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1.
Acta Radiol ; 52(3): 305-11, 2011 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21498367

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The number of conventional lymphographies has declined markedly since the introduction of cross-sectional imaging techniques. Nevertheless, lymphography has a high potential as a reliable method to visualize and directly occlude lymphatic leaks. When used as a distinct radiological procedure with the intention to treat, this application can be described as therapeutic lymphography. PURPOSE: To investigate if therapeutic lymphography is a reliable method to treat lymphatic leakage when conservative treatment fails and to investigate which parameters influence the success rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August 1995 and January 2008, 50 patients with lymphatic leakage in form of chylothorax, chylous ascites, lymphocele, and lymphatic fistulas underwent conventional therapeutic lymphography after failure of conservative therapy. Of these 50 patients, seven could not be statistically evaluated in our retrospective study: one patient died of cancer 1 day after lymphography, and six were excluded due to various technical problems. The remaining 43 patients were evaluated. Therapeutic success was evaluated and correlated to the volume of lymphatic leakage (more or less than 500 mL/day), as assessed by drainage. RESULTS: In nearly 79% of patients, the location of the leak could be detected, and surgical intervention could be planned when therapeutic lymphography failed. Due to the irrigating effect of the contrast medium (lipiodol), the lymphatic leak could be completely occluded in 70% of patients when the lymphatic drainage volume was less than 500 mL/day. Even when lymphatic drainage was higher than 500 mL/day, therapeutic lymphography was still successful in 35% of the patients. The overall success rate in patients with failed conservative treatment was 51%. Success did not depend on other factors such as age and sex, cause of lymph duct damage, or time elapsed between lymphatic injury and intervention. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic lymphography is an effective method in the treatment of lymphatic leakage when conservative therapy fails. The volume of lymphatic drainage per day is a significant predictor of the therapeutical success rate.


Subject(s)
Chylothorax/diagnostic imaging , Chylothorax/therapy , Chylous Ascites/diagnostic imaging , Chylous Ascites/therapy , Lymphatic Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Lymphatic Diseases/therapy , Lymphography/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Contrast Media/therapeutic use , Ethiodized Oil/therapeutic use , Female , Fistula/diagnostic imaging , Fistula/therapy , Humans , Lymphocele/diagnostic imaging , Lymphocele/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
2.
Acad Radiol ; 18(2): 230-4, 2011 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21232686

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of micro computed tomography (CT) to assess the fine structure of breast tissue. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Breast core needle biopsy specimens (0.8 to 1.2 mm diameter) from fifteen women with clustered microcalcifications were examined using micro CT with isotropic voxels of 8.4 µm. Reconstructed two- and three-dimensional images were compared with the corresponding histological slices. Gray-scale measurements were performed in adipose tissue, fibroglandular tissue, fibrous tissue, microcalcifications, and tumor. The Tukey-Kramer method was applied to test the statistically significant differences between gray-scale attenuation values of breast tissue components. RESULTS: Soft-tissue architecture appearance at micro CT closely approximated that obtained by light microscopy at low power field. The Tukey-Kramer method revealed statistically significant differences for attenuation values for all combinations of breast tissue components with the exception of fibroglandular tissue versus fibrous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Micro CT is feasible for the differentiation of breast tissue components from core needle specimens.


Subject(s)
Biopsy, Needle , Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Breast/pathology , Mammography , Microradiography , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Aged , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Calcinosis/diagnostic imaging , Calcinosis/pathology , Carcinoma in Situ/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma in Situ/pathology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Middle Aged
3.
J Comput Assist Tomogr ; 33(4): 517-22, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19638842

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of voxel size on its ability to discriminate calcium from iron deposits in ex vivo coronary arteries. METHODS: Postmortem human coronary arteries underwent multislice computed tomographic scan at (600-microm) voxel size to provide an index of computed tomography (CT) image noise and synchrotron-based micro-CT at (4-microm) voxel size to provide data for generating a range of voxel sizes 4 to (600-microm) after grayscale noise was added to the projection images before reconstruction so as to mimic the effect of retaining the same radiation exposure involved in the multislice computed tomographic scan. RESULTS: At voxel sizes of (20-microm) or smaller, iron deposits could be identified based on CT grayscale value. Voxels of (100-microm) or larger cannot resolve nor distinguish iron deposits from calcifications by virtue of CT grayscale value. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical CT scanners cannot be expected to discriminate iron deposits from calcifications by their CT value alone in the arterial wall.


Subject(s)
Calcinosis/diagnostic imaging , Calcium/analysis , Coronary Artery Disease/diagnostic imaging , Hemosiderosis/diagnostic imaging , Iron/analysis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Autopsy , Coronary Angiography/methods , Humans , X-Ray Microtomography/methods
4.
Circ Res ; 104(10): 1192-200, 2009 May 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19372464

ABSTRACT

3-Deazaadenosine (c3Ado) is a potent inhibitor of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, which regulates cellular methyltransferase activity. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of c3Ado on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function and neointima formation in vivo. c3Ado dose-dependently prevented the proliferation and migration of human coronary VSMCs in vitro. This was accompanied by an increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21(WAF1/Cip1), p27(Kip1), a decreased expression of G(1)/S phase cyclins, and a lack of retinoblastoma protein hyperphosphorylation. In accordance with these findings, fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis of propidium iodide-stained cells indicated a cell cycle arrest in the G(0)/G(1) phase. Importantly, c3Ado did not affect the number of viable (trypan blue exclusion) or apoptotic cells (TUNEL). Mechanistically, c3Ado prevented FCS-induced Ras carboxyl methylation and membrane translocation and activity by inhibiting isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase and reduced FCS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, rescuing signal transduction by overexpression of a constitutive active Ras mutant abrogated c3Ado's effect on proliferation. For in vivo studies, the femoral artery of C57BL/6 mice was dilated and mice were fed a diet containing 150 microg of c3Ado per day. c3Ado prevented dilation-induced Ras activation, as well as ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in vivo. At day 21, VSMC proliferation (proliferating-cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]-positive cells), as well as the neointima/media ratio (0.7+/-0.2 versus 1.6+/-0.4; P<0.05) were significantly reduced, without any changes in the number of apoptotic cells. Our data indicate that c3Ado interferes with Ras methylation and function and thereby with mitogenic activation of ERK1/2 and Akt, preventing VSMC cell cycle entry and proliferation and neointima formation in vivo. Thus, therapeutic inhibition of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase by c3Ado may represent a save and effective novel approach to prevent vascular proliferative disease.


Subject(s)
Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism , Neovascularization, Physiologic/drug effects , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism , Signal Transduction/physiology , Tubercidin/pharmacology , Adenosylhomocysteinase/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Cell Cycle/drug effects , Cell Movement/drug effects , Coronary Vessels/cytology , Coronary Vessels/drug effects , Coronary Vessels/metabolism , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Humans , Male , Methylation/drug effects , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/metabolism , Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
5.
J Magn Reson Imaging ; 29(4): 909-16, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19306426

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate renal allograft vessels in the early period after kidney transplantation with three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D CE MRA) using a parallel imaging technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three consecutive patients were examined with 3D CE MRA and integrated SENSE technique (Sensitivity Encoding) 2 to 21 days after renal transplantation. MR angiography studies were analyzed for the presence of arterial stenosis. The degree of renal transplant artery stenosis was graded qualitatively as <50% = mild, 50-70% = moderate, 70-99% = severe, and occlusion. Four patients (6.3%) with moderate (n = 1) or severe (n = 3) arterial stenoses on CE MRA underwent selective intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography. In two patients, selective intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (42.9%) of the 63 patients had normal CE MR angiograms, 29 (46%) showed mild, 3 patients (4.8%) moderate, and 4 patients (6.3%) severe stenoses of the donor artery. In three patients, the severe stenosis of the graft artery was confirmed by surgery or intra-arterial DSA. One patient with suspicion of severe arterial stenosis on MRA had moderate vessel narrowing on DSA. Twelve months after kidney transplantation, serum creatinine levels were not significantly different in patients with mild and moderate stenoses from those without (P > 0.19) but significantly different from those with severe stenoses (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of mild and moderate vessel narrowing at the arterial anastomosis is unexpectedly high in the early period after kidney transplantation and is most likely due to surgery-related tissue edema.


Subject(s)
Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Kidney Transplantation , Kidney/blood supply , Magnetic Resonance Angiography/methods , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Renal Artery Obstruction/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Angiography, Digital Subtraction , Contrast Media , Female , Gadolinium DTPA , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging , Renal Artery Obstruction/diagnostic imaging
6.
Neoplasia ; 11(1): 48-56, 2009 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19107231

ABSTRACT

Quantitative evaluation of lung tumor angiogenesis using immunohistochemical techniques has been limited by difficulties in generating reproducible data. To analyze intrapulmonary tumor angiogenesis, we used high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) of lung tumors of mice inoculated with mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) or human adenocarcinoma (A549) cell lines. The lung vasculature was filled with the radiopaque silicone rubber, Microfil, through the jugular vein (in vivo application) or pulmonary artery (ex vivo application). In addition, human adenocarcinoma lung tumor-bearing mice treated site-specifically with humanized monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab) against vascular endothelial growth factor. Quantitative analysis of lung tumor microvessels imaged with micro-CT showed that more vessels (mainly small, <0.02 mm(2)) were filled using the in vivo (5.4%) compared with the ex vivo (2.1%) method. Furthermore, bevacizumab-treated lung tumor-bearing mice showed significantly reduced lung tumor volume and lung tumor angiogenesis compared with untreated mice as assessed by micro-CT. Interestingly, microvascularization of mainly the smaller vessels (<0.02 mm(2)) was reduced after bevacizumab treatment. This observation with micro-CT was nicely correlated with immunohistochemical measurement of microvessels. Therefore, micro-CT is a novel method for investigating lung tumor angiogenesis, and this might be considered as an additional complementary tool for precise quantification of angiogenesis.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma/diagnostic imaging , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Neovascularization, Pathologic/diagnostic imaging , X-Ray Microtomography/methods , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Carcinoma/pathology , Drug Delivery Systems , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Lung Neoplasms/blood supply , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Nude , Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy , Organ Specificity/drug effects , Tumor Cells, Cultured , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
7.
J Clin Gastroenterol ; 43(2): 165-70, 2009 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18797409

ABSTRACT

GOALS: To review magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and with combined pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and DM. STUDY: MRI/MRCP findings of 82 consecutive patients with DM (n=28), pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (n=25), and combination of both (n=29) were evaluated and compared with MRI/MRCP findings of 21 healthy volunteers with normal pancreatic exocrine function. Pancreatic exocrine function was determined by fecal elastase 1. MRCP images were evaluated according to the Cambridge classification. MRI of the pancreas was assessed for pancreatic size, signal intensity ratio (SIR), and arterial/venous enhancement ratio (A/V). RESULTS: On MRI, significant difference was present in terms of mean values of pancreatic size (P<0.0001), A/V (P<0.02), and SIR (P<0.005) between the control group and groups of patients with DM, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and combined DM and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. No significant difference was observed between groups of patients with DM and pancreatic exocrine function alone in terms of pancreatic size, A/V, and SIR. Chronic pancreatitis MRCP findings were present with increasing frequency in groups of DM, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and combination of both. CONCLUSIONS: MRI/MRCP findings suggesting chronic pancreatitis may exist in patients with DM comparable to patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. The frequency and severity of MRI/MRCP findings increase when the patients have combined DM and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.


Subject(s)
Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance/methods , Diabetes Complications , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Pancreas/pathology , Pancreatic Elastase/analysis , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Diabetes Complications/epidemiology , Diabetes Complications/pathology , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/complications , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/epidemiology , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/pathology , Feces/enzymology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pancreatic Function Tests , Pancreatitis, Chronic/complications , Pancreatitis, Chronic/diagnosis , Pancreatitis, Chronic/epidemiology , Pancreatitis, Chronic/pathology
8.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 191(1): 228-32, 2008 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18562750

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the spectrum of MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings of hepatic, pancreatic, and biliary manifestations in patients with HIV infection. CONCLUSION: The spectrum of MRI and MRCP findings in HIV-infected patients includes acute or chronic hepatitis (or both), pancreatitis, cholangitis, acalculous cholecystitis, and biliary strictures that may resemble primary sclerosing cholangitis. The presence of segmental extrahepatic biliary strictures is characteristic of AIDS cholangiopathy.


Subject(s)
Biliary Tract Diseases/diagnosis , Biliary Tract/pathology , Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance/methods , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Hepatitis, Viral, Human/diagnosis , Liver/pathology , Pancreas/pathology , Pancreatitis/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged
9.
Pancreas ; 36(1): e33-9, 2008 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18192870

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To correlate magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the pancreas with the pancreatic exocrine function determined by fecal elastase 1 concentration. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging and MRCP findings of 81 consecutive patients with clinically suspected chronic pancreatitis and 21 healthy volunteers were evaluated. All subjects underwent MRI/MRCP and fecal elastase 1 testing within 1 to 4 weeks' interval. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images were evaluated according to Cambridge classification. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas was assessed for pancreatic size, signal, and arterial enhancement. RESULTS: All volunteers had normal fecal elastase 1 levels (>200 microg/g) and normal MRI/MRCP findings. Thirty-one of 56 patients revealed MRI and/or MRCP findings despite normal fecal elastase 1 concentration. Four of 25 patients revealed normal MRI and MRCP findings despite low fecal elastase 1 concentration (<200 microg/g). Magnetic resonance imaging findings of size (P = 0.00001), arterial enhancement (P = 0.00001), and parenchymal signal (P = 0.001) were significantly different among the control group, patients with normal fecal elastase 1 levels, and patients with low fecal elastase 1 levels. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings (P = 0.00001), pancreatic size (P = 0.00001), arterial enhancement (P = 0.014), and parenchymal signal (P = 0.004) on MRI correlated with the fecal elastase 1 concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging/MRCP findings correlate with fecal elastase 1 concentration and may precede pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in the early stages of chronic pancreatitis.


Subject(s)
Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance , Feces/enzymology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pancreatic Elastase/analysis , Pancreatitis, Chronic/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pancreas/pathology , Pancreatic Ducts/pathology , Pancreatitis, Chronic/pathology
10.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 188(5): W480-4, 2007 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17449748

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution MRI using a microscopy surface coil to stage basal cell carcinomas of the face. CONCLUSION: High-resolution MRI using a microscopy surface coil is a promising method to determine the extension of basaliomas of the facial region and to exclude infiltration of bone by the tumor.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Basal Cell/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/pathology , Face , Female , Humans , Male , Microscopy/instrumentation , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/pathology
11.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 188(5): 1367-72, 2007 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17449784

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of an i.v. injection of iodinated radiographic contrast medium on human renal blood flow using cine phase-contrast MRI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined 12 healthy adult volunteers. Blood flow in one renal artery was measured using cine phase-contrast imaging (1.5-T MR system). Each volunteer received 120 mL of isotonic sodium chloride on study day 1 and 120 mL of a low-osmolar, nonionic, iodinated contrast medium (iomeprol, 400 mg I/mL) on study day 2. Repetitive measurements were performed before (up to five measurements in 5 minutes) and after (up to 13 measurements in 30 minutes) the injection was started. RESULTS: Mean basal renal artery blood flow was 664 mL/min. In response to the injection of the test substances, we found a significantly larger decrease in average renal blood flow for contrast medium than for sodium chloride (31.9 mL/min vs 18.3 mL/min, p = 0.0481). Furthermore, in analyzing the measurements at early time points, we found a significant decrease (11.4% +/- 4.7% [SD]; Bonferroni-corrected, p < 0.05) in renal blood flow 2 minutes after the injection of the contrast medium was started. Sodium chloride did not produce a significant effect at any time. CONCLUSION: Cine phase-contrast MRI can measure a decrease in renal blood flow in humans in response to an i.v. injection of iodinated radiographic contrast medium. Therefore, cine phase-contrast MRI can be a helpful and noninvasive tool for further investigations of contrast media-induced changes in human renal blood flow and their possible impact on the development of contrast-induced nephropathy.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media/pharmacology , Iodine Compounds/pharmacology , Renal Circulation/drug effects , Adult , Contrast Media/administration & dosage , Female , Humans , Injections, Intravenous , Iodine Compounds/administration & dosage , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Regional Blood Flow/drug effects
12.
Eur J Radiol ; 61(2): 303-9, 2007 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17011152

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To present a method for calculating split renal function solely from routine triphasic helical computed tomography (CT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included 26 adult patients who received renal scintigraphy and triphasic CT within 4 weeks in the years 2003 and 2004. All scans were performed using a standard abdominal protocol. Split renal function was calculated as relative single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using a simplified "two-point Patlak plot" technique. As a reference method, split renal function was determined from renal scintigraphy using the standard technique. RESULTS: Linear correlation between the two methods was r=0.91, split renal function (CT)=0.0266+0.9573 x split renal function (scintigraphy). CONCLUSION: Split renal function can be measured accurately by minimally extended triphasic CT.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media/pharmacokinetics , Kidney Function Tests/methods , Kidney/physiology , Tomography, Spiral Computed , Adult , Aged , Female , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Humans , Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Male , Mathematics , Middle Aged , Radionuclide Imaging , Retrospective Studies
14.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol ; 291(3): L535-45, 2006 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16679382

ABSTRACT

We evaluated microfocal X-ray-computed tomography (micro-CT) as a method to visualize lung architecture two and three dimensionally and to obtain morphometric data. Inflated porcine lungs were fixed by formaldehyde ventilation. Tissue samples (8-mm diameter, 10-mm height) were stained with osmium tetroxide, and 400 projection images (1,024 x 1,024 pixel) were obtained. Continuous isometric micro-CT scans (voxel size 9 microm) were acquired to reconstruct two- and three-dimensional images. Tissue samples were sectioned (8-microm thickness) for histological analysis. Alveolar surface density and mean linear intercept were assessed by stereology-based morphometry in micro-CT scans and corresponding histological sections. Furthermore, stereology-based morphometry was compared with morphometric semi-automated micro-CT analysis within the same micro-CT scan. Agreement of methods was assessed by regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Comparing histology with micro-CT, alveolar surface densities (35.4 +/- 2.4 vs. 33.4 +/- 1.9/mm, P < 0.05) showed a correlation (r = 0.72; P = 0.018) with an agreement of 2 +/- 1.6/mm; the mean linear intercept (135.7 +/- 14.5 vs. 135.8 +/- 15 microm) correlated well (r = 0.97; P < 0.0001) with an agreement of -0.1 +/- 3.4 microm. Semi-automated micro-CT analysis resulted in smaller alveolar surface densities (33.4 +/- 1.9 vs. 30.5 +/- 1/mm; P < 0.01) with a correlation (r = 0.70; P = 0.023) and agreement of 2.9 +/- 1.4/mm. Non-destructive micro-CT scanning offers the advantage to visualize the spatial tissue architecture of small lung samples two and three dimensionally.


Subject(s)
Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Lung/ultrastructure , Pulmonary Alveoli/ultrastructure , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Animals , Histological Techniques , Serologic Tests , Swine
15.
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol ; 26(2): 347-52, 2006 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16293797

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that apolipoprotein E (apoE)(-/-)/low-density lipoprotein (LDL)(-/-) double knockout mice might develop vasa vasorum (VV) in association with advanced lesion formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Aortas from apoE(-/-)/LDL(-/-) mice aged 16, 18, 20, or 80 weeks were infused in situ with Microfil, harvested, and scanned with micro-computed tomography (CT). We characterized plaque volume and CT "density" as well as VV luminal volume along the aorta using Analyze 6.0 software. Results were complemented by a detailed histological plaque classification according to American Heart Association guidelines. From 16 to 80 weeks, plaque volume and VV opacified lumen volume increased with age (P<0.001). The 3-dimensional micro-CT images of arterial and venous VV trees allowed perfusion territories to be delineated. The spatial location and magnitude of VV density and adventitial inflammation were strongly correlated in advanced atherosclerotic lesions (r=0.91) and identified as an independent correlate to advanced lesions. At age 80 weeks, VV luminal volume was increased 20-fold compared with animals at age 16 weeks (P<0.001). Micro-CT showed that adventitial VV communicate with intraplaque microvessels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that apoE(-/-)/LDL(-/-) double knockout mice develop VV and advanced atheromas along the aorta. Lesion volume was closely associated with amount of neovascularization in advanced atheromas.


Subject(s)
Aorta/pathology , Apolipoproteins E/genetics , Atherosclerosis/pathology , Lipoproteins, LDL/genetics , Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology , Vasa Vasorum/pathology , Animals , Atherosclerosis/genetics , Disease Models, Animal , Disease Progression , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics , Vasculitis/genetics , Vasculitis/pathology
16.
J Magn Reson Imaging ; 22(3): 406-14, 2005 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16106358

ABSTRACT

We determined the optimum gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA dose and time window for calculating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using contrast-enhanced (CE) dynamic MRI and the Patlak plot technique. Twelve adult volunteers with healthy kidneys were included in the study. As a reference method the GFR was measured by iopromide plasma clearance. A three-dimensional gradient-echo (GRE) sequence with a flip angle of 50 degrees was used for MRI. Signal was measured using a body surface coil with four elements. Each volunteer was examined on four days using 2 mL, 4 mL, 8 mL, or 16 mL of Gd-DTPA 0.5 mmol/mL dissolved with sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.9% to a total of 60 mL. The injection rate was 1 mL/second. A Patlak plot was calculated from the kidney and aorta signals. The mean reference GFR was 133 mL/min (min-max, 116-153 mL/min). The best correlation of GFR calculated from MRI data compared to the reference method was found in a time window 30-90 seconds after aortic signal rise using 16 mL Gd-DTPA. Pearson's correlation coefficient was r = 0.83, and the standard deviation (SD) from the line of regression was 10.5 mL/minute. We found a significantly lower average GFR(MR) using 16 mL Gd-DTPA compared to 4 mL and 2 mL in the late time window 60-120 seconds post aortic rise. A dose of 16 mL Gd-DTPA was optimal for measuring GFR using dynamic MRI and the Patlak plot technique. The slope should be measured in a time window of 30-90 seconds post aortic rise.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media/administration & dosage , Gadolinium/administration & dosage , Glomerular Filtration Rate/physiology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Adult , Female , Humans , Injections , Iohexol/analogs & derivatives , Male , Middle Aged
17.
Radiology ; 236(3): 1053-8, 2005 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16118177

ABSTRACT

The appearance of human lung parenchyma at the structural level of alveoli was investigated by the use of micro-computed tomography (CT). Approval for use of autopsy lungs was given by the head of the pathology institute of the university, in accordance with the requirements of the State Ministry of Science and Arts and without the need for institutional review board approval. Two human lungs (one normal lung and one lung with centrilobular emphysema of a mild to moderate degree) were inflated and fixed with hot formalin vapor. Lung specimens excised from the superior segment of the left lower lobe (B6) were stained with silver nitrate in a vacuum and investigated at a volume of interest of 4 mm for each side with a voxel size of 14 mum. Normal-size and enlarged alveoli became visible. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the terminal airspaces made virtual endoscopy of the alveolar ducts possible.


Subject(s)
Microradiography , Pulmonary Alveoli/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Emphysema/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , In Vitro Techniques , Male , Middle Aged
18.
Radiographics ; 25(2): 525-36, 2005.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15798068

ABSTRACT

Owing to the rapid development of scanner technology, thoracic computed tomography (CT) offers new possibilities but also faces enormous challenges with respect to the quality of computer-assisted diagnosis and therapy planning. In the framework of the Virtual Institute for Computer Assistance in Clinical Radiology cooperative research project, a prototypical software application was developed to assist the radiologist in functional analysis of thoracic CT data. By identifying the anatomic compartments of the lungs, the software application enables assessment of established functional CT parameters for each individual lung, pulmonary lobe, and pulmonary segment. Such region-based assessment allows a more localized diagnosis of lung diseases such as emphysema and more accurate estimation of regional lung function from CT data. With close cooperation between computer scientists and radiologists, the software application was tested and optimized to achieve a high degree of usability. Several clinical studies were carried out, the results of which indicated that the software application improves quantification in diagnosis, therapy planning, and therapy monitoring with respect to accuracy and time required.


Subject(s)
Bronchi/physiopathology , Bronchography , Lung Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Lung Diseases/physiopathology , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Lung/physiopathology , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Radiography, Thoracic/methods , Software , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Algorithms , Humans
19.
Heart Vessels ; 20(1): 39-43, 2005 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15700202

ABSTRACT

This case report describes a 22-year-old woman with severe arterial ischemia leading to claudication and ulceration of the feet, presumably due to long-term abuse of amphetamine derivates, such as "speed" or "ecstasy," and cannabis. Known causes for peripheral occlusive disease, such as atherosclerosis, vasculitis, or collagen vascular disease, were excluded. Laboratory test results did not show evidence of risk factors for thromboembolic diseases. Conventional angiography and magnetic resonance-angiography showed occlusions of medium- and small-sized arteries of both calves and feet. In the past, vasculitis-like arteriopathy was attributed to the abuse of amphetamines as well as of cannabis. However, amphetamines have been reported to be associated with necrotizing vasculitis mainly of cerebral arteries. Therefore, the abuse of methamphetamine or "ecstasy" also appears to play a role in the development of peripheral arterial occlusions and seems to have broad similarities with Buerger's disease.


Subject(s)
Arteritis/diagnostic imaging , Marijuana Smoking/adverse effects , Methamphetamine/adverse effects , Substance-Related Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Thromboangiitis Obliterans/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Angiography/methods , Arteritis/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Lower Extremity , Risk Assessment , Substance-Related Disorders/diagnosis , Thromboangiitis Obliterans/diagnosis
20.
Radiology ; 233(1): 165-71, 2004 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15317950

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of micro-computed tomography (CT) for analysis of the lung fine structure and its alterations during endotoxin-induced lung injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intravital perfusion-fixed rat lungs with (n = 5) and without (n = 5) endotoxin perfusion were scanned with micro-CT. Three imaging modalities (conventional histology, intravital microscopy, and electron microscopy) were used to document the effect of endotoxin and the in vivo application of contrast agent (a mixture of barium sulfate, gelatin, and thymol). The effect of endotoxin on structural changes of the lung was evaluated with analysis of variance. RESULTS: Intravital microscopy, conventional histology, and electron microscopy demonstrated capillary perfusion of contrast agent, inflated alveoli, and no extravasation of barium sulfate in the extravascular space. Systemic application of endotoxin led to a significant increase in the soft-tissue volume of the lungs (ie, tissue edema) (58.09 microm(3)+/- 4.6 [standard error of the mean] vs 8.31 microm(3)+/- 1.63, P <.001) and significant thickening of the alveolar walls (34.01 microm +/- 4.5 vs 14.83 microm +/- 2.5, P <.001) at micro-CT. Simultaneously, endotoxin-treated rat lungs showed a significant reduction in total air space (49.74 microm(3)+/- 1.72 vs 100.99 microm(3)+/- 1.16, P <.001). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that micro-CT is feasible for structural evaluation of the lung fine structure and its alterations during endotoxin-induced lung injury.


Subject(s)
Lung Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Microradiography/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Animals , Barium Sulfate , Capillaries/diagnostic imaging , Capillaries/pathology , Contrast Media , Endotoxins/toxicity , Feasibility Studies , Gelatin , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Lung/pathology , Lung Diseases/etiology , Lung Diseases/pathology , Male , Microscopy, Electron , Pulmonary Alveoli/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Alveoli/pathology , Pulmonary Edema/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Edema/pathology , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Thymol , Tissue Embedding
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