Ghaneh Fananapazir

Quantification of Hepatic Steatosis With a Multistep Adaptive Fitting MRI Approach: Prospective Validation Against MR Spectroscopy

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare hybrid and complex chemical shift-based MRI fat quantification methods against MR spectroscopy (MRS) for the measurement of hepatic steatosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Forty-two subjects (18 men and 24 women; mean ± SD age, 52.8 ± 14 years) were prospectively enrolled and imaged at 3 T with a chemical shift-based MRI sequence and a single-voxel MRS sequence, each in one breath-hold. Proton density fat fraction and rate constant (R2*) using both single- and dual-R2* hybrid fitting methods, as well as proton density fat fraction and R2* maps using a complex fitting method, were generated. A single radiologist colocalized volumes of interest on the proton density fat fraction and R2* maps according to the spectroscopy measurement voxel. Agreement among the three MRI methods and the MRS proton density fat fraction values was assessed using linear regression, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS. Correlation between the MRI and MRS measures of proton density fat fraction was excellent. Linear regression coefficients ranged from 0.98 to 1.01, and intercepts ranged from -1.12% to 0.49%. Agreement measured by ICC was also excellent (0.99 for all three methods). Bland-Altman analysis showed excellent agreement, with mean differences of -1.0% to 0.6% (SD, 1.3-1.6%). CONCLUSION. The described MRI-based liver proton density fat fraction measures are clinically feasible and accurate. The validation of proton density fat fraction quantification methods is an important step toward wide availability and acceptance of the MRI-based measurement of proton density fat fraction as an accurate and generalizable biomarker.

Differences in Liver Imaging and Reporting Data System Categorization Between MRI and CT.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine whether focal liver observations are categorized differently by CT and MRI using the Liver Imaging and Reporting Data System (LI-RADS). MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 58 patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent liver protocol CT and MRI within 1 month of each other. Two readers assigned a LI-RADS category for all focal liver observations in consensus. A significant category upgrade was defined as a change from LI-RADS categories 1 and 2 or nonvisualization to LI-RADS categories 3-5, from LI-RADS category 3 to category 4 or 5, from LI-RADS category 4 to category 5, or from any category to LI-RADS category 5V. A significant downgrade was defined as a change from LI-RADS category 5 to categories 1-4, from LI-RADS category 4 to categories 1-3, or from LI-RADS category 3 to categories 1 or 2. RESULTS The LI-RADS category was different between CT and MRI for 77.2% (176/228) of observations. A significant upgrade occurred on MRI for 42.5% (97/228) of observations because of nonvisualization by CT (n = 78), capsule (n = 8), arterial hyperenhancement (n = 4), intratumoral fat (n = 2), larger size (n = 2), tumor in portal vein (n = 2), and wash-out (n = 1). Of these 97 upgraded observations, two were upgraded to LI-RADS category 5V, 15 were upgraded to category 5, and 13 were upgraded to category 4. A significant downgrade occurred on MRI for 8.8% (20/228) of observations because of marked T2 hyperintensity (n = 14), smaller size (n = 2), wedge shape (n = 2), and marked T2 hypointensity (n = 2). CONCLUSION LI-RADS categorization of focal liver observations is dependent on imaging modality. MRI results in both upgraded and downgraded categorization compared with CT in an important proportion of observations.

Dual-Energy Multi–Detector Row CT with Virtual Monochromatic Imaging for Improving Patient-to-Patient Uniformity of Aortic Enhancement during CT Angiography: An in Vitro and in Vivo Study

PURPOSE To determine whether virtual monochromatic imaging from a dual-energy acquisition can improve patient-to-patient uniformity of aortic enhancement during multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective single-center HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the institutional review board, with a waiver of informed consent. A proprietary tapered hollow phantom that contained a bone-mimicking insert and a hollow tube insert that mimicked the aorta was used. The aortic insert was filled with different iodine dilutions to mimic various degrees of enhancement. The phantom was imaged with both dual-energy and single-energy multi-detector row CT at four energy levels (80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp). Dual-energy multi-detector row CT was also performed in 62 patients (38 men; mean age, 60 years ± 12.7 [standard deviation]). For both the phantom and the patients, virtual monochromatic images were reconstructed from 40 to 140 keV, at 20-keV increments. The relationship between aortic attenuation and effective diameter was assessed by using a statistical model. RESULTS For all polychromatic data sets, the mean aortic attenuation decreased proportionally to the effective diameter of the phantom (slope, ≥3.0 HU/cm). For virtual monochromatic data sets ranging from 80 to 140 keV, the regression slopes of aortic attenuation as a function of the phantoms effective diameter were negligible (slope, <1.0 HU/cm) for all iodine-to-water dilutions. In patients, the slope of the regression lines was also negligible (-0.69 < slope < 0.16) for virtual monochromatic data sets ranging from 100 to 140 keV. CONCLUSION Within an energy range of 100-140 keV, virtual monochromatic images improve patient-to-patient uniformity of aortic enhancement compared with conventional polychromatic acquisitions.

MR Angiography of Renal Transplant Vasculature with Ferumoxytol:: Comparison of High-Resolution Steady-State and First-Pass Acquisitions.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES This work aimed to quantify the differences in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and vessel sharpness between steady-state and first-pass magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with ferumoxytol in renal transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective study of adult patients who underwent steady-state and first-pass MRA with ferumoxytol to evaluate renal transplant vasculature. SNR was calculated in the external iliac artery, and vessel sharpness was calculated in the external iliac and renal transplant arteries for both acquisitions. Data were compared using Students t test. RESULTS Fifteen patients were included (mean age 56.9 years, 10 males). The mean SNR of the external iliac artery was 42.2 (SD, 11.9) for the first-pass MRA and 41.8 (SD, 9.7) for the steady-state MRA (p = 0.92). The mean vessel sharpness was significantly higher for the steady-state MRA compared to first-pass MRA for both external iliac (1.24 vs. 0.80 mm(-1), p < 0.01) and renal transplant arteries (1.26 vs. 0.79 mm(-1), p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Steady-state MRA using ferumoxytol improves vessel sharpness while maintaining equivalent SNR compared to conventional first-pass MRA in renal transplant patients.

Vascular Artifact Mimicking Thrombosis on MR Imaging Using Ferumoxytol as a Contrast Agent in Abdominal Vascular Assessment

PURPOSE To describe an artifact that mimics thrombosis when assessing abdominal vasculature on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using ferumoxytol in patients with contraindications to gadolinium-based contrast agents and to evaluate factors that may contribute to this artifact. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three radiologists in consensus retrospectively evaluated 61 abdominal MR imaging examinations using ferumoxytol as an intravenous contrast agent for the presence of an observed artifact that can mimic thrombosis. Patient demographics and contrast agent bolus concentrations were compared with an unpaired Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS An artifact mimicking thrombosis was observed in 30 of 61 examinations, all on the arterial phase sequences. In examinations with this artifact, the average concentration of administered ferumoxytol was greater than in examinations where the artifact was not observed (P < .01). Several additional vascular findings were observed, including portal vein thrombosis (n = 2) and aneurysm (n = 1), renal vein thrombosis (n = 2), abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 1), abdominal and iliac artery dissection (n = 3), and sequelae of portal hypertension (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS Although MR imaging using ferumoxytol as an intravenous contrast agent can be useful in detecting abdominal vascular abnormalities, an artifact mimicking vascular thrombosis was observed in nearly half of the examinations.

Comparison of ferumoxytol‐enhanced MRA with conventional angiography for assessment of severity of transplant renal artery stenosis

To determine the accuracy of ferumoxytol‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in assessing the severity of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS), using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard.

Technical ReportMR Angiography of Renal Transplant Vasculature with Ferumoxytol:: Comparison of High-Resolution Steady-State and First-Pass Acquisitions

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES This work aimed to quantify the differences in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and vessel sharpness between steady-state and first-pass magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with ferumoxytol in renal transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective study of adult patients who underwent steady-state and first-pass MRA with ferumoxytol to evaluate renal transplant vasculature. SNR was calculated in the external iliac artery, and vessel sharpness was calculated in the external iliac and renal transplant arteries for both acquisitions. Data were compared using Students t test. RESULTS Fifteen patients were included (mean age 56.9 years, 10 males). The mean SNR of the external iliac artery was 42.2 (SD, 11.9) for the first-pass MRA and 41.8 (SD, 9.7) for the steady-state MRA (p = 0.92). The mean vessel sharpness was significantly higher for the steady-state MRA compared to first-pass MRA for both external iliac (1.24 vs. 0.80 mm(-1), p < 0.01) and renal transplant arteries (1.26 vs. 0.79 mm(-1), p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Steady-state MRA using ferumoxytol improves vessel sharpness while maintaining equivalent SNR compared to conventional first-pass MRA in renal transplant patients.

Renal Cell Carcinomas Sonographic Appearance Depending on Size and Histologic Type

Prior studies have demonstrated that approximately 10% of malignant renal cell carcinomas are as echogenic as angiomyolipomas on sonography. However, a recent presentation suggested that small (<1‐cm) echogenic renal masses are always angiomyolipomas or other benign entities. We therefore examined our own cases of renal cell carcinoma, with corresponding sonography, to confirm that some renal cell carcinomas may also be detected as hyperechoic masses on sonography.

Graft Arterial Stenosis in Kidney En Bloc Grafts From Very Small Pediatric Donors: Incidence, Timing, and Role of Ultrasound in Screening

In previous studies with different donor selection criteria and noncontemporary surgical techniques, graft arterial stenosis (GAS) has been reported to occur more frequently in adult recipients of pediatric en bloc renal allografts (EBKT) as compared to single adult donor allografts. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence of GAS within our EBKT recipient population and to evaluate clinical and imaging features of those cases with GAS. In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 182 EBKT performed at a single institution. We identified cases of suspected GAS based on clinical factors, lab results, and noninvasive imaging. Diagnosis of GAS was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. Two EBKT recipients (1.1% of 182) had angiographically confirmed GAS at 2.5 and 4.5 months after transplant. In both cases, the stenoses were short segment within the proximal (perianastomotic) donor aorta, color Doppler ultrasound demonstrated peak systolic velocities of >400 cm/s, and poststenotic parvus tardus waveforms were present. Both patients underwent angioplasty and demonstrated postintervention improvement in renal function and blood pressure. Restenosis did not occur during follow up. In conclusion, recipients of EBKT have a low incidence of GAS, similar to the lowest reported for adult single allografts.

Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Renal Graft Catheter Arteriography Using Iodine-Based Contrast Medium

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to assess the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), dialysis, and graft loss after direct intraarterial infusion of iodine-based contrast medium (CM) in renal allograft recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred patients underwent renal graft catheter arteriography between 2006 and 2014. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine value of 0.5 mg/dL or more above the creatinine value before arteriography. CIN could be assessed in 37 patients with creatinine levels obtained before arteriography and 24-72 hours after arteriography. Dialysis requirement and renal allograft loss at 30 days after the procedure were recorded in all 100 patients. RESULTS In the 37 patients who could be assessed for CIN, three patients (8%) met the criteria for CIN. In a subgroup analysis, there was an increased incidence of CIN in patients undergoing angiography alone (25%) compared with those in the angioplasty and stenting group (0%) (p = 0.028). At 30 days after the procedure, none (0/100) of the patients required dialysis or had graft failure. CONCLUSION In a cohort of patients with a single renal allograft undergoing renal graft catheter arteriography using iodine-based CM, the overall incidence of CIN was low and no major adverse outcomes were noted at 30 days after the procedure. However, in a subgroup analysis, the patients who underwent arteriography alone-that is, without angioplasty or stenting-had a statistically significant higher rate of CIN.