Areas of Decreased Parenchymal Attenuation Associated with Bronchiectasis: Correlation between Severity and Extent of Bronchiectasis on HRCT with Pulmonary Function Test

PURPOSE: To determine the correlation between areas of decreased parenchymal attenuation seen in cases of bronchiectasis, and the severity and extent of the condition, as revealed by HRCT and the plmonary function test (PFT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The findings of forty-five patients with bronchiectasis who had undergone PFT and HRCT were retrospectively analysed. CT scores were calculated according to the severity and extent of the condition, and areas of low attenuation, and the correlation coefficients between these were determined. Bronchiectasis was classified as either cylindrical or cystic, and using Student's t test, the statistical significance of the results of the PFT were determined. RESULT: The severity and extent of bronchiectasis correlated with the extent of areas of low attenuation (r > .45, p .44, p < .01). The functional parameters of the PFT which help differentiate between cylindrical and cystic bronchiectasis are FEV1, FVC, MMEF, DLCO (p < .01), RV, and TLC (p < .05). CONCLUSION: In patients with bronchiectasis, the extent of the condition correlated closely with the extent of low attenuation, and the latter, especially in cases of cylindrical bronchiectasis, showed significant correlation with the extent of abnormalities revealed by the pulmonary function test.

GDC Embolization of Wide-necked Cerebral Aneurysms Using Balloon-Assisted Technique

PURPOSE: The main factor limiting endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is the shape of the a-neurysmal sac, especially the width of the neck. We describe an early experience and technical aspects of treating wide-necked cerebral aneurysm using a Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) and simultaneous application of a temporary balloon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four cases of unruptured wide-necked cerebral aneurysm were treated with GDC, with simultaneous application of a temporary balloon. Patients were aged between 29 and 49 years. On admission, clinical presentation was subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in all cases. Hunt and Hess grade was II in two cases, III in one case, and traumatic SAH in one case. In all patients angiography revealed an asymptomatic a-neurysm after rupture of another aneurysm or traumatic SAH. The aneurysms were occluded with GDC-10, and a Cirrus balloon occlusion system was used simultaneously. All procedures were performed under endo-tracheal general anesthesia and systemic heparinization. RESULTS: All cases were treated successfully, without parent artery compromise. The occlusion rate at the end of the procedure was total in three cases and subtotal in one. In one case a heparin-related hematoma occurred during post-procedural treatment and the patient eventually expired. One patient underwent follow-up angiography after 6 months, and the coil was not changed. CONCLUSION: An aneurysm may not be completely occluded, but with regard to coil compaction and parent artery preservation, the technique is an attractive alternative.