European journal of radiology
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To assess the feasibility and potential limitations of the acceleration techniques SENSE and k-t BLAST for time-resolved three-dimensional (3D) velocity mapping of aortic blood flow. Furthermore, to quantify differences in peak velocity versus heart phase curves. ⋯ We demonstrated the feasibility of SENSE and detected potential limitations of k-t BLAST when used for time-resolved 3D velocity mapping. The effects of higher k-t BLAST acceleration factors have to be considered for application in 3D velocity mapping.
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The aim of the current study was to compare the diagnostic information obtained from a helical CT examination in low severity cervical spine trauma with that from a lateral CT scout view. We included alert and clinically stable patients, who had suffered acute blunt trauma of low or moderate severity. Their scout images were interpreted independently by two radiologists and the final outcome of the CT exam which was the gold standard. ⋯ There were three false negative and one false positive cases. The effective dose value was estimated to be 0.02 mSv which is at least two orders of magnitude lower than that from a CT scan. When clinical examination is not suggestive of a C1-C2 fracture, adequate depiction of an intact cervical spine at the scout view, without proceeding to a full CT scan, is a sufficient dose and time-effective imaging approach.
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To evaluate the detailed anatomic features, neurovascular relationships of the cisternal segment of the posterior group of cranial nerves (PGCN: IX, X, XI, XII); to evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) in demonstrating the PGCN with disorders caused by abnormal compression related to artery or tumor. ⋯ Use of 3D-CISS sequence enables accurate identification of the cisternal segment of the PGCN, neurovascular relationships and abnormal changes caused by neurovascular compression or tumor.
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Significant renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a potentially curable cause of renovascular hypertension and/or renal impairment. It is caused by either atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia. Correct and timely diagnosis remains a diagnostic challenge. ⋯ Sensitivity and specificity of MRA in the detection of hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis were 90% and 96%, respectively. Prevalence of RAS was 39% in our study population. Contrast-enhanced MRA with high spatial resolution offers sufficient sensitivity and specificity for screening of RAS.