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The purpose was to evaluate low-dose CT colonography without cathartic cleansing in terms of image quality, polyp visualization and patient acceptance. Sixty-one patients scheduled for colonoscopy started a low-fiber diet, lactulose and amidotrizoic-acid for fecal tagging 2 days prior to the CTscan (standard dose, 5.8-8.2 mSv). The original raw data of 51 patients were modified and reconstructed at simulated 2.3 and 0.7 mSv levels. Two observers evaluated the standard dose scan regarding image quality and polyps. A third evaluated the presence of polyps at all three mSv levels in a blinded prospective way. All observers were blinded to the reference standard: colonoscopy. At three times patients were given questionnaires relating to their experiences and preference. Image quality was sufficient in all patients, but significantly lower in the cecum, sigmoid and rectum. The two observers correctly identified respectively 10/15 (67%) and 9/15 (60%) polyps ≥10 mm, with 5 and 8 false-positive lesions (standard dose scan). Dose reduction down to 0.7 mSv was not associated with significant changes in diagnostic value (polyps ≥10 mm). Eighty percent of patients preferred CT colonography and 13% preferred colonoscopy (P<0.001). CT colonography without cleansing is preferred to colonoscopy and shows sufficient image quality and moderate sensitivity, without impaired diagnostic value at dose-levels as low as 0.7 mSv.

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External phased-array MRI is comparable to endoanal MRI in depicting external anal sphincter atrophy and, thereby, in selecting patients for anal sphincter repair. Because results among interpreters varied considerably depending on the experience level, both techniques can be recommended in the diagnostic workup of fecal incontinence only if sufficient experience is available.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to retrospectively compare accuracy of single magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography series in Abduction External Rotation (ABER) with conventional MR arthrography for detection and characterisation of anteroinferior labroligamentous lesions, with arthroscopy as reference standard. Interobserver variability of both protocols was determined. Methods and materials Institutional review board approval was obtained; informed consent was waived. MR arthrograms, including oblique axial fat suppressed T1-weighted images in ABER position and conventional imaging directions of 250 patients (170 men, 80 women; mean age, 36 years), were retrospectively and independently evaluated by three reviewers. Reviewers were blinded to clinical information and arthroscopic results. Labroligamentous lesions were registered in both ABER and MRa. The lesions were sub-classified (Bankart, Perthes, anterior labrum periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) or lesions not otherwise specified). Inter-observer agreement was assessed by Kappa statistics for all 250 patients. Ninety-two of 250 patients underwent arthroscopy. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ABER versus conventional MR arthrography were calculated and compared using paired McNemar test.Results Kappa values of the ABER and conventional MR arthrography ranged from 0.44 to 0.56 and 0.44 to 0.62, respectively. According to arthroscopy, 45 of 92 patients had an intact anteroinferior labrum, and in 44 patients, a labroligamentous lesion (eight Bankart, seven Perthes, 29 ALPSA and three lesions not otherwise specified) was diagnosed. There were no statistically significant differences between ABER and conventional MR arthrography regarding sensitivity (85-89%, 89-96%), specificity (82-91%, 84-89%) and overall accuracy (50-62%, 53-63%). Conclusion The results of a single MR arthrography series in ABER position are comparable with those of conventional MR arthrography for detecting anteroinferior labroligamentous lesions.

Objective To assess maximal volume reduction of leiomyomas and uterus and the duration of treatment required to reach these reductions with daily GnRH antagonist treatment. Design Prospective, open-label study.Setting Large teaching hospital in The Netherlands.Population Premenopausal women with symptomatic fibroids, who were scheduled for surgery.Methods Twenty women were treated with daily 2 mg of subcutaneous ganirelix. Prior to the first injection and weekly during treatment, the volume of leiomyomas and the uterus were assessed by ultrasound (USS) and serum hormones were measured. Prior to treatment and when maximal size reduction was observed by USS, the volume of the leiomyomas and the uterus were also assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Main outcome measures Leiomyoma and uterine size reduction, time to maximal reduction.Results One woman was excluded from the study due to incorrect administration dose of ganirelix. Data on the remaining 19 women (average age 39 years) with subserosal (n ¼ 9), submucosal (n ¼ 7), intramural (n ¼ 10) and transmural (n ¼ 1) leiomyomas were evaluated. Baseline leiomyoma volumes ranged from small (3 -4 mL) to large (>1000 mL). The median duration of treatment up to maximal leiomyoma size reduction was 19 days (range 1 -65 days). The maximal size reduction in leiomyomas measured by USS was À42.7% (À77.0% to 14.1%) and À29.2% (À62.2% to 35.6%) by MRI. Comparable uterine size reductions of À46.6% (À78.6% to À6.1%) and À25.2% (À63.6% to 28.9%) were observed by USS and MRI. During the first three weeks of treatment, 8 out of 19 women reported adverse events related to the induced hypoestrogenic state. Most of these events resolved within one week after treatment was discontinued. Conclusion Daily treatment with 2 mg of ganirelix results in rapid reduction of leiomyoma and uterine volume in premenopausal women with minor side effects. If longer-acting GnRH antagonists become available, pretreatment with GnRH antagonist should be preferred over GnRH agonists prior to surgery.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate sensitivity and specificity of a single magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography series in abduction external rotation (ABER) position compared with conventional MR arthrography for detection of supraspinatus tendon tears, with arthroscopy as gold standard, and to assess interobserver variability. Materials and methods Institutional review board approval was obtained; informed consent was waived. MR arthrograms of 250 patients (170 men and 80 women; mean age, 36 years) were retrospectively and independently evaluated by three observers. Oblique coronal T1-weighted fatsuppressed images, proton density, and T2-weighted images and axial T1-weighted images and oblique sagittal T1-weighted fat-suppressed images were analyzed to detect supraspinatus tendon tears. Separately, a single T1-weighted fat-suppressed oblique axial series in ABER position was evaluated. Both protocols were scored randomly without knowledge of patients_ clinical history and arthroscopy results. Tears were subclassified, based on articular surface integrity and extension (Lee classification). Interobserver agreement was assessed by kappa statistics for all patients. Ninety-two of 250 patients underwent arthroscopy; sensitivity and specificity of ABER and conventional MR arthrography were calculated and compared using paired McNemar test. Results Weighted kappa values of ABER and conventional MR arthrography were 0.48-0.65 and 0.60-0.67, respectively. According to arthroscopy, 69 of 92 patients had an intact cuff, and 23 patients had a cuff tear (16 partial thickness and seven full thickness). There were no statistically significant differences between ABER and conventional MR arthrography regarding sensitivity (48-61% and 52-70%, respectively) and specificity (80-94% and 91-95%). Conclusion Sensitivity and specificity of a single T1-weighted series in ABER position and conventional MR arthrography are comparable for assessment of rotator cuff tears.

External phased-array MR imaging is comparable to endoanal MR imaging in the depiction of clinically relevant anal sphincter defects. Because of the weak interobserver agreement, both MR imaging techniques can be recommended in the diagnostic work-up of fecal incontinence only if sufficient experience is available.