AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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The purposes of this article are to summarize the basic concept and the strategies of reporter imaging; introduce reporter genes frequently used in optical imaging, nuclear medicine, and MRI for in vivo application; and show typical examples of reporter gene imaging. ⋯ In molecular biology, many reporter genes have been developed for monitoring cellular processes. Development of controlled gene delivery systems promotes construction of various types of reporter genes for monitoring the level of a gene expression, promoter activity, and protein-protein interaction. When an imaging reporter gene is placed under the control of a promoter, the amount of reporter protein can be dynamically visualized in vivo. Instrumental advances in molecular imaging have increased the sensitivity and resolution of in vivo reporter imaging. Though several types of reporters and multimodal imaging instruments are currently available, more efficient multimodal reporter gene systems and detectors compatible with several imaging modalities are needed.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2013
Combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (biphenotypic) tumors: imaging features and diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT and MRI.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative imaging for diagnosis of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma tumors and to evaluate the clinical and imaging features and demographics of patients presenting to our institution with such tumors. ⋯ Preoperative diagnosis of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma tumors on the basis of imaging features is accurate in the minority of cases. Tumor markers and risk factors may help improve accuracy; however, in the absence of classic imaging features and supportive information for HCC or cholangiocarcinoma, biopsy should be considered for confirmation of diagnosis.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2013
Biologic factors affecting HCC conspicuity in hepatobiliary phase imaging with liver-specific contrast agents.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors influencing hepatic enhancement and the conspicuity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on gadobenate dimeglu-mine- and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced hepatobiliary phase MR images. ⋯ Liver enhancement and conspicuity of HCC are significantly affected by Child-Pugh class on both gadobenate dimeglumine- and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced hepatobiliary phase MR images.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2013
Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections for treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome: greater trochanter bursa versus subgluteus medius bursa.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections into the greater trochanteric bursa as opposed to the subgluteus medius bursa in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome. ⋯ Corticosteroid injections into the greater trochanteric bursa may be more effective than injections into the subgluteus medius bursa for treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2013
Evaluation of a limited three-slice head CT protocol for monitoring patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
Patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the management of hydrocephalus often undergo multiple head CT examinations for assessment of shunt malfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a limited three-slice CT protocol would consistently provide adequate information for the diagnosis of shunt malfunction with a decrease in effective dose. ⋯ Unenhanced head CT with a limited-slice protocol provides adequate diagnostic information for the diagnosis of shunt malfunction with a greater than 90% reduction in effective dose.