AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Nov 1993
Percutaneous neurolysis of the celiac plexus via the anterior approach with sonographic guidance.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of sonographically guided percutaneous neurolysis of the celiac plexus in patients with abdominal tumors or chronic pancreatitis in whom systemic analgesics were ineffective. ⋯ The anterior, sonographically guided approach appears to be as successful as other percutaneous techniques for neurolysis of the celiac plexus.
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Physiologic changes during pregnancy affect nearly every organ system. In the thorax, the diaphragm elevates as much as 4 cm because of displacement of the abdominal organs by the gravid uterus, resulting in lower lung volumes. Maternal blood volume and cardiac output increase approximately 45% by mid-pregnancy. ⋯ Pregnant patients are also prone to a number of pulmonary insults, including infection, aspiration, and neoplastic disease. These abnormalities have several radiographic patterns: cardiogenic and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, focal pulmonary abnormalities, and extraalveolar air. Radiologists must recognize not only the normal chest radiographic appearance in these patients but also the thoracic complications associated with pregnancy.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Nov 1993
Comparative StudyPain control during interventional biliary procedures: epidural anesthesia vs i.v. sedation.
We performed a study designed to compare epidural anesthesia with IV sedation for the control of pain during interventional biliary procedures. ⋯ When it is successful, epidural anesthesia can completely eliminate moderate to severe pain in patients undergoing biliary procedures. IV sedation is only 50% effective in this regard. The greater efficacy of epidural anesthesia, coupled with the significantly lower prevalence of hypotension, justifies the additional cost and time associated with epidural anesthesia for pain management in biliary procedures.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Nov 1993
Measurement of normal renal artery blood flow: cine phase-contrast MR imaging vs clearance of p-aminohippurate.
The purpose of this study was to compare cine phase-contrast MR imaging with renal clearance of p-aminohippurate for measuring normal renal blood flow. A reliable technique for evaluation of renal hemodynamics would be useful for studying renal vascular diseases and the effects of treatment. Measurements of renal blood flow based on renal clearance of p-aminohippurate are limited in that the kidneys are not studied separately, temporal resolution is poor, and normal renal function is required. ⋯ We conclude that cine phase-contrast MR imaging is a promising technique for noninvasive measurement of renal blood flow. Measurements agreed closely with those obtained by using clearance of p-aminohippurate. In addition, the MR technique is faster, can be used to measure unilateral or bilateral renal blood flow, and does not depend on renal function.