Neurological Change after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases Involving the Motor Cortex

BACKGROUND: Although Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) can provide beneficial therapeutic effects for patients with brain metastases, lesions involving the eloquent areas carry a higher risk of neurologic deterioration after treatment, compared to those located in the non-eloquent areas. We aimed to investigate neurological change of the patients with brain metastases involving the motor cortex (MC) and the relevant factors related to neurological deterioration after GKRS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, radiological and dosimetry data of 51 patients who underwent GKRS for 60 brain metastases involving the MC. Prior to GKRS, motor deficits existed in 26 patients (50.9%). The mean target volume was 3.2 cc (range 0.001–14.1) at the time of GKRS, and the mean prescription dose was 18.6 Gy (range 12–24 Gy). RESULTS: The actuarial median survival time from GKRS was 19.2±5.0 months. The calculated local tumor control rates at 6 and 12 months after GKRS were 89.7% and 77.4%, respectively. During the median clinical follow-up duration of 12.3±2.6 months (range 1–54 months), 18 patients (35.3%) experienced new or worsened neurologic deficits with a median onset time of 2.5±0.5 months (range 0.3–9.7 months) after GKRS. Among various factors, prescription dose (>20 Gy) was a significant factor for the new or worsened neurologic deficits in univariate (p=0.027) and multivariate (p=0.034) analysis. The managements of 18 patients were steroid medication (n=10), boost radiation therapy (n=5), and surgery (n=3), and neurological improvement was achieved in 9 (50.0%). CONCLUSION: In our series, prescription dose (>20 Gy) was significantly related to neurological deterioration after GKRS for brain metastases involving the MC. Therefore, we suggest that careful dose adjustment would be required for lesions involving the MC to avoid neurological deterioration requiring additional treatment in the patients with limited life expectancy.

Results with Add-on Stereotactic Core Biopsy (ASCB)of the Breast Lesions

PURPOSE: To report the results of 134 cases in which add-on stereotactic core biopsy (ASCB) was performed in patients with mammographically detected breast lesions, and to evaluate the usefulness of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the results of ASCB of 134 breast lesions in 125 patients, performed during a 41-month period. The mammographic findings were suspicious malignant lesion in 38 cases, benign lesion in 18, and indeterminate lesion in 78. Surgical excision was performed in 23 cases, and follow-up mammography in 39. We analyzed the pathologic results according to each mammographic finding and correlated the results of core biopsy with those of surgical excision. We also evaluated the mammographic changes seen during follow-up, and associated complications and procedural difficulties. RESULTS: Samples were adequate for pathologic diagnosis in 95% of cases (127/134). ASCB revealed malignancy in 47% of cases (18/38) in which this was suspected on the basis of mammographic findings, and in 5% of cases (4/78) in which these findings were indeterminate. The pathologic results of core biopsy and of surgical excision agreed in 78% of cases (18/23). In two of five false-negative cases, ASCB revealed the presence of atypical ductal hyperplasia. The mammographic findings in these five cases were suspicious malignancy in three, and indeterminate in two. Specimen radiography showed calcifications in four cases. The size or extent of mammographic lesions did not change during the mean follow-up period of 17.3 months. In 13/125 patients (10%), the complications and procedural difficulties noted included arterial bleeding, dizziness, syncope, patient movement, and instrument failure. CONCLUSION: ASCB is accurate, safe and useful, but surgical excision should be considered when the ASCB result is either atypical ductal hyperplasia or benign but with mammographic diagnosis of suspicious malignant or indeterminate lesions.

Value of a Bolus-Tagging Method on Contrast-Enhanced Abdominal MR Angiography

PURPOSE: To assess the value of the bolus-tagging method for improving the image quality of contrast-enhanced MR abdominal angiography, and to evaluate the relationship between peak arterial enhancement time and patients' age, weight and heart rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced 3D FISP abdominal MR angiography was performed in 81 patients during a four-month period. The bolus-tagging method was used in a study group comprising 33 patients, and to this end, 1 ml of Gd-DTPA (gadolinium-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid) was administered. thirty sequential images (1 image/sec) were then obtained using turbo-FLASH sequencing. After determining peak arterial enhancement time from the time-to-signal intensity curve, optimal scan delay time can be calculated according to the formula used in our patient series. The 48 patients in whom the bolus-tagging method was not used comprised the control group ; in the study group scanning commenced at the optimal scan delay time (and at 10 seconds in the control group) after the administration of 0.2 mM/kg Gd-DTPA using an automatic power injector. Using a three-point scale we evaluated and compared between the two groups the success with which arterial images were obtained. In addition, vascular visibility -an indication of the quality of arteries and veins-was determined using a four-point scale. In the study group, the relationship between peak arterial enhancement time and patients' age, weight heart rate was also assessed. RESULTS: Pure arterial images were successfully obtained in 32 patients (97%) in the study group and in 40 (83%) in the control group. This difference was not statistically significant (p>.05). With regard to vascular visibility, diagnostic arterial images were seen in 30 patients (91%) in the study group and in 33 patients (69%) in the control group; arterial visibility was significantly better in the study group (p=.0197). On the other hand, the diagnostic venous images were seen in 31 patients (94%) in the study group and in 36 (75%) in the control group; there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=.2367). Peak arterial enhancement time increased significantly with age (r=.443, p=.0098); no correlation,however was seen between peak arterial enhancement time and weight (p>.05) or heart rate (p>.05). CONCLUSION: Used with contrast-enhanced 3-D FISP MR abdominal angiography, the bolus-tagging method provides better arterial visibility. Peak arterial enhancement time increased significantly with age.

Value of a Bolus-Tagging Method on Contrast-Enhanced Abdominal MR Angiography

PURPOSE: To assess the value of the bolus-tagging method for improving the image quality of contrast-enhanced MR abdominal angiography, and to evaluate the relationship between peak arterial enhancement time and patients' age, weight and heart rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced 3D FISP abdominal MR angiography was performed in 81 patients during a four-month period. The bolus-tagging method was used in a study group comprising 33 patients, and to this end, 1 ml of Gd-DTPA (gadolinium-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid) was administered. thirty sequential images (1 image/sec) were then obtained using turbo-FLASH sequencing. After determining peak arterial enhancement time from the time-to-signal intensity curve, optimal scan delay time can be calculated according to the formula used in our patient series. The 48 patients in whom the bolus-tagging method was not used comprised the control group ; in the study group scanning commenced at the optimal scan delay time (and at 10 seconds in the control group) after the administration of 0.2 mM/kg Gd-DTPA using an automatic power injector. Using a three-point scale we evaluated and compared between the two groups the success with which arterial images were obtained. In addition, vascular visibility -an indication of the quality of arteries and veins-was determined using a four-point scale. In the study group, the relationship between peak arterial enhancement time and patients' age, weight heart rate was also assessed. RESULTS: Pure arterial images were successfully obtained in 32 patients (97%) in the study group and in 40 (83%) in the control group. This difference was not statistically significant (p>.05). With regard to vascular visibility, diagnostic arterial images were seen in 30 patients (91%) in the study group and in 33 patients (69%) in the control group; arterial visibility was significantly better in the study group (p=.0197). On the other hand, the diagnostic venous images were seen in 31 patients (94%) in the study group and in 36 (75%) in the control group; there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=.2367). Peak arterial enhancement time increased significantly with age (r=.443, p=.0098); no correlation,however was seen between peak arterial enhancement time and weight (p>.05) or heart rate (p>.05). CONCLUSION: Used with contrast-enhanced 3-D FISP MR abdominal angiography, the bolus-tagging method provides better arterial visibility. Peak arterial enhancement time increased significantly with age.

CT Findings of Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT findings of tuberculous pericardial effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 12patients with tuberculous pericardial effusion. CT scans were obtained. The condition was diagnosed by thepresence of chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseous granuloma or acid fast bacilli in a biopsy specimen orpericardial fluid. CT findings were evaluated with regard to the appearance and the location of pericardialthickening, location of pericardial effusion, loculation of the pericardial effusion by adhesion of pericardiumand associated findings such as pulmonary tuberculosis or pleural effusion. RESULTS: In all cases, pericardialeffusion and thickening were seen. This thickening was usually even(10 of 12 cases), and occurred mainly in theanterior portion(7 of 12 cases). Thickened pericardium was enhanced and showed higher attenuation than adjacentchest wall muscle. Effusion was usually found in the anterior portion(10 of 12 cases), though the right and leftside were also involved(5/12 and 6/12 cases, respectively). Loculation of pericardial effusion was noted in tencases. Pleural effusion occurred in eight cases and associated active pulmonary tuberculosis in five. CONCLUSION: The CT findings of tuberculous pericardial effusion are enhanced evenly-thickened pericardium and anteriorloculated pericardial effusion, and are helpful for the diagnosis of tuberculous pericardial effusion.

Radiologic Findings of Diffuse Pulmonary Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: To describe the chest radiographic and CT findings of diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively analysed the chest radiographic and CT findings of six patients withdiffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. Using open lung biopsy (n=2) and transbronchial lung biopsy or bronchoalveolarlavage (n=4), diagnosis was based on the presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophage or intra-alveolar hemorrhage.Underlying diseases were Wegener's granulomatosis (n=2), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (n=2),Henoch-Schonlein purpura (n=1), and idopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (n=1). In all patients, sequential chestradiographs, obtained during a one to six-month period, were available. HRCT scans were obtained in five patients,and conventional CT scans in one. Follow-up HRCT scans were obtained in two. We also analyzed the patterns ofinvolvement, distribution and sequential changes in the pulmonary abnormalities seen on chest radiographs and CTscans. RESULTS: Chest radiographs showed multifocal patchy consolidation (n=6), ground-glass opacity (n=3), andmultiple granular or nodular opacity (n=3). These lesions were intermingled in five patients, while in one therewas consolidation only. Sequential chest radiographs demonstrated the improvement of initial pulmonaryabnormalities and appearance of new lesions elsewhere within 5-6 days, though within 7-25 (average, 13) days,these had almost normalized. HRCT scans showed patchy consolidation (n=5), multiple patchy ground-glass opacity(n=5), or ill-defined air space nodules (n=4). These lesions were intermingled in five patients, and in one,ground-glass opacity only was noted. In two patients there were interlobular septal thickening and intralobularreticular opacity. The distribution of these abnormalities was almost always bilateral, diffuse with no zonalpredominancy , and spared the apex of the lung and subpleural region were less affected. CONCLUSION: Althoughchest radiographic and CT findings of diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage are nonspecific, sequential changes inbilateral multifocal patchy consolidation and ground-glass opacity, accompanied by clinical symptoms such ashemoptysis or anemia, may be helpful in the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage.

Diffusion- and T2-Weighted MR Imaging of Lipiodol Induced Cerebral Infarcts in Cat: Early Findings in the Findings in the First 3 Hours

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate early parenchymal changes of acute cerebral ischemia / infarct by using T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and calculated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The brain MR images were successfully obtained 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes after intraarterial administration of Lipiodol (0.4 - 0.6 ml) into the common carotid artery in 10 of 11 cats (91%). T2-and diffusion-weighted images and ADC were analyzed and compared with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: High signal intensity on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted images was found in one cerebral hemisphere 30 minutes after Lipiodol injection, which tended to increase with time until 3 hours. Subcortical white matter showed higher signal intensity than cortical gray matter since 30 minutes after embolization. ADC images showed decreased signal intensity in the embolized hemisphere, which tended to decrease until 3 hours. Microscopic findings of the area corresponding to the abnormal signal intensity on MR images revealed varying degrees of edema in the gray and white matters involved. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that Lipiodol can be used as a good embolic agent causing early ischemic changes in experimental models. In addition to T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted and ADC images can provide the further informations in the evaluation of the early parenchymal changes of cerebral infarct.

Production of Carotid Artery Aneurysm in Pigs

PURPOSE: To establish the method of constructing an experimental aneurysm model in porcine carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen aneurysms were created in the carotid arteries of eight pigs. After paramedian incision under intravenous anesthesia, the common carotid artery and external jugular vein were separated. A portion of the latter was cut to make an aneurysmal sac and this was sutured to the side wall of the common carotid arterial wall (end to side). Within one week, an arteriogram was obtained in all pigs and color Doppler study was performed in four. Digital subtraction arteriograms were serially obtained three images/sec, and these were analyzed to determine the size of the sac and the neck, flow pattern in the aneurysm, and stenosis in the common carotid artery. RESULTS: Arteriographic findings were obtained in ten of 14 aneurysms. Six aneurysms were saccular in shape, and the mean size of the sac and neck was 16x10 mm and 5.3 mm, respectively. Four aneurysms were lobulated, and in these cases, the mean size of the sac and neck was 9x3 mm and 3.7 mm, respectively. The mean size of the proximal common carotid artery was 4.5 mm, and at the operation site, mean stenosis was 40%. CONCLUSION: In 10/14 cases (71%), we successfully established an aneurysm model in the porcine carotid artery, and believe that it is suitable for use in interventional neuroradiology experiments.

Ischemic Colitis Proximal to Obstructing Colonic Carcinoma: Values of CT in Its Detection

PURPOSE: To determine the value of the CT scan in distinguishing an ischemic and a tumoral segment in coloniccarcinoma complicated by proximal bowel ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of twenty patients with ischemic colitis proximal to obstructing colonic carcinoma were reviewed retrospectively. The presence of anischemic segment proximal to colonic carcinoma were patho-logically confirmed in 12 patients, and the remaining eight patients showed typical radiologic findings of bowel ischemia on barium enema but on pathologic review showed only colonic carcinoma. CT scans were analyzed for the location, wall thickness, length, and enhancing pattern of both tumoral and ischemic segments in correlation with barium enema or surgico-pathologic results. Theresults of tumor staging shown on CT scan were compared with those of pathologic findings. RESULTS: On CT scan adistinction between ischemic and tumoral segments could be made in 15 patients (75%). The ischemic segments were contiguously proximal to the tumoral segment in 18 patients. In two patients, however, there was an intervening segment of normal bowel between the two segments and this was confirmed by pathology. Maximvm bowel wall thickness ranged from 0.8 to 4.5cm (mean, 2.0cm) in tumoral segments and from 0.6 to 1.5 cm (mean, 1.0cm) in ischemic segments (p<0.05). Tumoral segments were enhanced heterogeneously in 12 patients (60%) and homogeneously in the remaining eight, while ischemic segments were enhanced homogeneously in 14 patients (70%) and heterogeneously insix. Peripheral rim enhancement was seen only in the ischemic segments of four patients (20%). Comparing TNM tumorstaging of the CT scan with that of pathology, CT scan overstaged in two patients (10%) and understaged in one(5%). CONCLUSION: CT is a valuable tool for distinguishing an ischemic from a tumoral segment in patients with ischemic colitis proximal to colonic carcinoma. An understanding of this pathologic entity could reduce the possibility of over or understaging in cases of colonic carcinoma.