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Entrapment neuropathies at the elbow are common in clinical practice and require an accurate diagnosis for effective management. Understanding the imaging characteristics of these conditions is essential for confirming diagnoses and identifying underlying causes. Ultrasound serves as the primary imaging modality for evaluating nerve structure and movement, while MRI is superior for detecting muscle denervation. Plain radiography and CT play a minor role and can be used for the evaluation of bony structures and calcifications/ossifications. Comprehensive knowledge of anatomical landmarks, nerve pathways, and compression sites is crucial for clinicians to accurately interpret imaging and guide appropriate treatment strategies for entrapments of ulnar, median, and radial nerves, and their branches. Critical relevance statement: Accurate imaging and anatomical knowledge are essential for diagnosing elbow entrapment neuropathies. Ultrasound is the preferred modality for assessing nerve structure and motion, while MRI excels in detecting muscle denervation and guiding effective management of ulnar, median, and radial nerve entrapments. Key Points: Ultrasound is the primary modality for assessing nerve structure and stability. Findings include nerve structural loss, isoechogenicity, thickening, and hyper-vascularization. MRI provides a comprehensive evaluation of the elbow and accurate muscle assessment. Imaging allows the identification of compressive causes, including anatomical variants, masses, or osseous anomalies. Awareness of anatomical landmarks, nerve pathways, and compression sites is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background People with cystic fibrosis (CF) can experience recurrent chest infections, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and gastrointestinal symptoms. New cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator drugs improve lung function but gastrointestinal effects are unclear. We aimed to see if a CFTR modulator (tezacaftor-ivacaftor,TEZ/IVA) improves gastrointestinal outcomes in CF. Methods We conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial (2019-2020) at Nottingham University Hospitals. The effects of TEZ/IVA on gut physiology were measured using MRI. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment sequences AB or BA (A:TEZ/IVA, B:placebo, each 28 days), with a 28-day washout period. Participants had serial MRI scans at baseline and after 19-23 days of each treatment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a protocol amendment allowed for observer-blind comparisons prior to and during TEZ/IVA. In such cases, participants were not blind to the treatment but researchers remained blind. The primary outcome was oro-caecal transit time (OCTT). Secondary outcomes included MRI metrics, symptoms and stool biomarkers. Results We randomised 13 participants. Before the COVID-19 pandemic 8 participants completed the full protocol and 1 dropped out. The remaining 4 participants followed the amended protocol. There were no significant differences between placebo and TEZ/IVA for OCTT (TEZ/IVA >360minutes [225,>360] vs. placebo 330minutes [285,>360], p=0.8) or secondary outcomes. There were no adverse events. Conclusions Our data contribute to a research gap in the extra-pulmonary effects of CFTR modulators. We found no effect after TEZ/IVA on MRI metrics of gut function, GI symptoms or stool calprotectin. Effects might be detectable with larger studies, longer treatment or more effective CFTR modulators. ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04006873 (02/07/2019)

ABSTRACT Intracranial pathologies can affect pituitary hormone levels whether they are primarily related to the pituitary gland or not. In pituitary hormone deficiencies, the size and location of the pituitary gland may be normal, as well as one or more hormone effects may be observed after hypoplasia, partial empty sella, ectopic neurohypophysis, Rathke's cleft cyst, adenomas and other pituitary masses or surgeries. In early puberty, the pituitary dimensions are usually increased, rarely hypoplasia and rathke cleft cyst are seen as MRI findings. Non-pituitary pathologies cause especially early puberty, single or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. In this study, we aimed to categorize the patients with pituitary/cranial lesions and hormonal pathology and to determine their frequency and distribution in the single pediatric endocrinology clinic for ten years. The data of 485 patients, 186 (38.3%) male, were retrospectively analyzed. Their mean age was 9.3 ± 3.2 years. The incidental pituitary lesion was found in 28 (5.77%) of all cases. There was no hormonal influence in 20 (71.4%) of them. In most of the 454 cases with hormonal disorders, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) findings were normal in most of the 454 cases with hormonal disorders (71.8%). The most common hormonal pathologies were precocious puberty and isolated Growth Hormone deficiency, 57.9% and 26.4% respectively. Non-pituitary lesions (n=23, 5%) were most frequently accompanied by early puberty (39.1%). The hypothalamus-pituitary axis may be affected by primary lesions in its own region, or it may be seen as a result of other cranial pathologies. Cranial evaluation is also important in addition to pituitary imaging in pituitary hormone disorders.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to develop and validate a radiomics nomogram based on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to noninvasively predict axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis in breast cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study included 263 patients with histologically proven invasive breast cancer and who underwent DCE-MRI examination before surgery in two hospitals. All patients had a defined ALN status based on pathological examination results. Regions of interest (ROIs) of the primary tumor and ipsilateral ALN were manually drawn. A total of 1,409 radiomics features were initially computed from each ROI. Next, the low variance threshold, SelectKBest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms were used to extract the radiomics features. The selected radiomics features were used to establish the radiomics signature of the primary tumor and ALN. A radiomics nomogram model, including the radiomics signature and the independent clinical risk factors, was then constructed. The predictive performance was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) by using the training and testing sets. RESULTS: ALNM rates of the training, internal testing, and external testing sets were 43.6%, 44.3% and 32.3%, respectively. The nomogram, including clinical risk factors (tumor diameter) and radiomics signature of the primary tumor and ALN, showed good calibration and discrimination with areas under the ROC curves of 0.884, 0.822, and 0.813 in the training, internal and external testing sets, respectively. DCA also showed that radiomics nomogram displayed better clinical predictive usefulness than the clinical or radiomics signature alone. CONCLUSIONS: The radiomics nomogram combined with clinical risk factors and DCE-MRI-based radiomics signature may be used to predict ALN metastasis in a noninvasive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to assess the utility of whole-body DWI (WB-DWI) as an imaging biomarker for metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer (mHNPC), we evaluated tumor diffusion volume based on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. WB-DWI results obtained from 62 mHNPC patients were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. The association with castration resistant–free survival (CFS) was evaluated for both prostate and metastatic tumor diffusion volume (pDV and mDV, respectively) based on WB-DWI. The usefulness of pDV and mDV based on ADC values to predict CFS was also examined. During the follow-up period, 22 patients progressed to castration-resistant prostate cancer, and the median CFS was 42.6 months. The median mDV and pDV were 6.7 and 12.6 mL, respectively. mDV was a significant predictor of CFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.75; p = 0.022), while pDV was not significant. When DV was divided into groups by ADC values (× 10− 3 mm2/s) of 0.4–1.0 and 1.0–1.8 (× 10− 3 mm2/s), mDV with ADC values (× 10− 3 mm2/s) of 0.4–1.0 (mDV0.4−1.0) showed a more favorable association with CFS compared to total mDV. On multivariate analysis, mDV0.4−1.0 and Gleason grade group had a statistically significant association with CFS (HR: 4.0; p = 0.004, and HR: 3.4; p = 0.006, respectively), while pDV with ADC values (× 10− 3 mm2/s) of 0.4–1.0 did not have a significant association. mDV is useful for predicting CFS in mHNPC patients. mDV may be a better imaging biomarker when based on ADC values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor, and early detection of tumors is important in the treatment planning for the patient. The precise segmentation of the tumor and intratumoral areas on the MRI by a radiologist is the first step in the diagnosis, which, in addition to the consuming time, can also receive different diagnoses from different physicians. The aim of this study was to provide an automated method for segmenting the tumor and intratumoral areas. Methods: This is a fundamental-applied study that was conducted from May 2020 to September 2021 using multimodal MRI images of 285 patients with glioma tumors from the BraTS 2018 Database. This database was collected from 19 different MRI imaging centers, including multimodal MRI images of 210 HGG patients, and 75 LGG patients. In this study, a 2D U-Net architecture was designed with a patch-based method for training, which comprises an encoding path for feature extraction and a symmetrical decoding path. The training of this network was performed in three separate stages, using data from high-grade gliomas (HGG), and low-grade gliomas (LGG), and combining two groups of 210, 75, and 220 patients, respectively. Results: The proposed model estimated the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) results in HGG datasets 0.85, 0.85, 0.77, LGG datasets 0.80, 0.66, 0.51, and the combination of the two groups 0.88, 0.79, 0.77 for regions the whole tumor, tumor core, and enhancing region in the training dataset, respectively. The results related to Hussdorf Distance (HD) for HGG datasets were 8.24, 9.92, 4.43, LGG datasets 11.5, 11.31, 2.23, and the combination of the two groups 7.20, 8.82, 4.43 for regions the whole tumor, tumor core, and enhancing region in the training dataset, respectively. Conclusion: Using the U-Net network can help physicians in the accurate segmentation of the tumor and its various areas, as well as increase the survival rate of these patients and improve their quality of life through accurate diagnosis and early treatment.

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of death in all countries of the world. The exact mechanism of prostate cancer is not known. On the other hand, early detection of prostate cancer can lead to a complete cure. Several clinical experiments including Digital Rectum Examination (DRE), biochemistry such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), and pathology such as Trans Rectal Ultra Sonography (TRUS) are used to assess the size and spread of prostate cancer. In this study, the relationship between mean serum PSA and Gleason score as a standard method in patients with prostate cancer was compared using the parameters extracted from DCE MRI. Methods: This applied-fundamental study was performed on 90 patients with prostate cancer, according to McDonaldchr('39')s criteria who were referred to Shafa Imaging Center in Isfahan, from March 2020 to October 2020. Quantitative analysis is based on modeling the change of concentration of the contrast agent using pharmacokinetic modeling techniques. The pathologist then determined the Gleason score using anatomical landmarks (such as prostate urethra) in the same areas suspected of being cancerous. Existing commercial software captures DCE-MRI data and creates parametric maps such as Ktrans and Kep maps that can be used for diagnostic purposes. Results: Kep and Ktrans maps showed a significant difference between healthy and cancerous tissue. Kep and Ktrans in prostate cancer were significantly higher than in healthy tissue (P

Objective: To determine whether L5 nerve root morphology can assist in identification Lumbosacral Transitional vertebra. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Radiology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Multan Pakistan, Apr 2019 to Apr 2020. Methodology: Patients of both genders, 15 to 50 years age who underwent whole spine MRI were included in the study. Patients were referred from Combined Military Hospital Multan, from neighboring Combined Military Hospitals and Civil. Sagittal and axial T1WS and T2WS were performed along with coronal T2WS/FS sequences. Axial images were assessed for identification of L5 nerve root arising from LV5-SV1 level and hence vertebra was identified as LV5. Correlation was done with sagittal images for presence of Transitional vertebra, further confirmed by counting vertebral bodies from C2 vertebra upto sacrum using cross referencing tool. Results: A total of 135 patients were included in the study. Out of these, transitional vertebra was confidently labeled in 23 patients by nerve identification method which was confirmed on vertebral counting method. However, in four patients, L5 nerve root morphology was not clear and we had to rely on vertebral counting method for identification of transitional vertebra. Conclusion: Neuroanatomy and morphology of exiting L5 nerve roots can act as a reliable method for numbering of lumbosacral vertebra and identification of transitional vertebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qiaoyu Xu,1 Yanyan Xu,2 Hongliang Sun,2 Tao Jiang,1 Sheng Xie,2 Bee Yen Ooi,3 Yi Ding1 1Department of Radiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Penang, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Hongliang SunDepartment of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 1084205514Fax +86 1064222963Email stentorsun@gmail.comTao JiangDepartment of Radiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Gong-Ti South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 13718875778Email jiangt8166@hotmail.comAbstract: Complete tumor response can be achieved in a certain proportion of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, who achieve maximal response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). For these patients, a watch-and-wait (WW) or nonsurgical strategy has been proposed and is becoming widely practiced in order to avoid unnecessary surgical complications. Therefore, a non-invasive, reliable diagnostic tool for accurately evaluating complete tumor response is needed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in both primary staging and restaging tumor response to NAT in rectal cancer without relying on resected specimen. In recent years, numerous efforts have been made to research the value of MRI in predicting and evaluating complete response in rectal cancer. Current MRI evaluation is mainly based on morphological and functional images. Morphologic MRI yields high soft tissue resolution, multiplanar images, and provides detailed depictions of rectal cancer and its surrounding structures. Functional MRI may help to distinguish residual tumor from fibrosis, therefore improving the diagnostic performance of morphologic MRI in identifying complete tumor response. Both morphologic and functional MRI have several promising parameters that may help accurately evaluate and/or predict complete response of rectal cancer. However, these parameters still have limitations and the results remain inconsistent. Recent development of new techniques, such as textural analysis, radiomics analysis and deep learning, demonstrate great potential based on MRI-derived parameters. This article aimed to review and help better understand the strengths, limitations, and future trends of these MRI-derived methods in evaluating complete response in rectal cancer.Keywords: locally advanced rectal cancer, complete response, neoadjuvant therapy, magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Background To investigate the imaging features of hemangiomas in long tabular bones for better diagnosis. Methods Twenty-four patients with long bone hemangiomas confirmed by pathology were enrolled. Nineteen patients had plain radiography, fourteen patients had computed tomography (CT) and eleven had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The hemangioma was divided into medullary [13], periosteal [6] and intracortical type [5]. Results Among 19 patients with plain radiography, eleven patients were medullary, three periosteal, and five intracortical. In the medullary type, the lesion was primarily osteolytic, including five cases with irregular and unclear rims and one lesion having osteosclerotic and unclear rims. In three patients with the periosteal type, the lesion had clear rims with involvement of the cortical bone in the form of bone defect, including two cases with local thickened bone periosteum and one case having expansile periosteum. Five intracortical hemangiomas had intracortical osteolytic lesions with clear margins. Among 14 patients with CT imaging, 8 cases were medullary, three periosteal, and three intracortical. Among 8 medullary hemangiomas, one had ground glass opacity, and seven had osteolytic, expansile lesions like soft tissue density with no calcification. In three periosteal cases, the lesion was osteolytic with thickened periosteum and narrowed medullary cavity. In three intracortical hemangiomas, the lesion was of even soft tissue density with no calcification. Among 11 patients with MRI imaging, seven were medullary, two periosteal, and two intracortical. Among 7 medullary lesions, six were of hypointense signal on T1WI and hyperintensesignal on T2 WI. In two periosteal cases, the periosteum was thickened, with one case being of equal signal, and the other having no signal. Two intracortical hemangiomas were both of slightly low signal on T1WI but hyperintense signal on T2WI. Conclusions The long bone hemangiomas had characteristic cystic honeycomb-like presentations in plain radiograph. CT and MRI imagings are helpful for diagnosis of hemangiomas in long bone.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an umbrella term for a group of diseases in children younger than 16 years old lasting six weeks or longer. Synovitis may lead to destructive and irreversible joint changes with subsequent functional impairment. Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent permanent joint damage and preserve joint functionality. In the course of JIA both the axial and peripheral skeleton may be involved in the inflammatory process, but the knee joint is most frequently affected. New drugs and treatment protocols have forced the need for diagnosis at the earliest possible stage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows early detection of lesions and constitutes a superior diagnostic imaging method. Synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesitis, bursitis, osteitis, cartilage loss, bone cysts, and erosions are lesions diagnosed in JIA, and they can be precisely imaged in MRI. This article aims to present MRI inflammatory features of the knee in children with JIA based on the literature.

The Cerebro-Facial Venous Metameric Syndrome is characterized by ipsilateral venous/lymphatic anomalies involving simultaneously the brain and the face with a metameric distribution. This case report to describe a case of Cerebro-Facial Venous Metameric Syndrome presenting with a lump of the medial canthus. This was a case report a 24-year-old woman with a history of a mild headache, complained of a sporadic (at least once a month) serous leakage from the left eye and a small cutaneous protuberance in the left medial canthus, without focal neurological symptoms. The patient underwent brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging and findings were suggestive of a Cerebro-Facial Venous Metameric Syndrome 1-2. When multiple and ipsilateral vascular anomalies are observed, it should be considered the presence of Cerebro-Facial Metameric Syndrome, even without neurological symptoms and port-wine stains. Follow-up is mandatory, especially if there are cavernomas or facial arterio-venous malformations due to the risk of bleeding. (NCI-2020-0062.R1)

Background: The empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a neurological or pathologic finding in which sella turcica is devoid of pituitary tissue and the subarachnoid space extends into sella turcica, which is either primary or secondary as well as partial and complete. The widespread use of CT scans and MRIs today has made the ESS a common finding in imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the empty sella syndrome. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive-analytic study in which all patients referred to Imam Ali Hospital (Zahedan) for electromagnetic brain imaging (n=1856) were recruited by cross-sectional sampling during the first 6 months from 21 March 2018 to 23 September 2018. Inclusion criteria included the absence of another known problem in the central nervous system and the absence of concurrent underlying disease. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisting of demographic and related variable to empty sella disorder. Results: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of empty sella was 8.2% with a mean age of 37.02±12.51 years. 66.4% of the patients were female. The prevalence of primary empty sella was 78.9% with a mean age of 34.51±11.26 years. 71.7% of the patients had partial empty sella. There was a significant difference between the mean age and sex of patients with empty sella and non-empty sella subjects (P=0.008) and (P

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging is the standard imaging modality for detecting disc pathology due to its advantage of lack of radiation, multiplanar imaging capability, excellent spinal soft-tissue contrast, and precise localization of intervertebral discs changes. The aim of the study is to find out the prevalence of lumbar disc degenerative disorder among patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Interventional Radiology of a tertiary care centre among patients with complaints of low back pain from 24th May, 2021 to 31st December, 2021 in a tertiary care hospital. Ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 134/2077-78). A sample size of 899 was taken and convenience sampling was done. Collected data were entered and analyzed on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage for binary data and mean with standard deviation for continuous data. Results: Among 899 patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging, the prevalence of lumbar disc degenerative disorder was found to be 155 (17.24%) (14.77-19.70 at 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: The prevalence of lumbar disc degenerative disorder among patients undergoing magnetic resonance in our study was lower when compared to other similar studies conducted in similar settings.

Background: We evaluated the role of early diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting response to TACE in patients with HCC and compare the results with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: 24 patients with documented HCC were taken up for TACE after a pre-procedural contrast CT and MRI. Post procedural DWI was taken on day 5-7 and the mean ADC values were documented and compared to pre procedural values. The change in ADC values was grouped into 4 categories: group 1- 75%. The increase in ADC values signifying response was correlated with 5 week CEMRI scan and a threshold ADC increase signifying response in majority of the cases was calculated. RESULTS: The mean ADC of the lesions changed from 1.21× 10-3 (pre TACE) to 2.02× 10-3 mm2/sec (post TACE) [p

To develop a radiomic nomogram based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for the preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in rectal cancer. This retrospective study included 318 patients with pathologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma from two hospitals. Radiomic features were extracted from T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging scans of the training cohort, and the radsore model was then constructed. The combined model was obtained by integrating the Radscore and clinical models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the diagnostic effectiveness of each model, and the best-performing model was used to develop the nomogram. The Radscore and clinical models exhibited similar diagnostic efficacy (DeLong's test, P > 0.05). The AUC of the combined model was significantly higher than those of the clinical and Radscore models in the training cohort (AUC: 0.837 vs. 0.763 and 0.787, P : 0.02120 and 0.02309) and the external validation cohort (AUC: 0.880 vs. 0.797 and 0.779, P : 0.02310 and 0.02471). However, the diagnostic performance of the three models was comparable in the internal validation cohort (P > 0.05). Thus, among the three models, the combined model exhibited the highest diagnostic efficiency. The calibration curve exhibited satisfactory consistency between the nomogram predictions and the actual results. DCA confirmed the considerable clinical usefulness of the nomogram. The radiomics nomogram can accurately and noninvasively predict LNM in rectal cancer before surgery, serving as a convenient visualization tool for informing treatment decisions, including the choice of surgical approach and the need for neoadjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate intercondylar notch morphology of femur in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate the relation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess the femoral notch type, notch width index (NWI) and α angle in patients with OA or ACL injury and compare these differences. METHODS: The study was included 106 patients with OA and 79 healthy patients. Fifty-two of the patients with OA had ACL injuries (OA + ACL), 54 of them had no ACL injuries (OA-ACL). The intercondylar notch shape was classified as type A, type U or type W. NWI was the ratio of the width of the intercondylar notch to the width of the distal femoral condyles at the level of popliteal groove. The angle between the longitudinal femoral axis and the Blumensaat line was identified as the ‘α angle'. RESULTS: More type A notch and lower NWI values were seen in the OA + ACL group. No statistically difference was detected between the groups for α angle. When the regression analysis of the factors affecting the presence of ACL rupture was performed, it was shown that the strongest link was associated with the notch type and it was concluded that having type A notches increased the probability of rupture by 5.17 fold. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In osteoarthritic knees, there is a strong relationship between ACL injury and notch type and NWI; Type A notch type is the most powerful risc factor for ACL injury.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction constitute one of the most common pathologies of the maxillofacial region. According to many authors, more than 65% of population in different countries present with some or other symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. There is a wide choice of imaging procedures that can be used for patients with TMD, and they vary considerably in cost, availability, and quality of information that can be obtained. The mainrole in the diagnosis of diseases of the temporomandibular joints is given by radiological methods of research, which ensure the effectiveness of diagnosis in up to 95% of cases. To date, the method of digital computer radiography in both closed and maximal open positions is widely used for the diagnosis of TMJ dysfunctional conditions. Computed tomography (CT) makes it possible to evaluate, with a higher degree of certainty, osseous changes and relationship between the elements of the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the “gold standard” in medicine. This imaging procedure is the best imaging method for identifying the disc position, joint fluid, bone and soft tissues changes. However, the interpretation of MRI results for patients with TMJ dysfunction is not insufficiently described in various literature sources. In spite of active scientific researches, the differential-diagnostic characteristics of the results of these types of research for patients with compression-dislocation dysfunction causes considerable difficulties until now. The aim of our research is to compere different ways for visualizing the TMJ components of both TMJs of patients with clinical manifestation of compression pain symptom. Object and methods. We studied 93 targeted X-rays of TMJ with closed and open mouth (zonography), 28 computer tomograms and 18 MR images of TMJs of patients with the phenomena of compression-dislocation dysfunction. Zonography was perfomed on the ОP-6 «PantOs», CT scans of TMJ with using of the High Speed DX/I «Siemens», MRI investigation on the apparatus «Siemens Magnetom Aera». Results. On the zonography of TMJ with the closed mouth, the patients noticed a significant narrowing of the articular cavity in the upper and posterior sections on the side of pain phenomena (the condition of compression of the bilaminar zone) and an expansion in the posterior and antero-superior sections on the opposite side. At the same time, the articular head with the mouth open on the side of pain phenomena was on the posterior slope of the articular tubercle without extending to its apex, “drowned” in the articular depression, and on the opposite side it extended to the apex of the articular tubercle anteriorly. Computer tomograms more clearly show anatomical disorders of the joints of the bone components of the articular heads. According to the results of lateral sections of the MRI, the joint disc on the side of painful phenomena with the mouth closed was compressed, which explains the narrowing of the joint gap in the upper and posterior compartments. With the open mouth, the articular disc on the side of the painful phenomena shifted slightly together with the articular head to the front. On the opposite side, where the articular head extended beyond the top of the articular tubercle forward, the articular disc remained in place. The data obtained explain the mechanism of development of painful symptom in compressiondislocation TMJ dysfunction, which consists in displacement of the articular disc in the joint on this side forward and compression in the corresponding articulation behind, compression of the articular head of a large plexus of nerve fibers and vessels located here. Conclusions. Analysis of the results of zonography, CT and MRI studies of the TMJ in patients with compressiondislocation dysfunction has determined the objective relations of all anatomical components of both TMJs and cause of compression pain full symptom, which makes it possible to effectively treat the disease.

Gallbladder wall thickening, associated with features like perforation, fistula formation and invasion of adjacent organs, is often assumed to be malignant. Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) causes gallbladder wall thickening with similar aggressive features and closely mimics gallbladder carcinoma clinically, radiologically and surgically. Differentiating between these two is crucial for management as misdiagnosis of gallbladder cancer can lead to unnecessary radical surgery. We report a case of chronic gallbladder wall thickening, initially suspected to be malignant, but subsequently diagnosed as XGC.

Anna Swärd Aminoff,1 Cecilia Agnvall,2,3 Carl Todd,1 Páll Jónasson,4 Mikael Sansone,1 Olof Thoreson,1 Leif Swärd,1 Jon Karlsson,1 Adad Baranto1 1Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; 2Sports Medicine Åre, Åre, Sweden; 3Åre Ski Academy, Åre, Sweden; 4Orkuhúsið Orthopedic Clinic, Reykjavik, Iceland Background: Current knowledge of the effect of changes in posture and the way cam morphology of the hip joint may affect hip range of motion (ROM) is limited. Purpose: To determine the effect of changes in pelvic tilt (PT) on hip ROM and with/without the presence of cam. Study design: This was a cross-sectional study. Materials and methods: The hip ROM of 87 subjects (n=61 young elite skiers, n=26 nonathletes) was examined using a goniometer, in three different seated postures (flexed, neutral, and extended). The hips of the subjects were further subgrouped into cam and no-cam morphology, based on the magnetic resonance imaging findings in the hips. Results: There was a significant correlation between the hip ROM and the seated posture in both extended and flexed postures compared with the neutral posture. There was a significant decrease in internal hip rotation when the subjects sat with an extended posture with maximum anterior PT (p

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative findings in patients diagnosed with traumatic injury to the brachial plexus. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of traumatic injury to the brachial plexus admitted to the hand and microsurgery outpatient consult of the Hospital das Clínicas at the University of São Paulo were selected during December 2016. A total of three adult patients with up to six months of injury who underwent surgical treatment were included in the study. A diffusion-weighted sequence magnetic resonance protocol and fluid-sensitive volumetric reformatting sequence were applied. The magnetic resonance results were compared with the diagnoses obtained from the injuries observed during the surgery. The study was double-blind (surgeon and radiologist). Results: A descriptive correlation was found between the magnetic resonance imaging results and the diagnostic findings from the surgeries, for both pre- and post-ganglionic injuries. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging has shown to be a promising diagnostic method in preoperative assessment of brachial plexus lesions; it is less invasive than other common methods, showing not only avulsion lesions but also localized postganglionic lesions in the supra- and infraclavicular region. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.

Purpose: The etiology of adenomyosis is not well understood, but adenomyosis is a common disease. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between adenomyosis and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: Eighty patients were included in the study and classified into two groups according to their MRI diagnosis. The first group includes patients diagnosed adenomyosis with MRI and the control group consisted of patients who had undergone pelvic MRI for any reason not diagnosed with adenomyosis. The thickness of the subcutaneous fatty tissue was measured at the localization of the first sacral vertebral corpus in both patient groups. In addition, the number of births, cesarean section, and additional pelvic pathologies were compared. Results: Subcutaneous fatty tissue thickness was significantly increased in patients with adenomyosis compared with the control group (P < 0.0005). There was a significant difference in the number of three and more pregnancies in the adenomyosis group (n=23) compared to the control group (n=7). No significant difference was found between the two groups of patients in the history of cesarean section. Conclusions: Adenomyosis is a disease of unknown etiology. Obesity and consequently an increase in thickness in the subcutaneous fatty tissue is one of the important risk factors for the development of adenomyosis.

Background: To investigate the imaging features of hemangiomas in long tabular bones for better diagnosis.Methods: Twenty-four patients with long bone hemangiomas confirmed by pathology were enrolled. Nineteen patients had plain radiography, fourteen patients had computed tomography (CT) and eleven had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The hemangioma was divided into medullary [13], periosteal [6] and intracortical type [5].Results: Among 19 patients with plain radiography, eleven patients were medullary, three periosteal, and five intracortical. In the medullary type, the lesion was primarily osteolytic, including five cases with irregular and unclear rims and one lesion having osteosclerotic and unclear rims. In three patients with the periosteal type, the lesion had clear rims with involvement of the cortical bone in the form of bone defect, including two cases with local thickened bone periosteum and one case having expansile periosteum. Five intracortical hemangiomas had intracortical osteolytic lesions with clear margins. Among 14 patients with CT imaging, 8 cases were medullary, three periosteal, and three intracortical. Among 8 medullary hemangiomas, one had ground glass opacity, and seven had osteolytic, expansile lesions like soft tissue density with no calcification. In three periosteal cases, the lesion was osteolytic with thickened periosteum and narrowed medullary cavity. In three intracortical hemangiomas, the lesion was of even soft tissue density with no calcification. Among 11 patients with MRI imaging, seven were medullary, two periosteal, and two intracortical. Among 7 medullary lesions, six were of hypointense signal on T1WI and hyperintensesignal on T2 WI. In two periosteal cases, the periosteum was thickened, with one case being of equal signal, and the other having no signal. Two intracortical hemangiomas were both of slightly low signal on T1WI but hyperintense signal on T2WI.Conclusions: The long bone hemangiomas had characteristic cystic honeycomb-like presentations in plain radiograph. CT and MRI imagings are helpful for diagnosis of hemangiomas in long bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: To assess the ability of specific positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to detect extracapsular extension (ECE) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients.Study Design: Retrospective study in a tertiary certified university cancer institute.Methods: We performed a review of patients with advanced HNSCC at Bern University Hospital between 2014 and 2018. Patients with pretherapeutic PET/CT and/or MRI who underwent neck dissection were included, with 212 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. Blinded evaluation of specific PET/CT and MRI features with respect to presence of ECE was performed. Histopathological examination of neck dissection specimens was used as the gold standard to determine ECE status.Results: Out of the 212 included patients, 184 had PET/CT, 186 MRI, and 158 both modalities. Overall clinical stage IV (odds ratio [OR]: 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25-11.74), ill-defined margins in both PET/CT and MRI (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.21-9.98 and OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 0.94-4.89, respectively), and a maximum standardized uptake value ≥ 10 (OR: 5.44, 95% CI: 1.21-9.98) were all significant independent predictors of ECE. When combined, these four features led to a cumulative score able to predict ECE status with an accuracy of 91.43%.Conclusions: The current findings indicate specific features in PET/CT and MRI are potential predictors of ECE status and may help in pretherapeutic stratification in HNSCC.Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E163-E169, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to design deep neural networks (DNNs) for the representation and analysis of high dimensional but small sample size data is still a big challenge. One solution is to construct a sparse network. At present, there exist many approaches to achieve sparsity for DNNs by regularization, but most of them are carried out only in the pre-training process due to the difficulty in the derivation of explicit formulae in the fine-tuning process. In this paper, a log-sum function is used as the regularization terms for both the responses of hidden neurons and the network connections in the loss function of the fine-tuning process. It provides a better approximation to the L 0 -norm than several often used norms. Based on the gradient formula of the loss function, the fine-tuning process can be executed more efficiently. Specifically, the commonly used gradient calculation in many deep learning research platforms, such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, can be accelerated. Given the analytic formula for calculating gradients used in any layer of DNN, the error accumulated from successive numerical approximations in the differentiation process can be avoided. With the proposed log-sum enhanced sparse deep neural network (LSES-DNN), the sparsity of the responses and the connections can be well controlled to improve the adaptivity of DNNs. The proposed model is applied to MRI data for both the diagnosis of schizophrenia and the study of brain developments. Numerical experiments demonstrate its superior performance among several classical classifiers tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maxim Shevtsov,1–4 Boris Nikolaev,5 Yaroslav Marchenko,5 Ludmila Yakovleva,5 Nikita Skvortsov,5 Anton Mazur,6 Peter Tolstoy,6 Vyacheslav Ryzhov,7 Gabriele Multhoff2 1Department of Cell Biotechnology, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia; 2Department of Radiation Immuno Oncology, Technische Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany; 3Department of Biotechnology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, St Petersburg, Russia; 4Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Polenov Russian Scientific Research Institute of Neurosurgery, St Petersburg, Russia; 5Department of Nanomedicine, Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, St Petersburg, Russia; 6Department of NMR, Saint Petersburg State University, St Petersburg, Russia; 7Department of NMR, NRC “Kurchatov Institute”, Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Gatchina, Russia Background: Glioblastoma is the most devastating primary brain tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Magnetic nanocarriers may help not only for a targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into the tumor site but also provide contrast enhancing properties for diagnostics using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods: Synthesized hybrid chitosan-dextran superparamagnetic nanoparticles (CS-DX-SPIONs) were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and relaxometry studies. Nonlinear magnetic response measurements were employed for confirming the superparamagnetic state of particles. Following in vitro analysis of nanoparticles cellular uptake tumor targeting was assessed in the model of the orthotopic glioma in rodents.Results: CS-DX-SPIONs nanoparticles showed a uniform diameter of 55 nm under TEM and superparamagentic characteristics as determined by T1 (spin-lattice relaxation time) and T2 (spin-spin relaxation time) proton relaxation times. Application of the chitosan increased the charge from +8.9 to +19.3 mV of the dextran-based SPIONs. The nonlinear magnetic response at second harmonic of CS-DX-SPIONs following the slow change of stationary magnetic fields with very low hysteresis evidenced superparamagnetic state of particles at ambient temperatures. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry studies showed an enhanced internalization of the chitosan-based nanoparticles in U87, C6 glioma and HeLa cells as compared to dextran-coated particles. Cytotoxicity assay demonstrated acceptable toxicity profile of the synthesized nanoparticles up to a concentration of 10 µg/ml. Intravenously administered CS-DX-SPIONs in orthotopic C6 gliomas in rats accumulated in the tumor site as shown by high-resolution MRI (11.0 T). Retention of nanoparticles resulted in a significant contrast enhancement of the tumor image that was accompanied with a dramatic drop in T2 values (P

Los meningiomas de cauda equina son tumores extramedulares infrecuentes, de origen mesodérmico y generalmente de características benignas. Se originan a partir de las células meningoteliales que componen las vellosidades aracnoideas. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 45 años con dolor lumbar de tres meses de evolución, al examen físico se constató disminución de la fuerza muscular e hipoestesia en miembro inferior derecho, la resonancia magnética nuclear mostró una imagen redondeada isointensa dentro del canal medular a nivel de L5. La evaluación clínica e imagenológica lleva a la impresión diagnóstica de síndrome de la cauda equina. Se extirpa el tumor y se envía a anatomía patológica, que informa un meningioma meningotelial. Se detalla la conducta anestésica seguida. La evolución de la paciente fue favorable.

We present the case of a patient with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) mutilans and occult axial involvement. The patient had suffered from PsA mutilans for more than a decade, with severe residual articular damage, but had been in clinical remission for years. Clinical axial involvement was never reported; however, magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints, performed for other reasons, documented active inflammation and damage even without clinical symptoms. These findings corroborated the hypothesis that axial involvement could be asymptomatic, subclinical and, furthermore, underdiagnosed or even occult in patients with PsA mutilans, in which cases it should be carefully evaluated.

Infectious sacroiliitis is an infection of the sacroiliac joint, not easy to diagnose because of its non-specific signs, symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. We describe a case of a 16 year-old male with 5 days’ history of fever, abdominal pain, constipation, low-back and left hip pain extended to the left knee associated with sudden inability to walk. In the first place, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of his sacroiliac joint revealed an enlarged corpuscolated fluid collection near the left iliopsoas muscle, extended to homolateral paravertebral muscles and a little fluid at the left sacroiliac joint. Drainage by aspiration of the iliopsoas abscess was applied; Staphylococcus aureus was found in the aspirated fluid and isolated from the blood too. Therefore intravenous antibiotic therapy was begun. Follow-up MRI exams confirmed the muscle abscess and revealed also a spongy bone edema of the left sacroiliac joint, persisting despite the disappearance of symptoms and the normalization of inflammatory values. It is important to make an early diagnosis of infectious sacroiliitis in order to begin antibiotic therapy as soon as possible, because of the increasing morbidity of infection of sacroiliac joint. In our case MR findings have provided significant orientation towards the final diagnosis of infectious sacroiliitis.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Among the screening tests for colorectal cancer, colonoscopy is currently considered the most sensitive and specific technique. However, computed tomography colonography (CTC), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transrectal ultrasonography have gained significant ground in the clinical practice of pre-treatment, screening and, more recently, post-treatment and surgical evaluation. Objective: To demonstrate the high accuracy of CT and MRI for pre and postoperative colorectal cancer staging. Methods: Search and analysis of articles in Pubmed, Scielo, Capes Periodicals and American College of Radiology with headings “colorectal cancer” and “colonography”. Weew selected 30 articles that contained radiological descriptions, management or statistical data related to this type of neoplasia. The criteria for radiological diagnosis were the American College of Radiology. Results : The great majority of patients with this subgroup of neoplasia is submitted to surgical procedures with the objective of cure or relief, except those with clinical contraindication. CTC colonography is not the most commonly used technique for screening; however, it is widely used for treatment planning, assessment of the abdomen for local complications or presence of metastasis, and post-surgical evaluation. MRI colonography is an alternative diagnostic method to CT, recommended by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Although there are still no major studies on the use of MRI for screening, the high resolution examination has now shown good results for the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification. Conclusion: MRI and CT represent the best means for colorectal neoplasm staging. The use of these methods as screening tools becomes beneficial to decrease complications and discomfort related to colonoscopy.

Patients in a vegetative state are considered to lack awareness of themselves or the environment, but preserve respiratory and cardiac functions, as well as sleep/wake cycles. These patients are incapable of producing intentional responses to external stimulation and do not demonstrate any communication skills. Recent studies have shown that around 40% of vegetative state patients have been misdiagnosed. However, in recent years there has been a revolution in the tools that are available for the assessment of these patients. The objective of this article is to discuss the role of behavioural scales, as well as advanced neuroimaging techniques, in reducing the misdiagnosis rate. We review the scope and limitations of these approaches for the identification of overt and covert signs of awareness, and we present evidence to support a multimodal assessment that combines information from behavioural, structural, and functional imaging tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis for each individual patient.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) on the recurrence of stroke and new cardiac arrhythmia using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Holter monitoring. Study design: Patients with PFO had >1 previous stroke or transient ischemic attack documented with MRI in the first event. PFO with right to left shunt was detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. MRI examinations were performed on patients before and one year after PFO closure was applied. A twenty-four hour Holter monitoring was performed in all patients within 1 month before and 6 months after the procedure. Results: Percutaneous PFO closure was performed on 47 patients (25 female, mean age: 38.7 years) who had cerebral ischemic events detected by MRI. A year after the procedure, TEE showed that there was no residual interatrial right-to-left shunting. After a 14 month follow-up, no new cerebrovascular event and no new lesion on MRI were recorded. The incidence of arrhythmia did not increase significantly after the procedure on Holter monitoring (p=0.917). Conclusion: One-year clinical and MRI follow-up study of patients with cerebral ischemic events and percutaneous closure of PFO showed no recurrent event and no significant complication associated with the procedure. In addition, Holter monitorization demonstrated that the procedure did not increase the incidence of arrhythmias compared with pre-procedural monitoring.

Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a relative contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biventricular ICDs are often used in the treatment of advanced heart failure; however, reports on experience with biventricular ICDs are lacking in the literature. In this case report, we describe a pacemaker-dependent patient with a biventricular ICD on whom an MRI of the lumbar spine was performed without having realized the presence of the ICD.

Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare cortical developmental anomaly that can be defined as abnormal neural and glial proliferation localized to all or part of a cerebral hemisphere. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disease that involves most frequently the central nervous system, skin, heart, kidneys, eyes. Herein, we reported the magnetic resonance imaging findings of an unusual case of focal megalencephaly with TSC.

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—a relapsing functional bowel disorder—presents with disrupted brain connections. However, little is known about the alterations of interhemispheric functional connectivity and underlying structural connectivity in IBS. This study combined resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate changes in interhemispheric coordination in IBS patients. Resting-state functional and structural magnetic resonance images were acquired from 65 IBS patients and 67 healthy controls (matched for age, sex and educational level). Interhemispheric voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) was calculated and compared between groups. Homotopic regions showing abnormal VMHC in patients were targeted as regions of interest for analysis of DTI tractography. The fractional anisotropy, fiber number, and fiber length were compared between groups. Statistical analysis was also performed by including anxiety and depression as covariates to evaluate their effect. A Pearson correlation analysis between abnormal interhemispheric connectivity and clinical indices of IBS patients was performed. Compared to healthy controls, IBS patients had higher interhemispheric functional connectivity between bilateral thalami, cuneus, posterior cingulate cortices, lingual gyri and inferior occipital/cerebellum lobes, as well as lower interhemispheric functional connectivity between bilateral ventral anterior cingulate cortices (vACC) and inferior parietal lobules (IPL). The inclusion of anxiety and depression as covariates abolished VMHC difference in vACC. Microstructural features of white matter tracts connecting functionally abnormal regions did not reveal any differences between the groups. VMHC values in vACC negatively correlated with the quality of life scores of patients. In conclusion, this study provides preliminary evidence of the disrupted functional coordination rather than anatomic coordination between interhemispheric regions within the cortex-thalamus circuit in IBS patients, which could partly account for the enhanced visceral information processing and impaired endogenous pain or emotion inhibition associated with IBS.

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Brown Séquard syndrome, is caused by a lesion effecting one half of the spinal cord in a segment or more than one segments. Below the lesion level, there is loss of deep sensory and motor functions on the ipsilateral side, whereas loss of pain and temparature sensations are present on the contralateral side. Most common causes are trauma, radiation necrosis and spinal metastases. Here, we aimed to present a case of herpes Zoster virus myelitis, that was presented as Brown Séquard sydrome, which is very rare. A 55-year-old male was presented with acute paresia of the right arm and leg. Three days after the start of these complaints, painful, itchy and vesicular blisters appeared on the extensor surface of the right arm. On neurological examination, there were 4+/5 paresis on the right arm and leg, loss of proprioception on the right upper and lower extremities, and loss of temparature sensation on the left upper and lower extremities. Servical MRI showed an expansile hyperintense lesion which was located on C5-C6 level within spinal cord, on T2-weighted images. Lesion diameter was 3 centimeters. Skin lesions showed regression within 15 days, whereas motor deficits remained stable. After 4 months, MRI showed marked regression of the spinal cord lesion. We aimed to share the findings of this HZV myelitis case, which is very rare and its MRI findings may easily misinterpreted as a spinal mass lesion.

Intensity non-uniformity (INU) in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a major issue when conducting analyses of brain structural properties. An inaccurate INU correction may result in qualitative and quantitative misinterpretations. Several INU correction methods exist, whose performance largely depend on the specific parameter settings that need to be chosen by the user. Here we addressed the question of how to select the best input parameters for a specific INU correction algorithm. Our investigation was based on the INU correction algorithm implemented in SPM, but this can be in principle extended to any other algorithm requiring the selection of input parameters. We conducted a comprehensive comparison of indirect metrics for the assessment of INU correction performance, namely the coefficient of variation of white matter (CV_WM), the coefficient of variation of gray matter (CV_GM), and the coefficient of joint variation between white matter and gray matter (CJV). Using simulated MR data, we observed the CJV to be more accurate than CV_WM and CV_GM, provided that the noise level in the INU-corrected image was controlled by means of spatial smoothing. Based on the CJV, we developed a data-driven approach for selecting INU correction parameters, which could effectively work on actual MR images. To this end, we implemented an enhanced procedure for the definition of white and gray matter masks, based on which the CJV was calculated. Our approach was validated using actual T1-weighted images collected with 1.5 T, 3 T and 7 T MR scanners. We found that our procedure can reliably assist the selection of valid INU correction algorithm parameters, thereby contributing to an enhanced inhomogeneity correction in MR images.

The study of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and its impact on the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains controversial. Although the initial thrust in evaluating CCSVI was with ultrasound, other modalities including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used to study venous vascular abnormalities. This review focuses on the findings of a number of past MRI studies including a look at a combined study of four previous works with a cohort of 559 MS patients regarding structure and function of the extra-cranial vasculature. Strengths and limitations of each paper are discussed which give insight into conflicting reports of venous abnormalities in MS patients and healthy controls. Guidelines for data acquisition and analysis for future studies related to extra-cranial structure and flow, both arterial and venous, are discussed. This includes the grading of stenosis of the internal jugular veins (IJVs) as well as normalized flows through major veins of the neck. The lack of agreement between most studies is likely due to inconsistent data acquisition and incomplete data analysis. Our own work over four independent sites shows good agreement, indicating that there is a high incidence of stenosis and structural venous abnormalities in the MS population and that this change results in reduced outflow of the IJVs and increased collateralization of venous return to the heart compared to healthy controls.

Introduction: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by John Cunningham virus, mostly associated with immunodeficiency conditions, such as the human immunodeficiency virus infection. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy can have multiple clinical features and usually presents a typical lesion pattern on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Its course may be rapidly progressive, although immunological responsiveness can be associated with an improved prognosis. Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological data from patients admitted in our institution between January 2005 and April 2014 with the diagnosis of definitive progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (ICD10:A81.2) in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Results: Twenty-one patients were included in our study, mostly men (n = 20, 95.2%). Mean age at diagnosis was 39 years. Motor deficits were the most common clinical finding. John Cunningham virus-DNA was detected in the cerebral spinal fluid in 20 patients (95.2%). Brain imaging studies most commonly disclosed bilateral supratentorial, asymmetric lesions. Four (19%) patients developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in the follow-up. Therapeutic approach included initiation and continuation/optimization of antiretroviral therapy, with adjunctive therapy with corticosteroids in four patients. Seventeen (81%) patients died during the study period; median survival time following progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy diagnosis was 3 months (range 1 - 13). Discussion: The results of our study are in accordance with the data previously published on progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in human immunodeficiency virus patients. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is predominantly associated with severe immunosuppression, particularly in patients who are not under anti-retroviral therapy, and usually presents with motor and cognitive symptoms and signs. A typical bilateral asymmetric pattern in conventional magnetic resonance imaging is present in the majority of the patients. There is no specific therapy for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and it is usually fatal, although outcomes can improve with highly active anti-retroviral therapy. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is also an important complication related with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, usually associated with anti-retroviral therapy. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome presents with different imaging characteristics from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and treatment with steroids can improve survival. Conclusion: The mortality rate and long-term neurological morbidity associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy are quite high. These data should increase clinician awareness to the occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy among human immunodeficiency virus patients and highlight the important role of magnetic resonance imaging, as early diagnosis may be associated with better outcome.

Blunt penile trauma during sexual activity, although highly underreported due to the associated patient embarrassment, constitutes a real urological emergency requiring immediate attention and possibly early surgical intervention. We report a case of a 58-year old man who presented with penile pain following excessive masturbation. Although there were no clinical signs of penile deformity or hematoma, magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a rupture in the tunica albuginea. The patient opted for non-surgical management and his recovery period was complicated by the formation of an abscess at the site of the albugineal tear thus prolonging his hospital stay. The abscess was surgically drained and the patient reports to have normal erections at 3-month follow up.

A case of sublingual epidermoid cyst presenting distinctive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings is described. A 39-year-old man presented to our hospital with a three months progressive left submandibular swelling, difficulty moving his tongue, and snoring. Preoperative evaluation with MRI and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) revealed that the heterogeneous cystic lesion contained the squamous cells, which is compatible with ectodermal tissue. The mass was located above the mylohyoid muscle and spread to the pharyngeal space. By considering the size, infection history, patient age, and location, the cyst was completely resected under general anesthesia via cervical approach without any complication. Histopathologically, the cyst wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium with no skin appendage, suggesting an epidermoid cyst. Ultrasound (US), MRI and FNAC were very useful of the preoperative diagnosis for oral and sublingual lesion. The postoperative course was uneventful and without recurrence after 24 months. This case showed that epidermoid cysts formed the rarely heterogeneous cystic tumor and it underlined usefulness of preoperative diagnosis, such as US, MRI and FNAC for oral and sublingual tumor.

In our preliminary radiopharmaceutical study, 153 Gd-DTPA-Folate has been successfully prepared, and tested for its bio-distribution. This continuing study is aimed at synthesizing and characterizing Gd-DTPA-Folate. The synthesis was started with the preparation of a derivative of folic acid, EDA-Folate, which was subsequently reacted with DTPA-Dianhydride to form DTPA-Folate. Finally, DTPA-Folate was reacted with Gd 3+ to result in Gd-DTPA-Folate, on a 0.1-10 gram scale, with a yield of 97.2%. Experimental data collected from characterization of purified synthetic products using ultraviolet, infrared, and mass spectroscopy, indicated the formation of Gd-O and Gd-N bonds leading to the formation of Gd-DTPA-Folate molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While generalized cerebral atrophy and neurodegenerative change following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is well recognized in adults, it remains comparatively understudied in the pediatric population, suggesting that research should address the potential for neurodegenerative change in children and youth following TBI. This focused review examines original research findings documenting evidence for neurodegenerative change following TBI of all severities in children and youth. Our relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria identified a total of 16 articles for review. Taken together, the studies reviewed suggest there is evidence for long-term neurodegenerative change following TBI in children and youth. In particular both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies revealed volume loss in selected brain regions including the hippocampus, amygdala, globus pallidus, thalamus, periventricular white matter, cerebellum and brain stem as well as overall decreased whole brain volume and increased CSF and ventricular space. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies also report evidence for decreased cellular integrity, particularly in the corpus callosum. Sensitivity of the hippocampus and deep limbic structures in pediatric populations are similar to findings in the adult literature and we consider the data supporting these changes as well as the need to investigate the possibility of neurodegenerative onset in childhood associated with mTBI.

Study Design. Population based prospective cohort study. Objective. We explored the cross-sectional relationships between lumbar multifidus (LM) intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) infiltration and low back pain (LBP) at 3 successive time points and investigated the role of IMAT in predicting the occurrence of LBP after 5 and 9 years. Summary of Background Data. Although LBP is a major source of disease burden, the biological determinants of LBP are poorly understood. Methods. Participants were 40-year-old adults randomly sampled from a Danish population and followed up at 45 and 49 years of age. At each time point, participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and reported ever having had LBP, LBP in the previous year, nontrivial LBP in the previous year, or a history of pain radiating into the legs. Pixel intensity and frequencies from T1 -weighted magnetic resonance images identified the greatest proportion of LM IMAT at the L4 and L5 spinal levels. IMAT infiltration was categorized as normal/mild, moderate, or severe based on fertile divisions. Associations were explored with crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) from logistic regression models. Model covariates included sex, body mass index, and occupational and leisure time physical activity. Results. A total of 401 participants were enrolled, with 331 (83%) and 286 (71 %) participants followed up at 5 and 9 years, respectively. The cross-sectional analyses demonstrated that at the age of 40 years, participants with severe IMAT infiltration demonstrated increased odds of ever experiencing LBP (aOR [95% confidence interval, 95% CI] = 3.16 [1.45-6.89]), nontrivial LBP (aOR [95% CI] = 2.82 [1.36-5.81]), LBP in the past year (aOR [95% CI] = 1.95 [1.07-3.53]), and leg pain (aOR [95% CI] = 2.08 [1.19-3.62]). There were no consistent cross-sectional associations between LBP/ leg pain and LM IMAT at 45 or 49 years of age and LM IMAT did not predict future LBP or leg pain. Conclusion. The relationship between LM IMAT and LBP/leg pain is inconsistent and may be modified by age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]