Computed tomography findings in septic patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: correlation with survival and pulmonary versus extrapulmonary septic focus.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with sepsis with unknown inflammatory focus and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods: Acute respiratory distress syndrome findings on CT of 36 patients with sepsis were graded on a 6-point scale, and the percentage of affected lung was estimated. Resulting CT scores were correlated to intensive care scores and survival.

Feasibility of fast dynamic MRI for noninvasive monitoring during ectopic liver cell transplantation to the spleen in a porcine model.

Objective: Liver cell transplantation is a promising approach for the treatment of metabolic liver disorders. However, a method for noninvasive monitoring during liver cell transplantation is not available clinically. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of fast dynamic MRI monitoring during liver cell infusion to the spleen, which is considered an ectopic implantation site for liver cell transplantation.

Development of a signal-inducing bone cement for magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: To develop a signal-inducing bone cement for musculoskeletal procedures in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: Acrylic resins were mixed with contrast agents (CAs) and water. We determined the ideal concentration of the components and assessed feasibility in cadaveric bones in an open high-field MR scanner.

Modification of aminosilanized superparamagnetic nanoparticles: feasibility of multimodal detection using 3T MRI, small animal PET, and fluorescence imaging.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to modify an aminosilane-coated superparamagnetic nanoparticle for cell labeling and subsequent multimodal imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and fluorescent imaging in vivo.

Procedures: We covalently bound the transfection agent HIV-1 tat, the fluorescent dye fluorescein isothiocyanate, and the positron-emitting radionuclide gallium-68 to the particle and injected them intravenously into Wistar rats, followed by animal PET and MRI at 3.0 T.

Sonographically guided placement of intravenous catheters in minipigs.

Many procedures in minipigs require establishment of reliable deep venous access with a large-bore catheter. In animal experiments, such catheters are typically implanted surgically. In clinical settings, however, ultrasound imaging is routinely used to facilitate safe, minimally invasive puncture of deep vessels.

Imaging of primary human hepatocytes performed with micron-sized iron oxide particles and clinical magnetic resonance tomography.

Transplantation of primary human hepatocytes is a promising approach in certain liver diseases. For the visualization of the hepatocytes during and following cell application and the ability of a timely response to potential complications, a non-invasive modality for imaging the transplanted cells has to be established. The aim of this study was to label primary human hepatocytes with micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs), enabling the detection of cells by clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

An orthotopic model of pancreatic somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive tumors allows bimodal imaging studies using 3T MRI and animal PET-based molecular imaging of SSTR expression.

Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) scintigraphy is currently used as one standard imaging modality in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, future optimization of NET imaging may be achieved with positron emission tomography based methods utilizing more sensitive and specific tracers in combination with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Here we established an orthotopic mouse model that reflects relevant aspects of human pancreatic NETs such as SSTR expression, dense vascularization and metastatic disease.

Local arterial infusion of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles in hepatocellular carcinoma: A feasibility and 3.0 T MRI study.

Objectives: We sought to prove feasibility of selective arterial infusion of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials And Methods: We studied 13 patients with HCC who underwent modified transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Six patients received concurrent infusion of Ferucarbotran (Resovist, Schering, Berlin, Germany) in tumor-feeding arteries, and another 6 received MFL AS (MagForce, Nanotechnologies, Berlin, Germany).

Imaging of single human carcinoma cells in vitro using a clinical whole-body magnetic resonance scanner at 3.0 T.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether single human carcinoma cells labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles could be detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on a clinical 3-T scanner using a surface coil only. WiDr human colon carcinoma cells were loaded with two kinds of iron oxide nanoparticles differing by coating and size: aminosilan-coated (MagForce) and carboxy-dextran-coated particles (Resovist). The latter were preferred by the colon carcinoma cell line used here and taken up much faster (12 h) than the smaller carboxydextran-coated Resovist (48 h).

Portable computed tomography performed on the intensive care unit.

Objective: We report on the use of portable computed tomography (CT) in an ICU setting. The additional diagnostic gain and therapeutic consequences were assessed.

Patients: Ten ICU patients underwent 14 portable chest CT examinations.