Atherosclerotic disease is currently one of the most important problems of modern medicine because it is a leading cause of increased morbidity, morbidity and mortality, and disability in the Western World. Atherosclerosis of the lower limbs (peripheral arterial disease – PAD) significantly affects the quality of life and in a considerable proportion of patients is a cause of disability. Radical treatment of PAD, both surgical and endovascular, aims at revascularisation of ischaemic tissues distal to obstructed arteries. Surveillance imaging is an important part of patient management after endovascular repair of PAD. Apart from availability and contraindications, challenges of imaging include calcifications, flow dynamics, and stent-related artefacts. The aim of this paper was to review the current literature on imaging methods for follow-up after endovascular repair of atherosclerotic lesions, with special attention paid to novel techniques. As a non-invasive modality, ultrasound is still the first-line examination, but computed tomography angiography remains a current state-of-the art technique for follow-up. However, since current imaging recommendations seem not to adhere to contemporary imaging possibilities, more attention should be paid to recent improvements in magnetic resonance angiography technology.

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Objective The objective of this study is to compare the value of monoexponential and biexponential approach to the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging signal in the prediction of the liver fibrosis. Methods Forty patients with hepatitis C were included. Quantification of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and pure molecular diffusion (D), pseudodiffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) was performed using 9 b values (b = 0, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 s/mm2). Results Significant fibrosis was found in 14 subjects. Monoexponentally derived ADC parameters were significantly correlated. Apparent diffusion coefficient calculated from all b values and ADC based on high b values were significantly related to the fibrosis grade (P < 0.02), and none of intravoxel incoherent motion parameters presented such an association. Apparent diffusion coefficient based on high b values was the best predictor of significant fibrosis with area under the curve of 0.81, sensitivity of 0.57, and specificity of 0.92. Conclusion Intravoxel incoherent motion parameters did not allow for prediction of the liver fibrosis. Apparent diffusion coefficient calculated based on high b values presents considerable specificity in predicting significant fibrosis.

The aim of this study is to use functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to analyse the cortical presentation of selected language functions in patients after a total laryngectomy. Methods Eighteen patients after total laryngectomy treated with electrolarynx speech and 18 volunteers were included. The mean number of patients' post-operative speech rehabilitation sessions was five (range of 3-8 sessions). Four paradigms were used, including noun generation, pseudoword reading, reading phrases with pseudowords, and nonliteral sign reproduction. Results In noun, the most significant difference between the groups was the stronger activation of both lingual gyri in the volunteers. Pseudoword reading resulted in stronger activations in patients than in volunteers in the lingual gyri, the right cerebellum, the right Broca's area, and the right parietal operculum. Reading phrases with pseudowords involved different parts of the Brodmann area 40. During nonliteral sign reproduction, there was a stronger activation of the left Broca's area in volunteers and a stronger activation of the left premotor cortex in patients. Conclusion This study provides evidence of altered cortical activation in response to language tasks in patients after a laryngectomy compared with healthy volunteers, which may be considered brain plasticity in response to a laryngectomy.