iothalamate-meglumine and Cadaver

Postmortem investigation is increasingly supported by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This led to the idea to implement a noninvasive or minimally invasive autopsy technique. Therefore, a minimally invasive angiography technique becomes necessary, in order to support the vascular cross section diagnostic. Preliminary experiments investigating different contrast agents for CT and MRI and their postmortem applicability have been performed using an ex-vivo porcine coronary model. MSCT and MRI angiography was performed in the porcine model. Three human corpses were investigated using minimally invasive MSCT angiography. Via the right femoral artery a plastic tube was advanced into the aortic arch. Using a flow adjustable pump the radiopaque contrast agent meglumine-ioxithalamate was injected. Subsequent MSCT scanning provided an excellent anatomic visualization of the human arterial system including intracranial and coronary arteries. Vascular pathologies such as calcification, stenosis and injury were detected. Limitations of the introduced approach are cases of major vessel injury and cases that show an advanced stage of decay.

Topics: Angiography; Animals; Autopsy; Barium Sulfate; Brain; Cadaver; Contrast Media; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Iothalamate Meglumine; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Meglumine; Models, Animal; Myocardium; Organometallic Compounds; Swine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

A cross-sectional study.. To determine the face validity of lumbar medial branch blocks.. Lumbar medial branch blocks have been used increasingly to diagnose zygapophysial joint pain. The course and relations of the medial branches of the dorsal rami have been demonstrated in previous anatomic studies. What is not known is whether blocks of the medial branches anesthetize these nerves exclusively or whether they anesthetize other structures that are potential sources of pain.. In a cadaveric study, the branches of the dorsal rami were exposed. Spinal needles were placed over the nerves, and plain radiographs were taken to demonstrate the precise radiographic locations of the nerves. In the second phase of the study, healthy volunteers underwent injections of radiographic contrast over the nerves, and plain radiographs and computed tomographic images were taken. Injections were performed using different rates of injection and in two positions for each nerve.. Radiographic contrast incorporated the medial branches of the dorsal rami in every injection. When injections were performed using the upper position, aberrant flow of contrast medium was demonstrated with extension into the epidural space or intervertebral foramina. When a position lower on the transverse process was selected, aberrant flow was very uncommon. Eight percent of injections were found to be intravenous.. When the appropriate technique is used, medial branch blocks are target specific. To guard against false-negative responses due to intravenous up-take, contrast medium must be used before the injection of local anaesthetic.

Topics: Adult; Anesthetics, Local; Cadaver; Contrast Media; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Female; Humans; Iothalamate Meglumine; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Nerve Block; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spinal Nerves; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

To demonstrate the plantar compartments of the foot on magnetic resonance (MR) images.. The plantar compartments of four cadaveric feet underwent MR imaging and were sectioned. Fifteen MR studies in 11 patients with compartmental fluid were evaluated. The epicenter of infection was determined from review of the history, radiographs, and MR images.. In the cadaveric feet, distribution of contrast material conformed to the compartmental anatomic features. MR findings in the specimen correlated exactly with gross findings. All seven feet with infection centered at the second through fourth metatarsal heads demonstrated only central compartment fluid. In seven of eight feet with a more medial or lateral epicenter of infection, fluid was seen in the lateral or medial compartment and in the central compartment. In one foot with a lateral epicenter of infection, fluid was confined to the lateral compartment.. MR imaging accurately depicts the compartmental anatomic features of the foot.

Topics: Cadaver; Contrast Media; Copper; Copper Sulfate; Diabetic Foot; Drug Combinations; Exudates and Transudates; Fascia; Foot; Gadolinium; Gadolinium DTPA; Gelatin; Humans; Iothalamate Meglumine; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Meglumine; Metatarsophalangeal Joint; Metatarsus; Methylene Blue; Muscle, Skeletal; Organometallic Compounds; Pentetic Acid; Soft Tissue Infections; Tendons