Acta radiologica
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Galactography without discomfort using lidocaine/prilocaine anesthetic cream.
Galactography (ductography) is the technique of choice for studying pathologic nipple discharge. It is sometimes difficult or even impossible to perform cannulation of the ductal orifice because of the discomfort caused to the patient. ⋯ The application of anesthetic cream over the areola/nipple area enables galactography to be performed without patient discomfort. It also reduces anxiety, allowing the radiologist to perform the procedure with confidence and safety, and without stress on the part of the patient or radiologist.
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The combination of right lung agenesis and left pulmonary artery (LPA) sling is a rare entity that has been described only in the pediatric population. Cross-sectional imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) have an advantage over echocardiography and pulmonary angiography in demonstrating the anomalous left pulmonary artery, particularly in the presence of coexisting lung agenesis, as exemplified in this case. We report the first case of this rare entity in an adult. It is important to be aware that this abnormality, though rare, can present even in adulthood, and therefore close attention should be paid to the course of the pulmonary artery to ensure detection of a sling in association with lung agenesis.
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Comparative Study
Comparison study of intraarticular and intravenous gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage in a canine model.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and measurement of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) have potential for characterization of hyaline articular cartilage. Recently, some reports have demonstrated the potential of direct administration of contrast media for MR imaging of cartilage. ⋯ Although the SNR did not differ significantly between the iGEMRIC and dGEMRIC techniques, the color-coded T1 map produced with iGEMRIC allowed better cartilage evaluation. Thus, iGEMRIC exhibits the useful features of both MR arthrography and dGEMRIC, and provides a color-coded T1 map that is useful for diagnosing early articular cartilage damage.
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Coronary sinus flow reflects global cardiac perfusion and has been used for the assessment of myocardial flow reserve, which is reduced in chronic heart failure(CHF). Coronary flow reserve (CFR) can be measured by using phase-contrast (PC)velocity-encoded cine (VEC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ A combined cardiac MRI protocol including function and perfusion techniques together with VEC MRI can be used to evaluate global LV perfusion and CFR in patients with CHF. Global LV perfusion and CFR measurements may have potential in the monitoring of CHF. Impaired CFR may contribute to progressive decline in LV function in patients with CHF.