Efficacy and Safety of Preoperative Embolization in Glomus Jugulare Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Complications.

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical benefits, complications, and safety profile associated with preoperative embolization in Glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted for English articles published up to March 2023, focusing on GJTs and preoperative embolization. Included studies involved patients over 18 with GJTs. We excluded studies that explored embolization methods other than the standard endovascular approach, as well as studies involving paragangliomas that did not provide specific data related to GJTs. Key variables such as hemorrhage volume and surgical time, as well as clinical outcomes, were analyzed. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model meta-analysis, assessing heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. RESULTS: This review encompasses 19 studies with a total of 328 patients. The studies incorporated into our meta-analysis display considerable differences and inconsistencies in their data. The findings of the meta-analysis show a mean hemorrhage volume of 636 ml (95% confidence interval (CI) 473-799) following preoperative embolization, and a mean surgical duration of 487 min (95% CI 350-624). The study also notes potential complications: facial nerve deficits occurred in 20% of cases (95% CI 11-32%), and vagal nerve deficits in 22% (95% CI 13-31%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that preoperative embolization could decrease surgery duration and blood loss, but emphasizes the importance of evaluating risks like nerve damage. However, the generalizability of these findings is restricted due to the diversity of available data.

Methodological insights into ChatGPT's screening performance in systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: The screening process for systematic reviews and meta-analyses in medical research is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. While machine learning and deep learning have been applied to facilitate this process, these methods often require training data and user annotation. This study aims to assess the efficacy of ChatGPT, a large language model based on the Generative Pretrained Transformers (GPT) architecture, in automating the screening process for systematic reviews in radiology without the need for training data. METHODS: A prospective simulation study was conducted between May 2nd and 24th, 2023, comparing ChatGPT's performance in screening abstracts against that of general physicians (GPs). A total of 1198 abstracts across three subfields of radiology were evaluated. Metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), workload saving, and others were employed. Statistical analyses included the Kappa coefficient for inter-rater agreement, ROC curve plotting, AUC calculation, and bootstrapping for p-values and confidence intervals. RESULTS: ChatGPT completed the screening process within an hour, while GPs took an average of 7-10 days. The AI model achieved a sensitivity of 95% and an NPV of 99%, slightly outperforming the GPs' sensitive consensus (i.e., including records if at least one person includes them). It also exhibited remarkably low false negative counts and high workload savings, ranging from 40 to 83%. However, ChatGPT had lower specificity and PPV compared to human raters. The average Kappa agreement between ChatGPT and other raters was 0.27. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT shows promise in automating the article screening phase of systematic reviews, achieving high sensitivity and workload savings. While not entirely replacing human expertise, it could serve as an efficient first-line screening tool, particularly in reducing the burden on human resources. Further studies are needed to fine-tune its capabilities and validate its utility across different medical subfields.

Long-Term Clinical and Imaging Findings in Patients with Lower Extremity Varicose Veins Treated with Endovenous Laser Treatment: A Follow-Up Study of up to 12 Years.

Introduction: This study investigates the long-term effectiveness and safety of endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition commonly caused by dysfunctional valves in the venous circulation system. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients underwent EVLT and were followed up for successive short intervals and one last time after a median duration of 9-year postprocedural. Pre- and postprocedure duplex ultrasound was used to assess changes in the great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter, reflux, and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). Results: Sixty-eight patients with a mean age of 52.4 ± 12.4 years were enrolled in the study. The mean follow-up time was 8.9 ± 2.1 years, ranging from 5 to 12 years. The mean GSV diameter significantly decreased in all patients (whole group) across proximal (from 5.8 ± 2.3 mm to 4.2 ± 2.1 mm), middle (from 4.7 ± 1.6 mm to 2.8 ± 2.2 mm), and distal (from 4.5 ± 2.3 mm to 2.2 ± 2.2 mm) segments, with P < 0.001. A disease recurrence rate of 33.8% was noted, predominantly in male patients and those with larger middle GSV diameters (OR = 5.2 (95%CI = 1.3-20.4) and OR = 1.5 (95%CI = 1-2.1), respectively). The average follow-up time for patients without recurrence was 8.8 ± 2.1 years. Almost half of the patients without recurrence were followed up for 10 years or more (49%). Conclusion: The efficacy of EVLT in managing varicose veins is demonstrated by its relatively low recurrence rate over a 10-year follow-up period, highlighting EVLT as a viable long-term treatment strategy.

The Role of Multimodal Imaging in Differentiating Vasogenic from Infiltrative Edema: A Systematic Review.

Background High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are the most prevalent primary malignancy of the central nervous system. The tumor results in vasogenic and infiltrative edema . Exact anatomical differentiation of these edemas is so important for surgical planning. Multimodal imaging could be used to differentiate the edema type. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the role of multimodal imaging in the differentiation of vasogenic edema from infiltrative edema in patients with HGG (grade III and grade IV). Data Sources A search on PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science Core Collection up to June 2022 using terms related to (a) multimodal imaging AND (b) HGG AND (c) edema. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022336131) Study Selection Two reviewers screened the articles and independently extracted the data. We included original articles assessing the role of multimodal imaging in differentiating vasogenic from infiltrative edema in patients with HGG. Six high-quality articles remained for the narrative synthesis. Data Synthesis Dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging showed that relative cerebral blood volume and relative cerebral blood flow were higher in the infiltrative edema component than in the vasogenic edema component. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed a dispute on fractional anisotropy. The apparent diffusion coefficient was comparable between the two edematous components. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy exhibited an increment in choline/creatinine ratio and choline/N-acetyl aspartate ratio in the infiltrative edema component. Limitations Strict study selection, low sample size of relevant published studies, and heterogeneity in endpoint variables were the major drawbacks. Conclusions Multimodal imaging, including dynamic susceptibility contrast and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, might help differentiate between vasogenic and infiltrative edema.

Pregnancy Rate and Outcomes following Uterine Artery Embolization for Uterine Arteriovenous Malformations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically review published studies on the pregnancy rate and outcomes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine arteriovenous malformations (UAVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: International medical databases were searched for all English-language studies published between 2000 and 2022 on patients with UAVMs who had undergone embolization and had a subsequent pregnancy. Data on the pregnancy rate, pregnancy complications, and physiologic status of newborns were extracted from the articles. Ten case series were included in the meta-analysis, and 18 case reports on pregnancy following UAE were reviewed. RESULTS: In the case series, 44 pregnancies were reported in 189 patients. The pooled estimate of pregnancy rate was 23.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3%-29.3%). The pregnancy rate was higher in studies of women with a mean age of ≤30 years (50.6% vs 22.2%; P < .05). The pooled estimate of live birth rate was 88.6% (95% CI, 78.6%-98.7%). CONCLUSIONS: All published series report preservation of fertility and successful pregnancies after embolization of UAVMs. The live birth rate in these series does not differ substantially from that of the general population.

Evaluation of multimodal MR imaging for differentiating infiltrative versus reactive edema in brain gliomas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the border of glial tumors by diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and perfusion brain MRI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with brain gliomas were enrolled [mean age: 35.3 ± 13.2, range: 20-62]. Conventional MRI was performed for all patients. Besides, tumor mapping based on Choline (Cho)/Creatine (Cr) color map in MRS, perfusion and diffusion color maps, were gathered. Different tumoral and peritumoral regions [normal tissue, reactive edema, infiltrative edema, and tumor core] were defined. MRI criteria were evaluated in areas targeted for biopsy and histopathologic evaluation was determined. RESULTS: Tumor cell positive samples [one necrosis, 26 infiltrative and nine tumor cores] composed 36 (75%) of the 48 samples. Seven (19.4%) of the positive samples were interpreted as not tumor on MRI. Five were identified as reactive edema and two as normal tissue] [kappa: .67, p-value < .001]. Mean of ADC, median of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and NAA/Cho were statistically different between positive and negative samples (p = .02 and p < .001, respectively). Mean ADC and median Cho/NAA were statistically different in missed tumor containing tissue presented as reactive edema compared to normal and correctly diagnosed reactive edema samples together (p-values < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal MRI could define infiltrated borders of brain gliomas.

The effect of calcium gluconate administration during cardiopulmonary bypass on hemodynamic variables in infants undergoing open-heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of complications after heart surgery is a critical factor in disability, deaths, lengthening hospital stays, and increasing treatment costs. The metabolic balance of certain hormones and electrolytes is necessary for proper cardiac function. In children, various biochemical conditions may cause calcium depletion during heart surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of calcium gluconate administration during cardiopulmonary bypass on hemodynamic variables and clinical outcomes in infants undergoing open-heart surgery. This study was conducted at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in 2021 using a controlled randomized clinical trial. A total of 60 patients with open-heart surgery weighing up to 10 kg were included in the study. The first group received an intravenous injection of calcium gluconate 20 min after opening the aortic clamp, and the second group was monitored as a control group. Data collection tools included checklists containing demographics, surgical information, and intensive care unit measures. RESULTS: The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test showed that the frequency distribution of gender, blood group, Rhesus factor (RH), and clinical diagnosis in the two groups of intervention and control was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean and standard deviation of Ejection Fraction (EF) changes (before and after) were 13.27 ± 9.16 in the intervention group and 8.31 ± 9.80 in the control group (p = 0.065). The results of two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that mean systolic blood pressure (p = 0.030), mean diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.021), mean heart rate (p = 0.025), mean arterial pressure (p = 0.020), mean pH (p < 0.001), and mean hemoglobin (p = 0.018) in the intervention, and control groups were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, unlike systolic pressure, mean diastolic blood pressure decreased, and mean arterial pressure increased significantly. As a result, the slope of changes during the study period was different in the intervention and control groups.

The Effect of Contrast Enhanced Abdominopelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Expression and Methylation Level of ATM and AKT Genes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of contrast enhanced abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using a 3 Tesla scanner, on expression and methylation level of ATM and AKT genes in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective in vivo study, blood samples were obtained from 20 volunteer patients with mean age of 43 ± 8 years (range 32-68 years) before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 hours and 24 hours after contrast enhanced abdominopelvic 3 Tesla MRI. After separation of mononuclear cells from peripheral blood, using Ficoll-Hypaque, we analyzed gene expression changes of ATM and AKT genes 2 hours and 24 hours after MRI using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also evaluated methylation percentage of the above mentioned genes in before, 2 hours and 24 hours after MRI, using MethySYBR method. RESULTS: Fold change analysis, in comparison with the baseline, respectively showed 1.1 ± 0.7 and 0.8 ± 0.5 mean of gene expressions in 2 and 24 hours after MRI for ATM, while the results were 1.4 ± 0.6 and 1.4 ± 1 for AKT (P>0.05). Methylation of the ATM gene promoter were 8.8 ± 1.5%, 9 ± 0.6% and 9 ± 0.8% in before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 and 24 hours after contrast enhanced MRI, respectively (P>0.05). Methylation of AKT gene promoter in before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 hours and 24 hours after contrast enhanced MRI was 5.4 ± 2.5, 5 ± 3.2, 4.9 ± 2.9 respectively (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Contrast enhanced abdominopelvic MRI using 3 Tesla scanner apparently has no negative effect on the expression and promoter methylation level of ATM and AKT genes involved in the repair pathways of genome.

The genotoxic effects of contrast enhanced abdominopelvic 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging on human circulating leucocytes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of contrast enhanced abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on DNA damage. METHODS: For this study, blood samples of 20 volunteers (15 women and 5 men) with mean age of 43 ± 8 years were assessed. The mean age of women was 41.4 ± 8.9 years and mean age of men was 48.5 ± 4.9 years (P = 0.14). Peripheral blood samples were collected before, 2 and 24 h after MRI in heparin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) containing tubes. Heparinized blood was cultured to assess the cytogenetic effects using cytokinesis blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay. After isolation of mononuclear cells, alterations in genes involved in repair (CHEK2, p21) and apoptosis (BAX, BCL2) were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The mean number of MN in binucleated cells at before, 2 and 24 h after MRI were 17.9 ± 2.9, 18.1 ± 2.4 and 18.3 ± 2.6, respectively (p > 0.05). Results of gene expression according to fold change compared with the baseline were 1.2 ± 0.6 and 1.02 ± 0.5 at 2 and 24 h after MRI for CHEK2, and 1.3 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.7 for CDKN1A (p21); respectively (p > 0.05). Gene expression based on fold change compared with baseline were 0.9 ± 0.6 and 1.2 ± 0.8 at 2 and 24 h after MRI for BAX, and 1.05 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.7 for BCL2; respectively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Contrast enhanced abdominopelvic MRI showed no adverse effect on DNA in terms of MN formation and alterations in expression levels of some genes involved in repair and apoptosis pathways.

Pregnancy and its Outcomes in Patients After Uterine Fibroid Embolization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been introduced for uterine fibroid treatment for two decades. Most of the patients are in reproductive age and many want future pregnancy. In this study, we will assess fertility, pregnancy and its outcomes in patients who have undergone UAE. In this systematic review, a systematic search was performed on important databases including PubMed and Medline, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Scopus. Studies reported enough data about pregnancy after UAE were considered to be enrolled in the review. We assessed obstetric indices (pregnancy and delivery rates, pregnancy losses, complications and fetal outcomes). Study evaluation was done based on STROBE checklist by two reviewers. Totally, 24 original papers were included. Data were analyzed by Stata and MedCalc softwares. Among women wishing fertility, totally 40.5% experienced at least one pregnancy after UAE (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.3%-48.2%). Pooled estimate of pregnancy loss rate was 33.5% (95% CI: 26.3-41%). Most pregnancy losses were due to spontaneous abortion (81.3% of all losses (95% CI = 76%-86.1%)). Rate of obstetrical complications was 25.4% (95% CI = 13-40.2%) among all finished pregnancies. Pooled estimate of preterm labor was 12.8% (95% CI = 8.7%-17.5%), and pooled estimate of low birth weight (LBW) was 10% (95% CI = 6.2-14.6%). Considering the findings of the study, a safe pregnancy after UAE is obviously possible resulting to a healthy and normal baby delivery. In addition, pooled obstetrical complication rates, pregnancy losses, preterm labor and LBW seem to be mostly similar to the general population. Registration: The study was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on Nov 3, 2017, and was confirmed with a registration code of CRD42017076074.

Mid-term outcomes of mechanical pulmonary valve replacement: a single-institutional experience of 396 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Previous small-sized studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of mechanical pulmonary valve replacement (mPVR) in patients with congenital heart disease; however, the predictors of major complications and reoperation remained unclear. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we reported the mid-term outcomes of a large-scaled series of patients, 396 patients, with congenital heart diseases who underwent mPVR in a single institution. RESULTS: The patients' mean age at mPVR was 24.3 ± 9 years (4-58 years). Most patients (84.3%) underwent tetralogy of Fallot total correction. The median of follow-up was 36 months (24-49 months). Prosthetic valve malfunction caused by thrombosis or pannus formation developed in 12.1% of patients during follow-up period. Reoperation was performed in 7 cases with pannus formation and 6 cases with mechanical valve thrombosis. Freedom from reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 99%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. Neither early nor mid-term mortalities were detected. Cox regression models showed that male gender and smaller valve size increased the risk of prosthetic valve failure. The age at mPVR, interval between congenital heart defect repair and mPVR, and concomitant procedures predicted reoperation. In multivariate analysis, younger age and the interval between first operation and mPVR predicted reoperation either. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of mPVR is excellent in mid-term follow-up. Younger age, longer interval between the repair of congenital defect and mPVR, and cooperation increased reoperation risk. However, strict adherence to life-long anticoagulation regimen and patient selection are of great importance for the implementation of mPVR.

The Outcomes of Superior Cavopulmonary Connection Operation: a Single Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The superior cavopulmonary connection operation is one of the stages of the palliative surgical management for patients with functionally single ventricle. After surviving this stage, the patients are potential candidates for the final palliative procedure: the Fontan operation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of superior cavopulmonary connection operations in our center and to identify factors affecting the survival and the progression to Fontan stage. METHODS: The outcomes of 161 patients were retrospectively analyzed after undergoing superior cavopulmonary connection operation in our center between 2005 and 2015. RESULTS: The early mortality rate was 2.5%. Five (3.1%) patients underwent takedown of the superior cavopulmonary connection. The rate of exclusion from the Fontan stage was 8.3%. Statistical analysis revealed that elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure preoperatively and the prior palliation with pulmonary artery banding were risk factors for both early mortality and takedown; however, the age, the morphology of the single ventricle and the type of operation were not considered risk factors. CONCLUSION: The superior cavopulmonary connection operation can be performed with low rate mortality and morbidity; however, the elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure preoperatively and the prior pulmonary artery banding are associated with poor outcomes.

The outcomes of superior cavopulmonary connection operation: a single center experience

Abstract Introduction: The superior cavopulmonary connection operation is one of the stages of the palliative surgical management for patients with functionally single ventricle. After surviving this stage, the patients are potential candidates for the final palliative procedure: the Fontan operation. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of superior cavopulmonary connection operations in our center and to identify factors affecting the survival and the progression to Fontan stage. Methods: The outcomes of 161 patients were retrospectively analyzed after undergoing superior cavopulmonary connection operation in our center between 2005 and 2015. Results: The early mortality rate was 2.5%. Five (3.1%) patients underwent takedown of the superior cavopulmonary connection. The rate of exclusion from the Fontan stage was 8.3%. Statistical analysis revealed that elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure preoperatively and the prior palliation with pulmonary artery banding were risk factors for both early mortality and takedown; however, the age, the morphology of the single ventricle and the type of operation were not considered risk factors. Conclusion: The superior cavopulmonary connection operation can be performed with low rate mortality and morbidity; however, the elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure preoperatively and the prior pulmonary artery banding are associated with poor outcomes.

Mid-term outcomes of surgical repair for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery: In infants, children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital malformation. We sought to evaluate in-hospital and mid-term outcomes of patients with a diagnosis of ALCAPA who underwent surgical repair. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of surgical repair of ALCAPA at our center and to analyze the surgical techniques used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, we analyzed early and mid-term clinical and echocardiographic data to determine the outcomes of patients who underwent surgical repair of ALCAPA in our institution between 2005 and 2015. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent surgical repair for ALCAPA using aortic reimplantation (n = 10, 47.6%), ostial closure (n = 8, 38.1%), or ligation (n = 3, 14.3%). The median age of patients was 24 months (range 22 days to 51 years). There were 2 (9.5%) in-hospital mortalities in infants undergoing the reimplantation technique. All patients were followed up for a median of 21 months (range 1-60 months). No patients required reoperation, and there was no mortality from discharge to mid-term follow-up. Severe early postoperative mitral regurgitation (MR) was associated with composite end-point, defined as a combination of mortality after surgery, moderate to severe MR, and moderate to severe left ventricular dysfunction at late follow-up (P = 0.019) while mitral valve repair was not (P = 0.469). CONCLUSION: The surgical management of ALCAPA can be associated with good in-hospital and mid-term outcomes regardless of the age, at which the patient has been operated.

Erratum: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Adenosis in the Breast.

[This corrects the article on p. 187 in vol. 18, PMID: 26155296.].

Religious experiences of Iranian transgenders: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Gender identity disorder and its treatment with sex reassignment surgery is a profound experience, which can affect the mental, interpersonal, social and religious aspects of one's life. METHODS: This was a qualitative content analysis study focusing on the various dimensions of the experiences of seven patients suffering from gender identity disorder in a female-to-male subgroup. This study presents a report concerning the religious aspects of their experience. RESULTS: The findings of this study were categorized into the four following conceptual categories: sense of guilt; accomplishing a sense of submission to God's will as well as God's pleasing; practical commitment to religion; and rejection by the religious communities. CONCLUSION: Diminishing religion to spirituality comprised the core experiences of these patients having intimate relations with such concepts as secularism, stigma, and technocracy.

Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the intracranial aneurysms is associated with a high risk of bleeding and a high incidence of mortality if left untreated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to report our experience in managing intracranial aneurysms using coil embolization and to report the 6-month follow-up outcome of the patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2012, a series of 90 nonrandomized consecutive patients (mean age: 44.6 ± 14.9 years) with intracranial aneurysms underwent endovascular coil embolization in our center. We excluded patients with dissecting, blood blister-like, or false aneurysms. All patients were evaluated by four-vessel angiography to determine the shape, size, number and location of the aneurysms. We recommended a six-month follow-up control angiography. However, only 38 of them participated in this follow-up imaging. The data were analyzed by chi-square, fisher exact and t-tests and alpha was considered lower than 5%. RESULTS: Immediately after the procedure, the total occlusion was seen in 76 (86.4%), subtotal occlusion in six (6.8%), and partial occlusion in six patients (6.8%). There was no significant relationship between the aneurysm size, aneurysm neck size, and location of the aneurysm with total or subtotal occlusions. Eleven patients (12.5%) experienced some complication during the procedure including two tears, three focal neurological signs, three vision disturbances, and three bleedings in the aneurysm. Major complications were significantly higher in the posterior aneurysm compared to the anterior ones (55.6% versus 44.4% of the major complications; P value = 0.015). Among patients who underwent control angiography, 34 patients (89.4%) had no change, two (5.3%) had new growth and two (5.3%) had widening of the neck after 6 months follow-up. Although aneurysms that remained unchanged after six months follow-up angiography had total occlusion after the procedure, it was 50% for aneurysms that had any changes in 6 months follow-up angiography (P value = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Coil embolization showed successful outcomes in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a low complication rate.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Adenosis in the Breast.

PURPOSE: Adenosis lesions of the breast, including sclerosing adenosis and adenosis tumors, are a group of benign proliferative disorders that may mimic the features of malignancy on imaging. In this study, we aim to describe the features of breast adenosis lesions with suspicious or borderline findings on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). METHODS: In our database, we identified 49 pathologically proven breast adenosis lesions for which the final assessment of the breast MRI report was classified as either category 4 (n=45) or category 5 (n=4), according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) published by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The lesions had a final diagnosis of either pure adenosis (n=33, 67.3%) or mixed adenosis associated with other benign pathologies (n=16, 32.7%). RESULTS: Of the 49 adenosis lesions detected on DCE-MRI, 32 (65.3%) appeared as enhancing masses, 16 (32.7%) as nonmass enhancements, and one (2.1%) as a tiny enhancing focus. Analysis of the enhancing masses based on the ACR BI-RADS lexicon revealed that among the mass descriptors, the most common features were irregular shape in 12 (37.5%), noncircumscribed margin in 20 (62.5%), heterogeneous internal pattern in 16 (50.0%), rapid initial enhancement in 32 (100.0%), and wash-out delayed en-hancement pattern in 21 (65.6%). Of the 16 nonmass enhancing lesions, the most common descriptors included focal distribution in seven (43.8%), segmental distribution in six (37.5%), clumped internal pattern in nine (56.3%), rapid initial enhancement in 16 (100.0%), and wash-out delayed enhancement pattern in eight (50.0%). CONCLUSION: Adenosis lesions of the breast may appear suspicious on breast MRI. Awareness of these suspi-cious-appearing features would be helpful in obviating unnecessary breast biopsies.

Evaluation of plaque detection and optimum time of enhancement in acute attack multiple sclerosis after contrast injection.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important in the early diagnosis of novel or relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, the optimal MRI protocol plays an important role in detecting MS plaques. PURPOSE: To find the best time to detect MS plaques on MRI after Gadobutrol injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two relapsing-remitting type MS patients, (56 women, 6 men) with the mean age of 31 ± 7 years were enrolled into this study. The patients underwent T1-weighted MRI scan without contrast agents. Subsequently, Gadobutrol was injected (0.1 mmol/kg) and MRI scanning was repeated after 30 s, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min of Gadobutrol injection. The size, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern were determined for each plaque by contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. RESULTS: Enhancing plaques were seen in 42 out of 62 patients. The mean number of enhancing plaques was 4 ± 8 plaques after 30 s of contrast injection. This figure increased to 7 ± 13 plaques after 15 min and 6 ± 10 plaques after 30 min. The signal intensity and size of plaques increased progressively, and the maximum signal intensity and plaque size were seen after 30 min (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The maximum number of enhancing plaques in MS patients was detected 15 min after contrast agent administration and the size and signal intensity of the lesions also increased remarkably at this time.

Association of Different MRI BIRADS Descriptors With Malignancy in Non Mass-Like Breast Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Several studies on the diagnostic efficacy of MRI has not real consensus for the accuracy of MRI characteristics in non mass like breast lesions, and the number of malignant lesions in different studies is insufficient. OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to analyze the diagnostic role of MRI BIRADS features for diagnosis of malignancy in non mass like breast lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with positive findings (BIRADS 3, 4, 5), which had either biopsy proved pathology or follow-up MRI data at least for 12 months were included in the study. Finally, 213 breasts MRI that showed non mass like enhancing lesions among our patients were assessed in study. One experienced breast radiologist who was unaware of any clinical information or the histopathologic diagnosis evaluated all images retrospectively. The morphologic parameters evaluated consisted of distribution modifiers and pattern of internal enhancement. The kinetic enhancement parameters were assessed as showing washout, plateau, or persistent patterns. In the enhancement kinetic analysis, thew most worrisome curve type in each lesion was considered for interpretation, if it was more than 2% enhancement. We have evaluated the visual findings by comparison of the signal intensity on the first and third dynamic series. Data for the study were extracted from the breast MRI database and analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical software. RESULTS: Totally 188 patients had 213 non mass like lesions. Mean age of the patients was 44.9 ± 8.3 years (24-63). Totally 46 of lesions were malignant (21.6%). The most common BIRADS score was 4 (116; 54.5%). The most prevalent feature of distribution, internal enhancement and curve type were focal (59.2%), clumped (27.2%) and washout (34.3%). Distribution of different subgroups of MR BIRADS features was different among benign and malignant lesions (All Pvalues < 0.05). Regarding association with malignancy, odds ratio of lesions with segmental or ductal linear distribution was 3.4 (95% CI = 1.7-6.8), Clumped, Reticular and Dendritic internal enhancement was 2.5 (95% CI = 1.3-5) and wash out curve type was 5.4 (95% CI = 2.7-10.9). Sensitivity of higher MR BIRADS (4,5) for diagnosis of malignancy was 100%. Specificity of segmental or ductal linear distribution in diagnosis of malignancy was 81%. Specificity of BIRADS 5 for diagnosis of malignancy was 98%. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis for diagnosis of malignancy in which distribution, internal enhancement and curve type were considered as independent variables, distribution and curve type remained significant in the model while the internal enhancement showed a borderline P-value. CONCLUSIONS: Although in our study washout pattern was the most powerful indicator for malignant pathology in non mass like enhancing lesions, more studies with larger sample size needs in this regard.