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Browsing by Author "Vicente, Daniela Brizida Ribeiro"

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  • The role of T2 SPACE in urological diagnosis
    Publication . Vicente, Daniela Brizida Ribeiro; Vieira, Ana Luísa
    ABSTRACT: Duplex collecting systems or duplicated collecting systems are one of the most common findings of the upper urinary system. This pathology is often found unintentionally and not because of a specific symptom but when performing imaging techniques for other reasons – usually during ultrasonography (US), which is normally the first imaging exam on renal assessment. After, the pathology can be demonstrated using other imaging techniques such as CT scan, MRI scan or renal scintigraphy. All these techniques provide detailed information on kidneys anatomy and function. Objectives: The aim of this project is to assess the value of MRI scans for duplex collecting systems diagnosis with T2 SPACE sequence. Methods: This study is being performed on 1.5T MRI equipment from SIEMENS at University Hospital of Southampton (UHS), United Kingdom, where eleven patients underwent an MRI scan. A questionnaire was performed to study the opinion of four radiologists about T2-weighted SPACE sequence and to find out how helpful this MRI sequence can be in urological diagnosis. The kappa Fleiss statistical test was used to verify the agreement within the observers. Results: With kappa and p values it is shown that in 50% of cases there is a poor agreement between raters but, when analyzing Tables 2 to 12, questions 1 to 5 (contrast resolution, spatial resolution, SNR and MPR’s) were mainly rated between “likely”, “somewhat likely” or “very likely” (positive classification); in questions 6.1. to 6.5. raters have rated mainly as “non-applicable”, “very unlikely” or “somewhat unlikely” what means that the mentioned artifacts (phase wrap, phase shift, respiratory movement, bowel movement, and urinary bladder movement) do not have a significant effect in imaging quality. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that T2 SPACE sequence has a very high potential in duplex collecting system diagnosis, being one of the most important advantages the possibility of MPR’s in any plane. MPR is very helpful in case of surgery, so surgeons can have a better idea of how to access renal anatomy. Due to the small sample in this study, it is important to keep studying the T2 SPACE sequence to improve the UHS MR urogram protocol and to provide the best diagnosis possible.
    2018Master thesis Open access Show more