Neuroimaging evaluation of unilateral asymptomatic carotid plaque ulceration: preliminary results of the Carotid Artery Multimodality imaging Prognostic study

Background

Carotid plaque ulceration has been associated with imaging characteristics of high risk of future events (plaque vulnerability) in patients with a significant degree of stenosis, while little is known about its role in patients with a lesser degree of stenosis and its association with markers of vascular inflammation.

Purpose

We evaluated the association between imaging characteristics of plaque vulnerability and vascular inflammation detected by different imaging tests.

Methods

One hundred and seven patients with unilateral asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (40–60% detected by Doppler ultrasound (DUS)), enrolled in the ongoing Carotid Artery Multimodality Prognostic (CAMP) study were prospectively evaluated with computed tomography angiography (CTA), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRA) and, in a subgroup of patients, with 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET). Plaque ulceration was detected by CTA. Variables are expressed as median (1st–3rd quartiles) and number (percentages).The Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney and Chi square or Fisher's exact test were used to study associations among variables.

Results

An ulcerated plaque was present in 35% patients (n=33) of those undergoing CTA (n=94), while intraplaque hemorrhage and lipid-rich necrotic core were present in 9% and 15% of those undergoing CEMRA. Compared with patients with non-ulcerated plaques, those with an ulcerated plaque had a significant higher degree of stenosis at DUS, a higher target to background ratio (TBR) at 18F-FDG-PET and a higher high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (cTn) T.

Conclusions

Plaque ulceration is common and associated with higher degree of stenosis, higher indices of wall inflammation and higher serum markers of myocardial injury.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Regione Toscana

Predictors of Zero X-Ray Ablation for Supraventricular Tachycardias in a Nationwide Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND

This multicenter, prospective study evaluated the determinants of zero-fluoroscopy (ZFL) ablation of supraventricular tachycardias.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four hundred thirty patients (215 male, 55.4±22.1 years) with indication to electrophysiological study or ablation of supraventricular tachycardias were enrolled. All participating physicians agreed to follow the as low as reasonably achievable policy. A procedure was defined as ZFL when no fluoroscopy was used. The total fluoroscopy time inversely correlated to the number of procedures previously performed by each operator since study start (r=-0.112; P=0.02). Two hundred eighty-nine procedures (67.2%) were ZFL; multivariable analysis identified as predictors of ZFL: procedure after the 30th for each operator, compared with procedures up to the ninth (P=0.011; hazard ratio, 3.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79-6.80); the type of arrhythmia (P=0.031; electrophysiological study and atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia ablation having the highest probability of ZFL; hazard ratio, 6.87; 95% CI, 2.08-22.7 and hazard ratio, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.04-3.91, respectively); the operator's (P=0.002) and patient's age (P=0.009). Among operators, achievement of ZFL varied from 0% to 100%; 8 (22.8%) operators achieved ZFL in <25% of their procedures; 17 (48.6%) operators achieved ZFL in >75% of their procedures. The probability of ZFL increased by 2.8% (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99) as patient's age decreased by 1 year. Acute procedural success was obtained in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 3-dimensional mapping system completely avoided the use of fluoroscopy in most cases, with very low fluoroscopy time in the remaining and high safety and effectiveness profiles. Achievement of ZFL was predicted by the type of arrhythmia, operator's experience, and patient's age.

Development of simulation combining a physical heart model and three-dimensional system for electrophysiology training

BACKGROUND

A new three-dimensional heart anatomical simulator (3D HAS) has been created combining a physical heart model with an electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system. The aim of this study is to describe the development and the validation process of this device.

METHODS

We developed the 3D HAS combining a physical heart model with an EAM system. This simulator was then validated by 10 electrophysiologists, subdivided in two groups based on their experience in electrophysiology procedures. The performance of the experts was compared to the one of the novices in achieving three different tasks: fluoroless reconstruction of the right atrium, coronary sinus cannulation, and deployment of a linear ablation lesion in the cavotricuspid isthmus. For each operator, a score was calculated based on objective parameter for each task and for the overall performance.

RESULTS

The 3D HAS was located in an environment that allowed use of the main features of the EAM system including contact force sensing. No technical issue was encountered during the validation process. The experts' performance was significantly better than the one of the novices both overall (P = 0.009) and in each task (right atrium reconstruction, P = 0.016; coronary sinus cannulation, P = 0.008; ablation lesion, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D HAS is reliable and allows use of the main features of an EAM system in the right atrium. The ability to discriminate different levels of experience suggests that this simulator is enough realistic and could be useful for electrophysiology training.

Surgical Treatment of Persistent Type 2 Endoleaks, with Increase of the Aneurysm Sac: Indications and Technical Notes

OBJECTIVE

Unsolved type 2 endoleaks and aneurysmal sac increasing after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can be fixed with surgical sacotomy, ligation of the patent backbleeding vessels and preservation of the endograft. The aim of the paper is to highlight the technique as a feasible procedure in alternative to the removal of the graft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four male patients whose aneurysm sac maximum transverse diameter had increased by 5 mm or more, without evidence of endoleak, migration or structural alteration of the endografts. The surgical access was by medial laparotomy in one case, flank incision in two cases and mini-laparotomy with laparoscopic assistance in the fourth case. Patients were followed with spiral CT and duplex ultrasound at discharge and at 6-12 months.

RESULTS

All procedures were carried out, without complication. Two patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission and the average post-operative hospital stay was 10 days (range 6-13). All patients are currently alive with a functioning endograft, at an average follow-up of 14.7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Sacotomy, leaving the endograft in place, appears to be a feasible therapeutic option, less invasive than conversion to open repair. This technique merits further study.

[Solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas. Report of a case]

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumour is an uncommon disease including 2.7% of exocrine malignancies of the pancreas. Its low incidence is associated with an uncertain prognosis and with difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problems, despite routine use of ultrasonography, TC and RMN. A case of solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumour in a young woman is reported: the clinicopathologic features, diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment are discussed. Surgery is the primary option. Prognosis is however not fully known. From a review of the literature it is suggested that these tumours should be regarded as potentially malignant.

Dissociation between carotid artery lesions and lipid parameters in recipients of successful kidney graft

BACKGROUND

The relationships between lipid levels and atherosclerotic lesions of carotid arteries in kidney graft recipients are still unclear.

METHODS

We evaluated carotid morphology in 53 recipients of functioning renal transplantation, and studied the relationship of carotid artery wall lesions with relevant clinical and laboratory risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The patients were on stable, cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive therapy.

RESULTS

The main clinical characteristics of patients were: age, 46.5 +/- 10.1 years; males/females, 40/13; body mass index, 25.8 +/- 4.4 kg/m2; duration of transplantation, 43 +/- 52 months. Ultrasonographic scanning of carotid arteries showed the presence of lesions (intimal-media thickness and/or plaque) in 28 patients (52.8%). These recipients differed from patients without carotid lesions in terms of age (50.4 +/- 9.0 vs 42.2 +/- 9.7 years, p < 0.01) and duration of pre-transplant dialysis (4.6 +/- 3.4 vs 2.3 +/- 1.9 years, p < 0.01), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed as for total cholesterol (230 +/- 44 vs 235 +/- 35 mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol (142 +/- 32 vs 143 +/- 30 mg/dl), HDL-cholesterol (52 +/- 12 vs 58 +/- 20 mg/dl) and triglycerides (178 +/- 94 vs 167 +/- 89 mg/dl). The percentage of post-transplant diabetes was 3-fold higher in patients with carotid lesions (25 vs 8%). No difference was observed as for the following parameters: body mass index, duration of transplantation, fibrinogen levels, DDimer concentrations, reactive C-protein values, prevalence of hypertension, percentage of smokers vs non-smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supports the view that carotid artery lesions in kidney graft recipients on stable, cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive therapy may not be related to circulating lipid values.

[Surgical complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy: results of a single center experience]

Pancreaticoduodenectomy represents the only therapeutic option for cefalo-pancreatic and periampullary cancers. Surgical and anaesthesiological techniques development over the last twenty years has granted an operative mortality decrease. However, surgical morbidity is still high, with an incidence of 30-50%. A 20 year experience of a single Centre is examined retrospectively: 121 patients underwent pancreatic resection with radical intent. Type of operation or re-operation, operative mortality within 30 days, general and surgical morbidity, postoperative hospital stay were analysed. Average recovery time was 24 days (range 12-65); operative mortality was 5.8% (7/121); general morbidity, including medical and surgical complications, was observed in 47 patients (38.8%). Pancreatic fistula occurred in 16 patients (13.2%); ten of these underwent a second operation. Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenctomy were divided as follows: 76 pts. received a pylours-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and 45 a Whipple's resection. Neither surgical complications incidence nor mortality rate were significantly different between the two groups. Postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy are still frequent and severe. In particular, pancreatic fistula represents the most relevant complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy. The Authors suggest that standard and meticulous surgical procedures together with continued efforts to improve postoperative follow-up, support early detection of complications and improvement of results in most patients.

General anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation without intubation for short-stay operations

BACKGROUND

The choice of the anesthetic technique plays a decisive role in the use of operating protocols in day hospital or short-stay given that full compliance with surgical needs must be associated with rapid recovery and the patient's renewed autonomy leading to discharge in total safety.

METHODS

The use of spontaneous ventilation general anesthesia without intubation is proposed for all operations not requiring muscular paralysis and where the patient's conditions are compatible. The authors describe the technique used and its utilisation in over 4,000 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery of the leg.

RESULTS

Using rapid clearance drugs with minimum metabolic involvement this anesthetic technique allows a full postoperative recovery within a short time and with no immediate or long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be used for short-stay or day-case surgery when concomitant with adequate surgical requirements.

Duplex ultrasonographic study of the renal arteries before and after renal artery stenting

The aim of our study was to evaluate feasibility and accuracy of colour-coded duplex US in the detection of renal artery stenosis before and after stenting. Eighty-four patients (23 women, 61 men; mean age 64 years) with significant renal artery stenosis were studied with Doppler US, before and after stenting. A combined anterior and translumbar approach was used to visualise the renal arteries. Renal artery stenosis and in-stent restenosis were proved by the increase of renal peak systolic velocity (PSV) and reno-aortic ratio (RAR). Laboratory-specific threshold values of PSV and RAR were used to assess sensitivity and specificity of Doppler US. The renal arteries were visualised in all patients (feasibility 100%). A statistically significant difference of PSV and RAR was demonstrated between patent and stenotic renal arteries, before stenting, and between stenotic and stented renal arteries. No difference was demonstrated in cases of in-stent restenosis ( n=21). Before stenting, sensitivity of PSV and RAR was 93%, whereas specificity rates were 92 and 96%, respectively. After stenting sensitivity and specificity rates were, respectively, 90 and 93% for PSV, and 95 and 95% for RAR. Doppler US represents a feasible and reliable technique in the detection of renal artery stenosis and in-stent restenosis, although laboratory-specific threshold values are required to improve its accuracy.

Renal artery stenting in patients with a solitary functioning kidney

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the results of renal artery stenting in patients with renovascular disease and a solitary functioning kidney.

METHODS

Palmaz stents were placed in 16 patients with a solitary functioning kidney, renal artery stenosis, hypertension and renal failure. Stenoses were evaluated with color Doppler ultrasound, MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Indications for stenting were: recoil after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) (63%), arterial dissection after PTRA (13%) and primary stenting (25%). Immediate results were evaluated by DSA. On follow-up (6-36 months), patients underwent periodical evaluation of clinical conditions (blood pressure and serum creatinine level) and stent patency, by means of color Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS

Stent placement was successful in all patients (100%). Cumulative primary patency rate was: 100% at 1 day, 93.75% at 6 months, 81.25% at 12 months and 75% at 24 months. A significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure occurred (mean +/- SD 104 +/- 6 vs 92 +/- 3; p < 0.05); renal function improved or stabilized in over 80% of patients. However, there was no significant difference in the creatinine values before and after treatment (mean +/- SD 200 +/- 142 micromol/l vs 197 +/- 182 micromol/l; p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Renal artery stenting, both after PTRA and as primary stenting, represents a safe procedure, able to preserve renal function in patients with a solitary functioning kidney.

[Central segmental pancreatectomy in benign and borderline neoplasms of the pancreatic isthmus and body]

We report our experience with middle segment pancreatectomy for benign, cystic and borderline tumours of the neck and body of the pancreas. The guidelines for management of these tumours are unclear. Formerly they were usually resected with a pancreatico-duodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy including the spleen. However, such operations may cause high morbidity, a notable wastage of normal tissue and an unnecessary risk of diabetes mellitus and splenic loss. Four patients (age range: 34-72 years) with tumours of the neck or body of the pancreas underwent a middle segmental pancreatectomy. The cephalic stump was sutured with duct ligation. The distal stump was anastomosed with a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop. Neither pancreatic fistulas nor operative death occurred in any of the patients. In 3 patients with serous cystadenoma and in one with mucinous cystadenoma, the tumours measured 3.5 to 7 cm in size. These were located in the neck and body of the pancreas and could not be safely enucleated without compromising the pancreatic duct. All tumours were resected with clear margins. The mean operative time was 230 minutes and the median postoperative hospital stay 14 days (range: 10-23 days). The patients have been followed up for five years after surgery and all are disease-free. None of the patients became diabetic or presented exocrine insufficiency. Middle segment pancreatectomy may be an appropriate technique for selected benign or borderline pancreatic tumours in the neck and body of the pancreas. This procedure has an acceptable surgical risk when compared to that of major pancreatic resections and preserves pancreatic function and the spleen.

Low-dose dobutamine responsiveness in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: relation to exercise capacity and clinical outcome

AIMS

To evaluate myocardial contractile reserve using low-dose dobutamine echocardiography in patients with chronic heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy stratified by peak exercise oxygen consumption (VO(2)).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty clinically stable patients (56+/-11 years; 45 males) with idiopathic cardiomyopathy and NYHA class I to III symptoms of heart failure were studied and followed-up for 13+/-3 months. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and low-dose dobutamine. The dobutamine infusion protocol consisted of an initial dose of 2.5 micro. kg(-1)per 3 min, increasing by 2.5 micro. kg(-1)per min every 3 min; the maximal dose was 10 micro. kg(-1)per min. The end-systolic volume index, left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac output were measured at baseline and peak dobutamine dose and their change calculated as ((peak dose value-baseline value)/baseline value]x100. Ten normal subjects with normal left ventricular function and no coronary artery lesions served as a control group to compare low-dose dobutamine results. All analysed echocardiographic variables either at baseline or following dobutamine infusion were significantly lower in patients with chronic heart failure as a whole compared to the control group. When the patients were grouped according to Weber's classification, a statistically significant decrease in percentange changes in end-systolic volume index (rho=-0.77;P<0.0001), left ventricular ejection fraction (rho=-0.72;P<0.0001) and cardiac output (rho=-0. 82;P<0.0001) from class A to class C was observed. The mean percentage decrease in end-systolic volume index following the dobutamine infusion was 28.7+/-9% in class A (peak VO(2)>20 ml. kg(-1). min(-1)), 18.6+/-8% in class B (peak VO(2)between 16 and 20 ml. kg. min(-1)), and only 6.4+/-6% in class C (peak VO(2)between 10 and 16 ml. kg(-1). min(-1)) patient groups. At multivariate analysis, only the percentage change in end-systolic volume index was significantly associated with a peak VO(2)<15 ml. kg(-1). min(-1)(P=0.006). During the follow-up, 17 patients had events (15 readmissions for worsening heart failure and two deaths). At multivariate analysis, only the percentage change in end-systolic volume index was significantly associated with the occurrence of events (P=0.003). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for percentage change in end-systolic volume index was not significantly different from that for peak VO(2)(0. 86+/-0.04 vs 0.80+/-0.06;P:ns).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that in patients with chronic heart failure secondary to idiopathic cardiomyopathy, the cardiac response to low-dose dobutamine, as assessed by echocardiography, is correlated with peak VO(2), an objective and accurate measure of the severity of the disease and clinical outcome.

Noninvasive assessment of renal artery stenosis: current imaging protocols and future directions in ultrasonography

Doppler ultrasound is one of many modalities that have been evaluated for the detection of renal artery stenosis. The lack of standardization in examination protocols and diagnostic criteria, as well as the wide differences in reported accuracy among different laboratories have, however, prevented universal acceptance of this technique as a reliable screening test for renal artery stenosis. The recent introduction of ultrasound contrast agents has substantially expanded the potential of color Doppler ultrasound. The use of microbubble echoenhancers in combination with harmonic Doppler imaging has been shown to improve diagnostic confidence by improving the operator's ability to visualize the renal arteries, and to significantly reduce the number of equivocal examinations. Moreover, contrast-enhanced Doppler ultrasound can provide functional information through analysis of renal time-intensity wash in/wash out curves. State-of-the-art contrast-enhanced Doppler ultrasound seems to have the potential to become a useful screening test for patients at risk from renovascular hypertension.

Urinary albumin excretion and atherosclerosis in essential hypertension

1. Increased urinary albumin excretion is common in patients with essential hypertension and is at least to some extent correlated with prevailing blood pressure levels. However, the generalized vascular dysfunction present in advanced atherosclerotic disease may independently influence this parameter. 2. To evaluate this possibility, we assessed blood pressure, ultrasonographic carotid thickness, cardiac mass, minimum forearm vascular resistances, metabolic parameters and the angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype in patients with untreated essential hypertension and atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease (n = 11). The results were compared with similar data obtained in matched groups of patients with uncomplicated hypertension and with normotensive control subjects (n = 11 per group). 3. Urinary albumin excretion was higher in hypertensive patients with atherosclerosis than in those without complications; carotid thickness was higher in atherosclerotic patients and a positive, statistically significant correlation existed between this parameter and urinary albumin excretion. In the same patient group, systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin and triacylglycerol levels were elevated and correlated with urinary albumin levels. However, differences in urinary albumin excretion persisted after taking into account the influence of those parameters by analysis of covariance. The distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype patterns and values of cardiac mass and minimum forearm vascular resistances did not differ significantly among the experimental groups. 4. The data suggest that vascular status may influence urinary albumin excretion in patients with essential hypertension, while confirming the importance of systolic blood pressure levels as a determinant of the raised urinary albumin excretion.

Peripheral ischemic occlusive arterial disease: comparison of color Doppler sonography and angiography

We examined 334 legs in 167 consecutive patients with advanced peripheral ischemic disease using color Doppler sonography and angiography. Angiography revealed 714 lesions (369 nonsignificant stenoses, 297 significant stenoses, and 48 occlusions) in the 334 legs examined. Overall, color Doppler sonography revealed diagnostic agreement with angiography in 668 of 714 lesions (93.5%), including 343 of 369 (92.9%) nonsignificant stenoses, 279 of 297 (93.9%) significant stenoses, and 46 of 48 (95.8%) occlusions. Overestimation occurred in 26 of 369 (7%) nonsignificant stenoses and 3 of 297 (1%) significant stenoses. Underestimation was observed in 15 of 297 (5%) significant stenoses and in 2 of 48 (4.2%) occlusions. Peak systolic velocity ratio correlated better (P < 0.01) than peak systolic velocity with diameter reduction percentage as assessed at angiography. Color Doppler sonography is an accurate noninvasive method for evaluating patients with peripheral ischemic disease.

[The imaging diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome: echography, sialography and scintigraphy compared in the study of the salivary glands]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasonography, in comparison with other methods of investigation (scintigraphy, sialography, and biopsy), in scanning morphostructural changes in the parotid gland in patient with Sjögren's syndrome. During the period June-October 1994, 34 patients (5 males and 29 females, age ranged between 20 and 88 years) with "sicca syndrome" underwent to echography, scintigraphy, sialography and biopsy. The diagnosis was confirmed or excluded using the European Community Epidemiologic Committee criteria for Sjögren's syndrome. Twenty-two patients out of 34 were affected by Sjögren's syndrome, while the others resulted as control subjects. The ultrasonographic investigation has shown 76.19% of sensitivity and 30.43% of specificity. Even if echography is a non-invasive method, which could be used as preliminary approach for studying the diffused involvement of the parotid gland, at the status of the art, it is not completely reliable for the global evaluation of the morphostructural changes in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, in comparison with the other techniques. Because of the double nature of the gland injury, it appears to be essential the diagnostic integration between echography and sialography.

Relationship between carotid wall thickness and forearm blood flow reserve in hypertension

BACKGROUND

The development of a reduced forearm blood flow reserve and an increased carotid intima media thickness is a well known consequence of the structural adaptation of arterioles and large arteries in response to hypertension. It is unknown, however, how those two processes relate to each other in the individual hypertensive patient.

METHODS

Minimal forearm vascular resistances (Rmin, the ratio of mean blood pressure to postischemic plethysmographic peak forearm blood flow), common carotid intima media thickness (IMT, high-resolution ultrasonography), blood pressure (indirect method), left ventricular mass, posterior wall and septum thickness (by echocardiography) and lipids were measured in 15 men with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension without evidence of atherosclerotic involvement of the carotid arteries, and in 14 normotensive controls with a similar age range.

RESULTS

Rmin and IMT were greater in hypertensives, and a statistically significant positive correlation existed between the two variables. Both Rmin and IMT correlated with left ventricular structure indices and blood pressure. Age showed a positive correlation with IMT, while lipids were unrelated to either parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

The micro- and macrovascular segments of the hypertensive circulation readapt in parallel in response to elevated blood pressure, possibly through the commensurate development of medial hypertrophy.

[Comparison of urokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator in transcatheter arterial fibrinolysis]

The transcatheter injection of fibrinolytic agents is now the treatment of choice of the acute occlusions of the peripheral arteries. We retrospectively compared the efficacy and safety of two fibrinolytic agents (urokinase and recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator) in 83 consecutive patients: 37 with occlusion of surgical bypass grafts, 36 with occlusion of atheromatous vessels, 5 with post-angioplasty occlusion, 2 with post-traumatic thrombosis, 2 with cardiogenic emboli and 1 with thrombophilia. Recanalization was achieved in 55 of 59 (93%) patients treated with urokinase and in 21 of 24 (88%) patients treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (p > 0.05). The latter provided a more rapid recanalization than urokinase but was also responsible for the complications observed in all 10 (12%) patients. These results indicate that urokinase is to be preferred to recombinant tissue type plasminogen activator for routine arterial transcatheter fibrinolysis.

[Abdominal Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renovascular diseases. Double-blind prospective study]

Our work was aimed at evaluating the sensitivity and specificity and the positive and negative predictive values of abdominal Doppler US in the diagnosis of renovascular disease. Fifty hypertensive patients (23 men and 27 women) with 100 bilaterally single renal arteries (66 of them normal and 34 stenosed) were studied by means of color (26 cases) and duplex (24 cases) Doppler US. The following US variables were considered in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis: increased peak systolic velocity in the renal artery, increased ratio between peak systolic velocity in the renal artery and in the aorta, increased parenchymal acceleration time and increased resistive index. Feasibility was 100% for all variables. The general multivariate statistic model of discriminate analysis was used to define three calculation levels, according to: a) duplex vs. color Doppler equipment, b) hemodynamic variables and c) optimal cutoff values. US examinations were performed by a single observer in a double-blind study, before angiography, so as to eliminate interobserver variability. On the whole abdominal Doppler US exhibited optimal specificity and fairly good sensitivity. Specificity increased (94% to 97%) with the use of color Doppler according to the different combinations of variables, but sensitivity remained the same. The calculation including all the Doppler variables increased sensitivity from 73% (with true values) to 93% (with threshold values). The positive predictive value demonstrated that 90% of the renal arteries with increased peak systolic velocity and 100% of those with increased parenchymal acceleration time were stenosed. However, the negative predictive value demonstrated that 15% of the renal arteries with no increase in peak systolic velocity is misdiagnosed as normal. In conclusion, abdominal Doppler US can be used to study renovascular disease patients, but the examination must always be based on different hemodynamic variables and true values.

Seronegative spondylarthropathy without spine involvement in Behçet's syndrome

The case of a 49-year-old man affected by Behçet's syndrome (BS) without any clinical or radiological evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, exhibiting a peripheral enthesitis typical of seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA) is reported. The diagnosis of SpA is supported by computed tomographic evidence of sacroiliitis. This case confirms our hypothesis that patients with BS may have other forms of SpA than AS.

[Echography and echo-Doppler in the study of thoracic outlet syndrome. Correlation with angiographic data]

This study was aimed at assessing the clinical utility of conventional and color duplex-Doppler US in the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. Conventional US and Doppler examinations were performed in a prospective study. The results were correlated with angiographic findings. Thirteen patients affected with thoracic outlet syndrome were studied by means of both conventional US and spectral Doppler flow imaging. Five cases (5/13) had neurovascular symptoms in the right upper limbs, 7/13 in the left upper limbs and 1/13 in both upper limbs. An accessory cervical rib was demonstrated in 2/13 cases (associated with muscular hypertrophy in one case and bilateral in the other), by means of plain films of the spine. Conventional US depicted muscular hypertrophy in 7/13 cases--bilateral in one case and monolateral in 6/13 cases, with marked muscular asymmetry. In 5/13 cases, no bone/muscle anomalies were demonstrated. The patients with an accessory cervical rib and scalenus muscle hypertrophy were seen to exhibit two types of hemodynamic alterations in the subclavian artery--i.e., turbulence and changes in the systolic window with no increase in peak systolic velocity in 5/13 cases with mild stenosis, normal or reduced peak systolic velocity with changes in the reversed flow in 3/13 cases with mild/medium-grade stenosis, either during indifferent position or after dynamic tests. In 2/13 patients with no bone/muscle alterations, turbulence was demonstrated in the subclavian artery. However, in 3/13 cases Doppler US revealed no arterial flow abnormalities--3/13 false negatives relative to mild vascular compression. Selective arteriography demonstrated vascular alterations in the subclavian artery in all cases, with or without Doppler anomalies; while angiography was often positive during hyperabduction maneuvers color duplex Doppler demonstrated hemodynamic alterations at rest with indifferent position of the upper limb. In conclusion, conventional US allowed the evaluation of the thickness of both anterior and middle scalene muscles and of possible muscular asymmetries. Color duplex Doppler US demonstrated primary and secondary alterations in the subclavian artery or vein. Therefore, conventional US, duplex and color Doppler prove to be valuable non-invasive tools in the patients with neurovascular symptoms in the upper limbs and could allow the selection of the cases to submit to arteriography.

[Echography in neoplasms of the mesopharynx and the larynx]

Laryngeal and mesopharyngeal cancers are usually diagnosed by means of endoscopy which, however, fails to demonstrate tumor spread to adjacent structures. Aim of the present work is to assess the role of US in the evaluation of these lesions, relative to the demonstration of both the primary tumor with its local spread and metastases. This could help choose the correct therapeutic approach and select the patients ineligible for surgery to treat with chemo-/radiotherapy. Twenty-seven patients underwent US: 9 had mesopharyngeal and 5 supraglottic cancers, 11 had glottic and 2 subglottic lesions. With the only exception of subglottic cancers, US always demonstrated the primary tumor and its spread to anterior and posterior perilaryngeal structures. Moreover, node involvement could be studied. US proved uninformative in demonstrating the posterolateral laryngeal walls, the subglottic area, the presence of deep lymph nodes and the retrocartilaginous structures when associated with calcifications of the thyroid cartilage. In summary, we believe that US can be useful as the first-step imaging modality to stage laryngeal and mesopharyngeal cancers and to follow the patients submitted to chemo-/radiotherapy.

[Hemophilic arthropathy: echography and radiology]

Our experience is reported with the combined use of radiology and US in the study of 210 joints of hemophilic patients. The study was carried out considering that in hemophilia the classification of the grades of disease generally relies upon X-ray findings which, although reliable in the advanced stages of the disease, appear inadequate in the early stages. In fact, synovial hypertrophy, cartilage erosions and initial subchondral cysts are most often missed on X-ray films. In the examined cases, US was employed to evaluate: 1) the degree of synovial hypertrophy, 2) the status of the explorable cartilage, 3) the presence of effusions and 4) the status of bone linings--whenever erosions, even of minimal extent, were suspected, X-rays were always performed and the results employed as the reference standard. The examined joints did not exhibit the same grade of involvement: the knee, elbow and ankle had advanced arthropathy in 85% of cases, corresponding to > or = 7 according to Pettersson score. On the contrary, the shoulder and hip were found to be equally involved either by initial (Pettersson score: 0-6) or by advanced arthropathy (Pettersson score: > or = 7). Moreover, in nearly 10% of the cases, hemarthrosis was found which showed no correlation with the grade of joint involvement. Our results indicate that: 1) US appears very useful in the early stages of the disease when the X-ray picture is negative or poorly significant. The demonstration of early alterations is useful mainly in those cases in whom synoviectomy is considered (for prevention); the latter is useful only if performed before cartilage erosion appear; 2) US appears equally useful in hemarthrosis cases, especially in those of limited extent in which the clinical therapeutic management may be difficult; 3) US appears unnecessary in the cases of advanced arthropathy in which X-rays serve as the reference standard.

[Echography in the study of lipomas of superficial soft tissues]

High-resolution sonography (US) was used to evaluate 47 superficial soft tissue lipomas. Forty-one lesions were found in subcutaneous tissues and 6 in superficial muscles. The lipomas were classified by location, shape, echotexture, homogeneity and US beam attenuation values. Moreover, 21 lipomas underwent histology and histologic patterns were correlated with echogenicity. Most lesions were elongated and their greatest diameter was parallel to the skin. Eighty-four percent exhibited well-defined margins. Twenty-six percent of the lipomas were hypoechoic, 24% were isoechoic, 34% hyperechoic and 16% exhibited a mixed pattern. In 27% of cases, a hypoechoic capsule was present. Superficial soft tissue lipomas exhibit unsteady echotexture: most of them are hyperechoic. The correlation between echotexture and histology showed that no typical and steady patterns can be identified, since lipomas vary from a histologic point of view. The clinical diagnosis of superficial lipomas is based on clinical history and the palpation of a well-defined, mobile and soft superficial mass. When palpation is not diagnostic, US can be used to rule out a cyst. An elongated isoechoic or hyperechoic mass in the subcutaneous tissue should suggest a lipoma, whereas a hypoechoic mass is associated with a broader range of differential diagnoses, including malignant tumors. However, malignant masses are not likely to have an elongated or flattened shape. Even though tissue characterization is less specific with US than with CT and MRI, the former method is quick, easy and less expensive and, thanks to high-frequency transducers, is also well-suited to diagnose soft tissue lipomas.

[Renal artery stenosis. Doppler color study before and after angioplasty]

Doppler flowmetry can be successfully employed to assess arterial patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The aim of this study was to assess color Doppler sensitivity in detecting renal artery stenosis prior to percutaneous angioplasty (PTRA) and vessel patency after it. Eleven patients (7 males and 4 females) affected with renal artery stenosis, unilateral in 9 cases and bilaterally in 2, underwent color-Doppler evaluation 1 day before and 7 days after PTRA. The operator was unaware of dilatation results. A total of 13 stenoses were treated. The qualitative and quantitative parameters we employed were: a) broadening of the spectrum, b) peak systolic frequency > 4000 Hz, c) stenosis index > 50%. Before PTRA, mean systolic peak at the stenosis was 7978 (range 4050-12500 Hz), while stenosis index was 71.9% (range 48-89%). After PTRA complete recovery was observed in 5 cases, no improvement in 1 and incomplete recovery in 7. Doppler results were in agreement with those of angiography in 6/13 while partial agreement only was seen in 7/13. Our results, although obtained in a small and highly selected group of patients, would seem to support the value of color-Doppler for the follow-up of patients after PTRA.

[Computerized tomography of the orbit in Graves' ophthalmopathy. New observations]

In order to evaluate Graves' ophthalmopathy new CT parameters have been introduced such as: the diameters of the five extraocular muscles, the value of their addition, the grade of apical crowding, the enlargement of optic nerve sheaths and of the superior ophthalmic vein, and the anterior displacement of the lacrimal gland. On this subject we report our further experience after reviewing 68 cases in which the new ocular parameters were correlated with altered ocular motility and optic neuropathy. The results confirmed our previous study, dealing with several groups of patients, which at the moment seem to be 2, instead of 3 groups: a) patients with increase in both muscular and fatty tissue (54/68 cases); b) patients with main or exclusive increase in fatty tissue (14/68 cases). Relevant clinical signs were present only in the first group of patients, where the medial, inferior and superior muscles were affected in 53/55, 53/55 and 50/55 cases respectively. A muscle increase by nearly 50% was more frequently found in cases with altered ocular motility, an increase by 90% was often associated with optic neuropathy. In case of optic neuropathy apical crowding was often observed, mainly in coronal scans, together with significant enlargement of the optic nerve sheath and of the superior ophthalmic vein. As to proptosis, preseptal area and anterior displacement of the lacrimal gland, they demonstrated lower correlation with the reference symptoms, even though their occurrence was high in symptomatic patients.

[Solitary intraductal papilloma of the breast. An echographic study of 12 cases]

Solitary intraductal papillomas (SIP) of the breast are relatively common lesions (incidence: 2-3%) originating from proximal ducts or from retroareolar lactiferous ducts. This work was aimed at evaluating the diagnostic reliability of US in the diagnosis of this condition and at discussing the differential diagnosis with similar focal lesions. Twelve cases of SIP were diagnosed with US among 31 selected female patients (aged 16-35 years) who had been referred for serohematic discharging breast and/or palpable nodules. All cases had surgical confirmation. US patterns typical of SIP were: 1) solid hypoechoic nodules with peripheral anechoic areas (7 cases); 2) small papillary excrescences within a cystic cavity, corresponding to papillary cystadenocarcinoma (4 cases); 3) periareolar overdistended ducts filled with dense material (1 case). Surgery was performed directly in 8 patients with positive cytology while mammography, ductography and fine-needle biopsy were performed in the extant 4 patients with negative or questionable cytologic findings. US combined with cytologic samples allowed the correct diagnosis to be made in 8 of 12 cases (66%): this is noteworthy when considering the low reliability of mammography in young patients and the poor tolerance to ductography in general. US allows the differential diagnosis with other focal lesions and subsequently helps shorten the diagnostic route.

[Double-contrast enema. Study of the mucosal pattern and the organ profile with conventional and digital methods]

A solid state digital system (FCR 101) was employed in our comparative evaluation of the image quality of conventional versus digital techniques in the study of colon by means of double-contrast enema. Sixty patients were examined with a single AP view, using digital radiography with 100% radiation dose and progressive 50% and 75% reductions; the radiographs thus obtained were then compared with the corresponding conventional ones. The examined parameters were organ profile and mucosal pattern. Each digital and conventional radiograph was evaluated by 2 independent radiologists and a value was given to each parameter i.e., 1 = good, 2 = sufficient, 3 = insufficient. Upon comparison of the average values obtained for digital and conventional radiographs in optimal conditions and with a dose reduced by 50%, the digital technique was seen to give a more detailed and accurate representation of both low-contrast mucosal pattern and of organ profile. With the dose reduced by 75%, a slight increase was observed in background noise which caused a slight loss in image definition, but this did not reduce image readability with respect to conventional radiographs. To conclude, the digital method with a 50% exposure reduction is to be preferred in the examination of the colon, especially in pediatric radiology; furthermore, since this technique allows better detailing at lower contrast, it is to be preferred in the study of the pathologic conditions affecting mainly/only the mucosal pattern--e.g., cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and so on. An exposure dose reduced by 75% may be used for following lesions previously diagnosed and when a less detailed depiction of the mucosal pattern is enough.

[Digital videoradiography applied to the study of the recto-anal region during defecography]

The authors have employed a real-time fluoroscopic computerized equipment during defecography. Digitalized images were acquired at a rate of three frames/s and then processed and became immediately available. Digital defecography was employed in 67 patients with various anorectal diseases--i.e., rectocele, descending perineum, rectal prolapse, non-relaxing puborectalis syndrome and fecal incontinence. We found time-interval difference (TID) technique especially useful for it allowed different functional phases of defecation to be depicted on a single subtracted image and an evaluation of the movements of anorectal region. The high contrast resolution of the computerized equipment demonstrated even minimal contrast medium leaks in fecal incontinence. The examination is easy and rapid to perform with a low radiation dose to the patients.

[Impact of high resolution computerized tomography on the clinical assessment of pulmonary interstitial diseases]

Our purpose is to define the morphological patterns of interstitial lung disease on CT and to evaluate the diagnostic impact of high-resolution technique (HRCT). Sixty-six consecutive patients with proven interstitial lung disease were considered in our study. The basic morphological patterns include: a) large reticular pattern (10-25 mm); b) small reticular pattern (2-3 mm); c) intermediate reticular pattern (5-10 mm) with cystic dilatation of distal airspaces; d) nodular pattern; e) high-density parenchymal areas. Topography of the involved areas (peripheral, middle and axial compartments), and lesion distribution with reference to the secondary pulmonary lobule (centrilobular, perilobular, panlobular, bronchovasal) are additional diagnostic criteria. The identification and correlation of these three parameters proved very useful in limiting the range of diagnostic possibilities to interstitial disease, obviously considering clinical data. In our series a correct CT diagnosis was obtained in 57 of 66 cases (86.36%). In 24 of them (36.34%) diagnosis corrected a previous erroneous or generic clinical suspicion. Our data suggest that HRCT is indicated in interstitial lund disease when neither clinical nor radiographic findings allow a specific diagnosis to be made.

[Digital cystography in the evaluation of vesico-ureteral reflux in childhood]

The use of digital subtraction in voiding cystourethrography allows an accurate evaluation of the continence-micturition cycle. Fifty-two children with recurrent urinary tract infections were studied. The examination was easily performed, and it resulted useful in both detecting and characterizing vesicoureteral reflux. Even though it does not increase diagnostic sensitivity, digital voiding cystourethrography is useful in demonstrating the onset of vesicoureteral reflux, as related to the different phase of micturition. As far as radiation exposure is concerned, the technique, so far performed on children, appears to be a valid alternative to urodynamic studies.

Digital subtraction radiography in voiding cystourethrography

Digital subtraction radiography (DRS) was utilized to evaluate the anatomy and function of the bladder and urethra. Images were obtained in 30 patients, following urography or retrograde cystography, with full bladder distention and during different phases of micturition. The technique permits good demonstration of several anatomical and functional parameters (lowering of bladder base; dynamic origin of trigonal canal; rotation of the urethra; bladder wall motion).