Prospective comparative study on the hemodynamic and functional consequences of arterial monitoring catheters in intensive care patients on the short and long term.

Introduction: In intensive care wards, arterial catheters are a relevant instrument to monitor vital functions. However, the effect of arterial catheterization on hemodynamic function in elective patients in the short and long term is unknown.

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the possible damaging effects of arterial monitoring catheters on arterial functioning in intensive care patients after elective surgery.

Value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in diagnosing and classifying peripheral vascular malformations.

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate prospectively whether MR imaging, including dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, could be used to categorize peripheral vascular malformations and especially to identify venous malformations that do not need angiography for treatment.

Subjects And Methods: In this blinded prospective study, two observers independently correlated MR imaging findings of 27 patients having peripheral vascular malformations with those of diagnostic angiography and additional venography. MR diagnosis of the category, based on a combination of conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR parameters, was compared with the angiographic diagnosis using gamma statistics.