Revision Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Surgery for Recurrent Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Delayed Occlusion of the Bypass Graft

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT) are currently the main treatments for reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke. Although the EVT recanalization rate has increased, unsuccessful recanalization is still observed in 10-30% cases. Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass is considered a rescue therapy in such cases, but in most centers it is not usually performed for acute ischemic stroke. Graft occlusion is rare following STA-MCA bypass, but it might lead to recurrent ischemic stroke. We hereby report on a patient with right MCA infarction and in whom EVT failed due to complete proximal internal carotid artery occlusion. He underwent an emergency STA-MCA bypass, resulting in a full recovery of his motor weakness. However, six months later, the patient experienced recurrent acute ischemic stroke due to bypass graft occlusion. His EVT failed again but revision bypass surgery, using STA remnant branch, was successful with full motor weakness recovery. We recommend a revision bypass surgery as a feasible therapeutic option for recurrent cerebral infarction caused by delayed STA graft occlusion.

Does the ADC Map have Additional Clinical Significance Compared to the DWI in the Brain Infarction?

PURPOSE: To re-evaluate additional clinical significance of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map in the inference of infarction stage, authors studied the evolution patterns of the DWI and the ADC map of the brain infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 127 patients with cerebral infarctions, including follow-up checks, 199 studies were performed. They were classified as hourly (117 studies)-, daily (108 studies)-, weekly (62 studies)-based groups. The signal intensity (SI) was measured at the core of the infarction and contralateral area with ROI of 0.3 cm2 or more on the images of the DWI and the ADC map, and calculated the ratios of SI and ADC value of the infarction area / contralateral normal area, and compared the patterns of the change according to the evolution. RESULTS: Infarction was detected as early as 1 hour after the attack, and the ratio of SI in the DWI became over than 2 after 12 hours, which showed a plateau until the 6th day. Thereafter, it decreased slowly to 1 on the 30th day, and changed to lower SI than the surrounding brain. The ratio in the ADC map became 0.46 in 24 hours after the attack, and increased slowly to 1 in the 15th day. Thereafter, it became a higher value than the surrounding brain. Overall, the ratio in the ADC map changed earlier than in the DWI, and the ratio curves showed inverse pattern each other according to the evolution of the infarction. CONCLUSION: The evolution patterns of infarction on the ADC map showed an inverse curve of DWI curve, which means that the ADC value is accurately predictable from DWI, and the ADC map joined with the DWI seems helpful in the determination of subacute infarction between 15 to 30 days.

Application of 31P MR Spectroscopy to the Brain Tumors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical feasibility and obtain useful parameters of 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study for making the differential diagnosis of brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with brain tumorous lesions (22 cases of brain tumor and 6 cases of abscess) and 11 normal volunteers were included. The patients were classified into the astrocytoma group, lymphoma group, metastasis group and the abscess group. We obtained the intracellular pH and the metabolite ratios of phosphomonoesters/phosophodiesters (PME/PDE), PME/inorganic phosphate (Pi), PDE/Pi, PME/adenosine triphosphate (ATP), PDE/ATP, PME/phosphocreatine (PCr), PDE/PCr, PCr/ATP, PCr/Pi, and ATP/Pi, and evaluated the statistical significances. RESULTS: The brain tumors had a tendency of alkalization (pH = 7.28 +/- 0.27, p = 0.090), especially the pH of the lymphoma was significantly increased (pH = 7.45 +/- 0.32, p = 0.013). The brain tumor group showed increased PME/PDE ratio compared with that in the normal control group (p = 0.012). The ratios of PME/PDE, PDE/Pi, PME/PCr and PDE/PCr showed statistically significant differences between each brain lesion groups (p < 0.05). The astrocytoma showed an increased PME/PDE and PME/PCr ratio. The ratios of PDE/Pi, PME/PCr, and PDE/PCr in lymphoma group were lower than those in the control group and astrocytoma group. The metastasis group showed an increased PME/PDE ratio, compared with that in the normal control group. CONCLUSION: We have obtained the clinically applicable 31P MRS, and the pH, PME/PDE, PDE/Pi, PME/PCr, and PDE/PCr ratios are helpful for differentiating among the different types of brain tumors.

The Age-related Microstructural Changes of the Cortical Gray and White Matter Ratios on T2-, FLAIR and T1-weighted MR Images

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the microstructural changes according to aging on the thickness and signal intensity (SI) of the cortical gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) on the T2-, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1-weighted MR images in normal subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 year age groups of men and women (each 10 individuals) who underwent routine brain MRI, including the T2-, FLAIR and T1-weighted images, were selected for this study. We measured the thickness and the SI of the cortical GM and WM at the postcentral gyrus, which has an even thickness at the level of centrum semiovale, on the axial scans and we calculated the mean values of the thickness ratio of the gray/white matter (TRGW) and the signal intensity ratio of the gray/white matter (SRGW), and we compared the ratios of each age group. RESULTS: On the T2-weighted images, the TRGWs were 0.81 and 0.79 at the age of 10 and they were 0.73 and 0.71 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. So, the GM thickness was decreased more than the WM thickness was with aging. On the FLAIR images, the TRGWs were 1.09 and 1.00 at the age of 10 and they were 1.11 and 0.95 at the age of 70 in the men and women, respectively. On the T1-weighted images, the TRGWs were 0.66 and 0.80 at the age of 10, and the ratio was changed to 0.90 and 0.78 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. On the T2-weighted image, the SRGWs were 1.53 and 1.43 at the age of 10, and they were 1.23 and 1.27 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. On the FLAIR images, the SRGWs were 1.23 and 1.25 at the age of 10 and they were 1.06 and 1.05 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. On the T1-weighted images, the SRGWs were 0.86 and 0.85 at the age of 10, and they were 0.90 and 0.87 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the age-related microstructural changes of the thickness and the SI of the cortical GM and WM on the T2-, FLAIR and T1-weighted images are unique, and so this knowledge will be helpful to differentiate neurodegenerative disease from normal aging of the brain.

The Age-related Microstructural Changes of the Cortical Gray and White Matter Ratios on T2-, FLAIR and T1-weighted MR Images

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the microstructural changes according to aging on the thickness and signal intensity (SI) of the cortical gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) on the T2-, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1-weighted MR images in normal subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 year age groups of men and women (each 10 individuals) who underwent routine brain MRI, including the T2-, FLAIR and T1-weighted images, were selected for this study. We measured the thickness and the SI of the cortical GM and WM at the postcentral gyrus, which has an even thickness at the level of centrum semiovale, on the axial scans and we calculated the mean values of the thickness ratio of the gray/white matter (TRGW) and the signal intensity ratio of the gray/white matter (SRGW), and we compared the ratios of each age group. RESULTS: On the T2-weighted images, the TRGWs were 0.81 and 0.79 at the age of 10 and they were 0.73 and 0.71 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. So, the GM thickness was decreased more than the WM thickness was with aging. On the FLAIR images, the TRGWs were 1.09 and 1.00 at the age of 10 and they were 1.11 and 0.95 at the age of 70 in the men and women, respectively. On the T1-weighted images, the TRGWs were 0.66 and 0.80 at the age of 10, and the ratio was changed to 0.90 and 0.78 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. On the T2-weighted image, the SRGWs were 1.53 and 1.43 at the age of 10, and they were 1.23 and 1.27 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. On the FLAIR images, the SRGWs were 1.23 and 1.25 at the age of 10 and they were 1.06 and 1.05 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. On the T1-weighted images, the SRGWs were 0.86 and 0.85 at the age of 10, and they were 0.90 and 0.87 at the age of 90 in the men and women, respectively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the age-related microstructural changes of the thickness and the SI of the cortical GM and WM on the T2-, FLAIR and T1-weighted images are unique, and so this knowledge will be helpful to differentiate neurodegenerative disease from normal aging of the brain.

Cochlear Implantation Via a Scala Vestibuli in Postmeningitic Ossified Cochlea / 대한이비인후과학회지

Obstruction of the fluid spaces of the cochlea was previously thought to contraindicate cochlear implantation due to difficulties of electrodes insertion and questions about potential benefits. However, the concept of implantation of ossified cochlea and its subsequent acceptance have progressed rapidly. A 62-year-old man complained of both hearing loss after meningitis and temporal bone CT scan showed partial obliteration of cochlea bilaterally. We fully inserted 22 active electrodes via scala vestibuli without difficulty. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of scala vestibuli electrode insertion in partially ossified cochlea.

Can Diffusion-Perfusion Mismatch on Brain MRI in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Predict Clinical Outcome?: Preliminary Study Focused on rCBV

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-perfusion mismatch (DPM) on MRI has been considered an ischemic penumbra. However, several reports have demonstrated limitation of DPM on MRI as a predictable marker of the ischemic penumbra. In this study, we investigated the relationship between DPM and the clinical progression in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: We consecutively recruited fifty-seven patients showing acute ischemic stroke (within 24 hours) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. The clinical outcomes were determined by serial measurement of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) during 30 days after their ischemic event. We also evaluated the relationship among the parameters of perfusion MRI and the clinical worsening in patients with DPM on initial MRI. RESULTS: Nineteen (33.3%) patients had DPM on MRI within 24 hours after stroke onset. Even though the frequency of clinical worsening for 30 days after stroke onset was higher in DPM group (26%) than in non-DPM group (11%), it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.143). However, extent of MCA stenosis (p<0.001) and time to peak (TTP) delay on MRI (p<0.001) were significantly greater in patients with DPM than in those without DPM. Among several parameters of the perfusion MRI, only relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) was significantly related to the clinical worsening (62.9+/-24.7% vs 96.1+/-19.2%, p=0.007) in patients with DPM. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that DPM on MRI does not always predict the clinical worsening in acute ischemic stroke. To overcome this problem, we should analyze rCBV map based DPM as well as TTP map based DPM.

Cilostazol Reduces PAC-1 Expression on Platelets in Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, is known to be a useful antiplatelet agent that inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis in ischemic stroke. This study investigated the effects of combining cilostazol with aspirin on the expressions of P-selectin and PAC-1 on activated platelets in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We analyzed 70 patients with acute ischemic stroke (<72 hrs of an ischemic event). The daily intake was 100 mg of aspirin in 37 patients and 100 mg of aspirin plus 200 mg of cilostazol in 33 patients. The expressions of P-selectin and PAC-1 on activated platelets were measured on the day of admission and 5 days later. We also evaluated the clinical progression using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the same times. RESULTS: After 5 days the extent of PAC-1 expression on activated platelets was significantly lower for combined aspirin and cilostazol treatment (61.0+/-19.3%, p=0.008; mean+/-standard deviation) than the baseline level (70.9+/-12.9%), but did not differ between aspirin alone (66.0 +/-19.0%) and baseline (70.1+/-15.7%). The expression of P-selectin did not differ between combined aspirin and cilostazol treatment and baseline. The clinical progression did not differ between the two groups, as indicated by the absence of significant changes on the NIHSS in the acute period. CONCLUSIONS:This study found that the combined regimen of aspirin and cilostazol exerts the beneficial effect of reducing PAC-1 activity on activated platelets in acute ischemic stroke. However, the clinical outcome of this regimen was no better than that of the aspirin-only regimen. Therefore, further detailed studies of the possible clinical benefits of cilostazol in acute ischemic stroke are needed.

Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Early Clinical Experience

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early clinical experience associated with radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RF ablation treatment was performed on 17 tumors from 16 patients (mean age, 60.5 years; range, 43-73 years) with RCC. The treatment indications were localized, solid renal mass, comorbidities, high operation risk, and refusal to perform surgery. All tumors were treated by a percutaneous CT (n = 10), followed by an US-guided (n = 2), laparoscopy-assisted US (n = 2), and an open (n = 2) RF ablation. Furthermore, patients underwent a follow-up CT at one day, one week, one month, three and six months, and then every six months from the onset of treatment. We evaluated the technical success, technical effectiveness, ablation zone, benign periablation enhancement, irregular peripheral enhancement, and complications. RESULTS: All 17 exophytic tumors (mean size, 2.2 cm; range, 1.1-5.0 cm) were completely ablated. Technical success and effectiveness was achieved in all cases and the mean follow-up period was 23.8 months (range, 17-33 months). A local recurrence was not detected in any of the cases; however, five patients developed complications as a result of treatment, including hematuria (n = 2), mild thermal injury of the psoas muscle (n = 1), mild hydronephrosis (n = 1), and fistula formation (n = 1). CONCLUSION: The RF ablation is an alternative treatment for exophytic RCCs and represents a promising treatment for some patients with small RCCs.

Recent Epidemiological Trends of Stroke

OBJECTIVE: Rapid increase in aged population and westernization of lifestyle have modified epidemiological status of stroke. The purpose of this study is to analyze changing trends of stroke epidemiology in South Korea. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively medical records of 1,124 cases diagnosed as stroke among 54,534 patients who visited the Emergency Medical Center at our hospital from January 1994 to December 1996 (Group A). Also, we evaluated 1,705 cases diagnosed as stroke among 55,381 patients who visited to the same hospital from January 2003 to December 2005 (Group B). The variable features of stroke, such as age, sex, seasonal variation and distribution of stroke subtypes were studied by comparing group A with B. RESULTS: In group A, hemorrhagic stroke (67.9%) was more prevalent than ischemic stroke (32.1%). However, group B showed that the ratio of hemorrhagic stroke (40.3%) to ischemic stroke (59.6%) has been reversed. The highest incidence of stroke was noted in their sixties and seventies of age in group B, which was older than that of group A. In group A, male ischemic stroke (IS) patients outnumbered female patients (1.26:1). Moreover, this gender disproportion became higher in group B (1.53:1). In group A, the number of male intracerebral hermorrhage (ICH) patients were similar to that of female patients (0.97:1). However, male ICH patients outnumbered female patients in group B (1.23:1). As for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), female patients outnumbered male patients more than two-fold in both groups. Both groups showed that the occurrence of ischemic stroke was highest in summer, but that of hemorrhagic stroke was the highest in winter. CONCLUSION: This study showed the changing trends of stroke in its distribution of subtypes. Multicenter prospective study using stroke registry would be required for the determination of national epidemiologic trends.

Real-Time fMRI-Guided Functional MR Spectroscopy: The Lactate Peaks at the Motor Cortex during Hand-Grasping Tasks

PURPOSE: There is debate concerning the observation of metabolite changes on MRS at the designated cortex during some tasks. The purpose of this study is to assess the change of the lactate content at the motor cortex during hand-grasping tasks with performing real-time fMRI-guided fMRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven healthy volunteers (23-28 years old) underwent realtime fMRI during right hand grasping tasks with using a 1.5 T system. After confirming the activating area, single voxel MRS was preformed at 1) the baseline, 2) during the task and 3) after the task on the activating cortex. The three consecutive spectra were compared for observing the changes of the lactate content by the tasks. The Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr and Lac/Cr ratios were calculated manually from those spectra. RESULTS: MRS during the tasks revealed the lactate peaks at the 1.33 ppm resonance frequency with great conspicuity at the activated area, which was identified on the real-time fMRI. After the task scan, the lactate peaks completely disappeared and the spectra recovered to the values of the baseline scan in all volunteers. At baseline, during the task and after the task, the Cho/Cr ratios were 0.81, 0.76 and 0.77, respectively, and the NAA/Cr ratios were 1.68, 1.65 and 1.72, respectively, and the Lac/Cr ratios were 0.28, 0.41 and 0.30, respectively. During the task, Lac was significantly increased by 46%. CONCLUSION: We observed prominent lactate peaks on MRS during hand-grasping tasks at the activated area, as was shown on the real-time fMRI. We suggest that fMRS can be used as a sensitive tool for observing the metabolite changes of the functioning brain.

Anti-tumoral Effect of Recombinant Vaccinia Virus through US Guided Injection in a Rabbit Model of Hepatic VX2 Carcinoma

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumoral effect of recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV) (Thymidine kinase (-)/GM-CSF (+)) that was administered as a US guided intratumoral injection in a rabbit model of hepatic VX2 carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VX2 carcinoma was implanted in the livers of 12 rabbits. US was performed at every week interval to detect hepatic mass after the implantation of VX2 carcinoma. The accurate tumor size and volume was evaluated with CT when the tumor was detected on US. US guided injection of rVV (109 pfu/ml) was preformed in three rabbits, intravenous injection of the same dose of rVV was done in two rabbits and another seven rabbits that were without any treatment were selected as a control group. We evaluated the change of the hepatic tumor size and extrahepatic metastasis on serial CT. Tumor specimens were harvested from rabbits that were killed at 8 weeks after VX2 implantation. These tissues were histoimmuopathologically compared to each other (the virus injection group and the control group). The differences between these groups were statistically assessed with student t-tests. RESULTS: Tumor growth was significantly suppressed in the US guided injection group compared with the intravenous injection group or the control group (p< 0.01). The intravenous injection group showed statistically significant tumor suppression compared to the control group (p< 0.01) until 2 weeks after virus injection. Quantification of the pulmonary metastatic nodules was performed in view of both the number and volume. The average number or volume of the pulmonary metastatic nodules in the US injection group was much smaller than these in the control group. Histopathologically, the tumors of the US guided injection group showed less extensive necrosis than those of the control group. Immunohistochemically, the tumor of the US guided injection group showed more prominent infiltration of CD4 (+) and CD8 (+) lymphocytes than did the tumors of the other group. CONCLUSION: rVV was markedly effective in suppressing hepatic tumor growth and extrahepatic metastasis in a rabbit model of hepatic VX2 carcinoma. US guided intra-tumoral injection was more effective than systemic intravenous injection.

Hyaline Vascular-Type Castleman Disease Presenting as an Esophageal Submucosal Tumor: Case Report

Castleman disease is a relatively rare disorder of lymphoid tissue that involves the gastrointestinal tract in a variety of clinical and pathologic manifestations. A submucosal location has never been described in the medical literature. We report a case of esophageal Castleman disease involving thesubmucosal layer in a 62-year-old man, which was confirmed on pathology. Esophagography and CT demonstrated an intramural tumor, and a leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma was suspected based on the known incidence of such tumors.

Infraoptic Anterior Cerebral Artery Arising from Contralateral Internal Carotid Artery: Case Report

We report an unusual case of an anomalous origin of the anterior cerebral artery from the contralateral internal carotid artery at the level of the origin of the ophthalmic artery, which was discovered incidentally by MRI and MR angiography.

Congenital Hepatoportal Arteriovenous Fistula associated with Intrahepatic Portal Vein Aneurysm and Portohepatic Venous Shunt: Case Report

A congenital hepatoportal arteriovenous fistula associated with an intrahepatic portal vein aneurysm is a rare type of arteriovenous malformation. Only 14 pediatric cases have been reported to the best of the authors' knowledge. An intrahepatic shunt between the portal and systemic veins is also relatively rare. We report a case of a congenital hepatoportal arteriovenous fistula associated with an intrahepatic portal vein aneurysm and a portohepatic venous shunt in a neonate who presented with tachypnea and melena.

The Structures Mimicking Aneurysm on 3-Dimensional Volume Rendering CT Angiography Using A 16-Row Detector CT

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the structures that can mimic aneurysm on CT angiography with using the 3-D volume rendering technique and a 16-row detector CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined 206 patients who underwent CT angiography with a 16-row detector CT from May 2003 to July 2004. For the CT angiography, the contrast media was injected at a rate of 4 cc per second. The scanning was then done when 5 seconds delay time had elapsed after the CT number of the common carotid artery had reached 150. The baseline images were obtained by reconstructing the row data with a kernel value of H31f, a slice thickness of 1 mm and an increment of 0.5 mm. Finally, the 3-D images were constructed by using a volume rendering technique. The structures that were confused with aneurysm on CT angiography were further evaluated by MPR or MIP to ascertain whether they were aneurysms. For comparison, digital subtraction angiography was done in 86 patients and surgery was done in 5 patients. RESULTS: On CT angiography, 51 patients did not show any abnormalities, and 80 patients showed definitive aneurysms, as was ascertained by their sizes, shapes and locations, or by the aneurysm clips only. The remaining 75 patients showed 90 aneurysm mimicking structures that were 35 infundibular dilatations or preaneurysmal blebs, 24 focal dilatations of the branches of the deep middle cerebral veins, 6 focal dilatations of the sphenoparietal sinuses adjacent to the middle cerebral artery, 18 focal dilatations of the inferior sagittal sinuses adjacent to the pericallosal artery and 7 low density calcifications of the vessel walls that were adjacent to the aneurysm-prevalent arteries. CONCLUSION: CT angiography based on volume rendering technique was able to identify the structures that were confused with aneurysm. Accordingly, careful observation is required for interpreting the reconstructing 3-D images since a wide variety of structures can be confused with aneurysm on CT angiography.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation: Recurrent Pattern and Influenting Factor

PURPOSE: To evaluate patterns of recurrence and factors which influence them in radiofreqency (RF) ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 1999 and March 2000, 69 patients with 82 HCCs underwent RF ablation for complete necrosis. They were diagnosed by tissue biopsy or tumor marker, and the results of triphasic spiral CT. The indications were that nodular lesions were clearly visualized at sonography, less than 5 cm in size and less than four in number, and that patients had no history of previous treatment. Local therapeutic efficacy such as complete necrosis and marginal recurrence, and new lesions were evaluated by means of triphasic spiral CT performed at least six months after the completion of ablation. We then analyzed the correlation between local therapeutic efficacy and various influential factors such as tumor size, whether the tumor was attached to the portal vein, gross morphology, Child-Pugh classification, and alpha- fetoprotein level before the procedure, as well as the correlation between new lesions and influential factors which included the alpha-fetoprotein level before the procedure, Child-Pugh classification, and multiplicity per person. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 8.95 (range, 6-14) months after RF ablation, the rate of complete necrosis and of marginal recurrence was 91% and 12%, respectively. When a tumor was larger and was attached to a large branch of the portal vien, the incidence of incomplete necrosis and marginal recurrence was greater. The occurrence rate of new lesion was 19.4%. When the alpha-fetoprotien level before the procedure was higher and a tumor was multiple in number, new lesions occurred more frequently. CONCLUSION: Sufficient knowledge of patterns of recurrence and the factors which influence them might improve the therapeutic effects of RF ablation in patients with HCC.

High-resolution CT Features of Bleeding Foci in Patients with Massive Hemoptysis

PURPOSE: To compare the high-resolution CT features of bleeding foci in patients with massive hemoptysis during embolization with those revealed by angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and June 1999, we evaluated 25 patients who from among a total of 49 with arterial embolization due to massive hemoptysis underwent HRCT prior to embolization. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, and angiographic and HRCT findings. The time interval between HRCT and arterial embolization varied from two hours to six days. Angiography indicated that the bronchial, intercostal and internal mammary artery, and branches of the subclavian, were the foci of bleeding, and indicated the location of these in each pulmonary lobe. The HRCT findings were evaluated in terms of cavity, air-meniscus sign, bronchial dilatation, consolidation, ground-glass opacity, and fibrotic scar. We analyzed the corresponding sites of HRCT and the angiographic findings of the foci of bleeding. RESULTS: In 24 of 25 patients, the foci of bleeding were angiographically confirmed, their presence being noted in 28 pulmonary lobes. HRCT findings corresponding to the bleeding foci revealed by angiography were the air-meniscus sign (8 of 10 lobes, 80.0%), cavity (7 of 9 lobes, 77.8%), bronchial dilatation (21 of 30 lobes, 70.0%), and fibrotic scar (1 of 23 lobes, 4.3%). The findings in areas of consolidation and/or ground-glass opacity only did not correspond, however. CONCLUSION: As compared with those revealed by angiography, the HRCT features of bleeding foci in patients with massive hemoptysis during embolization are in order of frequency, the air-meniscus sign, cavity, and bronchial dilatation.