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Objectives: Pulmonary perfusion abnormalities are prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are potentially reversible, and may be associated with emphysema development. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical meaningfulness of perfusion defects in percent (QDP) using DCE-MRI., Methods: We investigated a subset of baseline DCE-MRIs, paired inspiratory/expiratory CTs, and pulmonary function testing (PFT) of 83 subjects (age = 65.7 ± 9.0 years, patients-at-risk, and all GOLD groups) from one center of the "COSYCONET" COPD cohort. QDP was computed from DCE-MRI using an in-house developed quantification pipeline, including four different approaches: Otsu's method, k-means clustering, texture analysis, and 80 th percentile threshold. QDP was compared with visual MRI perfusion scoring, CT parametric response mapping (PRM) indices of emphysema (PRM Emph ) and functional small airway disease (PRM fSAD ), and FEV1/FVC from PFT., Results: All QDP approaches showed high correlations with the MRI perfusion score (r = 0.67 to 0.72, p < 0.001), with the highest association based on Otsu's method (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). QDP correlated significantly with all PRM indices (p < 0.001), with the strongest correlations with PRM Emph  (r = 0.70 to 0.75, p < 0.001). QDP was distinctly higher than PRM Emph  (mean difference = 35.85 to 40.40) and PRM fSAD (mean difference = 15.12 to 19.68), but in close agreement when combining both PRM indices (mean difference = 1.47 to 6.03) for all QDP approaches. QDP correlated moderately with FEV1/FVC (r = - 0.54 to - 0.41, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: QDP is associated with established markers of disease severity and the extent corresponds to the CT-derived combined extent of PRM Emph  and PRM fSAD . We propose to use QDP based on Otsu's method for future clinical studies in COPD., Key Points: • QDP quantified from DCE-MRI is associated with visual MRI perfusion score, CT PRM indices, and PFT. • The extent of QDP from DCE-MRI corresponds to the combined extent of PRM Emph  and PRM fSAD from CT. • Assessing pulmonary perfusion abnormalities using DCE-MRI with QDP improved the correlations with CT PRM indices and PFT compared to the quantification of pulmonary blood flow and volume., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To determine and compare the incidence of postoperative septic arthritis following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without soaking of the graft in vancomycin solution prior to implantation in a large single-centre case series., Methods: From 2004 to 2019, a total of 10,516 primary ACLR were performed and reviewed with regard to the occurrence of postoperative septic arthritis. From February 2017 onwards, all grafts were wrapped in a vancomycin-soaked (5 mg/ml) gauze swab between harvest and implantation (2294 patients, treatment group (2), prospectively followed). These were compared to 8222 patients before that date (control group (1), retrospectively evaluated). The technique of ACLR did not significantly change during the years of the study. There was no difference between the groups with regard to graft choice: Hamstring tendons were used in 99% and quadriceps tendons were used in 1% in both groups, respectively (n.s.). Routine follow-up examination was performed at 6 weeks (follow-up rate 97.1%) postoperatively. Patients with no treatment for septic arthritis at that time were classified as non-infected., Results: There were 35 cases of postoperative septic arthritis in group 1 (incidence: 0.4%), and none in group 2 (incidence 0.0%), respectively. The difference was significant (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Soaking of the graft in vancomycin solution prior to implantation dramatically reduces the incidence of postoperative septic arthritis in primary ACLR and should, therefore, be used in prevention of this major complication., Level of Evidence: III.

Purpose: To determine and compare the incidence of post-operative septic arthritis following revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (R-ACLR) with autologous quadriceps tendon (with patellar bone block) compared to autologous hamstring tendons (semitendinosus and gracilis)., Methods: A total of 1638 isolated R-ACLR with either autologous hamstring tendons (n = 1004, 61.3%) or quadriceps tendon (n = 634; 38.7%) were performed between 2004 and 2017 and were retrospectively analysed with regard to the occurrence of post-operative septic arthritis. The technique of R-ACLR did not significantly change during the years of the study. All patients received pre-op i.v.antibiotics, but no presoaking of the grafts in vancomycin was performed in the years of the study. The individual decision of graft choice was based on graft availability, tunnel position and the presence of tunnel widening. Generally, hamstring tendons were preferred. There were no clinically relevant differences between the groups regarding gender or age. Routine follow-up examination was performed 6 weeks after the index operation (follow-up rate 96.5%), and patients unsuspicious for septic arthritis at that time were classified as non-infected., Results: Fourteen patients with septic arthritis were identified, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.85%. There was one patient with septic arthritis in the quadriceps tendon group (incidence: 0.16%) and 13 patients in the hamstring tendons group (incidence: 1.29%), respectively. The difference was significant (p = 0.013)., Conclusion: In this series, the incidence of post-operative septic arthritis after R-ACLR was lower when quadriceps tendon graft was used compared to hamstring tendon grafts., Level of Evidence: III.

Purpose: To analyse 1000 consecutive patients, treated with isolated or combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in a single centre according to the epidemiological factors and differences in injury patterns depending on the activity during trauma., Methods: Between 2004 and 2019, one thousand isolated and combined PCL reconstructions were performed. The medical charts and surgical reports of all patients were analysed regarding epidemiological factors. The PCL lesions were divided into isolated and combined lesions with at least one additional ligamentous injury. The influence of activity during accident and additional injury on the presence of isolated or combined lesions and injury patterns was calculated., Results: In 388 patients (38.8%), sporting activity was the main activity in PCL lesions, followed by traffic accidents in 350 patients (35.0%). Combined injuries were present in 227 patients (58.5%) with sports injuries and 251 patients (71.7%) with traffic accidents. Only during handball, an isolated PCL lesion (69.1%) was more common than a combined lesion. Highest rate of combined lesions was present in car accidents (91.7%). In all activities except skiing and biking, the most common additional peripheral injury was a tear of the posterolateral corner. In skiing and biking accidents, the most common additional peripheral lesion was a lesion of the medial collateral ligament. In patients with PCL lesion and additional fracture of the same lower extremity, a combined lesion was more common than an isolated lesion (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: Combined PCL lesions are more common than isolated lesions, even in sports injuries (except handball). Incidence and injury pattern vary depending on activity during trauma. Main additional peripheral lesion is a lesion of the posterolateral corner, except biking and skiing accidents where a medial lesion is more common., Level of Evidence: Level III.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by variable contributions of emphysema and airway disease on computed tomography (CT), and still little is known on their temporal evolution. We hypothesized that quantitative CT (QCT) is able to detect short-time changes in a cohort of patients with very severe COPD., Methods: Two paired in- and expiratory CT each from 70 patients with avg. GOLD stage of 3.6 (mean age = 66 ± 7.5, mean FEV1/FVC = 35.28 ± 7.75) were taken 3 months apart and analyzed by fully automatic software computing emphysema (emphysema index (EI), mean lung density (MLD)), air-trapping (ratio expiration to inspiration of mean lung attenuation (E/I MLA), relative volume change between - 856 HU and - 950 HU (RVC 856-950 )), and parametric response mapping (PRM) parameters for each lobe separately and the whole lung. Airway metrics measured were wall thickness (WT) and lumen area (LA) for each airway generation and the whole lung., Results: The average of the emphysema parameters (EI, MLD) increased significantly by 1.5% (p < 0.001) for the whole lung, whereas air-trapping parameters (E/I MLA, RVC 856-950 ) were stable. PRM Emph increased from 34.3 to 35.7% (p < 0.001), whereas PRM Normal decrased from 23.6% to 22.8% (p = 0.012). WT decreased significantly from 1.17 ± 0.18 to 1.14 ± 0.19 mm (p = 0.036) and LA increased significantly from 25.08 ± 4.49 to 25.84 ± 4.87 mm 2 (p = 0.041) for the whole lung. The generation-based analysis showed heterogeneous results., Conclusion: QCT detects short-time progression of emphysema in severe COPD. The changes were partly different among lung lobes and airway generations, indicating that QCT is useful to address the heterogeneity of COPD progression., Key Points: • QCT detects short-time progression of emphysema in severe COPD in a 3-month period. • QCT is able to quantify even slight parenchymal changes, which were not detected by spirometry. • QCT is able to address the heterogeneity of COPD, revealing inconsistent changes individual lung lobes and airway generations.

Purpose: To determine survivorship and functional results of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and a chondral resurfacing (CR) procedure (abrasion/microfracture) in patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 and 4 osteoarthritis with full thickness-cartilage defects, ACL-insufficiency and varus alignment., Methods: A cohort of 23 patients undergoing a combined procedure of HTO (fixation with angular stable internal fixator, Tomofix ® ), ACLR and CR for the treatment of severe symptomatic medial osteoarthritis, ACL insufficiency and varus alignment (> 4°) between 2005 and 2009 was prospectively surveyed with a minimum follow-up of 10 years with regard to survival (not requiring arthroplasty), functional outcome (subjective IKDC score), pain level (numeric rating scale), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and subjective satisfaction. The Wilcoxon signed-rank-test was used for statistical evaluation of non-parametric data in these related samples., Results: Twenty-one cases were included, one case with incomplete follow-up data and another case excluded. The follow-up rate was 91% at 12.0 ± 1.0 years (10.0-13.4). Mean age at time of surgery was 47.3 ± 5.9 years (37.8-57.7). At final follow-up, no arthroplasty was performed in any of the cases (survival: 100%). Subjective IKDC score improved from 47 ± 11 to 75 ± 15 at 1, 72 ± 15 at 3, 73 ± 17 at 6 years and 70 ± 16 at final follow-up (p < 0.001), respectively. At final follow-up the OKS was 40 ± 7 (17-48) and pain-level significantly decreased from 7.5 ± 1.0 preoperatively to 2.9 ± 2.3 (p < 0.001) at final follow-up. All patients were satisfied with the result and stated that they would retrospectively undergo the procedure again., Conclusion: A combined approach of HTO, ACLR and a CR shows excellent results in a long-term follow-up in selected young patients even in severe osteoarthritis. However, the role and potential benefit of the ACLR and CR compared to HTO alone remains unclear., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic case series, Level IV.

Purpose: To determine and compare the incidence of postoperative septic arthritis following revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (R-ACLR) with and without soaking of the graft in vancomycin solution prior to implantation in a large single-centre series., Methods: A total of 2155 isolated R-ACLR with autologous tendons were performed from 2004 to 2019 and were reviewed with regard to the occurrence of postoperative septic arthritis. From February 2017 onwards, all grafts were wrapped in a vancomycin-soaked (5 mg/ml) gauze swab between harvest and implantation (517 patients, treatment group (2), prospectively followed). These were compared to 1638 patients before that date (control group (1), retrospectively evaluated). The technique of R-ACLR did not significantly change during the years of the study. Hamstring tendons were used in 1310 patients (60.8%) and quadriceps tendons with patellar bone block were used in 845 patients (39.2%), respectively, with no difference between the groups (n.s.). Routine follow-up examination was performed 6 weeks postoperatively (follow-up rate 96.5%), and patients with no treatment for septic arthritis until that time were classified as non-infected., Results: There were 14 cases of postoperative septic arthritis in group 1 (incidence 0.9%), and none in group 2 (incidence 0.0%), respectively. The difference was significant (p = 0.029)., Conclusion: Soaking of the graft in vancomycin solution prior to implantation dramatically reduces the incidence of postoperative septic arthritis in R-ACLR., Level of Evidence: III.

Purpose: To compare tunnel widening and clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with interference screw fixation and all-inside reconstruction using button fixation., Methods: Tunnel widening was assessed using tunnel volume and diameter measurements on computed tomography (CT) scans after surgery and 6 months and 2 years later, and compared between the two groups. The clinical outcome was assessed after 2 years with instrumented tibial anteroposterior translation measurements, hop testing and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Tegner activity scores., Results: The study population at the final follow-up was 14 patients with screw fixation and 16 patients with button fixation. Tibial tunnels with screw fixation showed significantly larger increase in tunnel volume over time (P = 0.021) and larger tunnel diameters after 2 years in comparison with button fixation (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in femoral tunnel volume changes over time or in tunnel diameters after 2 years. No significant differences were found in the clinical outcome scores., Conclusions: All-inside ACLR using button fixation was associated with less tibial tunnel widening and smaller tunnels after 2 years in comparison with ACLR using screw fixation. The need for staged revision ACLRs may be greater with interference screws in comparison with button fixation at the tibial tunnel. The clinical outcomes in the two groups were comparable., Level of Evidence: II. RCT: Consort NCT01755819.

Objectives: To longitudinally investigate smoking cessation-related changes of quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based airway metrics in a group of heavy smokers., Methods: CT scans were acquired in a lung cancer screening population over 4 years at 12-month intervals in 284 long-term ex-smokers (ES), 405 continuously active smokers (CS), and 31 subjects who quitted smoking within 2 years after baseline CT (recent quitters, RQ). Total diameter (TD), lumen area (LA), and wall percentage (WP) of 1st-8th generation airways were computed using airway analysis software. Inter-group comparison was performed using Mann-Whitney U test or Student's t test (two groups), and ANOVA or ANOVA on ranks with Dunn's multiple comparison test (more than two groups), while Fisher's exact test or chi-squared test was used for categorical data. Multiple linear regression was used for multivariable analysis., Results: At any time, TD and LA were significantly higher in ES than CS, for example, in 5th-8th generation airways at baseline with 6.24 mm vs. 5.93 mm (p < 0.001) and 15.23 mm 2 vs. 13.51 mm 2 (p < 0.001), respectively. RQ showed higher TD (6.15 mm vs. 5.93 mm, n.s.) and significantly higher LA (14.77 mm 2 vs. 13.51 mm 2 , p < 0.001) than CS after 3 years, and after 4 years. In multivariate analyses, smoking status independently predicted TD, LA, and WP at baseline, at 3 years and 4 years (p < 0.01-0.001), with stronger impact than pack years., Conclusions: Bronchial dimensions depend on the smoking status. Smoking-induced airway remodeling can be partially reversible after smoking cessation even in long-term heavy smokers. Therefore, QCT-based airway metrics in clinical trials should consider the current smoking status besides pack years., Key Points: • Airway lumen and diameter are decreased in active smokers compared to ex-smokers, and there is a trend towards increased airway wall thickness in active smokers. • Smoking-related airway changes improve within 2 years after smoking cessation. • Smoking status is an independent predictor of airway dimensions.

Objective: To longitudinally evaluate effects of smoking cessation on quantitative CT in a lung cancer screening cohort of heavy smokers over 4 years., Methods: After 4 years, low-dose chest CT was available for 314 long-term ex-smokers (ES), 404 continuous smokers (CS) and 39 recent quitters (RQ) who quitted smoking within 2 years after baseline CT. CT acquired at baseline and after 3 and 4 years was subjected to well-evaluated densitometry software, computing mean lung density (MLD) and 15th percentile of the lung density histogram (15TH)., Results: At baseline, active smokers showed significantly higher MLD and 15TH (-822±35 and -936±25 HU, respectively) compared to ES (-831±31 and -947±22 HU, p<0.01-0.001). After 3 years, CS again had significantly higher MLD and 15TH (-801±29 and -896±23 HU) than ES (-808±27 and -906±20 HU, p<0.01-0.001) but also RQ (-813±20 and -909±15 HU, p<0.05-0.001). Quantitative CT parameters did not change significantly after 4 years. Importantly, smoking status independently predicted MLD at baseline and year 3 (p<0.001) in multivariate analysis., Conclusion: On quantitative CT, lung density is higher in active smokers than ex-smokers, and sustainably decreases after smoking cessation, reflecting smoking-induced inflammation. Interpretations of quantitative CT data within clinical trials should consider smoking status., Key Points: • Lung density is higher in active smokers than ex-smokers. • Lung density sustainably decreases after smoking cessation. • Impact of smoking cessation on lung density is independent of potentially confounding factors. • Smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation and particle deposition influence lung density on CT.

Purpose: Performing all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using cortical button fixation, the tendon graft has to be secured in a closed loop with sutures. In the present study, the graft secured with four sutures was compared with two reduced-suture material graft preparation techniques., Methods: A bovine tendon graft folded over two adjustable-length loop cortical button devices was secured using the following techniques: 1, four buried-knot sutures; 2, two sutures on the tibial end only; and 3, two sutures on the tibial graft end with additional suspension on the tibial cortical button. Each group consisted of eight specimens and underwent cyclic loading followed by a load-to-failure test., Results: The least graft elongation after cyclic loading was observed for the graft with four sutures (6.1 ± 0.6 mm), followed by the graft with two sutures and additional suspension (6.3 ± 0.8 mm) and the graft with two sutures (7.0 ± 0.7 mm). The difference in graft elongation between four sutures and only two sutures was significant (P < 0.05). The ultimate failure loads were highest for the graft with two sutures and additional suspension (801 ± 107 N), followed by the graft with four sutures (766 ± 70 N), and the graft with two sutures (699 ± 87 N). No significant (n.s.) differences were observed between the ultimate failure loads in the three groups., Conclusions: For the reduction in suture material to two sutures, additional suspension can be used in order to reduce the graft lengthening. Performing a suture-reducing graft can save operating time and costs. However, each of the three all-inside button graft techniques showed considerable graft elongation indicating a risk of graft lengthening in the early postoperative period.

Purpose: To examine degenerative changes in all cartilage surfaces of the knee following arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy., Methods: For this prospective cohort study, 14 patients (five female) with a mean age of 47.9 ± 12.9 years who had undergone isolated arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy were evaluated. Cartilage-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired from the operated knees before the index operations, as well as at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The MRI scans were assessed for the prevalence, severity, and size of cartilage degenerations. The clinical outcome was assessed using the SF-36 physical and mental component score and the International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form and was correlated with radiological findings., Results: There was a significant increase in the severity of cartilage lesions in the medial tibial plateau (P = 0.019), as well as a trend towards an increase in the lateral tibial plateau. The size of the cartilage lesions increased significantly in the medial femoral condyle (P = 0.005) and lateral femoral condyle (P = 0.029), as well as in the patella (P = 0.019). Functional outcome scores improved significantly throughout the follow-up period. There was no correlation between cartilage wear and functional outcome., Conclusions: Arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy is associated with adverse effects on articular cartilage and may lead to an increase in the severity and size of cartilage lesions. Post-operative cartilage wear predominantly affected the medial compartment and also affected the other compartments of the knee. Strategies to reduce subsequent osteoarthritic changes need to involve all compartments of the knee., Level of Evidence: IV.

Objectives: To evaluate lung T2 mapping for quantitative characterization and differentiation of ground-glass opacity (GGO), reticulation (RE) and honeycombing (HC) in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)., Methods: Twelve patients with stable UIP or NSIP underwent thin-section multislice CT and 1.5-T MRI of the lung. A total of 188 regions were classified at CT into normal (n = 29) and pathological areas, including GGO (n = 48), RE (n = 60) and HC (n = 51) predominant lesions. Entire lung T2 maps based on multi-echo single shot TSE sequence (TE: 20, 40, 79, 140, 179 ms) were generated from each subject with breath-holds at end-expiration and ECG-triggering., Results: The median T2 relaxation of GGO was 67 ms (range 60-72 ms). RE predominant lesions had a median relaxation of 74 ms (range 69-79 ms), while for HC pattern this was 79 ms (range 74-89 ms). The median T2 relaxation for normal lung areas was 41 ms (ranged 38-49 ms), and showed significant difference to pathological areas (p < 0.001). A statistical difference was found between the T2 relaxation of GGO, RE and HC (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The proposed method provides quantitative information for pattern differentiation, potentially allowing for monitoring of progression and response to treatment, in interstitial lung disease., Key Points: • Multi-echo single shot TSE sequence allows for entire lung T2 mapping. • Lung remodelling patterns in ILD show different T2 relaxation. • Quantitative T2 mapping may provide information for monitoring of ILD.

To compare the image quality of dynamic lung MRI with variations of steady-state free-precession (SSFP) and gradient echo (GRE) cine techniques at 1.5 T and 3 T. Ventilated porcine lungs with simulated lesions inside a chest phantom and four healthy human subjects were assessed with SSFP (TR/TE=2.9/1.22 ms; 3 ima/s) and GRE sequences (TR/TE=2.34/0.96 ms; 8 ima/s) as baseline at 1.5 and 3 T. Modified SSFPs were performed with nine to ten images/s (parallel imaging factors 2 and 3). Image quality for representative structures and artifacts was ranked by three observers independently. At 1.5 T, standard SSFP achieved the best image quality with superior spatial resolution and signal, but equal temporal resolution to GRE. SSFP with improved temporal resolution was ranked second best. Further acceleration (PI factor 3) was of no benefit, but increased artifacts. At 3 T, GRE outranged SSFP imaging with high lesion signal intensity, while artifacts on SSFP images increased visibly. At 1.5 T, a modified SSFP with moderate parallel imaging (PI factor 2) was considered the best compromise of temporal and spatial resolution. At 3 T, GRE sequences remain the best choice for dynamic lung MRI.

Three-dimensional (3D) dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (3D DCE-MRI) has been proposed for the assessment of regional perfusion. The aim of this work was the implementation of an algorithm for a 3D parametric visualization of lung perfusion using different cutting planes and volume rendering. Our implementation was based on 3D DCE-MRI data of the lungs of five patients and five healthy volunteers. Using the indicator dilution theory, the regional perfusion parameters, tissue blood flow, blood volume and mean transit time were calculated. Due to the required temporal resolution, the volume elements of dynamic MR data sets show a reduced spatial resolution in the z-direction. Therefore, perfusion parameter volumes were interpolated. Linear interpolation and a combination of linear and nearest-neighbor interpolation were evaluated. Additionally, ray tracing was applied for 3D visualization. The linear interpolation algorithm caused interpolation errors at the lung borders. Using the combined interpolation, visualization of perfusion information in arbitrary cutting planes and in 3D using volume rendering was possible. This facilitated the localization of perfusion deficits compared with the coronal orientated source data. The 3D visualization of perfusion parameters using a combined interpolation algorithm is feasible. Further studies are required to evaluate the additional benefit from the 3D visualization.

Goals of our study were to compare the pulmonary hemodynamics between healthy volunteers and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and correlate MR flow measurements with echocardiography. Twenty-five patients with PAH and 25 volunteers were examined at 1.5 T. Phase-contrast flow measurements were performed in the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk, resulting in the following parameters: peak velocity (cm/s), average blood flow (l/min), time to peak velocity (ms), velocity rise gradient and pulmonary distensibility (cm(2)). The bronchosystemic shunt was calculated. In PAH patients transthoracic echocardiography and right-heart catheterization (RHC) served as the gold standard. In comparison to volunteers, the PAH patients showed significantly reduced pulmonary velocities (P = 0.002), blood flow (P = 0.002) and pulmonary distensibility (P = 0.008). In patients, the time to peak velocity was shorter (P<0.001), and the velocity rise gradient was steeper (P = 0.002) than in volunteers. While in volunteers the peak velocity in the aorta was reached earlier, it was the reverse in patients. Patients showed a significant bronchosystemic shunt (P = 0.01). No meaningful correlation was found between MRI measurements and echocardiography or RHC. MRI is a feasible technique for the differentiation between PAH and volunteers. Further studies have to be conducted for the absolute calculation of pressure estimates.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent inherited disorder leading to premature death in the Caucasian population. As life expectancy is limited by pulmonary complications, repeated imaging [chest X-ray, multislice high-resolution computed tomography (MS-HRCT)] is required in the follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lung parenchyma is a promising new diagnostic tool. Its value for imaging lung changes caused by CF compared with CT is demonstrated. MRI performs well when compared with CT, which serves as the gold standard. Its lack in spatial resolution is obvious, but advantages in contrast and functional assessment compensate for this limitation. Thus, MRI is a reasonable alternative for imaging the CF lung and should be introduced as a radiation-free modality for follow-up studies in CF patients. For further evaluation of the impact of MRI, systematic studies comparing MRI and conventional imaging modalities are necessary. Furthermore, the value of the additional functional MRI (fMRI) information has to be studied, and a scoring system for the morphological and functional aspect of MRI has to be established.

This paper is a feasibility study of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of lung perfusion in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) using contrast-enhanced 3D MRI. Correlation assessment of perfusion changes with structural abnormalities. Eleven CF patients (9 f, 2 m; median age 16 years) were examined at 1.5 T. Morphology: HASTE coronal, transversal (TR/TE/alpha/ST: 600 ms/28 ms/180 degrees /6 mm), breath-hold 18 s. Perfusion: Time-resolved 3D GRE pulse sequence (FLASH, TE/TR/alpha: 0.8/1.9 ms/40 degrees ), parallel imaging (GRAPPA, PAT 2). Twenty-five data sets were acquired after intravenous injection of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight of gadodiamide, 3-5 ml/s. A total of 198 lung segments were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus and scored for morphological and perfusion changes. Statistical analysis was performed by Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test. Results showed that perfusion defects were observed in all patients and present in 80% of upper, and 39% of lower lobes. Normal lung parenchyma showed homogeneous perfusion (86%, P<0.0001). Severe morphological changes led to perfusion defects (97%, P<0.0001). Segments with moderate morphological changes showed normal (53%) or impaired perfusion (47%). In conclusion, pulmonary perfusion is easy to judge in segments with normal parenchyma or severe changes. In moderately damaged segments, MRI of lung perfusion may help to better assess actual functional impairment. Contrast-enhanced 3D MRI of lung perfusion has the potential for early vascular functional assessment and therapy control in CF patients.

To assess the stability and reproducibility of different breath-hold levels in healthy volunteers and patients using dynamic MRI (dMRI). In ten healthy volunteers and ten patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and normal lung function craniocaudal intrathoracic distances (CCD) were measured during inspiratory and expiratory breath-hold (15 s) (in healthy volunteers additionally at a self-chosen mid-inspiratory breath-hold) using dMRI (trueFISP, three images/s). To evaluate stability and intraobserver reproducibility of the different breath-hold levels, CCDs, time-distance curves, confidence intervals (CIs), Mann-Witney U test and regression equations were calculated. In healthy volunteers there was a substantial decrease of the CCD during the inspiratory breath-hold in contrast to the expiratory breath-hold. The CI at inspiration was 2.84+/-1.28 in the right and 2.1+/-0.68 in the left hemithorax. At expiration the CI was 2.54+/-1.18 and 2.8+/-1.48. Patients were significantly less able to hold their breath at inspiration than controls (P<0.05). In patients CI was 4.53+/-4.06 and 3.46+/-2.21 at inspiration and 4.45+/-4.23 and 4.76+/-3.73 at expiration. Intraobserver variability showed no significant differences either in patients or in healthy subjects. Reproducibility was significantly lower at a self-chosen breath-hold level of the healthy volunteers. DMRI is able to differentiate stability and reproducibility of different breath-hold levels. Expiratory breath-hold proved to be more stable than inspiratory breath-hold in healthy volunteers and patients.

Differentiation between different forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is essential for correct disease management. The goal of this study was to elucidate the clinical impact of high spatial resolution MR angiography (SR-MRA) and time-resolved MRA (TR-MRA) to differentiate between patients with chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Ten PH patients and five volunteers were examined. Twenty TR-MRA data sets (TA 1.5 s) and SR-MRA (TA 23 s) were acquired. TR-MRA data sets were subtracted as angiography and perfusion images. Evaluation comprised analysis of vascular pathologies on a segmental basis, detection of perfusion defects, and bronchial arteries by two readers in consensus. Technical evaluation comprised evaluation of image quality, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements, and contrast-media passage time. Visualization of the pulmonary arteries was possible down to a subsegmental (SR-MRA) and to a segmental (TR-MRA) level. SR-MRA outperformed TR-MRA in direct visualization of intravascular changes. Patients with IPAH predominantly showed tortuous pulmonary arteries while in CTEPH wall irregularities and abnormal proximal-to-distal tapering was found. Perfusion images showed a diffuse pattern in IPAH and focal defects in CTEPH. TR-MRA and SR-MRA resulted in the same final diagnosis. Both MRA techniques allowed for differentiation between IPAH and CTEPH. Therefore, TR-MRA can be used in the clinical setting, especially in dyspneic patients.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) leads to disabling lung disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH). The goal of this study was to assess the hemodynamics in the systemic and pulmonary arterial circulation of patients with CF using MRI. Ten patients with CF and 15 healthy volunteers were examined (1.5-T MRI). Phase-contrast flow measurements were assessed in the ascending aorta, pulmonary trunc, and the left and right pulmonary arteries (PA), resulting in the following parameters: peak velocity (PV) (centimeters per second) velocity rise gradient (VRG), time to PV (milliseconds), and the average area (centimeters squared). The blood flow ratio between the right and left lungs and the bronchosystemic shunt were calculated. For the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunc no parameter was significantly different between both populations. In the right PA a significantly lower PV (p=0.001) and VRG (p=0.02) was found. In the left PA there was a significantly (p=0.007) lower PV but no significant (p=0.07) difference between the VRG. The areas of the right (p=0.08) and left (p=0.5) PA were not significantly enlarged. For the volunteers a linear increase of PV in both PA was found with age, while it decreased in patients with CF. The blood flow distribution (right/left lung) showed no significant (p=0.7) difference between the groups. There was a significantly (p<0.001) higher bronchosystemic shunt volume in patients with CF (1.3 l/min) than in volunteers (0.1 l/min). Magnetic resonance based flow measurements in the right and left PA showed first indications for early development of PH. The significant increase in bronchosystemic shunt volume might be indicative fo the extent of parenchymal changes.

The purpose of this study was to assess diaphragmatic length and shortening during the breathing cycle in healthy volunteers and patients with a lung tumor using dynamic MRI (dMRI). In 15 healthy volunteers and 28 patients with a solitary lung tumor, diaphragmatic motion and length were measured during the breathing cycle using a trueFISP sequence (three images per second in the coronal and sagittal plane). Time-distance curves and maximal length reduction (= shortening) of the diaphragm were calculated. The influence of tumor localization on diaphragmatic shortening was examined. In healthy volunteers maximal diaphragmatic shortening was 30% in the coronal and 34% in the sagittal orientation, with no difference between both hemithoraces. Tumors of the upper and middle lung region did not affect diaphragmatic shortening. In contrast, tumors of the lower lung region changed shortening significantly ( P<0.05). In hemithoraces with a tumor in the lower region, shortening was 18% in the coronal and 19% in the sagittal plane. The ratio of diaphragmatic length change from inspiration to expiration changed significantly from healthy subjects (inspiration length >> expiratory length, P<0.05) to patients with a tumor in the lower lung region (inspiratory length = expiratory length). dMRI is a simple, non-invasive method to evaluate diaphragmatic motion and shortening in volunteers and patients during the breathing cycle. Tumors of the lower lung region have a significant influence on shortening of the diaphragm.

Mental and somatic illness, utilization of psychosocial facilities and need for care in persons aged 85 years and older were examined. Data were based on a representative community sample (n = 402) of Munich city. A total of 358 (89%) subjects of the sample were interviewed, 42 subjects (10.5%) refused, and 2 persons could not be traced. Dementia and depression had the highest prevalence of mental disorders according to the AGECAT (automated geriatric examination for computer assisted taxonomy) computer program of the Geriatric Mental State Interview. In all, 23.6% of the interviewees fulfilled criteria for depression, 25.4% for dementia. We analysed somatic illness according to mental status, the utilization of psychosocial facilities and need for care with regard to mental and somatic illness.

Nineteen adult patients with type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) and homozygosity for apolipoprotein (apo) E2 were treated with the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor simvastatin (20 or 40 mg per day) alone or in combination with the fibrate derivative gemfibrozil (450 mg per day) during a 30-week outpatient study. With the 20-mg dose (n = 19) the mean plasma cholesterol level decreased from 13.24 +/- 8.04 at baseline to 8.04 +/- 4.19 mmol/l (mean reduction 39.3%; P < 0.05), and the mean plasma triglyceride level decreased from 13.47 +/- 19.22 to 7.84 +/- 7.71 mmol/l (-41.8%; NS); this was due to a decrease in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol from 8.95 +/- 8.64 to 4.94 +/- 4.24 mmol/l (-44.8%; NS), a decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from 3.54 +/- 0.93 to 2.25 +/- 0.59 mmol/l (-36.5%; P < 0.01), and an increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol from 0.72 +/- 0.28 to 0.85 +/- 0.34 (+18.1%; NS). Thirteen patients were treated with 40 mg simvastatin per day. Under this regimen there was a further significant decrease in LDL cholesterol from 2.33 +/- 0.62 to 1.81 +/- 0.49 mmol/l (-22.3%; P < 0.01). In six patients who remained hyperlipidemic on monotherapy combination drug therapy with simvastatin (40 mg per day) and gemfibrozil (450 mg per day) was given. Compared to simvastatin alone the addition of gemfibrozil further lowered plasma concentrations of total cholesterol by 14.9%, VLDL cholesterol by 23.5%, and triglycerides by 17.1%, although this was not statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)