Clinical imaging
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The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T(2)-weighted (T(2)-w) images obtained using navigator-triggered turbo spin-echo (TSE), breath-hold TSE (BH-TSE), and BH haft-Fourier single-shot TSE sequences for the detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions. Two blinded reviewers independently analyzed three types of T(2)-w image sets totaling 86 solid and 75 nonsolid lesions in 59 patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves were established to analyze reviewer and sequence results.
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of high-resolution imaging obtainable with the higher field strength of 3.0 T on the visualization of the brain nerves in the posterior fossa by using T(2)-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) and fast imaging employing steady-state gradient echo (GRE) sequences as the most suitable techniques to visualize each of the cranial nerves. ⋯ The comparison revealed the clear advantage of a thin section. The increased resolution enabled immediate identification of all brainstem nerves. Although image quality is impaired at GRE at high field strength, this sequence most distinctly and confidently depicted pertinent structures and enables 3D reconstruction in order to illustrate complex relations of the brainstem.
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It is very important in the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) to precisely localize the foci of I-131 uptake, but it is difficult because of a lack of anatomic landmarks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the added value of I-131 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging using a hybrid system in patients with DTC. ⋯ The results of the current study indicate that the addition of I-131 SPECT/CT to WBS can improve the localization of metastases in patients with DTC. It may also detect metastases missed by WBS and adjust the therapy plan.
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The presence of a paratracheal air collection in the setting of acute trauma may indicate a wide array of etiologies. When a paratracheal air collection is found in a trauma patient, the possibility of tracheal or esophageal rupture must be considered. Tracheal diverticulae are most frequently found incidentally during autopsy, with an incidence of approximately 1%. We present a case of an incidental tracheal diverticulum in a patient with a recent history of motor vehicle accident with chest and neck trauma.
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This retrospective study aimed to describe the differences between image readings done with combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and PET read together with contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In 46 patients, no differences were found between the two readings for assessing infiltration of adjacent structures (P=.63), transgression of the midline (P=.67), lymph node involvement (P=.32), and T- and N stage. PET/CT and PET read together with ceCT have comparable diagnostic yield.