Radiographic characteristics of Cook detachable and Gianturco coils as well as clinical results of transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus.

PURPOSE: To describe the radiographic appearance of the Gianturco and the Cook detachable coils and present the clinical results in patients who underwent transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1994 and June 1997, eighty-two patients underwent closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using either Gianturco or Cook detachable coils. The chest x-ray and echocardiography of all patients were reviewed and the following parameters were evaluated: 1) the size of the heart (cardiothoracic ratio), 2) the position and the type of the coils in the postero-anterior and the lateral projection, 3) the number of coils used, 4) the existence of residual ductal flow, 5) Doppler velocity in the left pulmonary artery. RESULTS: Complete occlusion was achieved in 94%, and cardio-thoracic ratio regressed from 0.57 to 0.53 (p < 0.01), after a mean follow-up of 1.2 years. The identification of the different coils on the chest radiograph was successful in only 47% of cases, difficulties arising especially, when multiple coils were used. In 55 patients (67%) the coil position was judged to be optimal, in 27 patients (33%) suboptimal. The latter correlates with the presence of residual shunt. Multiple coils correlated more with a left pulmonary artery flow velocity exceeding 1.5 m/s. CONCLUSION: Coil-occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus is effective and leads to reduced cardio-thoracic ratio. Radiographic coil identification is possible but may be difficult if multiple coils are deployed. Suboptimal coil position led more often to residual PDA shunt. Multiple coils are more commonly associated with increased LPA velocities, but hemodynamic significant obstruction to flow is rare.

An EORTC international multicenter randomized trial (EORTC number 19923) comparing two dosages of liposomal amphotericin B for treatment of invasive aspergillosis.

This is the first completed prospective randomized clinical efficacy trial of antifungals in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and the first to compare the clinical efficacy of two dosages of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for IA in neutropenic patients with cancer or those undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Eighty-seven of 120 patients were eligible and evaluable. Clinical responses were documented for 26 (64%) of 41 patients receiving 1 mg/(kg.d) (L-AmB-1) and 22 (48%) of 46 receiving 4 mg/(kg.d) (L-AmB-4). Radiologic response rates were similar: 24 (58%) of the L-AmB-1 recipients and 24(52%) of the L-AmB-4 recipients. The six-month survival rates were 43% (L-AmB-1) and 37% (L-AmB-4). These differences were not significant. The numbers of deaths directly due to IA at 6 months were similar: 9 (22%) of 41 L-AmB-1 recipients and 9 (20%) of 46 L-AmB-4 recipients. No other variable independently influenced survival, apart from central nervous system IA. L-AmB is effective in treating approximately 50%-60% of patients who have IA. A 1-mg/(kg.d) dosage is as effective as a 4-mg/(kg.d) dosage, and no advantages to use of the higher, more expensive, dosage has been observed.

One- to ten-year follow-up results of balloon angioplasty of native coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and adults.

OBJECTIVES: We attempted to evaluate the role of balloon angioplasty in the treatment of discrete coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and adults, with special emphasis on long-term results. BACKGROUND: Controversy persists over the use of balloon dilation for the treatment of native coarctation of the aorta. METHODS: Between July 1986 and January 1997, 43 consecutive adolescent and adult patients with discrete coarctation of the aorta underwent balloon angioplasty. One- to 10-year follow-up data of 37 patients, including results of cardiac catheterization and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), form the basis of this study. RESULTS: No early or late deaths occurred. Balloon angioplasty produced a reduction in the peak to peak coarctation gradient from a mean +/- SD of 69 +/- 24 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] 61 to 76) to 12 +/- 8 mm Hg (95% CI 10 to 14.8) (p < 0.001). Follow-up catheterization 12 months later (37 patients) revealed a residual gradient of 6.7 +/- 6 mm Hg (95% CI 4.6 to 8.9); 3 (7%) of 43 patients had suboptimal results with development of recoarctation, defined as peak gradient >20 mm Hg, with successful repeat angioplasty. A small aneurysm developed at the site of dilation in 3 (7%) of the 43 patients. MRI follow-up data 1 to 10.8 years (mean 5.2 +/- 2.7) after angioplasty (37 patients) revealed no new aneurysm or appreciable change in the size of the preexisting aneurysm in the three patients. The blood pressure had normalized without medication in 27 (73%) of 37 patients at follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon angioplasty is safe and effective and should be considered a viable alternative to operation for treatment of discrete coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and adults.

Imaging of cystic echinococcosis.

This paper reviews various imaging techniques in different organs. Ultrasound is the most popular and readily available technique. Special emphasis is given to computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and their advantages for a confident diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical results and radiographic appearance of the Rashkind double umbrella device in patients with occlusion of the ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND: The Rashkind double umbrella device for patent arterial duct occlusion has been used in many patients. Its radiographic appearance has not been sufficiently described. OBJECTIVE: To present the varying radiographic appearances of the Rashkind double umbrella device on the chest X-ray. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chest radiographs of 69 patients (median age 60 months; median weight 17 kg), who underwent closure of their patent arterial duct between March 1990 and August 1994, were reviewed. The following parameters were evaluated: 1) the size of the heart (cardio-thoracic ratio) and pulmonary vessels, 2) the position of the device in AP/PA and lateral projections. The results of occlusion of the patent arterial duct were also reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-two of 69 (90 %) patients had complete occlusion after a follow-up between 2 months and 3(1)/2 years. The cardio-thoracic ratio showed significant reduction at follow-up (P < 0.001). The two different size devices could be well differentiated in the AP and the lateral projection. In 14 patients (20 %) the device was in an asymmetrical position. There was no significant correlation between position of the device and success of occlusion in our material. CONCLUSION: Complete occlusion of the arterial duct using Rashkind double umbrella devices can be achieved in 90 % of our population. In 20 % the device will have an asymmetrical position. There is no correlation between asymmetrical position of the device in the chest radiograph and residual shunting.

Yield and complications in ultrasound-guided biopsy of abdominal lesions. Comparison of fine-needle aspiration biopsy and 1.2-mm needle core biopsy using an automated biopsy gun.

A series of 458 consecutive ultrasound-guided biopsies in 347 patients-171 fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) and 287 1.2-mm needle core biopsies (NCBs)-was analysed for diagnostic yield and complications. FNAB was diagnostic in 107 (64%) biopsies of focal lesions with a correct diagnosis of malignancy in 86 of 125 biopsies (69%) and of benign disease in 21 of 43 (49%) biopsies. NCB provided a correct diagnosis in 189 (90%) biopsies for focal lesions, divided into 140 of 159 (88%) correct for malignancy and 49 of 50 (98%) correct for benign disease. In 69 patients examined with both FNAB and NCB on the same occasion, 50 out of 55 malignant lesions were identified with NCB but only 34 with FNAB; all 14 benign lesions were correctly identified by NCB, and only 6 by FNAB. Clinical relevant bleeding complications occurred in 6 out of 458 biopsies (1.3%)-3 out of 287 following NCB (1.0%) and 3 out of 171 following FNAB (1.8%). It is concluded that if FNAB is replaced with 1.2-mm NCB using an automated biopsy gun, the diagnostic accuracy for abdominal lesions increases significantly (p < 0.001), while the complication rate remains the same.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of hydatid cysts.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed in 31 patients with hydatid disease by 15 operators in 41 biopsy events during the period 1983-93. The FNABs were unintentionally done without prior clinical suspicion of hydatid cysts (HCs) in 18 patients and intentionally (with prior clinical suspicion of HC) in 13 patients for pathologic confirmation required for specific therapy. The FNABs were performed with the guidance of fluoroscopy (n = 7), CT (n = 14) or ultrasonography (n = 10). The material included both closed, open and ruptured HCs from different locations such as abdomen, thorax, spine and bone. Pathologic confirmation of HC was achieved by recovering and demonstrating parasitic material in the specimen. In only 7 of 31 patients were the specimens diagnostic at the initial interpretation. This emphasizes the importance of alerting the pathologist about the possibility of hydatid disease. In 25 of 31 patients (81%) no biopsy reactions occurred. In 5 patients minor allergic reactions occurred and 3 had filling of air into intrathoracic cysts not requiring therapy. One patient, with a FNAB of a liver HC, had a sudden severe drop in blood pressure, which required anti-shock therapy with subsequent recovery without sequelae. All complications occurred with non-intentional biopsy of HC. Suggestions for diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with HC and advice to avoid or limit potential complications or spread of disease are given where a planned biopsy is necessary for appropriate and effective therapy.

CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of mediastinal tuberculosis.

Twenty-two patients with mediastinal tuberculosis were reviewed. The most common symptoms were chest pain, cough, fever, and weight loss. Results of the physical examination were unremarkable. The chest radiographs of all 22 patients showed abnormal mediastinum with no evidence of extramediastinal disease. Most (62%) had right-sided paratracheal lymphadenopathy. Mantoux skin test was positive (> 15 mm) in all patients, whereas sputum smears and cultures for acid-fast bacilli were negative. Computed tomographic (CT) guided fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) were performed in 12 patients using 22- to 25-gauge needles. Ten patients had fiberoptic bronchoscopic (FOB) examination with brushings and biopsies. Mediastinoscopy (n = 8) or thoracotomy (n = 6) was performed in patients where either FNAB or FOB was not diagnostic or where lymphoma was suspected clinically. The rates of true-positive diagnoses were 20%, 66%, 75%, and 100% for FOB, FNAB, mediastinoscopy, and thoracotomy, respectively. The rate of false-negative for FNAB was 34%. Only one patient developed nonsignificant pneumothorax after FNAB. These findings suggest that CT-guided FNAB is a useful and safe procedure and should be considered in the initial evaluation of patients suspected of having mediastinal tuberculosis.

Paraesophageal varices presenting as a retrocardiac mediastinal mass. A case report.

This report is a reminder that portal hypertension with paraesophageal varices can present as a retrocardiac mass on the chest radiograph. Schistosoma mansoni, the probable etiology in this case, causes periportal fibrosis and is the most common explanation for portal hypertension worldwide. Modern imaging techniques were most helpful in the diagnostic work-up, ultrasonography revealing pathognomonic hyperechoic periportal bands, and CT and MR imaging showing the extent of collaterals.

Castleman's disease of the chest. Magnetic resonance imaging features.

The value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of vascular abnormalities in the chest is well established. To our knowledge, however, MRI in Castleman's disease of the chest had not been reported previously. We present a case of Castleman's disease of hyaline vascular type involving the pulmonary hilum where MRI was equal to computed tomography in showing the extent of the disease, but was more informative in demonstrating its relationship with vascular structures.

Case report 833: Primary spinal echinococcosis (Echinococcus granulosus) of lumbosacral spine with destruction of the left pedicles of L3-5 and extension of a large paraspinal cystic mass into the spinal canal.

CT is helpful in recognizing the occurrence of hydatid cysts. The increased spatial resolution allows better visualization of details of bone destruction and spinal canal involvement. Paraspinal cystic disease may also show typical and/or characteristic signs of hydatid disease even if serological findings are falsely negative or inconclusive. In the postoperative follow-up, CT may be helpful in assessing residual hydatid cysts and/or in detecting recurrence at an earlier stage.

Pulmonary metastases of gestational trophoblastic tumor. Risk factors for early respiratory failure.

Between January 1980 and December 1990, 75 (57.3%) of 131 patients with metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumor had pulmonary metastases detected on plain chest roentgenography at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Pulmonary involvement was commonly extensive, with 32 (42.7%) patients having > 10 pulmonary metastases and 45 (60%) patients having a pulmonary lesion > 5 cm in diameter. Greater than 50% lung opacification, mediastinal involvement and pleural effusion were present in 25 (33.3%), 25 (33.3%) and 36 (48%) patients, respectively. Eight (10.7%) patients developed early respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation within one month of presentation. The development of early respiratory failure was significantly associated with the presence of dyspnea, anemia, clinical pulmonary hypertension, cyanosis, > 50% lung opacification, mediastinal involvement and bilateral pleural effusion. Because all patients requiring mechanical ventilation died, the use of extracorporeal perfusion should be considered in patients with early respiratory failure.

Brain metastases of gestational trophoblastic tumor.

Brain involvement by gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) was diagnosed by computed tomography in 23 (17%) of 131 patients with metastatic GTT at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre between January 1980 and December 1990. All 23 patients had concurrent lung involvement, and 20 presented with neurologic symptoms. There were three treatment groups: Group A--methotrexate, actinomycin-D, chlorambucil and brain irradiation; group B--cisplatin, VP-16, actinomycin-D and intrathecal methotrexate; and group C--palliative therapy and other chemotherapy. While no patients in groups A or C survived, 4 (57%) of 7 patients in group B achieved complete, sustained remission. Serum:cerebrospinal fluid beta-human chorionic gonadotropin ratios were measured in 9 patients and were < 60 in only 4 patients. The clinical features of patients with brain metastases are reviewed in detail.

Magnetic resonance imaging compared with angiography in the evaluation of intermediate-term result of coarctation balloon angioplasty.

Between July 1986 and December 1990, 24 consecutive adult patients with native coarctation of the aorta underwent balloon dilatation. Their ages ranged from 15 to 55 (mean 25) years. Dissection of the aorta developed in one patient. The remaining 23 patients were restudied by catheterization and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 8 to 60 (mean 21) months after dilatation. Both studies were performed between 1 and 180 (mean 40) days of each other. The diameter of the aorta at the site of previous coarctation was measured on angiogram and MRI by two independent observers. The data were compared by means of linear regression analysis. The gradient across the previous coarctation site ranged from 0 to 20 (mean 7 +/- 7.3) mm Hg. The diameter of the aorta at the site of previous coarctation measured on angiogram was 13.7 +/- 3.7 mm and on MRI it measured 13.5 +/- 3.7 mm, with excellent correlation (r = 0.96, SEE = 0.92, p < 0.001). Two patients had small aneurysms 2 cm in diameter demonstrated by angiography and MRI, and two patients developed restenosis, diagnosed correctly by both cardiac catheterization and MRI. This study demonstrates that MRI provides excellent visualization of the anatomy of the aorta and is a good noninvasive method for follow-up of patients undergoing balloon coarctation angioplasty.

Sarcoidosis in native Saudis.

Sarcoidosis is believed to be rare in Saudi Arabia. We report twenty cases of sarcoidosis among native Saudis followed-up at our tertiary care centre. The majority (55%) of these patients were referred as either tuberculosis or lymphoma. Twelve out of twenty patients had been or were being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis at the time of presentation. The clinical presentation of these patients was similar to the western pattern of disease with some differences such as severe constitutional symptoms (52%), relative frequent eye involvement (35%) and common occurrence of stage II changes on chest film (70%). Mantoux skin test was negative in nineteen patients (95%). Histological evidence of non-caseating granulomata was obtained in 19 patients. A positive correlation (p < 0.034) between constitutional symptoms and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) levels was noted. Thirteen patients (65%) were treated with oral steroids while topical ophthalmic steroids were used in seven patients (35%). Functional and radiographic deterioration was observed in four patients (20%). Three patients went into respiratory failure including a patient who developed Hodgkin's lymphoma six years after the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The epidemiology of sarcoidosis among native Saudis requires further studies.

Hydatid disease of the urinary tract.

Hydatid disease of the urinary tract is uncommon, accounting for only 2 to 3% of all such cases. We report 2 cases of urinary tract hydatidosis, of which 1 was associated with disseminated disease and 1 with isolated renal hydatid disease. We describe the variety in presentation, manifestations and symptoms of the disease, and discuss radiological evaluation and findings.

Liver metastases of gestational trophoblastic tumor.

A retrospective study was conducted to determine if a chemotherapy regimen incorporating cis-platinum, etoposide, and actinomycin D (PEA) was associated with an outcome different from that of the standard triple regimen of methotrexate, actinomycin D, and chlorambucil (MAC) in patients with gestational trophoblastic tumor and liver metastases. Subjects were treated at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital Gestational Trophoblastic Center (KFSH-GTC) between January 1980 and December 1990. Of 19 patients with gestational trophoblastic tumor and liver metastases, 6 received MAC chemotherapy, and 8 received PEA. Five patients were terminally ill and received palliative treatment only. Treatment outcome was measured by beta-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin assay (beta-HCG) and by imaging studies which included ultrasound, computerized axial tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Durable remission was obtained in 5 of 8 (62.5%) PEA-treated patients and none of 6 MAC-treated patients. There was no difference in risk status or World Health Organization (WHO) prognostic score between the two groups. We conclude that PEA is a relatively effective chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of gestational trophoblastic tumor with liver metastases, and it may be worthy of consideration for prospective clinical trials.

Hydatid disease of the spleen. Ultrasonography, CT and MR imaging.

Seven patients with hydatid disease of the spleen were examined by radiography, ultrasound, CT, and in one case MR imaging. The observations were confirmed by patho-anatomic findings except in 2 patients where high indirect hemagglutination tests confirmed the diagnosis. In one patient primary, and in the others secondary, echinococcosis of the spleen was assumed to be present. Secondary hydatid disease of the spleen was caused by rupture of liver cysts with abdominal and pelvic dissemination. Ultrasound and CT findings of the cysts and cystic calcifications are described. In one patient MR imaging indicated prolapse of a splenic hydatid cyst into the left hemithorax, confirmed by patho-anatomic examination.