Indirect MR arthrography with supplementary images obtained with patients in the ABER position significantly improved sensitivity and increased diagnostic confidence for partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Interobserver agreement was improved for both full- and partial-thickness tears.

MR-guided balloon dilation of femoral and popliteal artery stenoses supported by real-time MR imaging and intra-arterial MR angiography is feasible with commercially available materials.

Minimally invasive therapy using low-profile stent grafts is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of delayed visceral arterial hemorrhage following Whipple's procedure. The technique is a promising alternative to standard procedures such as surgical repair or embolization.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate coil corrosion and the long-term outcome after peripheral vascular embolization therapy performed with tungsten coils. We studied 14 patients who received tungsten coils on an average of 26 months prior to follow-up. The protocol included plain radiography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography to investigate corrosion of tungsten coils and recanalization of the embolized vessels. Whole blood, hair, and urine tungsten levels were assayed when available. Corrosion of tungsten coils was detected in 9 of 14 patients by plain radiography. No evidence of recanalization of the embolized vessel and no adverse clinical effects of tungsten resorption were detected. Blood levels of tungsten were elevated in 6 of 14 patients and urine levels of tungsten were elevated in all 12 patients tested. Tungsten coil corrosion and elevated tungsten levels in blood, hair, and urine were found in most patients, although no adverse clinical effects of tungsten resorption were detected. Since the overall effect of high tungsten blood levels remains unclear, its use as an implant should be avoided.

Background: A free-flap graft refers to the free transfer of tissue to cover tissue defects caused by trauma or malperfusion in plastic surgery. The basic principle, which makes a free flap working is an adequate blood flow. We applied new techniques which are able to detect the blood flow of the anastomosis and of dermal and subdermal tissue layers in a reliable way.Methods: To this end we applied innovative Ultrasound-techniques (contrast enhanced high resolution Ultrasound (US), color coded Doppler sonography (CCDS), Cross Beam™, Power Doppler, Tissue Harmonic Imaging™ (THI), Speckle Reduction Imaging™ (SRI)), as well as the Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence angiography to evaluate the vascular integrity of 15 parascapular flaps implanted to the fore foot over a period of four years. The age of the subjects ranged from 16 to 60 years. The US machine (GE Logiq 9) was equipped with a Logiq 9L transducer (6-9 MHz) and the modalities of CHI (Contrast Harmonic Imaging) and True Agent Detection (dual view of B-Mode and contrast mode).Results: The borders of the investigated flaps could be best detected using Cross Beam™ Technology with SRI™ and THI™. Power Doppler was able to detect anastomotic vessels even if they were twisted or elongated. Reduced perfusion curves were seen in cases with low anastomotic flow in CCDS. The CHI™ allowed dynamic flow detection of the microcirculation of the tissue graft over a depth of up to 3 cm including quantitative perfusion curves of tissue microcirculation by using TIC™ analysis. There is a strong correlation between the perfusion indices measured by ICG fluorescence angiography and CHI™. Furthermore the ICG showed a remarkable enhancement of fluorescence in the flap borders, which need to be explored in future investigations.Conclusion: These new applications provide useful and effective methods for improved postoperative monitoring of free flaps in plastic surgery and can lead to substantial reduction in the overall risk of flap failure.

MR-guided balloon dilatation of femoral and popliteal artery stenoses supported by real time imaging and intraarterial MR angiography is feasible with commercially available materials in the above mentioned way.