MR angiography of the iliac and upper femoral arteries using four different inflow techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare two inflow MR angiography pulse sequences obtained with and without systolic synchronization. We also compared these two MR angiography pulse sequences with conventional angiography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive patients who were scheduled for conventional angiography because of symptomatic atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the iliac or femoral artery underwent MR angiography using four different MR angiography techniques. These techniques consisted of a multiple two-dimensional inversion prepulse gradient-recalled echo technique (turbo field-echo) obtained with and without systolic synchronization and a multiple two-dimensional gradient-recalled echo technique (fast field-echo) obtained with and without systolic synchronization. We then compared image quality and our ability to detect and grade degree and length of stenosis, using conventional angiography as the gold standard. RESULTS: The systolic-synchronized turbo field-echo sequence produced the best results both objectively and subjectively. Comparing systolic-synchronized turbo field-echo and fast field-echo techniques with conventional angiography regarding detection and grading degree of stenoses, we found no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Systolic synchronization proved to be of significant importance for image quality. The systolic-synchronized turbo field-echo pulse sequence proved to be superior to the other three MR angiography techniques.

Systemic to pulmonary vascular malformation.

A case is reported of life-threatening haemoptysis as a result of an anomalous communication between a bronchial artery and pulmonary vein, demonstrated by angiography. The patient recovered following bilobectomy of the right lower and middle lobes. When a systemic artery is involved in an arteriovenous malformation of the lung, haemodynamics are different compared with those present in malformations fed by the pulmonary artery. This implicates other clinical features, options for surgical intervention and prognosis. In reviewing the literature, a relationship with Rendu-Osler-Weber disease is absent in these specific malformations.

A forme fruste of Marfan's syndrome: case history.

A thirty nine year old woman presented with multiple aneurysms and dissections of the arterial system secondary to cystic medial necrosis is presented. After assessment of the family history a diagnosis of a forme fruste of Marfan's syndrome was made. Preoperative consideration of this rare diagnosis is important for treatment and surgical management.

Multiple vertebro-basilar infarctions from fibromuscular dysplasia related dissecting aneurysm of the vertebral artery in a child.

A 9-year-old boy with paroxysmal headache suffered persistent, focal neurologic deficit in the vertebral-basilar artery territory. Angiography showed dissecting aneurysm and "a string of beads" lesion in the third segment of the left vertebral artery compatible with fibromuscular dysplasia.

Corpus callosum agenesis, spastic quadriparesis and irregular lining of the lateral ventricles on CT-scan. A distinct X-linked mental retardation syndrome?

This report gives a description of 4 male patients, two of whom are sibs, two of whom are uncle and cousin. They appear to have psychomotor retardation, spastic quadriparesis and on CT (partial) agencies of the corpus callosum, and irregular lining of the lateral ventricles, without craniofacial abnormalities or seizures. Although the mode of inheritance of agenesis of the corpus callosum is still difficult to establish, in these 4 male patients an X-linked recessive inheritance is the most likely mode. A review of the literature with concern to the heredity of agenesis of the corpus callosum is presented. The clinical and neurological findings in the present four male patients allow for the delineation of a new X-linked mental retardation syndrome.

Left renal vein compression syndrome ("nutcracker phenomenon").

Four cases are presented with clinical diagnosis of scrotal varicocele on the left side, and one case with ureter varices and left-sided haematuria as a result of compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), also known as "nutcracker phenomenon". The clinical signs and the radiological diagnostic methods of the condition are discussed.

Primary arteriovenous fistula between common iliac vessels: ultrasound, computer tomographic, and angiographic findings--a case report.

A giant aneurysm of the right common iliac artery presenting with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between the iliac artery and iliac vein and deep venous thrombosis of the right lower extremity is reported. The clinical signs and the radiologic and surgical management of the condition are discussed. In addition a brief review of the literature is given.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

Two patients with unilateral popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) are reported. The importance of diligence in angiographic diagnosis and recognition of the so-called "functional" PAES group as a separate entity are stressed. It is inferred from our material that a surgical approach for PAES is to be advocated since surgical release of the entrapment can lead to complete resolution of symptoms regardless of aetiology.

The solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: diagnosis with defecography.

The solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is an uncommon entity consisting of a rectal abnormality caused by straining during defecation and characterized by specific histologic changes. Endoscopy may show single or multiple ulcers or a preulcerative phase consisting of mucosal thickening. Findings on barium enema may be normal or nonspecific, consisting of a thickened valve of Houston, nodularity, and rectal stricture. Pathologic changes consist of replacement of the lamina propria by fibroblasts and smooth muscle fibers with marked hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae. In five patients with histologically proved solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, defecography was performed to evaluate the accompanying defecation disorder. Two patients showed the spastic pelvic floor syndrome, characterized by failure of relaxation of the pelvic floor musculature during straining. In the remaining three, defecography showed an infolding of the rectal wall toward the rectal lumen increasing gradually to form an intussusception. The results indicate that defecography is useful to show the underlying disorder of defecation in the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

Sequential PTA of abdominal aorta. Haemodynamic evaluation and IV-DSA follow-up.

A case of sequential dilatation of a subtotal stenosis of the abdominal aorta in a young subject is reported. Initial and long-term success of the procedure is recorded using haemodynamic evaluation and intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV-DSA) follow-up on an outpatient basis. In addition, the significance of biplane aortography with IV-DSA is illustrated.

Arterial embolism of the upper extremities.

The angiographic signs, the frequency and the site of distribution of acute emboli of the arteries of the upper extremity are described. The conclusions are based on the author's own experience gained from selective studies of acute arterial embolism of the upper limb, during a period of 15 years. A comparison is made with the results of two of the largest series reported in the literature. In addition, a brief review of the aetiology, pathogenesis, the clinical and roentgenological signs of the condition is given.

More accurate assessment of stenotic lesions in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Eighty patients underwent percutaneous transluminal dilatation and recanalisation of atheromatous lesions of the arteries of the lower extremities in the University Hospital of Maastricht in the period of 1980 to 1984. Out of 80 attempted procedures of the iliac and femoro-popliteal tract 71 (89%) were technically possible and were considered initially successful. In all cases of iliac artery lesions a retrograde arteriogram was performed prior to PTA. Intra-arterial pressure measurements at rest and after hyperemia were used for exact assessment of the hemodynamic significance of the stenosis before and after PTA. A follow-up of all patients successfully treated by angioplasty was performed. The early hemodynamic success rate of PTA for iliac lesions was 90 per cent and for femoral-popliteal segment 83 per cent. There was no morbidity or mortality. The cumulative 3-year patency rate for both segments was 74 per cent.