Clinical aspects of ballistic peripheral nerve injury: shrapnel versus gunshot.

Objectives: Ballistic injuries to peripheral nerves pose special challenges in terms of indications, timing and type of surgical intervention. The aim of the present work was to analyze our experience in the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve ballistic injuries with respect to the mechanism of injury (gunshot versus shrapnel), and identify common and dissimilar prognostic factors in both types of injury.

Methods: This study was conducted on 42 patients totaling 58 nerves.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the median nerve in healthy and carpal tunnel syndrome subjects.

Purpose: To determine if diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the median nerve could allow identification of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Materials And Methods: A total of 13 healthy subjects and 9 CTS patients were scanned on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The MRI protocol included a DTI sequence from which the fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and the parallel and radial diffusivities could be extracted.

Computed tomography colonography ("virtual colonoscopy") in Israel: results of the National CT Colonography Survey of the Israeli Association of Abdominal Imaging and the Israeli Radiological Association.

Background: Computed tomographio colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is a rapid, non-invasive imaging technique to detect colorectal masses and polyps that is becoming increasingly popular.

Objectives: To evaluate the availability, technique, standards of performance and indications for CT colonography in Israel.

Methods: A questionnaire on CT colonography was sent to all radiology departments and private institutions that perform CTC in Israel.

T1-weighted functional imaging based on a contrast agent in presurgical mapping.

Purpose: To assess the applicability of T1-weighted images in the presence of a contrast agent for functional mapping free of susceptibility artifacts, in comparison to the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) imaging.

Materials And Methods: Six patients and five control subjects were scanned using BOLD and T1-weighted functional imaging, in the presence of a Gd-DTPA contrast-agent (TOFICA). In the control group, low- and high-resolution BOLD images were performed.

Vascular and biliary abnormalities mimicking cholangiocarcinoma in patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein: role of color Doppler sonography.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the sonographic and color Doppler features of tumorlike biliary and venous changes in patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV).

Methods: The sonographic studies of 24 patients with CTPV were reviewed. Sonographic evaluation of the biliary system included measurement of intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary duct caliber changes and common bile duct (CBD) wall thickening and character.

Coronary ostium-straight tube or funnel-shaped? A computerized tomographic coronary angiography study.

Background: The 3D configuration of the aortic-coronary junction is decisive in stenting ostial coronary lesions. We hypothesized that it varies between straight to funnel-shaped tubes and studied arterial orifices using computerized tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA).

Methods And Results: Axial and sagittal 2-D and volumetric 3-D reconstructions of the aorto-coronary junction were performed in 25 patients who underwent CTCA.

Percutaneous drainage as the treatment of choice for neonatal ovarian cysts.

Background: Involution of neonatal ovarian cysts occurs usually by 12 months. Persisting cysts larger than 4 cm are prone to torsion. Two modes of therapy are advocated: surgery and percutaneous US-guided cyst aspiration.

Susceptibility-matched envelope for the correction of EPI artifacts.

Fast gradient echo sequences, such as echo planer imaging (EPI) and spiral imaging, are vulnerable to artifacts resulting from B(0) inhomogeneities. A major contribution to these artifacts is the susceptibility variation across the head, which is most severe in regions adjacent to air-tissue interfaces, such as the mouth, nasal sinuses, ears and the cortex. Susceptibility artifacts can cause geometrical distortions in the image as well as loss of signal due to T(2)* dephasing.

Intratesticular varicocele: gray scale and color Doppler sonographic appearance.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gray scale and color Doppler appearances of intratesticular varicocele (ITV) in a relatively large series of men and to compare the findings with those previously reported.

Methods: Fifteen ITVs found in 12 men referred for sonographic examination of a variety of scrotal conditions were retrospectively evaluated. Review of the side, location, shape, and diameter of the dilated veins, the presence of an extratesticular varicocele (ETV), and the color Doppler appearance of the ITV before and during the Valsalva maneuver was performed.

White matter changes in multiple sclerosis: correlation of q-space diffusion MRI and 1H MRS.

Objective: To explore the diagnostic usefulness of high b-value diffusion magnetic resonance brain imaging ("q-space" imaging) in multiple sclerosis (MS). More specifically, we aimed at evaluating the ability of this methodology to identify tissue damage in the so-called normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).

Design: In this study we examined the correlation between q-space diffusion imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)-based two-dimensional 1H chemical shift imaging.

Clinical value of 16-slice multi-detector CT compared to invasive coronary angiography.

Background: Multi-detector row spiral CT (MDCT) can be applied as a noninvasive tool for the assessment of coronary artery stenoses. Few, confounding reports have been published using 16 detector rows. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of 16-detector row MDCT for the detection of significant stenoses in the coronary arteries, in comparison to conventional invasive coronary angiography.

Normal white matter development from infancy to adulthood: comparing diffusion tensor and high b value diffusion weighted MR images.

Purpose: To evaluate the sensitivity of high b value diffusion weight magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in detecting normal white matter maturation, compare it to conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and to obtain normative quantitative data using this method.

Materials And Methods: High b value DWI (b(max) = 6000 sec/mm(2)) using q-space analysis and conventional DTI (b = 1000 sec/mm(2)) were performed on 36 healthy subjects aged 4 months to 23 years. Fractional-anisotropy (FA), apparent-displacement, and apparent-probability values were measured in all slices and in six regions of interest (ROIs) of large fiber tracks.

Modification of surgical planning based on cardiac multidetector computed tomography in reoperative heart surgery.

Background: Repeat open heart surgery is associated with an increased risk of injury to old conduits and cardiac structures. To reduce this risk, we evaluated the contribution of multidetector computed tomography angiography in planning repeat cardiac operations.

Methods: Fifteen patients who had previous coronary artery bypass grafting procedures underwent retrospective-gated computed tomographic angiography with a 16-slice multidetector computed tomography.

Radiographic manifestations of normal postoperative anatomy and gastrointestinal complications of bariatric surgery, with emphasis on CT imaging findings.

Recently, there has been a tremendous increase in the frequency of utilization of surgery to control morbid obesity that is very common and increasing in incidence in Western industrialized nations. Imaging plays an important role in the evaluation and management of patients before and after bariatric surgery. In this article, we discuss the imaging findings relating to bariatric procedures, focusing on the role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of normal postoperative anatomy and gastrointestinal complications.

Further development of reconstructive and cell tissue-engineering technology for treatment of complete peripheral nerve injury in rats.

Unlabelled: In this work we evaluated the efficacy of biodegradable composite co-polymer guiding neurotube, based on tissue-engineering technology, for the treatment of complete peripheral nerve injury where the nerve defect is significant. The right sciatic nerve of 12 three-month-old rats was completely transected and peripheral nerve segment was removed. A 2.

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism on spiral computer tomography.

Spiral computer tomography (CT) has become a widely accepted clinical tool in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. The accuracy of computed tomography in diagnosing pulmonary embolism has increased over the past 10 years, parallel to technological improvements. However, as with most imaging techniques, interpretative pitfalls may occur for a variety of reasons.

Delineating gray and white matter involvement in brain lesions: three-dimensional alignment of functional magnetic resonance and diffusion-tensor imaging.

Object: The role of functional magnetic resonance (fMR) imaging has become increasingly important in the presurgical mapping of gray matter. Neurosurgical interventions often involve fiber bundles that connect critical functional areas. Recently, diffusion-tensor (DT) imaging has enabled the visualization of fiber bundle direction and integrity, thus providing the ability to delineate clearly white matter from gray matter tissue.

Sonographic evaluation of brachial plexus pathology.

Pre-operative US examinations of the brachial plexus were performed with the purpose of exploring the potential of this technique in recognizing lesions in the region and defining their sonographic morphology, site, extent, and relations to adjacent anatomic structures, and comparing them to the surgical findings to obtain maximal confirmation. Twenty-eight patients with clinical, electro-conductive, and imaging findings suggestive of brachial plexus pathology were included in this study. There were four main etiology groups: post-traumatic brachial plexopathies; primary tumors (benign and malignant); secondary tumors; and post irradiation injuries.

[Left paraduodenal hernia: a report of a case and a review of clinical and diagnostic CT findings].

Internal hernias are an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction. Paraduodenal hernias have been considered until recently the most common sub-type. Due to non-specific and intermittent signs and symptoms the diagnosis of these hernias is notoriously difficult.

Minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of liver tumors.

Background: Despite advances in cancer therapy the treatment of liver tumors remains a challenge. Most patients are poor candidates for surgical resection; both chemotherapy and irradiation have a low success rate and neither is without complications. New minimally invasive techniques for ablation of unresectable tumors have gained attention as effective treatment alternatives.

Cystic appearance of cervical lymph nodes is characteristic of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Purpose: The usefulness of high-resolution sonography in diagnosing cervical lymph node metastases from papillary thyroid carcinoma was investigated. The accuracy of a particular sign, cystic change within a node, in establishing the diagnosis was assessed.

Methods: The sonographic findings in 63 patients with enlarged cervical lymph nodes were retrospectively reviewed.

Brachial plexus sonography: a technique for assessing the root level.

Objective: Our study was intended to establish a technique to assess the level of the roots of the brachial plexus using high-resolution sonography.

Materials And Methods: The skeleton of a cervical spine was examined in vitro to determine whether the vertebrae may be identified individually on sonography by means of the evaluation of their transverse processes. Then 20 healthy subjects and five patients who had undergone CT of the cervical spine were evaluated sonographically, and we attempted to identify the level of individual roots of the brachial plexus using the transverse processes as landmarks.