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Only a few case reports of biopsy-proven GCA (BpGCA)-associated vision loss in Chinese subjects have been published. We describe three elderly Chinese subjects with BpGCA who presented with vision loss. We also searched the literature in order to review BpGCA-associated blindness in Chinese subjects. Case 1 presented as simultaneous right ophthalmic artery occlusion and left anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION). Case 2 presented as sequential bilateral AION. Case 3 presented as bilateral posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and ocular ischaemic syndrome (OIS). The diagnosis was confirmed by temporal artery biopsy in all three. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Cases 1 and 2 demonstrated retrobulbar optic nerve ischaemia. Enhancement of the optic nerve sheath and inflammatory changes of the ophthalmic artery on enhanced orbital MRI was also noted in Cases 2 and 3. All of the subjects were treated with steroids, either intravenously or orally. In the literature review, 11 cases (17 eyes) of BpGCA-associated vision loss in Chinese subjects were found including AION, central retinal artery occlusion, combined AION and cilioretinal artery occlusion, and orbital apex syndrome. In the 14 cases (including ours), the median age at diagnosis was 77 years, and 9 (61.5%) were males. The most common extraocular manifestations were temporal artery abnormalities, headache, jaw claudication, and scalp tenderness. Thirteen (56.5%) eyes had visual acuity of no light perception at the initial visit and failed to respond to the treatment. Although rare, in elderly Chinese subjects with ocular ischaemic diseases, the diagnosis of GCA must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ability to predict patients at risk for preterm birth remains a major health challenge. The currently available clinical diagnostics such as cervical length and fetal fibronectin may detect only up to 30% of patients who eventually experience a spontaneous preterm birth. This paper reviews ongoing efforts to improve the ability to conduct a risk assessment for preterm birth. In particular, this work focuses on quantitative methods of imaging using ultrasound-based techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, and optical imaging modalities. While ultrasound imaging is the major modality for preterm birth risk assessment, a summary of efforts to adopt other imaging modalities is also discussed to identify the technical and diagnostic limits associated with adopting them in clinical settings. We conclude the review by proposing a new approach using combined photoacoustic, ultrasound, and elastography as a potential means to better assess cervical tissue remodeling, and thus improve the detection of patients at-risk of PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary central nervous system lymphoma, a rare primary intracranial tumor, is highly malignant and usually associated with poor prognosis. Recent years, owing to the remarkable progress in intervention techniques, survival time reported has been significantly prolonged. Strategies targeting alleviation and remission are primarily depended on the early diagnosis. However, due to the heterogeneity of the clinical symptoms and imaging features, the disease is frequently misdiagnosed especially in the early phase, rendering a delay of optimal treatment. Herein, we reported the case of a 61-year-old man who was initially misdiagnosed as demyelinating encephalopathy. MRI images showed multifocal lesions across the cerebral cortex and deep white matter, which are not strengthened on contrast enhancements. In respect of clinical symptoms, no significant progress was observed over about 11 months. Finally, the diagnosis was revealed by brain biopsy. After reviewing all the images of the patient, we found that the corpus callosum was involved early in the course of the disease. Therefore, for multifocal intracranial lesions involving the corpus callosum, we should always be vigilant about the possibility of primary central nervous system lymphoma. Histopathological examination of brain biopsy is helpful for early definitive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate clinical features, diagnosis, surgical management, and treatment of parapharyngeal space tumors in a single-center setting due to limited knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of parapharyngeal space. Methods: Clinical records of 103 patients were included for the analysis of such clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 29 different types of tumors were diagnosed after operation: 20 benign and 9 malignant. With a follow-up of 31–84 months for 90 benign cases, 84 cases had no recurrence and 6 cases were lost to follow-up. In contrast, with an 8- to 51-month follow-up for 13 malignant cases, 11 patients died and 2 were lost to follow-up. Furthermore, for postoperative complications, 3 cases had Horner syndrome, 2 had hoarseness, 2 had facial nerve dysfunction, and each for other types. Conclusions: Surgery remains the first choice for the treatment of parapharyngeal space tumors, with the transcervical approach used for most tumors. Moreover, CT or MRI may assist in making decisions about operation schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: To make a comprehensive analysis with a variety of diagnostic maneuvers is conducive to the correct diagnosis and classification of BPPV. Objective: Based on the standard spatial coordinate-based semicircular canal model for theoretical observation on diagnostic maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) to analyze the meaning and key point of each step of the maneuver. Materials and methods: This study started by building a standard model of semicircular canal with space orientation by segmentation of the inner ear done with the 3D Slicer software based on MRI scans, then gives a demonstration and observation of BPPV diagnostic maneuvers by using the model. Results: The supine roll maneuver is mainly for diagnosis of lateral semicircular canal BPPV. The Modified Dix-Hallpike maneuver is more specific for the diagnosis of posterior semicircular canal BPPV. The side-lying bow maneuver designed here is theoretically suitable for diagnosis of anterior semicircular canal BPPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]