Manual and semi-automated computed tomography volumetry significantly overestimates the right liver lobe graft weight: a single-center study with adult living liver donors.

PURPOSE: Preoperative evaluation of donor liver volume is indispensable in living donor liver transplantation to ensure sufficient residual liver and graft-to-recipient weight ratio. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of two computed tomography (CT) volumetry programs, an interactive manual and a semi-automated one, in the preoperative estimation of the right lobe graft weight. METHODS: One hundred and nine right liver lobe living donors between January 2008 and January 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Two radiologists measured the liver graft volumes independently using manual and semi-automated CT volumetry, and the interaction time was recorded. Actual graft weight (AGW) measured intraoperatively served as the reference standard. The paired samples t-test was used to compare the estimated graft weight (EGW) and the AGW. Inter-user and inter-method agreements were assessed with Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Both manual and semi-automated CT volumetry significantly overestimated the graft weight (EGW manual: 893 ± 155 mL vs. AGW manual: 787 ± 128 g, P < 0.001, EGW semi-automated: 879 ± 143 mL vs. AGW semi-automated, P < 0.001). The junior radiologist measured higher volumes than the senior radiologist with either method (P < 0.001). The Bland-Altman analysis revealed mean difference and standard deviation for inter-method agreement of 7 ± 48 cc for the senior radiologist, and 34 ± 54 cc for the junior radiologist. The mean difference and standard deviation for inter-method agreement was 63 ± 59 cc in manual volumetry and 22 ± 38 cc in semi-automated volumetry. The mean interaction time was 27.3 ± 14.2 min for manual volumetry and 6.8 ± 1.4 min for semi-automated volumetry (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both manual and semi-automated CT volumetry significantly overestimated the right liver graft weight, while semi-automated volumetry significantly reduced the interaction time.

Extreme cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in treatment of peritoneal metastasis.

Objectives: It was aimed to define the oncologic concept of "extremeness" in cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) to determine morbidity-mortality results and final oncologic outcomes. Material and Methods: Prospectively recorded data of 666 patients with peritoneal metastases who had undergone CRS/HIPEC between 2007 and 2020 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups as extreme (n= 371) and non-extreme (n= 295). Extreme CRS was defined as resection of ≥5 major organs or creation of ≥2 bowel anastomoses or peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI)≥ 15 or re-cytoreductive surgery. Results: More CC-1 or CC-2 cytoreduction (p <.001), increased mortality and morbidity (p <.001), prolonged operative time (p <.001), increased intraoperative erythrocyte suspension (p <.001), albumin (p <.001), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (p <.001), and post-operative erythrocyte suspension (p <.001) usage were found in the extreme CRS/HIPEC group. Operative time, CC-1 or CC-2 cytoreduction, presence of ostomy, development of infection, and use of intra-operative albumin and FFP were found to be independent prognostic factors in Cox regression analysis. Three and five-year survival rates were significantly lower in the extreme CRS/HIPEC group (p <.001). Conclusion: High-volume peritoneal metastatic disease can be completely resected with extreme cytoreduction in carefully selected patients responsive to chemotherapy. Since the significant morbi-mortality related to the treatment of peritoneal metastasis is a real concern, it should be considered in experienced complex cancer centers that provides relatively better oncological outcomes compared to conventional treatments.

Use of shear-wave elastography to distinguish complex and complicated fibroadenomas from simple fibroadenomas.

PURPOSE: Simple fibroadenomas (SFAs), complex fibroadenomas (CFAs), and cellular fibroadenomas (CeFAs) are variants of fibroadenomas. Additionally, some degenerative, hyperplastic, and metaplastic changes may occur in fibroadenomas, forming complicated fibroadenomas. Distinctive ultrasonography (US) features in variants of fibroadenomas and complicated fibroadenomas have not been reported. Shear-wave elastography (SWE) can be applied to effectively discriminate between these variants and complicated fibroadenomas. In this study, we aimed to evaluate SWE findings to discriminate between SFAs and other variants. METHODS: In total, 48 patients (26 with SFAs, 16 with CFAs, 3 with CeFAs, and 3 with complicated fibroadenomas) participated in this study. The lesions were classified into two groups according to histopathologic diagnoses. The SWE evaluation and lesion elasticity scores (Emax, Emean, and Emin) were both assessed in m/s and k/Pa, respectively. Two observers measured Emax, Emean, and Emin. Brightness (B)-mode US findings based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categorization and elasticity scores were recorded. In the statistical analyses, the chi-square test and non-parametric tests were performed. Fisher's exact test was used to compare independent groups, and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to correlate the SWE data between the two observers. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the elasticity values. RESULTS: The B-mode US features in both groups showed no statistical significance. The set of SWE values of both observers demonstrated strong statistical significance in discriminating between group 1 (SFAs) and Group 2 (CFAs, CeFAs, and complicated fibroadenomas). CONCLUSION: As the fibroadenoma variants and complicated fibroadenomas have similar US findings, SWE in addition to a conventional B-mode examination can increase the diagnostic performance to discriminate SFAs from other complex and complicated forms of fibroadenomas.

Machine learning analysis of adrenal lesions: preliminary study evaluating texture analysis in the differentiation of adrenal lesions

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of texture analysis in differentiating adrenal lesions on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) images. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, 166 adrenal lesions in 140 patients (64 women, 76 men; mean age 56.58 ± 13.65 years) were evaluated between January 2015 and December 2019. The lesions consisted of 54 lipid-rich adrenal adenomas, 37 lipid-poor adrenal adenomas (LPAs), 56 adrenal metastases (ADM), and 19 adrenal pheochromocytomas (APhs). Each adrenal lesion was segmented by manually contouring the borders of the lesion on unenhanced CT images. A texture analysis of the CT images was performed using Local Image Feature Extraction software. First-order and second-order texture parameters were assessed, and 45 features were extracted from each lesion. One-Way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction and the Mann-Whitney U test was performed to determine the relationships between the texture features and adrenal lesions. Receiver operating characteristic curves were performed for lesion discrimination based on the texture features. Logistic regression analysis was used to generate logistic models, including only the texture parameters with a high-class separation capacity (i.e., P < 0.050). SPSS software was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: First-order and second-order texture parameters were identified as significant factors capable of differentiating among the four lesion types (P < 0.050). The logistic models were evaluated to ascertain the relationships between LPA and ADM, LPA and APh, and ADM and APh. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the first model (LPA vs. ADM) were 85.7%, 70.3%, 81.3%, 76.4%, and 79.5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of the second model (LPA vs. APh) were all 100%. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of the third model (ADM vs. APh) were 87.5%, 82%, 36.8%, 98.2%, and 82.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Texture features may help in the characterization of adrenal lesions on unenhanced CT images.

Evaluation of abdominal computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19: a multicenter study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and interrogate the relationship between abdominal CT findings and patient demographic features, clinical findings, and laboratory test results as well as the CT atherosclerosis score in the abdominal aorta. METHODS: This study was designed as a multicenter retrospective study. The abdominal CT findings of 1.181 patients with positive abdominal symptoms from 26 tertiary medical centers with a positive polymerase chain-reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were reviewed. The frequency of ischemic and non-ischemic CT findings as well as the association between CT findings, clinical features, and abdominal aortic calcific atherosclerosis score (AA-CAS) were recorded. RESULTS: Ischemic and non-ischemic abdominal CT findings were detected in 240 (20.3%) and 328 (27.7%) patients, respectively. In 147 patients (12.4%), intra-abdominal malignancy was present. The most frequent ischemic abdominal CT findings were bowel wall thickening (n = 120; 10.2%) and perivascular infiltration (n = 40; 3.4%). As for non-ischemic findings, colitis (n = 91; 7.7%) and small bowel inflammation (n = 73; 6.2%) constituted the most frequent disease processes. The duration of hospital stay was found to be higher in patients with abdominal CT findings than in patients without any positive findings (13.8 ± 13 vs. 10.4 ± 12.8 days, P < 0.001). The frequency of abdominal CT findings was significantly higher in patients who did not survive the infection than in patients who were discharged after recovery (41.7% vs. 27.4%, P < 0.001). Increased AA-CAS was found to be associated with a higher risk of ischemic conditions in abdominal CT examinations. CONCLUSION: Abdominal symptoms in patients with COVID-19 are usually associated with positive CT findings. The presence of ischemic findings on CT correlates with poor COVID-19 outcomes. A high AA-CAS is associated with abdominal ischemic findings in patients with COVID-19.

Clinical features of generalized lipodystrophy in Turkey: A cohort analysis.

AIM: To describe the Turkish generalized lipodystrophy (GL) cohort with the frequency of each complication and the death rate during the period of the follow-up. METHODS: This study reports on 72 patients with GL (47 families) registered at different centres in Turkey that cover all regions of the country. The mean ± SD follow-up was 86 ± 78 months. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of diabetes and/or prediabetes was 16 years. Hyperglycaemia was not controlled in 37 of 45 patients (82.2%) with diabetes. Hypertriglyceridaemia developed in 65 patients (90.3%). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hypertriglyceridaemia was 14 years. Hypertriglyceridaemia was severe (≥ 500 mg/dl) in 38 patients (52.8%). Seven (9.7%) patients suffered from pancreatitis. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hepatic steatosis was 15 years. Liver disease progressed to cirrhosis in nine patients (12.5%). Liver disease was more severe in congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (CGL2). Proteinuric chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 32 patients (44.4%) and cardiac disease in 23 patients (31.9%). Kaplan-Meier estimates of the median time to diagnosis of CKD and cardiac disease were 25 and 45 years, respectively. Females appeared to have a more severe metabolic disease, with an earlier onset of metabolic abnormalities. Ten patients died during the follow-up period. Causes of death were end-stage renal disease, sepsis (because of recurrent intestinal perforations, coronavirus disease, diabetic foot infection and following coronary artery bypass graft surgery), myocardial infarction, heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy, stroke, liver complications and angiosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: Standard treatment approaches have only a limited impact and do not prevent the development of severe metabolic abnormalities and early onset of organ complications in GL.

Pelvis Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Diagnose Familial Partial Lipodystrophy.

CONTEXT: The diagnosis of familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) is currently made based on clinical judgment. OBJECTIVE: There is a need for objective diagnostic tools that can diagnose FPLD accurately. METHODS: We have developed a new method that uses measurements from pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the pubis level. We evaluated measurements from a lipodystrophy cohort (n = 59; median age [25th-75th percentiles]: 32 [24-44]; 48 females and 11 males) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 29). Another dataset included MRIs from 289 consecutive patients. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a potential cut-point of ≤13 mm gluteal fat thickness for the diagnosis of FPLD. A combination of gluteal fat thickness ≤13 mm and pubic/gluteal fat ratio ≥2.5 (based on a receiver operating characteristic curve) provided 96.67% (95% CI, 82.78-99.92) sensitivity and 91.38% (95% CI, 81.02-97.14) specificity in the overall cohort and 100.00% (95% CI, 87.23-100.00) sensitivity and 90.00% (95% CI, 76.34-97.21) specificity in females for the diagnosis of FPLD. When this approach was tested in a larger dataset of random patients, FPLD was differentiated from subjects without lipodystrophy with 96.67% (95% CI, 82.78-99.92) sensitivity and 100.00% (95% CI, 98.73-100.00) specificity. When only women were analyzed, the sensitivity and the specificity was 100.00% (95% CI, 87.23-100.00 and 97.95-100.00, respectively). The performance of gluteal fat thickness and pubic/gluteal fat thickness ratio was comparable to readouts performed by radiologists with expertise in lipodystrophy. CONCLUSION: The combined use of gluteal fat thickness and pubic/gluteal fat ratio from pelvic MRI is a promising method to diagnose FPLD that can reliably identify FPLD in women. Our findings need to be tested in larger populations and prospectively.

Machine Learning-Based Ultrasound Texture Analysis in Differentiation of Benign Phyllodes Tumors from Borderline-Malignant Phyllodes Tumors.

PURPOSE: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon fibroepithelial breast lesions that are classified as three different forms as benign phyllodes tumor (BPT), borderline phyllodes tumor (BoPT), and malignant phyllodes tumor (MPT). Conventional radiologic methods make only a limited contribution to exact diagnosis, and texture analysis data increase the diagnostic performance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the contribution of texture analysis of US images (TAUI) of PTs in order to discriminate between BPTs and BoPTs-MPTs. METHODS: The number of patients was 63 (41 BPTs, 12 BoPTs, and 10 MPTs). Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1-BPT, Group 2-BoPT/MPT). TAUI with LIFEx software was performed retrospectively. An independent machine learning approach, MATLAB R2020a (Math- Works, Natick, Massachusetts) was used with the dataset with p < 0.004. Two machine learning approaches were used to build prediction models for differentiating between Group 1 and Group 2. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of statistically significant texture data between phyllodes subgroups. RESULTS: In TAUI, 10 statistically significant second order texture values were identified as significant factors capable of differentiating among the two groups (p < 0.05). Both of the models of our dataset make a diagnostic contribution to the discrimination between BopTs-MPTs and BPTs. CONCLUSION: In PTs, US is the main diagnostic method. Adding machine learning-based TAUI to conventional US findings can provide optimal diagnosis, thereby helping to choose the correct surgical method. Consequently, decreased local recurrence rates can be achieved.

Sonoelastography findings of myofibroblastoma.

Myofibrolastoma of the breast (MFB) is a rare and benign stromal tumor. Although MFB is a benign entity, in radiologic evaluation, there is no specific diagnostic feature. Conventional breast imaging findings have been published before. Sonoelastography has been used as an imaging method that allows us to evaluate tissue stiffness in vivo and increases the specificity of B-mode ultrasonography in the discrimination of benign-malignant lesions. In this case report, it was shown that MFB is of high stiffness in shear wave elastography (SWE) evaluation. SWE findings of MFB, which is a benign lesion, have been described for the first time in the literature.

GNRI And Conut Scores: Simple Predictors of Sarcopenia in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between sarcopenia and inflammation- and nutrition-based markers in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Age, body mass index (BMI), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), cachexia index (CIn), skeletal muscle index (SMI), controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) were evaluated in 185 patients. Ideal cut-off values for the GNRI score were determined with the ROC curve analysis, and the patients were divided into two groups as low and high GNRI. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using CT scanning, the gold standard method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were done based on the above-listed parameters to assess the correlation between sarcopenia and changes in immuno-nutrition and inflammatory response. Kaplan-Meier analysis was also done to evaluate survival. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of the 185 patients based on the EGWSOP 2018 threshold values showed correlation between the presence of sarcopenia and male gender, diagnosed colon cancer, history of metastasectomy, BMI < 24, high mGPS score, PNI score ≥ 45, high CONUT score, and low GNRI score (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, low GNRI (HR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.03-5.544; p = 0.040), and high-CONUT scores (HR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.06-3.73; p = 0.029) were identified as independent prognostic factors for the presence of sarcopenia. CONCLUSION: GNRI and CONUT scores are elementary and practical predictors for sarcopenia, a condition which is associated with poor outcomes in mCRC patients.

Loss of thymidine phosphorylase activity disrupts adipocyte differentiation and induces insulin-resistant lipoatrophic diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Thymidine phosphorylase (TP), encoded by the TYMP gene, is a cytosolic enzyme essential for the nucleotide salvage pathway. TP catalyzes the phosphorylation of the deoxyribonucleosides, thymidine and 2'-deoxyuridine, to thymine and uracil. Biallelic TYMP variants are responsible for Mitochondrial NeuroGastroIntestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized in most patients by gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, ultimately leading to death. Studies on the impact of TYMP variants in cellular systems with relevance to the organs affected in MNGIE are still scarce and the role of TP in adipose tissue remains unexplored. METHODS: Deep phenotyping was performed in three patients from two families carrying homozygous TYMP variants and presenting with lipoatrophic diabetes. The impact of the loss of TP expression was evaluated using a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated TP knockout (KO) strategy in human adipose stem cells (ASC), which can be differentiated into adipocytes in vitro. Protein expression profiles and cellular characteristics were investigated in this KO model. RESULTS: All patients had TYMP loss-of-function variants and first presented with generalized loss of adipose tissue and insulin-resistant diabetes. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated TP KO in ASC abolished adipocyte differentiation and decreased insulin response, consistent with the patients' phenotype. This KO also induced major oxidative stress, altered mitochondrial functions, and promoted cellular senescence. This translational study identifies a new role of TP by demonstrating its key regulatory functions in adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The implication of TP variants in atypical forms of monogenic diabetes shows that genetic diagnosis of lipodystrophic syndromes should include TYMP analysis. The fact that TP is crucial for adipocyte differentiation and function through the control of mitochondrial homeostasis highlights the importance of mitochondria in adipose tissue biology.

Accuracy of specific free air distributions in predicting the localization of gastrointestinal perforations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of specific distributions of free air in predicting the location of gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifteen patients with surgically proven GI tract perforation between January 2015 and June 2019 were included in the study. The site of perforation was based on surgical findings in all cases. Two radiologists retrospectively interpreted the computed tomography (CT) images of these patients for extraluminal free air distribution. Perforation sites were demonstrated intraoperatively in all cases and were categorized as follows: stomach and duodenum, jejunum and ileum, proximal colon (cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon), distal colon (descending colon and sigmoid colon), rectum, and appendix. RESULTS: There were 79 male and 36 female patients with a mean age of 56.4 years. Periportal, perihepatic, and perigastric free air were statistically significant in predicting gastroduodenal perforation. Mesenteric free air was significant in predicting both small bowel and distal colon perforations. Pelvic free air was statistically significant in distal colon perforations. Periappendiceal free air was found to be a strong predictor of acute perforated appendicitis. CONCLUSION: Specific free air distributions may help to predict the site of gastrointestinal perforation, which would change the treatment plan.

The accuracy of three-dimensional ultrasonography in the diagnosis of Müllerian duct anomalies and its concordance with magnetic resonance imaging.

This retrospective study was performed to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for identification of Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs). A total of 27 women with suspected MDAs underwent gynaecological examination, 2D-US, 3D-US and MRI, respectively. The MDAs were classified with respect to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology-European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESHRE/ESGE) and American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) systems. Based on the ESHRE/ESGE classification, there was a discrepancy for only one patient between US and MRI. Thus, the concordance between US and MRI was 26/27 (96.3%). With respect to ASRM classification, there was a disagreement between MRI and 3D-US in three patients, thus the concordance between MRI and 3D-US was 24/27 (88.9%). To conclude, the 3D-US has a good level of agreement with MRI for recognition of MDAs.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are relatively common malformations of the female genital tract and they may adversely affect the reproductive potential. The establishment of accurate and timely diagnosis of these malformations is critical to overcome clinical consequences of MDAs.What the results of this study add? The concordance between US and MRI for diagnosis of MDAs based on ESHRE-ESGE classification and ASRM were 96.3% and 88.9%, respectively. These results indicate that 3D US has a satisfactory level of diagnostic accuracy for MDAs and it can be used in conjunction with MRI. Minimisation of diagnostic errors is important to improve reproductive outcome and to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Efforts must be spent to eliminate the discrepancies between the clinical and radiological diagnosis of MDAs. Further trials should be implemented for establishment and standardisation of radiological images for identification and classification of MDAs.

Giant gossypiboma presenting as a pelvic mass.

Gossypiboma is a foreign object, such as a mass of cotton matrix or a sponge, that is left behind in a body cavity during surgery. It is uncommon, mostly asymptomatic, and hard to diagnose. It may be incorrectly diagnosed preoperatively, which can lead to unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures and operations. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue masses detected in patients with a history of a prior operation. We present a case of 36-year-old female who referred to emergency room with severe abdominal pain and distension. Imaging revealed a giant intra-abdominal mass resembling a soft tissue tumor, but revealed to be a giant gossypiboma caused by a sponge that was forgotten during previous ectopic pregnancy surgery. This case differs from others with the absence of findings supporting gossypiboma such as calcification or trapped gas bubbles and emphasizes the importance of this potentially life-threatening complication of surgery.

[Evaluation of solid pulmonary nodules in patients with bladder cancer with computed tomography based texture analysis method: Is it possible to differentiate metastatic - non-metastatic nodules?] / Bilgisayarli tomografi tabanli doku analizi yöntemi ile mesane kanserli hastalarda solid pulmoner nodüllerin degerlendirilmesi: Metastatik - metastatik olmayan nodül ayrimini yapmak mümkün mü?

INTRODUCTION: Solid Pulmonary Nodule (SPN) is defined as parenchymal radiopacity smaller than 3 cm in diameter. Evaluating the metastatic nature of the SPNs detected in the thorax computed tomography (TCT) examination for staging purposes in cancer patients becomes a fundamental problem for the physician. Invasive procedures, additional imaging or follow-up imaging, are often used to differentiate metastatic and non-metastatic nodules. In this study, we aimed to distinguish SPNs detected in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer (BC) as metastatic and non-metastatic nodules by texture analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TCT images of patients diagnosed with BC in our hospital from January 2007 until December 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 46 patients with SPN, including metastatic (n= 19) and non-metastatic (n= 27), were included in the study. Short axis diameter, long-axis diameter, nodule volume and volume histogram values of the nodules were obtained. Chisquare test was used to evaluate dependent variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate independent variables. ROC curves of the obtained data were plotted. Statistically, the significant p-value was determined as less than 0.05. RESULT: A significant difference was found between SPN long axis, short axis and volume values. In the volumetric histogram analysis, the maximum density value and the mean density value were found to be statistically significant. When the average of the highest densities in the volume histogram data was evaluated, the area under the curve value was 0.702 (95% CI, 519-854). The metastatic nodule could be distinguished with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 70% when the volume histogram has the maximum density threshold of 50 HU. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we concluded that SPN detected on CT images can be distinguished as metastatic and non-metastatic nodules using texture analysis method without invasive procedures.

Retroperitoneal extensive free air bubbles due to decompression illness.

Decompression illness (DCI) is a rare condition caused by air bubbles that arise because of a rapid decrease in ambient pressure. These air bubbles exert both physical and chemical effects associated with a range of findings from asymptomatic clinical presentation to death. In the literature, changes in consciousness, severe musculoskeletal and abdominal pain, respiratory distress, and skin changes have been described. The diagnosis of DCI is difficult, but anamnesis and physical examination are helpful. Radiologic evaluation is useful for determining possible complications in patients with severe disease and excluding other acute pathologies. In computed tomography (CT) images of patients diagnosed with DCI, air bubbles in the portal venous system, iliac and mesenteric veins, the vena cava inferior (VCI), and the cerebral and spinal arteries have been described before. Herein, we present the clinical and CT findings of two cases of DCI with extensive intra-abdominal free bubbles evident on abdominal CT.

Possible radiologic renal signs of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a huge outbreak worldwide. Patients infected with COVID-19 most commonly present with respiratory tract symptoms and pneumonia. Gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur in these patients. Renal involvement presenting as acute renal infarct and/or acute kidney injury has been described in literature; however, these typically occur in patients with severe COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reported cases describing abnormal renal imaging findings in a patient with only mild form of COVID-19. We, therefore, report a case of a patient with mild COVID-19 presenting with acute abdominal pain and acute renal infarct.

Increased prevalence of pelvic venous congestion sign on sacroiliac MRI in women with clinically suspected sacroiliitis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of pelvic venous congestion (PVC) sign on sacroiliac and hip MRI in women of reproductive age as a possible cause of pain mimicking sacroiliitis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 727 MRI examinations (401 sacroiliac joint MRI and 326 hip joint MRI) that were performed between January 2010 and December 2017. Images were evaluated for the presence of sacroiliitis, presence of PVC sign and presence of other incidental findings of musculoskeletal and genitourinary disorders. After removing patients with other musculoskeletal and genitourinary disorders that may cause pain (n=188), remaining 539 (322 sacroiliac and 217 hip), MRI examinations were re-analyzed for the presence of PVC sign. RESULTS: Four hundred one patients with sacroiliac MRI examination had 120 (29.9%) PVC sign and 326 patients with hip MRI examinations had 54 (16.6%) PVC sign (p<0.001). After removing patients with other musculoskeletal and genitourinary disorders that may cause pain, 322 patients with sacroiliac MRI had 102 (31.7%) PVC sign and 217 patients with hip MRI examinations had 38 (17.5%) PVC sign (p<0.001). No significant difference was found between patients with acute sacroiliitis and patients without acute sacroiliitis concerning PVC prevalence (p>0.05). There were also no significant differences between other comparable incidental findings. CONCLUSION: Significantly increased PVC prevalence in sacroiliac MRI exams may be attributable to PCS simulating clinical sacroiliitis.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess hepatic steatosis in patients with lipodystrophy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lipodystrophy is a rare metabolic disorder characterized by near total or partial lack of subcutaneous adipose tissue and associated with insulin resistance. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRS) to explore the fat content of the liver in patients with lipodystrophy and to determine the relationship between the liver fat accumulation and clinical presentations of lipodystrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2014 and February 2016, 34 patients with lipodystrophy were assessed by MRS for quantification of hepatic steatosis. All patients had metabolic abnormalities associated with insulin resistance. Metabolic parameters and the MRS findings were analyzed to identify potential correlations between the liver fat content and disease severity. RESULTS: The MRS fat ratios (MRS-FR) were markedly higher, indicating severe hepatic steatosis in lipodystrophy. Patients with generalized and partial lipodystrophy had comparable levels of MRS-FRs, although patients with generalized lipodystrophy were significantly younger. Patients with genetically based lipodystrophy had elevated MRS-FR compared to those with acquired lipodystrophy (p=0.042). The MRS-FR was positively correlated with liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (p=0.028) and serum adiponectin (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that MRS might be an effective, noninvasive imaging method to quantify hepatic fat content in patients with lipodystrophy. Further studies are needed to validate the technique and threshold values which would allow accurate comparison of data acquired by different machines and centers.