The British journal of radiology
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Comparative Study
Quantitative MRI measurements of the Achilles tendon in spondyloarthritis using ultrashort echo times.
Tendon involvement is common in spondyloarthritis. The MRI signal from the Achilles tendon has been used to quantify mechanical tendinopathy; however, conventional MRI is limited by the short T(2) of normal tendon. Short and ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI have the potential to better measure signal intensity reflecting changes in T(2) or gadolinium enhancement. Furthermore, UTE images could be used for normalisation to reduce variability. The aim of this work was to investigate such techniques in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). ⋯ Signal intensity ratios using UTE images allow quantitative measurements to be made which are sensitive to tendon T(2) or contrast enhancement and which are increased in spondyloarthritis. They therefore have the potential for use as measures of tendon disease in spondyloarthritis.
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Comparative Study
Regional grey and white matter volumetric changes in myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome): a voxel-based morphometry 3 T MRI study.
It is not established whether myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with structural brain changes. The aim of this study was to investigate this by conducting the largest voxel-based morphometry study to date in CFS. ⋯ These data support the hypothesis that significant neuroanatomical changes occur in CFS, and are consistent with the complaint of impaired memory that is common in this illness; they also suggest that subtle abnormalities in visual processing, and discrepancies between intended actions and consequent movements, may occur in CFS.
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Comparative Study
Diffusion tensor imaging of normal prostate at 3 T: effect of number of diffusion-encoding directions on quantitation and image quality.
The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate differences of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using a different number of diffusion-encoding directions and to evaluate the feasibility of tractography in healthy prostate at 3 T. ⋯ In conclusion, prostate DTI at 3 T was feasible with different numbers of diffusion-encoding directions. The number of diffusion-encoding directions did not have a significant effect on imaging quality.
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Carcinoma of unknown primary origin (CUP) accounts for 3-5% of cancer cases and is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the UK. CUP management is challenging, partly owing to the heterogeneity of the condition and its presentation, but also owing to the lack of dedicated clinical services for these patients. ⋯ Radiologists have a vital role in the diagnosis of these patients and should work closely with the CUP team to streamline the diagnostic pathway. This article summarises areas of the NICE guidelines relevant to radiology and discusses the radiological management of patients with CUP, including initial investigation, the importance of biopsy, the management of specific presentations, special investigations and organisational issues.
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The aim of this article was to assess the success, safety, complication profile and factors associated with long-term patency of tunnelled peritoneal drains (PleurX) in the treatment of refractory malignant ascites. ⋯ The use of tunnelled peritoneal drains is safe and effective and we would advocate their use as a first-line approach in patients with refractory malignant ascites. Care and regular follow-up is indicated following insertion of the drain in all patients, especially those on chemotherapy and those with a pre-procedure diagnosis of renal disease.