A phase I study of a HER2/neu bispecific antibody with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor in patients with metastatic breast cancer that overexpresses HER2/neu

A phase I study of escalating doses of humanized bispecific antibody (bsAb) MDX-H210 with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was conducted in patients with metastatic breast cancer that overexpressed HER2/neu. The main objectives of the study were to define the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of MDX-H210 when combined with G-CSF, to measure the pharmacokinetics of MDX-H210 when administered with G-CSF, and to determine the toxicity, biological effects and possible therapeutic effect of MDX-H210 with G-CSF. MDX-H210 is a F(ab)' x F(ab)' humanized bispecific murine antibody that binds to both HER2/neu and the FcgammaR1 receptor (CD64), and was administered intravenously weekly for three doses followed by a 2-week break and then three more weekly doses. A total of 23 patients were treated, and doses were escalated from 1 mg/m2 to 40 mg/m2 with no MTD reached. The toxicity of the bsAb + G-CSF combination was modest, with no dose-limiting toxicity noted: 19 patients had fevers, 7 patients had diarrhea, and 3 patients had allergic reactions that did not limit therapy. The beta-elimination half-life varied from 4 h to 8 h at doses up to 20 mg/m2. Significant release of cytokines interleukin-6, G-CSF, and tumor necrosis factor alpha was observed after administration of bsAb. Circulating monocytes disappeared within 1 h of bsAb infusion, which correlated with binding of bsAb, noted by flow-cytometric analysis. Significant levels of human anti-(bispecific antibody) were measured in the plasma of most patients by the third infusion. No objective clinical responses were seen in this group of heavily pre-treated patients.

Percutaneous endoluminal stent and stent-graft placement for the treatment of femoropopliteal aneurysms: early experience

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of percutaneous endoluminal stents and stent-grafts for the treatment of isolated femoropopliteal aneurysms.

METHODS

Seven men (age 51-69 years) with femoropopliteal occlusions (n = 6) related to aneurysms and a patent femoropopliteal aneurysm (n = 1) were treated percutaneously. In two patients uncovered Wallstents and in five patients polyester-covered nitinol stents were implanted. Assessment was performed with Doppler ultrasound and duplex ultrasonography 24 hr, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the intervention. Additionally, intraarterial angiography was performed at 6 months.

RESULTS

Stent placement succeeded in all cases. No immediate adjunctive surgical treatment was necessary. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) improved from 0.29 +/- 0. 29 (SD) before to 0.78 +/- 0.23 (SD) 24 hr after the intervention. One patient was lost to follow-up. Stent-graft occlusion occurred in four patients: after 2 days (n = 1), 1 month (n = 2), and 3 months (n = 1). One of the patients, whose stent occluded at 1 month, underwent successful recanalization with local fibrinolysis therapy. Three of the seven, all with three-vessel run-off, demonstrated patency of the stent, which was assessed by duplex ultrasonography at 29, 31, and 34 months. Breaking of the stent struts or significant stent migration was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results in a small number of patients warrant further investigation to evaluate the role of percutaneous stents in femoropopliteal aneurysms. Until further data of clinical studies are available, this method cannot be recommended, and it cannot replace surgical treatment.

Lower extremity occlusive disease: diagnostic imaging with a combination of cardiac-gated 2D phase-contrast and cardiac-gated 2D time-of-flight MRA

PURPOSE

The goal of this work was to test the ability of a combination of 2D phase-contrast MR angiography (2D-PC-MRA) and triggered 2D time-of-flight MRA (2D-TOF-MRA) in comparison to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to correctly diagnose the location and shape of occlusive lesions in the iliac and femoral arteries and to determine whether 2D-TOF-MRA is helpful to clarify questionable lesions demonstrated by 2D-PC-MRA.

METHODS

In 50 patients with claudication, 2D-PC-MRA was performed in three consecutive coronal positions from the aortic bifurcation to below the trifurcation. Axial 2D-TOF-MRA was performed additionally at the site of detected lesions of >50% and lesions in doubt to obtain more precise information about the stenosis. Lesions were classified as follows: low grade occlusion, <50%; high grade occlusion, >50%. MRA was performed within 24 h of a DSA examination.

RESULTS

In all patients, the arterial tree from the aortic bifurcation to the trifurcation could be visualized. One hundred twelve lesions were detected by MRA. Sensitivity was 96% and specificity was 92%. Sixty-two lesions were classified as high grade occlusion and reevaluated. In this category, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 96%.

CONCLUSION

The combination of 2D-PC-MRA with triggered 2D-TOF-MRA detects stenotic lesions in the lower extremity arterial system with high sensitivity and specificity.

The utility of contrast-enhanced MR-angiography for posterior fossa giant cerebral aneurysm management

The utility of magnetic resonance angiography is sometimes limited in the diagnostic workup of cerebral aneurysms with low flow and/or partial thrombosis when weighed against digital subtraction angiography. We present the case of a rare superior cerebellar artery giant, partially thrombosed aneurysm in which additional i.v. contrast-enhanced MRA sequences were comparable to digital subtraction angiography. It demonstrated not only the exact spatial resolution and correct anatomical relation but also the hemodynamics which were confirmed by intraoperative Doppler ultrasound. This report supports the feasibility and utility of i.v. contrast-enhanced MRA for posterior fossa giant cerebral aneurysm management.

Intracerebral hemorrhage as a late complication after CNS treatment of childhood lymphoma

Since the majority of children with acute leukemia and lymphoma are long-term survivors, more attention is directed towards late sequelae of therapy. Intracerebral hemorrhage after treatment of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasia in childhood is a very rare event. A seven and a half-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital because of acute third nerve palsy. Three years and eight months before the patient had been treated for a mediastinal T-cell non Hodgkin's lymphoma (T-NHL) with CNS involvement by combined chemo-radiotherapy. Recurrent disease was excluded, but intracerebral hemorrhage in the tectal area was demonstrated by repeated magnetic resonance imaging. Symptoms of incomplete oculomotor paresis improved spontaneously with conservative therapy. Intracerebral hemorrhage may occur as a rare complication in children with malignant CNS disease even years after treatment with combined chemo-radiotherapy.

[Contrast-enhanced MR angiography in Leriche's syndrome]

PURPOSE

To determine the usefulness of contrast-enhanced MR angiography for the diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Leriche's syndrome was seen in 7 patients via DSA. In addition, contrast-enhanced MR angiography was performed (TR 7.8 ms/TE 2.1 ms, flip angle 30 degrees, slab thickness 116 mm, slice thickness 1.82 mm, 64 partitions, FOV 500 x 438 mm, matrix 224 x 512).

RESULTS

Diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome was possible by contrast-enhanced MR angiography in each case. Visualisation of the femoral arteries was not possible in two patients by intraarterial DSA, in three other patients there was an insufficient contrast in the femoral arteries with DSA. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography revealed good visualisation of the femoral arteries in these patients. In addition, contrast-enhanced MR angiography allowed complete visualisation of the patent lower limb arteries. In intraarterial DSA visualisation of the lower limb arteries was achieved reached in only one patient, but was incomplete.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced MR angiography yielded the correct diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome in all 7 patients. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography was superior to DSA in the assessment of the distal run-off vessels in five of seven patients.

MRI features of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia

A 13-year-old female with a 4-year history of monostotic fibrous dysplasia had noticed a progressive proptosis of the right eye and diplopia on upward gaze for 4 weeks. A few years previously an incisional biopsy of the skull had verified the presumed diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia with recurrent bleeding into pathologic cystic bony structures of the skull. The patient was known to have craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with involvement of the frontal and intermediate cranial base, the posterior ethmoidal labyrinth, and the sphenoidal and maxillary sinuses. Eye examination showed a reduced visual acuity in the right eye without defects of the visual field. MR imaging showed a fluid-filled cystic cavity in the orbital frontal bone pushing the globe downwards. Four months later she developed similar symptoms on the other side while proptosis of the right eye was regressive. T2-weighted MRI revealed a large fluid-filled cystic cavity with a fluid-fluid level in the upper part of the left orbit. It is concluded that follow-up studies can be easily performed by MRI without additional exposure to radiation. The total extent of osseous involvement can be determined. Thus, MRI may be helpful in deciding between operative or conservative therapy.

[Treatment of arterial femoropopliteal obstructions with Palmaz midsize stents]

PURPOSE

To evaluate effectiveness, success and patency rates after endovascular treatment with mid-size Palmaz stents in high-grade stenoses or short-distance occlusions of femoral arteries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

27 patients with 10 occlusions (average length 3.2 +/- 1.4 cm) and 17 severe stenoses of the superficial femoral artery were treated with 33 mid-size Palmaz stents. The follow-up included Doppler ultrasound at one, three, 6 and 12 months and an angiography at 6 months. Mean follow-up was 6.5 months.

RESULTS

Technical success was 100%. The ankle-brachial index improved from 0.57 +/- 0.28 pretreatment to 0.87 +/- 0.13 within 24 hours. Acute stent thrombosis occurred in two patients (< 3 weeks). Angiography at 6 months revealed restenosis rates of 7.4% (> 50%, n = 2). Life-table analysis according to Kaplan-Meier revealed 6-month primary and secondary patency rates of 84% and 91%.

CONCLUSION

With regard to our limited data, the implantation of mid-size Palmaz stents in femoral arteries seems promising in treatment of short-distance occlusions and stenoses of the femoral artery.

[PTA of the brachiocephalic arteries]

PURPOSE

Assessment of the technical success and mid-term success of PTA of brachiocephalic occlusive disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

24 patients, who were treated interventionally because of stenoses of the brachiocephalic arteries were enrolled into this prospective study. In total there were 27 lesions (26 arteriosclerotic lesions and one dissection with pseudoaneurysma). 18 lesions were located in the subclavian artery (extending into the axillar artery in one case), 4 in the brachiocephalic trunk, three in the common carotid artery and two in the vertebral artery. As adjunctive to balloon dilatation 8 stents were implanted.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 24/27 lesions. There was an embolic complication in one of 27 interventions. 15/24 patients with 17 treated lesions underwent control angiography with a mean follow-up of 14 months. Follow-up angiography revealed one occlusion and three significant restenoses. 5/24 patients agreed only to clinical follow-up and Doppler examinations, three were lost and one patient died.

CONCLUSION

PTA of brachiocephalic occlusive disease showed good technical success. Additional implantation of stents may be useful. Midterm success is satisfactory.

[Minimal invasive therapy of aneurysms of the superficial femoral artery and the popliteal artery]

Percutaneous stent placement has been described for treatment of aneurysms as an alternative to surgical therapy. Literature reports of percutaneous minimal invasive therapy of peripheral aneurysms shall be reviewed and compared with our own results. Six male patients (51-69 years) with femoropopliteal occlusions related to aneurysms were treated percutaneously. In two cases Wallstents and in four cases polyester-covered nitinol stents were applicated. A clinical investigation including doppler-ultrasound was performed 24 hrs, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after the intervention. Stent placement succeeded in all cases. No adjunctive surgical treatment was necessary. Ankle-brachial-index (ABI) improved from 0.22 +/- 0.2 before to 0.74 +/- 0.2 24 hours after the intervention. One patient was lost for follow-up (Wallstent). A decrease of ABI and additional intraarterial angiography revealed stent-graft occlusion within one month (n = 2) and within three months (n = 1). One of these cases was successfully recanalized with local fibrinolysis therapy. In three patients patency of the stent persisted for 24 (+/- 2) months follow-up with three-vessel-supply of the calf. These results warrant further investigations for this minimal invasive method of percutaneous stent deployment as an alternative to surgical bypass treatment of femoropopliteal aneurysms. Time of hospitalization was reduced. At this time, surgical treatment of peripheral vascular aneurysms is gold standard.

[Midterm follow-up after Cragg stent placement in iliac arteries]

PURPOSE

Evaluation of midterm success and patency rates after placement of Cragg stents in iliac arteries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During a period of 26 months 16 patients, with a total of 19 iliac lesions were treated percutaneously by placement of 20 stents. Indications of stent placement were iliac occlusion in 4 cases and high-grade iliac stenoses in 15 cases. Indication for stent placement in the stenotic lesions were insufficient results following balloon angioplasty in 11 cases and extensive dissection in 4 cases.

RESULTS

The ankle-brachial index was improved from 0.53 +/- 0.28 to 0.85 +/- 0.26 immediately after the intervention and was 0.80 +/- 0.15 at 16 months follow-up. Cumulative patency rate was 71% after 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The occlusion and restenosis rates are high. Disadvantages of Cragg stents are low flexibility and a large bore introducer system. The radiopacity of the Cragg stent is advantageous for fluoroscopic positioning.

Effects of selective angiography of the carotid artery with carbon dioxide on electroencephalogram somatosensory evoked potentials and histopathologic findings. A pilot study in pigs

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors investigate the cerebral effects of selective carotid angiography with carbon dioxide (CO2).

METHODS

In 6 pigs, CO2 was injected into the carotid artery with consecutively increasing doses. Cerebral function was monitored with two-channel electroencephalography and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). After the experiment the brains were investigated histopathologically.

RESULTS

Initial doses led to reversible decreases in electroencephalograph power by 40% to 80%. Further doses result in partly nonreversible electroencephalographic changes. Somatosensory evoked potential latencies (n = 5) were not changed. Amplitudes were not affected in low dose ranges up to 40 mL CO2. Higher CO2 doses led to different changes. There were no SEP amplitude reductions (n = 1), as well as reversible (n = 2) and nonreversible (n = 2) SEP amplitude reductions. Histopathologically, edema (n = 6), edema necrosis (n = 2), and destroyed cells as a sign of ischemia (n = 2) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Administering CO2 in brain supplying arteries impairs the cerebral function. Consecutive, increasing doses lead to partly nonreversible electroencephalographic and SEP changes and brain tissue damages.

Severe hemoptysis requiring lobectomy in an 11-year-old patient with Kartagener's syndrome

The case of a young girl with severe hemoptysis in a Kartagener's syndrome is described. Because bronchoscopy failed to locate the origin of the bleeding, preoperative angiography was performed. The patient was treated by resection of the middle lobe. The bronchus wall was located as the origin of bleeding.

MR imaging signal-intensity abnormalities after placement of arterial endoprostheses

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to describe changes in T2-weighted MR images of patients who had undergone implantation of an endoluminal stent-graft and determine the rate of early reocclusion in patients with abnormal MR findings.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with 26 occlusions (average length, 8.7 +/- 5.6 cm) and three dissections of the superficial femoral artery were treated with 45 endoluminal stent-grafts. T2-weighted gradient-echo and T2-weighted turbo spin-echo MR images were obtained for all patients at 48 hr and at 4 weeks after stent-graft placement. We reviewed the MR imaging studies to assess the extent and severity of tissue alteration at the site of stent-graft implantation.

RESULTS

Technical success rate of stent-graft placement was 100%. Three signal-intensity patterns were seen on MR images obtained at 48 hr: normal signal intensity (n = 8), subtle perivascular signal-intensity abnormalities at the site of stent-graft implantation (n = 11), and extensive signal-intensity abnormalities from the adductor canal to the subcutis (n = 10). Twenty of 21 patients with abnormal signal intensity on MR images had fevers and pain at the implantation site. Clinical signs of deep vein thrombosis, a diagnosis excluded on the basis of phlebography, were seen in the 10 patients with extensive signal-intensity abnormalities. In two of these 10 patients, the superficial femoral artery reoccluded within 4 weeks of implantation. MR images obtained at 4 weeks showed no signal-intensity abnormalities in any of the 29 patients.

CONCLUSION

MR findings of perivascular signal-intensity abnormalities after implantation of endoluminal stent-grafts are associated with clinical complications such as local pain and fever. Care should be taken to avoid confusing the clinical signs of the postimplantation syndrome at 48 hr with deep vein thrombosis.

Cardiac-gated two-dimensional phase-contrast MR angiography of lower extremity occlusive disease

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate our capability to use coronally acquired, cardiac-gated two-dimensional phase-contrast MR angiography (MRA) to correctly detect and grade arteriosclerotic lesions from the aortic bifurcation to the popliteal artery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred fifteen patients with a total of 253 arteriosclerotic lesions proven by intraarterial digital subtraction angiography were examined prospectively by two-dimensional phase-contrast MRA. MRA was performed from the aortic bifurcation to the popliteal trifurcation. Imaging parameters were TR/TE, 83/9 msec; flip angle, 11 degrees; matrix, 256 x 192; acquisitions, two; slice thickness, 80 mm; and field of view, 320 mm. ECG gating was used routinely and eight to 10 phases were acquired during the cardiac cycle. Velocity encoding was set to 30 cm/sec in the iliac arteries and to 20 cm/sec in the femoral and popliteal arteries. Detected stenoses were graded in the following manner: 1% to less than 50% stenosis, group 1; 50% to less than 75% stenosis, group 2; 75% to less than 100% stenosis, group 3; and total occlusion, group 4.

RESULTS

All arteriosclerotic lesions were revealed by MRA. Two hundred seventeen of 253 lesions were also graded correctly. Sensitivity was 95%, specificity was 90%, positive predictive value was 90%, and negative predictive value was 96%. The weighted kappa index was (.92). Sensitivity and specificity for occlusions were both 100%; for high-grade stenoses, 94% and 91%, respectively; for moderate stenoses, 84% and 94%, respectively; and for mild stenoses, 79% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Two-dimensional phase-contrast MRA can provide MR angiograms with high sensitivity and specificity for high-grade stenoses in a reasonable amount of time in patients with peripheral artery occlusive disease.

Contrast-enhanced, K-space-centered, breath-hold MR angiography of the renal arteries and the abdominal aorta

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of contrast-enhanced breath-hold fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) three-dimensional MR angiography (MRA) to detect stenotic lesions of the abdominal aorta, the renal arteries, and the iliac arteries by using a K-space-centered 20-ml gadolinium-diethylene pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) bolus. Fifty patients were studied before conventional x-ray angiography. Contrast-enhanced breath-hold FISP three-dimensional MRA was applied in the coronal view, centered at the renal arteries. Twenty ml of Gd-DTPA was used in all subjects. A test bolus was applied to determine the injection time for the K-space-centered bolus injection. Of 300 segments, 284 segments were classified correctly, 11 were overestimated, and five were underestimated. Sensitivity was 98%, specificity was 96%, positive predictive value was 96%, negative predictive value was 98%, and accuracy was 97%. Of the 50 patients studied, 43 were staged correctly. No venous overlay was seen in 31 patients; partial overlay was seen in 16 patients, and venous structure overlay obscuring arterial anatomy was found in two patients. Six of nine accessory renal arteries could be identified by MRA. Intraobserver variability was .94. This study has shown the ability of contrast-enhanced breath-hold FISP three-dimensional MRA to detect and grade vascular lesions in the abdominal aorta and the renal arteries. The method may serve as a screening tool in the future.

[MR angiography of pelvic arteries]

During the last years, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has become a widely used modality for intracerebral and carotid artery imaging. Due to technical limitations, the clinical impact of MRA in the iliofemoral arteries has been rather poor. New developments in MRA like ECG-triggered sequences and the occurrence of contrast-enhanced MRA has overcome most of these limitations. Therefore, a major advance in clinical use of these diagnostic tools can be predicted. This paper discussed the advantages of ECG-gated 2D-Phase contrast, ECG-gated 2D-Time-of-Flight and contrast enhanced FLASH 3D angiography sequences from a clinical point of view. 2D-PC-MRA is a robust technique, which provides an overview of the iliofemoral artery system in less than 5 minutes. Limitations are the true 2D impression of the sequence and the partial venous overlay. 2D-TOF-MRA on the other hand is time consuming, however it enables 3D reconstruction and effective venous suppression can be applied. Contrast enhanced MRA as the third sequence discussed provides high resolution images in less than 30 sec. However contrast bolus timing might be a problem. In conclusion the authors suggest a combination of 2D-PC-MRA and additional 2D-TOF sequences at questionable vascular areas as the modality of choice, due to the fact, that MRA of the iliofemoral arteries ist mostly only one step of a complete lower limb examination. Contrast MRA might become the method of choice in the future however problems with multiple contrast injections and upper limits of contrast dose have to be solved.

Common carotid artery bifurcation: preliminary results of CT angiography and color-coded duplex sonography compared with digital subtraction angiography

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the abilities of color-coded duplex sonography, CT angiography, and selective digital subtraction angiography to reveal disease requiring surgery in patients with occlusive disease of the carotid bifurcation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-six carotid arteries in 28 patients who had 48 carotid stenoses and symptomatic cerebrovascular disease were prospectively studied by selective digital subtraction angiography, color-coded duplex sonography, and CT angiography. CT data were displayed in maximum intensity projection. The degree of stenoses revealed were graded as mild, moderate, severe, and occluded according to North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria. The results of CT angiography and color-coded duplex sonography were correlated with the gold standard of digital subtraction angiography.

RESULTS

Grading of stenoses on CT angiography agreed with grading of stenoses on digital subtraction angiography in 89% of cases. All high-grade stenoses and occlusions revealed on CT angiography were correctly interpreted by all observers. For stenoses revealed by color-coded duplex sonography and digital subtraction angiography, observers' agreement was 75%. Two severe stenoses were incorrectly graded as occluded by the interpreter of the color-coded duplex sonograms. Also, one occluded carotid artery was misdiagnosed as moderate stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that CT angiography is superior to color-coded duplex sonography for evaluating carotid disease and determining disease requiring surgery. CT angiography warrants further investigation in a larger group of patients.

The total entropy for evaluating 31P-magnetic resonance spectra of the liver in healthy volunteers and patients with metastases

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors describe the clinical status of liver tissue with only a single numerical quantity (total entropy) derived from spectroscopic data of 31P-magnetic resonance (MR) spectra.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with liver metastases and 20 volunteers were investigated with image-guided volume selective 31P-MR spectroscopy on a 1.5-T whole body scanner. From each in vivo 31P-MR spectrum, the ratios of phosphomonoester (PME)/beta-adenosine triphosphate (ATP), inorganic phosphate (Pi)/beta-ATP and phosphodiester (PDE)/ beta-ATP and the total entropy (H*) were calculated. Mean values and standard deviations were determined and significance of the differences were tested with Student's t test.

RESULTS

For patients, the H* = 4.7 +/- 4.3, PME/beta-ATP 0.72 +/- 0.28, Pi/beta-ATP = 1.00 +/- 0.39, PDE/beta-ATP = 1.68 +/- 0.59. For the volunteers, H* = 7.6 +/- 2.5, PME/beta-ATP = 0.39 +/- 0.15, Pi/beta-ATP = 0.90 +/- 0.19, PDE/beta-ATP = 1.25 +/- 0.28. The total entropy of patients' spectra showed significantly lower values compared with those of volunteers. PME/beta-ATP and PDE/beta-ATP of the patients increased and differed significantly from volunteer data.

CONCLUSIONS

It was demonstrated that the results of in vivo 31P-MR spectroscopy may be described with a single criterion by means of the total entropy.

[3D-CT angiography and duplex sonography compared to arteriography in carotid stenoses]

PURPOSE

To determine the value of 3D-CT angiography, duplex sonography in comparison to selective digital subtraction angiography for evaluation of carotid artery stenoses.

METHODS

30 patients with 51 stenoses of carotid artery underwent 3D-CT angiography, duplex sonography and angiography. Quantification of stenosis was determined according to the NASCET study and categorized into mild (0-29%), moderate (30-69%), severe (70-99%) and occluded (100%).

RESULTS

The agreement of 3D-CT angiography with intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was 62% (r = 0.89; p < 0.0001) and of duplex sonography with DSA was 77% (r = 0.94; p < 0.0001). Both modalities underestimated one occlusion as stenosed. In the evaluation of moderate and severe stenoses 3D-CT angiography showed an agreement with DSA in 50% (duplex: 88%) and 55% (duplex: 89%) respectively and was inferior to duplex sonography.

CONCLUSION

3D-CT angiography is inferior to duplex sonography in the evaluation of carotid stenosis and not useful as a screening or reference examination.

Distinct central anticholinergic syndrome following general anaesthesia

The purpose of this prospective study was to identify the incidence of a distinct central anticholinergic syndrome following routine anaesthesia. For 2 months, all inpatients aged more than 15 years scheduled for elective procedures and cared for in the recovery room were investigated for symptoms of the syndrome. Patients with neuropsychiatric disease or other disorders that could alter consciousness were excluded. Prolonged action of anaesthetics or relaxants, respiratory depression and metabolic disorder were ruled out before making the diagnosis. Out of 962 patients (366 men, 596 women), 18 (4 men, 14 women) developed the syndrome. The difference between men and women was not statistically significant. Six out of 60 women developed the syndrome after a hysterectomy with or without adnectomy/oophorectomy, and this high incidence was significantly different from that observed after all other procedures in women (P = 0.003) or all other gynaecological procedures (P = 0.013). The reason for this is unknown. In six of the 18 cases, untreated prolonged somnolence lasted for more than 2 h. All patients woke up after an injection of physostigmine, but six of them relapsed into somnolence and needed a second, and in one case a third, injection. The findings of the study emphasize that, when there is delayed recovery from anaesthesia, the diagnosis of central anticholinergic syndrome should be considered if other accessible causes for that condition have been excluded.