[Value of dual-energy computed tomography for detection of left atrial appendage thrombus].

Objective: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is a convenient method to visualize left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi. We determined whether diagnostic accuracy improves by including dual-energy as compared to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Furthermore, the influence of protocol parameters on radiation dose were quantified.

MRI of patients with suspected scrotal or testicular lesions: diagnostic value in daily practice.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the diagnostic value of MRI in the care of patients with suspected scrotal disorders.

Materials And Methods: Testicle-containing scrotal compartments were evaluated by examiners blinded to all clinical information in an interdisciplinary consensus reading after MRI was performed with standardized T1-, T2-, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. Image quality was evaluated on an increasing 4-point scale.

The adverse events and hemodynamic effects of adenosine-based cardiac MRI.

Objective: We wanted to prospectively assess the adverse events and hemodynamic effects associated with an intravenous adenosine infusion in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease and who were undergoing cardiac MRI.

Materials And Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight patients (64 ± 9 years) received adenosine (140 µg/kg/min) during cardiac MRI. Before and during the administration, the heart rate, systemic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were monitored using a MRI-compatible system.

Contrast-enhanced CMR in patients after percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage: a pilot study.

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and value of first-pass contrast-enhanced dynamic and post-contrast 3D CMR in patients after transcatheter occlusion of left atrial appendage (LAA) to identify incorrect placement and persistent leaks.

Methods: 7 patients with different occluder systems (n = 4 PLAATO; n = 2 Watchman; n = 1 ACP) underwent 2 contrast-enhanced (Gd-DOTA) CMR sequences (2D TrueFISP first-pass perfusion and 3D-TurboFLASH) to assess localization, artifact size and potential leaks of the devices. Perfusion CMR was analyzed visually and semi-quantitatively to identify potential leaks.

High-resolution 3D unenhanced ECG-gated respiratory-navigated MR angiography of the renal arteries: comparison with contrast-enhanced MR angiography.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of high-resolution 3D unenhanced ECG-gated respiratory-navigated MR angiography (MRA) of the renal arteries using a steady-state free precession (SSFP) technique in comparison with 1.0-molar contrast-enhanced MRA in patients with suspected renal artery stenosis.

Subjects And Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients underwent unenhanced MRA before contrast-enhanced MRA within the same session.