Aktuelle Radiol

[Single shot MRI cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with a fast acquisition spin echo sequence (FASE). Replacement of ERCP?]

Year 1998
Schulte B. Beyer D. Wedekind G. Meuser W.
Institut fur Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie.
PURPOSE: 118 Patients with suspected obstruction of the biliary tract of pancreatic duct were examined to evaluate the accuracy of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in comparison with diagnostic findings in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Using a 0.5-Tesla MR imaging system (FLEXART, Toshiba) and a QD body-coil, a recently developed heavily T2-weighted fast acquisition spin echo sequence (FASE) was applied. In this FASE sequence two significant features are implemented. A fast spin-echo (SE) sequence allows a large number of echos and conjugate K-space filling speeds up data acquisition. Thus, the acquisition time of single-shot breath-hold images takes only 3 seconds, which makes MRCP a feasible technique even in elderly or suffering patients. There is no need for time-consuming postprocessing procedures. RESULTS: In all MRCP examinations images of satisfactory quality were obtained. In cases of obstruction of the biliary or pancreatic duct, locations and lengths of stenoses were correctly demonstrated. Gallstones within the gallbladder or in the extrahepatic bile ducts were also properly visualised in MRCP. Stenoses caused by non-depicted pancreatic carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, or segmental pancreatitis were reliably shown. CONCLUSION: Even if MRCP will not replace ERCP, a number of clinical applications for non-invasive MRCP examination arise: primary diagnosis in patients with obstructive jaundice, obstruction of the biliary or pancreatic duct, if ERCP is not possible due to anatomic reason and in patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

[Intrafascial hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle as a complication after laparoscopic operations]

Year 1998
Pennekamp W. Barbera L.
Radiologische Universitatsklinik, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum.
We report on two patients with intrafascial hematoma of the musculus rectus abdominis following laparoscopic operations. One patient was operated on a stenosis of the common iliac artery for an aortofemoral bypass. The other patient was operated on an inguinal hernia. Only a CT scan of the abdomen led to the correct diagnosis, because the use of ultrasound was limited by pneumoperitoneum and bandages, and retroperitoneal bleeding could not be recognized. Computed tomography is a valid method for detecting this complication of laparoscopic surgery.

[Does angiographic localization of bleeding affect the management and mortality in gastrointestinal hemorrhage of unknown origin?]

Year 1998
Heider J. Layer G. Textor HJ. Schild HH.
Radiologische Klinik, Universitat Bonn.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of angiography on patient management and mortality in patients with GIB of unknown origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 88 angiographies were performed in 74 patients with GIB of unknown origin (18 upper gastrointestinal tract [GIT]), 35 lower GIT. 21 unknown localisation) and were evaluated retrospectively in regard to the influence on patient management and clinical outcome. RESULTS: After unsuccessful endoscopic diagnosis, angiography shows a sensitivity of 60% in the acute phase of GIB. Once the GIB had stopped the sensitivity was 14%. Following angiographic localisation, patients were more commonly treated surgically (71% vs. 44.5%) and subsequently had a lower rate of persistent or recurring bleeding (15% vs. 37.5%) as well as a lower event related mortality (10.5% vs. 25%). Patients with angiographic localisation of the bleeding site had a better outcome than patients with unsuccessful bleeding localisation, with regard to both surgical (85% vs. 62.5%) and conservative (100% vs. 85%) treatment. CONCLUSION: Angiographic localisation should be attempted in all cases of unknown GI-bleeding after endoscopic methods have been unsuccessful or ambiguous, because such a procedure has a positive effect on patient management and outcome. Moreover, angiography also offers therapeutic options.