Evolution of imaging findings, laboratory and functional parameters in rheumatoid arthritis patients after one year of treatment with anti-TNF-α agents.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF-α agent treatment compared to non-biologic DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Methods: 82 consecutive patients, 29 males, 53 females, aged 42-79, diagnosed with RA and suitable for anti-TNF-α treatment composed two study groups: 42 with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and 40 without RA-ILD. Respective control groups consisted of 44 patients with pre-existing RA-ILD and 44 patients without RA-ILD, treated with non-biologic DMARDs.

MR imaging of spleen in beta-thalassemia major.

Purpose: Splenomegaly and splenic siderosis are well-known findings in beta-thalassemia major. We explored the relation between splenic size, splenic and hepatic siderosis in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemic patients, assessed by MR imaging.

Materials And Methods: Abdominal MR imaging studies of 47 consecutive thalassemic patients and 10 healthy subjects, used as controls, were retrospectively reviewed.

Air trapping in Wegener's granulomatosis: an additional finding on expiratory chest HRCT.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the presence and extent of air trapping (AT) on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and to correlate the finding with the inspiratory pattern and bronchial/bronchiolar involvement.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-one patients (7 M/14 F) with WG underwent inspiratory and expiratory HRCT. Images were evaluated for the presence and extent of AT and for airway involvement (bronchi/bronchioles); the predominant HRCT pattern was also documented.

Eye-lens bismuth shielding in paediatric head CT: artefact evaluation and reduction.

Background: CT scans of the brain, sinuses and petrous bones performed as the initial imaging test for a variety of indications have the potential to expose the eye-lens, considered among the most radiosensitive human tissues, to a radiation dose. There are several studies in adults discussing the reduction of orbital dose resulting from the use of commercially available bismuth-impregnated latex shields during CT examinations of the head.

Objective: To evaluate bismuth shielding-induced artefacts and to provide suggestions for optimal eye-lens shielding in paediatric head CT.