The objective of this study was to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could reliably demonstrate fistulas and any associated mass and to see whether these findings were beneficial in the management of the fistula. Twelve consecutive patients presenting with suspected vaginal fistulas were examined prospectively with MRI, using a combination of sequences, for the presence, extent and configuration of fistulas and any associated mass. Comparison was made with CT when available. All patients underwent examination under anesthesia (EUA) and the findings compared. Of the 12 women presenting, seven had vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF) and seven had recto-vaginal fistulas (RVF). Four women had both types of fistulas. The underlying pathology was cervical cancer (seven cases), colonic cancer (three cases), breast cancer (one case) and ovarian cancer (one case). Vaginal fistulas were unequivocally seen on MRI in eight of 10 cases with fistulas. In the two cases with a difference between the MRI and EUA findings, the MRI was interpreted as showing more than was found at EUA. In the seven women with VVF, MRI detected five of the cases. In the seven women with RVF, MRI detected all seven cases. Magnetic resonance imaging was correct in determining the presence of recurrent disease in the pelvis when an associated mass was seen (seven cases). Computer-assisted tomography was compared in 10 cases and in six cases, the results were comparable and in four cases, more information was obtained from the MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging appears to be accurate in detecting and defining complex gynecologic fistulas and should be considered the investigation of choice to aid the planning of restorative, salvage or palliative surgery. 相似文献
: The measurement of complex dose distributions (those created by irradiation through multiple beams, multiple sources, or multiple source dwell positions) requires a dosimeter that can integrate the dose during a complete treatment. Integrating dosimeter devices generally are capable of measuring only dose at a point (ion chamber, diode, TLD) or in a plane (film). With increasing use of conformal dose distributions requiring shaped, noncoplanar beams, there will be an increased requirement for a dosimeter that can record and display a 3D dose distribution. The use of a 3D dosimeter will be required to confirm the accuracy of treatment plans produced by the current generation of 3D treatment-planning computers.
: The use of a Fricke-infused gel and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to demonstrate the localization of stereotactic beams has been demonstrated (11). The recently developed BANG polymer gel dosimetry system (MGS Research, Inc., Guilford, CT), based on radiation-induced chain polymerization of acrylic monomers dispersed in a tissue-equivalent gel, surpasses ther Fricke-gel method by providing accurate, quantitative dose distribution data that do not deteriorate with time (6, 9). The improved BANG2 formulation contains 3% N,N′-methylene-bisacrylamide, 3% acrylic acid, 1% sodium hydroxide, 5% gelatin, and 88% water, where all percentage are by weight. The gel was poured into volumetric flasks, of dimensions comparable to a human head. The gels were irradiated with complex beam arrangements, similar to those used for conformal radiation therapy. Images of the gels were acquired using a Siemens 1.5T imager and a Hahn spin-echo pulse sequence (90°-τ-180°-τ-acquire, for different values of τ). The images were transferred via network to a Macintosh computer for which a data analysis and display program was written. The program calculates R2 maps on the basis of multiple TE images, using a monoexponential nonlinear least-squares fit based on the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The program also creates a dose-to-R2 calibration function by fitting a polynomial to a set of dose and R2 data points, obtained from gels irradiated in test tubes to known doses. This function can then be applied to any other R2 map, so that a dose map can be computed and displayed.
: Through exposure to known doses of radiation, the gel has been shown to respond linearly with dose in the range of 0 to 10 Gy, and its response is independent of the beam energy or modality. Dose distributions have been imaged in orthogonal planes, and can be displayed in a convenient form for comparison with isodose plans. The response of the gel is stable; the gel can be irradiated at any time after its manufacture, and imaging can be conducted any time following a brief interval after irradiation.
: The polymer gel dosimeter has been shown to be a valuable device for displaying three-dimensional dose distributions. The imaged dose distribution can be compared easily with calculated dose distributions, to validate a treatment planning system. In the future, gels may be prepared in anthropomorphic phantoms, to confirm unique patient dose distributions. 相似文献
Background We investigated retrospectively the records and tissue samples of patients with primary ovarian transitional cell carcinoma
to determine clinical and pathologic features.
Methods The records of 3 patients with ovarian transitional cell carcinoma were reviewed using data from several imaging techniques:
transvaginal ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. We also determined levels of several tumor marker
molecules; and the level of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125), was examined by means of immunohistochemistry.
Results The tumors of 2 patients were classified as pure trnasitional cell carcinoma; in the remaining patient, as predominantly transitional
cell carcinoma. All tumors were bilateral, and 2 of the 3 tumors formed solid masses. Areas of irregular high intensity signals
were seen in magnetic resonance images of the solid parts of the tumors. All 3 tumors tested positive for CA 125; histochemical
expression was confined to the tumor cell membrane and/or the cytoplasm in all cases. The tumors of all 3 patients tested
negative for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and second-look laparotomies did not reveal any residual neoplasms in any of
the patients. The patients have been in a disease-free state for 34, 42, and 14 months, respectively.
Conclusion Our results suggest that transitional cell carcinomas tend to arise bilaterally and to form solid tumors. Magnetic resonance
imaging was a useful diagnostic modality in these cases. Transitional cell carcinoma was characterized by the presence of
CA 125 and the absence of CEA. 相似文献