Multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms: comparison of arterial enhancement with 3 different doses of contrast material.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography in patients with and without aortic aneurysms by 3 different amounts of contrast media (CM). METHODS: A total of 115 patients with aortic aneurysms were divided into 3 groups: group A, 100 mL CM; group B, 75 mL CM with 20 mL saline flush (SF); and group C, 50 mL CM with 20 mL SF. Twenty-five patients without aortic aneurysms were also enrolled (group D, 50 mL CM with 20 mL SF). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed by measuring attenuation in thoracoabdominal/aortoiliac lumen, aneurysmal lumen, and superior vena cava. RESULTS: In group C, attenuation was lower in distal than those in proximal and middle areas (P < 0.05). Contrast enhancement in abdominal aneurysmal lumen was more inhomogeneous in group C (P = 0.003). Visual analysis showed contrast enhancement was more nonuniform in group C (P = 0.004), and perivenous artifacts were more conspicuous in group A (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-five milliliters CM followed by 20 mL SF can produce optimal contrast enhancement at systemic multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography in patients with aortic aneurysms.

Investigation of uterine peristalsis diurnal variation.

BACKGROUND: In women of reproductive age, wavelike movements of the subendometrial myometrium, which is called uterine peristalsis, is considered to be related with fertility and menstrual problems. This is because the direction and frequency of peristalsis is known to be different among menstrual cycle phases. However, nothing is known as regarding diurnal variations. This study was designed to evaluate for the presence of a diurnal variation in uterine peristalsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR studies were performed on 12 volunteers of reproductive age using a 1.5-T magnet, four times per day (at 0800, 1300, 1800 and 2300 h) during three (periovulatory, luteal and menstrual) phases of one menstrual cycle. Sixty images were obtained by half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo every 2 s and displayed on cine mode. Semiautomated software was utilized to discern the presence of peristaltic waves, as well as peristaltic frequency and direction. The presence of sustained contractions was visually determined. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference during the daytime for frequency and direction of uterine peristalsis for all menstrual cycle phases. Nonetheless, peristaltic frequency and direction fluctuated during each cycle. Statistically significant peristaltic suppression was observed in association with sustained contractions during the periovulatory phase. CONCLUSIONS: A diurnal variation was not observed for uterine peristalsis. Sporadic changes in peristaltic frequency were observed and appear to be closely related to sustained uterine contractions.

Multiple-image in-room CT imaging guidance for interventional procedures.

This HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the institutional review board; informed consent was not required. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare room use time for interventional procedures performed with multiple-image multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy (n=196) and single-image spiral CT fluoroscopy (n=175). There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, or procedural type between the two groups. The median room use time was 90 minutes (interquartile range, 65-120 minutes) for the single-image technique and 75 minutes (interquartile range, 60-105 minutes) for the multiple-image technique. A two-sample t test with equal variance assumption on the log-transformed data showed a statistically significant difference in log time (P<.001) between the two groups. This time savings could potentially have a substantial clinical effect on resource use and patient throughput.

A semiautomated technique for evaluation of uterine peristalsis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the capability of a newly developed semiautomatic analysis technique for evaluation of uterine peristalsis in comparison with visual assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cine magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained from 16 normal volunteers in periovulatory phase. Sixty-eight studies were evaluated by both visual evaluation and by a semiautomated computer assisted software. The software was developed by applying an automated contour tracking method and enables objective analysis of frequency, amplitude, velocity, and direction. Assessments were based on: 1) the recognition of peristalsis, 2) peristaltic direction and frequency, and 3) the way of recognizing peristaltic direction. The data obtained by both modalities were compared with those of previously reported ultrasound (US) findings. RESULTS: Uterine peristalsis was identified in all studies by both objective and visual analyses. There was no significant difference in the identification of peristalsis, recognition of peristaltic directions, or peristaltic frequency (P > 0.05). Data were well in accordance with those in US literature. Peristaltic direction was recognized either by configuration change in the endometrium or by conduction of low signal intensity in the subendometrial myometrium and there was statistically no difference. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of uterine peristalsis by the semiautomatic analysis accorded well with the results obtained visual assessments and previous US findings.