Der Radiologe
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Computed tomography (CT) accounts for a significant proportion of radiation exposure patients are exposed to during diagnosis, which means that particularly strict indications need to be observed especially where children are concerned. Numerous factors influence the level of radiation exposure, only a few of which can be changed by the radiologist and radiographer. Sound knowledge of the links between technical implementation and the resultant image quality needed for the diagnosis can dramatically reduce the radiation patients are exposed to, which in turn has an influence on the indications. In the present paper the radiologist is given tools for optimisation of CT examinations in children and accepted indications for CT of all body regions are presented.
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Whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) opens new opportunities in diagnostic radiology as systemic disease entities can be examined with high sensitivity. This can lead to a change of paradigm, so that not only organ-related but rather disease-specific MRI examination protocols can be applied which focus on the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. ⋯ Compared to computed tomography, MRI does not use radiation. Although whole body MRI is still in an early stage, the enormous medical and economical potential can be envisioned.
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Comparative Study
[MR perfusion and spectroscopic imaging in WHO grade II astrocytomas].
This study evaluates whether MR perfusion imaging and spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) can depict anaplastic areas in WHO grade II astrocytomas, whether these areas are co-localized, and whether the prognosis can be better predicted. ⋯ MR perfusion imaging can depict anaplastic areas in WHO grade II astrocytomas earlier than conventional MRI and thus enables a better prediction of prognosis.
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Recent technical developments have substantially improved the potential of MRI for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. On the MR scanner side this includes the development of short magnets and dedicated whole-body MRI systems, which allow a comprehensive evaluation of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis in a single exam. ⋯ By combining time-resolved pulmonary perfusion MRI with high-resolution pulmonary MRA a sensitivity and specificity of over 90% is achievable, which is comparable to the accuracy of CTA. Thus, for certain patient groups, such as patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast media and young women with a low clinical probability for pulmonary embolism, MRI can be considered as a first-line imaging tool for the assessment of pulmonary embolism.