A Tertiary Center Case Series on Postpartum Rectus Sheath Hematoma: An Unveiled Identity.

Rectus sheath hematoma is a well-recognized, uncommon clinical entity and may not be the initial consideration when evaluating a postpartum patient with abdominal pain or mass. Here, we report three cases of postpartum rectus sheath hematomas (RSH) managed during the last three years. The mean age of the patient was 28 (25-30) years. All patients had a history of cesarean section and presented with pain and distension in the abdomen. The cesarean was performed eight days, one day, and three days in cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively, before presentation to the hospital. Two (Cases 1 and 3) of the three patients received conservative care and were discharged in stable condition. One patient (Case 2) who was operated on for RSH and hemoperitoneum expired due to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Our case series suggests that, depending on the severity of the hematoma and the hemodynamic condition of the patient, RSHs may require medical intervention ranging from conservative management to surgical treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention help prevent hazardous complications and prevent maternal morbidity and mortality.

Illegal interlocks among life science company boards of directors.

Competition between life science companies is critical to ensure innovative therapies are efficiently developed. Anticompetitive behavior may harm scientific progress and, ultimately, patients. One well-established category of anticompetitive behavior is the 'interlocking directorate'. It is illegal for companies' directors to 'interlock' by also serving on the boards of competitors. We evaluated overlaps in the board membership of 2,241 public life science companies since 2000. We show that a robust network of interlocking companies is present among these firms. At any given time, 10-20 percent of board members are interlocked; the number of interlocks has more than doubled in the last two decades. Over half of these interlocked firms report over $5 million in historical revenue, exceeding a legal threshold that makes an interlocking directorate a violation of antitrust law. Those interlocks are only illegal if the companies compete, even in part. Using the disease categories for which companies have sponsored clinical trials, we discover that a few markets are responsible for a large fraction of interlocks. We show that in dozens of cases, companies share directors with the very firms they identify as their biggest competitive threats. We provide a data-driven roadmap for policymakers, regulators, and companies to further investigate the contribution of anticompetitive behavior to increased healthcare costs and to enforce the law against illegal interlocks between firms.

High-Resolution Ultrasound in Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients of Hansen's Disease.

Introduction: Hansen's disease (HD) is a major public health problem in developing countries. It causes peripheral neuropathy, and if left untreated, it leads to deformities. It is important to diagnose such cases early, and prompt treatment should be given to patients to preserve nerve function. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients with HD who were already on multi-drug therapy (MDT) or treatment-naive were included in this study. These were clinically diagnosed cases of HD as per the Ridley-Jopling classification, and these patients were subjected to high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS). A total of 19 controls were also included. The patients were clinically evaluated, and HRUS of bilateral ulnar nerves (UNs) was performed in all cases and controls. The other peripheral nerves, if clinically thickened, were evaluated using HRUS. Results: The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the UN in cases was significantly thickened as compared to controls. There was no difference in the CSA of patients on MDT as compared to treatment naïve patients. In two patients with pure neuritic HD, the clinical examination missed the bilateral nerve enlargement, and only unilateral nerve thickening was clinically appreciated. However, bilateral thickening was detected on HRUS. Conclusion: HRUS is a non-invasive and sensitive diagnostic tool that gives significant information on nerve structure and morphology. HRUS adds a new dimension to diagnosing HD, particularly the pure neuritic type, with the assessment of early nerve damage, which can prevent disabilities. HRUS is an objective diagnostic tool that can complement the clinical examination.

Pulmonary Artery Hypertension in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) are at risk of developing pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) due to chronic hemolysis, iron overload, hypercoagulability and splenectomy. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of PAH in patients with TDT. METHODS: Patients aged 6-18 years with TDT were included. 2D-echocardiography was done to measure the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). T2* MRI was done to evaluate cardiac iron overload. N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) level was also assessed. RESULTS: Out of 61 participants, PAH was noted in 19 (31.6%). Mean (SD) age of the patients with PAH and without PAH was 12.2 (3.8) and 9.6 (3.5) years, respectively (P = 0.016). Five of 19 patients with PAH (26.3%) had undergone splenectomy as against 5 of 41 patients without PAH (12.2%) (P = 0.17). Years since splenectomy was higher in the PAH group. Mean (SD) NT-Pro BNP levels were also higher in patients with PAH [63.80 (25.89) vs 41.97 (23.95), P = 0.01]. Significantly higher number of patients with PAH had cardiac T2* value of < 10 ms (P = 0.04). Age (OR 4.11; 95% CI 1.46-8.77), years since splenectomy (OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.30-7.86), NT-Pro BNP levels (OR 4.43; 95% CI 2.14-9.61) and cardiac T2* MRI (OR 2.46; 95% CI 2.18-6.90) values were predictors of PAH in patients with TDT. CONCLUSION: PAH was observed in 31.6% of patients, with older age and years since splenectomy being important risk factors. NT-Pro BNP can be used as screening test for detecting PAH.

Disorders of sexual development: structured radiological reporting and practical approach.

Disorders of sexual development (DSD) comprise a complex group of conditions with varied clinical presentations, such as atypical genitalia, non-palpable testes, primary amenorrhea, or infertility. Besides being associated with other congenital anomalies, DSDs bear substantial ethical issues regarding assigning the sex of rearing to the child and future fertility options. Establishing the correct diagnosis is essential for the appropriate management of such cases. Various imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography, genitography, and MRI, when complemented with detailed clinical evaluation and karyotyping, are the key to diagnosing the condition. This article attempts to present a concise approach to various patterns of DSD, which will aid radiologists to solve these diagnostic dilemmas.

Variation in hepatic segmental portal venous pulsed wave Doppler flow distribution in patients with NAFLD: A pilot study.

Purpose: To evaluate the segmental variations in portal venous pulsed wave colour Doppler flow velocity in patients with moderate to severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in comparison with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, observational, case-control study, the maximum velocity of all the segmental branches of portal vein were evaluated on colour Doppler in patients with moderate to severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the values were compared between three groups (1) Healthy controls (n = 30), (2) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group, that is moderate to severe fatty liver without features of portal hypertension (n = 32) and (3) non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-portal hypertension group, that is those non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with features of portal hypertension (n = 13). Results: Compared to controls, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group showed a lower velocity in all the eight segments of liver. The ratio of segment 2 to segment 7 peak portal vein maximum velocity was significantly higher in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (1.03 ± 0.21) compared to controls (0.90 ± 0.17) and even higher in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-Portal hypertension group (1.83 ± 0.40) with p value of 0.003. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the occurrence of flow redistribution occurring in cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with the left lobe receiving higher portal venous flow. This flow redistribution was even more pronounced in a subset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients who developed features of portal hypertension.

Case Report: Nocardia amamiensis Infection Leading to Worsening of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Symptoms in an Elderly Man.

Nocardiosis is a rare opportunistic infection mostly affecting the lungs, brain, or skin of immunocompromised individuals. Most pulmonary nocardiosis patients present with nonspecific clinical features such as productive cough, exertional dyspnea, and fever. The disease is uncommonly suspected, especially in tuberculosis-endemic regions, and clinical diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in high mortality. Pulmonary nocardiosis in apparently immunocompetent individuals is uncommon. Here, we present the case of an elderly gentleman with a background history of poorly controlled diabetes but no history of systemic steroid use who presented with worsening symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the form of productive cough and dyspnea. The patient had diffuse crepitations in bilateral lung fields and an arterial oxygen saturation of 86% at admission. Sputum microscopy revealed gram-positive filamentous bacteria that could be successfully cultured and identified as Nocardia amamiensis on 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the lungs revealed cavitary nodules and consolidation. The patient responded well to treatment with specific antibiotics based on sensitivity patterns. Because of the nonspecific clinical and radiological findings in pulmonary nocardiosis, a high index of suspicion is required, especially in tuberculosis-endemic regions.

Magnetic resonance imaging spectrum of COVID-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis and assessment of anatomical severity.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the extent and imaging findings of COVID-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis on magnetic resonance imaging and to evaluate the value of MRI severity score in grading the extent of involvement. METHODS: Proven cases of ROCM with a history of concurrent or recently (<6 weeks) treated COVID-19 underwent MRI at the initial presentation. Findings were charted for each anatomical structure and the extent of involvement was scored for sinonasal, extra-sinus soft tissues, orbits, and brain. MR severity score was defined by summing up the individual scores of each compartment (sinonasal 20, orbital 20, soft tissue 10, and brain 10) and a total score out of 60 was assigned. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were included in our study with variable involvement of sinonasal compartment (n = 43), extra-sinus soft tissue (n = 25), orbits (n = 23), and brain (n = 17). In the sinonasal compartment, T2, DWI, and post-contrast T1 were the most useful sequences. A significantly higher mean sinonasal score was associated with mortality (p = 0.007). In the orbits, a combination of STIR (orbital fat and extraconal muscles), DWI (optic nerves), and post-contrast images (superior ophthalmic vein) were the most accurate sequences. A higher mean orbital score was associated with vision loss (p = 0.001). Patients with uncontrolled diabetes had greater extent of cranial involvement. CONCLUSION: A combination of magnetic resonance sequences is required to correctly evaluate the involvement of individual structures and thus to assign the correct MR scoring. The proposed MR severity score can effectively and objectively evaluate the severity of COVID-associated ROCM.

Comparison of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging for the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum abnormality.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is feasible in prenatal imaging, and it exhibits better contrast between the placenta and the myometrium compared to T2-weighted (T2W) images. PURPOSE: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of placenta accreta on T2W and DW imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 42 pregnant patients who underwent prenatal MRI were included. MRI was performed on a Siemens 1.5-T scanner. T2W and DWI sequences in the axial, sagittal, and/or coronal planes were compiled for review. Two radiologists independently interpreted T2W and DW images for placenta accreta. T2W and DWI scores were calculated based on the presence of features and graded as low, intermediate, and high risk. The association between imaging features and placental invasion on pathology was calculated using chi-square tests. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV) were compared between T2W and DWI interpretations. Inter-reader agreement between the two radiologists for T2W and DWI scores was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Out of 42 pregnant patients, 10 were pathologically/surgically proven to have placenta accreta. There were no significant differences between T2W and DWI interpretations. Considering a cutoff >6 as positive, the T2W score had higher sensitivity (90% vs. 80%) and NPV (96.9% vs. 94.1%) than the DWI score. The specificity and positive predictive value were 100% for both scores. The inter-reader agreement of T2W score was higher (k = 0.943 vs. 0.882). CONCLUSION: T2W and DWI are comparable in diagnosing placenta accreta spectrum. T2W sequences have higher sensitivity, NPV, and inter-reader agreement than DWI.

Prediction of response to radiotherapy in locally advanced carcinoma cervix using multiparametric MRI: A prospective, single-center, longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible role of a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and semiquantitative fusion map for the prediction of response to radiotherapy in carcinoma cervix. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, longitudinal observational study performed on patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix. Relative blood flow (rBF), relative blood volume (rBV), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained before and after the onset of radiotherapy. rBV, rBF, and ADC values were used to generate a semiquantitative pharmacokinetic model map to identify any hypoxic component of the tumor. The subjects were retrospectively classified as responders and nonresponders based on response to treatment. Prospective prediction of response status was done using pretreatment multiparametric MRI parameters (rBF, rBV, and ADC) and semiquantitative parametric map. RESULTS: In 32 patients (29 with parametrial involvement and 15 with lymphadenopathy), pretreatment ADC of the primary tumor was the most accurate measure for predicting response to treatment as well as for treatment-induced fractional volume reduction. Although rBV and rBF were insignificant metrics in isolation for predicting response status, a combination with ADC in the form of parametric map had a sensitivity of 86.4% and 77.2%, specificity of 70% and 70%, positive predictive value of 86.4% and 85%, and negative predictive value 70% and 59% respectively by two independent observers. CONCLUSION: ADC is the most accurate measure for predicting the response to treatment. A manual parametric map generated by an off-line fusion of the above map with those generated by pharmacokinetic modeling of perfusion-weighted MRI may be a useful tool for the prediction of response to radiotherapy.

Facet Tropism/Inclination and Its Association with Intervertebral Disc Herniation in the Lumbar Spine - A Radiological Evaluation.

Objective To assess the role of facet tropism (FT) in intervertebral disc prolapse. Methods A total 98 patients with lower back pain were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed and analyzed. The angles of the right and left facets were measured on the axial section. Patients without disc prolapse at the L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels act as controls for those with disc prolapse at the same levels. A statistical analysis was also performed. Results The incidence of FT at the L3-L4 level was of 85.2% in patients with disc herniation ( n = 27), and of 56.3% in the control group, which was statistically significant ( p = 0.008). Similarly, at the L4-L5 level, incidence of FT among cases and controls was of 71.4% ( n = 35) and 52.4% respectively ( p = 0.066). At the L5-S1 the incidence was of 66% and 51% among cases and controls respectively ( p = 0.13). Conclusion We found a positive association between FT and disc herniation at the L3-L4 level, but no association at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels.

A prospective randomized comparison of simultaneous integrated boost with sequential boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Purpose: A comparison of simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) with sequential boost (SEQ) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy along with concurrent cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) was made with regard to their survival outcomes and toxicity profile. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 patients were enrolled between October 2016 and March 2019. They were randomized into two arms, SIB and SEQB. All patients were treated with 6 MV photon beam on Linear Accelerator with weekly concurrent cisplatin at 35 mg/m2. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary end points and acute and late toxicities were the secondary end points. Results: The median follow-up period was 40.6 and 37.3 months for SIB and SEQB, respectively. At the end of 5 years, the median OS was 40.6 and 37.3 months (P = 0.947) and the median DFS was 35.1 and 37.3 months in the SIB and SEQB arms, respectively (P = 0.991). Complete response at 3 months was 64.7% and 76.5% and partial response was 23.5% and 17.6%, whereas progressive disease was 11.8% and 5.9% in SIB and SEQB arms, respectively. Acute dermatitis, mucositis, dysphagia, and salivary gland toxicities were higher in the SIB arm compared to the SEQB arm. Conclusion: SIB and SEQ arms were comparable in terms of OS and DFS. However, the acute toxicities were higher in the SIB arm, although the difference was not significant, compared to the SEQB arm.

Simultaneous transfer of one good-quality and one poor-quality cleavage stage embryo does not improve pregnancy outcomes.

Embryo quality and quantity are key factors that determine the success of IVF-ET. Yet it is still unclear if, for those patients with only one good-quality embryo in an IVF cycle, the inclusion of a poor-quality embryo increases the procedure's success rate. This is a common question for both clinicians and patients in determining their course of treatment. The purpose of this work was to answer this intriguing question in the context of prognosis of patients undergoing fresh cycles with only one good-quality and more than one poor-quality cleavage-stage embryos. To control for confounding effects, we only included patients at similar age, body mass index (BMI), level of basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and endometrial thickness from January 2015 to June 2021. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to extract the matched pairs. Then we evaluated pregnancy outcome, including the rate of clinical pregnancy, live birth, embryo implantation, early miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy. We found that the clinical pregnancy rate (34.8 vs. 38.0%, p = 0.553), live birth rate (27.1 vs. 29.9%, p = 0.598), early miscarriage rate (18.1 vs. 9.5%, p = 0.171) and ectopic pregnancy rate (1.3 vs. 1.2%, p = 1.000) did not significantly differ between those two groups, notwithstanding significant difference of the implantation rate (34.8 vs. 21.3%, p <0.001). Our work indicates that, for prognosis patients at approximately 34 years old with only one good-quality embryo, having additional poor-quality embryos does not seem to help to improve ART success rates per intended embryo transfer. In conclusion, we found that simultaneous transfer of one good-quality and one poor-quality cleavage stage embryo does not improve pregnancy outcomes.

Facet Tropism/Inclination and Its Association with Intervertebral Disc Herniation in the Lumbar Spine - A Radiological Evaluation / Tropismo/inclinação facetária e sua associação com hérnia de disco intervertebral na região lombar da coluna - Uma avaliação radiológica

Abstract Objective To assess the role of facet tropism (FT) in intervertebral disc prolapse. Methods A total 98 patients with lower back pain were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed and analyzed. The angles of the right and left facets were measured on the axial section. Patients without disc prolapse at the L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels act as controls for those with disc prolapse at the same levels. A statistical analysis was also performed. Results The incidence of FT at the L3-L4 level was of 85.2% in patients with disc herniation (n= 27), and of 56.3% in the control group, which was statistically significant (p= 0.008). Similarly, at the L4-L5 level, incidence of FT among cases and controls was of 71.4% (n= 35) and 52.4% respectively (p= 0.066). At the L5-S1 the incidence was of 66% and 51% among cases and controls respectively (p= 0.13). Conclusion We found a positive association between FT and disc herniation at the L3-L4 level, but no association at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o papel do tropismo facetário (TF) no prolapso discal intervertebral. Métodos Um total de 98 pacientes com dor lombar foram incluídos no estudo. Exames de ressonância magnética foram realizados e analisados, e os ângulos das facetas direita e esquerda foram medidos na seção axial. Os pacientes sem prolapso discal nos níveis L3-L4, L4-L5 e L5-S1 atuam como controles para aqueles com prolapso nos mesmos níveis. Fez-se também uma análise estatística. Resultados A incidência de TF no nível L3-L4 foi de 85,2% em pacientes com hérnia discal (n= 27), e de 56,3% no grupo controle, o que foi estatisticamente significativo (p= 0,008). Da mesma forma, a incidência de TF no nível L4-L5 entre casos e controles foi de 71,4% (n= 35) e 52,4%, respectivamente (p= 0,066). No nível L5-S1, a incidência foi de 66% e 51% nos caso e nos controles, respectivamente (p= 0,13). Conclusão Encontramos associação positiva entre TF e hérnia de disco no nível L3-L4, mas nenhuma associação nos níveis L4-L5 e L5-S1.

Performance of NI-RADS on CECT Alone to Predict Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Chemoradiotherapy: Added Value of RECIST 1.1.

Background The Head and Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System (NI-RADS) is a standardized reporting format for the categorization of the degree of suspicion for recurrent head and neck malignancies on positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Purpose The purpose of our study was to analyze the efficacy of the NI-RADS rating scale and criteria for contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) alone in predicting the local and regional recurrence of malignancies after chemoradiotherapy. Material and Methods CECT of the patients with head and neck cancers receiving radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy as a primary treatment was obtained 3 months after the completion of radiotherapy and NI-RADS scoring was done using components of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) criteria. Their management was guided according to the recommendations based on their NI-RADS score. Results Thirty patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the neck were included in this study. The positive or negative status of the recurrent disease was based on biopsy results or follow-up protocol as recommended in NI-RADS rating scale. Fifteen patients had path proven recurrence at the primary tumor site. For primary tumor site, disease persistence rates of 4% for NI-RADS 1, 24% for NI-RADS 2, and 80% for NI-RADS 3 scores were seen. Five patients had recurrent lymph nodal disease. For lymph nodal assessment, NI-RADS categories 1, 2, and 3 revealed nodal disease recurrence rates of 5.3, 25, and 66.7%, respectively. Conclusion CECT alone may be used to assign the NI-RADS rating scale using RECIST 1.1 criteria to predict the presence or absence of recurrent tumor in patients with neck malignancies.

CT-Based Definition and Structured Reporting of Abdominal Lymph Node Stations.

Background Meticulous evaluation of abdominal lymph nodes on computed tomography (CT) is a fundamental task in radiological practice especially in oncological reporting. Although various reporting systems exist to define abdominal nodal stations for malignancies of individual abdominal organs, a complete and uniform framework for radiological reporting of abdominal lymph nodes does not exist in the literature. Purpose The goal of this review was to provide a step-wise reporting template and precise definitions of the radiological anatomy of abdominal lymph nodes and to generate a CT-based illustration of the lymph node stations of the abdomen. Conclusion This CT-based illustration and reporting template will help the radiologists to aptly describe the extent of the lymph nodal diseases and will help in comparison with posttherapy scans.

Evaluation of Uterocervical Angle and Cervical Length as Predictors of Spontaneous Preterm Birth.

Aim The aim of this article was to evaluate uterocervical angle (UCA) and cervical length (CL) measured at 16 to 24 weeks of gestation using transvaginal sonography (TVS) as predictors of spontaneous preterm birth. Methods In this prospective study, TVS was performed in 159 primigravidas with a singleton, uncomplicated pregnancy at 16 to 24 weeks of gestation to measure the anterior UCA and CL. All the cases were followed until labor to document gestational age at delivery. Results The risk of spontaneous preterm birth was higher in women with obtuse UCA (>95 degrees) with sensitivity of 86.7%, specificity of 93.0%, positive predictive value of 83.0%, negative predictive value of 94.6%, and p -value of <0.001. The difference between the means was statistically significant ( p -value < 0.001). UCAs ≥105degrees and 95 to 105 degrees were found to be significantly associated with spontaneous preterm births at <34 weeks and 34 to 37 weeks, respectively. CL <2.5 cm was found to predict spontaneous preterm births at <37 weeks with sensitivity of 31.1%, specificity of 95.6%, and p -value of <0.001. UCA was found to be a better predictor of spontaneous preterm birth with a higher coefficient of variation (56.4%) when compared with CL (16.9%). Conclusions UCA proved to be a novel ultrasound parameter that can serve as a better predictor of spontaneous preterm births in comparison to CL. A strong correlation exists between obtuse UCA and a risk of spontaneous preterm birth.