54 research outputs found
MRI of female genital tract congenital anomalies: European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines
OBJECTIVE: To develop imaging guidelines for the MR work-up of female genital tract congenital anomalies (FGTCA). METHODS: These guidelines were prepared based on a questionnaire sent to all members of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Female Pelvic Imaging Working Group (FPI-WG), critical review of the literature and expert consensus decision. RESULTS: The returned questionnaires from 17 different institutions have shown reasonable homogeneity of practice. Recommendations with focus on patient preparation and MR protocol are proposed, as these are key to optimised examinations. Details on MR sequences and planning of uterus-orientated sequences are provided. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplanar capabilities and soft tissue resolution of MRI provide superb characterisation of the wide spectrum of findings in FGTCA. A standardised imaging protocol and method of reporting ensures that the salient features are recognised, contributing to a correct diagnosis and classification of FGTCA, associated anomalies and complications. These imaging guidelines are based on current practice among expert radiologists in the field and incorporate up to date information regarding MR protocols and essentials of recently published classification systems. KEY POINTS: * MRI allows comprehensive evaluation of female genital tract congenital anomalies, in a single examination. * A dedicated MRI protocol comprises uterus-orientated sequences and vaginal and renal evaluation. * Integration of classification systems and structured reporting helps in successful communication of the imaging findings
Staging of uterine cervical cancer with MRI: guidelines of the european society of urogenital radiology
Objective: To design clear guidelines for the
staging and follow-up of patients with uterine cervical
cancer, and to provide the radiologist with a framework for
use in multidisciplinary conferences. Methods: Guidelines
for uterine cervical cancer staging and follow-up were
defined by the female imaging subcommittee of the ESUR
(European Society of Urogenital Radiology) based on the
expert consensus of imaging protocols of 11 leading
institutions and a critical review of the literature. Results:
The results indicated that high field Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) should include at least two T2-weighted
sequences in sagittal, axial oblique or coronal obliqu
European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines: MR imaging of leiomyomas
Objective The aim of the Female Pelvic Imaging Working Group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) was to develop imaging guidelines for MR work-up in patients with known or suspected uterine leiomyomas. Methods Guidelines for imaging uterine leiomyomas were defined based on a survey distributed to all members of the working group, an expert consensus meeting at European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2017 and a critical review of the literature. Results The 25 returned questionnaires as well as the expert consensus meeting have shown reasonable homogeneity of practice among institutions. Expert consensus and literature review lead to an optimized MRI protocol to image uterine leiomyomas. Recommendations include indications for imaging, patient preparation, MR protocols and reporting criteria. The incremental value of functional imaging (DWI, DCE) is highlighted and the role of MR angiography discussed. Conclusions MRI offers an outstanding and reproducible map of the size, site and distribution of leiomyomas. A standardised imaging protocol and method of reporting ensures that the salient features are recognised. These imaging guidelines are based on the current practice among expert radiologists in the field of female pelvic imaging and also incorporate essentials of the current published MR literature of uterine leiomyomas
Workplace experience of radiographers: impact of structural and interpersonal interventions
PURPOSE: Within the framework of organisational development, an assessment of the workplace experience of radiographers (RGs) was conducted. The aims of this study were to develop structural and interpersonal interventions and to prove their effectiveness and feasibility. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of work-related factors, e.g. time management and communication, and two validated instruments (Workplace Analysis Questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale) was distributed to all RGs (n = 33) at baseline (T1). Interventions were implemented and a follow-up survey (T2) was performed 18 months after the initial assessment. RESULTS: At T1, areas with highest dissatisfaction were communication and time management for ambulant patients (bad/very bad, 57% each). The interventions addressed adaptation of work plans, coaching in developing interpersonal and team leadership skills, and regular team meetings. The follow-up survey (T2) showed significantly improved communication and cooperation within the team and improved qualification opportunities, whereas no significant changes could be identified in time management and in the workplace-related scales 'effort' expended at work and 'reward' received in return for the effort. CONCLUSION: Motivating workplace experience is important for high-level service quality and for attracting well-qualified radiographers to work at a place and to stay in the team for a longer period
Micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) as a potential tool to assess the effect of dynamic coating routes on the formation of biomimetic apatite layers on 3D-plotted biodegradable polymeric scaffolds
This work studies the influence of dynamic
biomimetic coating procedures on the growth of bonelike
apatite layers at the surface of starch/polycaprolactone
(SPCL) scaffolds produced by a 3D-plotting technology.
These systems are newly proposed for bone Tissue Engineering
applications. After generating stable apatite layers
through a sodium silicate-based biomimetic methodology the
scaffolds were immersed in Simulated Body Fluid solutions
(SBF) under static, agitation and circulating flow perfusion
conditions, for different time periods. Besides the typical
characterization techniques, Micro-Computed Tomography
analysis (μ-CT) was used to assess scaffold porosity and as a
new tool for mapping apatite content. 2D histomorphometric
analysis was performed and 3D virtual models were created
using specific softwares for CT reconstruction. By the proposed
biomimetic routes apatite layers were produced covering
the interior of the scaffolds, without compromising their
overall morphology and interconnectivity. Dynamic conditions
allowed for the production of thicker apatite layers as
consequence of higher mineralizing rates, when comparing
with static conditions. μ-CT analysis clearly demonstrated
that flow perfusion was the most effective condition in order
to obtain well-defined apatite layers in the inner parts
of the scaffolds. Together with SEM, this technique was a useful complementary tool for assessing the apatite content
in a non-destructive way
Role of MRI in staging and follow-up of endometrial and cervical cancer:pitfalls and mimickers
Abstract MRI plays important roles in endometrial and cervical cancer assessment, from detection to recurrent disease evaluation. Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignant tumor of the female genital tract in Western countries. EC patients are divided into risk categories based on histopathological tumor type, grade, and myometrial invasion depth. EC is surgically staged using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system. Since FIGO (2009) stage correlates with prognosis, preoperative staging is essential for tailored treatment. MRI reveals myometrial invasion depth, which correlates with tumor grade and lymph node metastases, and thus correlates with prognosis. Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer-related death among females in developing countries. The FIGO Gynecologic Oncology Committee recently revised its CC staging guidelines, allowing staging based on imaging and pathological findings when available. The revised FIGO (2018) staging includes node involvement and thus enables both therapy selection and evaluation, prognosis estimation, and calculation of end results. MRI can accurately assess prognostic indicators, e.g., tumor size, parametrial invasion, pelvic sidewall, and lymph node invasion. Despite these important roles of MRI, radiologists still face challenges due to the technical and interpretation pitfalls of MRI during all phases of endometrial and cervical cancer evaluation. Awareness of mimics that can simulate both cancers is critical. With careful application, functional MRI with DWI and DCE sequences can help establish a correct diagnosis, although it is sometimes necessary to perform biopsy and histopathological analysis
Cross-sectional imaging of complicated urinary infections affecting the lower tract and male genital organs
Mucinous spherulosis of the breast : a case report of a potentially under-recognized lesion with mammographic and immunohistochemical findings
Original report. Fetal cardiographic monitoring during 1.5-T MR imaging
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report was to determine the feasibility of fetal cardiotocography during MR imaging and the safety of 1.5-T MR imaging on the basis of fetal heart activity and fetal movements. CONCLUSION: Fetal cardiotocography is feasible during MR imaging using modified standard equipment. The use of 1.5-T MR imaging appears to be safe and to have no negative short-term effects on the heart rate or movement incidence of healthy third-trimester fetuses under our experimental conditions
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