The utility of radiographic assessment of the internal mammary arteries in chest wall irradiated patients.

Purpose: The internal mammary arteries (IMA's) are historically recognized to be protected against atherosclerosis. Whether chest wall-irradiation for breast cancer leads to significant IMA damage remains unclear. The utility of computed tomography (CT) and mammography to detect radiation-induced damage to the IMA's and its branches is not known.

PET/MRI Evaluation of Gynecologic Malignancies and Prostate Cancer.

PET combined with cross-sectional anatomical imaging is an essential part of workup for most malignancies, in which CT or MRI provides anatomical context to the functional information from PET. Hybrid imaging with PET/CT has been extensively researched and implemented clinically in the evaluation and management of patients with gynecologic malignancies. Lately, integrated PET/MR scanners have become available.

Imaging of omphalomesenteric duct remnants and related pathologies in children.

The omphalomesenteric duct (OMD) or the vitelline duct (VD) is the embryologic communication between the yolk sac and the primitive midgut. OMD or VD anomalies are a group of defects resulting from failure of involution of the OMD. Meckel diverticulum is the most common anomaly that results from failure of resorption of the OMD.

Evaluation of the use of automatic exposure control and automatic tube potential selection in low-dose cerebrospinal fluid shunt head CT.

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid shunts are primarily used for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Shunt complications may necessitate multiple non-contrast head CT scans resulting in potentially high levels of radiation dose starting at an early age. A new head CT protocol using automatic exposure control and automated tube potential selection has been implemented at our institution to reduce radiation exposure.

Early pattern of degenerative changes in individual components of intervertebral discs in stressed and nonstressed segments of lumbar spine: an in vivo magnetic resonance imaging study.

Study Design: A retrospective imaging review.

Objective: To assess differences in burden and pattern of disc degeneration in segments of lumbar spine with and without signs of increased mechanical stresses.

Summary Of Background Data: Young patients with magnetic resonance imaging signs of increased mechanical stress in pedicles or pars interarticularis provide an excellent in vivo model to study early effects of mechanical stresses on lumbar intervertebral discs without the confounding effects of genetics or environmental factors.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused laser interstitial thermal therapy for intracranial lesions: single-institution series.

Background: Surgical treatments for deep-seated intracranial lesions have been limited by morbidities associated with resection. Real-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) offers a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for such lesions.

Objective: To review treatments and results of patients treated with LITT for intracranial lesions at Washington University School of Medicine.