title: Scintigraphic study of ureteral peristalsis using fast Fourier transforms.
abstract: Pathophysiological changes in ureteral kinetics can be monitored externally and non-invasively by means of a time-space matrix approach during the excretory phase of fast-frame routine renography. The main limitations of this method are poor space-time resolution and, in some cases, an inadequate visualization of the peristaltic waves. A new approach to the study of ureteral contractions using the power spectrum obtained from Fourier transforms of the ureteral time-activity curves was developed. The FORTRAN program was tested by an experimental simulation, and its subsequent application on fifty-one subjects indicated that the method is a useful complement to the space-time matrix technique. Moreover, evaluation of the power spectrum offers several advantages for the study of the pathophysiological parameters of peristalsis.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Fisica Sanitaria, Ospedale Molinette, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ropolo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cesana
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Picciotto
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sargiotto
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: De Filippi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011866:Radioisotope Renography / Q000379:methods; D012984:Software; D017263:Technetium Tc 99m Mertiatide; D014513:Ureter / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014515:Ureteral Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D017263:Technetium Tc 99m Mertiatide