Development of a simple standardized scoring system for assessing large vessel vasculitis by 18F-FDG PET-CT and differentiation from atherosclerosis.

Purpose: This study is to develop a structured approach to distinguishing large-artery vasculitis from atherosclerosis using 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with low-dose computed tomography (FDG PET/CT).

Methods: FDG PET/CT images of 60 patients were evaluated, 30 having biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA; the most common form of large-artery vasculitis), and 30 with severe atherosclerosis. Images were evaluated by 12 nuclear medicine physicians using 5 criteria: FDG uptake pattern (intensity, distribution, circularity), the degree of calcification, and co-localization of calcifications with FDG-uptake.

Improved detection of recurrent laryngeal tumor after radiotherapy using (18)FDG-PET as initial method.

Background And Purpose: Timely detection of recurrent laryngeal tumor after radiation is an important predictive factor for curation as well as preservation of laryngeal function. Direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia with taking of biopsies is the standard diagnostic procedure to detect recurrence when suspicion is raised. This, however, is an invasive and potentially damaging technique.

Use of lower abdominal compression to combat orthostatic hypotension in patients with autonomic dysfunction.

The aim of this study was to investigate in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension the mechanism and usefulness of abdominal compression to increase standing blood pressure. In three protocols, 23 patients underwent abdominal compression. Protocol 1 evaluated in a 40-60 degrees head-up-tilt position, the effect of abdominal compression on caval vein and femoral diameter, arterial blood pressure and hemodynamics.