Acta radiologica
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Assessment of 3D-TOF-MRA at 3.0 Tesla in the characterization of the angioarchitecture of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a preliminary study.
The characterization of brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) angioarchitecture remains rewarding in planning and predicting therapy. The increased signal-to-noise ratio at higher field strength has been found advantageous in vascular brain pathologies. ⋯ 3.0T TOF-MRA offers superior characterization of AVM angioarchitecture compared with 1.5T TOF-MRA. The image quality of MRA at both 3.0 and 1.5T is still far from equal to DSA, which remains the gold standard for characterization of AVM.
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Comparative Study
Tunneled internal jugular catheters in adult patients: comparison of outcomes in hemodialysis versus infusion catheters.
Tunneled central venous catheters placed by interventional radiologists are now widely used for hemodialysis and infusion therapies throughout the world. However, complications such as infections and malfunctions still remain a major concern in oncology and hemodialysis patients. ⋯ Long-term central venous accesses using tunneled internal jugular catheters appeared to be safe and effective for both hemodialysis and long-term infusion therapies, with relatively higher infection rates in oncologic patients.
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Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is considered a safe, life-saving procedure in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), but its long-term effect on menstruation and fertility is unclear. ⋯ TAE in patients with PPH is safe and has no major short- or long-term side effects. A patient managed with TAE can expect return of normal menses and preservation of future fertility and successful pregnancies. PPH after cesarean section might need to be embolized with metallic coils in addition to Gelfoam in order to achieve secure hemostasis.
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Case Reports
Aspergillus meningitis and discitis from low-back procedures in an immunocompetent patient.
We present a case of an immunocompetent patient who developed Aspergillus meningitis, subsequent to discitis, presumed to be from an epidural steroid injection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine confirmed the diagnosis of discitis. Fluoroscopic-guided aspiration of the disc showed growth of Aspergillus fumigatus. ⋯ Repeat MRIs demonstrated multiple leptomeningeal masses consistent with granulomatous meningitis. Meningitis is a rare complication of discitis, discogram, or epidural steroid injection. Aspergillus usually only infects immunocompromised patients, but rarely can affect immunocompetent patients.