PURPOSE: This study was designed to optimize the flip angle (FA) and scan timing of the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) using the 3D T1-weighted, gradient-echo (GRE) imaging with controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA) technique on gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T liver MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T liver MR imaging were included in this study. Four 3D T1-weighted GRE imaging studies using the CAIPIRINHA technique and FAs of 9° and 13° were acquired during HBP at 15 and 20 min after intravenous injection of gadoxetic acid. Two abdominal radiologists, who were blinded to the FA and the timing of image acquisition, assessed the sharpness of liver edge, hepatic vessel clarity, lesion conspicuity, artifact severity, and overall image quality using a five-point scale. Quantitative analysis was performed by another radiologist to estimate the relative liver enhancement (RLE) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The scores of the HBP with an FA of 13° during the same delayed time were significantly higher than those of the HBP with an FA of 9° in all the assessment items (P < 0.01). In terms of the delay time, images at the same FA obtained with a 20-min-HBP showed better quality than those obtained with a 15-min-HBP. There was no significant difference in qualitative scores between the 20-min-HBP and the 15-min-HBP images in the non-liver cirrhosis (LC) group except for the hepatic vessel clarity score with 9° FA. In the quantitative analysis, a statistically significant difference was found in the degree of RLE in the four HBP images (P = 0.012). However, in the subgroup analysis, no significant difference in RLE was found in the four HBP images in either the LC or the non-LC groups. The SNR did not differ significantly in the four HBP images. In the subgroup analysis, 20-min-HBP imaging with a 13° FA showed the highest SNR value in the LC-group, whereas 15-min-HBP imaging with a 13° FA showed the best value of SNR in the non-LC group. CONCLUSION: The use of a moderately high FA improves the image quality and lesion conspicuity on 3D, T1-weighted GRE imaging using the CAIPIRINHA technique on gadoxetic acid, 3T liver MR imaging. In patients with normal liver function, the 15-min-HBP with a 13° FA represents a feasible option without a significant decrease in image quality.
Acceleration ; Artifacts ; Breath Holding ; Contrast Media ; Fibrosis ; Gadolinium DTPA ; Humans ; Injections, Intravenous ; Liver ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio

OBJECTIVE: To explore the change of the amplitude of P wave, T wave and ST segment of 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in children with breath holding spell.
 METHODS: A total of 29 children (24 males and 5 females) with breath holding spell in Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were enrolled for this study from October, 2009 to September, 2015. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 6 years, with an average of 1.82±1.27 years old. The control group consisted of 30 age-matched and gender-matched healthy children. All subjects were underwent electrocardiography by the SR-1000A comprehensive automatic electrocardiograph analyzer, and the changes of the ECG parameters were compared between the two groups.
 RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the amplitude of P-wave of V5 lead was decreased [(44.10±23.98) vs (58.30±21.19) μV, P<0.05], the amplitude of T-wave of V6 lead was increased [(423.80±122.6) vs (350.00±105.73) μV, P<0.05], the amplitude of ST segment of II lead was increased [(84.80±39.97) vs (57.30±38.77) μV, P<0.05], the amplitude of ST segment of aVR lead was increased [(-77.60±37.41) vs (-51.00±33.46) μV, P<0.05], the amplitude of ST segment of aVL lead was increased [(35.20±28.24) vs (17.70±33.90) μV, P<0.05], the amplitude of ST segment of V5 lead was increased [(111.00±59.36) vs (69.00±36.33) μV, P<0.05], the amplitude of ST segment of V6 lead was increased [(79.30±45.51) vs (51.30±33.19) μV, P<0.05]. 
 CONCLUSION The children with breath holding spell have autonomic nerve dysfunction. The amplitude of ST segment changes is sensitive.
Breath Holding ; Brugada Syndrome ; Cardiac Conduction System Disease ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Conduction System ; Humans ; Infant ; Male

The purpose of this review was to demonstrate magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography findings of anatomy, variants, and pathologic conditions of the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL). This review also demonstrates the applicability of a new MR arthrography sequence in the anterosuperior portion of the glenohumeral joint. The SGHL is a very important anatomical structure in the rotator interval that is responsible for stabilizing the long head of the biceps tendon. Therefore, a torn SGHL can result in pain and instability. Observation of the SGHL is difficult when using conventional MR imaging, because the ligament may be poorly visualized. Shoulder MR arthrography is the most accurately established imaging technique for identifying pathologies of the SGHL and associated structures. The use of three dimensional (3D) volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences produces thinner image slices and enables a higher in-plane resolution than conventional MR arthrography sequences. Therefore, shoulder MR arthrography using 3D VIBE sequences may contribute to evaluating of the smaller intraarticular structures such as the SGHL.
Adult ; *Breath Holding ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/*methods ; Ligaments, Articular/*anatomy & histology/pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/*diagnosis ; *Shoulder Joint/injuries ; Tendon Injuries/diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of registration based on different reference markers on the displacement of the geometry consisted of all clips in the cavity for external-beam partial breast irradiation at moderate deep inspiration breath holding assisted by active breathing control device.

METHODSTwenty-seven early stage breast cancer patients feasible for external beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI) were selected. The patients undertaken three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) simulation scan at moderate deep inspiration breath holding (mDIBH) assisted by active breathing control device, and two sets of mDIBH CT images were got and transferred to the Pinnacle 3 planning system. All of the silver clips were delineated and a geometry consisted of all clips were generated. On the account of automatic registration of mDIBH CT images, manual registration was carried out based separately on the topside clip in the cavity, the labeled skin at anterior surface of the cavity at central level and the metal mark on the body surface near the cavity, then the displacements of center of the geometry in left-right (LR), anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) directions based separately on the three registrations were measured.

RESULTSThe displacements of center of the geometry in LR, AP and SI directions based on registration of the clips, the labeled skin and the metal mark were (0.61 ± 0.62)mm vs. (1.11 ± 1.21)mm vs. (1.31 ± 1.55)mm, (0.63 ± 0.59)mm vs. (0.92 ± 0.93)mm vs. (1.19 ± 1.24)mm and (0.91 ± 0.96)mm vs. (2.13 ± 2.12)mm vs. (1.93 ± 1.55)mm, respectively. Compared the displacements of center of the geometry in the same direction between the three registrations, significant differences were found only in SI direction between clip registration and skin registration, clip registration and mark registration (t = 5.045, 7.210 and P = 0.025, 0.007) . Compared the displacements of center of the geometry between three dimensional directions for each reference registration, there was no significant difference (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSWhen EB-PBI is carried out in state of mDIBH, measurement of the intrafraction displacement based on registration of the clip in the cavity is a reasonable selection. Otherwise, excessive margin enlargement of PTV in SI direction will be generated if the regional skin or metal mark is selected as registration reference.

Breast Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; radiotherapy ; Breath Holding ; Female ; Fiducial Markers ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Radiography ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Surgical Instruments

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent disease and contributes to consequences like hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cardiac disease, daytime sleepiness, decreased productivity, mood change, and quality of life. The mortality and morbidity due to consequences are related to severity of obstructive sleep apnea. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea is measured by apnea-hypopnea index or respiratory disturbance index. The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is made by polysomnographic findings and/or one of its symptoms (daytime symptoms like unintentional sleep episode during wakefulness, daytime sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, insomnia, or fatigue, nighttime symptoms like breath holding, gasping, or choking, or bed partner's report about loud snoring, breath stopping). Due to high cost, inconvenience, and availability of in-lab polysomnogrpahy, simple diagnostic tools are suggested. Portable polysomnography has advantages including low cost, home monitoring, and convenience. But portable polysomnography has limitations like safety issues, lead malfunction, sensitivity, and specificity. Moreover, in some patients, portable polysomnography cannot be applied. The standard suggested diagnostic methods and available alternative tools are reviewed.
Airway Obstruction ; Breath Holding ; Diagnosis* ; Efficiency ; Fatigue ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Methods ; Mortality ; Polysomnography ; Quality of Life ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sleep Apnea Syndromes ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Snoring ; Stroke ; Wakefulness

PURPOSE: Peripheral intravenous (I.V.) access is a common but stressful procedure in children, their parents and medical staffs. We evaluated the efficacy of volatile induction and maintenance of anesthesia (VIMA) without intravenous access for brief procedures in mild to moderate burn-injured pediatric patients. METHODS: VIMA without I.V. was conducted to healthy pediatric patients. Adverse events such as cough, breath holding, airway obstruction, arrhythmia, bradycardia and tachycardia, etc. were evaluated. RESULTS: From July 2008 to December 2009, 1,495 cases of VIMA with sevoflurane were performed in 859 children. Burn-injured patients were 94.9% and patients with hypertrophic scar were 5.1%. Scalding burn and contact burn were 90.1% of the burn-injured patients. Mean anesthesia duration was 29.3+/-6.2 min. In 1,495 VIMA cases, 47 cases had cardiovascular adverse events, including tachycardia (36), bradycardia (7), arrhythmia (3), and hypertension (1). All of these cardiovascular events returned normal after anesthesia. The respiratory adverse events occurred in 72 cases, including cough (49), breath holding (10), partial airway obstruction (8), hypoxia (4), and laryngospasm (1). None of the patients had bronchospasm. Most of the respiratory adverse events could be controlled by manual ventilation with mask, and oropharyngeal airway or laryngeal mask insertion. In four cases with hypoxia, the duration was less than 1 minute and these cases were no eventful after anesthesia. CONCLUSION: VIMA without I.V. access can be effective in brief procedures with mild to moderate burn-injured pediatric patients, even though a longer period of study may be required to assess the efficacy and safety.
Airway Obstruction ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Inhalation ; Anoxia ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Bradycardia ; Breath Holding ; Bronchial Spasm ; Burns ; Child ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; Cough ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Laryngeal Masks ; Laryngismus ; Masks ; Medical Staff ; Methyl Ethers ; Parents ; Tachycardia ; Ventilation

BACKGROUND: Cough reflex in response to extubation of the endotracheal tube is common; however, the effect of remifentanil on cough reflex is uncertain. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of lidocaine and remifentanil on cough reflex following extubation. METHODS: Forty adult patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery in two hours were enrolled in this study. All patients received a standard anesthetic protocol. Following surgery, the patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group L (n = 20), which received 1.5 mg/kg of 2% lidocaine intravenously, and Group R (n = 20), which received 0.5 microgram/kg remifentanil intravenously. Treatment was administered immediately after the patients opened their eyes, after which extubation was performed. We then evaluated breath holding and recorded the number of coughs at 5 minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes after extubation. In addition, we checked for sore throat 30 minutes after extubation. RESULTS: The number of coughs was significantly lower in Group R than in Group L at 5 minutes after extubation. However, there was no significant difference in the number of coughs in Group R and Group L at any other times evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: There are no significant differences in suppression of the cough reflex in response to treatment with lidocaine and remifentanil.
Adult ; Breath Holding ; Cough ; Eye ; Humans ; Lidocaine ; Pharyngitis ; Piperidines ; Reflex

A hiccup is caused by involuntary, intermittent, and spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. It starts with a sudden inspiration and ends with an abrupt closure of the glottis. Even though a hiccup is thought to develop through the hiccup reflex arc, its exact pathophysiology is still unclear. The etiologies include gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory abnormalities, psychogenic factors, toxic-metabolic disorders, central nervous system dysfunctions and irritation of the vagus and phrenic nerves. Most benign hiccups can be controlled by traditional empirical therapy such as breath holding and swallowing water. However, though rare, a persistent hiccup longer than 48 hours can lead to significant adverse effects including malnutrition, dehydration, insomnia, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiac arrhythmia. An intractable hiccup can sometimes even cause death. We herein describe a patient with non-small cell lung cancer who was severely distressed by a persistent hiccup.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Breath Holding ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; Central Nervous System ; Chlorpromazine ; Contracts ; Deglutition ; Dehydration ; Diaphragm ; Glottis ; Hiccup ; Humans ; Intercostal Muscles ; Lung Neoplasms ; Malnutrition ; Phrenic Nerve ; Reflex ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Water

Hiccups are due to involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostals muscles. Most hiccups are self-limiting, but sometimes intractable hiccups can lead to multiple problems including exhaustion. Persistent or intractable hiccups may be related to the presence of serious underlying system disease. A 52-year-old male who had suffered from gastric cancer was consulted from surgical department due to persistent hiccups. Initially, he was unsuccessfully managed using conservative method, i.e., breath holding, induced gag reflex, and the oral administration of chlorpromazine. We administered risperidone quicklet, and then the hiccups disappeared. We conclude that risperidone quicklet is one of the useful treatment methods for persistent hiccups.
Administration, Oral ; Breath Holding ; Chlorpromazine ; Diaphragm ; Hiccup* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscles ; Reflex ; Risperidone* ; Stomach Neoplasms

BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane has been used to provide an inhaled induction by using a vital capacity breath, which is fast and has few side effects. We compared the clinical effects of a vital capacity inhalation induction (VCII) with sevoflurane in patients of preoxygenation or air-breathing before anesthetic induction. METHODS: After IRB approval, patients were randomly assigned to receive preoxygenation (O2 group, 70 patients) or air breathing (Air group, 70 patients) via SIBI (Single Breath Induction) connectorTM before VCII with 8% sevoflurane in 75% N2O/O2 from primed circuit. The clinical characteristics were compared between two groups in respect to prolongation of breath holding after loss of consciousness (response to verbal command) and side effects (airway, hemodynamic, motor) during VCII. RESULTS: O2 group showed lower incidence (60.0% vs. 87.1%, P < 0.05) and shorter duration (27.1 s vs. 36.4 s, P < 0.05) in prolongation of breath holding than Air group. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in clinical effects between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that preoxygenation reduces the incidence and duration of prolongation of breath holding during VCII with sevoflurane compared with air-ventilation before VCII. We suggest that the prolongation of breath holding might be related to Hering-Breuer response to maximal lung inflation during VCII.
Apnea ; Breath Holding ; Ethics Committees, Research ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflation, Economic ; Inhalation* ; Lung ; Respiration* ; Unconsciousness ; Ventilation* ; Vital Capacity*