Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: the radiologist's role.

In recent decades, the dreaded adverse effect of bisphosphonates, osteonecrosis of the jaw, has been widely reported and described in detail. Osteonecrosis of the jaw consists of the destruction of part of the maxilla as a consequence of these antiresorptive drugs. In recent years, new drugs that can also cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (e.g., some monoclonal antibodies or antiangiogenic drugs) have come on the market. For this reason, the term "bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw" has been replaced with "medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This review aims to describe the radiologic characteristics of MRONJ that, although nonspecific, radiologists need to recognize in the appropriate clinical context.

Stereotactic Body Reirradiation in Gynaecological Cancer: Outcomes and Toxicities from a Single Institution Experience.

AIMS: To report toxicity profile, outcomes and quality of life (QoL) data in patients with recurrent gynaecological cancer who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients' folders were retrospectively extracted, focusing on the primary neoplasm, previous systemic therapies and previous radiotherapy. Concerning SBRT, the total dose (five daily fractions) was delivered with a linear accelerator using intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques. Acute and late toxicities were assessed by the CTCAE 4.03 scale. QoL was evaluated according to the Cancer Linear Analogue Scale [CLAS1 (fatigue), CLAS2 (energy level), CLAS3 (daily activities)]. RESULTS: Between December 2005 and August 2021, 23 patients (median age 71 years, range 48-80) with 27 lesions were treated. Most patients had endometrial (34.8%), ovarian (26.1%) and cervical cancer (26.1%) as the primary tumour. The most common SBRT schedules in five fractions were 30 Gy (33.3%), 35 Gy (29.6%) and 40 Gy (29.6%). The median follow-up was 32 months (range 3-128). There were no patients reporting acute or late toxicities higher than grade 2, except for a bone fracture. One- and 2-year local control was 77.9% and 70.8%, respectively. One- and 2-year overall survival was 82.6% and 75.1%, respectively. The overall response rate was 96.0%. Regarding QoL, no statistically significant difference was identified between the baseline and follow-up values: the median CLAS1, CLAS2 and CLAS3 scores for each category were 6 (range 4-10) at baseline and 6 (range 3-10) 1 month after SBRT. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience suggests that SBRT retreatment for recurrent gynaecological cancer is a highly feasible and safe treatment with limited side-effects and no short-term QoL impairment.

Evaluation of Maternal Fetal Outcomes of Pregnant Women and Mothers with Suspected Infection by SARS-CoV-2 Treated at the Municipal Hospital of São Bernardo do Campo (HMU-SBC), Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of Covid-19 infection on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes is not fully known. To describe the risk factors and perinatal outcome of pregnant women with suspected COVID-19 infection. METHODS: We evaluated medical records of women with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who received health care services at the University Hospital of São Bernardo do Campo from March 1 to July 31, 2020, and personal, clinical, and laboratory data of these women and their newborns. RESULTS: Of the 219 women identified, 29% were asymptomatic. Considering the total population, 26% and 17% had obesity and hypertensive syndrome, respectively. Fever measured in the emergency room was the main reason for hospitalization. The presence or not of flu-like symptoms did not impact on perinatal outcomes. Pregnant women requiring hospitalization had newborns with lower birth weight (p < 0.01), shorter length (p = 0.02), and smaller head circumference (p = 0.03), and, in these cases, a higher number of cesarean section deliveries was observed. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection did not affect the prognosis of pregnancy and newborns. However, the worst clinical outcome, requiring hospitalization, had an impact on the anthropometric measurements of newborns.

What is already known on this subject?The SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully undestood, specially during pregnancy and puerperae. There are conflicted information about this in the literature so far. However, it is known that respiratory infections such as influenza and SARS can develop unfavorably in pregnant women, since pregnancy changes the women's physiological condition, including altered immunity to tolerate placenta and fetus proper development.What this study adds?COVID-19 did not affect the prognosis of pregnancy and newborns in this study, but, the worst clinical outcome (hospitalization), impacted the anthropometric measurements of newborns.

Correlation between the main clinical, imaging, and arthroscopy findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

The purpose of this work was to prospectively correlate the most characteristic clinical symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, such as pain and limitation of mouth opening, with the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (disc position, degenerative changes, and effusion) and arthroscopy findings (roofing, synovitis, chondromalacia, adhesions, and perforations). These examinations were performed in 298 patients diagnosed with internal derangement refractory to conservative treatment. The mean age of the patients was 38.59 years; 92.6% were female. The t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to correlate the findings. Significant relationships were found between pain and disc displacement without reduction (P = 0.033) and effusion (P = 0.003) on MRI, coinciding with correlations between pain and roofing of 0-25% (P = 0.016) and synovitis (P = 0.001) on arthroscopy. A significant relationship was also observed between mouth opening limitation and the presence of osteoarthrosis (P = 0.018) on MRI, and between mouth opening limitation and synovitis (P = 0.022), chondromalacia (P = 0.002), and adhesions (P < 0.001) on arthroscopy. All of these findings were observed in patients with a poor initial clinical situation, which highlights the considerable potential of correlating these data with imaging and arthroscopy findings.

Volumetric Intensity-Modulated Arc Stereotactic Radiosurgery Boost in Oligometastatic Patients with Spine Metastases: a Dose-escalation Study.

AIMS: To report the final results of a dose-escalation study of volumetric intensity-modulated arc stereotactic radiosurgery (VMAT-SRS) boost after three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy in patients with spine metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oligometastatic cancer patients bearing up to five synchronous metastases (visceral or bone, including vertebral ones) and candidates for surgery or radiosurgery were considered for inclusion. 25 Gy was delivered in 10 daily fractions (2 weeks) to the metastatic lesion, affected vertebrae and adjacent ones (one cranial and one caudal vertebra). Sequentially, the dose to spinal metastases was progressively increased (8 Gy, 10 Gy, 12 Gy) in the patient cohorts. Dose-limiting toxicities were defined as any treatment-related non-hematologic acute adverse effects rated as grade ≥3 or any acute haematological toxicity rated as ≥ 4 by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scale. RESULTS: Fifty-two lesions accounting for 40 consecutive patients (male/female: 29/11; median age: 71 years; range 40-85) were treated from April 2011 to September 2020. Most patients had a primary prostate (65.0%) or breast cancer (22.5%). Thirty-two patients received 8 Gy VMAT-SRS boost (total BED α/ß10: 45.6 Gy), 14 patients received 10 Gy (total BED α/ß10: 51.2 Gy) and six patients received 12 Gy (total BED α/ß10: 57.6 Gy). The median follow-up time was over 70 months (range 2-240 months). No acute toxicities > grade 2 and no late toxicities > grade 1 were recorded. The overall response rate based on computed tomography/positron emission tomography-computed tomography/magnetic resonance was 78.8%. The 24-month actuarial local control, distant metastases-free survival and overall survival rates were 88.5%, 27.1% and 90.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A 12 Gy spine metastasis SRS boost following 25 Gy to the affected and adjacent vertebrae was feasible with an excellent local control rate and toxicity profile.

Brain CT requests from emergency department: Reality.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the most common reasons for requesting brain CT studies from the emergency department and to calculate the prevalence of urgent acute pathology on this population group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed brain CT studies requested from the emergency department during October and November 2018. We recorded the following variables: age, sex, reason for requesting the study, CT findings, use of contrast agents and reasons for using them, and, in patients who had undergone previous head CT studies, whether the findings had changed. SPSS was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 507 urgent brain CT studies were done (41.4% in men, 58.6% in women; mean age, 65.4±20 years). The most common reason for requesting the study was head trauma (40.5%); only 15.6% of these studies showed acute posttraumatic intracranial lesions. The second most common reason was focal neurologic symptoms (16%); only 16% of these studies showed recent ischemic infarcts or acute bleeding. No pathological findings were reported in 43.2% of the studies. The most common abnormal finding was ischemic lesions in small vessels (20%). Space-occupying lesions (both benign and malignant) were found in 3.9% of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most brain CT studies requested from the emergency department showed no findings that would modify the management of the patient. Overuse of urgent brain CT increases the radiology department's workload and exposes patients to radiation unnecessarily.

Radical Nephroureterectomy Tetrafecta: A Proposal Reporting Surgical Strategy Quality at Surgery.

Background: Standardized methods for reporting surgical quality have been described for all the major urological procedures apart from radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Objective: To propose a tetrafecta criterion for assessing the quality of RNU based on a consensus panel within the Young Association of Urology (YAU) Urothelial Group, and to test the impact of this tetrafecta in a multicenter, large contemporary cohort of patients treated with RNU for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Design setting and participants: This was a retrospective analysis of 1765 patients with UTUC treated between 2000 and 2021. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: We interviewed the YAU Urothelial Group to propose and score a list of items to be included in the "RNU-fecta." A ranking was generated for the criteria with the highest sum score. These criteria were applied to a large multicenter cohort of patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were built to evaluate differences in overall survival (OS) rates between groups, and a multivariable logistic regression model was used to find the predictors of achieving the RNU tetrafecta. Results and limitations: The criteria with the highest score included three surgical items such as negative soft tissue surgical margins, bladder cuff excision, lymph node dissection according to guideline recommendations, and one oncological item defined by the absence of any recurrence in ≤12 mo. These items formed the RNU tetrafecta. Within a median follow-up of 30 mo, 52.6% of patients achieved the RNU tetrafecta. The 5-yr OS rates were significantly higher for patients achieving tetrafecta than for their counterparts (76% vs 51%). Younger age, lower body mass index, and robotic approach were found to be independent predictors of tetrafecta achievement. Conversely, a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, higher clinical stage, and bladder cancer history were inversely associated with tetrafecta. Conclusions: Herein, we present a "tetrafecta" composite endpoint that may serve as a potential tool to assess the overall quality of the RNU procedure. Pending external validation, this tool could allow a comparison between surgical series and may be useful for assessing the learning curve of the procedure as well as for evaluating the impact of new technologies in the field. Patient summary: In this study, a tetrafecta criterion was developed for assessing the surgical quality of radical nephroureterectomy in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Patients who achieved tetrafecta had higher 5-yr overall survival rates than those who did not.

Ultralow-dose CT of the petrous bone using iterative reconstruction technique, tin filter and high resolution detectors allows an adequate assessment of the petrous bone structures.

OBJECTIVES: To assess image quality and radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) studies of the petrous bone done with a scanner using a tin filter, high-resolution detectors, and iterative reconstruction, and to compare versus in studies done with another scanner without a tin filter using filtered back projection reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty two patients (group 1) were acquired with an ultra-low dose CT (32-MDCT, 130kV, tin filter and iterative reconstruction). Images and radiation doses were compared to 36 patients (group 2) acquired in a 16-MDCT (120kV and filtered back-projection). Muscle density, bone density, and background noise were measured. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated. To assess image quality, two independent radiologists subjectively evaluated the visualization of the different structures of the middle and inner ear (0=not visualized, 3=perfectly identified and delimited). Interobserver agreement was calculated. Effective dose at different anatomical levels with the dose-length product was recorded. RESULTS: In the quantitative analysis, there were no significant differences in image noise between the two groups. In the qualitative analysis, a similar or slightly lower subjective score was obtained in the delimitation of different structures of the ossicular chain and cochlea in the 32-MDCT, compared to 16-MDCT, with statistically significant differences. Mean effective dose (±standard deviation) was 0.16±0.04mSv for the 32-MDCT and 1.25±0.30mSv for the 16-MDCT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of scanners with tin filters, high-resolution detectors, and iterative reconstruction allows to obtain images with adequate quality for the evaluation of the petrous bone structures with ultralow doses of radiation (0.16±0.04mSv).

Stereotactic radiosurgery for bone metastases in oligometastatic prostate cancer patients: DESTROY-2 clinical trial subanalysis.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this analysis was to report toxicity and clinical outcomes in oligorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for bone metastases. METHODS: We separately analyzed clinical data of PCa patients with bone oligometastases enrolled in a prospective phase I trial (DESTROY-2). DESTROY-2 was based on SRS delivered using volumetric modulated arc therapy in patients with primary or metastatic tumors in several extra-cranial body sites. Acute and late toxicity, biochemical tumor response, local control (LC), distant metastases-free (DPFS), progression-free (PFS), time to next-line systemic treatment-free (NEST-FS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated. RESULTS: Data on 37 PCa patients, carrying out 50 bone metastases, candidates for curative-intent treatment and treated with SRS at our Institution were collected. SRS dose ranged between 12 and 24 Gy. One grade 1 acute skin toxicity in one patient treated on the hip (24 Gy) and one grade 1 late skin toxicity in a patient with a scapular lesion (24 Gy) were recorded. No cases of bone fracture were registered in the treated population. With a median follow-up of 25 months (range 3-72 months) 2-year actuarial LC, DPFS, PFS, and OS were 96.7%, 58.1%, 58.1%, and 95.8%, respectively. Median and 2-year NEST-FS were 30 months (range 1-69 months) and 51.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Data analysis showed few toxicity events, high local control rate and prolonged NEST-FS after linear accelerator-based radiosurgery of bone oligometastases from PCa. The possibility of postponing systemic treatments in patients with oligometastatic PCa by means of SRS should be taken into account. Further prospective studies on larger series are needed to confirm the reported results.

[Valuation of automatized ASPECTS as an artificial intelligence tool in daily clinical]. / Valoración del ASPECTS automatizado como herramienta de inteligencia artificial en la práctica clínica diaria.

AIMS: To evaluate an automated ASPECTS (ASPECTS-a) software against two radiologists' reading of CT scans requested from the Emergency Department. Describe the most frequent failures of the ASPECTS-a. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the cranial CT Scans requested by the Emergency Department in one month were collected. The following data were recorded: age, sex, the reason for requesting the study, and imaging findings. A program was used that provides an ASPECTS score automatically. Subsequently, 2 radiologists independently reviewed all of the studies and provided the visual ASPECTS (ASPECTS-v). In case of discrepancy, a new reading was made by consensus. RESULTS: A total of 295 brain CT scans (45.1% male) with a mean age of 65 ± 20.0 years were included. 91.8% were interpreted as ASPECTS-v 10 in both cerebral hemispheres by both readers. ASPECTS-a scored 45% with ASPECTS 10 in both cerebral hemispheres. In 152 (51.5%) the ASPECTS-a and the ASPECTS-v did not coincide. The causes of the discrepancy were mainly due to segmentation errors (usually due to asymmetric atrophies). Most of the segmentation errors were located in the head of the caudate nucleus, observed in 60 studies. CONCLUSIONS: ASPECTS-a is a powerful and helpful tool, but human supervision is always necessary, particularly in groups of patients with pre-existing brain changes.

TITLE: Valoración del ASPECTS automatizado como herramienta de inteligencia artificial en la práctica clínica diaria.Objetivos. Evaluar un software del Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) automatizado (ASPECTS-a) frente a la lectura de dos radiólogos en las tomografías computarizadas (TC) solicitadas desde el servicio de urgencias. Describir los fallos más frecuentes del ASPECTS-a. Material y métodos. Se recogieron las TC cerebrales solicitadas por el servicio de urgencias en el período de un mes. Se registraron los siguientes datos: edad, sexo, motivo de solicitud del estudio y hallazgos en la prueba de imagen. Se utilizó un programa que proporciona una puntuación del ASPECTS automáticamente. Posteriormente, dos radiólogos examinaron de forma independiente todos los estudios y realizaron un ASPECTS visual (ASPECTS-v). En caso de discrepancia, se hizo una nueva lectura en consenso. Se compararon los resultados del ASPECTS-a con el ASPECTS-v. Resultados. Se realizaron un total de 295 TC cerebrales urgentes con una edad media de 65 ± 20 años. El 91,8% lo interpretaron los dos lectores como ASPECTS 10 en ambos hemisferios cerebrales. El ASPECTS-a puntuó el 45% con ASPECTS 10 en ambos hemisferios cerebrales. En 152 (51,5%), el ASPECTS-a y el ASPECTS-v no coincidieron. Las causas de la discrepancia fueron fundamentalmente por errores en la segmentación (generalmente por atrofias asimétricas). La mayor parte de los errores en la segmentación se localizaban en la cabeza del núcleo caudado, lo que se observó en 60 estudios. Conclusiones. El ASPECTS-a es una herramienta potente y de gran ayuda, pero siempre es necesaria una supervisión humana, particularmente en grupos de pacientes con cambios cerebrales preexistentes.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy to lymph nodes in oligoprogressive castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: a post hoc analysis from two phase I clinical trials.

The prognosis of prostate cancer (PC) is generally favorable but the incidence of metastases is relatively high after the treatment of the primary tumor, especially in high-risk patients. Fractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or single fraction stereotactic body radiosurgery (SRS) are emerging treatment options in this setting. However, data on SBRT/SRS in patients with metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC) are largely lacking, particularly in subjects with nodal lesions. Therefore, we evaluated outcomes and toxicity recorded in mCRPC patients with nodal oligoprogression. Patients included in this analysis had ≤ 5 metastatic sites without visceral lesions and underwent SBRT/SRS on nodal metastases. Thirty-eight patients carrying out 61 nodal metastases were analyzed. The median SRS dose was 20 Gy (range 12-24 Gy) and the most common schedule was 20 Gy (44.8%). The median SBRT dose was 45 Gy (range 20-50 Gy) and the most common regimen was 45 Gy in 5 fractions (37.9%). Thirty-seven patients (97.4%) showed only grade 0-1 acute toxicity while one patient reported grade 2 dysphagia. In terms of late toxicity, one grade 2 laryngeal, one grade 1 skin and one grade 1 gastrointestinal toxicities were recorded. Two-year actuarial local control (LC), distant progression-free survival, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 94.0, 47.2, 47.2, and 90.2%, respectively. Two-year next line systemic therapy-free survival (NEST-FS) was 67.7%. In conclusion, the efficacy in terms of LC of SBRT/SRS in patients with nodal metastases from PC was confirmed. Moreover, this analysis suggests the efficacy in terms of PFS and NEST-FS also in the setting of oligoprogressive PC. In fact, about one-third of patients were free from progressive disease and two-third of subjects did not require hormonal therapy switch or discontinuation three years after treatment.

Is thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate equally safe and effective in elderly patients? A propensity score matched analysis of early perioperative and functional outcomes. / Vapoenucleación prostática con láser Tulio. ¿Es igual de segura y efectiva en pacientes ancianos? Análisis por puntuación de propensión de los resultados funcionales y perioperatorios tempranos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) is equally safe and effective in a selected cohort of elderly patients when compared to "younger" patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent ThuVEP between September 2018 and February 2020. After application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, patients were stratified according to the 75 years-old cut-off point suggested by the WHO. Group A included patients < 75 years-old; Group B included patients > 75 years-old. Preoperative assessment included urological consultation, prostate specific antigen (PSA), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life index, transrectal ultrasound to estimate prostate volume (PVol), and uroflowmetry to assess preoperative Qmax, Qave and post-void residual volume (PVR). Perioperative and postoperative data were analyzed during 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: After propensity-score analysis, 51 versus 51 patients were 1:1 matched according to PVol, PSA, Qmax, IPSS and QoL. Patients were comparable at baseline excluding age (65 (IQR 59-70) versus 79 (IQR 77-82) years, Group A versus B, respectively, p-value < 0.001). No differences were found in terms of hemoglobin drop, complications rate, catheterization time and length of hospital stay. Group A (younger) patients had more significant improvement in 30-days absolute Qmax, Qave and ΔQmax. At 90-days follow-up, the differences between the groups disappeared. Within the 90-days follow-up, no significant differences were found in the readmission rate, with no need of reinterventions. CONCLUSIONS: In our hands, even in elderly patients affected by BPH, ThuVEP appears to be a safe and effective treatment option.

A novel nomogram predicting lymph node invasion among patients with prostate cancer: The importance of extracapsular extension at multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: To develop a novel risk tool that allows the prediction of lymph node invasion (LNI) among patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). METHODS: We retrospectively identified 742 patients treated with RARP + ePLND at a single center between 2012 and 2018. All patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and were diagnosed with targeted biopsies. First, the nomogram published by Briganti et al. was validated in our cohort. Second, three novel multivariable logistic regression models predicting LNI were developed: (1) a complete model fitted with PSA, ISUP grade groups, percentage of positive cores (PCP), extracapsular extension (ECE), and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score; (2) a simplified model where ECE score was not included (model 1); and (3) a simplified model where PI-RADS score was not included (model 2). The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed with the receiver operating characteristic-derived area under the curve (AUC). Calibration plots and decision curve analyses were used. RESULTS: Overall, 149 patients (20%) had LNI. In multivariable logistic regression models, PSA (OR: 1.03; P= 0.001), ISUP grade groups (OR: 1.33; P= 0.001), PCP (OR: 1.01; P= 0.01), and ECE score (ECE 4 vs. 3 OR: 2.99; ECE 5 vs. 3 OR: 6.97; P< 0.001) were associated with higher rates of LNI. The AUC of the Briganti et al. model was 74%. Conversely, the AUC of model 1 vs. model 2 vs. complete model was, respectively, 78% vs. 81% vs. 81%. Simplified model 1 (ECE score only) was then chosen as the best performing model. A nomogram to calculate the individual probability of LNI, based on model 1 was created. Setting our cut-off at 5% we missed only 2.6% of LNI patients. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel nomogram that combines PSA, ISUP grade groups, PCP, and mpMRI-derived ECE score to predict the probability of LNI at final pathology in RARP candidates. The application of a nomogram derived cut-off of 5% allows to avoid a consistent number of ePLND procedures, missing only 2.6% of LNI patients. External validation of our model is needed.

Exposure to paraquat associated with periodontal disease causes motor damage and neurochemical changes in rats.

Exposure to paraquat is possibly involved with the development of several conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). This condition is mainly characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway and the development of classical motor symptoms. Etiology includes exposure to environmental factors, such as the paraquat exposure, and inflammatory diseases may exacerbate paraquat neurotoxicity. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the exposure to paraquat associated with the presence of periodontal disease is able to induce motor and biochemical changes in rats similar to that observed in PD. Adult male Wistar rats were sent to ligature. After 48 h, they were sent to daily treatment paraquat (1 mg/kg/day; 2 mL/kg; intragastric) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the open field test was performed. The rats were euthanized and the left hemimandibles and striatum were dissected for the analysis of dopaminergic and inflammatory markers. Only the combination of periodontal disease model plus paraquat exposure induced motor impairments. Remarkably, the paraquat exposure increased the ligature-induced alveolar bone loss in hemimandibles. Moreover, only the combination of periodontal disease and paraquat exposure induced the loss of dopaminergic neurons and astrocyte activation in the striatum.

Brain CT requests from emergency department: reality. / Tomografía computarizada cerebral solicitada desde Urgencias: la realidad.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the most common reasons for requesting brain CT studies from the emergency department and to calculate the prevalence of urgent acute pathology on this population group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed brain CT studies requested from the emergency department during October and November 2018. We recorded the following variables: age, sex, reason for requesting the study, CT findings, use of contrast agents and reasons for using them, and, in patients who had undergone previous head CT studies, whether the findings had changed. SPSS was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 507 urgent brain CT studies were done (41.4% in men, 58.6% in women; mean age, 65.4±20 years). The most common reason for requesting the study was head trauma (40.5%); only 15.6% of these studies showed acute posttraumatic intracranial lesions. The second most common reason was focal neurologic symptoms (16%); only 16% of these studies showed recent ischemic infarcts or acute bleeding. No pathological findings were reported in 43.2% of the studies. The most common abnormal finding was small vessel disease (20%). Space-occupying lesions (both benign and malignant) were found in 3.9% of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most brain CT studies requested from the emergency department showed no findings that would modify the management of the patient. Overuse of urgent brain CT increases the radiology department's workload and exposes patients to radiation unnecessarily.

Ultralow-dose CT of the petrous bone using iterative reconstruction technique, tin filter and high resolution detectors allows an adequate assessment of the petrous bone structures. / La tomografía computarizada de peñascos con dosis ultrabaja, utilizando filtro de estaño, detectores de alta resolución y reconstrucción iterativa, permite una adecuada valoración de las estructuras del peñasco.

OBJECTIVES: To assess image quality and radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) studies of the petrous bone done with a scanner using a tin filter, high-resolution detectors, and iterative reconstruction, and to compare versus in studies done with another scanner without a tin filter using filtered back projection reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty two patients (group 1) were acquired with an ultra-low dose CT (32-MDCT, 130 kV, tin filter and iterative reconstruction). Images and radiation doses were compared to 36 patients (group 2) acquired in a 16-MDCT (120 kV and filtered back-projection). Muscle density, bone density, and background noise were measured. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated. To assess image quality, two independent radiologists subjectively evaluated the visualization of the different structures of the middle and inner ear (0 = not visualized, 3 = perfectly identified and delimited). Interobserver agreement was calculated. Effective dose at different anatomical levels with the dose-length product was recorded. RESULTS: In the quantitative analysis, there were no significant differences in image noise between the two groups. In the qualitative analysis, a similar or slightly lower subjective score was obtained in the delimitation of different structures of the ossicular chain and cochlea in the 32-MDCT, compared to 16-MDCT, with statistically significant differences. Mean effective dose (± standard deviation) was 0.16 ± 0.04 mSv for the 32-MDCT and 1.25 ± 0.30 mSv for the 16-MDCT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of scanners with tin filters, high-resolution detectors, and iterative reconstruction allows to obtain images with adequate quality for the evaluation of the petrous bone structures with ultralow doses of radiation (0.16±0.04 mSv).

Thoracoscopic cryoanalgesia: A new strategy for postoperative pain control in minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair. / Crioanalgesia toracoscópica: nueva estrategia para el control del dolor postoperatorio en cirugía del pectus excavatum.

OBJECTIVE: Recent publications report early discharge and low opioid requirements after minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair treated with bilateral intercostal nerve cryoablation. Our aim is to report our initial experience with this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients undergoing bilateral thoracoscopic cryoanalgesia during minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair within our institution from September 2018 to March 2019. TECHNIQUE: A cryoprobe was applied at -70 ºC for 2 minutes each from the 3rd to the 7th intercostal nerves bilaterally under thoracoscopic control. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included. Ninety percent were male, the mean age being 15.2 ± 4.29 years, and the mean weight being 53.6 ± 15.33 kg. The average Haller index was 5.1 ± 2.97, and the mean repair index was 37.6 ± 13.77%. The mean number of implants introduced was 2.55 ± 0.74. The mean duration of cryoanalgesia was 39.9 ± 21.1. No patients received epidural anesthesia. Mean postoperative stay was 1.64 ± 0.73 days. Seventy-one percent of the patients required 1 dose of opioids at the most for postoperative pain control. According to the VAS, the average pain score on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 21 was 2.55, 2.01, 0.5, and 0.06, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral thoracoscopic cryoanalgesia during minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair leads to early discharge and good postoperative pain control in all cases. Cryoanalgesia has become our treatment of choice for pain control in the thoracoscopic repair of pectus excavatum.

INTRODUCCION: Publicaciones recientes reportaron el alta temprana y bajos requerimientos de opioides para el control del dolor postoperatorio en la reparación mínimamente invasiva del pectus excavatum tras crioablación bilateral de nervios intercostales. Nuestro objetivo es describir nuestra experiencia inicial con esta técnica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de historias clínicas de pacientes sometidos a crioanalgesia toracoscópica bilateral durante la reparación mínimamente invasiva del pectus excavatum en nuestra institución desde septiembre de 2018 a marzo de 2019. TECNICA: Se aplicó una criosonda a -70°C bajo visión toracoscópica durante 2 minutos del 3º al 7º espacio intercostal, de manera bilateral. El dolor postoperatorio fue evaluado con una Escala Visual Analógica. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 21 pacientes, de los cuales el 90% era de sexo masculino con una edad media de 15,2 ± 4,29 años y un peso de 53,6 ± 15,33 kg. El índice de Haller promedio fue de 5,1 ± 2,97 y el índice de corrección de 37,6 ± 13,77%. El número promedio de implantes fue de 2,55 ± 0,74. La duración media de la crioanalgesia fue de 39,9 ± 21,1 minutos. Ninguno recibió anestesia peridural. El tiempo de internación postquirúrgico fue de 1,64 ± 0,73. La necesidad de rescate con opiáceos fue menor a 1 dosis en el 71,3%. La puntuación de dolor en los días postoperatorios 1, 3, 7 y 21 fue, en promedio, de 2,55; 2,01; 0,5 y 0,06, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: El empleo de la crioanalgesia toracoscópica bilateral permitió el alta hospitalaria temprana y buen control del dolor postoperatorio en todos los casos, convirtiéndose en el método analgésico de elección en nuestra práctica clínica.

Inner ear MRI: is it always useful to manage intravenous contrast? / Resonancia magnética de conducto auditivo interno: ¿es siempre útil administrar contraste intravenoso?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the added value of administering intravenous contrast (IVC) routinely to the MRI of patients with audiovestibular symptoms in the assessment of a neuroradiologist and a resident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study including patients who had an inner ear MRI for two months. Two radiologists reviewed independently and blinded the images. A first assessment was made analyzing just the sequences acquired without contrast and then a second evaluation of all the sequences, including post-contrast T1 sequences. The interobserver correlation and the correlation between MRI findings and the reason for requesting the study were calculated. RESULTS: 40 patients were included. The range age was 36-80 years. The most frequent reason for request the MRI was hearing loss (52.5%). Neuroradiologist without IVC found 82.5% of extraotic pathology and 17.5% of otic pathology, highlighting the neurinoma of the VIII pair (7.5%); ossifying labyrinthitis, retrofenestrated otosclerosis and cholesteatoma. After IVC administration, findings were similar. The resident identified otic pathology in 5% in baseline sequences and 20% using CIV. The interobserver correlation using IVC was excellent (0.97), but weak without IVC (0.52). There was a correlation between the reasons for request the MRI and the findings in the ears, both in protocols without IVC (p = 0.004) and in protocols with IVC (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Inner ear MRI without contrast gives relevant information to assess audiovestibular symptoms. The use of IVC increases the degree of confidence in a novel radiologist, while in the expert its use is less relevant. A protocol should be proposed in which gadolinium is used in selected patients.