[The role of MRI in the diagnosis and evaluation of extension of the disease and condition of patients with neurofibromatosis].

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF 1) and Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF 2) have been recently recognized to be distinct disorders through genetic linkages. MR imaging can be used to identify abnormalities of the head and spine in patients with these disorders. This review highlights some important but lesser known aspects of the two more common phakomatoses.

[Diagnostic imaging in the detection of parotid adenoma. Review of the literature and personal experience with the combined use of computerized tomography and MRI].

In this report we reviewed the role of Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance and 99Tc-Sestamibi Scintigraphy for the detection of abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with biochemical evidence of hyperparathyroidism. We also report our personal experience with CT and RM.

[Anatomic changes after radical surgery and reconstruction with pedunculated or revascularized flaps in advanced head and neck tumors: computerized tomography and magnetic resonance findings].

January, 1992, to October, 1995, sixty-four patients with advanced head and neck cancer underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery using myocutaneous or revascularized flaps; in the same period, all patients were consecutively examined with CT and MRI. Myocutaneous flaps wer used in 26 patients: 12 flaps were tubular and 14 linear. Revascularized flaps were used in 38 patients: to repair a large defect in 26 patients (14 latissimus dorsi flaps and 12 temporal muscle flaps) and to repair an oral damage in 12 patients (5 revascularized radial and 7 jejunal flaps).

Comparison between transrectal ultrasonography and computed tomography with rectal inflation of gas in preoperative staging of lower rectal cancer.

Computed tomography with rectal air insufflation was compared with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in 63 patients. The CT protocol involved pre- and postcontrast scans with 5 mm slice thickness following air insufflation in IV antiperistaltic agent. Of the patients, 79 % were scanned in the prone position.

[Role of computerized tomography following transrectal air insufflation and hypotonization and transrectal ultrasonography in the staging of rectal tumors].

Computed Tomography (CT) with rectal air inflation was compared with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in the preoperative staging of lower rectal cancer in 126 patients. Precontrast and postcontrast CT scans were performed with 5 mm thick slices; the rectum was previously inflated with air and antiperistaltic agents were administered. Preoperative results were compared with histologic findings.

[The basic concepts of the use of magnetic resonance in neuropediatrics].

Before the development of X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it was not possible to analyze normal brain maturation in vivo. Only autopsy studies were really able to show changes in the maturing brain, nevertheless these studies did not represent an homogeneous and correct appearance of the sample population by the various causes of infant death. MR shows gross morphologic changes in the maturing brain, and the high contrast resolution of MR scans permits highly sensitive assessment of white matter changes.

[Comparison of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance in staging of T and N parameters in head and neck neoplasms].

January 1990, through January 1994, eighty untreated patients with head and neck cancer were consecutively submitted to CT and MRI of the head and neck before surgery. CT and MR findings were then compared to operative histologic findings. Forty-eight of 52 T4 cases at CT were confirmed at surgery (89%), 7 of 13 T3 cases at CT were also confirmed (54%), as well as 8 of 15 T2 cases (53%).

Radiation therapy of spinal metastases: results with different fractionations.

Aims And Background: Local radiotherapy plays an important role in the palliative treatment of all skeletal metastases, particularly those of the spine, with the purpose to obtain pain relief and prevent pathologic fractures or vertebral collapse.

Methods: From June 1991 to October 1993, 95 patients with a total of 103 sites of spinal metastases were treated at the Institute of Radiology of the University of Rome "La Sapienza". Fractionations and total doses were divided as single fractions of 800 cGy, hypofractionated multiple fractions for a total dose of 20 Gy administered in 4-5 days, and conventional multiple fractions for a total dose of 30-40 Gy in 2-4 weeks.