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Current Medical Imaging - Current Issue
Volume 20, Issue 1, 2024
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Breast Edema of Early-stage Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Correlation with Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis and Clinical-pathological Characteristics
Authors: Yang Zhang, Yuqing Xin, Nana Zhang, Xiankuo Hu, Bin Peng, Shaohua Zhang and Yushan YuanObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the association of different patterns of breast edema and clinical-pathological features and axillary lymph node (ALN) status in early invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) for simple and readily available assessment and to guide surgeons to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy for selected patients.
Materials and MethodsThis retrospective analysis involved 207 individuals with clinical T1-T2 stage IDC. The clinical-pathological features of the patients were compared with different breast edema and ALN statuses. Independent risk factors for ALN metastasis were verified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
ResultsALN metastasis was confirmed in 100 of 207 patients (48.3%) with early-stage IDC. Significant differences were found between different ALN states for tumour size, clinical T stage, and breast edema (P <0.05). The clinical T2 stage (odds ratio-1.882, p=0.043) and moderate to severe edema (odds ratio-10.869, p=0.004) were independent risk factors for ALN metastasis. Moreover, better prognostic factors, including smaller tumour size, lower Ki-67 index and histologic grade, luminal A subtype, and lower incidence of lymph node metastasis, were more frequently found in patients with no breast edema (p<0.05).
ConclusionBreast edema can be considered a promising feature to improve the predictive performance of pathological ALN status in patients with early-stage breast cancer and thus may contribute to preoperative treatment planning.
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Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Small Intestinal Leiomyosarcoma with Hepatic Metastasis: A Clinical Report of One Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jiubo Sun, Gang Li, Xiaoguang Huo, Ning Fang, Xiaofei Wang and Wenzhe XuBackgroundSmall intestinal leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms are atypical and can be complicated by gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal obstruction.
Case PresentationWe report a case of a 73-year-old patient with small intestinal smooth muscle sarcoma with hepatic metastasis. No significant abnormalities were seen on examination of the abdomen. We performed abdominal enhancement CT, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and ultrasound-guided pelvic mass puncture biopsy, and we found a heterogeneous density and echogenicity of the pelvic mass, and the enhancement was progressive with sustained hyperenhancement. The postoperative pathology was smooth muscle sarcoma of the small intestine. The typical fast-in, fast-out bull's-eye sign of metastases, characterized the liver presented with multiple hypodense and echogenic nodules and the enhancement. The clinical presentation, imaging, histologic features, and treatment are also discussed in this article.
ConclusionThis article briefly reviews the literature on small intestinal leiomyosarcoma. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize the specificity of the case and evaluate the imaging presentation of ultrasound (US) and CEUS and the main differential diagnosis of this rare gastrointestinal tumor.
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Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Metachronous Contralateral Adrenal Metastasis from Oligometastatic Renal Cell Cancer: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ercan Ogreden, Ural Oğuz, Erhan Demirelli, Doğan Sabri Tok, Safa Akyol, Hülya Öksüz and Serdar AslanBackgroundThe definition of oligometastasis is still controversial. Cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastasectomy are important approaches in selected patients with oligometastasis for improving survival. We aimed to present our laparoscopic metastasectomy experience in a rare case of contralateral adrenal metastasis in an oligometastatic kidney tumor.
Case ReportA 52-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with the diagnosis of an incidental right renal mass. On contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed a mass reaching approximately 8 cm in diameter in the right kidney located in the middle pole. On contrast-enhanced thorax, CT showed a metastatic lesion in the left main bronchus bifurcation. The patient underwent an open radical nephrectomy with the diagnosis of an oligometastatic right renal mass. His pathology was reported as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The patient was referred to the medical oncology clinic for immunotherapy. The metastatic lesion in the lung completely regressed in the follow-up of the patient who was started on Chek point inhibitors. However, he was referred to our clinic after an incidental metachronous mass was detected in the contralateral left adrenal in FDG PET/CT (SUVmax: 6.7) in 1st year. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was performed to reevaluate and for mass characterization, and a 4 cm mass was observed in the left contralateral adrenal. Laparoscopic metastasectomy was performed for the left adrenal mass. No recurrence or adrenal insufficiency developed in the 6-month follow-up after discharge.
ConclusionTransperitoneal adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive method that can be safely performed in metastatic adrenal masses. Although contralateral adrenal metastasis is rare in ccRCC, it should be kept in mind that adrenal metastasis may develop in the late period in patients with a history of renal cancer.
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CAD System Design for Pituitary Tumor Classification based on Transfer Learning Technique
Authors: Sagrika Gargya and Shruti JainBackgroundA brain tumor is an asymmetrical expansion by cells inevitably emulating amid them. Image processing is a vibrant research area where the handing out of the image in the medical field is an exceedingly tricky field. In this paper, an expert algorithm is suggested for the detection of pituitary brain tumors from MR images.
MethodsThe preprocessing techniques (smoothing, edge detection, filtering) and segmentation techniques (watershed) are applied to the online data set. The transfer learning technique is used as a classifier whose performance is measured in terms of classification accuracy. Resnet 50, Inception V3VGG16, and VGG19 models are used as classification algorithms. The proposed model is validated using different machine learning techniques considering hybrid features.
Results96% accuracy was obtained employing the Inception V3 model & 95% accuracy was attained using hybrid GLDS and GLCM features employing Support Vector Machine algorithm while 93% was attained using Probabilistic Neural Network and k Nearest Neighbor techniques.
ConclusionComputer-aided systems gave much faster and more accurate results than image processing techniques.1.0% accuracy improvement was observed while using Inception V3 over GLDS + GLCM + SVM and 2.1% accuracy improvement using GLDS + GLCM + SVM over GLDS + GLCM + kNN.
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Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Two Rare Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mustafa Mehmet Incesu, Murat Ucar, Ramazan Kozan, Berkay Simsek and Guldal EsendagliBackgroundBenign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma is a multiloculated cystic mass which originates from the peritoneum. This rare tumor is usually seen in women of childbearing age and has a high recurrence rate after surgery.
Case PresentationWe present two benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma cases with different imaging modalities, which were also pathologically proven.
ConclusionThe imaging features which may be diagnostic should be well known as there are very few reports regarding this entity.
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Radiomics in the Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zhiqiang Wang, Weiran Li, Di Jin and Bing FanGastric cancer is a malignant cancerous lesion with high morbidity and mortality. Preoperative diagnosis of gastric cancer is challenging owing to the presentation of atypical symptoms and the diversity of occurrence of focal gastric lesions. Therefore, an endoscopic biopsy is used to diagnose gastric cancer in combination with imaging examination for a comprehensive evaluation of the local tumor range (T), lymph node status (N), and distant metastasis (M). The resolution of imaging examinations has significantly improved with the technological advancement in this sector. However, imaging examinations can barely provide valuable information. In clinical practice, an examination method that can provide information on the biological behavior of the tumor is critical to strategizing the treatment plan. Artificial intelligence (AI) allows for such an inspection procedure by reflecting the histological features of lesions using quantitative information extracted from images. Currently, AI is widely employed across various medical fields, especially in the processing of medical images. The basic application process of radiomics has been described in this study, and its role in clinical studies of gastric cancer has been discussed.
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Chest CT Image based Lung Disease Classification – A Review
Computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used to diagnose lung conditions due to their ability to provide a detailed overview of the body's respiratory system. Despite its popularity, visual examination of CT scan images can lead to misinterpretations that impede a timely diagnosis. Utilizing technology to evaluate images for disease detection is also a challenge. As a result, there is a significant demand for more advanced systems that can accurately classify lung diseases from CT scan images. In this work, we provide an extensive analysis of different approaches and their performances that can help young researchers to build more advanced systems. First, we briefly introduce diagnosis and treatment procedures for various lung diseases. Then, a brief description of existing methods used for the classification of lung diseases is presented. Later, an overview of the general procedures for lung disease classification using machine learning (ML) is provided. Furthermore, an overview of recent progress in ML-based classification of lung diseases is provided. Finally, existing challenges in ML techniques are presented. It is concluded that deep learning techniques have revolutionized the early identification of lung disorders. We expect that this work will equip medical professionals with the awareness they require in order to recognize and classify certain medical disorders.
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Comparison of Computed Tomography Findings between Adult and Pediatric COVID-19 Patients
PurposeThis study aims to compare chest computed tomography (CT) findings between adult and pediatric patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia.
Materials and MethodsThis study included 30 pediatric patients aged 1 to 17 years and 30 adult patients over 18 years of age with COVID-19 pneumonia confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) who have findings related to COVID-19 on Chest Computed Tomography. The CT findings of adult and pediatric patients were compared with a z-test.
ResultsBilateral involvement (p:0.00056), involvement in all five lobes (p<0.00001), and central and peripheral involvement (p:0.01928) were significantly higher in the adult group compared to the pediatric group. In the pediatric group, the frequency of unilateral involvement (p:0.00056), involvement of solitary lobe (p:0.00132), and peripheral involvement (p: 0.01928) were significantly higher than in the adult group. The most common parenchymal finding in adults and pediatric patients was ground-glass opacities (100% and 83%, respectively). Among the parenchymal findings in adults, ground-glass opacities with consolidation (63%) were the second most common finding, followed by air bronchogram (60%) in adults, while in pediatric patients, halo sign (27%) and nodule (27%) were the second most common, followed by the ground-glass opacities with consolidation (23%).
ConclusionThe CT findings of pediatric COVID-19 patients must be well-known as the course of the disease is usually less severe, and the radiological findings are uncertain when compared with adults.
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Age and Gender-related Morphometric Assessment and Degenerative Changes of Temporomandibular Joint in Symptomatic Subjects and Controls using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Xiaoyin Hu, Bhavana Sujanamulk, Chintamaneni Raja Lakshmi and Changhui LiBackgroundThe temporomandibular joint diseases have been associated with various predisposing factors. Joint spaces, articular eminence height and inclination, and the shapes of the condylar and glenoid fossa have all been shown to vary in temporomandibular joint diseases (TMD) patients. Advanced imaging techniques like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) have been employed to estimate these parameters.
Aims and ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to investigate the condylar morphology, condylar and glenoid fossa shapes, and assessment of joint spaces, such as anterior, posterior, superior, lateral, and medial spaces, through CBCT slices in coronal and sagittal planes and compare them between the control group and TMD group.
Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was planned where 80 joints in 40 patients were assessed for the above parameters; group I consisted of healthy patients, and group II included those with temporomandibular joint diseases (TMDs). The articular eminence height and inclination were assessed on the midsagittal section. The condylar changes and shapes of the glenoid fossa and condyles, as well as the joint spaces, were assessed on the selected coronal and sagittal sections.
ResultsThe condylar fossa had a triangular shape in the TMJ group and an oval shape in the control group. The results were highly significant (P = 0.000**). A highly significant difference in morphological parameters, such as AJS, PJS, SJS, MJS, LJS, articular eminence height, and inclination, was found between the two groups (P = 0.000**). The association of morphological parameters, such as AJS, PJS, SJS, MJS, LJS, and articular eminence height and inclination were compared with condylar and glenoid fossa shapes, where the association of superior joint space and articular eminence inclination was observed. A highly significant difference was noted between the two groups with regard to all the parameters with P=0.00*.
ConclusionThe articular eminence inclination, as well as the superior joint space, were found to be associated with the glenoid and condyle fossa shapes in the TMJ group. These observations would, therefore, help in the early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint diseases.
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Discrepancies between Screening Sonography and Ultrasound in Emergency Department – A Case Report
IntroductionThis case report presents a discrepancy in sonographic findings between a screening sonography performed by a Sonographer in the Basic Emergency Service (BES) and a subsequent ultrasound performed by a Radiologist physician in a Referral Hospital (RH). The aim of this report is to discuss the possible reasons for the discrepancy and its implications for patient care.
Case PresentationA patient with a history of epigastric pain and vomiting underwent screening sonography in a BES, which suggested Intrahepatic Biliary Dilatation Duct (IHBD) and main pancreatic duct dilatation. The patient was subsequently referred to the RH for further evaluation. However, the Radiologist in the RH did not confirm any of the initial suspicions from BES through a normal ultrasound procedure. The discrepancy raises questions regarding the quality of the screening ultrasound, misinterpretation of the BES images, or the potential for ambiguity in the point of care ultrasound (POCUS) exam.
ConclusionThe differences in sonographic findings between BES and RH, in this case, suggest that the improvement of the patient's clinical condition and therapeutic interventions may have contributed to the discrepancy. Further investigation and standardization of POCUS training and interpretation may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
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Coexistence of Large Meningioma and Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Xue Wang, Yang Liu, Rong-Wu Tang and Ye TaoZhuIntroductionThe simultaneous presence of a giant intracranial meningioma and an arteriovenous malformation(AVM)in the same cerebral hemisphere is extremely rare. The treatment should be individualized depending on the case.
Case PresentationA 49-year-old man presented with hemiparesis. Preoperative neuroimaging revealed a giant lesion and an AVM on the left hemisphere of the brain. Craniotomy and tumour resection were performed. The AVM was not treated and needed to be followed up. The histological diagnosis was meningioma (World Health Organization grade I). The patient was in good neurological condition postoperatively.
ConclusionThis case adds to the growing literature suggesting that the association between the two lesions is complex. Besides, treatment depends on the risk of neurologic function damage and hemorrhagic stroke of meningiomas and AVMs.
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A Segmentation Method of Serialized Human Body Slices based on Matting Strategy and Skeleton Extraction
Authors: Bin Liu, Zhengyang Wu, Chenlu Wang, Shiyu Pang, Jingzhu Pei, Jianxin Zhang and Liang YangIntroductionIn this paper, a semiautomatic image segmentation method for the serialized body slices of the Visible Human Project (VHP) is proposed.
MethodsIn our method, we first verified the effectiveness of the shared matting method for the VHP slices and utilized it to segment a single image. Then, to meet the need for the automatic segmentation of serialized slice images, a method based on the parallel refinement method and flood-fill method was designed. The ROI (region of interest) image of the next slice can be extracted by using the skeleton image of the ROI in the current slice.
ResultsUtilizing this strategy, the color slice images of the Visible Human body can be continuously and serially segmented. This method is not complex but is rapid and automatic with less manual participation.
ConclusionThe experimental results show that the primary organs of the Visible Human body can be accurately extracted.
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Deep Learning-reconstructed Parallel Accelerated Imaging for Knee MRI
Authors: Sang-Min Lee, MinWoo Kim, Chankue Park, Dongeon Lee, Kang Soo Kim, Hee Seok Jeong and Min-Hyeok ChoiBackgroundDeep learning (DL) can improve image quality by removing noise from accelerated MRI.
ObjectiveTo compare the quality of various accelerated imaging applications in knee MRI with and without DL.
MethodsWe analyzed 44 knee MRI scans from 38 adult patients using the DL-reconstructed parallel acquisition technique (PAT) between May 2021 and April 2022. The participants underwent sagittal fat-saturated T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo accelerated imaging without DL (PAT-2 [2-fold parallel accelerated imaging], PAT-3, and PAT-4) and with DL (DL with PAT-3 [PAT-3DL] and PAT-4 [PAT-4DL]). Two readers independently evaluated subjective image quality (diagnostic confidence of knee joint abnormalities, subjective noise and sharpness, and overall image quality) using a 4-point grading system (1-4, 4=best). Objective image quality was assessed based on noise (noise power) and sharpness (edge rise distance).
ResultsThe mean acquisition times for PAT-2, PAT-3, PAT-4, PAT-3DL, and PAT-4DL sequences were 2:55, 2:04, 1:33, 2:04, and 1:33 min, respectively. Regarding subjective image quality, PAT-3DL and PAT-4DL scored higher than PAT-2. Objectively, DL-reconstructed imaging had significantly lower noise than PAT-3 and PAT-4 (P <0.001), but the results were not significantly different from those for PAT-2 (P >0.988). Objective image sharpness did not differ significantly among the imaging combinations (P =0.470). The inter-reader reliability ranged from good to excellent (κ = 0.761–0.832).
ConclusionPAT-4DL imaging in knee MRI exhibits similar subjective image quality, objective noise, and sharpness levels compared with conventional PAT-2 imaging, with an acquisition time reduction of 47%.
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Is there a Relationship between Vertical Facial Development and Nasal Cavity?
Authors: Sanaz Sadry and Esra SomtürkObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between vertical direction differences and the nasal cavity in skeletal Class I individuals.
Materials and MethodsThis study was divided into 2 groups according to the vertical direction angle, and it was conducted on a total of 60 individuals with skeletal Class I features, with 30 individuals in each subgroup. Angular and millimetric measurements (N-ANS, ANS-ME, N-ME, Ba-N/Ptm-Gn°, nasal septum, nasal cavity width (NCL), nasal cavity angle° (NCA)) were made in accordance with the parameters determined on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before the treatment of the individuals constituting the research groups. In a retrospective study, the relationship between vertical skeletal development of the nasal cavity on CBCT images was examined in detail. The Mann-Whitney U test was used, and Student's t test was used to compare two groups with a normal distribution. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between quantitative data.
ResultsIn the comparison of Class I vertical direction subgroups, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of measurement values ANS-Me and N-Me, nasal cavity width and angular measurements (p<0.001) According to the results of the Mann-Whitney U test, men had significantly higher measurements of the sex and nasal cavity than women (p = 0.001; p<0.001).
ConclusionClass I individuals with different vertical direction dimensions were affected by changes in the nasal cavity during vertical development.
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Discrimination between Benign and Malignant Lung Lesions using Volumetric Quantitative Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Fang Wei, Fu Weidong, Zhou Wenming, He Lei, Cheng Xiaosan, Mao Zhongliang, Liu Qianyun and Lin HuashanBackgroundDynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is considered a promising method in lung lesion assessment.
MethodsSixty-four patients with single pulmonary lesions (SPLs) received DCE-MRI at 3.0 T. Of them, 49 cases were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 15 with benign pulmonary nodules (8 inflammatory nodules, 5 tuberculosis, and 2 abscesses). SPLs were quantitatively analyzed to determine the pulmonary lesions-related perfusion parameters, including reflux constant (Kep), volume transfer constant (Ktrans), the maximum slope of increase (MaxSlope), extravascular extracellular space volume fraction (Ve), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the initial area in the signal intensity-time curve (IAUGC), and contrast-enhancement ratio (CER). In addition, a Student’s t-test was conducted to calculate statistical significance regarding the quantitatively analyzed perfusion parameters in benign SPLs compared to malignant SPLs. The area under (AUC) the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was studied to investigate the performance of perfusion parameters in diagnosing lung cancer.
ResultsValues of Ktrans, Kep, Ve, MaxSlope, and IAUGC increased within malignant nodules relative to benign nodules (Ktrans: 0.21 ±0.08 vs. 0.73 ±0.40, P = 0.0001; Kep: 1.21 ±0.66 vs. 1.83 ±0.90, P = 0.0163; Ve: 0.24 ±0.08 vs. 0.47 ±0.18, P < 0.0001; MaxSlope: 0.09 ±0.14 vs. 0.28 ±0.29, P = 0.0166; IAUGC: 0.18 ±0.09 vs. 0.55 ±0.34, P = 0.0001). Meanwhile, malignant nodules presented higher ADC than benign nodules (0.0016 ±0.0006 vs. 0.0012 ±0.0003, P = 0.0019). Ktrans and IAUGC showed the best diagnostic performance with AUCs [1.0, 95%CI (0.99–1.0); 0.93, 95%CI(0.85–1.0), respectively].
ConclusionMalignant pulmonary lesions had higher values of Ktrans, Ve, Kep, MaxSlope, and IAUGC compared to benign pulmonary lesions. Overall, perfusion parameters of DCE-MRI facilitate discrimination between benign from malignant pulmonary nodules.
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An Extra-articular Ganglion Cyst with Multiple Fluid-fluid Levels
Authors: Semra Duran, Cem Cuneyt Kose and Servet GuresciIntroductionGanglion cysts are the knee’s most common benign soft tissue tumors. Ganglion cysts are seen as multiloculated fluid collections on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluid-fluid levels are not an expected finding.
Case PresentationA 36-year-old female patient presented with swelling in her right knee. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multiseptated cyst with multiple fluid-fluid levels within the anterior of the right patellar tendon. Open surgical excision was performed, and the pedicle of the cyst was dissected. The histopathology revealed a ganglion cyst with hemorrhage.
ConclusionThe ganglion cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions with fluid-fluid levels, in addition to hemangioma, synovial sarcoma, and aneurysmal bone cysts of soft tissues.
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The Evaluation of Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue Changes by Computed Tomography in Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Comparison with Quantitative Analysis of Lung Involvement
Authors: Murat Vural, Betul Akdal Dolek, Ozgul Ucar, Erdem Ozkan and Utku Eren OzkayaBackgroundThis study aims to reveal the relationship between lung involvement and visceral adipose tissue changes between chest-computed tomography (CT) scans taken in short intervals in COVID-19 patients.
MethodsThe retrospective study included 52 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. All patients had two chest CT exams. Lung involvement measurements were calculated by using an artificial intelligence tool. Visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue was measured at the level of the first lumbar vertebra on chest CT. Additionally, demographic and laboratory data were collected.
Results52 patients were included (36.5% female, mean age 50). Visceral fat area and visceral fat thickness changes were significantly positive predictors of total lung involvement changes (p=0.033, p=0.00024). Subcutaneous fat area and subcutaneous fat thickness changes were not associated with lung involvement change (p>0.05). CRP, IL-6, d-dimer, and ferritin levels were higher in patients who need intensive care units.
ConclusionVisceral adipose tissue changes may indicate that it can have a role as a reservoir of virus involvement.
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Value of Multimodal Diffusion-weighted Imaging in Preoperative Evaluation of Ki-67 Expression in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Huan Meng, Si-Xuan Ding, Yu Zhang, Feng-Ying Zhu, Jing Wang, Jia-Ning Wang, Bu-Lang Gao and Xiao-Ping YinPurposeTo investigate the value of multimodal diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in preoperative evaluation of Ki-67 expression of endometrial carcinoma (EC).
Materials and MethodsPatients who had undergone pelvic DWI, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) sequence MRI scan before surgery were retrospectively enrolled. Single index model, double index model, and DKI were used for post-processing of the DWI data, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), real diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), non-Gaussian mean diffusion kurtosis (MK), mean diffusion coefficient (MD) and anisotropy fraction (FA) were calculated and compared between the Ki-67 high (≥50%) and low (<50%) expression groups.
ResultsForty-two patients with a median age of 56 (range 37 - 75) years were enrolled, including 15 patients with a high Ki-67 (≥50%) expression and 27 with a low Ki-67 (<50%) expression. The MK (0.91 ± 0.12 vs. 0.76 ± 0.12) was significantly (P<0.05) higher while MD (0.99 ± 0.17 vs. 1.16 ± 0.22), D (0.55 ± 0.06 vs. 0.62 ± 0.08), and f (0.21 vs. 0.28) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the high than in the low expression group. The combined model of MK, MD, D, and f-values had the largest area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.869 (95% CI: 0.764-0.974), sensitivity 0.733 and specificity 0.852, followed by the MK value with an AUC value 0.827 (95% CI: 0.700-0.954), sensitivity 0.733 and specificity 0.815.
ConclusionsIVIM and DKI have certain diagnostic values for preoperative evaluation of the EC Ki-67 expression, and the combined model has the highest diagnostic efficiency.
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Electromagnetically Navigated Tube Placement Device for Bedside Placement of Small Bowel Feeding Tube on Patients with Acute Severe Pancreatitis: Comparative Study
Authors: Guoliang Tan, Yongming Chen and Yanping LinBackgroundA developing approach for the bedside installation of feeding tubes is the Electromagnetic Navigation-assisted Tube Placement Device (ENTPD). The ENTPD monitors the tip position of feeding tubes when they are inserted into the digestive tract. It aids in the avoidance of airway misalignment and allows placing into the small bowel. Several recent exploratory studies have shown that ENTPD for nasojejunal feeding tube installation can improve success rates, lower costs, and allow for a more rapid beginning of enteral nutrition.
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the effect of using an ENTPD for bedside placement of small bowel feeding tubes with blind placement on patients with acute severe pancreatitis and to see how well the electromagnetic navigation trajectory image (ENTI) and X-ray agreed on the location of the tube tip after placement.
MethodsThe study was done prospectively using randomized and single-blind methods. The 65 cases used electromagnetic navigation-assisted placement, and 58 cases were blind placement. For judging the tube tip location, we compared the success rate, median time, number of repeat placements, complications, and agreement of ENTI vs. X-ray.
ResultsThe blind placement group's success rate was 86.21% compared to the ENTPD's 95.38%, P = 0.075. The median time was significantly longer in the blind placement group (116.55 ± 68.62 min vs. 25.37 ±12.63 min, P=0.000); the average number of repeating placements was 3.02 ± 1.21 vs. 1.16 ± 0.31 (Blind placement vs. ENTPD, P = 0.002). It provided a high degree of agreement between ENTI and X-ray after contrast, κ=0.752 [95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.84]. No complications occurred in the two groups.
ConclusionENTPD was used safely and effectively at the bedside to help patients with acute severe pancreatitis get feeding tubes. It not only improved the high successful rate of placement, decreased the time and reduced the exposure to X-ray, but it was also very convenient for bedside placement because of the portable equipment.
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An Automatic Method Framework for Personalized Knee Prosthetic Modeling Based on Kinematic Geometry
Authors: Pengxi Li, Hui Liu, Bocheng Zhang, Dongpei Liu, Liang Yang and Bin LiuThe shape of a knee prosthesis has an important impact on the effect of total knee arthroplasty. Comparing to a standard common prosthesis, the personalized prosthesis has inherent advantages. However, how to construct a personalized knee prosthesis has not been studied deeply. In this paper, we present an automatic method framework of modeling personalized knee prostheses based on shape statistics and kinematic geometry. Firstly, the average healthy knee model is established through an unsupervised process. Secondly, the sTEA (Surgical Transecpicondylar Axis) is calculated, and the average healthy knee model is resized according to it. Thirdly, the resized model is used to simulate the knee’s motion in a healthy state. Fourthly, according to the target patient's condition, an excising operation is simulated on both patient's knee model and the resized model to generate an initial knee prosthesis model. Finally, the initial prosthesis model is adjusted according to the simulated motion results. The average maximum error between the resized healthy knee model and the patient's own knee model is less than 2 mm, and the average maximum error between the motion simulation results and actual motion results is less than 3 mm. This framework can generate personalized knee prosthesis models according to the patient’s different conditions, which makes up for the deficiencies of standard common prostheses.
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An Early Detection and Classification of Alzheimer's Disease Framework Based on ResNet-50
Authors: V P Nithya, N Mohanasundaram and R. SanthoshObjective: The objective of this study is to develop a more effective early detection system for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using a Deep Residual Network (ResNet) model by addressing the issue of convolutional layers in conventional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and applying image preprocessing techniques.
Methods: The proposed method involves using Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalizer (CLAHE) and Boosted Anisotropic Diffusion Filters (BADF) for equalization and noise removal and K-means clustering for segmentation. A ResNet-50 model with shortcut links between three residual layers is proposed to extract features more efficiently. ResNet-50 is preferred over other ResNet types due to its intermediate depth, striking a balance between computational efficiency and improved performance, making it a widely adopted and effective architecture for various computer vision tasks. While other ResNet variations may offer higher depths, they are more prone to overfitting and computational complexity, which can hinder their practical application. The proposed method is evaluated on a dataset of MRI scans of AD patients.
Results: The proposed method achieved high accuracy and minimum losses of 95% and 0.12, respectively. While some models showed better accuracy, they were prone to overfitting. In contrast, the suggested framework, based on the ResNet-50 model, demonstrated superior performance in terms of various performance metrics, providing a robust and reliable approach to Alzheimer's disease categorization.
Conclusion: The proposed ResNet-50 model with shortcut links between three residual layers, combined with image preprocessing techniques, provides an effective early detection system for AD. The study demonstrates the potential of deep learning and image processing techniques in developing accurate and efficient diagnostic tools for AD. The proposed method improves the existing approaches to AD classification and provides a promising framework for future research in this area.
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Multiple Parotid Sebaceous Lymphadenoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yanhui Yang, Mengjie Tang, Zhiyuan Wang, Yi Fu and Xiaoping YuIntroduction/Background: Sebaceous lymphadenoma is a rare parotid gland neoplasm. Up to now, there have been several studies that have discussed the imaging manifestations of salivary sebaceous lymphadenoma. In this paper, we have reported a case of multiple parotid sebaceous lymphadenoma demonstrated by ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI examinations, including diffusion-weighted imaging. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first one on DWI findings of sebaceous lymphadenomas, and also the first report on multiple lesions in unilateral parotid gland.
Case Presentation: A 41-year-old woman presented with a nodule in the left parotid region. The lesion has grown slowly for 2 months and was not associated with any discomfort. Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI examinations, including diffusion-weighted imaging, showed multiple nodules in the left parotid gland of a 41-year-old woman. These nodules were heterogeneous on CT scan and MRI examinations, and intratumorally multifocal fat and cystic areas were detected. On ultrasound examination images, these lesions were heterogeneous hypoechoic echotexture with multifocal irregular hyperechogenic areas, without significant blood flow. The patient underwent a left parotidectomy. Histopathologic sections showed nests of sebocytes distributed in lymphoid follicles and lymphocyte background, with obvious cystic changes. The patient recovered after receiving left parotidectomy. The microscopy diagnosis was parotid sebaceous lymphadenoma.
Conclusion: This case highlights the main imaging feature of parotid sebaceous lymphadenomas, namely an intraparotid heterogeneous nodule containing multifocal fat and cystic areas, and its possible origination from an intraparotid lymph node. This case also indicates that this rare lesion may involve multiple occurrences.
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Venous Air Embolism: Case Series of a Complication of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) in the Emergency Department of Medicine
Introduction: Venous air embolism (VAE) consists of air entering vascular structures due to a pressure gradient generated during medical-surgical procedures. Most cases of VAE are iatrogenic.
Case Reports: Three hospitalised patients aged 23 to 86 years underwent venous air embolism (VAE) in the right heart system after performing CTPA. One of the patients died from a complication of venous thromboembolic disease (PE, coronary sinus thrombosis, mesenteric venous thrombosis).
Conclusion: CTPA is a procedure that a priori seems innocuous, but it can be a potential cause of death or serious consequences for patients undergoing radiological procedures where the administration of contrast and the use of an injector could be counterproductive. Radiologists and physicians responsible for the patient should be aware of vascular gas embolism after contrast injection in patients undergoing CTPA.
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Comprehensive Introspection of Magnetoresistive Sensors Applied in Biomedical Diagnostics
Authors: S. Vimala Gayathri and D. SubbulekshmiOver the recent years, magnetoresistive (MR) sensors in biosensing technologies have played a pivotal role in detecting and quantifying biomarkers. The article highly focuses on the potential implications of tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR), giant magnetoresistance (GMR), anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR), and hybrid MR sensors over conventional prototypes. The study mainly elaborates on the sensor characteristics and their implementation in the biomedical domain. The encompassing evaluation reveals the findings that the TMR sensors are remarkably stable and sensitive, whereas the GMR sensors are highly robust and inexpensive, as determined by the detection level, accuracy, sensing distance, and sensitivity. In addition, it is stated that hybrid MR sensors have lower error rates than AMR sensors utilized in the limited research area.
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Identifying Tumor Deposits in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: using Multiplanar High-Resolution T2WI
Authors: Baohua Lv, Xiaojuan Cheng, Yanling Cheng, Zhaohua Wang and Erhu JinBackgroundThe prognosis of postoperative tumor deposits (TDs) is worse than positive lymph node metastases alone.
ObjectiveTo detect TDs by using multiplanar high-resolution T2-weighted imaging (HRT2WI).
Material and MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 130 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Using pathology-proven tumor deposits (pTDs) as the gold standard, all patients were divided into the pTDs-negative and pTDs-positive groups, the correlation of clinicopathological factors and image features [such as MRI-detected tumor deposits (mTDs), MRI-detected metastatic lymph node (mLN), MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mEMVI), maximal extramural depth (EMD), etc.] with pTDs were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram was established based on the latter. The diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and area under curve (AUC).
ResultsmTDs, mLN, mEMVI, and EMD were significantly different between the pTDs-positive and pTDs-negative groups (P < 0.05), with the AUC of 0.767, 0.746, 0.664 and 0.644, respectively. mTDs and mLN were independent risk factors for pTDs (odds ratio: 5.74 and 3.90, P < 0.05). The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the nomogram were 0.814 (95% CI: 0.720 ~ 0.908), 73.9%, 79.4%, 93.4%, and 78.5%, respectively. Seventeen of 23 patients with pTDs were identified as mTDs, with a moderate agreement between pTDs and mTDs (Kappa=0.419).
ConclusionMultiplanar HRT2WI can be used as a preoperative diagnostic tool to identify TDs in LARC. The combined model constructed by mTDs and mLN shows a good diagnostic performance for TDs.
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Radiological Features of Rare Non-odontogenic Lesions of the Jaws
Authors: Murat Akkoyunlu, Emre Bulgurcu, Cagrı Delilbası and Nuran Sabi̇rBackgroundThe jaws can be affected by several lesions that manifest in the oral cavity, but little is known about non-odontogenic benign and malignant lesions and their radiological findings.
IntroductionOur aim was to discuss the imaging findings of non-odontogenic jaw lesions to help the surgeon in the diagnosis and formulating a differential diagnosis for this vast spectrum of jaw lesions with overlapping clinical and imaging appearances.
MethodsCT and MR images of the mandible, maxillofacial region, and neck were retrieved from the archive of the Radiology Department of Pamukkale University for the duration between 2012-2023 and assessed.
ResultsA total of 8125 CT and MR images were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 39.5 years in females and 43.2 in males, with a range varying from 15 to 72 years. Histopathologically approved benign and malignant non-odontogenic lesions were detected in only 19 patients out of 8125 images (0.23%). Osteomyelitis and abscess were the most common (n=3; 0.03%), followed by two cases (n=2; 0.02%) of each fibrous dysplasia, hemangioma, osteosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and multiple myeloma, and one case (n=1; 0.01%) of each ossifying fibroma, osteoma, lymphoma, metastasis, and solitary bone cyst.
ConclusionAlthough non-odontogenic benign and malignant lesions of the jaw are rare, awareness of the radiological features of these lesions plays an important role in their diagnosis and management.
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Mammography and Ultrasonography Manifestations of Sclerosing Lymphocytic Lobulitis of the Breast: A Series of Seven Case Reports
Authors: Wanling Lin and Lingyun BaoObjectiveThe present study aimed to analyze mammography and ultrasonography (US) manifestations of sclerosing lymphocytic lobulitis (SLL) of the breast.
MethodsA total of 8 pathologically confirmed SLL lesions from seven women (with one patient having bilateral breast lesions) were included in the study. All patients underwent preoperative mammography and US examinations. The findings from both modalities were classified and compared to their corresponding clinical data.
ResultsFour patients were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Mammography results revealed that seven lesions presented as focal asymmetry or asymmetry. Seven lesions were observed as non-mass lesions on US examination. The most commonly observed US lesion features were as follows: seven lesions had focal non-ductal hypoechoic areas (87.5%), seven lesions exhibited posterior shadowing (87.5%), all lesions showed no vascularity or vessels in the rim (100%), no lesion had calcifications (0%), five lesions had an elasticity score of 3 (100%), one lesion showed retraction on the coronal plane (20%), and one lesion displayed a skipping sign on the coronal plane (20%). Based on these US findings, seven lesions (87.5%) were classified as BI-RADS 4.
ConclusionThe mammography findings for SLL are often nonspecific. However, the US features of SLL typically present as non-mass lesions. The absence of calcification and vascularity and no retraction on the coronal plane inside the lesion may help to differentiate this disease from the conventional forms of breast carcinoma.
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Comparison of Imaging Characteristics of Gangliogliomas between Child/Adolescent Group and Adult Group
Authors: Xuan Zheng, Quan Huang, Shao-Lei Guo, Meng-Sha Zou, Hui Zhu and Shi-Ting LiBackgroundGanglioglioma is a rare, slowly proliferating mixed glioneuronal tumor, with the highest incidence observed in children and young adults, but it can also occur in adults.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the imaging characteristics of ganglioglioma in children/adolescents and adults to facilitate radiographic diagnosis.
MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 32 patients were included and divided into two groups: the child/adolescent group (age < 18 years, n=19) and the adult group (age ≥ 18 years, n=13). Various variables were analyzed, including maximum diameter, location, periphery, border, calcification, unenhanced CT attenuation, T1WI, T2WI/FLAIR, and DWI signal intensity, enhancement pattern, degree of enhancement, homogeneity of enhancement, solid/cystic component, peri-tumoral edema, intra-tumoral septa, peri-tumoral capsule, and intra-tumoral hemorrhage.
ResultsMost gangliogliomas were situated in the peripheral regions, particularly in the temporal lobe. The majority exhibited hypointense/isointense signals on T1WI and hyperintense signals on T2WI/FLAIR and DWI, with predominantly heterogeneous nodular enhancement. Peri-tumoral edema was significantly less frequent in the child/adolescent group, while marked enhancement was significantly more common in the adult group. There was no significant difference in maximum diameter between the child/adolescent group and the adult group.
ConclusionPeri-tumoral edema was significantly less prevalent in the child/adolescent group, whereas marked enhancement was significantly more frequent in the adult group. To ensure accurate results, a larger case series should be conducted to validate our findings.
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Predicting the Prognosis of Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy based on Radiomic Features
Authors: Helong Wang, Jing Xu, Yanling Bai, Yewei Wang, Wencheng Shao, Weikang Yun, Lina Feng and Jianyu XuAimsThis study aimed to develop a method for predicting short-term outcomes of lung cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using radiomic features detected through computed tomography images.
MethodsA prediction model was developed based on a dataset of radiomic features obtained from 132 patients with lung cancer receiving IMRT. Dimension reduction was performed for the features using the maximum-relevance and minimum-redundancy (mRMR) algorithm, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was utilized to optimize feature selection for the IMRT-sensitivity prediction model. The model was constructed using binary logistic regression analysis and was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis.
ResultsFifty features were selected from 1348 radiomic features using the mRMR method. Of these, three radiomic features were selected by LASSO logistic regression to construct the radiomics nomogram. The C-index of the model was 0.776 (95% confidence interval: 0.689–0.862) and 0.791 (95% confidence interval: 0.607–0.974) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed that the radiomics nomogram was clinically useful.
ConclusionRadiomic features have the potential to be applied to predict the short-term efficacy of IMRT in patients with inoperable lung cancer.
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Intratesticular Vascular Architecture Seen by Ultrasound Microvascular Imaging (MicroV). Illustration of the Testis Vascular Anatomy
Authors: Carmela Visalli, Ignazio Salamone, Enricomaria Mormina and Michele GaetaThe testis is a richly vascularized organ supplied by low-flow thin caliber vessels that are only partially detected by traditional Doppler systems, such as color and power Doppler.
However, in the vascular representation, these techniques determine, albeit to different extents, a cut of the weak vessels due to the necessary application of wall filters that cut the disturbing frequencies responsible for artifacts generated by pulsations of the vascular walls and surrounding tissues.
These filters cut a specific range of disturbing frequencies, regardless of whether they may be generated by low-flow vessels.
Recently, a new technology, called Ultrasound Microvascular Imaging (MicroV) has been developed, which is particularly sensitive to slow flows. This new mode is based on new algorithms capable of better selecting the low frequencies according to the source of origin and cutting only the disturbing ones, saving the frequencies originating from really weak flows.
When Ultrasound microvascular imaging is used, the vascular map is more detailed and composed of macro and microvasculature, with more subdivision branches, facilitating the interpretation of the normal and, consequently, the pathological.
This review aims to describe the vascular architecture of the testis with Ultrasound Microvascular Imaging (MicroV) in healthy testis, compared to traditional color/power Doppler, related to normal anatomy.
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Assessment of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Parameters and Coefficient of Variance in Discrimination of Receptor Status and Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ozlem Ozkul, Ibrahim Sever and Bahattin OzkulObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic power of apparent diffusion coefficient/coefficient of variance (ADCcV) as well as ADC parameters formed based on magnetic resonance images (MRI) in the distinction of molecular breast cancer subtypes.
MethodsThe study involved 205 patients who had breast cancer at stages 1-3. Estrogen receptor (EsR), progesterone receptor (PrR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2), and proliferation index (Ki-67) were histologically analyzed in the tumor. The correlations between the immunohistochemistry and intrinsic subtypes were analyzed using ADC and ADCcV.
ResultsThe maximum whole tumor (WTu) ADC (p=0.004), minimum WTu ADC (p<0.001), and mean WTu ADC (p<0.001) values were significantly smaller in the EsR-positive tumors than those in the EsR-negative tumors. Compared to the PrR-negative tumors, the PrR-positive tumors showed significantly smaller maximum, minimum, and mean WTu ADC values (p=0.005, p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). In the comparisons of the molecular subtypes in terms of ADCcV, the p-values indicated statistically significant differences between the luminal A (lumA) group and the triple negative (TN) group, between the luminal B (lumB) group and the TN group, and between the Her2-enriched and TN groups (p<0.001, p=0.011, and p=0.004, respectively). Considering the luminal and non-luminal groups, while a significant difference was observed between the groups considering their minimum, maximum, and mean WTu ADC values, their ADCcV values were similar (p<0.001, p=0.004, and p<0.001, respectively).
ConclusionUsing ADCcV in addition to ADC parameters increased the diagnostic power of diffusion weighted-MRI (DW-MRI) in the distinction of molecular subtypes of breast cancer.
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A Preliminary Study of Brain Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Text Reading and Comprehension
Authors: Qi Xie, Huixian Chen, Wenjuan He, Zhilin Tan, Yajie Wang and Yanhui LiaoBackgroundFew studies have focused on the changes in human brain function activities caused by reading Chinese characters with different intelligibility and whether it can reflect the understanding and cognitive ability of the human brain.
ObjectiveTask-fMRI based on Chinese character reading tasks with different intelligibility was used to explore activated brain regions and their cognitive changes.
MethodsVolunteers were randomly recruited using advertisements. Forty volunteers were recruited based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 40 volunteers were recruited. Brain function data of 40 healthy right-handed volunteers in fuzzy/clear Chinese reading tasks were collected using a Siemens Skyra 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner. Data were preprocessed and statistically analyzed using the statistical software SPM12.0 to observe the activation of the cortex and analyze its characteristics and possible changes in cognitive function.
ResultsTask-fMRI analysis: (1) The main brain regions activated in fuzzy/clear reading tasks were located in the occipital visual cortex (P < 0.001); (2) a paired sample t-test suggested that there was a significant difference in BOLD signals in the brain regions activated by fuzzy/clear reading tasks (P < 0.001, equiv Z = 4.25). Compared with the fuzzy reading task, the brain regions more strongly activated in the clear reading task were mainly located in the right superior frontal gyrus and the bilateral temporal lobe. Compared with the clear reading task, the brain region that was more strongly activated in the fuzzy reading task was mainly located in the right fusiform gyrus.
ConclusionClear Chinese character information mainly activates the dorsal stream of the visual-spatial network. This reflects the information transmission of the brain after understanding the text content and is responsible for guiding and controlling attention. Fuzzy words that cannot provide clear text content activate the fusiform gyrus of the ventral stream of the visual-spatial network, strengthening the function of orthographic processing.
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GastroNet: A Custom Deep Learning Approach for Classification of Anomalies in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Images
Authors: Anitha Mary. A., Peniel Winifred Raj A., C. Karthik and Aldrin KarunaharanIntroductionAmong all cancer forms, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the most serious condition that spreads quickly and requires early detection. GI disorders claim the lives of up to nearly two million people worldwide. To lower the mortality rate from GI cancer, early detection is essential.
MethodsFor the identification of GI illnesses, such as polyps, stomach ulcers, and bleeding, endoscopy is the gold standard in the medical imaging industry. The numerous images produced by endoscopy require an enormous amount of time for the specialist to diagnose the disease. It makes manual diagnosis difficult and has sparked research on automatic computer-based approaches to diagnose all the generated images quickly and accurately. AI-based algorithms have already been used in endoscopy images with promising outcomes and have enhanced disease identification and classification with precision. However, there are still a lot of issues to be solved, including figuring out potential biases in algorithms and improving interpretability and generalizability.
ResultsThe proposed GastroNet model creates a system for classifying digestive problems for the Kvasir Version 1 dataset. The framework consists of different CNN layers with multiple filters, and average max-pooling is used to extract image features. The optimization of network parameters is done using the Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) algorithm.
ConclusionFinally, the robustness of the proposed model is compared with other state-of-the-art models like VGG 19, ResNet 50, Inception, and Xception in terms of evaluation metrics.
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Comparative Study of CT and MR Guided Microwave Ablation in the Treatment of Para-vascular VX2 Liver Tumor Model in Rabbits
Authors: Ren Ziwang, Feng Guiling, Feng Xu, Liu Zhu, Li Bing and Du YongObjectiveTo analyze the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) guided by computed tomography (CT) and 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) in the treatment of VX2 para-vascular liver tumor model in rabbits.
Materials and MethodsSixty para-vascular VX2 liver tumor models in rabbits were randomly divided into CT-guided microwave ablation group (CT group, n=35) and MR-guided microwave ablation group (MR group, n=35). The complete ablation rate, mean operation time, postoperative complication rate and mean survival time were compared between the two groups.
ResultsIn the CT group, the rate of complete ablation was 68.6% (24/35), and the mean operation time was 42.1 ± 9.7 minutes. Three cases had ascites and one case had abdominal wall injury. In the MR group, the rate of complete ablation was 94.2% (33/35), and the mean operation time was 53.4 ± 10.9 minutes. One case was complicated with ascites. No serious complications such as pneumothorax, liver abscess, pleural effusion and diaphragm perforation were found in both groups. Between the two groups, the difference in complete ablation rate was statistically significant (P=0.006 < 0.05). A statistically significant difference can also be found in mean operation time (P < 0.01). The follow-up time was 21 days after the operation. As for the postoperative complication rate (11.4% in the CT group and 2.9% in the MR group, P=0.353) and mean survival time (16.9 ± 1.8 days in CT group, 18.3 ± 2.3 days in the MR group, P=0.925), the differences were not statistically significant.
ConclusionCompared with CT guidance, although the microwave ablation time under MR guidance was longer, the complete ablation rate under MR guidance was high, which proved that MR guidance was a more effective way of microwave ablation guidance and was worth promoting in the clinic. In this experiment, the postoperative complication rate was lower in the MR group, although the difference was not statistically significant, which may be related to the small sample size, and the subsequent study on the postoperative complication rate can increase the sample content.
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Assessment of Diagnostic Performance of Risk Factors Affecting Extraprostatic Extension: Role of Zonal Level of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Seo Young Park and Ga young JeonObjectiveExtraprostatic extension (EPE) serves as a crucial marker of prostate cancer aggressiveness and independently predicts the likelihood of biochemical recurrence (BCR), exhibiting a strong correlation with the histologic severity of EPE. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the probability of EPE along the zonal level of the prostate by measuring tumor contact length (TCL) using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).
Patients and MethodsRecords of 308 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) were identified. Tumor levels in the prostate were categorized as apex, mid-gland, and base, after which the correlation between TCL measured using MRI and microscopic EPE on pathologic specimens was evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association among tumor origin, index tumor diameter, and TCL measured using MRI and microscopic EPE in RP specimens.
ResultsAmong the 214 patients included, 45 apical cancers (21%), 87 mid-gland cancers (41%), and 82 base cancers (38%) were observed. Pathological reports revealed that 18 (40.0%) apex, 31 (35.6%) mid-gland, and 50 (61.0%) base tumors were pT3a. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the zonal level of the tumor, especially the base level, was an independent predictive factor for EPE (P < 0.001), and the AUC value of the base tumor was 0.858.
ConclusionProstate cancers arising from the base were more likely to exhibit EPE than those arising from the mid-gland and apex of the prostate gland. Therefore, identifying the origin of the zonal level of prostate cancer may help guide treatment decisions and predict clinical prognosis.
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Automatic Kidney Stone Composition Analysis Method Based on Dual-energy CT
Authors: Jianping Huang, Jiachen Hou, Weihong Yang, Meixiao Zhan, Shengfu Xie, Shuping Li, Ru Li, Shangxin Wu, Yuan He, Wei Zhao, Rui Zhang, Ge Shan and Wenjun NiBackgroundThe composition of kidney stones is related to the hardness of the stones. Knowing the composition of the stones before surgery can help plan the laser power and operation time of percutaneous nephroscopic surgery. Moreover, patients can be treated with medications if the kidney stone is compounded by uric acid before treatment, which can relieve the patients of the pain of surgery. However, although the literature generally reports the kidney stone composition analysis method base on dual-energy CT images, the accuracy of these methods is not enough; they need manual delineation of the kidney stone location, and these methods cannot analyze mixed composition kidney stones.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to overcome the problem related to identifying kidney stone composition; we need an accurate method to analyze the composition of kidney stones.
MethodsIn this paper, we proposed the automatic kidney stone composition analysis algorithm based on a dual-energy CT image. The algorithm first segmented the kidney stone mask by deep learning model, then analyzed the composition of each stone by machine learning model.
ResultsThe experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can segment kidney stones accurately (AUC=0.96) and predict kidney stone composition accurately (mean Acc=0.86, mean Se=0.75, mean Sp=0.9, mean F1=0.75, mean AUC=0.83, MR (Exact match ratio)=0.6).
ConclusionThe proposed method can predict the composition and location of kidney stones, which can guide its treatment.
Experimental results show that the weighting strategy can improve kidney stone segmentation performance. In addition, the multi-label classification model can predict kidney stone composition precisely, including the mixed composition kidney stones.
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TIPS with a Twist – The Real Life Management of a Case of Budd-Chiari-related Acute Liver and Subsequent Multiple Organ Failure
Authors: Rareș Crăciun, Romeo Chira, Andrada Nemes, Horia Ștefănescu, Simona Cocu and Bogdan ProcopețIntroductionBudd-Chari syndrome (BCS) is a rare condition defined by the obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. BCS is a relatively infrequent cause of acute liver failure (ALF), accounting for less than 1% of cases. Treatment for acute BCS consists of a stepwise approach, requiring anticoagulation, angioplasty, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and liver transplantation.
Case ReportWe present the case of a 31-year-old female patient with BCS, which led to ALF and subsequent multiple organ failure, which was successfully treated with TIPS and endovascular coil placement. Initial diagnostic workup revealed the complete obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow, spleno-mesenteric confluent thrombosis, and biochemical criteria of ALF. Her condition rapidly deteriorated towards multiple organ failure. At one point, the MELD score was 42, while the SOFA score predicted a mortality rate of >95%. Following continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration with cytokine adsorbent filters, TIPS was inserted, resulting in a portal pressure gradient (PPG) of 14 mmHg. Following TIPS, the patient had persistent ascites and later presented an episode of gastric variceal bleeding with endoscopic and surgical treatment failure. TIPS revision with further dilation led to a final PPG of 6 mmHg. During the procedure, selective embolization by coil placement of the spleno-gastric collateral circulation ultimately resolved the variceal bleeding. In the aftermath, the patient had complete organ failure remission and was successfully discharged with no ascites, encephalopathy, or significant impairment regarding daily life activities.
ConclusionIn the rare setting of BCS complicated with ALF and portal hypertension-related complications, TIPS and endovascular embolization provide a unique, effective, and against-all-odd solution.
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Establishment and Comparison of Piecewise Linear Regression Models to Measure Thyroid Volume by 2D and 3D Ultrasound
Authors: Yue-Gui Wang, Shu-Ping Yang, Ming-Yong Cai, Ke-Yue Chen, Ting-Ting Li and Hao-Lin ShenObjectiveCompared thyroid volumes measured by 2-D and 3-D US with those of resected specimens and proposed new models to improve measurement accuracy.
MethodsThis study included 80 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. One 2D_model and one 3D_model were developed using piecewise linear regression analysis. The accuracy of these models was compared using an ellipsoid model (2-D_US value × 0.5), 3-D_US value, and Ying’s model [1.76 + (2-D_US value × 0.38)].
ResultsThe new 2D_model was: V=2.66 + (0.71 * X1) - (1.51 * X2). In this model, if 2-D_US value <= 228.39, X1 = 2-D_US value and X2 = 0; otherwise, X1 = 2-D_US value and X2 = 2-D_US value - 228.39. The 3D_model was: V= 2.90 + (1.08 * X1) + (2.43 * X2). In this model, if 3-D_US value <= 102.06, X1 = 3-D_US value and X2 = 0; otherwise, X1 = 3-D_US value and X2 = 3-D_US value - 102.06. The accuracy of the new models was higher than that of the 3-D_US value, the ellipsoid model, and Ying’s model (P<0.05).
ConclusionThe models established are more accurate than the traditional ones and can accurately measure thyroid volume.
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Assembling High-quality Lymph Node Clinical Target Volumes for Cervical Cancer Radiotherapy using a Deep Learning-based Approach
Authors: Xiaoxuan Jiang, Shengyuan Zhang, Yuchuan Fu, Hang Yu, Huanan Tang and Xiangyang WuAimThe study aimed to explore an approach for accurately assembling high-quality lymph node clinical target volumes (CTV) on CT images in cervical cancer radiotherapy with the encoder-decoder 3D network.
Methods216 cases of CT images treated at our center between 2017 and 2020 were included as a sample, which were divided into two cohorts, including 152 cases and 64 cases, respectively. Para-aortic lymph node, common iliac, external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, presacral, and groin nodal regions were delineated as sub-CTV manually in the cohort including 152 cases. Then, the 152 cases were randomly divided into training (96 cases), validation (36 cases), and test (20 cases) groups for the training process. Each structure was individually trained and optimized through a deep learning model. An additional 64 cases with 6 different clinical conditions were taken as examples to verify the feasibility of CTV generation based on our model. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) metrics were both used for quantitative evaluation.
ResultsComparing auto-segmentation results to ground truth, the mean DSC value/HD was 0.838/7.7mm, 0.853/4.7mm, 0.855/4.7mm, 0.844/4.7mm, 0.784/5.2mm, 0.826/4.8mm and 0.874/4.8mm for CTV_PAN, CTV_common iliac, CTV_internal iliac, CTV_external iliac, CTV_obturator, CTV_presacral, and CTV_groin, respectively. The similarity comparison results of six different clinical situations were 0.877/4.4mm, 0.879/4.6mm, 0.881/4.2mm, 0.882/4.3mm, 0.872/6.0mm, and 0.875/4.9mm for DSC value/HD, respectively.
ConclusionWe have developed a deep learning-based approach to segmenting lymph node sub-regions automatically and assembling high-quality CTVs according to clinical needs in cervical cancer radiotherapy. This work can increase the efficiency of the process of cervical cancer detection and treatment.
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Application of Color Doppler Ultrasound to Evaluate and Analyze the Risk Factors of Residual Stenosis after Vertebral Artery Origin Stenting
Authors: Yue Han, Xi-ping Mo, Xin-yue Ge and Jian-yuan HuangBackground: Vertebral artery origin stenting (VAOS) is the mainstream method for the treatment of vertebral artery stenosis (VAS). However, there are few studies on the risk factors analysis for residual stenosis after VAOS.
Purpose: This study aimed to apply color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) to evaluate and analyze the risk factors of residual stenosis after VAOS.
Methods: About 178 patients with VAOS were included from 2017 to 2019 in Liuzhou worker’s hospital and divided into the residual stenosis group (n = 38) and the no-residual stenosis group (n = 140). The clinical data and hemodynamics alteration before and after VAOS were collected. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of residual stenosis.
Results: Compared with the no-residual stenosis group, the proportion of hypertension, the bending of the initial segment, and the residual stenosis length > 10 mm in the residual stenosis group were significantly higher, while the original internal diameter was significantly smaller (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the bending of initial segment (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.32-5.45, P = 0.033), the original internal diameter (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.13-5.66, P = 0.001), and the residual stenosis length > 10 mm were the risk factors of residual stenosis (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.82-5.85, P = 0.044).
Conclusion: The bending of initial segment, the original internal diameter, and the residual stenosis length > 10 mm were the risk factors of residual stenosis after VAOS.
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Automatic Detection and Segmentation of Brain Hemorrhage based on Improved U-Net Model
Authors: Thuong-Cang Phan and Anh-Cang PhanIntroduction: Brain hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of death due to the sudden rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in bleeding in the brain parenchyma. The early detection and segmentation of brain damage are extremely important for prompt treatment.
Methods: Some previous studies focused on localizing cerebral hemorrhage based on bounding boxes without specifying specific damage regions. However, in practice, doctors need to detect and segment the hemorrhage area more accurately. In this paper, we propose a method for automatic brain hemorrhage detection and segmentation using the proposed network models, which are improved from the U-Net by changing its backbone with typical feature extraction networks, i.e., DenseNet-121, ResNet-50, and MobileNet-V2. The U-Net architecture has many outstanding advantages.
Results: It does not need to do too many preprocessing techniques on the original images and it can be trained with a small dataset providing low error segmentation in medical images. We use the transfer learning approach with the head CT dataset gathered on Kaggle including two classes, bleeding and non-bleeding.
Conclusion: Besides, we give some comparison results between the proposed models and the previous works to provide an overview of the suitable model for cerebral CT images. On the head CT dataset, our proposed models achieve a segmentation accuracy of up to 99%.
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- Medicine, Imaging, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine
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Can Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index Predict Fetal Chromosomal Abnormality in Early Pregnancy Loss? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yunyun Cao, Yiyao Chen, Guanjie Wang, Shuyuan Li and Zhiwei LiuBackgroundEarly pregnancy loss (EPL) or spontaneous loss of an intrauterine pregnancy within the first trimester occurs commonly worldwide. It is useful to predict the possibility of fetal chromosomal abnormalities using other cheap and easily available markers.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate whether the uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) can predict fetal chromosomal abnormality in early pregnancy loss (EPL).
MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study including 148 women who underwent dilation and curettage for missed abortion. The UtA-PI was measured and evaluated by transvaginal ultrasound. Abnormal UtA-PI was identified through the mean of left and right UA-PI ≥ 90th percentiles of the relevant values for the corresponding gestational age. Copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) was performed on EPL cases without maternal cell contamination.
Results107 (72.3%) cases were classified with normal UtA-PI, while 41 (27.7%) cases were classified with abnormal UtA-PI. The fetal chromosomal abnormality rate was significantly higher in cases with normal UtA-PI than in those with abnormal UtA-PI (67.3% vs 22.0%, P = 7.1 × 10-7). Compared to cases with abnormal UtA-PI, the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in cases with normal UtA-PI increased with an odds ratio of 7.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2‒17.0, P = 4 × 10-7). The predictive value of normal UtA-PI alone for fetal chromosomal abnormalities was shown to have an area under the curve of 0.67‒0.71 in our population.
ConclusionThe UtA-PI seems to be lower and less likely to be elevated in EPL with fetal chromosomal abnormalities compared to those without aneuploidies. We suggest that UtA-PI should be examined in all EPL patients.
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Rare and First Manifestation of Lupus Panniculitis as Lupus Mastitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chong Yong Guo, Li Chen, Lin Sun, Xiao Shan Yang, Ruiqi Mao, Bo Cheng Li, Xin Jun Li and Ling ZhouIntroductionThis case report presents a rare occurrence of lupus mastitis affecting the breast.
Case PresentationAn induration with mild discomfort was detected in the upper inner quadrant of the right breast of a 27-year-old Chinese woman with regular menstrual cycles. The patient is currently unmarried and has no previous history of full-term pregnancies or lactation. An ill-defined, subcutaneous, hyperechoic lesion with no calcification was visualized on breast ultrasound. Peripheral and internal blood flow signals demonstrated high intensity. Pathological analysis of a breast needle biopsy revealed fat lobule necrosis accompanied by mixed lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic aggregates.
ConclusionThe diagnosis of lupus mastitis necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, serological testing, imaging studies, and histopathological analysis.
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Gastric Teratoma in an Adult Female Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Savaş Hereklioğlu, Derya Karabulut, Gülşah Özdemir, Ebru Taştekin and Nermin TunçbilekBackgroundGastric teratoma (GT) occurs as a rule in infancy and is an extremely unusual gastric tumor in adult patients.
Case PresentationIn this paper, we present the clinical and imaging findings of a 56-year-old female patient with a GT. The patient's main symptoms were increasing abdominal discomfort and pain. After the physical examination, she underwent ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT), which showed a large mass at the posterior wall of the stomach, and a teratoma was initially considered. After surgery, pathology confirmed the diagnosis of GT. The patient recovered after surgery and was discharged in good health. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first reported case of gastric teratoma in an adult woman in the literature.
ConclusionGastric teratoma of the adult period is a rare benign neoplasm that may have several complications; therefore, imaging is crucial for diagnosis and accurate treatment management. The aim of this study is to emphasize the value of US and CT in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of mature gastric teratomas.
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Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Diagnosed by Size Reduction after Immunosuppressive Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Turgut Tursem Tokmak, Mahmut Burak Lacin and Humeyra GencerBackgroundIntrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) is a congenital entity that can be confused with malignant distal pancreatic masses. Radiologic imaging and radionuclide imaging have an important place in the diagnosis of IPAS.
Case ReportBlood tests were performed on a 36-year-old female patient who presented with tachypnea, tachycardia, pain in the joints, and pain in the left abdominal quadrant. Laboratory test results were as follows: hemoglobin value 6.0 mg/dl, sedimentation 120, aspartate transaminase (AST) 150U/L, and alanine transaminase level (ALT) 110U/ L. Additional laboratory tests and ultrasonography were performed. The anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) level was 800 IU/ml. C3 and C4 values were both 0.64 IU/ml, with anti-Ro-52 +++(three positive) and anti-Ro-60 ++ (two positive). A clinical diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was made. Ultrasonography and dynamic contrast-enhanced upper abdominal MRI showed lesions suggestive of multiple hemangiomas in the liver and a 29x18 mm lesion in the tail of the pancreas with a similar appearance as the spleen. SLE treatment was started. Scintigraphy was recommended for the diagnosis of IPAS. Scintigraphy was performed in the third week of the treatment. Uptake was not observed. In the second month of the treatment, a control upper abdominal MRI was performed, and a decrease in the size of the lesion was observed.
ConclusionIPAS can be confused with pancreatic masses. Lack of uptake in scintigraphy may be due to treatment protocols that produce low phagocytic activity. If radiological imaging findings are compatible, a reduction in lesion size after immunosuppressive therapy can be accepted as evidence for the diagnosis of IPAS.
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Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Combined with T1 Mapping Identifies Dysplastic Module and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Diyou Chen, Qisheng Ran, Wei Ma, Huan Xie, Jie Zhou, Ji Liu, Yuanyuan Zhao, Letian Zhang and Yu GuoBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading type of liver cancer in adults, often resulting in fatal outcomes for those with cirrhosis. Dysplastic nodule (DN) is a liver nodule that is substantial in size, ranging from 1-2 cm. However, accurately distinguishing between DN and HCC on imaging has posed a challenge.
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping in distinguishing between DN and HCC.
MethodsThis study analyzed 66 patients with confirmed HCC or DN who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping before surgery or puncture at the Army Medical Center in China. The T1 values of each lesion were measured before and after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration, and various calculations were made, including absolute and percentage reduction in T1 value and coefficient of variation. The t-test was used to compare these values between the two groups, and the efficacy of T1 mapping values for differential diagnosis of HCC and DN was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).
ResultsThe study found that T1pre, T1hp, ΔT1, ΔT1%, and CV in the HCC group were significantly higher than in the DN group (p < 0.01). The accuracy of T1hp, ΔT1, and CVT1-hp in identifying HCC from DN was high, with AUCs of 0.955, 0.910, and 0.932, respectively. ΔT1% also had some accuracy, with an AUC of 0.818.
ConclusionOur results provide preliminary evidence that Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping, can be a valuable tool in diagnosing and differentiating between HCC and DN.
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Diagnostic Value of 3D Optical Coherence Tomography Multimode Images in the Diagnosis of Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Gui-ling Zhao, Rui-zhuang Li, Yan-hua Pang, Xiu-qin Wang, Jin-fen Wei and Zhou ZhouBackgroundSpectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) provides non-invasive, high-speed, high-resolution, three-dimensional cross-section imaging of the macula.
ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the multimodal imaging technique of three-dimension (3D) optical coherence tomography (OCT) (3D-OCT) for the diagnosis and characterization of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).
MethodsIn this prospective clinical study 3D-OCT examinations of 82 cases with acute CSC were performed on the macular area, and the image characteristics were analyzed. Our study included a total of 87 eyes from 82 cases of CSC patients, 67 males and 15 females (mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 42.89 ±7.80 years old; age range: 27 to 56 years old. The 3D-OCT images were evaluated for the presence of subretinal fluid, subretinal space, fluctuation of the internal limiting membrane (ILM), folds of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE), retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), and flat irregular PED. The foveal thickness was measured using the manual caliper of OCT software.
ResultsThe OCT B-scan images showed 87 (100%) eyes had exudative retinal detachment (ERD), 38 (44%) had flat irregular PED, 36 (41%) had PED, 8 (9%) had subretinal turbidity structure, 2 (2%) had subretinal dot-like precipitates, 1 (1%) had focal choroidal excavation (FCE), and 1 (1%) eye had fluctuation of internal limiting membrane (FI). In the ILM-RPE thickness map, all eyes had a round or round like regular uniform domes. Fifty-seven (66%) domes were limited in the examination area and 30 (44%) domes were beyond the scope of this examination and only a partial section of the dome could be observed. In the en-face image, all eyes had a round or round-like black figure that corresponded with domes in the ILM-RPE thickness map. In RPE surface, 76 (87%) eyes had a shallow plate depression, 71(82%) had small focal uplift, and 1 (1%) eye had a focal concave feature.
ConclusionIn the OCT ILM-RPE thickness, en-face image, and RPE surface maps, acute CSC exhibited specific imaging characteristics that can be helpful for reliable diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CSC.
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Relationship of the Characteristic Imaging Findings of Breast Cancer with Molecular Subtypes in Young Women
Authors: Emirhan Temel, Eda Elverici, Engin Sarı, Arzu Özsoy, Mutlu Akbaş Doğan and Sezer KulaçoğluBackgroundThe characteristic imaging findings of breast cancer in young women are not yet fully understood. It causes a delay in diagnosis by mixing with benign findings.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between the imaging and histopathological features of breast cancer in women aged under 40 years.
MethodsIn our center, 537 suspicious lesions were detected in a total of 15,223 adult female patients under 40 years who were evaluated by breast ultrasonography (US). As a result of the mammographic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis, 101 lesions meeting the study criteria were included in the sample.
ResultsThe luminal subtypes of breast cancer mostly visualized as irregularly shaped spiculated lesions with calcification and architectural distortion mammography and presented as masses that were sometimes accompanied by increased echogenicity in the surrounding tissue on US. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) enriched subtypes mostly had microlobulated or indistinct margins with heterogeneous echoes accompanied by high calcification on mammography. The triple-negative (TN) subtypes generally appeared as microlobulated lesions with angular or indistinct margins, hypo echogenicity, posterior enhancement or shadowing, and vascularization.
ConclusionSome radiological features of breast cancer in young women were found to be associated with molecular subtypes similar to other age groups in the literature. However, unlike other age groups, the incidences of the HER2-enriched subtype presenting with only calcification, TN subtypes presenting with circumscribed masses, and calcification were found to be low among the young women in our study.
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MDCT Imaging of Volvulus Complicated with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia Secondary to a Large Diverticulum of Jejunum in an Adult: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yan Lei, Zhi-chun Li, Ting-ting Zhu, Qian He, Yong Li and Wei TangIntroductionA large jejunal diverticulum has been reported as a possible cause of volvulus and acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in adults. A large diverticulum of the small bowel complicated with volvulus has been reported before in literature. However, imaging findings of a large diverticulum of the small bowel complicated with both volvulus and AMI on MDCT are rarely described and reported. In this study, we reported a case with a large diverticulum, volvulus, and AMI concurrently; these three imaging findings were reviewed and described on MDCT, and the relevant literature was briefly introduced.
Case ReportWe reported the case of a 69-year-old man who presented to our hospital with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. An emergent abdominal enhanced MDCT imaging was performed and demonstrated the volvulus secondary to a large diverticulum of the jejunum complicated with AMI. Here, a case was presented that highlighted unique imaging findings on MDCT, as well as a literature review.
ConclusionA review of the literature revealed that a single jejunal diverticulum causing both volvulus and AMI is rare in adults. To our knowledge, a systemic description of their signs on MDCT in a case has not been reported yet.
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The Role of MRI in Diagnosing Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC): A Rare Disorder Present at Birth
Authors: Alhassan Alkurim, Jaber Alyami, Njoud Aldusary and Adnan AlahmadiBackgroundAgenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a rare hereditary nervous system defect present at birth. ACC is an uncommon condition that is unrepresentative in the general population because some cases do not present with any identifiable symptoms in the early stage.
Case ReportWe present a case of ACC in a two-month-old male patient who was diagnosed after birth. Although the initial brain ultrasound (US) showed dilation of the lateral ventricles and the absence of the corpus callosum, these findings were not fully confirmed. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was conducted to confirm the complex diagnosis, and the examination revealed complete ACC. Diagnosing ACC in a neonate demonstrates the complexity of diagnosis through the clinical presentation, especially at an early age.
ConclusionThe clinical utility of neonatal US and MRI highlights the importance of an early diagnosis of ACC. MRI is more effective than the US in detecting this condition, and these imaging modalities provide the patient with an early diagnosis, which helps in treatment management.
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Diffusion-weighted MRI at the Late Stage after Radiotherapy for Evaluating Salivary Gland Injury
Authors: Xiaoxue Xia, Lifen Wu, Tong Li, Qi Tang and Lizhong LiangObjectiveSalivary gland injury is the main complication of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a reliable tool to assess salivary gland function in NPC patients after radiotherapy.
Materials and MethodsThis study analysed the MR images of 31 NPC patients at different time points within 2-3 years after radiotherapy. The changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and its relationship with radiation dose were analysed.
ResultsBoth the parotid and submandibular gland ADC values increased significantly 3-6 months after radiotherapy and then decreased gradually. The ADC value of the parotid gland was positively correlated with radiation dose at the late stage (P = 0.012, r = 0.359). The submandibular gland ADC change value (P = 0.035) and change ratio (P = 0.027) of the high radiation dose group were significantly lower than those of the low dose group at the late stage.
ConclusionThe correlation between ADC values of parotid and submandibular glands and the radiation dose indicated that DW-MRI could be helpful in evaluating salivary gland injury after radiotherapy.
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Multi-slice CT Analysis and Identification of Anatomical Types of Segmental Bronchi in Right Superior Lobe
Authors: Saeed Javed, Yixuan Mei, Yi Zhang, Dian Wan, Hailan Liu, Cheng Liu and Shuwei LiuPurposeThe aims were to assess different branching patterns of segmental bronchi in the right superior lobe (RSL), as well as to investigate the anatomical diversity and sex-related variations of these branches in a large sample of the research population.
Methods10,000 participants (5428 males, and 4,572 females, mean age 50+/-13.5 years [SD] years; age range: 3-91 years) who underwent multi-slice CT (MSCT) scans from September 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively included. The data were applied to generate three-dimensional (3D) and virtual bronchoscopy (VB) simulations of a bronchial tree using the syngo.via post-processing workstation. Following that, the reconstructed images were interpreted to identify and categorize various bronchial patterns in the RSL. Cross-tabulation analysis and the Pearson chi-square test (χ2) were used to calculate the component ratios of bronchial branch types and determine their relevance between male and female groups.
ResultsOur results revealed mainly six types for the RSL bronchial tree, i.e., (B1, B2, B3, 60.70%); (B1+2, B3, 18.72%); (B2+3, B1, 6.68%); (B1+3, B2, 7.57%); (B1, B2, B3, B*, 3.19%); (B1a+B3, B1b+B2, 3.14%). There were significant sex-related differences in the proportion of bronchial branches in the RSL (P< 0.05).
ConclusionThe current study has validated the presence of segmental bronchial variations in the RSL. These findings may have significant implications for diagnosing symptomatic patients and performing particular procedures, including bronchoscopy, endotracheal intubation, and lung resection.
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Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Mimicking Lung Cancer in a Patient with Usual Interstitial Pneumonia Pattern Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Chaebin Lee, Jongsoo Park, Jae-Kwang Lim, Jongmin Park and Byunggeon ParkBackground: It has been reported that structure damage in the parenchymal lung disease such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with high susceptibility to nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. Radiologic features of NTM lung disease in destructive lung parenchyma can be atypical, which can cause confusion with other diseases including malignancy. Prompt and accurate identification of newly developed lesions in the follow-up computed tomography (CT) of IPF patients is challenging but crucial.
Case Report: We reported a case of an NTM infection in a patient with IPF, manifested as a mass-like consolidation with cavitation on chest CT, mimicking lung cancer.
Conclusion: Being aware of the unusual radiologic features of NTM lung disease in IPF patients can be useful in the differential diagnosis of newly detected lesions.
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Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Pathological Characteristics of External Jugular Venous Aneurysm
Authors: Liyuan Cui, Tiezheng Wang, Lihua Liu, Jianbo Teng and Hengtao QiPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the diagnosis of the external jugular venous aneurysm on color Doppler ultrasound and its relationship with pathological characteristics.
MethodsA retrospective analysis of 17 patients with external jugular venous aneurysm admitted to the Provincial Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University from May, 2010, to June, 2020, was performed. The color Doppler ultrasound characteristics of 17 patients with external jugular vein aneurysms were analyzed and summarized, which were then compared with postoperative pathological outcomes.
ResultsAll 17 patients with external jugular venous aneurysms were presented with cystic structures adjacent to and communicated with the external jugular vein. Color Doppler flow imaging showed a bidirectional venous flow signal in the communication between the cystic structure and the external jugular vein. Among the 17 patients, ultrasound diagnosis showed true venous aneurysm due to degenerative changes in the venous wall in 8 cases, venous pseudoaneurysm in 4 cases, and external jugular venous aneurysm in 5 cases, and postoperative pathology indicated degenerative changes in the venous wall in all 17 patients.
ConclusionBidirectional blood flow at the communication between the cystic lesion and the external jugular vein on color Doppler ultrasound should not be the criterion for the diagnosis of external jugular venous pseudoaneurysm, which requires pathological support.
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Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: The Diagnostic Value of QT Parameters and their Relationship with CT Findings
Authors: Bircan Alan, Sait Alan, Safiye Gurel, Mehmet Inanir, Emrah Acar, Ibrahim Donmez and Oya KalayciogluBackgroundOne of the greatest challenges in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is the lack of specific laboratory tests that support multidetector computed tomography (CT). Our aim is to investigate the diagnostic value of electrocardiographic QT parameters in AMI and their relationship with CT findings.
Materials and MethodsPatients who were admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain were recruited retrospectively from the hospital information system. Grouping was carried out on the basis of AMI (n=78) and non-AMI (n=78). In both groups, the corrected QT (QTc) and QT dispersion (QTD) were measured on electrocardiographs, and the qualitative and quantitative CT findings were evaluated on CT examinations.
ResultsThe QTc and QTD values were higher in the AMI group. The median QTc values were 456.16 (IQR: 422.88-483.16) for the AMI group and 388.83 (IQR: 359.74-415.83) for the control group (p<0.001), and the median QTD values were 58 (IQR: 50.3-68.25) for the AMI group and 46 (IQR: 42-50) for the control group (p<0.001).
In the CT analysis, the QTc values were significantly higher among AMI patients, with images of paper-thin bowel walls and the absence of bowel wall enhancement (p=0.042 and p=0.042, respectively). Meanwhile, the QTD values were significantly higher among patients with venous pneumatosis findings on CT (p=0.005). In the regression analysis, a significant relationship was found between the QT parameters and AMI (p<0.001). For QTc, an AUC of 0.903 (95% CI: 0.857-0.950, p<0.001), a sensitivity of 80.8%, and a specificity of 82.3% were found. For QTD, an AUC of 0.821 (95% CI: 0.753-0.889, p<0.001), a sensitivity of 73.1%, and a specificity of 82.3% were found.
ConclusionWe found the QTc and QTD values to be significantly higher among AMI patients. Furthermore, we found a significant relationship between the CT findings and QTc and QTD and a significant relationship between survival and QTc in the AMI group.
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Does Bi-exponential Fitting Perform better than Mono-exponential Fitting in IVIM-DWI? An Assessment of Renal Pathological Injury of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Wei Mao, Xiaoqiang Ding, Yuqin Ding, Caixia Fu, Mengsu Zeng and Jianjun ZhouBackgroundChronic kidney disease has become one of the world's major public health problems, immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a common pathological type of CKD. Delaying the progression of IgA nephropathy has currently become the main clinical treatment strategy, precise evaluation of renal pathological injury during follow-up of patients with IgA nephropathy is important. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an accurate and non-invasive imaging technique for effective follow-up of renal pathological injury in patients with IgA nephropathy.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) in assessing renal pathological injury in patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy compared with a mono-exponential model.
MethodsAltogether, 80 patients with IgA nephropathy were divided into the mild (41 cases) andmoderate–severe (m–s) renal injury groups (39 cases) according to pathology scores, and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. All participants underwent IVIM-DWI of the kidneys, and renal parenchymal apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) values were measured. One-way analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed for all the DWI-derived parameters.
ResultsThe DWI-derived parameters of the m–s renal injury group were significantly lower than those of the mild renal injury and control groups (P < 0.01). The ROC analysis revealed that f had the largest area under the ROC curve for differentiation between the m–s and mild renal injury groups and between the m–s renal injury and control groups. The f had the largest correlation coefficient with renal pathology scores (r=−0.81), followed by the D* (−0.69), ADC (−0.54), and D values (−0.53), respectively (all P<0.01).
ConclusionIVIM-DWI demonstrated better diagnostic performance than the mono-exponential model in assessing renal pathological injury in patients with IgA nephropathy.
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Ultrasound Diagnosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 Translocation/TFE3 Gene Fusion in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ling-ling Deng, Fuqian Wang, Qinhua Luan, Wei Liu, Jianbo Teng and Yongguang BanBackgroundMany studies have reported Xp 11.2 translocation renal cancer in radioimaging,but there is little literature on the evaluation of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma by ultrasound.
ObjectiveTo investigate the ultrasonographic features and diagnostic value of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion in children and adolescents.
Materials and MethodsThe clinical and ultrasonographic data of 10 patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion confirmed by pathology in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The age ranged from 3 to 18 years old, including 7 males and 3 females. The tumor location, size, boundary, echo, hemorrhage, cystic change, calcification, blood flow, lymph node status and metastasis were mainly observed, and the results were compared with the pathological results.
ResultsThere were 10 masses in 10 cases of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion, including 4 in the right kidney and 6 in the left kidney; the maximum diameter line is 5-23cm; 9 cases had clear mass boundary (90%); 9 masses (90%) showed mixed cystic and solid masses with high echo of solid components, and 1 mass (10%) showed huge multilocular cystic mass with multiple septations; necrosis and cystic changes were seen in all 10 masses (100%); calcification in 5 masses (50%); blood flow signals were seen in the solid components of the mass (100%).
ConclusionRenal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion in children and adolescents are mostly large cystic and solid mixed echo masses, with high echo of solid components, and often accompanied by cystic changes and calcification. Its ultrasonic manifestations have certain characteristics. Color Doppler ultrasound has a certain diagnostic value for this disease.
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Fibrosarcoma of Great Toe with Multimodality Radiologic Imaging Features
Authors: Hyerim Park, Yu Sung Yoon and Susie ChinIntroductionFibrosarcoma of bone is a rare malignant spindle cell tumor.
Case StudyHerein, we present a case of fibrosarcoma in a 40-year-old male who was presented to the clinic with left-sided great toe pain for 20 years. Simple radiographs showed acrolysis at the distal phalanx of great toe. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 1.5 cm sized heterogenous high signal intensity mass on T2-weighted images and iso signal intensity on T1- weighted images. Dorsal and distal portion of the mass showed markedly dark signal intensity on T1 and T2-weighted images.
ConclusionIn an enhanced image, the mass showed heterogenous enhancement. Surgical removal was performed and pathologic analysis revealed fibrosarcoma. Although extremely rare, fibrosarcoma of the bone should be kept in mind as a possibility when a lesion exhibits a black signal intensity component on an MRI with acrolysis.
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Clinical Value of Deep Vein Thrombosis Density on Lower-Extremity CT Venography: Prediction of Pulmonary Thromboembolism
Authors: Jae Hyeop Jung, Jin Kyem Kim, Taeho Kim and Dong Kyu KimAimDiagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) can be delayed if the signs and symptoms of patients are nonspecific.
IntroductionTo assess the clinical value of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) density on computed tomography (CT) venography for predicting PTE.
MethodsFrom 2016 to 2021, patients with DVT diagnosed on lower-extremity CT venography were included. Of these patients, those without PTE were classified into ‘DVT-only group’ and those with PTE were classified into the ‘DVT with PTE group’. The DVT Hounsfield unit (HU) density was measured by drawing free-hand region-of-interests within the thrombus at the most proximal filling defect level. The risk factors associated with PTE were identified by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the value of DVT density for predicting the risk of PTE.
Results and DiscussionThis study included 177 patients with a mean age of 41.7 ± 10.3 years (DVT-only group: 105 patients; DVT with PTE group: 72 patients). DVT density was significantly higher in DVT with the PTE group than DVT-only group (66.8HU ± 8.7 vs. 57.9HU ± 11.1, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for predicting the risk of PTE were 0.737, 72.2%, and 66.7%, respectively, at a DVT density cutoff of 63.0 HU. On univariate and multivariate analysis, DVT density was the only significant risk factor associated with PTE.
ConclusionHigher DVT density was a significant risk factor for PTE. In addition, DVT density could be a predictive factor for PTE.
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Computer Tomography (CT)-based Screening of Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Complicated by Bronchiectasis Phenotype during Acute Exacerbation: A Clinical Analysis
Authors: Jingmei Zhao, Yiping Wu, Kai Zhang, Hongfeng Zhang, Hongbo Ren and Yonghong WangBackgroundIn the past, many experts considered chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis to be separate, chronic respiratory diseases. Nonetheless, the widespread use of high-resolution lung computed tomography (CT) has led to the discovery that these diseases can occur alone or together.
AimThe current study aimed to compare the effects of nutritional status on the clinical outcomes in moderate to severe COPD patients with bronchiectasis.
ObjectiveThis study identifies the nutritional risk in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COPD complicated by bronchiectasis phenotype during acute exacerbation screened using computer tomography (CT). Also, determines its correlation with disease progression.
Materials and MethodsNRS 2002 (Nutrition Risk Screening Evaluation Tool) was used to determine and evaluate the nutritional risk status in 182 hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COPD complicated by bronchiectasis phenotype during an acute exacerbation. Selected patients were divided into the nutritional risk (NR) group and the non-nutritional risk (NNR) group according to their nutritional status determined by NRS 2002. The body mass index (BMI), serum albumin (ALB), pre albumin (PAB), lymphocyte count (TLC), FEV1/FVC, FEV1% predicted, PEF% predicted, blood gas analysis, number of acute exacerbations in the past year, number of respiratory failure cases, number of anti-infection days, and length of hospitalization of the two groups were observed.
ResultsThe hospitalized patients in acute exacerbation of moderate to severe COPD complicated by bronchiectasis phenotype had a nutritional risk of 62.64%. BMI, ALB, PAB, TLC, FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC, PEF% predicted, blood gas analysis, number of acute exacerbations in the past year, number of respiratory failure cases, number of anti-infection days, and length of hospitalization were statistically significantly different between the NR group and NNR group (P<0.05).
ConclusionHospitalized patients with moderate to severe COPD complicated by bronchiectasis phenotype during acute exacerbation are often associated with nutritional risk. An increase in nutritional risk reduces the level of pulmonary function of the patient and elevates the risk for repeated acute exacerbations, which predispose the patient to respiratory failure, thereby increasing the length of hospitalization. Therefore, the nutritional risk status of COPD patients with bronchiectasis was closely related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of the disease.
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Objective Evaluation of Oral and Pharyngeal Areas in Autopsy Cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome via Postmortem CT
Authors: Akiko Takeuchi, Hideki Hyodoh, Shigeki Jin, Satoshi Tanaka, Manabu Murakami, Kazuyuki Minowa and Kotaro MatobaBackgroundObstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) can cause sudden death during sleep. Previous findings have suggested that OSAS development is related to maxillofacial morphology. Evaluation of facial morphology can determine the risk of developing the disease, and establishing an objective method to assess the underlying etiology of OSAS-related death would be advantageous.
ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to determine the key features of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using postmortem oral and pharyngeal computed tomography (CT).
MethodsWe retrospectively assessed autopsy cases of patients with (n=25) and without (n=25) OSAS-related death. We used oral and pharyngeal CT images to compare the oral and pharyngeal cavity volume (OPCV), oral and pharyngeal soft tissue volume (OPSV), oral and pharyngeal air space volume (OPAV), and OPAV to OPCV ratio (%air). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the accuracy of OSAS prediction. We assessed participants with body mass index (BMI) values within the normal range.
ResultsAmong the 50 subjects, we observed significant between-group differences in OPSV, OPAV, and % air, whereas there were significant between-group differences in OPSV and %air among 28 subjects with normal BMI values. Both comparisons suggested that OSAS-related death was associated with low %air and high OPSV values.
ConclusionThe % air and OPSV are useful for assessing postmortem oropharyngeal CT images. OSAS-related sudden death is likely when %air and OPSV values are ≤20.1% and ≥127.2 ml, respectively. Among those with normal BMI values, % air and OPSV values of ≤22.8% and ≥111.5 ml, respectively, predict OSAS-related sudden death.
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Clinical Application of Individualized 3D-Printed Chest Wall Conformal Device in IMRT for Post-mastectomy Breast Cancer
Authors: Jiaqi Wang, Haitao Ji, Shilin Zhang, Xu Guo, Tianyi Fu, Lisong Zhao and Chunbo HeBackgroundBreast cancer is the most common malignant tumour in women. Radical mastectomy with postoperative radiotherapy is now the standard treatment for locally advanced breast cancer. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has now been developed, which employs linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation to a tumour while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal tissue. It significantly improves the efficacy of breast cancer treatment. However, there are still some flaws that must be addressed.
ObjectiveTo assess the clinical application of the three-dimensional (3D)-printed chest wall conformal device for breast cancer patients who need to be treated by chest wall intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after radical mastectomy.
MethodsThe 24 patients were divided into three groups. During a computed tomography (CT) scan, patients in the study group were fixed by a 3D-printed chest wall conformal device, nothing in control group A, and a traditional 1-cm thick silica gel compensatory pad on the chest wall in control group B. The parameters of mean Dmax, Dmean, D2%, D50%, D98%, the conformity index (CI), and the homogeneity index (HI) of the planning target volume (PTV) are compared.
ResultsThe study group had the best dose uniformity (HI = 0.092) and the highest conformation (CI = 0.97), the worst in control group A (HI = 0.304, CI = 0.84). The mean Dmax, Dmean, and D2% of the study group were lower than control groups A and B (p<0.05). The mean D50% was higher than control group B (p<0.05), while the mean D98% was higher than control groups A and B (p<0.05). The mean Dmax, Dmean, D2%, and HI of control group A were higher than control group B (p<0.05), whereas the mean D98% and CI were lower than control group B (p<0.05).
ConclusionBy improving the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer, using 3D-printed chest wall conformal devices may greatly improve the accuracy of repeating position fixation, increase the dose on the skin surface of the chest wall, optimise the dose distribution of the target area, and thus further reduce tumour recurrence and prolong patients' survival.
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Reversible Intracranial Cytotoxic Edema Associated with COVID-19: A Case Report
Authors: Güngör Çakmakci, Mustafa Çeti̇ner, Gönül Akdağ, Fatma Akkoyun Arikan and Sibel Canbaz KabayBackground: It is well-known that COVID-19 causes pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, as well as pathological neuroradiological imaging findings and various neurological symptoms associated with them. These include a range of neurological diseases, such as acute cerebrovascular diseases, encephalopathy, meningitis, encephalitis, epilepsy, cerebral vein thrombosis, and polyneuropathies. Herein, we report a case of reversible intracranial cytotoxic edema due to COVID-19, who fully recovered clinically and radiologically.
Case Report: A 24-year-old male patient presented with a speech disorder and numbness in his hands and tongue, which developed after flu-like symptoms. An appearance compatible with COVID-19 pneumonia was detected in thorax computed tomography. Delta variant (L452R) was positive in the COVID reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR). Cranial radiological imaging revealed intracranial cytotoxic edema, which was thought to be related to COVID-19. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement values in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) taken on admission were 228 mm2/sec in the splenium and 151 mm2/sec in the genu. During the follow-up visits of the patient, epileptic seizures developed due to intracranial cytotoxic edema. ADC measurement values in the MRI taken on the 5th day of the patient's symptoms were 232 mm2/sec in the splenium and 153 mm2/sec in the genu. ADC measurement values in the MRI taken on the 15th day were 832 mm2/sec in the splenium and 887 mm2/sec in the genu. He was discharged from the hospital on the 15th day of his complaint with a clinical and radiological complete recovery.
Conclusion: Abnormal neuroimaging findings caused by COVID-19 are quite common. Although not specific to COVID-19, cerebral cytotoxic edema is one of these neuroimaging findings. ADC measurement values are significant for planning follow-up and treatment options. Changes in ADC values in repeated measurements can guide clinicians about the development of suspected cytotoxic lesions. Therefore, clinicians should approach cases of COVID-19 with CNS involvement without extensive systemic involvement with caution.
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Computer-aided Diagnosis and Analysis of Skin Cancer from Dermoscopic Images in India
Authors: Khushmeen Kaur Brar and O. Jeba ShineyBackgroundResearchers have made several advancements in this field, including automatic segmentation techniques, computer-aided diagnosis, mobile-based technology, deep learning methods, hybrid methods etc. All these techniques are beneficial in diagnosing melanoma or segregating skin lesions into different categories.
AimThis paper aims to define different types of skin cancers, diagnosis procedures and statistics. This paper presents skin cancer statistics over a period of time in India. The increment in the number of skin carcinoma and melanoma cases from 1990 to 2020 as well as the mortality rates, has been presented in this paper. Also, this paper provides a review of different technologies used by researchers in detecting melanoma.
ConclusionThe rise in the number of cases by 2040 and mortality rates are compared. The statistics that are used in this paper are as per hospital-based cancer registries (HBCR) 2021 prepared by the Indian Council of Medical Research - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Bengaluru (ICMR-NCDIR) and from World Health Organization (WHO).
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Computer-aided Diagnosis of Various Diseases Using Ultrasonography Images
Authors: Kumar Mohit, Rajeev Gupta and Basant KumarThis paper is an exhaustive survey of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system-based automatic detection of several diseases from ultrasound images. CAD plays a vital role in the automatic and early detection of diseases. Health monitoring, medical database management, and picture archiving systems became very feasible with CAD, assisting radiologists in making decisions over any imaging modality. Imaging modalities mainly rely on machine learning and deep learning algorithms for early and accurate disease detection. CAD approaches are described in this paper in terms of it's their significant tools; digital image processing (DIP), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL). Ultrasonography (USG) already has many advantages over other imaging modalities; therefore, CAD analysis of USG assists radiologists in studying it more clearly, leading to USG application over various body parts. This paper includes a review of those major diseases whose detection supports “ML algorithm” based diagnosis from USG images. ML algorithm follows feature extraction, selection, and classification in the required class. The literature survey of these diseases is grouped into the carotid region, transabdominal & pelvic region, musculoskeletal region, and thyroid region. These regions also differ in the types of transducers employed for scanning. Based on the literature survey, we have concluded that texture-based extracted features passed to support vector machine (SVM) classifier results in good classification accuracy. However, the emerging deep learning-based disease classification trend signifies more preciseness and automation for feature extraction and classification. Still, classification accuracy depends on the number of images used for training the model. This motivated us to highlight some of the significant shortcomings of automated disease diagnosis techniques. Research challenges in CAD-based automatic diagnosis system design and limitations in imaging through USG modality are mentioned as separate topics in this paper, indicating future scope and improvement in this field. The success rate of machine learning approaches in USG-based automatic disease detection motivated this review paper to describe different parameters behind machine learning and deep learning algorithms towards improving USG diagnostic performance.
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Assessment of Thyroid Function in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Kunming, China: A Case-control Study
Authors: Fang He, Fayou Li, Dachen Zuo, Sha Ma, Yang Chen, Jihui Ying and Lixuan ZhuIntroductionThe present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, the study aimed to elucidate the correlation of hypothyroidism with RA activity and to investigate the relationship between RA and thyroid dysfunction.
Materials and MethodsA total of 314 patients were categorized into two groups according to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level: RA without hypothyroidism and RA with hypothyroidism. All patients underwent routine laboratory investigation, including thyroid function testing, and complete clinical assessment. These included the determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate as well as the level of TSH, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine level, total thyroxine level, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor immunoglobulin (RF-Ig), RF-IgA, RF-IgG, RF-IgM, cyclic citrullinated peptide immunoglobulin G (CCP IgG), complement component 3, and complement component 4. Based on these data, thyroid function, and rheumatoid factor levels were analyzed.
Results and DiscussionCurve estimation using linear regression revealed that CCP Ig level was significantly correlated with the TSH level (r = 0.122, P = 0.031).
ConclusionTSH level may be used as an auxiliary test to assess disease severity in patients with RA and to evaluate thyroid function. This evaluation parameter may be considered for determining clinical prognosis in patients with RA.
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Thyroid Nodules Classification using Weighted Average Ensemble and D-CRITIC Based TOPSIS Methods for Ultrasound Images
Authors: Rohit Sharma, Gautam Kumar Mahanti, Ganapati Panda and Abhishek SinghBackgroundThyroid disorders are prevalent worldwide and impact many people. The abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland region is very common and even found in healthy people. These abnormal cells can be cancerous or non-cancerous, so early detection of this disease is the only solution for minimizing the death rate or maximizing a patient's survival rate. Traditional techniques to detect cancerous nodules are complex and time-consuming; hence, several imaging algorithms are used to detect the malignant status of thyroid nodules timely.
AimThis research aims to develop computer-aided diagnosis tools for malignant thyroid nodule detection using ultrasound images. This tool will be helpful for doctors and radiologists in the rapid detection of thyroid cancer at its early stages. The individual machine learning models are inferior to medical datasets because the size of medical image datasets is tiny, and there is a vast class imbalance problem. These problems lead to overfitting; hence, accuracy is very poor on the test dataset.
ObjectiveThis research proposes ensemble learning models that achieve higher accuracy than individual models. The objective is to design different ensemble models and then utilize benchmarking techniques to select the best model among all trained models.
MethodsThis research investigates four recently developed image transformer and mixer models for thyroid detection. The weighted average ensemble models are introduced, and model weights are optimized using the hunger games search (HGS) optimization algorithm. The recently developed distance correlation CRITIC (D-CRITIC) based TOPSIS method is utilized to rank the models.
ResultsBased on the TOPSIS score, the best model for an 80:20 split is the gMLP + ViT model, which achieved an accuracy of 89.70%, whereas using a 70:30 data split, the gMLP + FNet + Mixer-MLP has achieved the highest accuracy of 82.18% on the publicly available thyroid dataset.
ConclusionThis study shows that the proposed ensemble models have better thyroid detection capabilities than individual base models for the imbalanced thyroid ultrasound dataset.
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Multivariate Prediction of Small-bowel Ischemia and Necrosis using CT in Emergent Patients with Small-bowel Obstruction
Authors: Bo Li and Zhifeng WuBackgroundIt is difficult to accurately determine whether emergent patients with small-bowel obstruction (SBO) have small-bowel ischemia and necrosis (SBIN). Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the ability of abdominal CT scans to predict SBIN and establish a new predictive model.
MethodsFrom March 2018 to May 2023, a rigorous posthoc analysis was conducted on whether 177 emergent patients with SBO had SBIN. Four clinical indexes and 19 CT signs were analyzed, and a multivariate scoring model for predicting SBIN was established using logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the accuracy of this model.
ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that mesenteric edema and effusion (OR=23.450), significant thickening and the target sign on the small-bowel wall on plain scans (OR=23.652), significant thinning of the small-bowel wall (OR=30.439), significant decrease in small-bowel wall density (OR=12.885), and significant increase in small-bowel wall density (OR=19.550) were significantly correlated with SBIN (P<0.05). According to their multivariate ORs, an appropriate “predictive score” was assigned to each sign, and the rates of SBIN among those with a total score of 0-4, 5-6, and 7-8 were 2.2%, 86.4%, and 96.9%, respectively. The AUC of this predictive scoring model for SBIN exceeded 0.980.
ConclusionWe have developed a predictive scoring model for SBIN, for which the incidence of SBIN increases with increasing predictive scores. This model can be useful for clinical treatment.
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Quantitatively Measured Infrapatellar Fat Pad Signal Intensity Alteration is Associated with Joint Effusion-synovitis in Knee Osteoarthritis
ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate whether quantitatively measured infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) signal intensity alteration is associated with joint effusion-synovitis in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) over two years.
MethodsAmong 255 knee OA patients, IPFP signal intensity alteration represented by four measurement parameters [standard deviation of IPFP signal intensity (IPFP sDev), upper quartile value of IPFP high signal intensity region (IPFP UQ (H)), ratio of IPFP high signal intensity region volume to whole IPFP volume (IPFP percentage (H)), and clustering factor of IPFP high signal intensity (IPFP clustering factor (H))] was measured quantitatively at baseline and two-year follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Effusion-synovitis of the suprapatellar pouch and other cavities were measured both quantitatively and semi-quantitatively as effusion-synovitis volume and effusion-synovitis score at baseline and two-year follow-up using MRI. Mixed effects models assessed the associations between IPFP signal intensity alteration and effusion-synovitis over two years.
ResultsIn multivariable analyses, all four parameters of IPFP signal intensity alteration were positively associated with total effusion-synovitis volume and effusion-synovitis volumes of the suprapatellar pouch and of other cavities over two years (all P<0.05). They were also associated with the semi-quantitative measure of effusion-synovitis except for IPFP percentage (H) with effusion-synovitis in other cavities.
ConclusionQuantitatively measured IPFP signal intensity alteration is positively associated with joint effusion-synovitis in people with knee OA, suggesting that IPFP signal intensity alteration may contribute to effusion-synovitis and a coexistent pattern of these two imaging biomarkers could exist in knee OA patients.
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Concurrent Diffuse Dural and Leptomeningeal Enhancements in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Following a Mild COVID-19 Infection: A Novel Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Rashed Bawand, Masoud Ghiasian and Mustapha SamadyanIntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, various complications have been reported in patients with this infection worldwide, including a wide range of neurological disorders. In this study, we have reported a novel neurological complication in a 46-years-old woman who was referred due to a headache following a mild COVID-19 infection. Also, we have had a quick review of previous reports of dural and leptomeningeal involvements in COVID-19 patients.
Case ReportThe patient's headache was persistent, global, and compressive with radiation to the eyes. The severity of the headache was increased during the disease course and was exacerbated by walking, coughing, and sneezing but decreased with rest. The high severity of the headache disrupted the patient’s sleep. Neurological examinations were completely normal, and laboratory tests did not have abnormal findings except for an inflammatory pattern. Finally, in the brain MRI, a concurrent diffuse dural enhancement and leptomeningeal involvement were observed, which is a new finding in COVID-19 patients and has not been reported so far. The patient was hospitalized and treated with Methylprednisolone pulses. After completing the therapeutic course, she was discharged from the hospital in good condition and with an improved headache. A repeated brain MRI was requested 2 months after discharge, which was completely normal and showed no evidence of dural and leptomeningeal involvements.
ConclusionInflammatory complications of the central nervous system caused by COVID-19 can occur in different forms and types, and clinicians should consider them.
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Comparison between Conventional Breath-hold and Respiratory-triggered Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography with and without Compressed Sensing: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Younguk Kim, Eun Sun Lee, Hyun Jeong Park, Sung Bin Park, Bernd Kuehn, Jae Kon Sung, Yaeji Lim and Changwoo KimIntroductionThe application of compressed sensing (CS) has enabled breath-hold 3D-MRCP with a shorter acquisition time in clinical practice.
AimTo compare the image quality of breath-hold (BH) and respiratory-triggered (RT) 3D-MRCP with or without CS application in the same study population.
MethodsIn this retrospective study, from February to July 2020, a total of 98 consecutive patients underwent four different acquisition types of 3D-MRCP.; 1) BH MRCP with the generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA) (BH-GRAPPA), 2) RT-GRAPPA-MRCP, 3) RT-CS-MRCP and 4) BH-CS-MRCP. Relative contrast of common bile duct, 5-scale visibility score of biliary pancreatic ducts, 3-scale artifact score and 5-scale overall image quality score were evaluated by two abdominal radiologists.
ResultsRelative contrast value was significantly higher in BH-CS or RT-CS than in RT-GRAPPA (0.90 ± 0.057 and 0.89 ± 0.079, respectively, vs. 0.82 ± 0.071, p < 0.01) or BH-GRAPPA (vs. 0.77 ± 0.080, p < 0.01). The area affected by artifact was significantly lower in BH-CS among 4 MRCPs (p < 0.01). Overall image quality score in BH-CS was significantly higher than BH-GRAPPA (3.40 vs. 2.71, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between RT-GRAPPA and BH-CS (vs. 3.13, p = 0.67) in overall image quality.
ConclusionIn this study, our results revealed BH-CS had higher relative contrast and comparable or superior image quality among four MRCP sequences.
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Evaluation of Interstitium by Lymphatic Uptake Method in Chronic Bilateral Lower Extremity Edema
Authors: Sule Ceylan and Necati YilmazObjectiveSymmetrical bilateral lower extremity edema (BLEE) needs to be treated effectively. Finding the cause of this condition increases the success of treatment. Fluid increase in the interstitial space (FIIS) is always present as a cause or a result. Subcutaneously administered nanocolloid is transported by uptake by lymphatic pre-collectors, and this uptake takes place in the interstitium. We aimed to evaluate the interstitium with labeled nanocolloid and contribute to the differential diagnosis in cases with BLEE.
MethodsOur retrospective study included 74 female patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy for bilateral lower extremity edema. Technetium 99m (Tc-99m) albumin colloid (nanocolloid), a marked colloidal suspension, was applied subcutaneously to two different areas on the dorsum of both feet with a 26 gauge needle The dose volume administered intradermally is approximately 0.2-0.3 ml, and each injector has 22-25MBq of activity. Siemens E-Cam dual-headed SPECT gamma camera was used for imaging. Dynamic and scanning images were taken with a high-resolution parallel hole collimator. Ankle images were re-evaluated by two nuclear medicine specialists, independent of physical examination and scintigraphy findings.
Results74 female patients with bilateral lower extremity edema were divided into two groups based on physical examination and lymphoscintigraphy findings. There were 40 and 34 patients in Groups I and II, respectively. In the physical examination, patients in Group I were evaluated as lymphedema, and patients in Group II were evaluated as lipedema. The main lymphatic channel (MLC) was not observed in any of the patients in Group I in the early images, and the MLC was observed at a low level in the late imaging in 12 patients. The sensitivity of the presence of distal collateral flows (DCF) in the presence of significant MLC in early imaging in demonstrating increased fluid in the interstitial space (FIIS) was calculated as 80%, specificity as 80%, PPV 80%, and NPV 84%.
ConclusionWhile MLC is present in early images, concomitant DCF occurs in cases of lipoedema. The transport of increased lymph fluid production in this group of patients can be covered by the existing MLC. Although MLC is evident, the presence of significant DCF supports the presence of lipedema. It can be used as an important parameter in the diagnosis in early cases where physical examination findings are not evident.
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CT and MRI Features of Chondrosarcoma in the Mastoid Involving the Facial Nerve in Comparison to Facial Nerve Schwannoma
Authors: Jun-hua Liu, Meng Qi, Yan Sha and Fang ZhangBackgroundChondrosarcoma in the mastoid is extremely rare, and it is easily misdiagnosed as a facial nerve schwannoma.
ObjectiveTo identify and compare computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of chondrosarcoma in the mastoid involving the facial nerve, including diffusion-weighted MRI characteristics, with those of facial nerve schwannoma.
MethodsCT and MRI features of 11 chondrosarcomas in the mastoid involving the facial nerve and 15 facial nerve schwannomas, confirmed by histopathology, were retrospectively reviewed. The tumor location, size, morphological features, bone change, calcification, signal intensity, texture, enhancement characteristics, the extent of lesions, and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were evaluated.
ResultsOn CT imaging, calcification could be found in 81.8% of chondrosarcomas (9/11) and 33.3% of facial nerve schwannomas (5/15). Chondrosarcoma in the mastoid appeared significantly hyperintense on T2-weighted images (T2WI) with low signal intensity septa in eight patients (72.7%, 8/11). After contrast, all chondrosarcomas showed inhomogeneous enhancement, and septal and peripheral enhancement could be found in six cases (54.5%, 6/11). Facial nerve schwannoma demonstrated inhomogeneous hyperintensity on T2WI in 12 cases (80%, 12/15), with obvious hyperintense cystic changes in seven cases. There were significant differences in calcification (P=0.014), T2 signal intensity (P=0.006), and septal and peripheral enhancement (P=0.001) between chondrosarcomas and facial nerve schwannomas. The ADCs of chondrosarcoma were significantly higher than those of facial nerve schwannomas (P<0.001).
ConclusionCT and MRI with ADCs had the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy of chondrosarcoma in the mastoid involving the facial nerve.
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Multisite Percutaneous Bone Augmentation for the Treatment of Acetabular Osteolytic Metastases Involving the Articular Surfaces: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Weiming Ge, Xunwei Liu, Mingzhen Liu and Wenkun ZhuoIntroductionFor patients with acetabular osteolytic metastases involving the articular surfaces, current treatments cannot efficiently rebuild the acetabular bone frame structure and strengthen bone defect area mechanics for weight-bearing. The purpose of this study is to show the operational procedure and clinical outcomes of multisite percutaneous bone augmentation (PBA) for the treatment of incidental acetabular osteolytic metastases involving the articular surfaces.
MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 patients (4 males and 4 females) were included in this study. Multisite (3 or 4 sites) PBA was successfully performed in all patients. The pain and function evaluation and imaging observation were examined by VAS and Harris hip joint function scores at the different time points (pre-procedure, 7 days, one month, last follow-up in 5-20 months).
ResultsThere were significant differences (p<0.05) in VAS and Harris scores before and after the surgical procedure. Moreover, these two scores had no obvious changes during the follow-up process (7 days after the procedure, one month after the procedure, and the last follow-up) after the procedure.
ConclusionThe proposed multisite PBA is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of acetabular osteolytic metastases involving the articular surfaces.
Clinical Trial Reg # The clinical trial registration number was ChiCTR2000032667
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Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta
Authors: Lei Niu, Wen Cui, Chunxia Zhu, Xiaoning Lu, Yongkang Wang and Feng WangIntroductionTo analyze the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in suspicious cases for prenatal detection of placenta accreta (PA).
Materials and MethodsA total of 50 placental MRI exams performed on a 1.5T scanner were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists in consensus. HASTE (half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo)and True-FISP (true fast imaging with steady-state precession) sequences were acquired. Findings from MRI were compared with the final diagnosis, which was determined by clinical findings at delivery and pathological examination of specimens.
ResultsOf 50 pregnant women in the analysis, 33 required cesarean hysterectomy, and 17 underwent cesarean delivery.MRI signs such as myometrial thinning, loss of T2 hypointense interface(loss of retroplacental clear space on US), heterogenous intraplacental sign, and intraplacental T2 dark bands were more likely to be seen in this group.
In this group, the cases that were finally clinically and pathologically confirmed were 12, 16, and 22 cases of placenta accreta vera, placenta increta, and placenta percreta respectively.
ConclusionMRI is particularly useful in cases where US is inconclusive and to assess the extent to which the placenta penetrates the uterine serosa and invades outward into surrounding tissues.MRI has become a routine examination for patients with suspected PA in clinical practice.
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Spontaneous Thyroid Parenchymal Hemorrhage Causing Acute Airway Obstruction and Its Endovascular Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Esat Kaba, Mehmet Beyazal and Ismail AtasIntroductionMassive parenchymal hemorrhage of the thyroid gland is very rare. Some of these can reach a life-threatening level.
Case PresentationA 70-year-old female patient approached the emergency department with swelling and redness on her neck after a routine dialysis session. In the neck computed tomography obtained, there was a massive hematoma originating from the thyroid gland parenchyma. The hematoma was causing airway compression. We performed thyroid artery embolization and within days, hematoma dimensions and compression effect disappeared without surgical treatment.
ConclusionMassive hemorrhage of the thyroid gland parenchyma is very rare and can reach life-threatening dimensions. Effective and rapid treatment should be done. As an alternative to surgery, endovascular treatment can be life-saving.
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Calcific Tendinopathy Atypically Located Outside the Rotator Cuff: A Systematic Review
Authors: Federica Delbello, Paolo Spinnato and Maria Pilar Aparisi GomezBackground and PurposeCalcific tendinopathy is a common cause of painful shoulder easily identified with ultrasound or conventional radiography. Although the rotator cuff is by far the most common location of the disease and diagnostic or treatment strategies are well known in clinical practice, a lack of awareness characterizes the assessment of the other sites affected by this condition; consequently, the risk of underestimating the prevalence of atypical non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy is high. This may lead to expensive or invasive diagnostic exams and/or inappropriate treatment, whereas the condition is usually self-limited.
The present study aims at analysing the frequency of calcific tendinitis in uncommon sites, in order to fill a gap in knowledge and awareness regarding non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, thus avoiding improper clinical choices and helping to identify this condition.
MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. We performed a search on Pubmed and Scopus databases concerning atypically sited extra-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy published since 1950.
ResultsThe research found a total of 267 articles and 793 non-rotator cuff cases of calcific tendinopathy registered. The spine (213 – 26.86%), foot and ankle (191 – 23.95%), and hip (175 – 22.06%) appeared to be the most common sites of calcific tendinopathy after the rotator cuff, whereas the longus colli C1-C2 (204 – 25.72%), Achilles (173 – 21.81%), and rectus femori (61 – 7.69%) were the most commonly affected tendons.
ConclusionA better awareness of this condition in several different sites of the body than the rotator cuff could avoid unnecessary choices both in assessment and treatment.
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Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy Efficacy after Double Recurrences of Cardiac Sarcoma
BackgroundVolumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) has recently become a pivotal treatment of oncological diseases due to the high-precise delineation of target volume contours with sparing organs at risk. This procedure requires a high level of experience and precision and is achievable only with advanced diagnostic support. Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and multimodality imaging, such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT), are fundamental in implementing radiotherapy guidance.
Case ReportA 54-year-old patient underwent surgery twice to remove primitive and recurrent cardiac sarcomas of the left atrium. The appearance of a further relapse required radiotherapy as the only possible treatment. Cardiac MRI was then performed to define the degree of atrial mass invasiveness, and 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed to assess the activity and staging of the cardiac lesion. It revealed high 18F-FDG uptake not only in the left atrium lesion but also in a pancreatic lesion with elevated 18F-FDG uptake (SUV max 5.5). The pancreatic biopsy performed a few days later confirmed the myxoid sarcoma metastasis, and surgeons defined it as not operable due to the patient’s clinical condition. Radiotherapy was then urgently performed with the VMAT technique. After 40 days, a cardiac MRI showed a reduction in the cardiac mass with improvement in the respiratory and cardiac symptoms; then, the patient started chemotherapy. One year after diagnosis, the patient is still alive and is receiving chemotherapy with gemcitabine and docetaxel with good compliance.
ConclusionThe correct and timely management of a patient suffering from a rare oncological disease has allowed a better and longer survival, especially due to VMAT, a sophisticated procedure that requires high expertise. This case also demonstrates that cardiac MRI and whole-body imaging procedures, such as 18FDG PET/CT, can be useful in staging patients with oncological diseases.
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Pericholecystic Varices as the Predominant Manifestation in Cryptogenic Portal Hypertension: A Case Report
Authors: Meng Tong, Yanli Gao, Feiyu Jia and Jinghua LiuBackgroundPortal hypertension has various manifestations, and varices are a common manifestation. Varices can appear in any vein in the body associated with the portal venous system.
Case PresentationHerein, we report a case of portal hypertension with gallbladder varices as the main manifestation, which was confirmed by abdominal contrast-enhanced CT with three-dimensional reconstruction and color Doppler ultrasonography. The patient had concomitant liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis. Various auxiliary examinations and biochemical indicators of the patient confirmed liver cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis, and portal hypertension, all of which were mild and did not reach the decompensation stage.
ConclusionAs illustrated by this case, when there is an embolism in certain parts of the portal system, portal hypertension can appear during the compensatory period and transition into severe varices in the thrombotic part during the de-compensatory period.
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A Rare Cause of Obstructive Jaundice and Pancreatitis; Lemmel's Syndrome
Authors: Serdar Aslan and Ramazan Orkun ÖnderIntroductionLemmel’s syndrome is defined as obstructive jaundice due to a PDD in the absence of choledocholithiasis or a neoplasm. The most common cause is the presence of PDD which arise within 2-3 cm from the ampulla of Vater. Currently, there are very few case reports of this condition, which was first named in 1934 after Dr. Gerhard Lemmel.
Case PresentationA 74-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and jaundice, and also had signs of pancreatitis, with laboratory results showing elevated liver and pancreatic enzymes and hyperbilirubinemia. We present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with Lemmel’s syndrome after abdominal CT, MRCP, and ERCP.
ConclusionAlthough rare, it is imperative for physicians to recognize this syndrome in order to deliver prompt care. Because making the correct diagnosis in these patients is very important for correct treatment and preventing the development of complications.
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A First Report of Thyroid Pneumatosis as a Complication of Ultrasound-guided Thyroid Biopsy
Authors: Honglu Li, Wei Chen, Hua Xu, Chuanhong Wang, Huachun Zou, Yang Chen, Pinggui Lei and Bing FanBackgroundUltrasound-guided needle biopsies, including fine-needle aspirations (FNA) and core needle biopsies (CNB), have become an effective technique in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. In this report, we discuss the first reported case, to our knowledge, of thyroid pneumatosis after ultrasound-guided FNA.
Case PresentationA 44-year-old woman underwent ultrasound-guided FNA in other hospitals after thyroid ultrasound revealed a solid lesion in the left lobe classified as TI-RADS 4. Two days later, this female presented to our hospital for an excision of a thyroid mass. Pre- and post-contrast CT scans of the thyroid showed extensive accumulation of gas in the thyroid gland and the retropharyngeal and retrotracheal space. A CT scan of the thyroid two days later revealed obvious absorption of thyroid gas and faint low-density nodules in the left lobe of the thyroid. The lesion was histopathologically confirmed as papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.
ConclusionWe thought the aforementioned issues originating from the limited imaging capacity of ultrasound in the context of thyroid biopsy. To avoid these limitations, we highlight the need to thoroughly examine the location of a lesion prior to thyroid biopsy to understand in detail the relationship between the lesion and the adjacent tissues, especially the proximity of the lesion to the trachea, the occurrence of coughing during a biopsy (indicating puncture of the trachea) is what operators need to be aware of so that they can manage such cases. On the other hand, we recommend that pre-operative use of CT before thyroid biopsy and especially if CT is needed anyway later for nodules evaluation before surgery to ensure the CT image quality.
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Quantification of Iron Deposition in the Brain of Hypertensive Patients using 3D-enhanced Susceptibility-weighted Angiography (ESWAN)
Authors: Jiehua Yang, Zhongxian Yang, Huanze Wu and Wei ChenBackgroundCerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are commonly present in patients with hypertension, producing iron-containing metabolites. A small amount of regional iron deposition is hardly discernible on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three-dimensional enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography (ESWAN) provides tissue images with high spatial resolution and signal-noise ratio, and has been widely used to measure brain iron deposition in neurodegenerative diseases and intracranial hemorrhage.
ObjectiveThe study aimed to demonstrate iron deposition in the brain of hypertensive patients using ESWAN.
MethodsTwenty-seven hypertension patients, with or without CMBs, and 16 matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. From the post-processed ESWAN images, phase and magnitude values of the regions of interest (ROIs) were calculated. Two-sample t-test and one-way variance analysis were applied to compare groups. The relationship between ESWAN parameters and clinical variables was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
ResultsCompared to HCs, the phase value of the hippocampus, head of caudate nucleus (HCN), and substantia nigra (SN) was decreased in hypertension with the CMBs subgroup, while that of HCN and SN was decreased in hypertension without CMBs subgroup. Similarly, the magnitude value of the hippocampus, HCN, thalamus red nucleus, and SN was significantly lower in the hypertension group than HCs. In addition, the phase and magnitude values showed a correlation with clinical variables, including disease duration and blood pressure.
ConclusionDeep grey matter nuclei displayed greater iron content in hypertension patients. Iron deposition may precede the appearance of CMBs on MRI, serving as a potential marker of microvascular damage.
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Modified Exigent Features Block in JAN Net for Analysing SPECT Scan Images to Diagnose Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jothi Siluvaimuthu, Anita Sebasthiyar and Sivakumar SubburamBackgroundThe quantitative measure of dopamine transporter (DaT) in the human midbrain is generally used as a biomarker for analyzing Parkinson’s disease (PD).
IntroductionDaT scan images or Single- photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images are utilized to capture the dopamine content more accurately.
MethodsOnly sixteen slices out of ninety-one of SPECT images were chosen on the basis of the high amount of dopamine content and were named Volume rendering image slices (VRIS). This paper proposes a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) called JAN Net which particularly treats the VRIS for identifying PD. The JAN Net preserves the edges and spatial features of the striatum by using a modified exigent feature (M-ExFeat) block, that contains convolutional and additive layer. The different-sized convolutional layer extracts both low- and high-level features of Striatum. The additive layer adds up all the features of different filter sized convolutional layers like 1x1, 3x3, and 5x5. The added output features are used to improve the learnability of neurons in the hidden layer. The network performance is tested for stride 1 and stride 2.
ResultsThe results are validated using the dataset taken from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. The JAN Net ensures improved performance in terms of accuracy. The training and validation accuracy for stride 2 is 100% with minimum losses. The outcome has been compared with different deep learning architectures and the machine learning techniques like Extreme Learning Machines (ELM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to highlight the efficacy of the proposed architecture.
ConclusionHence, the present work could be of great aid to the experts in neurology to protect the neurons from impairment.
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Review of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Post-processing for the Brain Tumor-related Epilepsy Study
Authors: Reuben George, Li Sze Chow, Kheng Seang Lim, Christine Audrey, Norlisah Ramli and Li-Kuo Tan20% of brain tumor patients present with seizures at the onset of diagnosis, while a further 25-40% develop epileptic seizures as the tumor progresses. Tumor-related epilepsy (TRE) is a condition in which the tumor causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. The occurrence of TRE differs between patients, along with the effectiveness of treatment methods. Therefore, determining the tumor properties that correlate with epilepsy can help guide TRE treatment. This article reviews the MRI sequences and image post-processing algorithms in the study of TRE. It focuses on epilepsy caused by glioma tumors because it is the most common type of malignant brain tumor and it has a high prevalence of epilepsy. In correlational TRE studies, conventional MRI sequences and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) are used to extract variables related to the tumor radiological characteristics, called imaging factors. Image post-processing is used to correlate the imaging factors with the incidence of epilepsy. The earlier studies of TRE used univariate and multivariate analysis to study the correlations between specific variables and incidence of epilepsy. Later, studies used voxel-based morphometry and voxel lesion-symptom mapping. Radiomics has been recently used to post-process the images for the study of TRE. This article will discuss the limitation of the existing imaging modalities and post-processing algorithms. It ends with some suggestions and challenges for future TRE studies.
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Arthritis of the Hip Caused by Arteriovenous Malformations: A Case Report
Authors: Xiao Yu, Xiao-Qiang Zhou, Jie Lin, Jing-Yu Zhang, Suo-Yuan Li, Yu-Bo Liu, Da-Yong Zhou, Jing-Huan Lv, Guang-Xiang Chen and Ren-Jie XuBackgroundArthritis of the hip caused by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has been rarely reported. Therefore, total hip replacement (THR) in patients with AVM-induced arthritis of the hip is challenging.
Case SummaryWe report a 44-year-old woman with aggravated right hip pain during the past decade. The patient presented with severe pain and a functional disorder of the right hip. X-ray examination revealed severely narrowed right hip joint space and abnormal trabecular bone loss in the femoral neck and trochanter area. Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography revealed AVMs surrounding the right hip, along with erosion. To ensure the safety of THR, we performed vascular embolization and temporary balloon occlusion of the iliac artery three times during the operation. However, serious hemorrhage occurred, which was rescued by the multimodality blood conservation strategy. THR was successfully performed, and the patient was discharged 8 d later for rehabilitation. Postoperative pathological examination showed osteonecrosis of the femoral head with malformed thick-walled vessels and focal granulomatous inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues. The Harris Hip Scale score increased from 31 to 82 at 3 mo of follow-up. The patient was followed up for 1 year, and all her clinical symptoms were significantly alleviated.
ConclusionArthritis of the hip caused by AVMs is rare in clinical practice. The activity and function of the involved hip joint can be effectively treated with THR after comprehensive imaging and multidisciplinary consultation.
Core TipArthritis of the hip caused by arteriovenous malformations is rarely reported. Total hip replacement (THR) is a reliable and effective option for the treatment of advanced arthritis of the hip. We report a 44-year-old woman with aggravated pain in the right hip during the past decade. With the vascular intervention and multimodality blood conservation strategy. THR can be successfully performed in patients with AVM-induced arthritis of the hip.
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Prolapsed Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumor of uncertain Malignant Potential: A Case Report and Review of Radiological Findings
Authors: Junhyeon Jeon, Jinyoung Park, Eunjoo Lee, Jiyeon Han, Dasom Kim, Jungwon Park, Minha Kwag, Suyoung Yun and Soo Jin JungIntroductionUterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is a rare tumor that arises in the myometrium of the uterus. It is regarded as an intermediate malignant tumor according to the recent World Health Organization classification. Few studies have reported the radiologic findings of STUMP, and the differentiation of STUMP from leiomyoma remains controversial.
Case DescriptionA 42-year-old nulliparous female presented at our institution with massive vaginal bleeding. Radiological studies, including ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed an oval-shaped mass with well-defined margins in the uterus protruding into the vagina. The patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, and the final pathology was confirmed as STUMP.
ConclusionDistinguishing STUMP from leiomyomas based solely on radiological findings can be challenging. However, if the uterine mass appears as a single mass lacking acoustic shadowing on ultrasound and demonstrates diffusion restriction with high T2 signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging, consideration of STUMP may be necessary for proper patient management, given the poor prognosis associated with this tumor.
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Semi-automatic Framework for Voxel Human Deformation Modeling
Authors: Yangchun Gao, Xu Xu, Congsheng Li, Jie Liu and Tongning WuBackgroundWith the advancement of computer and medical imaging technologies, a number of high-resolution, voxel-based, full-body human anatomical models have been developed for medical education, industrial design, and physics simulation studies. However, these models are limited in many applications because they are often only in an upstanding posture.
ObjectiveTo quickly develop multi-pose human models for different applications. A semi-automatic framework for voxel deformation is proposed in the study.
MethodsThis paper describes a framework for human pose deformation based on three-dimensional (3D) medical images. The voxel model is first converted into a surface model using a surface reconstruction algorithm. Second, a deformation skeleton based on human bones is defined, and the surface model is bound to the skeleton. The bone Glow algorithm is used to assign weights to the surface vertices. Then, the model is deformed to the target posture by using the Smoothed Rotation Enhanced As-Rigid-As-Possible (SR-ARAP) algorithm. Finally, the volume-filling algorithm is applied to refill the tissues into the deformed surface model.
ResultsThe proposed framework is used to deform two standing human models, and the sitting and running models are developed. The results show that the framework can successfully develop the target pose. When compared to the results of the As-Rigid-As-Possible algorithm, SR-ARAP preserves local tissues better.
ConclusionThe study proposes a frame for voxel human model deformation and improves the local tissue integrity during deformation.
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Carbonated Beverages and Puffed Foods Cause Gastric Rupture: A Case Report
Authors: Jianfen Wu, Jinshun Zhang and Wei YangIntroductionCarbonated beverages and puffed foods are popular among young people during leisure and entertainment. However, there have been a few death cases reported after ingesting large amounts of junk food in a short time.
Case PresentationA 34-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with acute abdominal pain due to a bad mood and consumption of large amounts of carbonated beverages and puffed foods. Emergency surgery revealed a ruptured dilated stomach combined with severe abdominal infection, and the patient died after the surgery.
ConclusionWe should keep in mind the possibility of gastrointestinal perforation in patients with acute abdomen with a history of heavy consumption of carbonated beverages and puffed foods. We need to evaluate the acute abdomen patients after taking large amounts of carbonated beverages and puffed foods in combination with symptoms, signs, inflammatory indicators, imaging and other examinations, and the possibility of gastric perforation needs to be considered, and emergency repair surgery should be arranged.
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A Review on Imaging Techniques and Artificial Intelligence Models for Osteoporosis Prediction
Authors: S.Arun Inigo, R. Tamilselvi and M.Parisa BehamOsteoporosis causes harmful influences on both men and women of all races. Bone mass, also referred to as “bone density,” is frequently used to assess the health of bone. Humans frequently experience bone fractures as a result of trauma, accidents, metabolic bone diseases, and disorders of bone strength, which are typically led by changes in mineral composition and result in conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteopenia, etc. Artificial intelligence holds a lot of promise for the healthcare system. Data collection and preprocessing seem to be more essential for analysis, so bone images from different modalities, such as X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are taken into consideration that help to recognize, classify, and evaluate the patterns in clinical images. This research presents a comprehensive overview of the performance of various image processing techniques and deep learning approaches used to predict osteoporosis through image segmentation, classification, and fault detection. This survey outlined the proposed domain-based deep learning model for image classification in addition to the initial findings. The outcome identifies the flaws in the existing literature's methodology and lays the way for future work in the deep learning-based image analysis model.
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Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-weighted MRI Assessing the Effect of the Vascular Disrupting Agent CA4P on VX2 Liver Tumors in Rabbits
Authors: Ting Qian, Rong Yang, Yuzhe Wang and Qingqing DuanObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the response of combretastatin-A4-phosphate (CA4P) in rabbit VX2 liver tumors using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MRI (IVIM DW-MRI).
MethodsForty rabbits with implanted VX2 liver tumors underwent baseline MRI and were then given 10 mg/kg CA4P (n=20) or saline (n=20). After 4 h, 10 rabbits from each group underwent an MRI examination and were then sacrificed. The remaining rabbits underwent MRI after 1, 3, and 7 days and were then sacrificed. Liver samples were processed for H&E and immunohistochemical staining. IVIM parameters (D, f, D*) were compared in the treatment and control groups, and the correlations of IVIM parameters with microvascular density (MVD) were determined.
ResultsAt 4 h, the two treatment groups had significantly different f and D* values (p<0.001), and these values were at their minimum in the treatment group. The treatment group had moderate correlations between MVD and f at 4 h (r=0.676, p=0.032) and 7 days (r=0.656, p=0.039) and with D* at 4 h (r=0.732, p=0.016) and 7 days (r=0.748, p=0.013), but no correlation was reported between MVD and f or D* in the control group (all P>0.05).
ConclusionIVIM DW-MRI is a sensitive imaging technique. It successfully evaluated the effect of CA4P on VX2 liver tumors in rabbits. The f and D* values correlated with MVD at 4 h and 7 days after using CA4P, indicating that these parameters have the potential to be used as indicators of tumor angiogenesis after treatment.
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MRI Appearances of Stage IA Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Li Wen Cui and Zhi Yong ShenObjectiveTo analyze the MRI findings of stage IA ovarian cancer.
MethodsThe data on age distribution, clinical symptoms at onset, CA125 detection, MRI findings, including tumor volume, structure, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and enhancement, etc., of the patients with stage IA ovarian cancer, who were admitted to Nantong tumor Hospital between 2013 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively.
ResultsOnly 11 cases of stage IA ovarian cancer were recorded. The age of patients was 30–67 (average 52) years. The initial symptoms were mostly lower abdominal distension and abdominal pain. CA125 was 90% positive. MRI features 1. Large pelvic mass with a volume range of 23–2,009 cm3 (average 669 cm3). 2. Five cases of cyst type (with plaque-like, papillary, or mural nodule vegetations), two cases of cystic-solid mixed type (with thickened septum or wall), and four cases of solid type. 3. DWI diffusion was limited, and ADC was reduced on all solid components (vegetation, septa, and cyst wall). 4. The solid parts were significantly enhanced on T1-enhanced MRI. 5. There was no metastasis in the pelvic cavity, and a few ascites (negative tumor cells) in three patients.
ConclusionMRI characteristics of stage IA ovarian carcinomas were large tumors; cystic, cystic-solid, or solid; solid parts limited diffusion on DWI and low ADC; enhancement of the cyst wall, vegetation, and septa; no pelvic metastasis.
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Reliability of Conventional Hip MRI in Detecting Labral Tear and Labrocartilagenous Lesions in cases of Femoroacetabular Impingement, A Comparative Study with Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Heba Ibrahim, Muhammad Ali Raffat and Thomas NauBackgroundImaging studies play a crucial role in diagnosing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), including plain radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). FAI is a combined pathology of bony abnormality, labral and labrocartilagenous erosions. Surgical treatment for such cases has become more established and preoperative imaging is the roadmap that includes the assessment of labrum and articular cartilage.
MethodsDuring a period of 2 years, thirty-seven patients with a clinical diagnosis of FAI were retrospectively enrolled in this study, including 17 men and 20 women, aged 27–62 years. There were 22 right hips and 15 left hips. MRI was done for all patients to identify bony details, labral and chondral abnormalities and to exclude coexisting disorders. The imaging findings were compared with the arthroscopic data.
Results15 patients had Pincer FAI, 11 patients had CAM, and 11 patients had combined Cam/Pincer FAI. Labral tear was detected in 100% of patients, 97% had an anterosuperior labral tear. 82% of patients had partial thickness cartilage lesions and 8% had full thickness cartilage lesions. MRI had a sensitivity of 100% compared to hip arthroscopy in detecting labral tear, 60% in detecting cartilage erosion.
ConclusionConventional hip MRI detects bony changes in FAI, type of impingement and associated labral tear and cartilage erosions in comparison to the hip arthroscopy.
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Investigating Risk Factors and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based Grading of Subchondral Incomplete Fracture (SIF) of Medial Femoral Condyle
Authors: Xiaoman Dong, Xiaoguang Zhang, Xiaokun Yu, Xianghong Meng, Kaihui Zhang, Xiao Chen, Lin Guo and Zhi WangBackgroundSubchondral insufficiency fractures (SIF) of the knee joint are prevalent in osteoporosis patients over the age of 55. Early diagnosis of SIF fracture of the medial femoral condyle is crucial for delaying disease progression, early therapy, and potential disease reversal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in detecting SIF, which is often undetectable on initial radiographs.
This study aimed at developing a grading system for subchondral insufficiency fractures (SIF) based on MRI to predict outcomes and evaluate risk factors.
MethodsIn this study, MRI was used to examine SIF risk variables in the medial condyle of the femur to help clinicians diagnose, treat, and delay the condition. A total of 386 patients with SIF from 2019 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into 106 patients in the disease group and 280 patients in the control group according to whether they had SIF. The lesion site, meniscus, ligament, and other parameters were evaluated and compared. At the same time, a grading system was introduced to stratify and statistically analyze the size of the lesion area, the degree of bone marrow edema (BME), meniscus tears, and other parameters in the patients.
ResultsMost SIF were low-grade (LG) fractures, and the predictors of LG and high-grade (HG) fractures included heel tear (P =0.031), degree of medial malleolus degeneration (P < 0.001), advanced age (P < 0.001), and lesion size (P < 0.001). The prognostic factors that showed significant differences between the two groups included age (P =0.027), gender (P =0.005), side (P =0.005), medial tibial plateau injury (P < 0.0001), femoral medullary bone marrow edema (P < 0.0001), medial tibial plateau bone marrow edema (P < 0.0001), meniscus body partial injury (P =0.016), heel tear (P =0.001), anterior cruciate ligament injury (P =0.002), and medial collateral ligament injury (P < 0.0001).
ConclusionThis current study proposed an MRI-based grading system for inferior condylar fractures of the femur, in which HG inferior condylar fractures are associated with severe medial malleolus degeneration, advanced age, lesion size (correlation), and meniscus heel tears.
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Patient Radiation Doses assessment at Diagnostic X-rays Department of King Khalid hospital (KKH)-Majmaah
Authors: Mohammed Khalil Saeed, Yousif Abdallah, Abdelmonen Suilman, Mohamed Omer and Ali Sid AhmedBackgroundThe study was conducted on patients who received diagnostic X-rays in King Khalid Hospital (KKH), Majmaah.
IntroductionThe study included the seven most frequently performed investigations, which were carried out on over 1504 patients using digital radiography equipment.
MethodsThe X-ray tube's output and exposure parameters were used to calculate the effective dose (ED) and patient entry surface air kerma (ESAK). Additionally, based on these results, conversion coefficients were determined. This study also examined the 75th percentile distributions of ESAK and KAP. The findings of this research were compared with the findings of other researchers throughout the country and the world. The study presents the uncertainty U values, as well as the mean ESAK, KAP, and ED values.
ResultsThe results of the ESAK, KAP, and ED values were 0.12-5.74 mGy, 0.9-1.84 Gy cm2, and 0.01-0.23 mSv, respectively. As a result, the dosages were much lower than those previously published for the European DRL, national standards, and other studies.
ConclusionThe study concludes that during dose surveys, the importance of detecting and comprehending radiation doses, as well as the proper technique for taking the finest photos possible, can be emphasized to patients in order to assist them in avoiding radioactive particles and radiation exposure.
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Review for Optimal Human-gesture Design Methodology and Motion Representation of Medical Images using Segmentation from Depth Data and Gesture Recognition
Authors: Anju Gupta, Sanjeev Kumar and Sanjeev KumarHuman gesture recognition and motion representation have become a vital base of current intelligent human-machine interfaces because of ubiquitous and more comfortable interaction. Human-gesture recognition chiefly deals with recognizing meaningful, expressive body movements involving physical motions of the face, head, arms, fingers, hands, or body. This review article presents a concise overview of optimal human gesture and motion representation of medical images. It surveys various works undertaken on human gesture design and discusses various design methodologies used for image segmentation and gesture recognition. It further provides a general idea of modeling techniques for analyzing hand gesture images and even discusses the diverse techniques involved in motion recognition. This survey provides insight into various efforts and developments made in the gesture/motion recognition domain by analyzing and reviewing the procedures and approaches employed for identifying diverse human motions and gestures for supporting better and devising improved applications in the near future.
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Combinations of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Full-field Digital Mammography for Different Density Types of Breasts
Authors: Qiong Chen, Xin Pan, Junfeng Xu, Weifeng Ying, Yuyu Hou, Ming Lu, Dongqin An and Weijun PengBackgroundThe combination of FFDM and DBT can significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency of breast cancer, but with the increase of breast radiation absorbed dose.
ObjectivesTo compare and analyze the radiation dose and diagnostic performance of different mammography positions combinations of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and full-field digital mammography (FFDM) for different density types of breasts.
MethodsThis retrospective study involved 1,195 patients who underwent simultaneous breast DBT and FFDM. The mammography combinations were Group A, FFDM(CC+MLO); Group B, FDM(CC)+DBT(MLO); Group C, FFDM(MLO)+DBT(CC); Group D, DBT(CC+MLO); and Group E, FFDM(CC+MLO)+DBT(CC+MLO). An intergroup comparative analysis of radiation dose and diagnostic performance of different combinations of mammography positions for different breast density types was performed using the pathologic and 24-month follow-up results as the diagnostic basis.
ResultsOverall, 2,403 mammograms indicated 477 cases of non-dense breast tissues and 1,926 cases of dense breast tissues. Differences in the mean radiation dose for each non-dense and dense breast group were statistically significant. The areas under the diagnostic receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the non-dense breast group were not statistically significant. In the dense breast group, the z-values were 1.623 (p = 0.105) and 1.724 (p = 0.085) for the area under the ROC curve in Group C compared with Groups D and E, respectively, and 0.724 (p = 0.469) when comparing Group D with Group E. The differences between the remaining groups were statistically significant.
ConclusionGroup A had the lowest radiation dose and no significant difference in diagnostic performance compared with the other non-dense breast groups. Group C had high diagnostic performance in the dense breast group considering the low radiation dose.
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Emergent Endovascular Treatment of Iatrogenous Pseudoaneurysms of the Neck Following Jugular Catheterization
Authors: Sinan Deniz and Gizem AbaciIntroductionInadvertent puncture of the adjacent structures during a central venous catheterization is a well-known complication which may be managed conservatively when the injury is self-limiting, but requires a further treatment when there’s a proof of an active bleeding and/or a growing hematoma.
Case RepresentationWe report a case of a 57-year-old bone-marrow-transplant patient with neck hematoma and bleeding followed by a non-sonographic-guided central venous line placement. CT showed a right sided hematoma in the neck region with a midline shift of the airway. The patient was under prophylactic LMWH. Emergent angiography demonstrated three different bleeding sites which were successfully embolized with coil and liquid embolic agents by endovascular means.
ConclusionInterventional radiology offers a quick and safe approach in the management of potentially life-threatening bleeding complications.
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A Fistulized Giant Duodenal Stromal Tumor in a Young Patient: A Case Report With Literature Review for Tomographic Diagnosis
More LessBackground: Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of periampullary region pathologies.
Case Report: A 24-year-old male patient applied to the general surgery department with the complaint of long-standing abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting after meals, and 8-10 kg weight loss in 1 month. Three-phase dynamic abdominopelvic CT showed that the 1st and the 2nd segments of the duodenum were dilated. At this level, a peripherally intensely contrasted heterogeneous mass lesion, 91x70x46 mm in size, was observed. There was oral contrast and air values in the center of the mass. A fistulized mass connected with the duodenal wall was considered in the differential diagnosis. In the surgical exploration, a soft, vascularized mass fistulized to the 2nd segment of the duodenum was observed. Pathological diagnosis was reported as GIST.
Conclusion: GISTs arise from the precursors of Cajal Interstitial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Contrast-enhanced CT is the preferred diagnostic method for staging, risk stratification, and follow-up. We presented a young case with a giant duodenal GIST and discussed differential diagnosis and some diagnostic properties.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Foetal Congenital Toxoplasma Encephalitis: A Case Report
Authors: Min-Jie Lin, Jian Lin and Ke ZhengBackgroundToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is not uncommon in daily life, primary infection with T. gondii acquired during gestation may lead to a series of fetal complications. Prenatal ultrasound and postpartum neonatal T. gondii encephalitis have been reported previously, but fetal MRI findings of T. gondii encephalitis are quite rare. It is important to identify the severity of cerebral damage and assess fetal prognosis.
ObjectiveThe purpose of this report is to emphasize that MRI can provide more excellent anatomic information on abnormalities in cerebral parenchyma than ultrasound, which is helpful for the diagnosis of prenatal infectious encephalitis.
Case PresentationA 38-year-old woman presented to our hospital at a gestation age of 29 weeks due to an ultrasound that showed fetal ventriculomegaly. The fetus demonstrated ventriculomegaly, intrauterine growth restriction, and multiple cystic lesions close to the corticomedullary junction of the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes on both sides. The woman chose to terminate the pregnancy, and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasma encephalitis.
ConclusionThis is a rare report of MRI manifestations of fetal congenital toxoplasma encephalitis. Detailed knowledge of MRI findings in fetal congenital toxoplasma encephalitis is helpful for prenatal consultation and pregnancy management.
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Evaluation of the Frequency of Tentorial Hypoplasia and Accompanying Gyral Herniation using MRI
Authors: Aynur Turan, Hatice Kaplanoğlu, Tuba Akdağ, Ferhat Yıldırım, Selda Güven and Baki HekimoğluPurposeThe cerebellar tentorium, the second-largest dural reflection in the brain, separates supratentorial and infratentorial structures. This study aimed to determine the frequency of tentorial hypoplasia (TH) and gyral herniation and their relationship with clinical findings.
MethodsThe standard brain MRIs were examined retrospectively. The presence of TH and laterality were investigated. If hypoplasia was accompanied by a gyrus extending inferior to the line where the tentorium should be located, this was recorded as tentorial hypoplasia-herniated gyrus (TH-HG), while the cases with hypoplasia alone were noted as isolated TH. It was also determined which gyrus or gyri were herniated. The clinical findings of the patients were obtained, and the correlation between HG was explored.
ResultsStandard brain MRIs of the 2051 patients were evaluated. Two hundred ten patients were excluded from the study due to different intracranial disorders, and 1841 patients, 739 (40.1%) males, and 1102 (59.9%) females, were included. Isolated TH or TH-HG was present in 56 patients, resulting in a prevalence of 3.04%. Of the patients with TH or TH-HG, 15 were men, and 41 were women. TH and TH-HG were significantly more common in women (p=0.038). TH-HG was unilateral in 22 (39.2%) patients and bilateral in 21 (37.5%). Left TH was found in 11 (19.6%) patients, left TH-HG in 29 (51.7%), right TH in eight (14.2%), and left TH-HG in 35 (62.5%).
ConclusionHypoplasia of the tentorium is a rare and unknown anomaly that can be easily diagnosed using MRI, and different gyral herniations may accompany TH.
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Volumes & issues
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Volume 20 (2024)
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Volume 19 (2023)
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Volume 18 (2022)
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Volume 17 (2021)
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Volume 16 (2020)
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Volume 15 (2019)
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Volume 14 (2018)
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Volume 13 (2017)
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Volume 12 (2016)
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Volume 11 (2015)
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Volume 10 (2014)
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Volume 9 (2013)
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Volume 8 (2012)
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Volume 7 (2011)
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Volume 6 (2010)
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Volume 5 (2009)
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Volume 4 (2008)
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Volume 3 (2007)
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Volume 2 (2006)
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Volume 1 (2005)