European journal of radiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of quantitative dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI perfusion estimates obtained using different contrast-agent administration schemes at 3T.
Absolute cerebral perfusion parameters were obtained by dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) carried out using different contrast-agent administration protocols. Sixteen healthy volunteers underwent three separate DSC-MRI examinations each, receiving single-dose (0.1 mmol/kg b.w.) gadobutrol, double-dose gadobutrol and single-dose gadobenate-dimeglumine on different occasions. DSC-MRI was performed using single-shot gradient-echo echo-planar imaging at 3T. ⋯ The present results showed increased absolute values of CBV and CBF at higher dose, not predicted by the assumption of a quadratic response to contrast-agent concentration in blood. This indicates that the signal components of measured AIFs were not purely of arterial origin and that arterial signal components were more effectively extinguished at higher CA dose. This study also indicates that it may not be completely straightforward to compare absolute perfusion estimates obtained with different CA administration routines.
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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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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.