改善,survivin蛋白阳性表达率降低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论 survivin蛋白阳性表达与食管癌的生长及转移有关,参与食管癌的发生发展。高压氧与放射治疗联合应用可提高临床疗效。     

Ruptured adrenal artery aneurysm: a case report

A case of ruptured adrenal artery aneurysm is presented. The ultrasound, computed tomography and selective renal angiography findings are described in detail. Aneurysms of adrenal arteries are particularly rare. Early diagnosis is important because of their tendency towards rupture and subsequent high mortality rate. Received: 12 November 1998; Revised: 10 March 1999; Accepted: 13 April 1999     

MRI of bone marrow disorders

Four factors can be used in MR of bone marrow: fat–water distribution, artifacts induced by bone trabeculae, diffusion, and uptake of contrast media. Fat–water is imaged using T1-weighted spin-echo, short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and fast STIR, in- and out-of-phase gradient echo, and fat pre-saturation sequences; bone trabeculae by gradient echo with long TE; diffusion by single-shot spin-echo. The injection of contrast media is a more easy and efficient way to improve the specificity. The value and limitations of those sequences are discussed in marrow replacements (metastases, lymphoma, leukemia) and in myeloid hyperplasia or depletion.     

Musculoskeletal MRI: dedicated systems

The “dedicated” MRI units have characteristics of high diagnostic accuracy and lower installation and management costs as compared with whole-body systems. The dedicated MRI units are easy to install. The low weight allows their installation also under unfavorable circumstances. In a dedicated system cost-effectiveness and ease of installation must be accompanied by the capability of providing high-quality images. In our experience, the high number of examinations performed, the most part of which provided with the surgical controls, allowed an accurate evaluation of the diagnostic potentialities of the dedicated magnet. We were not able to perform the examinations in only 3 % of cases due to the physical shape of the patient and the clinical condition of the patient which may hinder the correct positioning of the limb. The overlapping of the diagnostic accuracy of the E-scan and Artoscan units in the study of the lower limbs, compared with whole-body units and surgery, prompted us to exploit the potentialities of the E-Scan in the study of the shoulder. We had a good correlation between E-Scan, whole-body units, and surgical findings, which confirmed the high diagnostic accuracy of the dedicated system. In conclusion, in our experience carried out in the musculoskeletal system, the dedicated magnets showed promising results. Their diagnostic reliability and utility was comparable to that obtained from conventional units operating at higher magnetic fields.     

Static and dynamic MRI of a urinary control intra-vaginal device

The aim of this study was to describe by MRI, in dynamic conditions at rest and straining, the anatomical modifications induced by a commercially available intravaginal device (IVD) aimed at relieving female stress urinary incontinence. Ten female patients complaining of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) had pelvic MRI with static and dynamic sequences, without and with a self-inserted IVD. We studied positions and angulations of the IVD in the pelvis. Paired t-test allowed comparisons of: position of the bladder neck; urethral angulation with the pubis axis; position of the urethra; and posterior urethro-vesical angle (PUVA) without and with IVD. At rest, in ten of ten cases IVD laid cranial to the pubo-rectal muscle; with an average angulation of 95 ± 10 ° with the pubis axis, laterally tilted in three of ten cases. In maximum straining with IVD bladder neck descent was lower by an average of 5.2 ± 3.1 mm (p = 0.001), pubo-urethral angle opening was smaller by an average of 22 ± 20 °(p = 0.015), and bladder neck to pubis distance was shorter by an average of 5.7 ± 4 mm. Posterior urethro-vesical angle was not significantly modified. Dynamic MRI allowed a non-invasive assessment of the mode of action of an IVD. The main modifications were a support of the bladder base and bladder neck, with a superior displacement of the urethra toward the pubis. Received: 6 October 1999; Revised: 17 January 2000; Accepted: 18 January 2000     

MRI of the shoulder

Shoulder imaging is one of the major applications in musculoskeletal MRI. In order to analyze the images it is important to keep informed about anatomical and pathological findings and publications. In this article MRI technique, anatomy and pathology is reviewed. Technical considerations about MR sequences and examination strategy are only shortly discussed with emphasis on turbo spin echo and short T1 inversion recovery imaging. Basic anatomy as well as recent findings, including macroscopic aspects of the supraspinatus fat pad, composition of the supraspinatus muscle belly, and variability of the glenohumeral ligaments or coracoid ligament, are presented. Basic pathological conditions are described in detail, e. g. instability particularly problems in differentiating the various subtypes of labral pathology. Rotator cuff diseases are elucidated with emphasis on some rarer entities such as subscapularis calcifying tendinitis, coracoid impingement, chronic bursitis producing the double-line sign, prominent coraco-acromial ligament and the impingement due to an inflamed os acromiale.     

药物联合高压氧治疗突发性聋132例

 目的 探讨药物联合高压氧治疗(hyperbaric oxygen treatment,HBOT)突发性聋的效果.方法 连续就诊的261例突发性聋患者随机分为药物治疗组(对照组)和HBOT结合药物治疗组(CHBOT),对照组采用常规药物治疗,HBOT组除上述药物治疗外,在舱内压力达0.20 MPa下,吸纯氧30 min 2次(中间吸空气10 min),1/d.在治疗后第30天或其间结束治疗的时间点按预定疗效指标评价.结果 与对照组相比,CHBOT 组听力显著改善(P＜0.01);耳鸣显著减轻,有效率为 76.8%, 对照组为56.63%(P＜0.01).在有眩晕的患者中,CHBOT组98.11% 的患者消失,而对照组仅 83.3%消失(P＜0.05).CHBOT组疗程明显短于对照组(P＜0.01).分析显示,无论采用何种治疗方法,入院前病程长、听力丧失(PTA＞55 dB)明显以及伴随眩晕的患者预后差.结论 CHBOT治疗突发性聋的疗效明显优于单纯药物治疗.尽早启动HBOT结合药物治疗是提高突发性聋治愈率的重要途径.     

Presumed capillary telangiectasia of the pons: MRI and follow-up

Capillary telangiectasia is a vascular abnormality primarily of the brainstem. The clinical relevance is unclear as is the association with clearly pathologic findings such as cavernous haemangioma. We report on four cases with capillary telangiectasia proven by follow-up und describe the imaging characteristics. T2 abnormality was only observed in half of the patients as was the presence of a discernable collecting vein. Whereas two cases were incidental findings in neurologically normal persons and one had symptoms clearly attributable to lacunar stroke, one patient may have had symptoms due to the vascular abnormality in the pons. Received: 26 January 1999; Revised: 24 August 1999; Accepted: 23 September 1999     

Hepatic endometrioma: a case report and review of the literature

Extrapelvic endometriosis is not uncommon but hepatic endometrioma is extremely rare. Ultrasound, CT and MR features of hepatic endometrioma are discussed and the literature is reviewed in this report. Received: 6 July 1998; Revision received: 4 May 1999; Accepted: 21 June 1999     

Value of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences in early MRI of the brain in neonates with a perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences in comparison with conventional spin-echo and inversion MR imaging in neonates for evaluation of myelination and for detection of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. We reviewed early MR scans of 18 neonates with suspected hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Myelination could be evaluated with confidence using conventional MR imaging in all but 2 infants; however, the presence of myelin was very difficult to assess on FLAIR images. Overall, 53 lesions or groups of lesions were identified. The FLAIR technique was more sensitive in 11 of the lesions; especially (pre)cystic lesions could be identified much better and more cysts were found. Conventional MR imaging failed to identify 2 of the lesions and was more sensitive in 14 of the lesions; especially punctate hemorrhages and lesions in basal ganglia or thalami could be better determined. The FLAIR technique missed 3 of these lesions. In the remaining 28 lesions conventional MR and FLAIR images were equally diagnostic. The FLAIR technique and conventional MR imaging are complementary in detecting early sequelae of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonates. The FLAIR technique is not suitable for assessing myelination of the neonatal brain; therefore, FLAIR cannot replace conventional MR imaging. Received: 11 January 2000; Revised: 10 April 2000; Accepted: 10 April 2000     

Axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer: preoperative detection with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI

Metastatic involvement of axillary lymph nodes is one of the most important prognostic variables in breast cancer. The aim of our work was to study the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in revealing axillary lymph node metastases from breast cancer. A total of 65 patients with invasive breast cancer treated with axillary lymph node dissection were preoperatively evaluated by MRI. T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D images were acquired using a coil covering the breast and the axilla. The dynamic contrast enhancement, size, and morphology of the axillary lymph nodes were registered. Histopathological examination revealed axillary lymph node metastases in 24 patients. When using a signal intensity increase in the lymph nodes of > 100 % during the first postcontrast image as a threshold for malignancy, 57 of 65 patients were correctly classified (sensitivity 83 %, specificity 90 %, accuracy 88 %). These results were not improved when lymph node size and morphology were used as additional criteria. Axillary lymph nodes can be evaluated as a part of an MR-mammography study without substantial increase in examination time, and provide the surgeon with knowledge about the localization of possible metastatic lymph nodes. Received: 25 February 1999; Revised: 3 August 1999; Accepted: 27 January 1999     

Chondromyxoid fibroma of the temporal bone: CT and MRI findings

We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with chondromyxoid fibroma of temporal bone origin. Since this is the least common bone tumor of cartilaginous origin, it is highly unusual to find this tumor in the skull. In fact, the literature describes 18 cases of this form of neoplasia arising in the skull, only 4 of these having originated in the temporal bone. To date, the radiological features of these tumors, and especially features detected using the latest imaging modalities, have not been described in detail. This report is unique in that it is the first to present a case of chondromyxoid fibroma of the temporal bone accompanied by detailed CT and MRI findings. Received: 8 July 1999; Revised: 14 December 1999; Accepted: 20 December 1999     

Optic nerve aspergillosis: report of a case diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy

The aim of this study was to describe the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) procedure in patient with a optic nerve lesion. A case of optic nerve and brain aspergillosis, an infrequent condition that can mimic tumor or tumor-like lesions, is reported. The patient was studied by CT and MRI and definite diagnosis was established by means of an ultrasound-guided FNAB. Specimen preparation revealed the presence of multiple hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus in the optic nerve lesion. The FNAB procedure is a safe and reliable diagnostic method for suspected intraorbitary tumors and tumor-like conditions especially when other less-invasive modalities have failed to establish the diagnosis and when cytologic confirmation is needed to implement aggressive therapy. Received: 18 March 1999; Revised: 22 July 1999; Accepted: 28 July 1999     

Rapid MRI assessment of renal space-occupying lesions

The aim of this study was to determine whether rapidly acquired MRI sequences, taking less than 5 min imaging time, can accurately characterise renal masses. All patients found to have a renal space-occupying lesion on CT or ultrasound were asked to participate in a prospective study using rapidly acquired MRI. The MRI technique was performed on a GE Signa (General Electric, Milwaukee, Wis.) 1.5 T magnet using breath-hold coronal and axial T1 GRASS (fast spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition into steady state, FSPGR/30/90) and axial T2 fast spin-echo sequences. The results were analysed by two radiologists unaware of the CT or ultrasound findings. The CT/US was independently viewed by a third radiologist. Lesions were characterised as simple cysts, indeterminate or solid. The MR and CT/US results were correlated and the sensitivity and specificity of MR for the characterisation of simple cysts and solid renal masses calculated. A total of 144 lesions (68 patients; 29 women 39 men, age range 32–78 years, average age 60 years) were studied: 111 simple cysts; 3 hyperdense cysts; 26 renal cell carcinomas; and 4 indeterminate lesions on CT/US. There was agreement between the CT/US and MRI in 82 % of cases. All renal cell carcinomas were correctly characterised on MRI. Of simple cysts, 79 % were correctly identified using this technique. Breath-hold MRI performed in less than 5 min can accurately characterise the majority of renal masses. It is 100 % sensitive in the characterisation of renal carcinoma, and it correctly identified approximately 80 % of simple cysts. If used at the time a renal mass is detected on MRI, it would reduce the need for further investigation of the majority of incidentally detected lesions which are simple cysts. Received: 15 December 1998; Revised: 10 May 1999; Accepted: 2 July 1999     

Virtual computed tomography colonoscopy: artifacts, image quality and radiation dose load in a cadaver study

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the interdependency of spatial resolution, image reconstruction artifacts, and radiation doses in virtual CT colonoscopy by comparing various CT scanning protocols. A pig's colon with several artificial polypoid lesions was imaged after air insufflation with helical CT scanning using 1-, 3-, and 5-mm collimation, and pitch values varying from 1.0 to 3.0. Virtual endoscopic images and “fly through” sequences were calculated on a Sun Sparc 20 workstation (Navigator Software, GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis.). Several reconstruction artifacts as well as overall image quality were evaluated by three independent reviewers. In addition, radiation doses for the different CT protocols were measured as multiple-scan average dose using a 10-cm ion chamber and a standard Plexiglass body phantom. Generally, image quality and reconstruction artifacts were less affected by pitch values than by beam collimation. Thus, narrow beam collimation at higher pitch values (e. g. 3 mm/2.0) seems to be a reasonable compromise between quality of virtual endoscopic images and radiation dose load. Received: 4 February 1999; Revised: 16 June 1999; Accepted: 17 June 1999     

MRI of the plantar structures of the foot after falanga torture

Falanga is an ancient form of punishment or torture but is still commonly reported by our refugees. The late result of caning the heel and ball of the foot is a chronic painful condition with few clinical signs. The aim of the present study was to assess, by MRI, possible morphologic characteristics of the heel and ball of the foot, related to falanga and pain in correlation to clinical findings. Magnetic resonance imaging of the foot was obtained in 12 victims exposed to falanga torture and 9 healthy volunteers. Sagittal T1-weighted spin-echo images (TR 616–840 ms, TE 20 ms), T2-weighted spin-echo images (TR 1900 ms, TE 90 ms), and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images (TR 1200 ms, TE 15 ms, TI 100 ms) were performed. The central portion of the plantar aponeurosis was generally significantly thicker in victims exposed to falanga torture as compared with that of controls (P < 0.05). In all except one of the victims, MRI demonstrated two layers of the thickened plantar aponeurosis: a deeper portion with normal homogeneous low signal intensity (SI) appearance, and a superficial layer with characteristic areas of mixed SI on both T1- and T2-weighted images. There were no signs of chronic muscular compartment syndromes, and the thickness of the plantar pad did not differ between the two groups. Magnetic resonance imaging may demonstrate morphologic characteristics of the plantar aponeurosis which may confirm falanga torture. Further imaging with more specific sequences is warranted to demonstrate the supposed injuries in the compartmental fat tissue chambers and the vascularity of the ball pad of the foot. Received: 25 November 1999; Revised: 8 February 2000; Accepted: 6 April 2000     

Right and left ventricular volume measurements in an animal heart model in vitro: first experiences with cardiac MRI at 1.0 T

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy in quantifying right and left ventricular volumes using a 1.0-T system and commercially available, standard equipment. For exact comparison of MRI measurements and real volumes we used an animal heart model ex vivo. Eight pig hearts were explanted and prepared by removal of the atria. Aorta and pulmonary truncus were cannulated. Definable volumes were injected into the ventricles. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 1.0 T (Gyroscan T10 NT, Philips, Eindhoven, The Netherlands); sequence: fast field echo–echo planar (multishot EPI); body coil; MR software: Cardiac Application Package (Philips). Statistical analysis correlated the real volumes and MR measurements separately for both ventricles and two investigators (SAS, ANOVA). For both ventricles and both investigators the correlation between real volumes and MR measurements was greater than 0.99. There was no significant systematic false estimation for both ventricles. Magnetic resonance imaging at 1.0 T using standard hardware and software equipment enables the quantification of right and left ventricular volumes with high approximation to the real volumes in vitro. There is a clear restriction in translating these data into a clinical application because under experimental conditions no motion-induced artifacts existed. Received: 22 July 1999; Accepted: 27 August 1999     

MRI evaluation of soft tissue hydatid disease

Infestation in soft tissue by Echinococcus granulosus is not a common disease, and its diagnosis is based on clinical, laboratory data and radiological findings. The aim of our retrospective study is to give an overview of the different signs and patterns shown by MRI that can be useful in characterizing soft tissue hydatid disease. The MRI images obtained in seven patients with soft tissue and subcutaneous hydatidosis were reviewed. Typical signs of hydatidosis were multivesicular lesions with or without hypointense peripheral ring (“rim sign”). Related to the presence and absence, respectively, of viable scolices in the microscopic exam, daughter cysts were presented either as high signal intensity or low signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Low-intensity detached layers within the cyst and peripheral enhancement with gadolinium-DTPA were also presented. Atypical signs were presented in an infected muscular cyst, a subcutaneous unilocular cyst and several unilocular cysts. Knowledge of the different patterns in MRI of soft tissue hydatid disease can be useful in diagnosing this entity. We observed that the “rim sign” is not as common as in other locations, and in addition, MRI seems to be of assistance when evaluating the vitality of the cysts. Received: 27 July 1998; Revision received: 11 March 1999; Accepted: 23 April 1999     

早期高压氧治疗脑弥漫性轴索损伤45例

目的 探讨高压氧早期治疗弥漫性轴索损伤(diffuse axonal injury,DAI)的疗效和机制. 方法 45例DAI患者随机分为常规治疗组20例和高压氧治疗组25例,观察治疗前后颅内压以及GCS评分平均值的变化和预后情况. 结果 高压氧治疗组较常规治疗组早期颅内压值明显降低,GCS评分平均值曲线抬高,预后良好率明显提高.两者比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 早期高压氧辅助治疗DAI患者,可以明显降低患者颅内压,改善其预后.     

Pseudoaneurysm of the subclavian artery: a case report

Aneurysms of the subclavian arteries are rare. We report a case of a post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the subclavian artery which has been diagnosed by chest radiography, CT scan, and subsequently angiography.