Impact of field strength and RF excitation on abdominal diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Aim: To retrospectively and prospectively compare diffusion-weighted (DW) images in the abdomen in a 1.5T system and 3.0T systems with and without two-channel functionality for B1 shimming.

Implementation of dual-source RF excitation in 3 T MR-scanners allows for nearly identical ADC values compared to 1.5 T MR scanners in the abdomen.

Background: To retrospectively and prospectively compare abdominal apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained within in a 1.5 T system and 3 T systems with and without dual-source parallel RF excitation techniques.

Methodology/principal Findings: After IRB approval, diffusion-weighted (DW) images of the abdomen were obtained on three different MR systems (1.

Microbiology of infected acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm) in patients requiring complex abdominal closure after emergency surgery.

Background: Acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm) has recently been introduced as an option for complex abdominal closure for patients with loss of abdominal wall domain secondary to intra-abdominal sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis. AlloDerm has been touted as a promoter of neovascularization and collagen deposition. Currently, the rate of AlloDerm infection in contaminated cases is unknown.