Showing papers in "Journal of clinical imaging science in 2019"
TL;DR: A volume sweep imaging (VSI) protocol for pneumonia detection can be taught with minimal difficulty to rural health workers without prior ultrasound experience and involves no significant knowledge of anatomy or technical skill.
Abstract: Objective Pneumonia is the leading cause of pediatric mortality worldwide among children 0-5 years old. Lung ultrasound can be used to diagnose pneumonia in rural areas as it is a portable and relatively economic imaging modality with ~95% sensitivity and specificity for pneumonia in children. Lack of trained sonographers is the current limiting factor to its deployment in rural areas. In this study, we piloted training of a volume sweep imaging (VSI) ultrasound protocol for pneumonia detection in Peru with rural health workers. VSI may be taught to individuals with limited medical/ultrasound experience as it requires minimal anatomical knowledge and technical skill. In VSI, the target organ is imaged with a series of sweeps and arcs of the ultrasound probe in relation to external body landmarks. Methods Rural health workers in Peru were trained on a VSI ultrasound protocol for pneumonia detection. Subjects were given a brief didactic session followed by hands-on practice with the protocol. Each attempt was timed and mistakes were recorded. Participants performed the protocol until they demonstrated two mistake-free attempts. Results It took participants a median number of three attempts (range 1-6) to perform the VSI protocol correctly. Time to mastery took 51.4 ± 17.7 min. There were no significant differences among doctors, nurses, and technicians in total training time (P = 0.43) or number of attempts to success (P = 0.72). Trainee age was not found to be significantly correlated with training time (P = 0.50) or number of attempts to success (P = 0.40). Conclusion Rural health workers learned a VSI protocol for pneumonia detection with relative ease in a short amount of time. Future studies should investigate the clinical efficacy of this VSI protocol for pneumonia detection. Key message A volume sweep imaging (VSI) protocol for pneumonia detection can be taught with minimal difficulty to rural health workers without prior ultrasound experience. No difference was found in training performance related to education level or age. VSI involves no significant knowledge of anatomy or technical skill.
29 citations
TL;DR: This article intends to focus on a comprehensive approach including demographics, clinical presentation, and imaging findings required to diagnose the tumor definitely or narrow the differentials.
Abstract: Soft tissue tumors involving the hand are common and most often benign. It is important to know the spectrum of soft tissue tumors of the hand and understand the typical as well as atypical imaging features are seen on different imaging modalities. The imaging features are largely determined by the tumor histopathology; thus, the basic idea about the tumor histopathology will always be useful. This article intends to focus on a comprehensive approach including demographics, clinical presentation, and imaging findings required to diagnose the tumor definitely or narrow the differentials. This article discusses common soft tissue tumor mimics of the hand as well, however, excludes the bone tumors for the sake of brevity.
19 citations
TL;DR: The case of a 6-year-old girl who demonstrated the classic clinical and imaging features of Pol III-related leukodystrophy is presented, aiming to raise awareness of this disorder so that it is easily recognized in the appropriate setting.
Abstract: Pol III-related leukodystrophy is a recently recognized category of leukodystrophy with characteristic clinical presentation and imaging findings. These cases are diagnosed by the combination of typical clinical presentation, brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, and the presence of biallelic pathogenic mutations in three specific genes. We present the case of a 6-year-old girl who demonstrated the classic clinical and imaging features of this disorder. This case report aims to raise awareness of this disorder so that it is easily recognized in the appropriate setting.
19 citations
TL;DR: Kabbe disease shows distinct imaging features which correspond to different clinical age-based subtypes, which are reemphasized, highlights a novel imaging appearance in juvenile Krabbe, and also alludes to the rare variant of saposin deficiency.
Abstract: Context Krabbe disease shows considerable heterogeneity in clinical features and disease progression. Imaging phenotypes are equally heterogeneous but show distinct age-based patterns. It is important for radiologists to be familiar with the imaging spectrum to substantially contribute toward early diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutic decisions. Aims The study aims to describe different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns observed in a cohort of children with Krabbe disease and to assess correlation with age-based clinical phenotypes. Materials and methods This is a retrospective descriptive study done at the Departments of Radiodiagnosis and Neurological Sciences of our institution, a tertiary care hospital in Southern India. Imaging features of children diagnosed with Krabbe disease over a 10-year period (2009-2018) were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 38 MRI brain studies from 27 patients were analyzed. Four distinct MRI patterns were recognizable among the different clinical subtypes. All patients from the early and late infantile group showed deep cerebral and cerebellar white matter and dentate hilum involvement. Optic nerve thickening was, however, more common in the former group. Adult-onset subtype showed isolated involvement of corticospinal tract, posterior periventricular white matter, and callosal splenium with the absence of other supra- and infra-tentorial findings. Juvenile subgroup showed heterogeneous mixed pattern with 78% showing adult subtype pattern and 22% showing patchy involvement of deep cerebral white matter with dentate hilum signal changes. Conclusion Krabbe disease shows distinct imaging features which correspond to different clinical age-based subtypes. This article reemphasizes these distinct imaging phenotypes, highlights a novel imaging appearance in juvenile Krabbe, and also alludes to the rare variant of saposin deficiency. Awareness of these patterns is essential in suggesting the appropriate diagnosis and guiding conclusive diagnostic workup. Large multicenter longitudinal studies are needed to further define the role of imaging in predicting the clinical course and thus to guide therapeutic options.
17 citations
TL;DR: A diagnosis of macrodystrophia lipomatosa can be confidently made in cases with congenital isolated limb or digit/digits enlargement with or without fibrolipohamartoma of nerve.
Abstract: Introduction We present one of the largest case series of Macrodystrophia lipomatosa, a rare congenital disorder of localized gigantism characterized by overgrowth of all the mesenchymal elements, predominantly involving the fibroadipose tissue. Aims To detail the radiological features, pattern of distribution, associated conditions and to suggest an appropriate terminology to describe the condition. Methods and material It is a retrospective study. Data from PACS server dating from 2000 and 2018 was used. The cases with isolated enlarged limb or digit/digits with or without nerve involvement were included in the study. Statistical analysis used Frequency and percentage were used for analysis of categorical variables. Results A total of 31 cases was included for the final analysis, out of which 19 were males and 12 were females. Unilateral limb involvement was seen in 30 cases. The most common pattern identified was the 'nerve territory oriented' type in 28 cases confined to the hand or foot, 'diffuse or pure lipomatous' type in one case and mixed type was seen in two cases. The most common nerve territory involved was along the median nerve in the upper limb and along the medial plantar nerve in the lower limb. Neural involvement was seen in 16 cases of the upper limb and 10 cases of the lower limb. Syndactyly was seen in two cases, polydactyly in one case and symphalangism in one case. Conclusions A diagnosis of macrodystrophia lipomatosa can be confidently made in cases with congenital isolated limb or digit/digits enlargement with or without fibrolipohamartoma of nerve. Radiographs and ultrasound are sufficient along with clinical examination to make accurate diagnosis. MRI is useful for assessing the extent and for planning surgery.
15 citations
TL;DR: The main objective of this sonographic pictorial review is to discuss the imaging findings, specific differentiating features against each differential and use of ancillary imaging findings whenever available.
Abstract: Testicular tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon presentation of extrapulmonary TB. Although rare in incidence, it is a great masquerader and should be kept in consideration while assessing focal abnormalities involving the testis. Ultrasound findings alone may be non-specific and mimic other diagnoses including infection, inflammation, tumor, infarct, and trauma. The main objective of this sonographic pictorial review is to discuss the imaging findings, specific differentiating features against each differential and use of ancillary imaging findings whenever available. Concurrent involvement of epididymis, septated hydrocele, scrotal wall edema, and calcification of tunica vaginalis provides strong evidence in an appropriate setting. Available extratesticular ancillary imaging findings must be correlated for correct diagnosis due to non-specific imaging and clinical presentation. Misdiagnosis of scrotal TB may lead to otherwise avoidable epididymo-orchiectomy.
13 citations
TL;DR: Among different PET tracers, Axumin PET appears to be the most promising tool and played a key role in treatment modification by finding otherwise undetected lesions in prostate cancer patients.
Abstract: Prostate cancer remains one of the top common cancers in terms of incidence and cancer-related deaths. Approximately 1/3rd cases develop biochemical recurrence during surveillance post-definite therapy. Multiple imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (including multiparametric prostate MRI), bone scan, and positron emission tomography (PET) using different tracers are being used for the characterization of the prostate cancer recurrence. CT and MRI do not provide physiological information, thus have lower sensitivity in detecting the metastasis. A bone scan has low sensitivity (depending on the prostate-specific antigen level) with low specificity as well. Among different PET tracers, Axumin PET appears to be the most promising tool. Axumin PET is Food and Drug Administration approved for the evaluation of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence. Several studies have shown that Axumin PET findings played a key role in treatment modification by finding otherwise undetected lesions. We briefly discuss the salient characteristics, imaging protocol and image interpretation criteria for Axumin PET in the workup of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence.
11 citations
TL;DR: CT imaging findings and the experience in two patients affected by Lemmel syndrome are reported.
Abstract: Lemmel syndrome is a rare and misdiagnosed cause of acute abdominal pain due to a juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum causing mechanical obstruction of the common bile duct. Frequently, patients suffering from Lemmel syndrome have a history of recurrent access to the emergency room for acute abdominal pain referable to a biliopancreatic obstruction, in the absence of lithiasis nuclei or solid lesions at radiological examinations. Ultrasonography (US) may be helpful in evaluation of upstream dilatation of extra-/intra-hepatic biliary duct, but computed tomography (CT) is the reference imaging modality for the diagnosis of periampullary duodenal diverticula compressing the intrapancreatic portion of the common bile duct. Recognition of this entity is crucial for targeted, timely therapy avoiding mismanagement and therapeutic delay. The aim of this paper is to report CT imaging findings and our experience in two patients affected by Lemmel syndrome.
11 citations
TL;DR: The PPV of malignancy in DBT detected AD without an US correlate in the authors' series of 45 cases was 6/45, lower than that mentioned in prior literature but exceeds the 2% threshold to justify DBT-guided biopsy.
Abstract: Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of architectural distortions (AD) observed on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and without an ultrasound (US) correlate. Materials and Methods: In this single-institution, retrospective study, patients who underwent DBT-guided biopsies of AD without any associated findings on digital mammography (DM) or DBT, and without a correlate on targeted US exam, over a 14-month period were included in this study. All patients had DM and DBT and targeted US exams. The PPV was computed along with the exact 95% confidence limits (CL) using simple binomial proportions, with histopathology as the reference standard. Results: A total of 45 ADs in 45 patients met the inclusion criteria. Histopathology indicated 6/45 (PPV: 13.3%, CL: 5.1–26.8%), ADs were malignant, including one high-risk lesion that was upgraded at surgery. ADs were appreciated only on DBT in 12/45 (26.7%) patients, and on both DBT and DM in 33/45 (73.3%) patients, and the corresponding PPV was 25% (3/12, CL: 5.5–57.2%) and 9.1% (3/33, CL: 1.9–24.3%), respectively. In all analyses, the observed PPV significantly exceeded the 2% probability of malignancy for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System-3 diagnostic categories (P < 0.004). Conclusions: The PPV of malignancy in DBT detected AD without an US correlate in our series of 45 cases was 6/45 (13.3%). In the absence of an US correlate, the PPV of AD is lower than that mentioned in prior literature but exceeds the 2% threshold to justify DBT-guided biopsy.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, MRI studies from 100 patients admitted to a large tertiary trauma center for TBI were retrospectively analyzed by two fellowship-trained neuroradiologists and the size of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) lesions, location of injury within the brainstem, and the number of discrete DAI lesions were measured and recorded.
Abstract: Background Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), commonly due to motor vehicle accidents may cause death and long-term disability especially when the acceleration-deceleration force on the brain is massive. This may cause shearing of the axonal connections within the cerebral cortex and brainstem in a process referred to as diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Extensive DAI has been postulated to be a poor prognostic indicator for neurological recovery. In our institution, several patients with Grade 3 DAI were observed to recover and achieve neurological outcomes greater than expected given the presence of brainstem injury. Methods MRI studies from 100 patients admitted to a large tertiary trauma center for TBI were retrospectively analyzed by two fellowship-trained neuroradiologists. The size of DAI lesions, location of injury within the brainstem, and the number of discrete DAI lesions were measured and recorded. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on arrival and at discharge was noted, as well as the presence of other neurological injuries. Results Of 20 patients initially noted to have DAI with lesions of the brainstem, eight of them were discharged with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 14-15. The 12 patients discharged with reduced consciousness (average GC 7.1) demonstrated a greater number of larger lesions, with a predilection for the dorsal pons. Conclusion These results suggest that large, numerous pontine lesions may indicate worse neurological outcomes in patients with these findings.
10 citations
TL;DR: Because isolated PAPVC is a clinically significant independent risk factor, it should be actively treated to prevent the development of pulmonary hypertension later in life, which may result in severe clinical consequences.
Abstract: Objective Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is one of the rare congenital cardiac diseases with a prevalence of 0.4-0.7% of autopsies. The prevalence of a partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection is 0.2% in computed tomography (CT) among adults. We chose to study the association between isolated PAPVC and volume overload, estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure in a tertiary care center for cardiovascular diseases. Methods CT report database was searched for keywords of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, pulmonary hypertension, dilated right atrium (RA), and right ventricle (RV). Both pediatric and adult population were considered. All the dedicated studies of non-coronary cardiac evaluation, pulmonary arteries, and thorax were included in the study. Echocardiography was performed in all the subjects. In adults, abnormalities searched were features of volume overload of RA and RV and estimated systolic pulmonary pressure of 45 mmHg. Biphasic studies were performed, and upper abdomen was included in the CT studies. Results Among the 110 subjects, 54 (49%) had isolated PAPVC. Of 54, 26 patients had volume overload of RA/RV or elevated estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure. There is a significant association between drainage of anomalous veins to superior vena cava (SVC) and age >18 years (Chi-squared test P = 0.003). Among patients with isolated PAPVC, 18 had anomalous drainage to the SVC. Among isolated PAPVC cases, 38 were of the age >18 years. We found statistically significant association (P = 0.02) between isolated PAPVC in adults and pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion Isolated PAPVC has association with the development of pulmonary hypertension in adults, approaching statistically significant p value. Because isolated PAPVC is a clinically significant independent risk factor, it should be actively treated to prevent the development of pulmonary hypertension later in life, which may result in severe clinical consequences.
TL;DR: An unusual case of a 19-year-old individual with phenotypically nearly normal male genitalia who presented with the complaint of bilateral breast enlargement is presented.
Abstract: Disorder of sex development is an inclusive term that refers to any problem where the genital organ is atypical in relation to chromosomes or gonads. Ovotesticular disorder of sex development, which is formerly known as “true hermaphroditism,” is the most rare form among all disorders of sex development in humans. It is characterized by the simultaneous presence of both ovarian and testicular tissues in the same individual and characteristically presents with ambiguous genitalia in neonates or infants. Herein, we present an unusual case of a 19-year-old individual with phenotypically nearly normal male genitalia who presented with the complaint of bilateral breast enlargement.
TL;DR: The features, imaging, differentials, and treatment of ISCH as a rare cause of abrupt kink in the spinal cord are discussed.
Abstract: Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is displacement of spinal cord through a dural or arachnoidal defect. Most patients present with back pain or myelopathy, paresthesia, and sensory or motor weakness. Imaging findings include anterior displacement of the cord with possible kink, no filling defect on CT myelography, and no restricted diffusion/mass lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. Abrupt kink in the spinal cord or widened cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space can be caused by a variety of reasons. The differential considerations include arachnoid web, intradural extramedullary epidermoid or arachnoid cyst, abscess or cystic schwannoma. We discuss the features, imaging, differentials, and treatment of ISCH as a rare cause of such kink in the cord. While reading such cases, a radiologist should include the location, segments involved, cord signal abnormality, visible defect, scalpel sign or C-sign, ventral cord kink, nuclear trail sign, the ventral CSF space preservation, or obliteration and the type.
TL;DR: MRI findings in L-2-hydroxy glutaric aciduria are highly consistent and diagnostic, which helps in early diagnosis, particularly in resource-constraint settings, where detailed metabolic workup is not possible.
Abstract: Context: Neurometabolic disorders form an important group of potentially treatable diseases. It is important to recognize the clinical phenotype and characteristic imaging patterns to make an early diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. L-2-hydroxy glutaric aciduria (L2HGA) is a rare organic aciduria with a consistent and highly characteristic imaging pattern, which clinches the diagnosis in most cases. Aims: The study aims to describe the clinical profile, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns, and outcome in a cohort of children with L2HGA and to assess the clinicoradiological correlation. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study done at the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Neurological Sciences of our institution. Clinical and radiological findings of children diagnosed with L2HGA over an 8-year period (2010–2017) were collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis of clinical and imaging data was performed. Results: There were six girls and four boys. A total of 14 MRI brain studies in 10 patients with the diagnosis were analyzed. MRI of all patients showed a similar pattern with extensive confluent subcortical white-matter signal changes with symmetrical involvement of dentate nuclei and basal ganglia. In two children who presented with acute decompensation, there was asymmetric cortical involvement and restricted diffusion, which are previously unreported. There was no significant correlation between the radiological pattern with the disease duration, clinical features, or course of the disease. Conclusion: MRI findings in L2HGA are highly consistent and diagnostic, which helps in early diagnosis, particularly in resource-constraint settings, where detailed metabolic workup is not possible. The article also describes novel clinical radiological profile of acute encephalopathic clinical presentation.
TL;DR: Quantitative and qualitative SWE is useful for diagnosing diffuse thyroid disease and evaluating the degree of fibrosis in autoimmune thyroiditis, however, acoustic radiation force impulse techniques cannot differentiate between HT and GD reliably.
Abstract: Background and Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the role and accuracy of shear wave elastography in the differentiation between Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), in comparison with the B-mode ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound. Materials and Methods: This study was non-randomized prospective study. The study included 30 patients with GD, 65 patients with HT, and 35 patients with normal thyroid glands. Assessment of ultrasonographic criteria, color Doppler flow pattern, and shear patterns differed significantly between the control group and the group of diffuse thyroid disease (P < 0.001). The most specific sign for diagnosing HT was nodularity (97.87%), and the most sensitive sign was coarse echotexture (81.54%). Color Doppler flow (CDF) showed sensitivity of 91.8%, specificity of 56.92%, positive predictive value of 52.54%, negative predictive value of 92.5%, and diagnostic accuracy of 68.69% in the differentiation between GD and HT. The mean shear wave velocity (SWV) was 2.61 ± 0.32 m/s in the GD group (range: 2.1–3.21 m/s), 2.85 ± 0.52 m/s in the HT group (range: 2.31–3.82 m/s), and 1.75 ± 0.37 m/s in the control group (range: 1.24–2.36 m/s). The mean SWVs in the GD and HT groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The mean SWV in the HT group was higher than that in the GD group (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Quantitative and qualitative SWE is useful for diagnosing diffuse thyroid disease and evaluating the degree of fibrosis in autoimmune thyroiditis. However, acoustic radiation force impulse techniques cannot differentiate between HT and GD reliably.
TL;DR: A large number of INCFs can be found in CCTA with majority of them being insignificant or of minimal clinical impact, although the proportion of significant findings is small and may not be cost beneficial.
Abstract: Objectives The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and significance of incidental non-cardiac findings (INCFs) in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) using a dual-source multidetector computed tomography. Materials and methods Retrospective review of all CCTA studies performed over a time period for various indications was included in the study. After exclusions, CCTA of 1713 patients was evaluated by two experienced cardiac radiologists for non-cardiac abnormalities in the full field-of-view limited contrast chest series. The scans were acquired from the level of the carina to just below the diaphragm. INCFs were classified into three categories: Significant, indeterminate, and insignificant findings based on their clinical impact and availability of prior imaging and clinical details. Results The study cohort consisted of 1123 males (mean age of 58 years) and 590 females (mean age of 64 years). INCFs were seen in 600 patients of 1713 patients. A total of 812 INCFs (47.5%) were found in 1713 patients. Of those, 568 (70%) were considered insignificant, 205 (25.2%) indeterminate, and 39 significant findings (4.9%). The prevalence of significant findings was 2.3%. Among the 39 significant findings, after correlating with clinical details and other imaging, nine were really significant findings (0.5%) and out of this, four turned out to be cancers (0.2%). Conclusion Large number of INCFs can be found in CCTA with majority of them being insignificant or of minimal clinical impact. Although the proportion of significant findings is small and may not be cost beneficial, it is prudent to evaluate all the available data and to make appropriate classification of INCFs which can help in further management.
TL;DR: Investigating whether hepatocellular carcinoma histology is associated with clinical and computed tomographic/magnetic resonance imaging features and locoregional therapy (LRT) outcomes found histologic grade isassociated with aggressive tumor features, while clear-cell HCC is associatedWith non-viral cirrhosis and atypical enhancement.
Abstract: Author(s): Park, Benjamin V; Gaba, Ron C; Huang, Yu-Hui; Chen, Yi-Fan; Guzman, Grace; Lokken, R Peter | Abstract: Objective:The objective of the study was to investigate whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) histology is associated with clinical and computed tomographic/magnetic resonance imaging features and locoregional therapy (LRT) outcomes. Subjects and Methods:This single-center retrospective study included 124 consecutive patients (92 men, median age 59 years) with 132 HCC diagnosed by biopsy between 2008 and 2017 before LRT. Patients underwent chemoembolization (n = 51, 41%), ablation (n = 41, 33%), yttrium-90 radioembolization (n = 17, 13%), and chemoembolization/ablation (n = 15, 12%). Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage was 0/A (n = 48, 38%), B (n = 33, 26%), C (n = 27, 22%), and D (n = 16, 13%). Edmondson-Steiner (ES) grade and cytology were correlated with baseline features and radiologic response using logistic regression. Time to progression (TTP) and transplant-free survival (TFS) were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results:High ES grade was associated with α-fetoprotein (AFP) g50 ng/ml (odds ratio [OR] 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-13.9; P l 0.01), tumor diameter g5 cm (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1-9.0; P l 0.05), infiltrative appearance (OR 5.0, 95% CI: 1.5-16.2; P l 0.01), and BCLC Stage C (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3-16.4; P = 0.02). Clear-cell subtype was associated with non-viral cirrhosis (OR 5.3, 95% CI: 1.6-17.2; P l 0.01) and atypical enhancement (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.0-9.3; P l 0.05). AFP, BCLC Stage B, and diameter were associated with reduced TTP and TFS (P l 0.05). Neither ES grade nor clear-cell subtype was associated with objective response (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 0.7- 7.4; P = 0.15 and OR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.4-3.4; P = 0.87, respectively), TTP (P g 0.20), or TFS (P g 0.90) on univariate or stratified analysis. Conclusion:Histologic grade is associated with aggressive tumor features, while clear-cell HCC is associated with non-viral cirrhosis and atypical enhancement. Unlike AFP, BCLC stage, and tumor size, histologic features were not associated with LRT outcomes, supporting biopsy deferral for imaging diagnosed HCC.
TL;DR: A comprehensive MRI study to investigate a possible relationship between normal morphometric CC measurements, age, and gender characteristics using MR images found a weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between age and thicknesses of genu and all body portions of CC.
Abstract: Objective: The objective of the study was to examine a possible relationship between morphometric corpus callosum (CC) measurements, age, and gender characteristics using MR images. Materials and Methods: The medical data and MR examinations of 436 consecutive subjects were retrospectively reviewed. The CC thickness from five different sites, and additionally splenium length, height, and total length of the CC, and the splenium index (SI) were measured with a mid-sagittal T1-weighted sequence. Those measurements were compared with age and gender characteristics. Results: A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between age and thicknesses of genu and all body portions of CC (P = ≤0.001 for all, r = -0.32 for genu, r = -0.317 for B1, r = -0.328 for B2, r = -0.328 for B2, and r = -0.194 for B3 and B4). There was a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between age and the lengths of CC and splenium (P ≤ 0.022 for both, r = 0.112 for CC length and r = 0.11 for splenium length). The second part of the body (B2) was thicker in females (P = 0.014). On the other hand, the CC and splenium lengths were greater in males compared to females (P = 0.029 for both). Conclusion: We designed a comprehensive MRI study to investigate a possible relationship between normal morphometric CC measurements in 436 healthy subjects. We preferred splenium length and SI as the main splenium measurements instead of direct splenium thickness, due to discrepancies regarding splenium measurement methods in the medical literature. There was a wide spectrum of results, and we compared those results with existing medical literature.
TL;DR: This review will provide radiologic and pathologic correlation for the preoperative diagnosis of benign and malignant causative processes and differential diagnostic considerations for decreasing intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality rate.
Abstract: Mucocele of the appendix is rare and represents only the tip of the iceberg of underlying benign and malignant pathological processes. Intraoperative diagnosis is also tricky because the inflammation of the appendix often hides the tumor. The preoperative diagnosis is essential to differentiate appendiceal mucocele from acute appendicitis as the treatment varies from open surgical versus laparoscopic surgical approach and for decreasing intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality rate. We present three cases of appendiceal mucocele. The purpose of this paper is to make the physicians aware of the entity, its associations and the effect on management. This review will provide radiologic and pathologic correlation for the preoperative diagnosis of benign and malignant causative processes and differential diagnostic considerations.
TL;DR: PCLB is a safe and useful method for obtaining specimen in NRC and differentiation of benign from malignant outcome is not possible based on clinical findings; however, certain HRCT findings raise suspicion of malignancy.
Abstract: Objective Non-resolving consolidation (NRC) with inconclusive sputum, bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage results poses a diagnostic dilemma. This retrospective analytical study was conducted to evaluate diagnostic yield and complications of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy (PCLB) in NRC. Assessment of clinical features and high-resolution CT (HRCT) characteristics was also done which may predict outcome. Materials and methods Data of PCLB performed for lung consolidation from January 2010 to January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. For the determination of diagnostic yield, a positive result from any one specimen obtained by PCLB (tissue core, aspiration cytology, or microbiology) was sufficient to considered procedure diagnostic if it was concordant with clinical features, imaging findings, response to treatment, and subsequent follow-up. Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results Out of total 56 patients, final diagnosis was achieved in 48 (19 malignant and 29 benign). Diagnostic yield was 69.6%. Complications were noted in 10 patients including mild hemoptysis and pneumothorax, which were managed conservatively. No clinical feature was having statistically significant association with final diagnosis. HRCT findings significantly associated with malignant outcome were larger size of consolidation, multiple contiguous lobe involvement, multiple air-filled cysts inside consolidation, and associated ground-glass areas or multiple ground-glass nodules. The absence of air bronchogram was more common in benign cases. Conclusion PCLB is a safe and useful method for obtaining specimen in NRC. Differentiation of benign from malignant outcome is not possible based on clinical findings; however, certain HRCT findings raise suspicion of malignancy.
TL;DR: A rare case of mediastinal MRT of the mediastinum is reported and the literature on its clinical and imaging features as well as its treatment and prognostic outcomes is reviewed.
Abstract: Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) of the mediastinum is an aggressive tumor that is extremely rare. To date, only 24 cases of the mediastinal MRT have been reported in adults and 9 cases in the pediatric age group under the age of 18 years. We report a rare case of such tumor and review the literature on its clinical and imaging features as well as its treatment and prognostic outcomes.
TL;DR: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare volumetric and shape analysis in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients and healthy controls and provided evidence for subcortical neuroanatomical changes in patients with SCZ.
Abstract: Objective: Investigation of brain structure in disease has been enhanced by developments in shape analysis methods that can identify subtle regional surface distortions. High-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was used to compare volumetric and shape analysis in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients and healthy controls (CON). Methods: T1-weighted, 1-mm thick MR images were acquired for 15 patients with SCZ and 15 age-matched healthy controls using subcortical volume and shape analysis, which we believe to be complimentary to volumetric measures. Results: SCZ patients showed significant shape differences compared to healthy controls in the right hippocampus (P < 0.005), left and right putamen (P < 0.044 and P < 0.031), left caudate (P < 0.029), right pallidum (P < 0.019), and left thalamus (P < 0.033). Conclusion: Our results provide evidence for subcortical neuroanatomical changes in patients with SCZ. Hence, shape analysis may aid in the identification of structural biomarkers for identifying individuals of SCZ.
TL;DR: RC tear pattern is associated with different presentations of intramuscular FI at the posterosuperior RC, and full-thickness tears involving the crescent region of the RC cuff are associated with age.
Abstract: Objective: The impact of rotator cuff (RC) tear pattern on intramuscular fatty infiltration (FI) is not well understood. The purpose of our study is to determine if differing RC tear patterns are associated with discordant presentations of intramuscular FI. Methods: Fifty-one adults with full-thickness tear of the posterosuperior RC on shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were identified retrospectively. The study subjects were stratified by RC tear pattern: (1) L-shaped tear cohort, (2) crescent-/U-shaped tear cohort, and (3) complete tear cohort. Clinical information pertaining to age, sex, tear size, trauma history, and length of clinical symptoms was recorded from the institution’s picture archiving and communication system. Goutallier grade was assessed on oblique sagittal T1-weighted MRI by two orthopedic surgeons and one orthopedic resident. A musculoskeletal radiologist recorded the shape and size of full-thickness RC tears. Descriptive, correlation, and reliability analyses were performed. Results: The L-shaped, crescent-/U-shaped, and compete tear cohorts demonstrated significant differences pertaining to tear size (P < 0.001) and infraspinatus Goutallier grade (P = 0.024), but not supraspinatus Goutallier grade (P = 0.370). Age had strong correlation to supraspinatus Goutallier grade (rs = 0.712, P = 0.031) and infraspinatus Goutallier grade (rs = 0.712, P = 0.029) in the crescent-/U-shaped tear cohort. Tear size had strong correlation to supraspinatus Goutallier grade (rs = 0.796, P = 0.001) and infraspinatus Goutallier grade (rs = 0.793, P = 0.001) in the complete tear cohort. Moderate interobserver agreement was present for supraspinatus (kappa, 0.484) and infraspinatus (kappa, 0.427) Goutallier grade. Conclusion: RC tear pattern is associated with different presentations of intramuscular FI at the posterosuperior RC. Full-thickness tears involving the crescent region of the RC cuff are associated with age. Intramuscular FI is associated with RC tear size.
TL;DR: The only second documented case of phlebosclerotic colitis in North America in a 60-year-old Canadian resident of Vietnamese descent with a history of consuming herbal medication (sanshishi) in soup for 2-3 decades is reported.
Abstract: Phlebosclerotic Colitis is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition of unclear etio-pathogenesis seen almost exclusively in Asians and people of Asian descent. The condition predominantly affects the right hemicolon and imaging plays a crucial role in its diagnosis. Here we report the only second documented case of phlebosclerotic colitis in North America in a 60-year-old Canadian resident of Vietnamese descent with a history of consuming herbal medication (sanshishi) in soup for 2-3 decades.
TL;DR: A case of an unusual SA-PAF between the right inferior phrenic artery and the right lower lobe pulmonary artery that mimicked an unprovoked pulmonary embolus on standard CTA in a patient with cardiomyopathy is described, revealing that not all filling defects are PE.
Abstract: Systemic artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula (SA-PAF) is a rare phenomenon that can resemble a filling defect on computed tomography angiography (CTA). SA-PAF can be due to congenital or acquired etiologies and can alter the hemodynamics of the pulmonary circulation, with the most serious reported complication being hemoptysis, requiring embolization. We describe a case of an unusual SA-PAF between the right inferior phrenic artery and the right lower lobe pulmonary artery that mimicked an unprovoked pulmonary embolus (PE) on standard CTA in a patient with cardiomyopathy. This SA-PAF was interpreted on CTA as PE due to the presence of a filling defect, revealing that not all filling defects are PE. SA-PAF should always be considered when the clinical context or the imaging findings are atypical, specifically with an isolated filling defect visualized in the inferior lower lobe pulmonary artery. The false-positive PE was the result of mixing of systemic non-opacified blood with opacified pulmonary arterial blood.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used body weight instead of body diameter to calculate SSDE in the children, with the suggested best accuracy for SSDEeff and the least variation in age < four years and body weight < 20 kg.
Abstract: Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether body weight (BW) can be substituted for body diameters to calculate size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) in the children. Materials and Methods: A total of 196 torso computed tomography (CT) studies were retrospectively reviewed. Anteroposterior diameter (DAP) and lateral diameter (Dlat) were measured, and DAP+Dlat, effective diameter, SSDE diameter and SSDEBW were calculated. Correlation coefficients among body diameters, all SSDE types and percentage changes between CT dose index volumes and SSDEs were analyzed by BW and age subgroups. Results: Overall BW was more strongly correlated with body diameter (r = 0.919–0.960, P < 0.001) than was overall age (r = 0.852–0.898, P < 0.001). The relationship between CT dose index volume and each of the SSDE types (r = 0.934–0.953, P < 0.001), between SSDEBW and all SSDE diameters (r = 0.934–0.953, P < 0.001), and among SSDE diameters (r = 0.950–0.989, P < 0.001) overall had strong correlations with statistical significance. The lowest magnitude difference was SSDEBW−SSDEeff. Conclusion: BW can be used instead of body diameter to calculate all SSDE types, with our suggested best accuracy for SSDEeff and the least variation in age < four years and BW < 20 kg. Key Messages: Size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) is a new and accurate dose-estimating parameter for the individual patient which is based on the actual size or body diameter of the patient. BW can be an important alternative for all body diameters to estimate size-specific dose or calculate SSDE in children.
TL;DR: Transabdominal ultrasonography is a reliable tool in predicting IHDD, stone count, and the location of stones in the biliary tree, particularly in a resource-poor setting.
Abstract: Objective: Ultrasonography remains the initial imaging modality in the management of biliary disease. This study is designed to evaluate the accuracy of transabdominal ultrasonography in diagnosing biliary pathology in patients with choledocholithiasis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of a continuous sample of patients over a period of 3 years ending in January 2016; these patients were referred for endoscopic management of choledocholithiasis to a tertiary care hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ultrasound reporting was carried out by different consultant radiologists at both the index and the referring hospitals. The findings of endoscopic retrograde cholangiograms were compared with the ultrasound scan (USS) results. Results: A total of 247 patients were included in the study. USS was 97.4% accurate in detecting intrahepatic duct dilatation (IHDD). Stone counts and the location of stone(s) in the USSs correlated strongly with the number of stones delivered during endoscopic removal and their location in cholangiograms (P < 0.001). The difference in mean diameter of the common bile duct (CBD) of patients with choledochal cysts (CCs) (18.57 mm) and of patients without them (12.39 mm) is statistically significant (P < 0.001). At 14.5 mm, the negative predictive value for a CC is 99.02%. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a reliable tool in predicting IHDD, stone count, and the location of stones in the biliary tree, particularly in a resource-poor setting. A CBD diameter of 14.5 mm in transabdominal ultrasound scan can be used as a cutoff for predicting extrahepatic CC.
TL;DR: A case of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who presented with dyspnea and cough and was found to have subtle pulmonary parenchymal nodular airspace opacities is discussed, where sequential positive thallium and negative gallium scintigraphy led to an early diagnosis of pulmonary KS.
Abstract: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular-related tumor that has been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It commonly involves the skin and lymph nodes, and infrequently involves the lungs. In very rare instances, pulmonary KS can be found in the absence of endobronchial and mucocutaneous involvement. Utilization of sequential thallium and gallium scintigraphy can aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary KS in the absence of mucocutaneous and endobronchial involvement. In this report, we discuss a case of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who presented with dyspnea and cough and was found to have subtle pulmonary parenchymal nodular airspace opacities. He underwent negative infectious evaluation, including bronchoscopy. Despite the absence of mucocutaneous findings, sequential positive thallium and negative gallium scintigraphy led to an early diagnosis of pulmonary KS. Pulmonary KS in the absence of mucocutaneous involvement is a rare finding that is exceedingly difficult to diagnose. However, pulmonary KS should be considered in patients with HIV who present with respiratory symptoms even if the typical mucocutaneous manifestations of KS are absent. In such circumstances, sequential thallium and gallium scintigraphy can help differentiate pulmonary KS from other processes such as infections and lymphoma, and assist in establishing an earlier diagnosis.
TL;DR: Mammographic BD was found to be positively associated with breast cancer and the density related measures combined clinical risk factors, and density model had good discriminatory power in identifying the cancer risk.
Abstract: Objectives We evaluated the association between breast cancer and breast density (BD) measured using fully automated software. We also evaluated the performance of cancer risk models such as only clinical risk factors, density related measures, and both clinical risk factors and density-related measures for determining cancer risk. Materials and methods This is a retrospective case-control study. The data were collected from August 2015 to December 2018. Two hundred fifty women with breast cancer and 400 control subjects were included in this study. We evaluated the BD qualitatively using breast imaging-reporting and data system density and quantitatively using 3D slicer. We also collected clinical factors such as age, familial history of breast cancer, menopausal status, number of births, body mass index, and hormonal replacement therapy use. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for BD to determine the risk of breast cancer. We performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to assess the performance of cancer risk models. Results The OR for the percentage BD for second, third, and fourth quartiles was 1.632 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.102-2.416), 2.756 (95% CI: 1.704-4.458), and 3.163 (95% CI: 1.356-5.61). The area under ROC curve for clinical risk factors only, mammographic density measures, combined mammographic, and clinical risk factors was 0.578 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.64), 0.684 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.75), and 0.724 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.80), respectively. Conclusion Mammographic BD was found to be positively associated with breast cancer. The density related measures combined clinical risk factors, and density model had good discriminatory power in identifying the cancer risk.
TL;DR: This work has shown that thin linear calcifications may get deposited in the peripheral renal cortex suggestive of cortical necrosis due to a vascular insult (vasculitis), and rarely due to glomerulonephritis.
Abstract: Nephrocalcinosis consists of deposition of calcium in the renal parenchyma. Renal cortical calcification is a rare entity in comparison to calcium deposits in the medulla and is seen only in a handful of pathologies with corresponding characteristic patterns on imaging. Thin linear calcifications may get deposited in the peripheral renal cortex suggestive of cortical necrosis due to a vascular insult (vasculitis), and rarely due to glomerulonephritis. This pattern of calcification has also been referred to as the "tramline" or "railroad track" sign.