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Triantopoulou C, Kolliakou E, Karoumpalis I, Yarmenitis S, Dervenis C. Metastatic disease to the pancreas: an imaging challenge. Insights Imaging 2012; 3:165-72. [PMID: 22696042 PMCID: PMC3314732 DOI: 10.1007/s13244-011-0144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic lesions of the pancreas are uncommon, accounting for approximately 2% of pancreatic malignancies. Many tumours involve the pancreas secondarily and may manifest with different clinical and imaging characteristics. Although many patients have widespread disease, isolated metastases can be found. Surgical management is associated with improved survival in these cases. The experience of the pancreatic surgery unit and imaging department of our hospital in many patients presenting with pancreatic metastases is presented, and a review of the recent literature is undertaken. Main Messages • The early recognition of secondary pancreatic tumours on US, CT and MRI is extremely important. • Pancreatic metastases may mimic primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma or induce acute pancreatitis. • Most pancreatic metastases are discovered on a CT examination performed for follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charikleia Triantopoulou
- Radiology Department, Konstantopouleio General Hospital, 3-5, Agias Olgas Street, N. Ionia, 14233, Athens, Greece,
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Abstract
Carcinomas of the rectum are associated with a significant local and distant recurrence rate. Not all patients are appropriate candidates for preoperative radiation therapy. Preoperative identification of those most likely to benefit from neoadjuvant therapy is important. There is no general consensus on the role of endorectal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in staging patients with rectal cancer. Although the tumor stage is an important prognostic factor, preoperative assessment is associated with prediction of the circumferential resection margin. Newer developments such as coils, sequences and gradients in MRI, evolution of multidetector CT and new contrast media, allow for an algorithm selection aiming at the best diagnostic options for patients. The present review will discuss the current role of the various imaging modalities in staging carcinomas of the rectum.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Karantanas
- Department of Radiology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
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Chasiotis-Tourikis E, Varvarigou A, Yarmenitis S, Vandoros N, Beratis NG. Maternal smoking during pregnancy improves the anatomy of the hip joint in the female neonate. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2003; 14:45-50. [PMID: 14563092 DOI: 10.1080/jmf.14.1.45.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because the greater frequency of developmental dysplasia of the hip in the female could have an endocrine etiology, and because maternal smoking in pregnancy causes fetal endocrine disequilibrium, we investigated the anatomy of the hip in neonates of smoking and non-smoking mothers. METHODS Clinical and sonographic examination was performed on 2066 hips of 521 male and 512 female neonates. In 48 male and 53 female neonates, the mothers smoked during pregnancy. RESULTS The mean +/- SD alpha angle in the male neonates of the non-smoking mothers was 62.3 degrees +/- 5.1 degrees and of the smoking mothers 62.1 degrees +/- 4.9 degrees (p = 0.7). In the female neonates of the non-smoking and the smoking mothers, it was 60.7 degrees +/- 5.3 degrees and 61.9 degrees +/- 4.8 degrees, respectively (p = 0.02). The difference between the male and the female neonates of the non-smoking mothers was significant (p < 0.000001), but there was no significant difference between the female neonates of the smoking mothers and the male neonates (p = 0.5). Among the female neonates whose mothers were non-smokers, the number of those with hip type IIa or worse was significantly greater than among the female neonates whose mothers were smokers. The clinical findings were in agreement with the sonographic findings. CONCLUSIONS Maternal smoking during pregnancy reduces the frequency of sonographic and possibly clinically detected hip dysplasia in female but not in male neonates. Nonetheless, because smoking causes numerous adverse effects on the fetus and child, it is contraindicated during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Chasiotis-Tourikis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras Medical School, General University Hospital, Rion, Patras, Greece
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4
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Leen E, Angerson WJ, Yarmenitis S, Bongartz G, Blomley M, Del Maschio A, Summaria V, Maresca G, Pezzoli C, Llull JB. Multi-centre clinical study evaluating the efficacy of SonoVue (BR1), a new ultrasound contrast agent in Doppler investigation of focal hepatic lesions. Eur J Radiol 2002; 41:200-6. [PMID: 11861094 DOI: 10.1016/s0720-048x(01)00457-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES SonoVue is a new ultrasound contrast agent, which consists of stabilised microbubbles of a sulphur hexafluoride gas. The aim of the study was to assess its efficacy in the Doppler investigation of focal hepatic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy patients with focal liver tumours were studied. Four doses (0.3, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 ml) of SonoVue were administered intravenously with at least 10 min delay between each injection. A complete colour/power and spectral Doppler imaging investigation of the lesions was performed at baseline pre-dosing and after each SonoVue injection. All examinations were recorded on SVHS videotapes. Baseline and post contrast videotapes were reviewed by the on-site (un-blinded) investigators and by two off-site blinded readers (a) to grade the global quality of the Doppler scans of the focal lesions vascularity and the normal parenchymal vessels (b) to measure the duration of clinically useful Doppler signal enhancement and (c) to determine the diagnostic accuracy and performance of the enhanced versus unenhanced scans using histopathology, tumour markers, CT and/or MR as the reference standard. RESULTS A statistically significant improvement was observed at all four SonoVue doses in the off site assessment of global quality of the Doppler examination of tumoral and normal parenchymal vessels in comparison with the baseline (P < 0.05). The median duration of clinically useful enhancement was significantly increased with increasing doses (P < 0.001), ranging between 1.4-2.2 min for the lowest dose and 3.2-3.8 min for the highest dose for the off-site readers. On-site assessment of diagnostic accuracy showed a significant increase in the specificity of the Doppler diagnoses (P < 0.0016) with an increase in the positive and negative predictive values and in the likelihood ratio in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Off-site evaluation showed a significant increase in the accuracy of enhanced Doppler diagnosis in comparison with the baseline performance. CONCLUSION The results suggest that SonoVue is effective in improving the display of tumoral vascularisation and may be useful in the characterisation of focal liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Leen
- Radiology Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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Kalfarentzos F, Stavropoulou F, Yarmenitis S, Kehagias I, Karamesini M, Dimitrakopoulos A, Maniati A. Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism using two different doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (nadroparin) in bariatric surgery: a prospective randomized trial. Obes Surg 2001; 11:670-6. [PMID: 11775562 DOI: 10.1381/09608920160558588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery are at a high risk of developing fatal pulmonary embolism or post-thrombotic syndrome. The prophylactic use of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) is correlated with a significant reduction in post-operative venous thrombosis in patients undergoing orthopedic or general surgery. In morbidity obese patients, the limited number of comparative trials are too sparse to allow a consensus on the effective dose and dosing schedule. METHODS In a prospective study to evaluate the effect of two doses of nadroparin as prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism following bariatric surgery, 60 consecutive patients undergoing Rouxen-Y gastric bypass were randomized to receive either 0.6 ml (5700 IU) or 1.0 ml (9500 IU) of nadroparin started pre-operatively and then given once daily post-operatively until discharge. RESULTS No statistically significant differences between the two groups were detected in any of the measured coagulation parameters either preoperatively or at days 1,3 and 5 postoperatively. No thrombotic events were observed pre- or post-operatively, and no patient developed meta-thrombotic syndrome at the 3 and 6 months follow-up. No bleeding events occurred in the patients given the lower dose compared with two major hemorrhages in those given the higher dose. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that 0.6 ml (5700 IU) of nadroparin once daily is safe and well-tolerated, and it is as effective in prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism as the higher dose of 1 ml (9500 IU), in such high risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Kalfarentzos
- Nutrition Support and Morbid Obesity Clinic, University of Patras, Platia Voriou Ipirou 5, 264-41 Patras, Greece.
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Andonopoulos AP, Yarmenitis S, Georgiou P, Bounas A, Vlahanastasi C. Bronchiectasis in systemic sclerosis. A study using high resolution computed tomography. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2001; 19:187-90. [PMID: 11326482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To detect noninvasively the presence of bronchiectasis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), through the use of high resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT). METHODS Twenty two patients with SSc, of whom 13 with diffuse and 9 with limited disease, besides a complete history, physical and routine laboratory and immunologic profile, were evaluated by pulmonary function testing and HRCT. The chi square test with Yates' correction, the Fisher's exact test, the Fisher's test (F test) and the "t" test were used for statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS Eleven patients (50.0%) had decreased carbon monoxide diffusing lung capacity (DLCO) and, out of these, four had restrictive lung disease, based on a combined decrease of forced vital capacity (FVC) and total lung capacity (TLC). Another two patients exhibited this pattern without DLCO impairment. HRCT revealed a ground glass picture in 15 patients (68.2%), fibrosis in 9 (40.9%) (of which 5 with ground glass as well), and cylindrical bronchiectasis in 13 (59.1%). Bronchiectasis was more common in diffuse than in limited SSc, and the difference approached but did not reach the level of statistical significance. On the other hand, it was not correlated with either decreased DLCO, presence of ground glass and fibrosis, or with patients' age and disease duration. CONCLUSION Although the number of patients included in our study is relatively small, our data, for the first time in the literature, indicate a significant association between scleroderma and bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis should be included in the list of pulmonary manifestations of SSc, and SSc in the list of conditions causing bronchiectasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Andonopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras School of Medicine, Patras, Greece
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Barbalias GA, Liatsikos EN, Yarmenitis S, Maroulis I, Tsolakis I. Simultaneously occurring abdominal aortic aneurysm and invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and their synchronous management. Urol Int 2000; 60:66-8. [PMID: 9519426 DOI: 10.1159/000030207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 70-year-old man who presented with an abdominal aortic aneurysm and invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Synchronous surgical treatment was deemed necessary because of the iliac extension of the aneurysm. Radical cystectomy preceded the repair of the abdominal aortoiliac aneurysm and the bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Barbalias
- Department of Urology, University of Patras School of Medicine, Greece
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Alexandrides T, Georgopoulos N, Yarmenitis S, Vagenakis AG. Increased sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of excess iodide on thyroid function in patients with beta-thalassemia major and iron overload and the subsequent development of hypothyroidism. Eur J Endocrinol 2000; 143:319-25. [PMID: 11022172 DOI: 10.1530/eje.0.1430319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with beta-thalassemia frequently develop primary hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders due to iron overload. We studied whether administration of excess iodide to patients with apparently normal thyroid function could uncover an underlying thyroid disease. DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-five patients, 10 prepubertal (mean age 11+/-3 years) and 15 adults (mean age 23+/-5 years) with normal thyroid hormone and TSH levels, a normal response of TSH to TRH and negative thyroid peroxidase antibodies received 20mg iodide three times daily for three weeks, and thyroid hormone and TSH levels were measured weekly during, and for three weeks after, iodide administration and every 3 months thereafter for the next 5 years. RESULTS During iodide administration there was a significant decrease in thyroid hormone concentrations which remained within normal levels, and a significant increase in TSH concentrations which in 14 out of 25 (56%) patients reached the hypothyroid level. Baseline TSH values were higher in those patients who developed subclinical hypothyroidism (2.31+/-0.71mU/l vs 1. 34+/-0.64mU/l, P=0.0016). Subclinical hypothyroidism developed in 70% of prepubertal and in 47% of adult patients. Serum ferritin was elevated in all patients. Nine of the fourteen patients (64.3%) who developed subclinical hypothyroidism during iodide administration developed hypothyroidism during the 5-year follow-up compared with only one of the eleven patients with a normal response to iodide (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Patients with beta-thalassemia should not be exposed to excess iodide due to increased sensitivity to its inhibitory effects on thyroid function. The susceptible individuals frequently develop permanent hypothyroidism in the following years.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Alexandrides
- Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
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Abstract
PURPOSE We report our experience with the use of self-expandable metallic stents to bypass anastomotic strictures after ureteroileal urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated 3 men and 1 woman with invasive bladder carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion. Ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures developed after a mean of 16 months. Self-expandable metallic stents were successfully placed (bilaterally in 2) comprising 6 stented ureters that bypassed strictures. Mean patient age was 64 years and mean followup was 12 months. RESULTS No restenosis was observed in 3 patients during followup. The stricture recurred 1 month after stent placement in the remaining patient and additional intervention was necessary, consisting of placement of a totally coaxial overlapping metal stent. No sepsis or other complication was observed. One patient died of metastatic disease 12 months after stent placement. CONCLUSIONS We propose the use of metal stents as an adequate, safe and effective alternative treatment for anastomotic strictures after ureteroileal diversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Barbalias
- Department of Urology, University of Patras, School of Medicine, Greece
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Andonopoulos AP, Maraziotis T, Rigas G, Yarmenitis S, Papapetropoulos T. Multiple spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages in a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis. Rev Rhum Engl Ed 1998; 65:437-40. [PMID: 9670337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A 64-year-old woman with a two-year history of diffuse scleroderma responsible for severe interstitial lung disease was admitted for recurrent loss of consciousness. Her treatment at the time consisted of a corticosteroid and monthly cyclophosphamide pulses. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed two hemorrhagic lesions in the left frontal and temporal lobes, respectively. Amyloidosis and/or vasculitis may have contributed to these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Andonopoulos
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras School of Medicine, Patras Regional University Hospital, Greece
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Barbalias GA, Siablis D, Liatsikos EN, Yarmenitis S, Karnabatidis D, Dimopoulos J. Renal angiomyolipoma with haemorrhage treated by urgent embolization. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1998; 32:54-5. [PMID: 9561576 DOI: 10.1080/003655998750014701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We present herein a case of bleeding angiomyolipoma with disruption of the renal capsule, which was treated by hyperselective embolization of the corresponding renal artery branch.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Barbalias
- Department of Urology, University of Patras, School of Medicine, Greece
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Barbalias GA, Siablis D, Liatsikos EN, Karnabatidis D, Yarmenitis S, Bouropoulos K, Dimopoulos J. Metal stents: a new treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction. J Urol 1997; 158:54-8. [PMID: 9186322 DOI: 10.1097/00005392-199707000-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We report our experience with the use of metallic self-expandable and balloon expandable stents for the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We treated 12 consecutive patients with malignant ureteral obstruction, for a total of 14 ureters with stents placed. We placed metallic balloon expandable stents in 6 patients and self-expandable metallic stents in the remaining 6. Mean patient age was 65 years and mean followup was 9 months (range 8 to 16). RESULTS Of the ureters 11 were patent without any additional manipulations during followup of 8 to 16 months. Secondary interventions were needed in 3 cases because of obstructive urothelial hyperplastic reaction, tumor ingrowth and local recurrence of the primary cancer invading the upper end of the stent. Two patients died 2 and 10 months after placement of the stent. CONCLUSIONS Both types of metal stents have advantages and disadvantages that must be balanced against each other when choosing the ideal device for the treatment of obstruction. Implantation of a metal self-expanding or balloon expanding stent is safe and effective for the palliative treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction in late stage cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Barbalias
- Department of Urology, University of Patras, School of Medicine, Greece
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Andonopoulos AP, Yarmenitis S, Sfountouris H, Siamplis D, Zervas C, Bounas A. Baker's cyst in rheumatoid arthritis: an ultrasonographic study with a high resolution technique. Clin Exp Rheumatol 1995; 13:633-6. [PMID: 8575143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of popliteal cyst (Baker's cyst) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), through the use of a very sensitive and non-invasive method, high resolution ultrasonography. The present is the first such report in the literature. METHODS Ninety-nine unselected consecutive patients with RA, after undergoing routine clinical and laboratory evaluation, had knee radiographs and ultrasound examinations of both knees, the popliteal fossae and calves, using an Ultramark 9ATL apparatus with a 3 MHz curved array and 10 MHz linear array heads and color doppler ability. RESULTS A Baker's cyst was detected in 47 patients (47.5%) and in a total of 67 out of the 198 knees (33.8%). Four of the 67 cysts were ruptured. Only 29 of the 67 cysts (43.3%) had been diagnosed clinically. A statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of a Baker's cyst and clinical and radiologic involvement of the knee by rheumatoid arthritis (p < 0.025, and p < 0.05 respectively). There was a highly significant correlation between the presence of a cyst and ultrasonographically demonstrated joint effusion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Baker's cyst is very common in RA but it may escape clinical detection. High resolution ultrasound scanning of the area is a simple, highly sensitive and non-invasive technique able to overcome this problem. Therefore, it should be more widely employed by clinicians in the diagnosis of popliteal cysts, which may sometimes be accompanied by significant morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Andonopoulos
- Department of Medicine, University of Patras School of Medicine, Greece
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Zavras G, Dimopoulos PA, Siablis D, Yarmenitis S, Evans AF. Atypical calcified coarctation of the aorta. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 1987; 146:727-9. [PMID: 3037650 DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1048575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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