Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: friend or foe in suspected myocarditis?

Aim: Wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD, LifeVest, and Zoll) therapy has become a useful tool to bridge a temporarily increased risk for sudden cardiac death. However, despite extensive use, there is a lack of evidence whether patients with myocarditis and impaired LVEF may benefit from treatment with a WCD.

Methods And Results: We conducted a single-centre retrospective observational study analysing patients with a WCD prescribed between September 2015 and April 2020 at our institution.

Ga-PSMA-PET/CT for the evaluation of liver metastases in patients with prostate cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging properties of hepatic metastases in Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with prostate cancer (PC).

Methods: Ga-PSMA-PET/CT scans of PC patients available in our database were evaluated retrospectively for liver metastases. Metastases were identified using Ga-PSMA-PET, CT, MRI and follow-up scans.

Assessment of the tibial slope is highly dependent on the type and accuracy of the preceding acquisition.

Background: Precise measurement of the tibial slope (TS) is crucial for realignment surgery, ligament reconstruction, and arthroplasty. However, there is little consensus on the ideal assessment. It was hypothesized that the tibial slope changes according to the acquisition technique and both tibial length as well as femoral rotation serve as potential confounders.

Ga-PSMA-PET/CT for the evaluation of pulmonary metastases and opacities in patients with prostate cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the imaging properties of pulmonary metastases and benign opacities in Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with prostate cancer (PC).

Methods: Ga-PSMA-PET/CT scans of 739 PC patients available in our database were evaluated retrospectively for lung metastases and non-solid focal pulmonary opacities. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUV) were assessed by two- and three-dimensional regions of interest (2D/3D ROI).

Performance survey on a new standardized formula for oral signal suppression in MRCP.

Background: Orally administered substances, which reduce image contamination by overlying gastrointestinal fluid signals, can be used to enhance the quality of MRCP images. Recently, a new standardized formula consisting of biological substances has become available. The objective of this study is to provide a first assessment of achievable MRCP image quality, taste and palatability of this new dedicated agent.

Efficacy of oral contrast agents for upper gastrointestinal signal suppression in MRCP: A systematic review of the literature.

Background: Orally administered substances which suppress signals from gastrointestinal fluid can be used to enhance image quality in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). In daily practice, the available substances range from commercial products to regular viands such as fruit juices.

Purpose: To provide an overview on the significance of and the substances used as gastrointestinal fluid signal suppressors in MRCP.

High tibial slope correlates with increased posterior tibial translation in healthy knees.

Purpose: Notwithstanding the importance of the tibial slope (TS) for anterior tibial translation, little information is available regarding the implications on posterior laxity, particularly in healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that increased TS is associated with decreased posterior tibial translation (PTT) in healthy knees.

Methods: A total of 124 stress radiographs of healthy knees were enrolled in this study.

DNA Cytometry for Differentiation Between Low- and Medium-grade Dysplasia in Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms.

Background/aim: The indication for resection of cystic pancreatic lesions is usually performed by sectional imaging criteria, such as the Sendai criteria. The aim of this study was to analyze a possible correlation between DNA cytometry and Sendai criteria for the differentiation between low-grade intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN-A) and medium-grade dysplasia (IPMN-B).

Materials And Methods: Histopathological analysis, DNA index and preoperative Sendai criteria were determined in 16 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for IPMN.

Segment-by-segment assessment of left ventricular myocardial affection in Anderson-Fabry disease by non-enhanced T1-mapping.

Background Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is an X-linked lysosomal enzyme disorder associated with an intracellular accumulation of sphingolipids, which shorten myocardial T1 relaxation times. Myocardial affection, however, varies between different segments. Purpose To evaluate the specific segmental distribution and degree of segmental affection in AFD patients.

Molecular imaging of the extracellular matrix in the context of atherosclerosis.

This review summarizes the current status of molecular imaging of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the context of atherosclerosis. Apart from cellular components, the ECM of the atherosclerotic plaque plays a relevant role during the initiation of atherosclerosis and its' subsequent progression. Important structural and signaling components of the ECM include elastin, collagen and fibrin.

Differentiation of Osteophytes and Disc Herniations in Spinal Radiculopathy Using Susceptibility-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SW-MRI) for the differentiation of osteophytes and disc herniations of the spine compared with that of conventional spine MR sequences and radiography.

Materials And Methods: This study was approved by the local ethics review board; written consent was obtained from all subjects. Eighty-one patients with suspected radiculopathy of the spine were included prospectively.

Positive Outcome After a Small-Caliber Gunshot Fracture of the Upper Cervical Spine without Neurovascular Damage.

Background: Gunshot wounds to the cervical spine most frequently concur with serious injuries to the spinal cord and cervical vessels and often have a fatal outcome.

Case Report: We describe the case of a 35-year-old male with a complex fracture of the C2 vertebra body and a mandibular fracture after a penetration gunshot to the cervical spine. Computed tomography (CT) at admission revealed the exact extent of the fractures and the small caliber bullet lodged next to the C2 vertebra.

Diagnosis of Calcific Tendonitis of the Rotator Cuff by Using Susceptibility-weighted MR Imaging.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and standard shoulder joint magnetic resonance (MR) sequences in comparison to that of conventional radiography for the identification of calcifications in the rotator cuff in patients with calcific tendonitis.

Materials And Methods: The institutional review board approved this prospective study. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

Structural and functional cardiac analyses using modern and sensitive myocardial techniques in adult Pompe disease.

The purpose of this study was to analyze comprehensively the heart using modern and sensitive myocardial techniques in order to determine if structural or functional cardiac alterations are present in adult Pompe disease. Twelve patients with adult Pompe disease and a control group of 187 healthy subjects of similar age and gender were included. Structural and functional cardiac characteristics were analyzed by conventional and 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Implications of imaging criteria for the management and treatment of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms - benign versus malignant findings.

Objectives: Evaluation of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiation of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) subtypes based on objective imaging criteria.

Methods: Fifty-eight patients with 60 histologically confirmed IPMNs were included in this retrospective study. Eighty-three imaging studies (CT,n = 42; MRI,n = 41) were analysed by three independent blinded observers (O1-O3), using established imaging criteria to assess likelihood of malignancy (-5, very likely benign; 5, very likely malignant) and histological subtype (i.

Global cardiac alterations detected by speckle-tracking echocardiography in Fabry disease: left ventricular, right ventricular, and left atrial dysfunction are common and linked to worse symptomatic status.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that in patients with Fabry disease, 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) could detect functional myocardial alterations such as left ventricular (LV), right ventricular (RV), and left atrial (LA) dysfunction, even when conventional cardiac measurements are normal. In addition, we hypothesized that these global cardiac alterations could be linked to worse symptomatic status in these patients. Fifty patients with Fabry disease and a control group of 118 healthy subjects of similar age and gender were included.

An increased flip angle in late phase Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI shows improved performance in bile duct visualization compared to T2w-MRCP.

Objectives: To estimate the additional value of an increased flip angle of 35° in late phase Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography, as compared to T2w-MRCP.

Methods: 40 adult patients underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI of the liver including a T2-weighted 3D TSE MRCP (T2w-MRCP) as well as a late phase T1-weighted THRIVE sequences applying a flip angle of 35° (fa35). Two experienced observers evaluated the images regarding the delineation of the different biliary regions using a three-point grading system.

MR guidance and thermometry of percutaneous laser disc decompression in open MRI: an ex vivo study.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of guidance and thermometry by open 1.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging during percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD).

Methods: A fluoroscopic proton-density-weighted turbo spin echo sequence was used for positioning a laser fiber and a reference thermosensor within the targeted spinal disc.

Ankle laxity: stress investigation under MRI control.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the advantages of MRI-guided ankle stress examinations in the detection of chronic ankle instability.

Subjects And Methods: An MRI-compatible stress device was developed and tested for MRI safety. Bilateral MRI stress examinations were performed on 50 volunteers with and without clinically evident subjective instability of the ankle joints (72 subjective stable ankle joints in 37 subjects, 28 ankles in 15 subjects with chronic ankle instability).

MR guidance and thermometry of percutaneous laser disc decompression in open MRI: an initial clinical investigation.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of real-time MR guidance and thermometry of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD).

Methods: Twenty-four discs in 22 patients with chronic low-back and radicular pain were treated by PLDD using open 1.0-T magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI).

Real-time MR-guided lumbosacral periradicular injection therapy using an open 1.0-T MRI system: an outcome study.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, safety, and efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided periradicular nerve root injection therapy using an open 1.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system with fast dynamic imaging.

Materials And Methods: Between April 2008 and November 2011, a total of 249 MR-guided periradicular nerve root injections were performed in 141 patients experiencing lumbosacral radicular pain.

Evaluation of a MR-quadrupole imaging coil for spinal interventions in a vertical 1.0 T MRI.

The in vivo pain treatment was successfully performed with the patient in a prone position. The PD-weighted TSE with echo time = 10 ms rendered contrast-to-noise-ratio values of 27 ± 10 for needle/fat, 1.6 ± 5 for needle/muscle, and 4 ± 4.