[Assessment of global and regional left ventricular function with a 16-slice spiral-CT using two different software tools for quantitative functional analysis and qualitative evaluation of wall motion changes in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging].

Purpose: To determine global and regional left ventricular (LV) function from retrospectively gated multidetector row computed tomography (CT) by using two different semiautomated analysis tools and to correlate the results with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: Nineteen patients (5 females, 14 males, mean age 69 years) underwent 16-slice spiral-CT (MS-CT) with standard technique without administration of beta-blockers for a decrease in the cardiac rate. Ten series of images were reconstructed at every 10 % of the RR-interval.

Assessment of right ventricular function by 16-detector-row CT: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging.

The purpose of this study was to determine right ventricular (RV) function from 16-detector-row CT by using two different software tools in comparison with MRI. Nineteen patients underwent cardiac CT. (1) With semiautomated contour detection software end-diastolic and end-systolic RV volumes were determined from short-axis CT reformations (MPR) created at every 10% of the RR-interval.

Cost-effectiveness of photodynamic therapy for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

Background: Photodynamic therapy appears to be effective in ablating high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Our aim was to identify the most effective and cost-effective strategy for managing high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus without associated endoscopically visible abnormalities.

Methods: By using decision analysis, the lifetime costs and benefits of 4 strategies for which long-term data exist were estimated by us: esophagectomy, endoscopic surveillance, photodynamic therapy, followed by esophagectomy for residual high-grade dysplasia; and photodynamic therapy followed by endoscopic surveillance for residual high-grade dysplasia.

Patterns of referral for inferior vena caval filtration: delays and their impact.

Objective: We sought to study the referral patterns for inferior vena caval filtration and explore the relationship between delays in filter insertion and clinical outcomes.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 101 consecutive inferior vena caval filters inserted in 101 patients in a university hospital between the June 2000 and July 2001. A time line was created listing the time of diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, contraindication or complication of anticoagulation therapy, and time of insertion of inferior vena caval filter.

Assessment of hormonal activity of UV filters in tadpoles of frog Xenopus laevis at environmental concentrations.

Residues of UV filters used as ultraviolet absorbers in sunscreens, cosmetics and in light protection have been found in surface water and fish. Recently some of them were shown bearing estrogenic activity, however, very little is known about possible adverse effects to aquatic life. Here we investigate whether two UV filters, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC), interfere with the thyroid and sex hormone system during frog metamorphosis.

Characterization and Sequence Variation in the rDNA Region of Six Nematode Species of the Genus Longidorus (Nematoda).

Total DNA was isolated from individual nematodes of the species Longidorus helveticus, L. macrosoma, L. arthensis, L.

Cardiovascular response to physical exercise in adult patients after atrial correction for transposition of the great arteries assessed with magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: To assess with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cardiovascular function in response to exercise in patients after atrial correction of transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

Methods: Cardiac function at rest and during submaximal exercise was assessed with MRI in 27 patients with TGA (mean (SD) age 26 (5) years) late (23 (2) years) after atrial correction and in 14 control participants (25 (5) years old).

Results: At rest, only right ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients than in controls (56 (7)% v 65 (7)%, p < 0.

[Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the pulmonary arteries with integrated parallel acquisition technique (iPAT) in patients with chronic-thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension CTEPH - sagittal or coronal acquisition?].

Purpose: Comparison of two different types of contrast-enhanced 3D-MR angiography (CE-MRA) with integrated parallel acquisition technique (iPAT) in patients with chronic-thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and evaluation whether sagittal acquisition with higher resolution and minimized acquisition time is superior to common coronal orientation.

Materials And Methods: CE-MRA was performed on 15 patients with CTEPH preoperatively and on 10 patients also postoperatively, while 5 other patients received only a postoperative MRA. All 30 MR studies with one coronal and two sagittal acquisitions were blindly evaluated and compared.

Magnetic resonance imaging for the in vivo evaluation of gastric-retentive tablets.

Purpose: To develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for assessing in vivo properties of orally ingested gastric-retentive tablets under physiologic conditions.

Methods: Tablets with different floating characteristics (tablet A-C) were marked with superparamagnetic Fe3O4 particles to analyze intragastric tablet position and residence time in human volunteers. Optimal Fe3O4 concentration was determined in vitro.

Natural abundance 13C-NMR spectroscopy for the quantitative determination of fecal fat.

Objective: To evaluate 13C-NMR spectroscopy as a method for fat quantitation in human feces without time consuming or unpleasant preparation steps.

Design And Methods: Stool samples of seven healthy subjects were collected for 18 days before and during oral intake of the inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases Orlistat. Fecal lipid content was determined first using 13C-NMR, then by conventional gravimetry after homogenization and Bligh & Dyer lipid extraction.

Analysis of the meal-dependent intragastric performance of a gastric-retentive tablet assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Modern medical imaging modalities can trace labelled oral drug dosage forms in the gastrointestinal tract, and thus represent important tools for the evaluation of their in vivo performance. The application of gastric-retentive drug delivery systems to improve bioavailability and to avoid unwanted plasma peak concentrations of orally administered drugs is of special interest in clinical and pharmaceutical research.

Aim: To determine the influence of meal composition and timing of tablet administration on the intragastric performance of a gastric-retentive floating tablet using magnetic resonance imaging in the sitting position.

First observation of atomic levels for the element fermium (Z=100).

The atomic level structure of the element fermium was investigated for the first time using a sample of 2.7x10(10) atoms of the isotope 255Fm with a half-life of 20.1 h.

Improved MR coronary angiography with use of a new rapid clearance blood pool contrast agent in pigs.

Purpose: To evaluate in an animal model the potential for clinical use of a new rapid clearance blood pool contrast agent to improve free-breathing and breath-hold magnetic resonance (MR) coronary angiography.

Materials And Methods: Free-breathing and breath-hold MR coronary angiography were performed in a pig model (n = 9) (a) without use of a contrast agent; (b) with P792 (Guerbet Research, Aulnay Sous Bois, France), a monodisperse monogadolinated macromolecular compound that acts as a blood pool contrast agent with rapid clearance properties; and (c) with an extravascular gadolinium-based contrast agent. This resulted in six imaging options, which were compared in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio, and vessel length measurements by using the Student t test.

Value of magnetic resonance imaging for the noninvasive detection of stenosis in coronary artery bypass grafts and recipient coronary arteries.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a potential noninvasive diagnostic tool to detect coronary artery bypass graft stenosis, but its value in clinical practice remains to be established. We investigated the value of MRI in detecting stenotic grafts, including recipient vessels.

Methods And Results: We screened for inclusion 173 consecutive patients who were scheduled for coronary angiography because of recurrent chest pain after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Tetralogy of Fallot: postoperative delayed recovery of left ventricular stroke volume after physical exercise assessment with fast MR imaging.

In six asymptomatic patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot and nine healthy control subjects, the authors assessed left ventricular (LV) function during recovery from supine bicycle exercise by performing fast magnetic resonance (MR) flow mapping in the ascending aorta. Abnormal recovery of LV function after exercise was observed in the patients. MR flow mapping allows assessment of cardiac recovery after exercise.

MR-velocity mapping in vascular stents to assess peak systolic velocity. In vitro comparison of various stent designs made of Stainless Steel and Nitinol.

Introduction: Peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements of blood flow inside vascular stents allow reliable detection of in-stent re-stenosis. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining PSV measurements inside vascular stents made of Stainless Steel and Nitinol, using a velocity encoded MR technique.

Materials/methods: In a flow phantom, stents of Stainless Steel and Nitinol were studied.

Comparison of caudal and intravenous clonidine in the prevention of agitation after sevoflurane in children.

Background: In children, sevoflurane anaesthesia is associated with postanaesthetic agitation, which is treated mainly with opioids. We compared the effectiveness of epidural and i.v.

Gastric motility: comparison of assessment with real-time MR imaging or barostat measurement initial experience.

Measurements of gastric volume and motility with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were compared with simultaneously performed measurements with a barostat in six healthy volunteers. Three-dimensional volume and two-dimensional dynamic MR images and barostat measurements were obtained at rest. Alterations in gastric volume and motility were induced by means of infusion of glucagon and erythromycin, respectively.

Reproducibility of total cerebral blood flow measurements using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: To evaluate reproducibility of total cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements with phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (pcMRI).

Materials And Methods: We repeated total CBF measurements in 15 healthy volunteers with and without cardiac triggering, and with and without repositioning. In eight volunteers measurements were performed at two different occasions.

Tandem mass spectrometry and newborn screening: pilot data and review.

United States legislatures are debating whether to use tandem mass spectrometry to expand the roster of inherited disorders tested in newborn screening programs. The debate is hampered because published financial data comparing charges associated with late vs early diagnosis are not readily available. We provide pilot financial data comparing late diagnosis vs presumptive diagnosis and early management taken from consecutive patients with propionic acidemia diagnosed from 1995-1998 in New Hampshire.

Exercise MR imaging in the assessment of pulmonary regurgitation and biventricular function in patients after tetralogy of fallot repair.

Purpose: To assess the responses of pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and biventricular function to submaximal exercise by using a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging exercise protocol with young adult patients who underwent tetralogy of Fallot repair at a young age.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (mean age, 17.5 years +/- 2.

Diffusion-weighted MRI in the characterization of soft-tissue tumors.

Purpose: To explore the potential of perfusion-corrected diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing soft-tissue tumors.

Methods And Materials: Diffusion-weighted MRI was performed in 23 histologically proven soft-tissue masses using a diffusion-weighted spin-echo sequence with diffusion gradient strengths yielding five b-values (0-701 seconds/mm(2)). True diffusion coefficients and perfusion fractions were estimated and compared with apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs).

Detection of vein graft disease using high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography.

Background: The application of previous magnetic resonance (MR) angiography techniques has enabled noninvasive differentiation between patent and occluded coronary artery bypass grafts. However, the detection of graft stenosis remains difficult. The purpose of our study was to determine the accuracy of high-resolution navigator-gated 3-dimensional (3-D) MR angiography in detecting vein graft disease.

MR flow mapping in coronary artery bypass grafts: a validation study with Doppler flow measurements.

Purpose: To validate fast magnetic resonance (MR) flow mapping with intravascular Doppler flow measurements in vitro and in patients with nonstenotic and stenotic coronary artery bypass grafts.

Materials And Methods: MR and Doppler flow measurements were performed in a small-diameter flow phantom with physiologic flow conditions and at baseline and during adenosine stress in 27 grafts in 23 patients, who were scheduled for cardiac catheterization. At invasive analysis, the grafts were divided into those with stenosis of less than 50% (nonstenotic) and those with stenosis greater than or equal to 50% (stenotic).

Prolonged cardiac recovery from exercise in asymptomatic adults late after atrial correction of transposition of the great arteries: evaluation with magnetic resonance flow mapping.

After atrial correction of transposition of the great arteries (TGA), dysfunction of the systemic right ventricle at rest and during exercise has been reported. Information on changes in systemic right ventricular function during recovery from exercise is lacking. This study evaluates cardiac recovery from supine exercise using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with asymptomatic TGA after atrial correction.