Use of Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Catheter Dilation to Reduce In-Stent Restenosis in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS).

PURPOSE: Paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) inhibit neointimal proliferation in arteries. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the effect of PCB in in-stent restenosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with cirrhotic liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients (mean age: 65 ±â€Š10 years) with recurrent in-stent restenoses in TIPS (5 bare stents, 1 covered stent) underwent a single percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with PCB (3 µg paclitaxel/mm(2)). Post-interventional outcome and patency were compared with those of prior plain optimal balloon angioplasty (POBA) in the same patients. During a two-year follow-up period, all patients underwent angiographic examinations at 6-month intervals. In-stent minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and late lumen loss (LLL) were assessed. Paclitaxel residues on balloon and sheath surfaces as well as venous plasma concentrations (0 - 24 hours) were analyzed. RESULTS: PCB decreased the need for clinically driven repeat PTA (POBA: 53 % of angiographic examinations; paclitaxel PTA: 19 %; P = 0.014). LLL/diameter stenosis was higher after POBA (2.4 ±â€Š1.5 mm/28 ±â€Š18 %) than after PCB (0.5 ±â€Š0.8 mm/7 ±â€Š11 %, P = 0.029). Residual paclitaxel on balloons was 28 ±â€Š9 % of dose and 0.2 ±â€Š0.1 % on sheath surfaces. Paclitaxel plasma concentrations were below detectable levels throughout the first 24 hours after the interventions in all patients. The procedure was well tolerated and no clinical side effects attributable to paclitaxel were observed. CONCLUSION: In patients with recurrent in-stent stenoses, a single PTA with PCB resulted in a prolonged secondary patency due to pseudointimahyperplasia without a systemic effect of paclitaxel. KEY POINTS: •Intimahyperplasia is a common reason for long-time TIPS dysfunction. •First-in-man local paclitaxel application in TIPS patients with recurrent in-stent stenoses. •PTA with PCB resulted in a prolonged secondary patency compared to POBA. •No systemic effects of Paclitaxel were detected.

Percutaneous computer tomography-guided ethanol sympathicolysis for the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension.

PURPOSE: As an alternative to catheter-based radiofrequency (RF) ablation, renal sympathicolysis can also be achieved by image-guided percutaneous injection of ethanol around the renal artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 50-year-old man with refractory hypertension and end-stage renal failure of unclear etiology who was treated with computed tomography-guided percutaneous periarterial ethanol sympathicolysis. RESULTS: The procedure was painless. The patient's BP decreased within 6 days from a baseline value of 172/84 mm Hg (1 week before treatment) to a sustained decreased value of 143/70 mm Hg 1 month after intervention, i.e., a decrease by 29/14 mm Hg. The patient's hypertension-related headache resolved. CONCLUSION: Image-guided periarterial ethanol injection for renal sympathetic denervation in a patient with drug-resistant hypertension is feasible. We provide a detailed description of this new interventional procedure and discuss its potential advantages compared with catheter-based RF ablation.

Monitoring of gadolinium-BOPTA uptake into the vessel wall during magnetic resonance (MR)-guided angioplasty of the peripheral arteries with a paclitaxel/gadolinium-BOPTA-coated balloon: an experimental study at 3 Tesla.

PURPOSE: The success of paclitaxel distribution within the vessel wall during paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty to prevent restenosis cannot be monitored under X-ray guidance. The aim of this pilot study was to demonstrate the feasibility of monitoring Gadolinium-BOPTA delivery within the vessel wall during magnetic resonance (MR)-guided paclitaxel/Gadolinium-BOPTA-coated balloon angioplasty of the peripheral arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 6 pigs (47 ±â€Š2 kg) were investigated. All experiments were performed using a 3 Tesla MR scanner. MR-guided bilateral angioplasty of the iliac arteries was performed using a paclitaxel/MR contrast agent-coated balloon catheter. The feasibility of monitoring the delivery of Gadolinium-BOPTA to the vessel wall was assessed in 4 animals. In two additional animals, bilateral stenosis was surgically induced in the iliac arteries. Delivery of paclitaxel to the vessel wall was monitored using a 3 D T1-weighted gradient echo (GE) sequence for delineation of the vessel wall. Normalized signal intensity (SI) of the vessel wall was measured before and repeatedly after the intervention for 45 min. in all animals. RESULTS: Paclitaxel/gadolinium-BOPTA-coated balloon angioplasty was successfully accomplished in all iliac arteries (n = 12). In animals with stenosis MR-angiography demonstrated successful dilatation (n = 4). The normalized SI of the vessel wall on T1-weighted GE images significantly increased after the intervention in all animals with and without stenosis for more than 45 min. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Monitoring of Gadolinium-BOPTA into the vessel wall during MR-guided coated balloon angioplasty is feasible. This is a first step towards providing a tool for the online control of homogenous drug delivery after paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty. KEY POINTS: • Monitoring of gadolinium-BOPTA uptake into the vessel wall during MR-guided coated balloon angioplasty is feasible.• Endovascular MR-guided interventions on a 3 Tesla MR scanner are feasible.• This is a first step towards providing a tool for online control of homogenous drug delivery after paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty.

MR-guided periarterial ethanol injection for renal sympathetic denervation: a feasibility study in pigs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of image-guided periarterial ethanol injection as an alternative to transluminal radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Unilateral renal periarterial ethanol injection was performed under general anesthesia in 6 pigs with the contralateral kidney serving as control. All interventions were performed in an open 1.0 T MRI system under real-time multiplanar guidance. The injected volume was 5 ml (95 % ethanol labelled marked MR contrast medium) in 2 pigs and 10 ml in 4 pigs. Four weeks after treatment, the pigs underwent MRI including MRA and were killed. Norepinephrine (NE) concentration in the renal parenchyma served as a surrogate parameter to analyze the efficacy of sympathetic denervation. In addition, the renal artery and sympathetic nerves were examined histologically to identify evidence of vascular and neural injury. RESULTS: In pigs treated with 10 ml ethanol, treatment resulted in neural degeneration. We found a significant reduction of NE concentration in the kidney parenchyma of 53 % (p < 0.02) compared with the untreated contralateral kidney. In pigs treated with 5 ml ethanol, no significant changes in histology or NE were observed. There was no evidence of renal arterial stenosis in MRI, macroscopy or histology in any pig. CONCLUSION: MR-guided periarterial ethanol injection was feasible and efficient for renal sympathetic denervation in a swine model. This technique may be a promising alternative to the catheter-based approach in the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension.

[Process-oriented cost calculation in interventional radiology. A case study]. / Prozessorientierte Kostenrechnung in der Interventionellen Radiologie. Eine Fallstudie.

PURPOSE: Currently used costing methods such as cost centre accounting do not sufficiently reflect the process-based resource utilization in medicine. The goal of this study was to establish a process-oriented cost assessment of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of liver and lung metastases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In each of 15 patients a detailed task analysis of the primary process of hepatic and pulmonary RF ablation was performed. Based on these data a dedicated cost calculation model was developed for each primary process. The costs of each process were computed and compared with the revenue for in-patients according to the German diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system 2010. RESULTS: The RF ablation of liver metastases in patients without relevant comorbidities and a low patient complexity level results in a loss of EUR 588.44, whereas the treatment of patients with a higher complexity level yields an acceptable profit. The treatment of pulmonary metastases is profitable even in cases of additional expenses due to complications. CONCLUSION: Process-oriented costing provides relevant information that is needed for understanding the economic impact of treatment decisions. It is well suited as a starting point for economically driven process optimization and reengineering. Under the terms of the German DRG 2010 system percutaneous RF ablation of lung metastases is economically reasonable, while RF ablation of liver metastases in cases of low patient complexity levels does not cover the costs.

Automatic, three-segment, MR-based attenuation correction for whole-body PET/MR data.

PURPOSE: The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) tomography in a single device is anticipated to be the next step following PET/CT for future molecular imaging application. Compared to CT, the main advantages of MR are versatile soft tissue contrast and its capability to acquire functional information without ionizing radiation. However, MR is not capable of measuring a physical quantity that would allow a direct derivation of the attenuation values for high-energy photons. METHODS: To overcome this problem, we propose a fully automated approach that uses a dedicated T1-weighted MR sequence in combination with a customized image processing technique to derive attenuation maps for whole-body PET. The algorithm automatically identifies the outer contour of the body and the lungs using region-growing techniques in combination with an intensity analysis for automatic threshold estimation. No user interaction is required to generate the attenuation map. RESULTS: The accuracy of the proposed MR-based attenuation correction (AC) approach was evaluated in a clinical study using whole-body PET/CT and MR images of the same patients (n = 15). The segmentation of the body and lung contour (L-R directions) was evaluated via a four-point scale in comparison to the original MR image (mean values >3.8). PET images were reconstructed using elastically registered MR-based and CT-based (segmented and non-segmented) attenuation maps. The MR-based AC showed similar behaviour as CT-based AC and similar accuracy as offered by segmented CT-based AC. Standardized uptake value (SUV) comparisons with reference to CT-based AC using predefined attenuation coefficients showed the largest difference for bone lesions (mean value ± standard variation of SUV(max): -3.0% ± 3.9% for MR; -6.5% ± 4.1% for segmented CT). A blind comparison of PET images corrected with segmented MR-based, CT-based and segmented CT-based AC afforded identical lesion detectability, but slight differences in image quality were found. CONCLUSION: Our MR-based attenuation correction method offers similar correction accuracy as offered by segmented CT. According to the specialists involved in the blind study, these differences do not affect the diagnostic value of the PET images.

[Bilateral adrenal vein sampling in single catheter technique using a 4F cobra catheter in regular and inverse configuration]. / Bilaterale selektive Nebennierenvenen-Blutentnahme: Einzelkatheter-Technik mittels eines 4F-Kobra-Katheters in Standard- und Inversionstechnik.

In Conn's syndrome, adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is used to secure the site of hormonal overproduction. The left adrenal vein is usually easy to explore, the right is difficult. Examination requires several differently configured catheters. Here, we introduce a new technique for AVS using a single cobra catheter, which was tested in n = 13 patients. In an inverted configuration, the cobra catheter can be used to explore the left side, while the regular configuration can be used for the right side. The technical details are described in the manuscript. In all patients, left AVS could be performed successfully using the inverted catheter configuration. In n = 11 patients, right AVS was carried out successfully with a cobra catheter in regular configuration. In two cases, a Sidewinder-I catheter was required due to a steep angle of the adrenal vein.

Silicon carbide as a heat-enhancing agent in microwave ablation: in vitro experiments.

PURPOSE: Silicon carbide (SiC) is an inert compound material with excellent microwave absorption and heat-conducting properties. The aim of our study was to investigate the heat-enhancing effects of SiC in microwave ablation in an in vitro setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different concentrations of SiC powder were mixed with 2% gelatin, producing a 20-ml mixture that was then heated with a clinical microwave ablation system (5 min/45 W). Temperature was measured continuously fiberoptically. Additional heating properties were assessed for the most heatable concentrations at different energy settings (10, 20, and 30 W). As reference, 2% gelatin without SiC was heated. Statistical evaluation by analysis of variance with post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls testing was performed. RESULTS: For the different SiC concentrations, maximum temperatures measured were 45.7 ± 1.2°C (0% SiC, control), 50.4 ± 3.6°C (2% SiC), 60.8 ± 1.8°C (10% SiC), 74.9 ± 2.6°C (20% SiC), and 83.4 ± 2.5°C (50% SiC). Differences between all data points were significant (P < 0.05). Maximum temperatures that used 20% SiC were 36.3 ± 2.76°C (10 W), 48.7 ± 4.18°C (20 W), and 50.6 ± 0.68°C (30 W). The use of 50% SiC maximum temperatures resulted in values of 46.2 ± 2.52°C (10 W), 70.1 ± 0.64°C (20 W), and 83.0 ± 4.69°C (30 W). With 20% SiC and 50% SiC mixtures, the 10 W maximum temperatures were significantly lower than at all other power levels, and maximum temperatures with 20 and 30 W were significantly lower when compared with 45 W (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SiC is a nontoxic, highly effective substance for enhancing microwave-induced heating with a microwave ablation system in vitro. These data suggest its usefulness for enhancement of ablative effects in percutaneous tumor therapy. Further investigations need to be performed to evaluate the ex vivo and in vivo ablation effects and the possible methods for administration of SiC particles.

[MR imaging of lymph nodes using Gadofluorine M: feasibility in a swine model at 1.5 and 3T]. / MR-Bildgebung von Lymphknoten mit Gadofluorine M in einem Schweinemodell bei 1,5 and 3T.

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential of Gadofluorine M for targeted lymph node imaging in a human size animal model and on a clinical MR scanner at 1.5 and 3 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pelvic and cervical lymph nodes in a swine model were investigated prior to and 24 hours after intravenous administration of 50 micromol/kg body weight Gadofluorine M, an experimental contrast agent. MR imaging was carried out on clinical 1.5 T and 3 T whole-body MR systems using clinically available coils and T 1-weighted sequences. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) with respect to the surrounding tissue were assessed and compared using the Student's t-test. The Gd concentration in the lymph nodes (n = 43) was measured post mortem by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). RESULTS: Gadofluorine M allowed for high signal and high contrast visualization of lymph nodes in all stations on post-contrast images with a significantly increased SNR and CNR (SNR pelvic lymph nodes post vs. pre: 46 +/- 7 vs.14 +/- 3, SNR cervical lymph nodes post vs. pre: 105 +/- 64 vs. 32 +/- 21; CNR pelvic lymph node vs. muscle post vs. pre 28 +/- 5 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.5, CNR cervical lymph node vs. muscle post vs. pre 76 +/- 53 vs. 11 +/- 15, p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The SNR and CNR in the pelvis were further improved using 3 T compared to 1.5 T scanners (SNR lymph nodes 3 T vs. 1.5 T 84 +/- 6 vs. 46 +/- 7, CNR lymph node vs. muscle 3 T vs. 1.5 T 53 +/- 9 vs. 28 +/- 5 respectively, p < 0.05). A high concentration of Gd in the lymph nodes was found (149 +/- 25 mmol Gd/L). CONCLUSION: Gadofluorine M accumulates in the lymph nodes and allows for selective targeted high contrast MR imaging of lymph node tissue in a large animal model using clinically available MR imaging techniques. 3 T further improves SNR and CNR compared to 1.5 T.

[Evaluation of an interactive breath-hold control system in CT-guided lung biopsy]. / Evaluation eines interaktiven Atemkontrollsystems bei der CT-gesteuerten Lungenbiopsie.

PURPOSE: In this study we assessed the effect of an interactive breath-hold control system on procedure time and technical success in transthoracic CT-guided lung biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 36 patients (4 female, 32 male, mean age 65 years; range 33 - 88) with a pulmonary nodule, we performed CT-guided biopsy using a 18G Tru-cut needle (Cardinal Health, Dublin, UK) in a 64 row dual-source CT scanner (Somatom Definition, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) using intermittent imaging of the needle. In half of the patients (2 female, 16 male, mean age 67 years), an interactive breath-hold control system (IBC) (Mayo Clinic Medical Devices, USA) was applied. No additional device was used in the control group. RESULTS: The biopsy was visually successful in all patients. The diameter of the target lesion was comparable in both groups (IBC: 30 +/- 19 mm; control: 28 +/- 15 mm). The number of imaging steps was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) and the intervention time was significantly shorter (p < 0.05) in the IBC group (IBC: 9 +/- 5 steps 17 +/- 10 min; control: 13 +/- 5 steps 26 +/- 12 min). CONCLUSION: Application of the IBC unit reduced the intervention time and radiation exposure in CT-guided Tru-cut biopsy of pulmonary nodules.

[In vitro experiments on fluid-modulated microwave ablation]. / In-vitro-Experimente zur flüssigkeitsmodulierten Mikrowellenablation.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the enhancing or protecting effects of different fluids during microwave ablation (MWA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3 samples of 17 different fluids (each 20 ml) were heated using MWA at power levels of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 45 watts. Energy was applied until the temperature reached 80 degrees C or the duration of heating exceeded 10 minutes. The cooling-down process was then observed until the temperature reached 30 degrees C. RESULTS: Gastrografin needed the shortest time to be heated up to 80 degrees C (370 sec), followed by Magnograf (410 sec) and HES 10 % (420 sec). The least heatable fluids were Lipiodol (10 min -54.5 +/- 2.43 degrees C), distilled water (10 min -56 +/- 2.42 degrees C) and Glucose 5 % solution (10 min -56.6 +/- 1.69 degrees C). Fluids which could not be heated well, such as distilled water, Lipiodol or Glucose 5 % solution, had a small slope of the temperature curve as a function of the power level used (m = 0.60 - 0.73), whereas fluids which could be heated well, such as Gastrografin, Magnograf and HES 10 %, had a much steeper slope of the temperature curve as a function of the power level (m = 0.99 - 1.20). With respect to the maximum temperature, the above mentioned groups differed significantly (p < 0.05). The temperature slope correlated strongly with maximum temperatures reached (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.97). CONCLUSION: By additionally administering a carefully chosen fluid, enhancing or protecting effects during microwave ablation can be observed. Especially Gastrografin, Magnograf and HES 10 % can be used to enhance ablation effects, whereas protective effects can be observed particularly when using Lipiodol, distilled water and Glucose 5 %-solution.

[Atrial tumors in cardiac MRI]. / Vorhoftumoren in der kardialen MRT.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool for the diagnosis of cardiac masses. Various cardiac tumors are predisposed to occurring in atrial structures. The aim of this review article is the description of atrial tumors and their morphological features in MRI. In general, cardiac tumors are rare: approximately 0.001 - 0.03 % in autopsy studies. About 75 % of them are benign. The most common cardiac tumor is the myxoma. They are predisposed to occur in the atria and show a characteristically strong hyperintense signal on T 2-wieghted images in MRI. In other sequences a heterogeneous pattern reflects its variable histological appearance. Lipomas exhibit a signal behavior identical to fatty tissue with a typical passive movement in cine imaging. Fibroelastomas are the most common tumors of the cardiac valves. Consisting of avascular fibrous tissue, they often present with hypointense signal intensities. Thrombi attached to their surface can cause severe emboli even in small tumors. Amongst primary cardiac malignancies, sarcomas are most common and favor the atria. Secondary malignancies of the heart are far more common than primary ones (20 - 40 times). In case of known malignancies, approximately 10 % of patients develop cardiac metastasis at the end of their disease. Lymphogenic metastases favor the pericardium, while hematogenic spread prefers the myocardium. Since they are not real atrial tumors, thrombi and anatomical structures of the atria have to be differentiated from other pathologies.

Flow-targeted inversion-prepared b-TFE coronary MR angiography: initial results in patients.

PURPOSE: Visualization of coronary blood flow in the right and left coronary system in volunteers and patients by means of a modified inversion-prepared bright-blood coronary magnetic resonance angiography (cMRA) sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: cMRA was performed in 14 healthy volunteers and 19 patients on a 1.5 Tesla MR system using a free-breathing 3D balanced turbo field echo (b-TFE) sequence with radial k-space sampling. For magnetization preparation a slab selective and a 2D selective inversion pulse were used for the right and left coronary system, respectively. cMRA images were evaluated in terms of clinically relevant stenoses (< 50 %) and compared to conventional catheter angiography. Signal was measured in the coronary arteries (coro), the aorta (ao) and in the epicardial fat (fat) to determine SNR and CNR. In addition, maximal visible vessel length, and vessel border definition were analyzed. RESULTS: The use of a selective inversion pre-pulse allowed direct visualization of the coronary blood flow in the right and left coronary system. The measured SNR and CNR, vessel length, and vessel sharpness in volunteers (SNR coro: 28.3 +/- 5.0; SNR ao: 37.6 +/- 8.4; CNR coro-fat: 25.3 +/- 4.5; LAD: 128.0 cm +/- 8.8; RCA: 74.6 cm +/- 12.4; Sharpness: 66.6 % +/- 4.8) were slightly increased compared to those in patients (SNR coro: 24.1 +/- 3.8; SNR ao: 33.8 +/- 11.4; CNR coro-fat: 19.9 +/- 3.3; LAD: 112.5 cm +/- 13.8; RCA: 69.6 cm +/- 16.6; Sharpness: 58.9 % +/- 7.9; n.s.). In the patient study the assessment of 42 coronary segments lead to correct identification of 10 clinically relevant stenoses. CONCLUSION: The modification of a previously published inversion-prepared cMRA sequence allowed direct visualization of the coronary blood flow in the right as well as in the left coronary system. In addition, this sequence proved to be highly sensitive regarding the assessment of clinically relevant stenotic lesions.

RECIST and WHO criteria evaluation of cervical, thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes in patients with malignant lymphoma: manual versus semi-automated measurement on standard MDCT slices.

PURPOSE: Since semi-automated lesion quantification may be more precise than manual uni- and bidimensional measurements, the purpose of this study was to compare semi-automated with manual evaluations of cervical, thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes in patients with malignant lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 62 patients with known malignant lymphoma underwent staging with contrast-enhanced 16-MDCT (16x0.7 mm coll., 120 kV, cervical/thoracic/abdominal: 150/120/160 mAseff., 1/1.25 /1 pitch, 4/3 - 5/4 - 5/4 slice thickness/reconstruction increment). On the basis of these standard reconstructed slices, each lesion was quantified in terms of RECIST and its longest orthographic diameter using a semi-automated software tool (Syngo CT Oncology, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) and manually by an experienced radiologist. The degree of agreement between manual measurements and software quantification was statistically assessed by computing the concordance correlation coefficient kappa and represented graphically in corresponding Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: 74/80 cervical, 51/80 thoracic and 75/80 abdominal lymph nodes were correctly evaluated by the software. A strong degree of agreement between both measurement techniques (RECIST diameter: kappa = 0.97 (cervical)/0.98 (thoracic)/0.99 (abdominal); longest orthographic diameter: kappa = 0.97/0.93/0.97) was obtained. CONCLUSION: Semi-automated measurement of cervical, thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes showed valid results on standard axial reconstructions compared to manual quantification with the limitation of a high false segmentation rate in thoracic lymph nodes.

[Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas: technique and results]. / Perkutane Radiofrequenzablation von Osteoidosteomen: Technik und Ergebnisse.

PURPOSE: Osteoid osteoma is a benign primary bone tumor that typically occurs in children and young adults. Besides local pain, which is often worse at night, prompt relief due to medication with acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) is characteristic for this bone lesion. Because long-term medication with ASS does not represent an alternative treatment strategy due to its potentially severe side effects, different minimally invasive image-guided techniques for the therapy of osteoid osteoma have been developed. In this context radiofrequency (RF) ablation in particular has become part of the clinical routine. The technique and results of image-guided RF ablation are compared to alternative treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using this technique, an often needle-shaped RF applicator is percutaneously placed into the tumor under image guidance. Then a high-frequency alternating current is applied by the tip of the applicator which leads to ionic motion within the tissue resulting in local heat development and thus in thermal destruction of the surrounding tissue including the tumor. RESULTS: The published primary and secondary success rates of this technique are 87 and 83 %, respectively. Surgical resection and open curettage show comparable success rates but are associated with higher complication rates. In addition image-guided RF ablation of osteoid osteomas is associated with low costs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion image-guided RF ablation can be considered the gold standard for the treatment of osteoid osteoma.

Carotid plaque analysis: comparison of dual-source computed tomography (CT) findings and histopathological correlation.

PURPOSE: Plaque morphology is an important predictor of stroke risk and may also be a predictor of postoperative outcome after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Thus, the purpose of our study was to evaluate the findings of preoperative dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) of carotid plaque morphology and correlate these findings with histopathological findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing CEA due to neurological events and high-grade carotid artery stenosis were evaluated with DSCT for degree of stenosis following the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) criteria and for non-invasive plaque morphology prior to CEA. CT protocol was as follows (SOMATOM Definition, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany): A dual-energy protocol was used with tube A (140 kV, 55 mA) and tube B (80 kV, 230 mA) with 2 x 64 x 0.6-mm collimation, pitch 0.65 and rotation time of 0.33 s. Histopathological work-up was performed on the surgically retrieved tissues. The findings from DSCT and histopathology were compared with respect to image quality and plaque composition (fatty plaque, mixed plaque and calcified plaque), were correlated with histological specimens and classified according to the American Heart Association (AHA) classification of atherosclerotic plaque. Pearson correlation and kappa statistics were performed. RESULTS: The image quality of DSCT was rated as 'excellent' in all the examinations. The mean degree of stenosis was quantified as 82%. The sensitivity of DSCT for the detection of calcification was 100% (standard deviation (SD) 0%, confidence interval (CI): 99-100). While the sensitivity for the detection of mixed plaques was 89% (SD 12%, CI: 79-98), it was 85% (SD 10%, CI: 76-92) for the detection of low-density fatty plaques. The mean degree of agreement was k=0.81. CONCLUSION: DSCT angiography of the carotid arteries is feasible and the evaluation of carotid plaque composition allows non-invasive assessment of different plaque components. This may have an impact on the non-invasive differentiation of vulnerable plaques.

[CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases from colorectal cancer]. / CT-gesteuerte Radiofrequenzablation von Lebermetastasen kolorektaler Tumoren.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Data on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver metastasis has not been uniform. The goal of this study was to determine medium-term success of CT-guided RFA of liver metastases from colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 43 consecutive patients (27 men; aged 67+/-10 years) with a total of 87 liver metastases from colo-rectal cancer were included in this retrospective analysis. All patients underwent percutaneous RFA after first- or second-line chemotherapy. The mean follow-up period was 29.8 +/- 22.7 (4 - 85) months. Overall survival and local recurrence-free survival were determined using Kaplan-Meier curves. The effects of primary therapeutic success, number of lesions, maximum lesion size and sum of lesion diameters were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 83 lesions were treated during 56 interventions. Taking into account local recurrence and incomplete ablation 86.7 % of metastases were successfully ablated. The median survival was 46 months with estimated 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 89.0 %, 66.2 % and 41.8 %, respectively. The median interval to hepatic tumor progression was 13 months after RFA. Survival was related to primary treatment success (p = 0.0353), number of lesions (p = 0.0050) and sum of lesion diameters (p = 0.0199). CONCLUSION: CT-guided RFA is an effective treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer. These data support the use of RFA in patients considered ineligible for surgery.

[Evaluation of a novel seldinger-needle for computed tomography guided interventions: initial experiences]. / Evaluierung einer neuen Seldinger-Nadel für computertomografisch gesteuerte Interventionen: Erste Erfahrungen.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new Seldinger puncture device for computed tomography-guided interventions under difficult conditions, to analyze applicability, and to investigate assets and drawbacks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2007 to March 2008, we performed CT-guided interventions in 16 patients (7 women, 9 men; mean age 62 years old) using a new 20G-Seldinger needle (Sika-Med, Wiehl, Germany). This novel needle serves as a guide for many different interventional devices due to a guide wire welded on the proximal needle end. It allows continuous application of anesthesia via four tiny holes at the distal needle end until the region of interest is reached. Each intervention was subject to difficult interventional conditions. The indications for intervention were drainage (n = 7), Trucut biopsy of tumor (n = 8) and radiofrequency ablation (n = 1). Handling, success, advantages, drawbacks, complications and patient tolerance were noted after each procedure. A pain scale from 1 - 10 was used to grade the pain level during the intervention. RESULTS: All interventions were performed successfully and no severe complications were observed. Patient tolerance was very good resulting in a mean pain score of 2 +/- 1. Regions with dangerous and difficult access were successfully reached with the new Seldinger needle in 15 of 16 cases by dilatation of the puncture tract and continuous administration of local anesthesia via the system. Furthermore, different devices such as Trucut systems and a drainage catheter were able to be inserted without complication via the needle. With a proximal removable luer-lock connection, liquid material was able to be aspirated in six cases. CONCLUSION: Under difficult interventional conditions, the use of a Seldinger needle as a reliable technique for CT-guided interventions can provide a safe and successful procedure.

Performance evaluation of a computer-aided detection algorithm for solid pulmonary nodules in low-dose and standard-dose MDCT chest examinations and its influence on radiologists.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of a computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithm in low-dose and full-dose multidetector-row CT (MDCT) of the thorax and its impact on radiologists' performance. Chest CT examinations of 77 patients were evaluated retrospectively for pulmonary nodules. All patients had undergone a 16-slice MDCT chest examination with a standard acquisition protocol. Artificial image noise was added to the raw data to simulate image acquisition at 10 mAs(eff.) The data were transferred to dedicated lung analysis software (LungCare) with a prototype CAD algorithm (LungCAD). CAD was applied to both dose settings. Images were read by a radiologist and a first-year resident with and without the software at both dose settings. All images were reviewed in consensus by the two radiologists to set the reference standard. Sensitivity results with respect to the reference standard were compared. No statistically significant differences in the detection rate for all pulmonary nodules could be found between low-dose and full-dose settings for the CAD software alone (p = 0.0065). Both radiologists displayed a statistically significant increase in sensitivity with the use of CAD (p<0.0001). In conclusion, CAD is beneficial in both low-dose and standard-dose settings. This may be beneficial in reducing false-negative diagnosis in lung cancer screening, standard chest examinations and the search for metastases.

[Computer-aided detection of small pulmonary nodules in multidetector spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in children]. / Computerassistierte Detektion (CAD) von kleinen pulmonalen Rundherden in der Mehrdetektor-Spiral-Computertomografie (MDCT) bei Kindern.

PURPOSE: Retrospective evaluation of computer-aided detection software (CAD) for automated detection (LungCAD, Siemens Medical solutions, Forchheim, Germany) and volumetry (LungCARE) of pulmonary nodules in dose-reduced pediatric MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 scans of 24 children (10.4+/-5.9 years, 13 girls, 11 boys, 39.7+/-29.3 kg body weight) were performed on a 16-MDCT for tumor staging (n=18), inflammation (n=9), other indications (n=3). Tube voltage 120 kVp and effective mAs were adapted to body weight. Slice thickness 2 mm, increment 1 mm. A pediatric radiologist (U1), a CAD expert (U2) and an inexperienced radiologist (U3) independently analyzed the lung window images without and with the CAD as a second reader. In a consensus decision U 1 and U 2 were the reference standard. RESULTS: Five examinations had to be excluded from the study due to other underlying lung disease. A total of 24 pulmonary nodules were found in all data sets with a minimal diameter of 0.35 mm to 3.81 mm (mean 1.7+/-0.85 mm). The sensitivities were as follows: U1 95.8% and 100% with CAD; U2 91.7% U3 66.7%. U2 and U3 did not detect further nodules with CAD. The sensitivity of CAD alone was 41.7 % with 0.32 false-positive findings per examination. Interobserver agreement between U1 / U2 regarding nodule detection with CAD was good (k=0.6500) and without CAD very good (k=0.8727). For the rest (U1 /U3; U2 / U3 with and without CAD), it was weak (k=0.0667-0.1884). Depending on the measured value (axial measurement, volume), there is a significant correlation (p=0.0026-0.0432) between nodule size and CAD detection. Undetected pulmonary nodules (mean 1.35 mm; range 0.35-2.61 mm) were smaller than the detected ones (mean 2.19 mm; range 1.35-3.81 mm). No significant correlation was found between CAD findings and patient age (p=0.9263) and body weight (p=0.9271) as well as nodule location (subpleural, intraparenchymal; p=1.0) and noise/SNR. CONCLUSION: In our study with 2 mm slice thickness and very small lesion sizes, the analyzed CAD algorithm for detection and volumetry of pulmonary nodules has limited application in pediatric dose-reduced 16-MDCTs. Determination of lesion size is possible even in the case of false-negatives.