Dual-Energy Computed Tomography as an Adjunct in the Evaluation of Peripheral Chronic Total Occlusions: A Feasibility Study.

This study investigated the role of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) for lesion characterization in patients with peripheral arterial disease manifesting with chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Forty-one symptomatic patients with CTOs underwent dual-energy CT angiography before endovascular treatment. The lesions were subsequently analyzed in a dedicated workstation, and 2 indexes-dual-energy index (DEI) and effective Z (Z)-were calculated, ranging from 0.

CT coronary angiography in asymptomatic male patients with high atherosclerosis risk: Is it justified?

Purpose: To study the necessity of coronary artery screening with computerized tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in asymptomatic male patients.

Material And Methods: A total of 226 asymptomatic male patients aged over 50 years were included in this prospective study, according to a clinical protocol approved by the Heraklion University Hospital's Ethics Committee. All participants had at least 3 or more known atherosclerosis risk factors.

CT Foot Perfusion Examination for Evaluation of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Outcome in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia: A Feasibility Study.

Purpose: To evaluate foot perfusion in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) using quantitative perfusion multi-detector-row CT and estimate perfusion parameter changes before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

Materials And Methods: This prospective study investigated 13 patients (10 men; median age, 72 y; range, 51-84 y) with CLI who underwent CT foot perfusion examinations with a 128-slice dual-energy CT scanner 1 day before and 1 week after PTA. Key parameters such as permeability surface (PS), blood volume (BV), and blood flow (BF) were analyzed and compared statistically.

Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion. The switch from Steinmann pins to Omni-tract assisted isolation.

Background: Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) represents an alternative to amputation for patients with either in-transit melanoma or unresectable soft tissue sarcoma, entailing delivery of high-dose chemotherapy after isolation of the extremity, under hyperthermic conditions. Stabilization of the Esmarch elastic bandage is so far performed with the use of Steinmann pins. In this study, we presented our experience with HILP and demonstrated an alternative technique for limb isolation using an Omni-tract retractor instead of the traditional Steinmann pin, while comparing the two methods.

Therapeutic ERCP and pregnancy: is the radiation risk for the conceptus trivial?

Background: Symptomatic choledocholithiasis can be treated during pregnancy. Conceptus doses ranged from 0.1 mGy to 3 mGy in previous studies.