Radiology
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Comparative Study
Cervical nerve root blocks: indications and role of MR imaging.
To examine whether magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of the cervical spine can predict pain relief after selective computed tomography (CT)-guided nerve root block and thus assist in the appropriate selection of patients who are suitable for this procedure. ⋯ MR imaging of the cervical spine assists in the appropriate selection of patients suitable for CNRB. Patients with foraminal disk herniation, foraminal nerve root compromise, and no spinal canal stenosis appear to have the greatest pain relief after this procedure.
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Interphalangeal joint cartilage: high-spatial-resolution in vivo MR T2 mapping--a feasibility study.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) T2 mapping of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger. Cartilage T2 maps with an in-plane resolution of 39 microm were obtained from five asymptomatic subjects-four men and one woman, aged 24-45 years-by using a 3.0-T MR imager. ⋯ These results demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring cartilage T2 maps of small joints in the hand. Application of T2 mapping techniques to non-weight-bearing joints may provide a means for differentiation of local biomechanical and systemic factors that can affect cartilage T2 values.
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To determine whether diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and conventional MR imaging findings correlate with initial Glasgow Coma Scale score and score on modified Rankin scale at discharge. ⋯ Volume of lesions on diffusion-weighted MR images provides the strongest correlation with a score of subacute on modified Rankin scale at discharge. Total lesion number also correlates well with modified Rankin score. In future, diffusion-weighted images may be useful in determining treatment strategies for acute head injury.
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Comparative Study
Acute and subacute intracerebral hemorrhages: comparison of MR imaging at 1.5 and 3.0 T--initial experience.
To assess and describe the appearance of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at 3.0-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as compared with the appearance of this lesion type at 1.5-T MR imaging. ⋯ At 3.0 T, all parts of acute and early subacute ICHs had significantly increased hypointensity on FLAIR and T2-weighted MR images as compared with the SIs of these lesions at 1.5 T. However, 1.5- and 3.0-T MR images were equivalent in the determination of acute to late subacute ICHs.
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To derive normalized data for the estimation of effective, gonadal, and peak skin doses to patients undergoing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty and to investigate the potential for cancer induction, genetic effects, and radiation-induced skin injury after such procedures. ⋯ Patient radiation exposure and associated risks from vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be considerable. Data obtained in the current study may be used to establish patient effective dose, gonadal dose, and entrance skin exposure, as well as associated risks, from these fluoroscopically guided surgical treatments of spinal disorders.