Purpose: Dynamic high-field magnetic resonance (MR) defecography including the evacuation phase is a promising tool for the assessment of functional disorders, nowadays seen with increasing frequency in elderly women in particular. Learning objectives: 1. To describe the adequate technique of dynamic high-field MRI (3T) in assessing floor disorders. 2. To provide an overview of the most common pathologies occurring during the evacuation phase, especially in comparison with results of conventional defecography. Methods and materials: After description of the ideal technical parameters of MR defecography performed in supine position after gel rectal filling with a 3 Tesla unit and including the evacuation phase we stress the importance of using a standardized evaluation system for the exact assessment of floor pathophysiology. Results: The typical floor disorders occurring before and/or during the evacuation phase, such as sphincter insufficiency, vaginal vault and/or uterine prolapse, cystourethrocele, peritoneo-/ entero-/ sigmoidocele or rectal prolapse, are demonstrated. The difference between the terms pelvic floor descent and pelvic floor relaxation are pictorially outlined. MR results are compared with these of conventional defecography. Conclusion: Exact knowledge about the correct technique including the evacuation phase and the use of a standardized evaluation system in assessing floor disorders by dynamic high-field MRI is mandatory for accurate and reproducible diagnosis.
Journal Article Dose and Image Quality Characterisation of CT Units Get access F.R. Verdun, F.R. Verdun Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar R.A. Meuli, R.A. Meuli Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar G. Bucher, G. Bucher Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar A. Noël, A. Noël Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar J. Stines, J. Stines Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar P. Schnyder, P. Schnyder Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar J.-F. Valley J.-F. Valley Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Volume 90, Issue 1-2, 1 August 2000, Pages 193–196, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a033117 Published: 01 August 2000
Characterisation of film digitisers should be the first step when using them in the medical field: unfortunately, there is still no standard protocol to do so. This situation is particularly critical because the use of film digitisers is becoming a routine procedure in centres willing to set up PACS systems. The assessment of basic parameters such as the range and resolution of optical density, the spatial resolution and the noise level can be easily implemented and allows a check on the level of image degradation produced by film digitising. Simple methods are reported which could be included in quality assurance programmes of hospitals or centres using these systems.
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology University Hospital Lausanne, Switzerland Address for reprints: Pierre Schnyder, MD, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, CHUV - BH10, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. E-mail: [email protected]
