Safety of non-cuffed tunneled central venous catheters in adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are the most common route of intravenous (I.V.) access for treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations, but repeated PICC placement can result in upper extremity peripheral venous stenosis. Once peripheral stenosis develops, a non-cuffed tunneled central venous catheter (NcTCVC) is an alternative route for IV access. While these are regularly used at some CF centers, the safety and complication rate compared to PICCs in adults with CF has not been reported. This study aims to describe the safety of NcTCVCs in adults with CF.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed at a CF Foundation accredited institution including adults with CF who received NcTCVCs in interventional radiology from 7/19/2007 to 3/09/2020. Complications analyzed included catheter related deep venous thrombosis (DVT), central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI), and catheter related central venous stenosis. Complications were considered attributable if they occurred while the catheter was in place or within 30 days of catheter removal.

RESULTS

During the study duration, 386 NcTCVCs were placed in 60 unique patients (55 % female) with a mean of 6.4 catheters per patient. Majority of NcTCVCs placed were 4 French (61.4 %). Average duration of indwelling NcTCVC was 16.2 days. No patients demonstrated catheter attributable symptomatic DVT. The incidence of DVT, CLABSI, and central venous stenosis was 0 (0 %), 4 (1 %), and 1 (0.3 %), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Many adults with CF have required insertion of numerous PICCs for the treatment of recurrent pulmonary exacerbations. In those adults that develop PICC-associated peripheral vein stenosis precluding PICC placement, these results indicate NcTCVCs are a safe alternative.

Utilizing 3D printing to assist pre-procedure planning of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

3D (three-dimensional) printing has been adopted by the medical community in several ways, procedure planning being one example. This application of technology has been adopted by several subspecialties including interventional radiology, however the planning of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement has not yet been described. The impact of a 3D printed model on procedural measures such as procedure time, radiation exposure, intravascular contrast dosage, fluoroscopy time, and provider confidence has also not been reported.

METHODS

This pilot study utilized a quasi-experimental design including patients who underwent TIPS. For the control group, retrospective data was collected on patients who received a TIPS prior to Oct 1, 2020. For the experimental group, patient-specific 3D printed models were integrated in the care of patients that received TIPS between Oct 1, 2020 and April 15, 2021. Data was collected on patient demographics and procedural measures. The interventionalists were surveyed on their confidence level and model usage following each procedure in the experimental group.

RESULTS

3D printed models were created for six TIPS. Procedure time (p = 0.93), fluoroscopy time (p = 0.26), and intravascular contrast dosage (p = 0.75) did not have significant difference between groups. Mean radiation exposure was 808.8 mGy in the group with a model compared to 1731.7 mGy without, however this was also not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Out of 11 survey responses from interventionists, 10 reported "increased" or "significantly increased" confidence after reviewing the 3D printed model and all responded that the models were a valuable tool for trainees.

CONCLUSIONS

3D printed models of patient anatomy can consistently be made using consumer-level, desktop 3D printing technology. This study was not adequately powered to measure the impact that including 3D printed models in the planning of TIPS procedures may have on procedural measures. The majority of interventionists reported that patient-specific models were valuable tools for teaching trainees and that confidence levels increased as a result of model inclusion in procedure planning.

Blueprint for Implementing and Improving Eligible Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Retrieval Across Institutions

INTRODUCTION. Placement of removable filters (rIVCFs) has increased, but this has not been accompanied by timely removal, with retrieval rates as low as 8.5% at some institutions. Studies demonstrate failure to remove rIVCFs that are not medically necessary result in increased complications. This study discusses the development of an IVC filter follow up protocol. METHODS. A method to monitor IVC filter placement and retrieval was developed. A weekly report was generated detailing placement and removal of rIVCFs. A standardized retrieval calculator was utilized to determine efficacy of removal. An IVC filter Retrieval Assessment Form was developed. Managing physicians and patients with medically unnecessary filters were sent letters with a retrieval checklist and order form. If not removed within one year, additional letters were sent. Standardized IVC filter reporting templates were created and utilized after insertion of all filters with retrieval status. Letters were eventually built into the EMR for direct routing. RESULTS. From 2015 to 2020, IVC filters were placed in 719 patients. Of those, 58% were eligible for retrieval. Initial rates of rIVCF removal in eligible patients were as low as 30-33% in 2015. The retrieval rate of eligible filters rose to 44% in September 2018. The rate of retrieval rose to 61% in January 2021. CONCLUSIONS. Employing a systemic protocol to aid in follow-up of patients following rIVCF placement can improve rates of retrieval in the appropriate clinical setting. Regular evaluation and revision of the process played a significant role in achieving an increase in retrieval rates.

Morphophysiological changes of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) saplings under shade gradient

Understanding morphological and physiological changes under different light conditions in native fruit species in juveniles' stage is important, as it indicate the appropriate environment to achieve vigorous saplings. We aimed to verify growth and morphophysiological changes under shade gradient in feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) to achieve good quality saplings adequate to improve cultivation in orchards. The saplings were grown for twenty-one-month under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy parameters were evaluated. Saplings under full sun and 30% shade had higher height and diameter growth and dry mass accumulation due to higher photosynthesis rate. As main acclimatization mechanisms in feijoa saplings under 80% shade were developed larger leaf area, reduced leaf blade thickness, and enhanced quantum yield of photosystem II. Even so, the net CO2 assimilation and the electron transport rate was lower and, consequently, there was a restriction on the growth and dry mass in saplings under deep shade. Therefore, to obtain higher quality feijoa saplings, we recommend that it be carried out in full sun or up to 30% shade, to maximize the sapling vigor in nurseries and, later, this light environment can also be used in orchards for favor growth and fruit production.

A case of two shunts in the endovascular treatment of type II Abernethy syndrome

Background

Abernethy malformation is a rare condition defined by a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt, often leading to absence or hypoplasia of the intrahepatic portal venous system. Although there are no consensus treatment guidelines, interventional techniques now offer minimally invasive treatment options for Abernethy malformations. This case report describes a case of Abernethy Syndrome Type II where the patient had two separate extrahepatic portosystemic shunts treated with endovascular occlusion with two Amplatzer plugs and demonstrates the feasibility of this treatment for this rare condition. This case was in a young adult, adding to the scarce literature of treatment for Abernethy syndrome in the adult population.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 20-year-old female patient with neurocognitive behavioral difficulty, voracious appetite, and chronic encephalopathy secondary to type II Abernethy malformation with not one, but two extrahepatic portosystemic shunts. The patient had failed medical management and was not a liver transplant candidate. Therefore, she presented to us for an endovascular treatment option. The two shunts were treated with endovascular occlusion using Amplatzer vascular plugs. Following embolization, flow into the hypoplastic portal vein improved with near complete occlusion of flow into the portosystemic shunts, thus restoring blood flow into the native portal system. At 3 month follow up, a CT demonstrated complete occlusion of the two portosystemic shunts, and a portal vein diminutive in caliber. The portal vein measured 7 mm in diameter on both pre and post-procedure CT scans. The total volume of the liver was found to be 843 cm3 on pre-procedure CT & 1191 cm3 on post-procedure CT.

Conclusions

This report demonstrates the feasibility of using endovascular embolization to treat Abernethy II malformations. The management strategy of Type II Abernethy Syndrome should be to redirect blood flow into the hypoplastic native portal system, allowing for physiologic hepatic metabolism of splanchnic blood, hypertrophy of the portal system, and growth of the liver from the increased trophic flow.

Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio Correlates with CTA Collateral Status in Large-Vessel Occlusion Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Collateral blood supply is a key determinant of outcome in large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. Single- and multiphase CTA collateral scoring systems have been described but are subjective and require training. We aimed to test whether the CTP-derived hypoperfusion intensity ratio is associated with CTA collateral status and whether a threshold hypoperfusion intensity ratio exists that predicts poor CTA collaterals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Imaging and clinical data of consecutive patients with large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke were retrospectively reviewed. Single-phase CTA and multiphase CTA scoring were performed by 2 blinded neuroradiologists using the Tan, Maas, and Calgary/Menon methods. CTP was processed using RApid processing of PerfusIon and Diffusion software (RAPID). Hypoperfusion intensity ratio = ratio of brain volume with time-to-maximum >10 seconds over time-to-maximum >6-second volume. Correlation between the hypoperfusion intensity ratio and CTA collateral scores was calculated using the Pearson correlation. The optimal threshold of the hypoperfusion intensity ratio for predicting poor collaterals was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients with large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke were included. Multiphase CTA collateral scoring showed better interrater agreement (κ = 0.813) than single-phase CTA (Tan, κ = 0.587; Maas, κ = 0.273). The hypoperfusion intensity ratio correlated with CTA collateral scores (multiphase CTA: r = -0.55; 95% CI, -0.67 to -0.40; P ≤ .001). The optimal threshold for predicting poor multiphase CTA collateral status was a hypoperfusion intensity ratio of >0.45 (sensitivity = 78%; specificity = 76%; area under the curve = 0.86). Patients with high hypoperfusion intensity ratio/poor collateral status had lower ASPECTS/larger infarcts, higher NIHSS scores, and larger hypoperfused volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

The hypoperfusion intensity ratio is associated with CTA collateral status in patients with large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. The hypoperfusion intensity ratio is an automated and quantitative alternative to CTA collateral scoring methods for both clinical and future stroke trial settings.

Do Video Games Predict an Early Advanced Capacity to Learn Interventional Radiology Skills?

PURPOSE

To elucidate the relationship between video game (VG) play and interventional radiology (IR) technical skills in medical students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty medical students recruited at our institution's IR symposium completed a survey to ascertain demographics and prior VG experience, then participated in a 3-part trial of skills assessing IR and VG skill and visuospatial aptitude (VSA). IR skill was evaluated via an endovascular simulation task, VG skill by performance on three separate VGs, and VSA using the Cube Comparison test. Regression analysis was tested the strength of relationship between IR skill and VG experience, VG skill, and VSA, respectively, and participants were stratified by IR skill to top and bottom halves for survey-response comparison.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between either VG skill or visuospatial aptitude and IR skill (r = -0.22, p = 0.35; and r = 0.14, p = 0.57). Greater number of years playing VGs correlated with superior IR skill (Spearman's rho=-0.45, p<0.05). Students who selected IR as their specialty of interest had extensive VG experience, playing for > 15 years (n = 4, 80%), at least 10 hours per week at their peak (n = 3, 60%), and reported being either "skilled" or "highly skilled" at VGs (n = 3, 60%).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, though limited by power, number of years playing VGs correlated positively with IR skills in medical students. Prior VG experience may predict an early advanced capacity to learn IR skills and an interest in the specialty.

CT Imaging of Acute Ischemic Stroke [Formula: see text]

Although acute ischemic stroke remains one of the most common causes of death and disability worldwide, it is a potentially treatable condition if appropriately managed in a timely manner. The goals of acute stroke imaging include establishing a diagnosis as fast as possible with (1) accurate infarct quantification, (2) intracranial and cervical vasculature assessment, and (3) brain perfusion analysis for detection of infarct core and potentially salvageable penumbra allowing optimal patient selection for appropriate therapy. Given the extensive number of images generated from acute stroke imaging studies and as "time is brain," this article aims to highlight a logical approach for the radiologist in acute stroke computed tomography imaging in order to accurately interpret and communicate results in a timely manner.

Rare presentation and endovascular treatment of multifocal iliac venous stenoses due to right sided May-Thurner Syndrome

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is a well-recognized anatomical variant describing compression of the left common iliac vein and may manifest as lower extremity swelling, pain, ulceration, discoloration, and paresthesia. Right-sided MTS is documented in the literature, though exceedingly rare. Specifically, no current reports describe a multifocal stenoses of the right iliac vein due to anatomical variants associated with left sided IVC. We present a case involving a patient with this pathophysiology, radiographic/sonographic correlate imaging, and subsequent endovascular treatment.

Prediction of Hemorrhage after Successful Recanalization in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Improved Risk Stratification Using Dual-Energy CT Parenchymal Iodine Concentration Ratio Relative to the Superior Sagittal Sinus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Brain parenchymal hyperdensity on postthrombectomy CT in patients with acute stroke can be due to hemorrhage and/or contrast staining. We aimed to determine whether iodine concentration within contrast-stained parenchyma compared with an internal reference in the superior sagittal sinus on dual-energy CT could predict subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-one patients with small infarct cores (ASPECTS ≥ 7) and good endovascular recanalization (modified TICI 2b or 3) for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion were included. Brain parenchymal iodine concentration as per dual-energy CT and the percentage of contrast staining relative to the superior sagittal sinus were recorded and correlated with the development of intracerebral hemorrhage using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests.

RESULTS

Forty-three of 71 patients had parenchymal hyperdensity on initial dual-energy CT. The median relative iodine concentration compared with the superior sagittal sinus was significantly higher in those with subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage (137.9% versus 109.2%, P = .007). By means of receiver operating characteristic analysis, a cutoff value of 100% (iodine concentration relative to the superior sagittal sinus) enabled identification of patients going on to develop intracerebral hemorrhage with 94.75% sensitivity, 43.4% specificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.71.

CONCLUSIONS

Within our cohort of patients, the relative percentage of iodine concentration at dual-energy CT compared with the superior sagittal sinus was a reliable predictor of intracerebral hemorrhage development and may be a useful imaging biomarker for risk stratification after endovascular treatment.

Case report: interventional radiology's potential role for in vitro fertilization post ovarian transposition and pelvic radiation

Introduction

Ovarian transposition is a procedure that can help preserve fertility for female patients requiring radiation in the abdominopelvic region. However, the displacement of ovaries from its original anatomic location can make oocyte retrieval challenging.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old nulligravid patient recently diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma [CRC] underwent ovarian transposition prior to radiation. After radiation and chemotherapy, she began in vitro fertilization [IVF] by reproductive endocrinology and infertility physicians. Right ovary demonstrated nonviability due to failed transposition and radiation. Left ovarian oocytes were not able to be harvested due to risk of left kidney puncture via transvaginal ultrasound [TVUS]. Interventional Radiology [IR] was involved and performed a transabdominal ultrasound guided egg retrieval which led to successful IVF.

Conclusion

This case highlights the utility of IR-assisted transabdominal ultrasound approach for oocyte retrieval in patients with history of ovarian transposition.

MRI findings of absorbable hydrogel spacer for prostate cancer therapy: a pictorial review

Prior studies have shown that dose-escalated radiation therapy for prostate cancer improves clinical outcomes. However, this is associated with increased rectal toxicity. Hydrogel spacer for prostate cancer therapy is an effective way of decreasing rectal toxicity in the late post-therapeutic stages. In some occasions, the gel spacer may not be placed symmetrically between the rectum and prostate. There are several forms of a malpositioned spacer, including lateral displacement, rectal wall infiltration, and prostate capsule infiltration. This manuscript is aimed at evaluating appropriately positioned and malpositioned gel spacers, primarily via magnetic resonance imaging. There are limited educational imaging guides that address what radiologists should evaluate on post-spacer placement imaging. This pictorial review will specifically evaluate post-injection pitfalls such as asymmetry, rectal wall infiltration, and subcapsular injection.

Quantitative Phase-Contrast MR Angiography to Measure Hemodynamic Changes in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a syndrome of raised intracranial pressure of unknown etiology. Few MR imaging-based studies have investigated arterial and venous blood flow in these patients. Results are inconclusive, and to our knowledge, no comparison of the hemodynamic parameters before and after CSF pressure reduction has been published. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effects of normalizing CSF pressure on intracranial flow to better understand the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we performed quantitative MR imaging-derived flow measurements of brain-supplying arteries and draining veins/dural sinuses to visualize hemodynamic changes in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension before and after therapy by lumbar puncture in comparison with a healthy control group.

RESULTS

We found differences in patients before and after lumbar puncture in the calculated resistance and pulsatility indices in the superior sagittal sinus. Venous pulsatility showed a negative correlation with CSF pressure in untreated patients. Additionally, there was a trend toward lower flow in the superior sagittal sinus in patients compared with healthy controls. Flow in the internal jugular veins was significantly reduced by lumbar puncture, and the resistance and pulsatility indices differed in patients and controls. The arterial flow was not influenced by pressure normalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that venous but not arterial blood flow differs in patients compared with controls and that calculating resistance and pulsatility indices may contribute to assessing short-term hemodynamic changes in patients with diagnosed idiopathic intracranial hypertension before and after CSF diversion.

Reducing radiation exposure with iterative reconstruction: an inter- and intra-scanner analysis

Our purpose in this study was to compare delivered radiation exposure via computed tomography dose index volume (CTDI_vol) and dose length production (DLP) measurements from computed tomography (CT) examinations performed on scanners with and without image-quality enhancing iterative reconstruction (IR) software. A retrospective analysis was conducted on randomly selected chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis CT examinations from three different scanners from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013. CTDI_vol and DLP measurements were obtained from two CT scanners with and one CT scanner without IR software. To evaluate inter-scanner variability, we compared measurements from the same model CT scanners, one with and one without IR software. To evaluate intra-scanner variability, we compared measurements between two scanners with IR software from different manufacturers. CT scanners with IR software aided in the overall reduction in radiation exposure, measured as CTDI_vol by 30% and DLP by 39% when compared to a scanner without IR. There was no significant difference in CTDl_vol or DLP measurements across different manufacturers with IR software. As a result, IR software significantly decreased the radiation exposure to patients, but there were no differences in radiation measurements across CT manufacturers with IR software.

Disseminated cat-scratch disease in an adult with selective IgA deficiency

A 51-year-old man with history of undiagnosed pulmonary nodules 4 years prior, presented with right-sided chest pain. Acute cardiac workup was negative, and a chest computed tomography examination demonstrated marked improvement in bilateral pulmonary nodules. A concordant abdominal computed tomography examination showed new subcentimeter hypodense lesions throughout the liver and spleen, mild progressive abdominopelvic lymphadenopathy, and new small lytic lesions of T11 and L4 vertebrae. A positron emission tomography examination demonstrated hypermetabolic activity of these abdominopelvic lesions suggesting metastatic disease. Extensive laboratory workup was negative, aside from IgA deficiency. Eventually, biopsy of a hepatic lesion was performed and compatible with Bartonella species. An elevated Bartonella IgG titer was noted, consistent with Bartonella Hensalae infection, or “cat-scratch disease.” Radiographic findings showed marked improvement after clinically appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Thrombectomy vs. Systemic Thrombolysis in Acute Embolic Stroke with High Clot Burden: A Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE

The efficacy of i. v. thrombolysis in acute stroke with high clot burden is limited. Successful recanalization is very unlikely if the thrombus length exceeds 7 mm. Thus this retrospective controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of neurothrombectomy in the treatment of acute embolic stroke in patients selected by a thrombus length of ≥ 8 mm using the stent retriever Trevo(®) device.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

40 patients with acute occlusion of the anterior intracranial arteries with a thrombus length of ≥ 8 mm were treated with neurothrombectomy. We compared the outcome with a historical cohort of 42 patients with a thrombus length of ≥ 8 mm that received i. v. thrombolysis only. Clinical outcome was assessed by modified Rankin scale in both groups at discharge and on day 90.

RESULTS

Patients did not differ in age, mRS on admission, thrombus length or time from symptom onset to i. v. thrombolysis, but the thrombectomy group had higher NIHSS on admission. Successful recanalization was achieved in 33/40 patients (83 %) with neurothrombectomy. 15 patients received i. v. thrombolysis prior to neurothrombectomy. Median mRS at discharge was 3.5 (1.25 - 5) vs. 5 (4 - 6; p < 0.01) and on day 90 3 (1 - 4) vs. 5 (4 - 6; p < 0.01). Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 3 vs. 7 patients. 3 vs. 17 patients died within 90 days (thrombectomy vs. control each). There were only a few intervention-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Thrombectomy in acute stroke with high clot burden using the Trevo(®) device has a low risk and improved clinical outcome compared to i. v. thrombolysis alone. Treatment selection by a clot length of ≥ 8 mm might be a powerful approach to improve the outcome of mechanical thrombectomy.

KEY POINTS

• Clot length of ≥ 8 mm might be a valuable criterion for indicating neurothrombectomy. • Thrombolysis only in high clot burden is associated with poor clinical outcome. • Thrombectomy using the Trevo(®) stent retriever is safe and effective.

Spectrum of radiological manifestations of paediatric cat-scratch disease

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is usually a self-limiting condition that may mimic more serious disorders due to its variable clinical and imaging presentations. Many cases are diagnosed throughout the United States annually, with the majority occurring in children and adolescents who have had contact with a cat, usually in the form of a scratch or bite. This manuscript will discuss the spectrum of radiologic manifestations of CSD emphasising key imaging findings of lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenic lesions, osteomyelitis, discitis, encephalitis, neuroretinitis and cranial neuritis.

MR imaging of the optic nerve sheath in patients with craniospinal hypotension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Craniospinal hyper- or hypotension leads to morphologic changes in certain intracranial structures. We tested the hypothesis that the amount of CSF in the ONS visible in MR imaging is reduced in patients with CSH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients with CSH were prospectively studied. Three readers assessed the width of the peri-optical CSF rim at 4 different anatomic positions by using coronal STIR sequences from a 3T MR imaging scanner. The height of the pituitary gland was also measured. Results were compared with normal values obtained with the same imaging technique. Qualitative signs of CSH also recorded were engorgement of venous sinuses, dural enhancement, subdural effusion, narrow ventricles, and sagging brain.

RESULTS

CSF signal intensity surrounding the optic nerves was diminished in at least 2 of the 4 positions used for measurements so that decreased diameters of the ONSs were observed in all patients (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 97%). The height of the pituitary gland was above normal limits in 12 of 19 patients (sensitivity, 63%; specificity, 97%). Frequencies of qualitative signs of CSH varied from 32% to 81%.

CONCLUSIONS

The ISSON in patients with CSH is partially or fully collapsed due to reduced CSF content. In comparison with other anatomic markers, this sign showed the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of patients with CSH in this study.

[Pseudotumor cerebri: quantitative in-vivo measurements of markers of intracranial hypertension]

PURPOSE

Intracranial hypertension can change the morphology of anatomical structures that are critical in the evaluation of pseudotumor syndromes. The purpose of our study was to establish the normal range of such markers of intracranial hypertension and to consider a dependency on sex, age and body-mass index (BMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

123 persons without signs or symptoms of intracranial hypertension (63 females, 60 males, 18- 86-years-old, mean 49.5 SD17.8 years, mean BMI 25.3 SD42) were prospectively enrolled and MRI was performed at 3T. A STIR sequence in the coronal plane was used to measure the width of the optic nerve, the perioptic fluid rim and the total optic nerve sheath diameter in 4 different locations behind the eyeball. The height and width of the pituitary and Meckel's cave were also measured and the area was calculated.

RESULTS

The mean width of the optic nerve sheath narrows significantly from anterior (mean 5.3 SD 0.6 mm) to posterior (mean 4.1 SD 0.4 mm), as does the perioptic fluid rim (mean 1.4 SD 0.3 mm vs. mean 1.0 SD 0.2 mm) and--to a lesser extent--the optic nerve itself (mean 2.4 SD 0.4 mm vs. mean 2 SD 0.3 mm, p=0.000 for all). There was no statistically relevant correlation of the width of the optic nerve sheath with age. The coronal area of Meckel's cave was independent of sex, age or BMI (mean 39 SD 9.3 mm2). The height of the pituitary differed little in women (mean 4.4 SD 0.9 mm) and men (mean 4.2 SD 0.8 mm), but we found a significant negative correlation with age in women only (r = -0.38, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The presented typical values and their deviations serve as a basis for the evaluation of pathologies in patients suspected of having pseudotumor syndrome.

Compact soft x-ray spectrometer for plasma diagnostics at the Heidelberg Electron Beam Ion Trap

A compact flat-field soft x-ray grazing-incidence grating spectrometer equipped with a cryogenically cooled back-illuminated charge-coupled device camera was built and implemented at the Heidelberg Electron Beam Ion Trap. The instrument spans the spectral region from 1 to 37 nm using two different gratings. In slitless operation mode, it directly images a radiation source, in this case ions confined in an electron beam ion trap, with high efficiency and reaching hereby a resolving power of lambda/Deltalambda approximately =130 at 2 nm and of lambda/Deltalambda approximately =600 at 28 nm. Capable of automatized operation, its low noise and excellent stability make it an ideal instrument not only for spectroscopic diagnostics requiring wide spectral coverage but also for precision wavelength measurements.