氟比洛芬酯对内镜逆行胰胆管造影术后胰腺炎的预防作用

 目的 观察氟比洛芬酯对内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP)术后胰腺炎的预防作用。方法 选择2014-01至2016-12收治的胰胆管疾病行ERCP患者110例,随机均分为氟比洛芬酯组(56例)和对照组(54例)。氟比洛芬酯组麻醉前给予氟比洛芬酯1.5 mg/kg,对照组给予同等剂量生理盐水。术前,术后6 h、12 h抽取患者静脉血,检测血中胰淀粉酶含量,并记录两组患者术后6 h、24 h发生高淀粉酶血症和术后发生胰腺炎的情况。结果 两组患者血清胰淀粉酶水平在术前相比差异无统计学意义;术后6 h氟比洛芬酯组血清胰淀粉酶水平(225±67.83) U/L相较对照组(379±112.61)U/L明显降低(P＜0.05); 术后24 h氟比洛芬酯组血清胰淀粉酶水平减少(127±92.77) U/L相较对照组(186±97.28) U/L降低(P＜0.05)。术后6 h氟比洛芬酯组高淀粉酶血症发生率为14.9%(8/56例),低于对照组的35.19%,术后24 h氟比洛芬酯组高淀粉酶血症发生率为5.36%(3/56例),低于对照组的20.37%(P＜0.05);两组患者胰腺炎的发生情况氟比洛芬酯组为0,相较对照组的11.1%有统计学差异(P＜0.05)。结论 氟比洛芬酯可降低ERCP术后血清胰淀粉酶血水平,减少ERCP术后胰腺炎的发生。     

Technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime leucocyte scintigraphy in the early course of mild acute pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) leucocyte scintigraphy in mild acute pancreatitis. A study design was chosen that gave us an opportunity to assess patients by leucocyte scintigraphy in the very early course of the disease. Thirty-two consecutive patients referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were followed according to a very rigid protocol with laboratory tests and clinical examination before and after the endoscopic procedure and leucocyte scintigraphy [including single-photon emission tomography (SPET)] performed within 24 h. Planar and SPET images were examined by two observers who were blinded to each other and to the clinical history and diagnosis. Eight (25%) of the 32 patients developed mild acute pancreatitis, and only one of these patients had a positive scan. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 13%, 79% and 63%, respectively, were achieved when both planar and SPET images were considered. When only planar images were considered the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 13%, 96% and 75%, respectively. No evidence of pathological leucocyte accumulation in mild acute pancreatitis was found despite the aforementioned very rigid protocol, allowing patients to be assessed by^99mTc-HMPAO leucocyte scintigraphy in the very early phase of the disease (this was true even when using SPET). From a clinical point of view, we believe that leucocyte scintigraphy should be used only when the disease is moderate or severe and serious intra-abdominal complications are suspected.     

Pseudotumor of the distal common bile duct at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Background

Prior studies have described a pseudocalculus appearance in the distal common bile duct as a normal variant at cholangiography. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of pseudotumor in the distal common bile duct at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Methods

Nine patients who underwent ERCP between May 2004 and July 2008 were identified as having a transient eccentric mural-based filling defect in the distal common bile duct. A single reader systematically reviewed all studies and recorded the imaging findings.

Results

The mean diameter of the filling defect was 9 mm (range, 5 to 11). Eight patients had resolution of the filling defect during the same ERCP or on a subsequent ERCP, and in two of these patients the inferior border of the filling defect was not well visualized. The other patient underwent surgical resection of a presumed tumor with no evidence of malignancy on surgical pathology.

Conclusion

An eccentric mural-based filling defect in the distal common bile duct can be artifactual in nature and may reflect transient contraction of the sphincter of Oddi. Recognition of this pseudotumor may help avoid unnecessary surgery.     

脑电双频谱指数指导下监测麻醉在老年患者ERCP中应用

目的探讨脑电双频谱指数(BIS)指导下的监测麻醉在老年患者内镜下逆行胰胆造影(ERCP)手术中的应用效果。方法选择2015年1月至2016年7月在沈阳军区总医院拟行ERCP患者80例为研究对象。将患者随机分为监测麻醉组(MAC组)和局部麻醉强化组(LA组),每组各40例。观察并记录两组患者的心率(HR)、平均动脉压(MAP)、呼吸频率(RR)、呼气末二氧化碳分压(P_(ET)CO_2)、脉搏氧饱和度(SpO_2),以及术中肢体躁动情况,呕吐呛咳等不良反应,患者、术者舒适满意度。结果 MAC组患者的出室时间明显长于LA组(P<0.05);在T_3、T_4、T_5时点,MAC组的MAP和HR变化幅度明显小于LA组(P<0.05);MAC组的肢体躁动情况和呕吐呛咳反应明显少于LA组(P<0.05);呼吸抑制次数明显多于LA组(P<0.05);呼吸道梗阻次数两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者均无反流误吸发生。MAC组的医患镇静/镇痛满意度明显高于LA组(P<0.05)。结论 BIS指导下的监测麻醉能更安全、有效、舒适的完成手术,是一种满意度高的麻醉方法,更适合高龄行ERCP术患者。     

早期重症急性胆源性胰腺炎内镜逆行胆胰管造影的治疗价值

 目的 探讨在早期重症急性胆源性胰腺炎(severe acute biliary pancreatitis, SABP)内镜逆行胆胰管造影术(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, ERCP)的治疗价值。方法 2011-07至2015-07我科收治的SABP患者经知情同意后分为早期内镜治疗组(EEI)和早期非手术治疗组(ECM),每组43例;比较两组治疗前后白细胞计数(WBC)、中性粒细胞百分比值(N%),总胆红素(TBIL)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、降钙素原(PCT)变化,腹痛缓解时间、住院时长、器官衰竭发生率的区别。结果 EEI组与ECM组相比,平均住院天数[(24.8±4.8)d vs (28.3±6.1)d]明显减少,器官衰竭总发生率(30.2% vs 53.5%)明显降低,1周内腹痛缓解率(83.7% vs 60.4%)更高(P＜0.05)。ECM组胰腺感染坏死发生率较EEI组有增高趋势(P=0.062)。EEI组患者ERCP治疗后WBC、N%、IL-6、TBIL较入院时明显降低(P<0.05),1周后N%、PCT、IL-6、CRP、TBIL进一步下降(P<0.05)。ECM组治疗72 h未能使WBC、N%、PCT、IL-6、CRP、TBIL下降,予以ERCP治疗后WBC、N%、IL-6、TBIL明显降低(P＜0.05);部分未行介入治疗的ECM患者治疗1周后N%、PCT、IL-6、CRP无明显降低。ERCP治疗患者未见相关并发症。结论 在SABP综合治疗中,早期予以ERCP治疗安全、有效、可行,可改善临床症状、指标,缩短病程,使患者早日康复。     

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: interest of IV secretin administration in the evaluation of pancreatic ducts

The aim of this study was to investigate whether IV secretin administration is useful to enhance the delineation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and its side branches, and if it provides additional information concerning signal voids and strictures. Twenty-seven patients referred for abdominal pain or laboratory abnormalities (group 1, n = 13) or for the follow-up of chronic pancreatitis (CP; group 2, n = 14) were studied. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was acquired at 1.5 T before and after IV secretin by a coronal 3D TSE T2-weighted sequence with maximum intensity projection postprocessing. In group 1 secretin provided a better visualization of MPD in 9 patients. In a patient with pancreas divisum, it allowed suggestion of stenosis of the accessory papilla, confirmed at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In group 2 secretin provided a better visualization of MPD only in the 3 patients with mild disease. A mild dilation upstream a stricture occurred in 2 cases and a marked dilation appeared upstream a wallstent which was non-patent at ERCP. Few changes were noticed concerning side branches. These preliminary results indicate that in patients without CP, secretin improves MPD delineation avoiding invasive diagnostic ERCP. In patients with mild CP secretin does not improve the characterization of signal voids, but it may be useful to appreciate their significance and to follow-up stenosis. Received 15 January 1997; Revision received 4 April 1997; Accepted 9 April 1997     

Multiple small pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis: angiographic diagnosis and transcatheter embolization

We report a case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to multiple, small pseudoaneurysms complicating a chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Cross-sectional imaging with CT and US could not clearly depict these vascular lesions. Selective arteriography of the superior mesenteric and gastroduodenal arteries clearly showed the small pseudoaneurysms and definitive treatment was performed by transcatheter embolization using coils. Eight months after successful embolization, the patient is asymptomatic without any recurrent bleeding. Received: 18 June 1999; Revised: 13 October 1999; Accepted: 15 October 1999     

Characterization of unifocal liver lesions with pulse inversion harmonic imaging after Levovist injection: preliminary results

The aim of this study was to evaluate capabilities of pulse inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) in characterization of unifocal liver lesions. We evaluated with PIHI (HDI5000, ATL, Bothell, Wash.) and spiral CT 46 consecutive patients with a single liver lesion identified by fundamental US [7 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), 2 cholangiocarcinomas, 7 focal nodular hyperplasias (FNH), 17 hemangiomas and 13 metastases]. The PIHI was performed before and 30 s, 2 and 4 min after bolus administration of Levovist (2.5 g, 300 mg/ml). Scans were digitally stored and reviewed using a dedicated software. Hepatocellular carcinoma was hyperechoic on 30-s scan, and hypoechoic (n = 5) or isoechoic (n = 2) on 2-min scan. Cholangiocarcinoma had inhomogeneous persistent enhancement. Focal nodular hyperplasia was hyperechoic (n = 5) or isoechoic (n = 2) on 30-s scan, hyperechoic (n = 4), isoechoic (n = 2) or slightly hypoechoic (n = 1) on 2-min scan. Large hemangioma revealed peripheral enhancement on 30-s scan which extended centripetally on 2-min scan. Small hemangioma appeared isoechoic on 2-min scan in all but two cases in which they were hypoechoic on 2-min scans and hyperechoic on 4-min scan. Metastasis was hypoechoic on all scans, 70% with rim enhancement. Similar changes in enhancement pattern have been observed at spiral CT. The 30-s and the 2-min scans revealed a conclusive importance in characterization of HCC, cholangiocarcinoma, and large hemangioma. The 2-min scan often furnished enough information for characterization of small hemangioma and metastasis. The 4-min scan allowed characterization of two hemangiomas which appeared hypoechoic on 2-min scans. In the other cases it did not provide further information. Diagnosis of FNH is usually reached with Colour Doppler US; PIHI should be used when colour Doppler is biased by artefacts or when colour Doppler findings are not characteristic. Our results seem to show that PIHI could be a valuable alternative diagnostic approach to spiral CT for unifocal liver lesion characterization. This hypothesis needs to be confirmed with an increased number of lesions.     

Signal changes in liver and spleen after Endorem administration in patients with and without liver cirrhosis

The goal of this study was to compare the effect of Endorem on the signal intensity of the spleen in patients with normal liver tissue and in patients with liver cirrhosis. Thirty patients with normal liver tissue and 47 with liver cirrhosis were examined before and after i. v. Endorem administration. The patients were examined with a 1.5-T magnet system (Magnetom Vision) using a semiflexible cp-array coil. Three different pulse sequences were used: a T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence, a T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence with spectral fat suppression, and a T2^*-weighted gradient-echo sequence. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of two areas of the liver and spleen were determined. The mean SNRs of the liver and spleen in patients with and without liver cirrhosis were compared. For assessment of statistical significance, the t-test at a level of P < 0.05 was applied. After i. v. administration of Endorem, no differences were seen with the T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence for the liver and spleen and, with the T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence, no differences were found for the spleen. Significant differences between both groups were seen for the liver with the T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence. The SNR in the noncirrhotic liver group was 57.4 % lower than the SNR in the cirrhotic liver group. With the T2^*-weighted gradient-echo sequence, the SNRs of the liver and spleen in the noncirrhotic liver group, compared with the cirrhotic liver group, were 126.8 % and 45.6 % less, respectively. The effect of Endorem on the liver in patients with Child C-stage liver cirrhosis was 32.1 % less than in patients with Child B-stage liver cirrhosis. Likewise, the Endorem effect on the spleen was 27.1 % less in patients with Child C-stage compared with Child B-stage liver cirrhosis. Hepatic and splenic uptake of Endorem is significantly decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis. Received: 3 February 1999; Revision received: 21 October 1999; Accepted: 27 October 1999     

经ERCP取胆汁检测淀粉酶在胰胆管合流异常诊治中的意义

目的：探讨经ERCP取胆汁进行淀粉酶检测在胰胆管合流异常诊断与治疗中的作用。方法：通过B超筛选，对我中心部分行ERCP的病人在造影剂注入前，取胆汁进行淀粉酶测定，同时对其中部分病人在造影前行血清淀粉酶测定。根据造影结果将病人分成胰胆管合流异常组（PBM）．长共同通道组（LCC）与短共同通道组（SCC）3组。对PBM组患者在术后通过T管取胆汁行淀粉酶检测。结果：PBM组术前胆汁淀粉酶水平（2207．8&#177;654．7）U／L显著高于LCC组（181．6&#177;55．3）U／L及SCC组（46．1&#177;10．3）U/L，而LCC组胆汁淀粉酶显著高于SCC组。PBM组胆汁淀粉酶显著高于血清淀粉酶（381．2&#177;85．6）U／L，同时术前胆汁淀粉酶水平也显著高于术后（240．2&#177;64．7）U／L。结论：胆汁淀粉酶水平高低与胰胆管共同通道长度有关，共同通道较长者胆汁淀粉酶水平较高。胆汁高淀粉酶水平是诊断胰胆返流的可靠证据，检测胆汁淀粉酶可做为诊断PBM的重要辅助手段。对那些共同通道长度未达到PBM诊断标准，但胆汁淀粉酶明硅高于血清水平者，应视为PBM处理。     

Spontaneous thrombosis of a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation: possible effects of contrast media

A 5-year-old boy with macrocephaly and mental retardation was referred for radiologic evaluation. After cranial CT and MR imaging, the diagnosis of mural type vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation was established by angiography. Two weeks later, preembolization angiography revealed complete thrombosis of the malformation. Although it is a very rare event, vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation may spontaneously thrombose following diagnostic angiography. Possible effects of contrast media on thrombosis were discussed. Received: 27 April 1999; Revised: 29 September 1999; Accepted: 28 January 2000     

逆行胰胆管造影早期预切开时间对困难插管患者术后胰腺炎发生率的影响

 目的 探讨早期预切开时间对困难插管患者内镜下逆行胰胆管造影(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, ERCP)术后胰腺炎发生率的影响。方法 回顾性分析武警安徽总队医院从2014-03至2019-11行ERCP因困难插管而预切开符合条件患者临床资料,共187例,根据预切开时间分成两组,早期预切开(A组)85例,延迟预切开(B组)102例,对两组患者的基本情况、与患者自身及手术操作相关的ERCP术后胰腺炎(post-ERCP pancreatitis, PEP)高风险因素、预切开后插管成功率及术后发生胰腺炎情况进行比较。两组均未给予吲哚美辛栓纳肛,术后均未放置胰管支架。结果 A组ERCP术后胰腺炎(post-ERCP pancreatitis, PEP)发生率为4.71%(4/85),B组PEP发生率为14.71%(15/102),A组发生率低于B组, 差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组4例PEP均为轻度胰腺炎;B组15例PEP中1例为重度胰腺炎,其余为轻度胰腺炎。两组预切开后选择性胆管插管成功率,A组为92.94%(79/85),B组为85.29%(87/102)。两组术后出血、穿孔、胆管炎等并发症发生率无统计学差异,两组均无死亡病例。结论 对ERCP手术困难插管患者,早期预切开可降低PEP发生率,提高插管成功率,安全有效。     

Therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization on hepatocellular carcinoma: evaluation with contrast-enhanced harmonic power Doppler ultrasound

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced harmonic power Doppler ultrasound (US) for the detection of residual viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after treatment with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Forty-seven patients with 68 HCC lesions 1.8–9.5 cm in diameter (mean ± SD 4.3 ± 1.7 cm) underwent contrast-enhanced power Doppler US, in the harmonic mode, before and after treatment with TACE. Unenhanced spiral CT and contrast-enhanced dynamic MR imaging were also performed to help establish the outcome of therapy. Before treatment, intratumoral blood flow signals were detected at contrast-enhanced harmonic power Doppler US in 65 (95 %) of 68 lesions. After TACE, flow signals were no longer detectable in 22 of these 65 lesions, which showed complete response at spiral CT and dynamic MR imaging. In 38 (88 %) of the 43 lesions with partial response, intratumoral flow signals were still identified at contrast-enhanced harmonic power Doppler US. Twenty-eight of these 38 lesions underwent additional treatment with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) using contrast-enhanced harmonic power Doppler US guidance. Complete response was seen after PEI in 23 of 28 lesions. Contrast-enhanced harmonic power Doppler US proved useful for assessing the therapeutic effect of TACE on HCC and for guiding additional treatment with PEI in cases of partial response. Received: 25 January 2000; Revised: 21 April 2000; Accepted: 25 April 2000     

Effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide on bone marrow

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of SPIO particles on the signal intensity of the bone marrow of the vertebra spine in patients with and without liver cirrhosis. Forty-eight patients with normal liver tissue and 56 patients with liver cirrhosis were examined before and after intravenous SPIO administration, using a 1.5-T system (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with a semiflexible cp-array coil. Three different pulse sequences were applied: a T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence, a T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence with spectral fat suppression and a T2^*-weighted gradient-echo sequence. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver, vertebra bone and paraspinal muscle were obtained. The SNR value change in each patient group and the SNR value difference between the two groups were evaluated. For assessment of statistical significance, Student's t-test with a level of p < 0.05 was applied. No significant differences in the SNR values of the liver and bone marrow between the two groups could be seen with any of the three sequences precontrast. Using the T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence in the noncirrhotic liver group, pre- and postcontrast comparisons of the SNR values of the liver and bone marrow indicated a decrease of approximately –44.3 % (p = 0.02) and increase of approximately 15.3 % (p = 0.04), respectively. No significant change was seen in the cirrhotic liver group. With the T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence, a significant decrease of the SNR value of the liver and the bone marrow in both groups was seen. With the T2^*-weighted gradient-echo sequence, the signal intensity decrease of the normal liver tissue was approximately –65.6 % (p = 0.00), in cirrhotic liver tissue the decrease was –29.9 % (p = 0.02). The SNR values of the bone marrow showed a decrease of –27.8 % (p = 0.04) in the noncirrhotic liver group, whereas in the cirrhotic liver group it was only –11.3 % and statistically not significant. The effect of SPIO particles on the liver and bone marrow is significantly less in patients with liver cirrhosis. Received: 2 April 1999; Revised: 5 October 1999; Accepted: 2 February 2000     

Feasibility of synchrotron radiation computed tomography on rats bearing glioma after iodine or gadolinium injection

The purpose of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of a new imaging technique called synchrotron radiation computed tomography (SRCT). This technique leads to a direct assessment of the in vivo concentration of an iodine- or gadolinium-labeled compound. Rats bearing C6 glioma were imaged by MRI prior to the SRCT experiment. The SRCT experiments were performed after a 1.3 g I/kg (n = 5) or a 0.4 g Gd/kg (n = 5) injection. Finally, brains were sampled for histology. The SRCT images exhibited contrast enhancement at the tumor location. Ten minutes after injection, iodine and gadolinium tissular concentrations were equal to 0.80 ( ± 0.40) mg/cm³ and 0.50 ( ± 0.10) mg/cm³, respectively in the peripheral area of the tumor (respective background value: 0.20 ± 0.02 to 0.10 ± 0.01). Correlation to MRI and histology revealed that the contrast uptake occurred in the most vascularized area of the tumor. The present study summarizes the feasibility of in vivo SRCT to obtain quantitative information about iodine and gadolinium-labeled compounds. Beyond brain tumor pathology, the SRCT appears as a complementary approach to MRI and CT, for studying iodine- and gadolinium-labeled compounds by the direct achievement of the tissular concentration value in the tissue. Received: 8 September 1999; Revised: 3 May 2000; Accepted: 4 May 2000     

A randomized trial of prophylactic acetylcysteine and theophylline compared with placebo for the prevention of renal tubular vacuolization in rats after iohexol administration

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Renal tubular vacuolization (RTV), which has been shown to occur after the use of iodinated contrast material, may be one of the earliest signs of contrast medium-induced renal injury. In this study, the authors tested a method for preventing RTV with the administration of acetylcysteine, theophylline, or both, prior to contrast medium administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty rats were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. The treatment group consisted of three subgroups, each of which received prophylactic acetylcysteine, theophylline, or both before injection of iohexol. The control group comprised five subgroups, each of which received acetylcysteine, theophylline, both, normal saline injection, or orally administered normal saline prior to iohexol injection. RESULTS: The occurrence of RTV in the treatment groups was compared with that in the control subgroup that received normal saline and iohexol. All of the rats in that control subgroup (n = 10) and 97% of the rats in the treatment group (n = 30) developed RTV. CONCLUSION: The administration of acetylcysteine, theophylline, or both prior to iohexol injection did not prevent RTV from occurring in rats.     

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     

Rheumatoid arthritis of the craniocervical region: assessment and characterization of inflammatory soft tissue proliferations with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT

The aim of this study was to depict and characterize inflammatory soft tissue proliferations caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the craniocervical region by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT. Computed tomography of the craniocervical region was performed in 35 patients in the axial plane before and after the i. v. administration of contrast material. According to the densities and contrast enhancement of the inflammatory soft tissue proliferations, four groups were classified. Ancillary findings, such as a compression of the dural sac or spinal cord, erosions of the bony structures, and atlantoaxial subluxation, were also evaluated. Inflammatory soft tissue proliferations were depicted in 28 of 35 patients and could be differentiated by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT according to the above defined criteria: effusion in 6 patients (17 %); hypervascular pannus in 8 (23 %); hypovascular pannus in 5 (14 %); and fibrous tissue in 9 patients (26 %). A compression of the dural sac was seen in 11 (31 %) patients; 3 of these had neurological symptoms. Erosions of the odontoid process were found in 20 (57 %) patients; 16 (80 %) of these also showed erosions of the atlas. Atlantoaxial subluxation was seen in 11 (31 %) patients. Inflammatory soft tissue proliferations in the craniocervical region caused by RA can be reliably demonstrated and classified by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT, which can differentiate between joint effusion and various forms of pannus and depict ancillary findings. Computed tomography is an alternative method for patients unable to undergo an MRI examination. Received: 4 October 1999; Revised: 7 March 2000; Accepted: 14 March 2000     

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of chronic medical nephropathies with impaired renal function

We examined the value of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in chronic renal disease with renal insufficiency. In 33 consecutive patients (21 vascular nephropathy, 12 glomerular nephropathy) MRI was performed using a 1.5-T unit and a body coil, with SE T1-weighted (TR/TE = 600/19 ms) and dynamic TFFE T1-weighted sequences (TR/TE = 12/5 ms, flip angle = 25 °) after manual bolus injection (via a cubital vein) of 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA-BMA. Morphological evaluation was performed in unblinded fashion by three radiologists, evaluating renal size, cortical thickness, and corticomedullary differentiation. Functional analysis was performed by one reviewer. Time-signal intensity curves, peak intensity value (P), time to peak intensity (T), and the P/T ratio were obtained at the cortex, medulla, and pyelocaliceal system of each kidney. The relationship of these parameters to serum creatinine and with creatinine clearance was investigated. A good correlation between morphological features of the kidneys and serum creatinine values was found. Morphological findings could not distinguish between vascular and glomerular nephropathies. A statistically significant correlation (P <0.01) between cortical P, cortical P/T, medullary P, and serum creatinine and creatinine clearance was found. A significant correlation (P <0.01) was also found between cortical T, medullary P/T, T of the excretory system, and creatinine clearance. The cortical T value was significantly higher (P <0.01) in vascular nephropathy than in glomerular nephropathy. Thus in patients with chronic renal failure dynamic MRI shows both morphological and functional changes. Morphological changes are correlated with the degree of renal insufficiency and not with the type of nephropathy; the functional changes seem to differ in vascular from glomerular nephropathies. Received: 5 March 1999; Revised: 28 June 1999; Accepted: 9 August 1999     

Follow-up of patients with previous treatment for coarctation of the thoracic aorta: comparison between contrast-enhanced MR angiography and fast spin-echo MR imaging

Regular follow-up is required in patients with previous intervention for coarctation of the aorta to detect recoarctation or aneurysm formation. In this study we describe the findings encountered on routine follow-up exams and we compare the use of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography (CE MRA) with fast spin-echo MRI (FSE) to study the thoracic aorta after previous intervention. In 51 consecutive patients previously treated for aortic coarctation, 74 MR studies of the thoracic aorta were performed during a 2-year period using CE MRA and FSE MRI. The thoracic aorta was evaluated for abnormalities of course, caliber, shape, and pathology of side branches. The CE MRA and FSE MRI studies were evaluated side by side by consensus of two reviewers evaluating which MR technique depicted the abnormalities of the thoracic aorta the best. Of 74 exams, six clinically important abnormalities were found: four aneurysms and two restenoses. Two small pseudoaneurysms were missed on the FSE studies. Contrast-enhanced MRA was judged to visualize aortic abnormalities better than FSE (47 of 74 MR studies) especially for the transverse aortic arch, coarctation site, left subclavian artery, and aortic arch configuration. For the ascending aorta and distal descending aorta, CE MRA and FSE performed equally well. Aortic diameters measured at four levels in the first 18 MRI studies showed no significant differences in diameter when measured by FSE or CE MRA (p = not significant). Clinically important abnormalities, such as aneurysm formation and restenosis, can be present years after treatment for aortic coarctation. In the regular follow-up of these patients, CE MRA may provide additional diagnostic information compared with FSE and should be included as part of the routine exam. Received: 3 April 2000; Revised: 5 July 2000; Accepted: 7 July 2000