scholarly journals Vascular Imaging Techniques to Diagnose and Monitor Patients with Takayasu Arteritis: A Review of the Literature

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1993
Author(s):  
Kazumasa Oura ◽  
Mao Yamaguchi Oura ◽  
Ryo Itabashi ◽  
Tetsuya Maeda

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis that causes stenosis, occlusion, and sometimes the aneurysm of the aorta and its major branches. TA often occurs in young women, and because the symptoms are not obvious in the early stages of the disease, diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. In approximately 10% to 20% of patients, TA is reportedly complicated by ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. It is important to diagnose TA early and provide appropriate treatment to prevent complications from stroke. Diagnostic imaging techniques to visualize arterial stenosis are widely used in clinical practice. Even if no signs of cerebrovascular events are present at the time of the most recent evaluation of patients with TA, follow-up vascular imaging is important to monitor disease progression and changes in the cerebrovascular risk. However, the optimal imaging technique for monitoring of TA has not been established. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe newly available evidence on the usefulness of conventional imaging modalities (digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging/angiography, duplex ultrasound, and positron emission tomography) and novel imaging modalities (optical coherence tomography, infrared thermography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and superb microvascular imaging) in the diagnosis and monitoring of TA.

2021 ◽  
pp. jrheum.210368
Author(s):  
Florence A. Aeschlimann ◽  
Francesca Raimondi ◽  
Tim Leiner ◽  
Giovanni Donato Aquaro ◽  
David Saadoun ◽  
...  

Takayasu Arteritis is an idiopathic large vessel vasculitis, that affects young adults and children and can lead to ischemia and end-organ damage. Vascular imaging is crucial for diagnosis, assessment of disease extent and management of the disease. In this article, we critically review evidence for the clinical use of the different imaging modalities conventional angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, Doppler ultrasound and 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. We thereby focus on their clinical applicability, challenges and specific use in children.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Kumar Upputuri ◽  
Kathyayini Sivasubramanian ◽  
Chong Seow Khoon Mark ◽  
Manojit Pramanik

Adequate vascularisation is key in determining the clinical outcome of stem cells and engineered tissue in regenerative medicine. Numerous imaging modalities have been developed and used for the visualization of vascularisation in tissue engineering. In this review, we briefly discuss the very recent advances aiming at high performance imaging of vasculature. We classify the vascular imaging modalities into three major groups: nonoptical methods (X-ray, magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and positron emission imaging), optical methods (optical coherence, fluorescence, multiphoton, and laser speckle imaging), and hybrid methods (photoacoustic imaging). We then summarize the strengths and challenges of these methods for preclinical and clinical applications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Mathijssen ◽  
T. W. H. Tjoeng ◽  
R. G. M. Keijsers ◽  
A. L. M. Bakker ◽  
F. Akdim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) diagnosis is usually based on advanced imaging techniques and multidisciplinary evaluation. Diagnosis is classified as definite, probable, possible or unlikely. If diagnostic confidence remains uncertain, cardiac imaging can be repeated. The objective is to evaluate the usefulness of repeated cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET/CT) for CS diagnosis in patients with an initial “possible” CS diagnosis. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study in 35 patients diagnosed with possible CS by our multidisciplinary team (MDT), who received repeated CMR and FDG PET/CT within 12 months after diagnosis. Imaging modalities were scored on abnormalities suggestive for CS and classified as CMR+/PET+, CMR+/PET−, CMR−/PET+ and CMR−/PET−. Primary endpoint was final MDT diagnosis of CS. Results After re-evaluation, nine patients (25.7%) were reclassified as probable CS and 16 patients (45.7%) as unlikely CS. Two patients started immunosuppressive treatment after re-evaluation. At baseline, eleven patients (31.4%) showed late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR (CMR+) and 26 (74.3%) patients showed myocardial FDG-uptake (PET+). At re-evaluation, nine patients (25.7%) showed LGE (CMR+), while 16 patients (45.7%) showed myocardial FDG-uptake (PET+). When considering both imaging modalities together, 82.6% of patients with CMR−/PET+ at baseline were reclassified as possible or unlikely CS, while 36.4% of patients with CMR+ at baseline were reclassified as probable CS. Three patients with initial CMR−/PET+ showed LGE at re-evaluation. Conclusion Repeated CMR and FDG PET/CT may be useful in establishing or rejecting CS diagnosis, when initial diagnosis is uncertain. However, clinical relevance has to be further determined.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryoush Shahbazi-Gahrouei ◽  
Pegah Moradi Khaniabadi ◽  
Saghar Shahbazi-Gahrouei ◽  
Amir Khorasani ◽  
Farshid Mahmoudi

Abstract Molecular imaging techniques using nanoparticles have significant potential to be widely used for the detection of various types of cancers. Nowadays, there has been an increased focus on developing novel nanoprobes as molecular imaging contrast enhancement agents in nanobiomedicine. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the use of a variety of nanoprobes and their current achievements in accurate cancer imaging and effective treatment. Nanoprobes are rapidly becoming potential tools for cancer diagnosis by using novel molecular imaging modalities such as Ultrasound (US) imaging, Computerized Tomography (CT), Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Optical Imaging. These imaging modalities may facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis and staging the most of cancers.


2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Natalija Ezite ◽  
Janis Savlovskis ◽  
Marcis Gedins ◽  
Kaspars Kisis ◽  
Polina Dombure ◽  
...  

Summary Introduction.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) has become the ‘gold-standard’ imaging modality for surveillance following EVAR (2, 20). However repeated CT is related to increased cost, risk of contrast nephropathy and radiation exposure. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is a less invasive but considered less accurate method than CT. Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of both imaging modalities for detection of complications in post-EVAR patients where the new generation sac-sealing endograft was used and to compare cost-effectiveness and sensitivity of both imaging modalities. Methods. Analysis of 23 post-EVAR patients with implantation of new generation sac-sealing endograft device (Nellix®, Endologix, USA) was performed, making a comparison of CT and DUS. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was taken as the ‘goldstandard’ investigation. DUS was compared to CT for analysis of sensitivity, post-imaging complications and cost-effectiveness. Statistical analysis of data was performed using v19.0 SPSS software (IBM). Results. Analysis of CT and DUS studies compared in 23 patients. Both imaging modalities can detect AAA sac dimensions, endoleaks, and graft patency. The cost difference between two imaging techniques is substantial. Our results demonstrate that DUS surveillance during follow-up after EVAR where new generation sac-sealing endograft is used can accurately detect aneurysm size, endoleaks, graft deformations and stenotic or kinked graft limbs while lowering the overall costs of surveillance and eliminating CT related radiation and nephrotoxicity. Conclusion. CT and DUS imaging can both detect AAA sac dimensions, endoleaks, and graft patency. The cost difference between the two imaging techniques is substantial. Our results demonstrate that in post-EVAR patients where new-generation sac-sealing endograft was deployed DUS surveillance performed by experienced radiologist can accurately detect aneurysm size, endoleaks, graft deformations and stenotic or kinked graft limbs while lowering the overall costs of surveillance and avoiding CT-related complications.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8s1 ◽  
pp. CMC.S15713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian A. Houston ◽  
Monica Mukherjee

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease pathologically characterized by the accumulation of T-lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes into the sine qua non pathologic structure of the noncaseating granuloma. Cardiac involvement remains a key source of morbidity and mortality in sarcoidosis. Definitive diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis, particularly early enough in the disease course to provide maximal therapeutic impact, has proven a particularly difficult challenge. However, major advancements in imaging techniques have been made in the last decade. Advancements in imaging modalities including echocardiography, nuclear spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging all have improved our ability to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis, and in many cases to provide a more accurate prognosis and thus targeted therapy. Likewise, therapy for cardiac sarcoidosis is beginning to advance past a “steroids-only” approach, as novel immunosuppressant agents provide effective steroid-sparing options. The following focused review will provide a brief discussion of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of cardiac sarcoidosis followed by a discussion of up-to-date imaging modalities employed in its assessment and therapeutic approaches.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Muriel Sprynger ◽  

Several imaging techniques (such as ultrasounds, computed tomography [CT] scan, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], positron emission tomography [PET] scan, etc.) can provide interesting information on subclinical atherosclerosis and plaque stability. In fact sonographic imaging techniques can be very useful in this field. All of them have their limitations, but each of them has its own specificity and enlights a specific aspect of atherosclerosis – they are complementary. Will it be possible to one day differentiate high-risk from low-risk carotid plaques and stenosis – differentiate high from low cardiovascular risk patients? Who should or should not be treated? This is a major issue for people dealing with atherosclerosis. This article reviews the new sonographic imaging modalities for carotid valuation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josep L Melero-Ferrer ◽  
Raquel López-Vilella ◽  
Herminio Morillas-Climent ◽  
Jorge Sanz-Sánchez ◽  
Ignacio J Sánchez-Lázaro ◽  
...  

Imaging techniques play a main role in heart failure (HF) diagnosis, assessment of aetiology and treatment guidance. Echocardiography is the method of choice for its availability, cost and it provides most of the information required for the management and follow up of HF patients. Other non-invasive cardiac imaging modalities, such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), nuclear imaging-positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) could provide additional aetiological, prognostic and therapeutic information, especially in selected populations. This article reviews current indications and possible future applications of imaging modalities to improve the management of HF patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dario Brambilla ◽  
Laura Sola ◽  
Elisa Chiodi ◽  
Natasa Zarovni ◽  
Diogo Fortunato ◽  
...  

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted great interest among researchers due to their role in cell-cell communication, disease diagnosis, and drug delivery. In spite of their potential in the medical field, there is no consensus on the best method for separating microvesicles from cell culture supernatant and complex biological fluids. Obtaining a good recovery yield and preserving physical characteristics is critical for the diagnostic and therapeutic use of EVs. The separation is made complex by the fact that blood and cell culture media, contain a large number of nanoparticles in the same size range. Methods that exploit immunoaffinity capture provide high purity samples and overcome the issues of currently used separation methods. However, the release of captured nanovesicles requires harsh conditions that hinder their use in certain types of downstream analysis. Herein, a novel capture and release approach for small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), based on DNAdirected immobilization of antiCD63 antibody is presented. The flexible DNAlinker increases the capture efficiency and allows releasing of EVs by exploiting the endonucleasic activity of DNAse I. This separation protocol works under mild conditions, enabling the release of intact vesicles that can be successfully analyzed by imaging techniques. In this article sEVs recovered from plasma were characterized by established techniques for EVs analysis including nanoparticle tracking and transmission electron microscopy.<br>


Author(s):  
Siyamol Chirakkarottu ◽  
Sheena Mathew

Background: Medical imaging encloses different imaging techniques and processes to image the human body for medical diagnostic and treatment purposes. Hence it plays an important role to improve public health. The technological development in biomedical imaging specifically in X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT), nuclear ultrasound including Positron Emission Tomography (PET), optical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can provide valuable information unique to a person. Objective: In health care applications, the images are needed to be exchanged mostly over wireless medium. The diagnostic images with confidential information of a patient need to be protected from unauthorized access during transmission. In this paper, a novel encryption method is proposed to improve the security and integrity of medical images. Methods: Chaotic map along with DNA cryptography is used for encryption. The proposed method describes a two phase encryption of medical images. Results: Performance of the proposed method is also tested by various analysis metrics. Robustness of the method against different noises and attacks is analyzed. Conclusion: The results show that the method is efficient and well suitable to medical images.


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