Der Radiologe
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The purpose of this study was to assess the value of fast-spin-echo (FSE) sequences without and with fat suppression as well as gradient-and-spin-echo (GRASE) sequences for the detection and subsequent characterization of focal liver lesions. A total of 51 consecutive patients with clinically suspected focal liver lesions were studied. ⋯ Fat suppression did not improve the performance of FSE. GRASE sequences with multiple excitations were clinically superior to the faster single-shot approach.
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To determine the efficacy of fast MRI techniques using a tailored imaging design (breathhold and array-surface coil), conventional T1-, T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequences and breathhold gradient-echo (GRE) T1- and breathhold fast SE T2-weighted images were compared. ⋯ The fast MRI techniques demonstrated a superiority to conventional imaging regarding image quality and presence of artifacts. Therefore, fast imaging techniques can replace conventional techniques, at least in patients that can sufficiently sustain breathing.
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Evaluation of 135 cases with brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer (group 1) compared with 51 cases from small-cell lung cancer (group 2) and 56 cases from breast cancer (group 3) showed that the frequency of solitary metastases was significantly higher in group 1 and 3. However, in group 2 lesions without surrounding edema occurred more frequently. The rate of patients with extracerebral metastases was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3. ⋯ Survival of lung cancer cases was similar, whereas breast cancer cases survived significantly longer, both after radiotherapy alone and after surgery plus radiotherapy. This might be caused by differences in the natural course of the two diseases as well as adjuvant treatment modalities like hormone and chemotherapy. In conclusion, because long-term survivors were observed only in the breast cancer group, these patients probably have the highest chance of profiting from a locally aggressive treatment approach.
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Lumbar facet joint syndrome is normally based on spondylarthrosis. One of the most common methods of treating it is intra-articular injection of local anaesthetics and cortisone. In this prospective study our goal was to have an objective grading scale to assess the severity of lumbar facet syndrome before and after injection. ⋯ The grading system presented for assessing lumbar facet joint syndrome is a good parameter to evaluate the severity of the disease and follow-up after injection of local anaesthetics and cortisone. Although they showed no statistical significance, Schober index and rotation of lumbar spine are necessary to evaluate facet syndrome.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[Diagnosis of cerebral metastasis with standard dose gadobutrol vs. a high dose protocol. Intraindividual evaluation of a phase II high dose study].
To assess the effectiveness and safety of normal and high doses of Gadobutrol versus a standard dose of Gadolinium DTPA in the MR evaluation of patients with brain metastases. ⋯ The first in vivo results prove the excellent contrast capacity of the nonionic contrast agent Gadobutrol for the diagnosis of intracerebral metastases.