Overcoming foetal motion using interactive real-time magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Foetal MRI has become an established image modality in the prenatal diagnosis of CNS anomalies, but image quality can be severely affected by foetal movements. The objective was to overcome these inherent motion problems by applying interactive real-time MRI and to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of the applied real-time MRI sequence in relation to standard protocols. METHODS: Ten healthy foetuses (gestation week 21·3 ± 0·5) were scanned using a system, which allowed visual feedback and interactive slice positioning in real time. The data were compared to a control group of 14 healthy foetuses (gestation week 21·0 ± 0·8) who had previously been scanned using standard MRI. Comparisons were carried out by two radiologists with regard to cerebral anthropometric sizes, presence of important brain structures, degree of movement, clinical image value, image quality and ability to obtain correct slice planes. RESULTS: Two out of eight anthropometric sizes were statistically different between the two groups. Representation of cerebral structures was found in 70-100% in the real-time group. No statistically differences were found in clinical image value and image quality. The mean ability to obtain optimal slice planes was higher in the real-time group, but it was not significant. CONCLUSION: Imaging of the foetal brain using the proposed interactive real-time MRI system is a promising alternative to traditional foetal MRI for anthropometrics or as a supplement for the representation of foetal brain structures in cases in which foetal motion causes challenges in relation to obtaining optimal slice planes using conventional MRI techniques.

Assessment of myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer using three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative knowledge of myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer is important for surgical planning. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficiency of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) with and without saline infusion (SIS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessment of myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 110 women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial adenocarcinoma underwent preoperative 2D- and 3D-TVS with and without SIS and MRI. Offline 3D-TVS measurement was performed of the minimal tumor-free margin in relation to myometrial thickness expressed as deep (≥ 50%) myometrial invasion and subjective impression of cervix involvement. The quality of images was also evaluated. Diagnostic efficiencies were calculated for myometrial and cervical involvement for each method. The pathologist's final diagnosis served as the reference standard. RESULTS: For myometrial involvement, MRI showed greater accuracy than 3D-TVS or 2D-TVS (83, 71 and 75%, respectively). The efficiency of 3D-TVS was not superior to 2D-TVS and did not improve with SIS. The sensitivities of 2D-TVS and 3D-TVS were similar to that of MRI, and the efficiency of 3D-TVS improved when volumes of inadequate quality (39%) were excluded. For evaluating cervical involvement, the accuracy of 3D-TVS was 85%, comparable to the results of 2D-TVS (80%) and MRI (85%). The results did not improve when saline was added. CONCLUSION: 3D-TVS or 3D-SIS was not more efficient than 2D-TVS or MRI for assessment of myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer. 3D-TVS assessment without 2D-TVS was impeded by difficulties in obtaining 3D-TVS volumes of sufficient quality.

Preoperative staging of endometrial cancer using TVS, MRI, and hysteroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of different preoperative modalities for staging of endometrial cancer to restrict extensive surgery to patients at high risk of metastatic disease. SETTING: Aarhus University Hospital. POPULATION: 156 women referred in 2006-2011 because of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (G0) or endometrial cancer. METHODS: Patients were offered preoperative transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hysteroscopic-directed biopsies from the uterine tumor and cervix. Final pathology of the removed uterus was the reference standard. Patients were divided into low risk (<50% myometrial invasion, and grades 0, 1, 2, and no cervical invasion) or high risk (all others). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value. RESULTS: Patients were aged 32-88 years, with a mean body mass index of 29. At final pathology 81% had cancer and 19% G0 or no residual tumor; 54% were high risk. Hysteroscopy-directed biopsies had a higher accuracy (92%) than endometrial biopsy (58%) for differentiating G0 from cancer (p < 0.001); grade 3 tumor identification had similar accuracy (93 vs. 92%). Deep myometrial invasion was estimated with higher accuracy by MRI (82%) than TVS (74%) (p < 0.02). For cervical involvement, hysteroscopy-directed biopsies had higher accuracy (94%) than MRI (84%,) and TVS (80%) (p < 0.02). Accuracy for identifying high-risk women was highest (83%) using a combination of MRI and hysteroscopic-directed biopsies, compared with TVS and endometrial biopsy (72%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative staging with MRI and hysteroscopy-directed biopsy can identify eight of 10 women with high risk of lymph node metastases and spare eight of 10 low-risk women extended surgery.

High long-term morbidity in repaired aortic coarctation: weak association with residual arch obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess late morbidity after repair of aortic coarctation and its association with residual aortic arch obstruction. DESIGN AND SETTING: This is an observational cohort study of 133 patients who underwent surgical repair during 1965-1985. Echocardiography, bicycle exercise testing, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and magnetic resonance imaging/computerized tomography scan of the thoracic aorta were performed. The setting of this study was a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Among 156 survivors, 133 (84 men) accepted study participation. Median age (range) was 10 (0.1-40) years at repair and 44 (26-74) years at follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures used are prevalence of previous cardiovascular reinterventions, current cardiac and valvular function, exercise capacity, blood pressure levels at rest and during exercise, and presence of recurrent or residual aortic arch obstruction and/or aortic aneurysms. RESULTS: Thirty-five had undergone cardiovascular reinterventions. Sixteen had an aortic and three had a mitral valve prosthesis; 117 had a native aortic valve that was bicuspid in 63 and dysfunctional in 45. Ejection fraction was below 50% in 16. On exercise, performance was reduced in 37 and hypertension was induced in 47. Fifty-eight had elevated blood pressures and further 17 received antihypertensives. The ascending aorta was aneurysmal in 28 and the distal arch in five. The presence of a bicuspid aortic valve was significantly associated with valve regurgitation and ascending aortic ectasia. Fifty-eight of 121 patients had minimal aortic arch diameters between 46% and 79% of the diaphragmatic aortic diameter, indicating moderate/mild recoarctation. This was associated with elevated blood pressures and use of antihypertensive medication, but not with hypertension in unmedicated patients or with echocardiographic or exercise parameters. Only five patients had normal study findings, were normotensive, and without reinterventions after coarctation repair. CONCLUSIONS: Cure by repair of aortic coarctation is rare; heart diseases, aortopathy, and hypertension are common. Morbidity is only weakly associated with mild/moderate recoarctation.

Compromised cardiac function in exercising teenagers with pectus excavatum.

Patients with pectus excavatum complain about fatigue, tachypnea, discomfort and dyspnea, but the existence of an equivalent underlying pathophysiology has been questioned. We investigated 75 teenagers (49 pectus excavatum patients and 26 age matched controls) at rest and during bicycle exercise at submaximal exercise levels. At rest cardiac function was determined using echocardiography. During rest and exercise, cardiac output, heart rate and aerobic exercise capacity were measured using photo-acoustic gas-rebreathing technique for non-invasive determination of the cardiopulmonary function. At rest, no cardiac differences were found between control subjects and patients with pectus excavatum. During submaximal exercise, cardiac index was lower 6.6(6.3-7.0) l/min/m(2) among the pectus patients as compared to the control subjects 8.0(7.3-8.8) l/min/m(2), P=0.0001. The lower cardiac output among the pectus patients was due to a lower stroke index 42(39-45) ml/beat/m(2) as compared to controls 54(44-64) ml/beat/m(2), P=0.0022, whereas heart rate was unchanged. Cardiac function is significantly impaired at submaximal exercise level compared to healthy age matched controls.

Dilation of the ascending aorta in Turner syndrome - a prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of aortic dissection is 100-fold increased in Turner syndrome (TS). Unfortunately, risk stratification is inadequate due to a lack of insight into the natural course of the syndrome-associated aortopathy. Therefore, this study aimed to prospectively assess aortic dimensions in TS. METHODS: Eighty adult TS patients were examined twice with a mean follow-up of 2.4 ± 0.4 years, and 67 healthy age and gender-matched controls were examined once. Aortic dimensions were measured at nine predefined positions using 3D, non-contrast and free-breathing cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Transthoracic echocardiography and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure were also performed. RESULTS: At baseline, aortic diameters (body surface area indexed) were larger at all positions in TS. Aortic dilation was more prevalent at all positions excluding the distal transverse aortic arch. Aortic diameter increased in the aortic sinus, at the sinotubular junction and in the mid-ascending aorta with growth rates of 0.1 - 0.4 mm/year. Aortic diameters at all other positions were unchanged. The bicuspid aortic valve conferred higher aortic sinus growth rates (p < 0.05). No other predictors of aortic growth were identified. CONCLUSION: A general aortopathy is present in TS with enlargement of the ascending aorta, which is accelerated in the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve.

Abnormalities of the major intrathoracic arteries in Turner syndrome as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Ectatic aortopathy and arterial abnormalities cause excess morbidity and mortality in Turner syndrome, where a state of vasculopathy seemingly extends into the major head and neck branch arteries. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the prevalence of abnormalities of the major intrathoracic arteries, their interaction with arterial dimensions, and their association with karyotype. DESIGN: Magnetic resonance imaging scans determined the arterial abnormalities as well as head and neck branch artery and aortic dimensions in 99 adult women with Turner syndrome compared with 33 healthy female controls. Echocardiography determined aortic valve morphology. RESULTS: In Turner syndrome, the relative risk of any congenital abnormality was 7.7 (p = 0.003) and 6.7 of ascending aortic dilation (p = 0.02). A bovine aortic arch was seen in both Turner syndrome and controls. Other abnormalities were only encountered in Turner syndrome: elongated transverse aortic arch (47%), bicuspid aortic valve (27%), aortic coarctation (13%), aberrant right subclavian artery (8%), and aortic arch hypoplasia (2%). The innominate and left common carotid arteries were enlarged in Turner syndrome (p < 0.001). Significant associations were first, bicuspid aortic valve with aortic coarctation, elongated transverse aortic arch, and ascending aortic dilation; second, aortic coarctation with elongated aortic arch and descending aortic dilation; third, 45,X with aortic coarctation, elongated transverse aortic arch and ascending aortic dilation; and fourth, branch artery dilation with bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation, elongated transverse aortic arch and 45,X. CONCLUSION: An increased risk of arterial abnormalities, aortic dilation, and enlargement of the branch arteries was found in Turner syndrome without distinct patterns of co-segregation.

Thoracic aortopathy in Turner syndrome and the influence of bicuspid aortic valves and blood pressure: a CMR study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate aortic dimensions in women with Turner syndrome (TS) in relation to aortic valve morphology, blood pressure, karyotype, and clinical characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross sectional study of 102 women with TS (mean age 37.7; 18-62 years) examined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR- successful in 95), echocardiography, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. Aortic diameters were measured by CMR at 8 positions along the thoracic aorta. Twenty-four healthy females were recruited as controls. In TS, aortic dilatation was present at one or more positions in 22 (23%). Aortic diameter in women with TS and bicuspid aortic valve was significantly larger than in TS with tricuspid valves in both the ascending (32.4 +/- 6.7 vs. 26.0 +/- 4.4 mm; p < 0.001) and descending (21.4 +/- 3.5 vs. 18.8 +/- 2.4 mm; p < 0.001) aorta. Aortic diameter correlated to age (R = 0.2 - 0.5; p < 0.01), blood pressure (R = 0.4; p < 0.05), a history of coarctation (R = 0.3; p = 0.01) and bicuspid aortic valve (R = 0.2-0.5; p < 0.05). Body surface area only correlated with descending aortic diameter (R = 0.23; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic dilatation was present in 23% of adult TS women, where aortic valve morphology, age and blood pressure were major determinants of the aortic diameter.

Huntington's disease-like and ataxia syndromes: identification of a family with a de novo SCA17/TBP mutation.

The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias, commonly referred to as SCAs, are clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders. Twenty-eight genetic subtypes have been identified, of which 7 are caused by expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat that encodes a polyglutamine tract in the respective proteins. SCA17 is caused by a CAG/CAA repeat expansion in the TATA box-binding protein-gene (TBP). In some cases the clinical phenotype of SCA17 overlaps that of Huntington's disease (HD), hence the use of the term Huntington's disease-like. We screened 89 patients with a Huntington's disease-like phenotype without the HD-gene mutation and 178 patients with genetically unclassified cerebellar ataxia for the mutation in TBP. A 33-year old woman presenting with an HD like phenotype with a de novo 54 CAG/CAA repeat expansion was identified. Her normal allele included 38 repeats. The patient's mother and father both carried normal range repeats, 38/38 and 33/39 respectively. Analysis of the repeat structures revealed that the expansion had occurred upon expansion of the longer paternal allele. We conclude that, however rare, SCA17 must be considered as a cause of Huntington's disease-like phenotypes and ataxia syndromes, also in isolated cases.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis]. / Magnetisk resonans-skanning af det kvindelige baekken.

The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the female pelvis has expanded considerably over the past decade. We here review important indications, including congenital anomalies, benign and malignant diseases and special emphasis is given to the diagnostic value and possible limitations of MR. MR also plays an increasing role in minimal access surgery.

Transvaginal ultrasound or MRI for diagnosis of adenomyosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are used to diagnose adenomyosis. This review summarizes the current evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of these techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: The image resolution of both transvaginal ultrasound and MRI is effective for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. In a limited number of well-designed studies the diagnostic efficiency of MRI and transvaginal ultrasound were almost in line. With transvaginal ultrasound, considerable training is needed to recognize the distinct ultrasound pattern in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The findings in MRI are less observer dependent, but still somewhat dependent on an MRI observer who is expert in gynecologic imaging. SUMMARY: Transvaginal ultrasound is the natural first choice of image modality when investigating pelvic pain or menstrual disorders, but correct diagnosis of adenomyosis is dependent on sonographers trained in pattern recognition of adenomyosis. When transvaginal ultrasound provides indefinite findings or when dealing with difficult cases with coexistence of other abnormalities (myomas and severe endometriosis), MRI may add information and increase the diagnostic performance.

Phased array magnetic resonance imaging for staging clinically localised prostrate cancer.

Patients suffering from intra-capsular prostate cancer (T1-2, N0, M0) are potential candidates for curative treatment by radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. Curative intended therapy is frequently associated with substantial side effects, which makes accuracy of preoperative staging important. However, up to 40% of the patients with clinically localized disease turn out to be under-staged and should not have been subjected to curative surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the value of preoperative phased array MRI staging in patients who are candidates for radical prostatectomy.Ninety-five potential candidates for radical prostatectomy suspected of suffering from clinical prostate cancer underwent pre-diagnostic and pre-operative staging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results were compared with the postoperative pathological findings including evidence of extra-capsular extension (ECE) of the tumor. The MRI results were not taken into consideration when staging the patients preoperatively or offering treatment. Radical prostatectomy was performed within a few weeks after MRI. In 48 patients the diagnostic biopsy did not detect carcinoma but benign hyperplasia of the prostate (BPH), while 9 patients had T3 disease. Thirty-eight patients had clinically localized prostate cancer and underwent radical prostatectomy. In 16 cases (42%) ECE was postoperatively proven by the pathologist, while only 22 (58%) of the patients suffered from true localized prostate cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI detecting ECE were 24% and 86% respectively, while the positive and negative predictive value of MRI with regard to ECE were only 57% and 61% respectively. Phased array MRI did not in its present form provide the necessary accuracy in preoperative staging in clinically localized prostate cancer patients.

Long-term outcome of meniscal degeneration in the knee: poor association between MRI and symptoms in 45 patients followed more than 4 years.

Knee joint-related symptoms are frequent and the use of MRI as a diagnostic tool is common. About 25% of MRIs show meniscal degeneration (MD). As the natural history of MD has not been well described, we studied the long-term outcome of 50 MDs. 45 patients were initially evaluated by a MRI, and clinical examination and later by another MRI. After 5 years, 38 of the MDs were unchanged, 8 had progressed and 4 regressed. Progression of MD was associated with age over 40 years, trauma during the follow-up period and/or other knee lesions, such as osteoarthrosis and ligament rupture. The clinical findings were consistent with MDs only in 8 cases.

Imaging techniques for evaluation of the uterine cavity and endometrium in premenopausal patients before minimally invasive surgery.

UNLABELLED: A literature review compared the diagnostic effectiveness and accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) hysterosonographic examination (HSE), hysteroscopy (HY), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in abnormalities of the uterine cavity and endometrium in premenopausal patients referred to surgery and women with abnormal uterine bleeding. The studies varied much in terms of patient selection, number of observers, blinding and experience of observers, and definition of abnormality criteria. The diagnostic effectiveness of the techniques reviewed varied: TVS only reached intermediate quality levels as a diagnostic tool for exclusion of uterine cavity abnormalities and no data support that MRI, TVS, HY, or HSE may exclude hyperplasia without concomitant endometrial sampling. HY and HSE were equally effective and apparently outperformed TVS, especially for identification of polyps. However, all techniques carried a significant number of false positive results. MRI does not satisfy current diagnostic demands for detection of endometrial abnormalities, but it is sufficiently accurate for submucous myoma (SM) evaluation. TVS, HSE, and HY carry much observer variation as opposed to MRI. In experienced hands TVS should be a first choice modality, but its precision and consistency fall short of current needs and it should therefore be supplemented by other techniques. HSE or HY performed by experienced clinicians should be used as supplements to TVS for exclusion of polyps. MRI can be recommended as the first choice modality for exact evaluation of SM uterine in-growth before advanced minimal invasive treatment of myomas. Clinicians should be aware that modern imaging techniques may yield highly idiosyncratic results when used by inexperienced staff, and efforts should be made to reduce such observer variation. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to describe the diagnostic strengths and weaknesses of the various diagnostic tests in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding and to compare the accuracy of each test to the others.

[Magnetic resonance arteriography in peripheral vascular surgery. A new, non-invasive method for visualization of arteries]. / Magnetisk resonans-arteriografi i perifer karkirurgi. En ny og ikke-invasiv metode til visualisering af arterier.

Based on a MEDLINE search, we present the current status of magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) and peripheral vascular surgery. Non-enhanced MRA (TOF-MRA) is more time-consuming than is gadolinium-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA), and the gadolinium-enhanced technique seems to perform more accurately and pose fewer problems. The sensitivity and specificity of TOF-MRA are 93% (range 64-100%) and 88% (range 57-100%) respectively, and that of CE-MRA 96% (range 71-100%) and 96% (63-100%), respectively, with conventional arteriography as the gold standard. Some studies report an incidence of run-off vessels suitable for distal bypass that are visible on MRA, but invisible on conventional arteriography. Gadolinium contrast is given intravenously and is not nephrotoxic. CE-MRA is accurate, compared to conventional arteriography, has the potential to increase the limb salvage rate for selected patients, is non-invasive, and well tolerated.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasonography in the diagnosis, mapping, and measurement of uterine myomas.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasonography in myoma diagnosis, mapping, and measurement. STUDY DESIGN: This was a double-blind study of 106 consecutive premenopausal women who underwent hysterectomy for benign reasons. Myomas (total, 257) were exactly mapped by magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasonography; in each patient, we counted correctly identified myomas with pathologic position as true value. RESULTS: The presence of myomas was detected with the same high level of precision by both methods (magnetic resonance imaging: sensitivity, 0.99; specificity, 0.86; transvaginal ultrasonography: sensitivity, 0.99; specificity, 0.91). The mean number of correctly identified myomas was significantly higher by magnetic resonance imaging than by transvaginal ultrasonography (mean difference, 0.51 +/- 1.03; P <.001), a difference that narrowed to 0.08 +/- 0.76 (P =.60) in 26 patients with 1 to 4 myomas and uterine volumes <375 mL. Magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasonography myoma diameter measurements had equal and high accuracies in patients with 1 to 4 myomas. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal ultrasonography is as efficient as magnetic resonance imaging in detecting myoma presence, but its capacity for exact myoma mapping falls short of that of magnetic resonance imaging, especially in large (>375 mL) multiple-myoma (>4) uteri.

Reproducibility of evaluation of the uterus by transvaginal sonography, hysterosonographic examination, hysteroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate and compare inter-observer reproducibility by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), hysterosonographic examination (HSE) and hysteroscopy (HY). METHODS: Different observers consecutively evaluated MRI, TVS, HSE and HY independently in 51 pre-menopausal women, who underwent hysterectomy for benign diseases. RESULTS: Inter-observer agreement (kappa) was as follows: Exclusion of uterine cavity abnormalities: MRI 0.97, TVS 0.68, HSE 0.48 and HY 0.63; submucous myomas: MRI 0.97, TVS 0.59, HSE 0.60 and HY 0.67; polyps: MRI 0.49, TVS 0.48, HSE 0.35 and HY 0.50; identification of myometrial myomas: MRI 0.97, TVS 0.74; adenomyosis: MRI 0.73 and TVS 0.38. Mean difference between observers in number of observed myomas was (absolute values) MRI 0.58, TVS 0.93. Agreement on evaluation of abnormalities in the uterine cavity, submucous myomas, number of myomas and adenomyosis was significantly greater by MRI than by any of the other techniques, whereas agreement was in line by TVS, HSE and HY. CONCLUSIONS: Inter-observer disagreement reached substantial levels only for exclusion of uterine cavity benign abnormalities by HY, TVS and HSE. Strategies should be adopted to reduce observer variation of common gynaecological imaging techniques or the less observer-dependent MRI technique could be favoured.