[Dynamic contrast-enhanced T(1) measuring MRI using variable flip angle SPGR].

We modified the multi-phase spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) pulse sequence using the double-echo MR technique for estimation of T(1) during the first pass of contrast agent, and examined its precision. In the first half of the pulse sequence, the flip angle was varied systematically to calculate static T(1) values. It was necessary to choose optimal flip angles to minimize the calculation error of static T(1) values.

[New patient positioning system for proton therapy combined with CT with a common treatment couch].

Exact reproducibility of patient positioning is a critical issue for proton therapy because of the sharp dose distribution. We constructed the first proton therapy system with a common couch for both CT and proton irradiation. In this paper, we report a brief overview of the instruments and the accuracy of mechanical positioning reproducibility.

Dynamic T1 estimation of brain tumors using double-echo dynamic MR imaging.

Purpose: To assess the clinical utility of a new method for real-time estimation of T1 during the first pass of contrast agent by using this method to examine brain tumors.

Materials And Methods: The multi-phase spoiled gradient-echo pulse sequence using the double-echo magnetic resonance (MR) technique was modified. In the first half of the pulse sequence, the flip angle was varied systematically.

Cytology of pleural effusion associated with disseminated infection caused by varicella-zoster virus in an immunocompromised patient. A case report.

Background: Pleural effusion caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is rare. We report a case of a woman with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who developed a pleural effusion caused by VZV infection.

Case: A 55-year-old woman with ALL treated with consolidation therapy developed skin vesicles and a pleural effusion.

[Usefulness of low tube operating potential (TOP) for improved detection of minimally contrast-enhanced nodules CT].

Purpose: We recently observed that hepatic nodules which were only minimally enhanced on dynamic CT were much better visualized using a low TOP in spite of some increase of the background noise. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential superiority of low TOP in detecting minimally contrast-enhanced hepatic nodules on CT.

Methods And Materials: A phantom was made of anger and contrast medium.

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata with malignant change in a man.

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a rare clinicopathological entity typically observed in women of reproductive age. We report a case of LPD with malignant change in a man. A 77-year-old man presented with a mass measuring 10 cm in diameter at the terminal ileum and numerous peritoneal small nodules that were revealed by abdominal computed tomography.

Hyperamylasemia and subclinical pancreatitis after cardiac surgery.

Hyperamylasemia after cardiac surgery is common but typically causes no clinical concern because it consists mainly of the salivary isoenzyme. In this study we evaluated the incidence, source, and time course of postoperative hyperamylasemia with special attention to the possibility of subclinical pancreatitis. In 88 patients prospectively tested for serum amylase and lipase concentrations, elastase 1 activity, and amylase isoenzyme characteristics, 57 (64%) showed hyperamylasemia during the early postoperative period.

Surgical outcome of infectious aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with or without SIRS.

The surgical outcome of infectious abdominal aortic aneurysms was evaluated based on the preoperative presence or absence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Nine patients were divided into two groups according to the criteria for SIRS such as body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and white blood cell count. In the group with SIRS, rupture and impending rupture of aneurysms occurred in three of the four patients (75%).

Subclavicular trans-sternal approach to treat subclavian artery aneurysm. Case report.

Subclavian artery aneurysms are relatively rare, and the surgical approach depends on the location (intrathoracic or extrathoracic) and size of the aneurysm. Right subclavian artery aneurysms are usually operated upon using a supraclavicular approach or median sternotomy incision with right supraclavicular extension. We treated a right intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysm by subclavicular trans-sternal approach.

Primary aortosigmoid fistula treated by descending thoracic aortofemoral bypass.

Primary aortoenteric fistula is a rare disease with a fatal outcome unless it is diagnosed accurately and treated surgically. We present an elderly patient with primary aortosigmoid fistula confirmed by endoscopy. Descending thoracic aortofemoral bypass was performed and the aortoiliac aneurysm and sigmoid colon were then resected in continuity.

Modifications in electrospray tandem mass spectrometry for a neonatal-screening pilot study in Japan.

In a neonatal-screening pilot study for inherited disorders in organic acid and amino acid metabolism, we analyzed butyrated acylcarnitines and amino acids in blood spots of more than 20,000 newborns by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. In order to screen urea cycle disorders, we performed multiple scanning functions with additional stable isotope-labelled internal standards, since such reported functions as neutral loss of m/z 102 or 109 for butyrated amino acids were not sufficient. Arginine levels were measured with arginine-13C6.

Response-oriented individualized induction therapy with six drugs followed by four courses of intensive consolidation, 1 year maintenance and intensification therapy: the ALL90 study of the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group.

Adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated according to the ALL90 study, the second prospective study for ALL of the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group (JALSG). Its characteristics included response-oriented individualized induction therapy with six drugs (doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, vincristine, prednisolone, [corrected] cyclophosphamide and L-asparaginase), and a prospective comparison between allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) and chemotherapy alone in patients below 45 years of age. The protocol consisted of one or two courses of induction, four courses of consolidation, and three courses of intensification including 12 month maintenance and six times of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis.

Abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy in the octogenarian.

The risks, results, and postoperative quality of life were evaluated in 11 patients aged 80 years or older who underwent resection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The operative mortality was 9% (1/11). Three patients underwent urgent operation, 1 for impending rupture, 1 for contained rupture, and 1 for rupture into the sigmoid colon.