Interobserver variability in the detection of cerebral venous thrombosis using CT venography with matched mask bone elimination.

Objectives: Computed tomography venography (CTV) has proven to be a reliable imaging method in the evaluation of cerebral venous thrombosis with good correlation to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). It is fast and widely accessible, especially in the emergency setting. For better visualization of vascular structures bone is often removed from the images.

Coiling of intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review on initial occlusion and reopening and retreatment rates.

Background And Purpose: The proportion of incompletely occluded aneurysms after coiling varies widely between studies. To assess overall outcome of coiling, we systematically reviewed the literature to determine initial occlusion, reopening, and retreatment rates of coiled aneurysms according to predefined criteria and subgroups.

Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE (January 1999 to September 2008) for studies of >50 coiled aneurysms.

Evidence of bias and variation in diagnostic accuracy studies.

Background: Studies with methodologic shortcomings can overestimate the accuracy of a medical test. We sought to determine and compare the direction and magnitude of the effects of a number of potential sources of bias and variation in studies on estimates of diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: We identified meta-analyses of the diagnostic accuracy of tests through an electronic search of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, DARE and MEDION (1999-2002).

Polyp miss rate determined by tandem colonoscopy: a systematic review.

Background And Aims: Colonoscopy is the best available method to detect and remove colonic polyps and therefore serves as the gold standard for less invasive tests such as virtual colonoscopy. Although gastroenterologists agree that colonoscopy is not infallible, there is no clarity on the numbers and rates of missed polyps. The purpose of this systematic review was to obtain summary estimates of the polyp miss rate as determined by tandem colonoscopy.

Symptomatic and asymptomatic abnormalities in patients with lumbosacral radicular syndrome: Clinical examination compared with MRI.

Objective: To determine the frequency of symptomatic and asymptomatic herniated discs and root compression in patients with lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS) and to correlate clinical localization with MRI findings.

Methods: Fifty-seven patients with unilateral LRS were included in the study. Using the visual analogue scale, two physicians independently localized the most likely lumbar level of complaints.

MR angiography at 3T versus digital subtraction angiography in the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils.

Background And Purpose: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is used to follow-up intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils to identify recurrence and determine need for additional treatment. However, DSA is invasive and involves a small risk of neurologic complications. We assessed the feasibility and usefulness of 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) performed at 3T compared with DSA for the follow-up of coil-treated intracranial aneurysms.

Observer variation in MRI evaluation of patients suspected of lumbar disk herniation.

Objective: Our objective was to assess observer variation in MRI evaluation in patients suspected of lumbar disk herniation.

Subjects And Methods: Two experienced neuroradiologists independently evaluated 59 consecutive patients with lumbosacral radicular pain. Per patient, three levels (L3-L4 through L5-S1) and the accompanying roots were evaluated on both sides.

CT colonography: feasibility of substantial dose reduction--comparison of medium to very low doses in identical patients.

In a feasibility study, the authors compared polyp detection and interobserver variability at computed tomographic (CT) colonography in 15 patients with doses ranging from medium to very low (12.00-0.05 mSv).