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Tomography Imaging (tomography + imaging)
Kinds of Tomography Imaging Selected AbstractsAssessment of Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in the Diagnosis of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and Benign Lesions Versus Normal Skin: Observer-Blinded Evaluation by Dermatologists and PathologistsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2009METTE MOGENSEN MD BACKGROUND Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical imaging technique that may be useful in diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). OBJECTIVES To describe OCT features in NMSC such as actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and in benign lesions and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of OCT in differentiating NMSC from benign lesions and normal skin. METHODS AND MATERIALS OCT and polarization-sensitive (PS) OCT from 104 patients were studied. Observer-blinded evaluation of OCT images from 64 BCCs, 1 baso-squamous carcinoma, 39 AKs, two malignant melanomas, nine benign lesions, and 105 OCT images from perilesional skin was performed; 50 OCT images of NMSC and 50 PS-OCT images of normal skin were evaluated twice. RESULTS Sensitivity was 79% to 94% and specificity 85% to 96% in differentiating normal skin from lesions. Important features were absence of well-defined layering in OCT and PS-OCT images and dark lobules in BCC. Discrimination of AK from BCC had an error rate of 50% to 52%. CONCLUSION OCT features in NMSC are identified, but AK and BCC cannot be differentiated. OCT diagnosis is less accurate than clinical diagnosis, but high accuracy in distinguishing lesions from normal skin, crucial for delineating tumor borders, was obtained. [source] Role of Computed Tomography Imaging in Predicting Response of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma to Definitive Radiation TherapyTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2006Xuejun Ma MD Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of posttreatment computed tomography (CT) scans in assessing response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to definitive radiotherapy. Material and Methods: Between March 1999 and October 2003, a total of 132 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed NPC were studied. Sixty-one patients with AJCC stage I or II NPC were treated with radiation only; 71 patients with stage III or IV disease but no evidence of distant metastasis were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. All patients received CT scans of the head and neck, nasopharyngoscopy, and biopsies of primary sites at 4 to 6 months after completion of radiotherapy. Clinical response of the primary tumor as determined by comparison of pre- and posttreatment CT scans was correlated to pathology results. Results: The median follow-up time for all patients was 25 months (range, 9,40 months). Radiologic progression was seen in five patients, stable disease in 18 patients, and radiographic partial (rPR) and complete responses (rCR) were seen in 67 and 42 patients, respectively, at 4 to 6 months of follow up. Biopsies of the nasopharynx were positive in six patients. For patients with rCR, two patients (4.8%) had positive biopsies. Four patients with residual disease (rPR, stable, or progressive disease) after treatment had positive biopsies. The positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity of CT scans in evaluating the NPC response to radiotherapy were 0.04, 0.95, 0.67, and 0.32, respectively. Conclusions: Pathologic CR for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is usually evident at 4 to 6 months after definitive radiotherapy; however, there is no correlation between pathologic and radiographic response. Although longer follow up is required to define the relationship between radiographic and pathologic responses with respect to disease control, we find CT scan at 4 to 6 months after radiotherapy to be neither sensitive nor specific in predicting the response of primary NPC to radiotherapy. [source] Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Using Intraoperative Computed Tomography Imaging for Updating a Three-Dimensional Navigation SystemTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2000Monika Cartellieri MD Abstract Objectives: The use of three-dimensional navigation systems provides information on the structures surrounding the field of operation and thereby reduces the risk of iatrogenic damage. The computed tomography (CT) data conventionally used are provided by preoperative scanning procedures, which means that tissue changes coming about during surgery are not seen on the screen. An intraoperative CT scanning procedure being able to update the CT data could provide a solution. Study Design: Endoscopic sinus operations using an intraoperative CT updating the three-dimensional navigation system were performed on six persons to find out, whether the above is true. Methods: Different parameters, advantages, and disadvantages in the cases of these six patients were compared with a group of 22 patients who underwent conventional endoscopic sinus surgery with different three-dimensional navigation systems without updating the CT data set. Results: The intraoperative CT for updating the three-dimensional navigation system provides useful information for the surgeon. Conclusion: Balancing its advantages against its disadvantages, the updating of the CT data set with intraoperative CT cannot be recommended for conventional standard endoscopic sinus surgery. [source] Validation of emergency physician ultrasound in diagnosing hydronephrosis in ureteric colicEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 3 2007Stuart Watkins Abstract Objective:, Patients presenting to the ED with obstructive nephropathies benefit from early detection of hydronephrosis. Out of hours radiological imaging is expensive and disruptive to arrange. Emergency physician ultrasound (EPU) could allow rapid diagnosis and disposition. If accurate it might avert the need for formal radiological imaging, exclude an obstruction and improve patient flow through the ED. Methods:, This was a prospective study of a convenience sample of all adult non-pregnant patients with presumed ureteric colic attending the ED with prior ethics committee approval. An emergency physician or registrar performed a focused ultrasound scan and were blinded to the patient's other management. A computerized tomography scan was also performed for all patients while in the ED or within 24 h of the EPU. The accuracy of EPU detection of hydronephrosis was determined; using computerized tomography scans reported by a senior radiologist as the ,gold-standard'. Results:, Sixty-three patients with suspected ureteric colic were enrolled of whom 57 completed both EPU and computerized tomography imaging. Forty-nine had confirmed nephrolithiasis by computerized tomography with 39 having evidence of hydronephrosis. Overall prevalence of hydronephrosis was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 56,79%); compared with computerized tomography, EPU had a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI 65,89%); specificity of 83% (95% CI 61,94%); positive predictive value of 91% (95% CI 75,98%) and negative predictive value of 65% (95% CI 43,83%). The overall accuracy was 81% (95% CI 69,89%). Conclusion:, Although the accuracy of detection of hydronephrosis after focused training in EPU is encouraging, further experience and training might improve the accuracy of EPU and allow its use as a screening tool. [source] Usefulness of single photon emission computed tomography imaging in the detection of lumbar vertebral metastases from prostate cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 6 2008Tetsuo Nozaki Objective: To determine whether single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is useful in the detection of prostate cancer bone metastases in the lumbar vertebrae. Methods: Thirty-nine patients (12 with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 27 with prostate cancer) were considered and submitted to bone SPECT. All of them had increased uptake in lumbar vertebrae on bone scintigraphy. In those with prostate cancer, definitive diagnosis of bone metastases was established by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SPECT axial images were classified into five accumulation patterns: mosaic, large hot, diffuse, peripheral, and articular (or pediculate). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of bone SPECT were calculated. Results: Overall, 116 vertebral lesions (49 metastatic, 67 degenerative) were studied. Mosaic, large hot and diffuse patterns were more frequently associated with metastatic lesions (84.2%, 70.3%, and 63.1% of the cases, respectively). On the other hand, peripheral and articular (or pediculate) patterns were mostly ascribed to degenerative lesions (100% and 87.5% of the cases, respectively). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of bone SPECT were 95.9% (47/49), 73.1% (49/67), 72.3% (47/65), and 96.1% (49/51), respectively. Conclusions: Bone SPECT provides better accuracy than bone scintigraphy in differential diagnosis of lumbar vertebral lesions from prostate cancer. [source] Analysis of the mechanical behavior of a titanium scaffold with a repeating unit-cell substructureJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009Garrett Ryan Abstract Titanium scaffolds with controlled microarchitecture have been developed for load bearing orthopedic applications. The controlled microarchitecture refers to a repeating array of unit-cells, composed of sintered titanium powder, which make up the scaffold structure. The objective of this current research was to characterize the mechanical performance of three scaffolds with increasing porosity, using finite element analysis (FEA) and to compare the results with experimental data. Scaffolds were scanned using microcomputed tomography and FEA models were generated from the resulting computer models. Macroscale and unit-cell models of the scaffolds were created. The material properties of the sintered titanium powders were first evaluated in mechanical tests and the data used in the FEA. The macroscale and unit-cell FEA models proved to be a good predictor of Young's modulus and yield strength. Although macroscale models showed similar failure patterns and an expected trend in UCS, strain at UCS did not compare well with experimental data. Since a rapid prototyping method was used to create the scaffolds, the original CAD geometries of the scaffold were also evaluated using FEA but they did not reflect the mechanical properties of the physical scaffolds. This indicates that at present, determining the actual geometry of the scaffold through computed tomography imaging is important. Finally, a fatigue analysis was performed on the scaffold to simulate the loading conditions it would experience as a spinal interbody fusion device. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009 [source] Preventing osteoporotic fractures with antiresorptive therapy: implications of microarchitectural changesJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2004S. Boonen Abstract. Prospective studies have demonstrated that low bone mass correlates well with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures at various skeletal sites. Trials have likewise confirmed that enhancing bone mass with antiresorptive therapy reduces fracture incidence in individuals at risk. However, correlation of bone mineral density (BMD) increases with therapeutic risk reduction has proved less consistent than correlation of BMD decreases with greater fracture risk in the untreated. Indeed, various analyses have indicated that , even during treatment with potent bisphosphonates like alendronate and risedronate , BMD changes from baseline account for <30% of the reduction in vertebral fractures in treated women. It is clearly, therefore, that factors other than BMD are involved in the reduction of fracture risk achieved by antiresorptive therapies. According to recent micro-computed tomography imaging and other studies, antiresorptive therapy can help rebuild the microarchitecture of bone as well as strengthen the materials that go into it. When treating individuals with osteoporosis, these microarchitectural changes contribute to the reduction of fracture risk achieved by antiresorptive therapies. [source] Synthesis of 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-cyano-5-(4-[11C]methoxyphenyl)- N -(piperidin-1-yl)-1H -pyrazole-3-carboxamide ([11C]JHU75528) and 1-(2-bromophenyl)-4-cyano-5-(4-[11C]methoxyphenyl)- N -(piperidin-1-yl)-1H -pyrazole-3-carboxamide ([11C]JHU75575) as potential radioligands for PET imaging of cerebral cannabinoid receptorJOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 12 2006Hong Fan Abstract Two novel ligands for cerebral cannabinoid receptor (CB1), 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-cyano-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)- N -(piperidin-1-yl)-1H -pyrazole-3-carboxamide (JHU75528) and 1-(2-bromophenyl)-4-cyano-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)- N -(piperidin-1-yl)-1H -pyrazole-3-carboxamide (JHU75575) have been synthesized. Both JHU75528 and JHU75575 display a combination of higher binding affinity and lower lipophilicity than those of Rimonabant (SR141716), a high affinity CB1 selective antagonist, and AM281, the only available ligand for emission tomography imaging of CB1 in human subjects. Radiolabeled [11C]JHU75528 and [11C]JHU75575 were prepared by reaction of [11C]methyl iodide with nor-methyl precursors. The average radiochemical yield, specific radioactivity, and radiochemical purity of [11C]JHU75528 were 16%, 235 GBq/µmol (6360 mCi/µmol), and 99%, respectively; those of [11C]JHU75575 were 8%, 196 GBq/µmol (5308 mCi/µmol), and 99%, respectively. Both ligands hold promise as PET radioligands for imaging CB1 receptor. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of malignant pleural mesothelioma§JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2009RM Subramaniam Summary Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common primary pleural tumor and its incidence is rising. Its diagnosis, staging and response assessment are challenging for imaging. Integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/CT increases the accuracy of overall staging in patients with mesothelioma and improves the selection of patients for curative surgical resection. It is particularly useful in identifying occult distant metastases. It may be used to predict prognosis and to assess the metabolic response to therapy. [source] A Method for the Automated Assessment of Temporal Characteristics of Functional Hemispheric Lateralization by Transcranial Doppler SonographyJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 3 2004M. Deppe ABSTRACT Background and Purpose. Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) can guide and complement investigations based on functional magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography imaging by providing continuous information on cerebral perfusion changes correlated to cerebral activation. So far, however, the role of functional TCD has been limited by a lack of sensitivity.Methods. Here, the authors present an outline of a method that increases the potential of TCD to detect perfusion changes within a vascular territory. Sensitivity on the order of 1% can be achieved by transformation of Doppler envelope curves, which accounts for systemic quasi-periodic and irregular spontaneous blood flow modulations and artificial disturbances related to the recording. A statistical technique is introduced that allows the automatic detection of time periods of significant hemispheric lateralization in evoked flow studies. Furthermore, an index of laterality is defined quantifying the extent of hemispheric dominance during stimulus processing.Results and Discussion. The analysis technique described in this article has been successfully employed in recent examinations on vision, motor activation, language, language recovery, and other cognitive tasks. Conclusion. The novel functional TCD technique permits valid and reproducible assessments of the temporal characteristics of functional hemispheric lateralization. [source] Measurement of porto-systemic shunting in mice by novel three-dimensional micro-single photon emission computed tomography imaging enabling longitudinal follow-upLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2010Christophe Van Steenkiste Abstract Background and aims: The reference method for diagnosing porto-systemic shunting (PSS) in experimental portal hypertension involves measuring 51Chrome (51Cr)-labelled microspheres. Unfortunately, this technique necessitates the sacrifice of animals. Alternatively, 99mtechnetium-macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) has been used; however, planar scintigraphy imaging techniques are not quantitatively accurate and adequate spatial information is not attained. Here, we describe a reliable, minimally invasive and rapid in vivo imaging technique, using three-dimensional single photon emission computed tomography (3D SPECT) modus, that allows more accurate quantification, serial measurements and spatial discrimination. Methodology: Partial portal vein ligation, common bile duct ligation and sham were induced in male mice. A mixture of 51Cr microspheres and 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin particles was injected into the splenic pulpa. All mice were scanned in vivo with ,SPECT (1 mm spatial resolution) and, when mandatory for localisation, a ,SPECT-CT was acquired. A relative quantitative analysis was performed based on the 3D reconstructed datasets. Additionally, 51Cr was measured in the same animals to calculate the correlation coefficient between the 99mTc detection and the gold standard 51Cr. In each measuring modality, the PSS fraction was calculated using the formula: [(lung counts)/(lung counts+liver counts)] × 100. Results: A significant correlation between the 99mTc detection and 51Cr was demonstrated in partial portal vein ligation, common bile duct ligation and sham mice and there was a good agreement between the two modalities. ,SPECT scanning delivers high spatial resolution and 3D image reconstructions. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that quantitative high-resolution ,SPECT imaging with 99mTc-MAA is useful for detecting the extent of PSS in a non-sacrificing set-up. This technology permits serial measurements and high-throughput screening to detect baseline PSS, which is especially important in pharmacological studies. [source] Lesion of the dorsorostral midbrain sparing the nigrostriatal tract mimics axial rigidity seen in progressive supranuclear palsyMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 8 2005Jan Lewerenz MD Abstract We report on a patient with a residual dorsorostral midbrain lesion after resection of a pineal gland tumor. In addition to severe vertical gaze palsy, this patient exhibited other neurological features closely resembling progressive supranuclear palsy. Normal dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography imaging excluded significant dopamine deficiency. We suggest that dorsorostral midbrain pathology rather than dopamine deficiency due to degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons or basal ganglia nuclei might be responsible for axial rigidity in extension. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society [source] Midazolam as a sole sedative for computed tomography imaging in pediatric patientsPEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2009RANJU SINGH MD Summary Objective:, To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of i.v. midazolam as a sole agent for sedation in children for computed tomography (CT) imaging. Materials and Methods:, Prospective clinical trial in which 516 children under ASA classification II,IV (273 boys and 243 girls) in the age group of 6 months to 6 years for elective CT scan were enrolled over a 17-month period. Patients were administered i.v. midazolam 0.2 mg·kg,1 and further boluses of 0.1 mg·kg,1 (total 0.5 mg·kg,1) if required. Measurements included induction time, efficacy, side effects, complications, and degree of sedation. Sedation was graded on the basis of Ramsay sedation score (RSS) as over sedated (RSS 5,6), adequately sedated (AS, RSS 3,4), under sedated (RSS 1,2), or failed if the procedure could not be completed or another agent had to be administered. Results:, Of the 516 procedures, 483 brains, 16 chests, and 17 abdomens were scanned with a mean duration of 4.75 ± 1.75 min with a mean dose of 0.212 mg·kg,1 of i.v. midazolam. Four hundred and sixty-five (90.12%) patients were AS in 5.9 ± 0.7 min while 40 (7.75%) patients required additional boluses. Of these 40 patients, 24 (4.65%) required a single bolus, 12 (2.32%) required two boluses, whereas the remaining four (0.78%) required three boluses. In 11 (2.13%; P < 0.0001) patients, the scan could not be completed satisfactorily. Side effects were seen in 46 (9.11%) patients in the form of desaturation, hiccups (seven patients, 1.38%), and agitation (four patients, 0.79%). Desaturation (SpO2 90,95%) was seen in 35 (6.93%) patients, which was corrected by topical application of oxygen. None of the patients exhibited any complications such as pulmonary aspiration or need to maintain airway. The patients were kept under observation for 1 h after the procedure. Conclusion:, The level of sedation achieved in children with midazolam 0.2 mg·kg,1 is adequate for imaging with minimal side effects, no airway complications, and fast recovery. It can be recommended as the sole agent for sedation in pediatric patients for CT imaging. [source] Purely vertical upbeat nystagmus in bilateral posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A case reportTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 1 2010Jason A. Beyea MD Abstract Vertical nystagmus occurs in patients with central vestibular system pathology. Lesions of the pons, medulla, and cerebellum lead to vertical nystagmus. Given this association, vertical nystagmus is considered pathognomonic in nature. We present a case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with positive Dix-Hallpike bilaterally, but also with upbeat purely vertical nystagmus in the straight back head hanging position. Computed tomography imaging of the typically pathologic structures in vertical nystagmus (brainstem/posterior fossa) revealed normal anatomy. We propose this case as an instance of peripheral-associated purely vertical nystagmus without central pathology, while building on our previous understanding of BPPV physiology. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source] Axonal loss and myelin in early ON loss in postacute optic neuritisANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2008Alexander Klistorner PhD Objective To investigate the relation between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and latency and amplitude of multifocal visual-evoked potentials (mfVEPs) in the postacute stage of optic neuritis in patients with early or possible multiple sclerosis. Method Thirty-two patients with clinical diagnosis of unilateral optic neuritis and magnetic resonance imaging lesions typical of demyelination and 25 control subjects underwent mfVEP and optical coherence tomography imaging. Results Although there was significant reduction of RNFL thickness in the affected eyes (18.7%), a considerably larger decrease was observed for the amplitude of the mfVEPs (39.8%). Latency of the mfVEPs was also significantly delayed in optic neuritis eyes. In fellow eyes, the amplitude of mfVEPs was significantly reduced and the latency prolonged, but RNFL thickness remained unaltered. RNFL thickness correlated highly with the mfVEP amplitude (r = 0.90). There was also strong correlation between optical coherence tomography measure of axonal loss and mfVEP latency (r = ,0.66). Interpretation Although our findings demonstrate strong associations between structural and functional measures of optic nerve integrity, the functional loss was more marked. This fact, together with amplitude and latency changes of the mfVEPs observed in clinically normal fellow eyes, may indicate greater sensitivity of mfVEPs in detecting optic nerve abnormality or the presence of widespread inflammation in the central nervous system, or both. The significant correlation of the mfVEP latency with RNFL thickness suggests a role for demyelination in promoting axonal loss. Ann Neurol 2008 [source] Carotid plaque computed tomography imaging in stroke and nonstroke patientsANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2008Max Wintermark MD Objective To identify a set of computed tomographic (CT) features of carotid atherosclerotic plaques that is significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we retrospectively identified 136 consecutive patients admitted to our emergency department with suspected stroke who underwent a CT-angiogram of the carotid arteries. CT-angiographic studies of the carotid arteries were processed automatically using automated computer classifier algorithm that quantitatively assesses a battery of carotid CT features. Acute stroke patients were categorized into "acute carotid stroke patients" and "nonacute carotid stroke patients" independent of carotid wall CT features, using the Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke, which includes the neuroradiologist's review of the imaging studies of the brain parenchyma and of the degree of carotid stenosis, and charted test results (such as electrocardiogram). Univariate followed by multivariate analyses were used to build models to differentiate between these patient groups and to differentiate between the infarct and unaffected sides in the "acute carotid stroke patients." Results Forty "acute carotid stroke" patients and 50 "nonacute carotid stroke" patients were identified. Multivariate modeling identified a small number of the carotid wall CT features that were significantly associated with acute carotid stroke, including wall volume, fibrous cap thickness, number and location of lipid clusters, and number of calcium clusters. Interpretation Patients with acute carotid stroke demonstrate significant differences in the appearance of their carotid wall ipsilateral to the side of their infarct, when compared with either nonacute carotid stroke patients or the carotid wall contralateral with the infarct side. Ann Neurol 2008;64:149,157 [source] Alzheimer's disease versus dementia with Lewy bodies: Cerebral metabolic distinction with autopsy confirmationANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2001Satoshi Minoshima MD Seeking antemortem markers to distinguish Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we examined brain glucose metabolism of DLB and AD. Eleven DLB patients (7 Lewy body variant of AD [LBVAD] and 4 pure diffuse Lewy body disease [DLBD]) who had antemortem position emission tomography imaging and autopsy confirmation were compared to 10 autopsy-confirmed pure AD patients. In addition, 53 patients with clinically-diagnosed probable AD, 13 of whom later fulfilled clinical diagnoses of DLB, were examined. Autopsy-confirmed AD and DLB patients showed significant metabolic reductions involving parietotemporal association, posterior cingulate, and frontal association cortices. Only DLB patients showed significant metabolic reductions in the occipital cortex, particularly in the primary visual cortex (LBVAD ,23% and DLBD ,29% vs AD ,8%), which distinguished DLB versus AD with 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Multivariate analysis revealed that occipital metabolic changes in DLB were independent from those in the adjacent parietotemporal cortices. Analysis of clinically-diagnosed probable AD patients showed a significantly higher frequency of primary visual metabolic reduction among patients who fulfilled later clinical criteria for DLB. In these patients, occipital hypometabolism preceded some clinical features of DLB. Occipital hypometabolism is a potential antemortem marker to distinguish DLB versus AD. [source] Extradural haematoma secondary to brown snake (Pseudonaja species) envenomationAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009RKC Ong A 4-year-old Siberian Husky dog was treated with brown snake antivenom by his regular veterinarian after a witnessed episode of brown snake envenomation. The dog was discharged 5 hours post presentation despite an ongoing coagulopathy. The dog was presented to the emergency centre 2 hours later because the owner believed the dog to be in pain. Initial examination revealed an ambulatory but neurologically normal patient with thoracolumbar pain and laboratory evidence of a coagulopathy. Despite correction of the coagulopathy, the signs progressed to bilateral hind limb paresis after approximately 3 hours of hospitalisation, and continued to deteriorate over the next 56 hours to loss of deep pain perception in the right hind limb. Computed tomography imaging identified the presence of an extradural haematoma which was subsequently removed via a hemilaminectomy. Surgical decompression was successful in treating the spinal compression and the dog recovered with minimal complications. To our knowledge this is the first report of extradural haematoma secondary to coagulopathy induced by brown snake envenomation. [source] Computer-assisted calculation of myocardial infarct size shortens the evaluation time of contrast-enhanced cardiac MRICLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY AND FUNCTIONAL IMAGING, Issue 1 2008Lene Rosendahl Summary Background:, Delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging depicts scar in the left ventricle which can be quantitatively measured. Manual segmentation and scar determination is time consuming. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a software for infarct quantification, to compare with manual scar determination, and to measure the time saved. Methods:, Delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 40 patients where myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography imaging showed irreversible uptake reduction suggesting a myocardial scar. After segmentation, the semi-automatic software was applied. A scar area was displayed, which could be corrected and compared with manual delineation. The different time steps were recorded with both methods. Results:, The software shortened the average evaluation time by 12·4 min per cardiac exam, compared with manual delineation. There was good correlation of myocardial volume, infarct volume and infarct percentage (%) between the two methods, r = 0·95, r = 0·92 and r = 0·91 respectively. Conclusion:, A computer software for myocardial volume and infarct size determination cut the evaluation time by more than 50% compared with manual assessment, with maintained clinical accuracy. [source] |