Radiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Pancreas: patient body weight tailored contrast material injection protocol versus fixed dose protocol at dynamic CT.
To prospectively compare the effect of a protocol with a fixed contrast material injection dose and one with a dose tailored to patient body weight on pancreatic enhancement at dynamic computed tomography (CT) of the pancreas. ⋯ The dose protocol tailored to the patient's body weight yielded satisfactory pancreatic and hepatic enhancement irrespective of patient weight.
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Review
Diffusion-tensor MR imaging and tractography: exploring brain microstructure and connectivity.
Diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is evolving into a potent tool in the examination of the central nervous system. Although it is often used for the detection of acute ischemia, evaluation of directionality in a diffusion measurement can be useful in white matter, which demonstrates strong diffusion anisotropy. ⋯ However, optimal utilization of the wide range of data provided with directional diffusion MR measurements requires careful attention to acquisition and postprocessing. This article will review the principles of diffusion contrast and anisotropy, as well as clinical applications in psychiatric, developmental, neurodegenerative, neoplastic, demyelinating, and other types of disease.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection by using a preganglionic approach: a prospective randomized controlled study.
To prospectively evaluate the short- and midterm effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) for lumbosacral radiculopathy with respect to injection level. ⋯ TFESI for lumbosacral radiculopathy with a preganglionic approach is more effective than TFESI with a ganglionic approach at short-term follow-up.
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Comparative Study
Liver fibrosis: noninvasive assessment with MR elastography versus aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index.
To prospectively compare the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance (MR) elastography with those of the routinely available aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) test for staging hepatic fibrosis in patients who have undergone liver biopsy for suspicion of chronic liver disease, with histopathologic examination as the reference standard. ⋯ Large A(z) values for elasticity (>0.990 for scores > or = F2, > or = F3, and F4) show that MR elastography was accurate in liver fibrosis staging and superior to biochemical testing with APRIs.