Predatory Journals- The Power of the Predator Versus the Integrity of the Honest.

Over the last few decades, the authenticity and confidence of scientific work from around the world has been systematically corrupted by predatory journals and their affiliated publication houses. These journals predominantly prey on both aspiring and established academics and researchers from around the world, but primarily on individuals from developing countries, by aggressively soliciting manuscripts for a nominal publication fee without providing a robust editorial service or peer review system and ultimately promising fast track publication in a few days to weeks. Such journals may also diminish the opportunity for authors in developing countries from getting their original work published in legitimate journals. A majority of the work published in these pseudo journals aside from being incorrect and mundane, provide no advancement to science. But more importantly, the negative impact of these journals can have direct implications on patient health care and research.

Uterine leiomyomas revisited with review of literature.

Uterine leiomyomas, more commonly known as fibroids, are the most common neoplasms of the uterus. These tumors have a profound effect on health care and cost worldwide. Depending on the race, uterine leiomyomas can be seen in 70-80% of all women. Although majority of the women with uterine leiomyomas remain asymptomatic, approximately 30% can present with symptoms. Diagnosing typical leiomyomas on imaging is straightforward. However, when large, located extrauterine and especially with degeneration, the diagnosis can be challenging on imaging. In this article, apart from reviewing the demographics and management of patients with leiomyomas, we describe in detail the imaging appearance of various atypical leiomyomas, uncommon locations outside the uterus and their important differential diagnosis that can have a profound effect on patient management.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection in Pregnancy: Does Non-contrast Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Have a Role in Its Evaluation and Management?

The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a globally concerning pandemic having affected more than 5 million people worldwide. The disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious. Only limited literature exists on the evaluation and management of pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. In this short commentary, we inform the readers of the potential role of chest CT in symptomatic COVID-19 pregnant women and the related limitations.

Hepatic hemangiomas: the various imaging avatars and its mimickers.

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver. These lesions are typically asymptomatic, solitary and almost always discovered incidentally, and in recent years with advances in imaging technology these lesions are being detected more frequently. Although, in majority of the cases, the imaging diagnosis of a liver hemangioma is clearly and confidently established, not all hemangiomas present with their characteristic or typical appearance on imaging. Occasionally, these lesions do present with an atypical pattern, and can be confused with other malignant lesions such as hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and angiosarcoma. In this article, we review with illustrations the diverse imaging appearances of hemangiomas on the commonly used imaging modalities, as well as provide a gamut of common and uncommonly encountered hemangioma mimickers. Knowledge of the various atypical avatars of this benign lesion is important and can help one circumvent diagnostic errors, thereby potentially avoiding unnecessary surgeries.

Abdominal and pelvic radiographs of medical devices and materials- part 2: neurologic and genitourinary devices and materials.

Radiographs of the abdomen and pelvis are routinely obtained as a standard part of clinical care for the abdomen and pelvis. Brisk advances in technology over the last few decades have resulted in a multitude of medical devices and materials. Recognizing and evaluating these devices on abdominal and pelvic radiographs are critical, yet increasingly a difficult endeavor. In addition, multiple devices serving different purposes may have a similar radiographic appearance and position causing confusion for the interpreting radiologist. The role of the radiologist is to not only identify accurately these medical objects, but also to confirm for their accurate placement and to recognize any complications that could affect patient care, management or even be potentially life threatening. An extensive online search of literature showed our review article to be the most comprehensive work on medical devices and materials of the abdomen and pelvis, and in this second part of our two-part series, we discuss in depth about the neurologic and genitourinary devices seen on abdominal and pelvic radiographs.

Abdominal and pelvic radiographs of medical devices and materials-Part 1: gastrointestinal and vascular devices and materials.

When compared with chest radiographs, medical devices of the abdomen and pelvis are less frequently seen. However, with recent advances in technology the interpreting radiologists are seeing more medical objects on these radiographs. The identification of these devices and materials are crucial for not only enabling the radiologist to understand the underlying background pathology but also for evaluating any related complications. An online survey of literature showed our review article to be the most detailed. In this first part of our two-part series, we discuss about the various gastrointestinal and vascular devices and materials seen on abdominal and pelvic radiographs.

Caution in using 3D-EAUS as the first-line diagnostic tool in the preoperative work up for perianal fistulas.

MRI is considered the de facto imaging modality for evaluating perianal fistulas, primarily due to its excellent soft tissue contrast, operator independence, multiplanar capabilities and excellent field of view. Tridimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) is inferior to MRI in identifying and/or evaluating ischiorectal/supralevator tracks/extensions and therefore could end up providing incomplete and even inaccurate information (e.g. misclassification of tracks) to the surgeon, with a missed track potentially leading to recurrence of the disease.

Current status quo on COVID-19 including chest imaging.

With each day the number coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases continue to rise rapidly and our imaging knowledge of this disease is expeditiously evolving. The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the screening or diagnosis of COVID-19 remains the subject of much debate. Despite several months having passed since identifying the disease, and numerous studies related to it, controversy and concern still exists regarding the widespread use of chest CT in the evaluation and management of COVID-19 suspect patients. Several institutes and organizations around the world have released guidelines, recommendations and statements against the use of CT for diagnosing or screening COVID-19 infection and advocating its use only for those cases with a strong clinical suspicion of complication or an alternate diagnosis. However, these guidelines and recommendations are in disagreement with majority of the widely available literature, which strongly favour CT as a pivotal tool in the early diagnosis, management and even follow-up of COVID-19 infection. This article besides comprehensively reviewing the current status quo on COVID-19 disease in general, also writes upon the current consensus statements/recommendations on the use of diagnostic imaging in COVID-19 as well as highlighting the precautions and various disinfection procedures being employed world-wide at the workplace to prevent the spread of infection.

Phlebosclerotic Colitis - An Enigma Among Ischemic Colitis.

Phlebosclerotic Colitis is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition of unclear etio-pathogenesis seen almost exclusively in Asians and people of Asian descent. The condition predominantly affects the right hemicolon and imaging plays a crucial role in its diagnosis. Here we report the only second documented case of phlebosclerotic colitis in North America in a 60-year-old Canadian resident of Vietnamese descent with a history of consuming herbal medication (sanshishi) in soup for 2-3 decades.

Malignant transformation of hepatic adenoma complicated by rupture and hemorrhage: An extremely rare clinical entity.

Hepatic adenomas (HAs) are rare benign tumors of the liver and comprise 2% of all liver tumors with an annual incidence of 3-4/100,000 per year in Europe and North America. These tumors may be clinically silent or present with abdominal pain. Although rare, the most important complications associated with this tumor is haemorrhage and malignant transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma. The reported risk of malignant transformation is believed to be 4.2%. We present an extremely rare case report of a young woman on the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) with malignant transformation of a hepatic adenoma complicated additionally by tumor rupture and intraperitoneal bleed. This article therefore highlights the need to carefully evaluate any liver lesion in a young female on the OCP to be a possible adenoma and if confirmed to be so, to consider the potential risks associated with it as well as the need for follow-up imaging in order to avoid life threatening complications.

Imaging of Hepatic Fibrosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to discuss the current imaging techniques for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis (LF). RECENT FINDINGS: Elastography-based techniques are the most widely used imaging methods for the evaluation of LF. Currently, MR elastography (MRE) is the most accurate non-invasive method for detection and staging of LF. Ultrasound-based vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is the most widely used as it can be easily performed at the point of care but has technical limitations especially in the obese. Innovations and technical improvements continue to evolve in elastography for improving accuracy and avoiding misinterpretation from confounding factors. Other imaging methods including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), hepatocellular contrast-enhanced (HCE) MRI, T1 relaxometry, T1ρ imaging, textural analysis, liver surface nodularity, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and perfusion imaging are promising but need further evaluation and clinical validation. MRE is the most accurate imaging technique for assessment of LF.

Liver vascular anatomy: a refresher.

To prevent and decrease procedural complications, it is important to identify variants of hepatic vascular anatomy before interventional radiologic procedures, surgery, and liver transplantation. Knowledge of the vascular variants helps in selecting patients and in exploring alternative management options. Non-invasive detailed demonstration of the hepatic vascular anatomy is possible with advanced multi-detector computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The objective of this review is to provide a brief overview of clinically relevant hepatic vascular anatomy and important variants.

Clinicopathological and morphological spectrum of gastrointestinal stromal tumours on multi-detector computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinicopathological and morphological features of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: MDCT (plain and post contrast) images of 25 confirmed cases of GISTs were retrospectively evaluated from our hospital database. The images were analysed for the location, size, growth pattern, attenuation pattern, relation to adjacent structures, presence or absence of ulceration, calcification, metastases, lymphadenopathy, and for any complications such as haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, etc. Institutional Ethics Committee clearance was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. Statistics used included percentage frequency. RESULTS: Our study group comprised 14 males and 11 females. The mean age of our study population was 60 years (age range: 40 to 82 years). The mean tumour size was 11.7 cm. The stomach and small bowel accounted for 76% of the primary tumour site. The commonest imaging appearance of GIST observed in our study was that of an exophytic mass (76%) with a heterogenous pattern of enhancement (96%) with intratumoural necrosis (76%). MDCT demonstrated complications in three patients (12%). Six patients presented with metastatic foci (five to the liver and one to the lung), while lymphadenopathy was observed in five patients (20%). Associated complications included intestinal obstruction (8%) and retrogastric haematoma (4%). Incidental findings included uterine fibroid (n = 1), ovarian dermoid (n = 1), and chronic pancreatitis (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: GISTs are predominantly large tumours with a well circumscribed and exophytic pattern on MDCT, with or without cystic/necrotic areas, and they mostly show a heterogenous pattern of enhancement on post-contrast administration.

Conjoined twins - role of imaging and recent advances.

INTRODUCTION: Conjoined twins are identical twins with fused bodies, joined in utero. They are rare complications of monochorionic twinning. The purpose of this study is to describe the various types of conjoined twins, the role of imaging and recent advances aiding in their management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a twin institutional study involving 3 cases of conjoined twins diagnosed over a period of 6 years from 2010 to 2015. All the 3 cases were identified antenatally by ultrasound. Only one case was further evaluated by MRI. RESULTS: Three cases of conjoined twins (cephalopagus, thoracopagus and omphalopagus) were accurately diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound. After detailed counseling of the parents and obtaining written consent, all the three cases of pregnancy were terminated. Delivery of the viable conjoined twins was achieved without any complications to the mothers, and all the three conjoined twins died after a few minutes. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound enables an early and accurate diagnosis of conjoined twins, which is vital for obstetric management. MRI is reserved for better tissue characterization. Termination of pregnancy when opted, should be done at an early stage as later stages are fraught with problems. Recent advances, such as 3D printing, may aid in surgical pre-planning, thereby enabling successful surgical separation of conjoined twins.

CT Perfusion for Early Response Evaluation of Radiofrequency Ablation of Focal Liver Lesions: First Experience.

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of perfusion CT (P-CT) for early assessment of treatment response in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of focal liver lesions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 20 consecutive patients (14 men; mean age 64 ± 14) undergoing P-CT within 24 h after RFA of liver metastases (n = 10) or HCC (n = 10) were retrospectively included. Two readers determined arterial liver perfusion (ALP, mL/min/100 mL), portal liver perfusion (PLP, mL/min/100 mL), and hepatic perfusion index (HPI, %) in all post-RFA lesions by placing a volume of interest in the necrotic central (CZ), the transition (TZ), and the surrounding parenchymal (PZ) zone. Patients were classified into complete responders (no residual tumor) and incomplete responders (residual/progressive tumor) using imaging follow-up with contrast-enhanced CT or MRI after a mean of 57 ± 30 days. Prediction of treatment response was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Mean ALP/PLP/HPI of both readers were 4.8/15.4/61.2 for the CZ, 9.9/16.8/66.3 for the TZ and 20.7/29.0/61.8 for the PZ. Interreader agreement of HPI was fair for the CZ (intraclass coefficient 0.713), good for the TZ (0.813), and excellent for the PZ (0.920). For both readers, there were significant differences in HPI of the CZ and TZ between responders and nonresponders (both, P < 0.05). HPI of the TZ showed the highest AUC (0.911) for prediction of residual tumor, suggesting a cut-off value of 76 %. CONCLUSION: Increased HPI of the transition zone assessed with P-CT after RFA might serve as an early quantitative biomarker for residual tumor in patients with focal liver lesions.