La Radiologia medica
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La Radiologia medica · Oct 2015
Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: do HRCT criteria established by ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT in 2011 predict disease progression and prognosis?
The objective of the study was to determine whether HRCT criteria for Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP), possible UIP or no-UIP pattern recommended by ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT guidelines 2011 are able to predict progression and prognosis of the disease in a group of patients with fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). ⋯ HRCT classification based on 2011 guidelines showed high accuracy in stratifying fibrotic changes because in our study UIP, possible UIP and inconsistent with UIP pattern seem to be correlated with different disease progression and mortality rate.
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La Radiologia medica · Sep 2015
Investigation of medical intervention with fatal outcome: the impact of post-mortem CT and CT angiography.
Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has been proven for its appropriateness to become an integral part of routine pre-autoptic forensic investigations either in the field of forensic investigation of fatal medical error or in hospital quality management. The autoptic investigation of unexpected and peri-interventional deaths can be usefully guided by post-mortem imaging which offers significant added value in the documentation of misplacement of medical devices before dissection with the risk of artificial relocation and the detection of iatrogenic air embolism. Post-mortem CT angiography (PMCTA) augments PMCT in the search for sources of hemorrhages and for the documentation of vascular patency and unimpaired perfusion after general and cardiovascular surgery or transvascular catheter-assisted interventions. ⋯ Furthermore, extended survival periods after a complication in question impedes visualization of contrast agent extravasation at vascular leakage sites. PMCT and PMCTA contribute substantially for proving a correct interventional approach and guide forensic or clinical autopsy in the reconstruction of adverse medical events with fatal outcome. Post-mortem imaging could also assume a new role as an alternative in a clinicopathological setting if autopsy is not achievable when the probability in the individual case is acceptable to answer specific questions.
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La Radiologia medica · Sep 2015
ReviewApplication of contrast media in post-mortem imaging (CT and MRI).
The application of contrast media in post-mortem radiology differs from clinical approaches in living patients. Post-mortem changes in the vascular system and the absence of blood flow lead to specific problems that have to be considered for the performance of post-mortem angiography. In addition, interpreting the images is challenging due to technique-related and post-mortem artefacts that have to be known and that are specific for each applied technique. ⋯ PMCT has already become a routine investigation in several centres, and different techniques have been developed to better visualise the vascular system and organ parenchyma in PMCT. In contrast, the use of PMMR is still limited due to practical issues, and research is now starting in the field of PMMR angiography. This article gives an overview of the problems in post-mortem contrast media application, the various classic and modern techniques, and the issues to consider by using different media.
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La Radiologia medica · Aug 2015
Comparative StudyFat suppression techniques (STIR vs. SPAIR) on diffusion-weighted imaging of breast lesions at 3.0 T: preliminary experience.
The aim of this work was to perform a qualitative and quantitative comparison of the performance of two fat suppression techniques on breast diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). ⋯ DWI-STIR showed superior fat suppression homogeneity. No differences were found for SNR and CNR, except for SNR in benign lesions. ADCs for lesions were comparable. Findings in this study are consistent with previous studies at 1.5 T, meaning that both fat suppression techniques are appropriate for breast DWI at 3.0 T.