Contrast Staining in Noninfarcted Tissue after Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Contrast staining is a common finding after endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke. It typically occurs in infarcted tissue and is considered an indicator of irreversible brain damage. Contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue has not been systematically investigated. We sought to assess the incidence, risk factors, and clinical significance of contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue after endovascular treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. Contrast staining, defined as new hyperdensity on CT after endovascular treatment, was categorized as either contrast staining in infarcted tissue if the stained region demonstrated restricted diffusion on follow-up MR imaging or contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue if the stained region demonstrated no restricted diffusion. Baseline differences between patients with and without contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue were compared. Logistic regression was used to identify independent associations for contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue after endovascular treatment. RESULTS: Among 194 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke and met the inclusion criteria, contrast staining in infarcted tissue was noted in 52/194 (26.8%) patients; contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue, in 26 (13.4%) patients. Both contrast staining in infarcted tissue and contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue were noted in 5.6% (11/194). Patients with contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue were found to have a higher likelihood of having an ASPECTS of 8-10, to be associated with contrast staining in infarcted tissue, and to achieve successful reperfusion compared with those without contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue. In contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue regions, the average attenuation was 40 HU, significantly lower than the contrast staining in infarcted tissue regions (53 HU). None of the patients with contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue had clinical worsening during their hospital stay. The median discharge mRS was significantly lower in patients with contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue than in those without (3 versus 4; P = .018). No independent predictors of contrast staining in noninfarcted tissue were found. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast staining can be seen outside the infarcted tissue after endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke, likely attributable to the reversible disruption of the BBB in ischemic but not infarcted tissue. While generally benign, understanding its characteristics is important because it may mimic pathologic conditions such as infarcted tissue and cerebral edema.

AI-based differential diagnosis of dementia etiologies on multimodal data.

Differential diagnosis of dementia remains a challenge in neurology due to symptom overlap across etiologies, yet it is crucial for formulating early, personalized management strategies. Here, we present an AI model that harnesses a broad array of data, including demographics, individual and family medical history, medication use, neuropsychological assessments, functional evaluations, and multimodal neuroimaging, to identify the etiologies contributing to dementia in individuals. The study, drawing on 51,269 participants across 9 independent, geographically diverse datasets, facilitated the identification of 10 distinct dementia etiologies. It aligns diagnoses with similar management strategies, ensuring robust predictions even with incomplete data. Our model achieved a micro-averaged area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.94 in classifying individuals with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Also, the micro-averaged AUROC was 0.96 in differentiating the dementia etiologies. Our model demonstrated proficiency in addressing mixed dementia cases, with a mean AUROC of 0.78 for two co-occurring pathologies. In a randomly selected subset of 100 cases, the AUROC of neurologist assessments augmented by our AI model exceeded neurologist-only evaluations by 26.25%. Furthermore, our model predictions aligned with biomarker evidence and its associations with different proteinopathies were substantiated through postmortem findings. Our framework has the potential to be integrated as a screening tool for dementia in various clinical settings and drug trials, with promising implications for person-level management.

Endovascular vs surgical treatment of sigmoid sinus diverticulum causing pulsatile tinnitus: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Sigmoid sinus diverticulum (SSD) has been increasingly reported as a cause of pulsatile tinnitus (PT). While both endovascular and surgical treatments have been used, there is a lack of consensus on the treatment modality to treat SSD. We conducted a systematic review of the available literature to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular versus surgical approaches for treating SSD. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify studies encompassing the management of SSD. Studies reporting the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular or surgical treatments for SSD between January 2000 and January 2023 were included. Results were characterized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Endovascular treatment (EVT) was reported by 17 articles, yielding 26 patients with 27 diverticula. Surgical treatment was reported by 20 articles, yielding 105 patients with 107 diverticula. EVT led to complete or near-complete resolution in all patients with SSD and PT. Complications occurred in 3.7% (1/27) with a return to baseline after 2 months. There were no permanent complications from EVT. Surgical treatment resulted in complete resolution in 77.6% (83/107) of cases, incomplete resolution in 11.2% (12/107), and no resolution in 11.2% (12/107). Significant complications occurred in 9.3% (10/107) of the surgical-treated patients. CONCLUSION: EVT in patients with PT and venous diverticulum appears more effective and safer than surgical treatment, but large studies are lacking. Studies directly comparing endovascular and surgical treatment are needed.

Differential Assessment of Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis in Patients Undergoing CT and MRI with Contrast.

OBJECTIVE: Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis (IJVS) is hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of diverse neurological diseases. We sought to evaluate differences in IJVS assessment between CT and MRI in a retrospective patient cohort. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who had both MRI of the brain and CT of the head and neck with contrast from 1 June 2021 to 30 June 2022 within the same admission. The degree of IJVS was categorized into five grades (0-IV). RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with a total of 70 internal jugular (IJ) veins were included in our analysis. There was fair intermodality agreement in stenosis grades (κ = 0.220, 95% C.I. = [0.029, 0.410]), though categorical stenosis grades were significantly discordant between imaging modalities, with higher grades more frequent in MRI (χ2 = 27.378, p = 0.002). On CT-based imaging, Grade III or IV stenoses were noted in 17/70 (24.2%) IJs, whereas on MRI-based imaging, Grade III or IV stenoses were found in 40/70 (57.1%) IJs. Among veins with Grade I-IV IJVS, MRI stenosis estimates were significantly higher than CT stenosis estimates (77.0%, 95% C.I. [35.9-55.2%] vs. 45.6%, 95% C.I. [35.9-55.2%], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MRI with contrast overestimates the degree of IJVS compared to CT with contrast. Consideration of this discrepancy should be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning in patients with potential IJVS-related symptoms.

Curated and Annotated Dataset of Lung US Images in Zambian Children with Clinical Pneumonia.

See also the commentary by Sitek in this issue. Supplemental material is available for this article.

Ultrasound evaluation of brain parenchyma in preterm infants with prenatal opioid exposure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether preterm infants with prenatal opioid exposure had differences in brain size on head ultrasounds (HUS) in comparison to non-exposed infants. STUDY DESIGN: Preterm infants ≤34 weeks with prenatal opioid exposure (n = 47) and matched non-exposed infants (n = 62) with early HUSs were examined. Fifteen brain measurements were made and linear regression models performed to evaluate differences. RESULTS: Brain measurements were smaller in the right ventricular index [ß = -0.18 mm (95% CI -0.32, -0.03]), left ventricular index [ß = -0.04 mm (95% CI -0.08, -0.003)], left basal ganglia insula [ß = -0.10 mm (95% CI -0.15, -0.04)], right basal ganglia insula [ß = -0.08 mm (95% CI -0.14, -0.03)], corpus callosum fastigium length [ß = -0.16 mm (95% CI -0.25, -0.06)], intracranial height index [ß = -0.31 mm (95% CI -0.44, -0.18)], and transcerebellar measurements [ß = -0.13 (95% CI -0.25, -0.02)] in the opioid-exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm infants with prenatal opioid exposure have smaller brain sizes compared to non-exposed infants, potentially increasing their risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

Neonatal neurosonography practices: a survey of active Society for Pediatric Radiology members.

BACKGROUND: While neonatal brain US is emerging as an imaging modality with greater portability, widespread availability and relative lower cost compared to MRI, it is unknown whether US is being maximized in infants to increase sensitivity in detecting intracranial pathology related to common indications such as hemorrhage, ischemia and ventriculomegaly. OBJECTIVE: To survey active members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) regarding their utilization of various cranial US techniques and reporting practices in neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We distributed an online 10-question survey to SPR members to assess practice patterns of neonatal cranial US including protocol details, use of additional sonographic views, perceived utility of spectral Doppler evaluation, and germinal matrix hemorrhage and ventricular size reporting preferences. RESULTS: Of the 107 institutions represented, 90% of respondents were split evenly between free-standing children's hospitals and pediatric departments attached to a general hospital. We found that most used template reporting (72/107, 67%). The anterior fontanelle approach was standard practice (107/107, 100%). We found that posterior fontanelle views (72% sometimes, rarely or never) and high-frequency linear probes to evaluate far-field structures (52% sometimes, rarely or never) were seldom used. Results revealed a range of ways to report germinal matrix hemorrhage and measure ventricular indices to assess ventricular dilatation. There was substantial intra-institutional protocol and reporting variability as well. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate high variability in neurosonography practice and reporting among active SPR members, aside from the anterior fontanelle views, template reporting and linear high-resolution near-field evaluation. Standardization of reporting germinal matrix hemorrhage and ventricular size would help ensure a more consistent application of neonatal US in research and clinical practice.

Utilization of neonatal sedation and anesthesia: an SPR survey.

BACKGROUND: There is little data regarding the use of sedation and anesthesia for neonatal imaging, with practice patterns varying widely across institutions. OBJECTIVE: To understand the current utilization of sedation and anesthesia for neonatal imaging, and review the current literature and recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand, two hundred twenty-six questionnaire invitations were emailed to North American physician members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology using the Survey Monkey platform. Descriptive statistical analysis of the responses was performed. RESULTS: The final results represented 59 institutions from 26 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. Discrepant responses from institutions with multiple respondents (13 out of 59 institutions) were prevalent in multiple categories. Of the 80 total respondents, slightly more than half (56%) were associated with children's hospitals and 44% with the pediatric division of an adult radiology department. Most radiologists (70%) were cognizant of the neonatal sedation policies in their departments. A majority (89%) acknowledged awareness of neurotoxicity concerns in the literature and agreed with the validity of these concerns. In neonates undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 46% of respondents reported attempting feed and bundle in all patients and an additional 46% attempt on a case-by-case basis, with most (35%) using a single swaddling attempt before sedation. Sedation was most often used for neonatal interventional procedures (93%) followed by MR (85%), nuclear medicine (48%) and computed tomography (31%). More than half of respondents (63%) reported an average success rate of greater than 50% when using neonatal sedation for MR. CONCLUSION: Current practice patterns, policies and understanding of the use of sedation and anesthesia for neonatal imaging vary widely across institutions in North America, and even among radiologists from the same institution. Our survey highlights the need for improved awareness, education, and standardization at both the institutional level and the societal level. Awareness of the potential for anesthetic neurotoxicity and success of non-pharmacologic approaches to neonatal imaging is crucial, along with education of health care personnel, systematic approaches to quality control and improvement, and integration of evidence-based protocols into clinical practice.

Urgency of Esophageal Foreign Body Removal: Differentiation Between Coins and Button Cell Batteries.

OBJECTIVE: Coin-shaped button battery foreign bodies have a similar initial presentation to coin ingestion, but delayed retrieval of a battery from the esophagus can have devastating consequences. Variations in timing of retrieval for children with ingestion of coin foreign bodies have been reported. The study assesses the sensitivity and specificity of conventional and digital radiographs to differentiate button batteries from coin foreign bodies. STUDY DESIGN: 3B case control study. STUDY SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. METHODS: A radiographic study of the 12 most common commercially available button batteries and 66 coins of varying international origins was performed. Foreign bodies were placed at the cervical esophagus of a cadaver, and anteroposterior (AP) and lateral conventional radiographs of the neck were obtained. Digital AP and lateral radiographs of standalone coins and batteries were also obtained. Images were blindly read by 2 otolaryngologists and 2 radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed to determine accuracy in identifying coins vs batteries. RESULTS: Using conventional radiographs to identify button batteries yielded a sensitivity of 0.88 and a specificity of 0.92 (positive predictive value [PPV] = 0.75, negative predictive value [NPV] = 0.97). Digital radiography yielded an overall sensitivity of 0.98 and specificity of 0.97 (PPV = 0.87, NPV = 0.99). Features of button batteries were only seen on AP conventional radiographs using reverse contrast. CONCLUSIONS: Neither conventional nor digital radiographic imaging had perfect accuracy in identifying coins vs batteries. Features of common disc batteries were identified, which may aid in diagnosis. With potential devastating consequences from retained battery in the esophagus, emergent removal of any possible disc battery foreign body should be considered.

Cystic cervical lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma, tuberculosis and human papillomavirus positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: utility of deep learning in their differentiation on CT.

OBJECTIVES: Cervical lymph nodes with internal cystic changes are seen with several pathologies, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), tuberculosis (TB), and HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+OPSCC). Differentiating these lymph nodes is difficult in the absence of a known primary tumor or reliable medical history. In this study, we assessed the utility of deep learning in differentiating the pathologic lymph nodes of PTC, TB, and HPV+OPSCC on CT. METHODS: A total of 173 lymph nodes (55 PTC, 58 TB, and 60 HPV+OPSCC) were selected based on pathology records and suspicious morphological features. These lymph nodes were divided into the training set (n = 131) and the test set (n = 42). In deep learning analysis, JPEG lymph node images were extracted from the CT slice that included the largest area of each node and fed into a deep learning training session to create a diagnostic model. Transfer learning was used with the deep learning model architecture of ResNet-101. Using the test set, the diagnostic performance of the deep learning model was compared against the histopathological diagnosis and to the diagnostic performances of two board-certified neuroradiologists. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy of the deep learning model was 0.76 (=32/42), whereas those of Radiologist 1 and Radiologist 2 were 0.48 (=20/42) and 0.41 (=17/42), respectively. Deep learning derived diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher than both of the two neuroradiologists (P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Deep learning algorithm holds promise to become a useful diagnostic support tool in interpreting cervical lymphadenopathy.

Utility of deep learning for the diagnosis of otosclerosis on temporal bone CT.

OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of otosclerosis on temporal bone CT images is often difficult because the imaging findings are frequently subtle. Our aim was to assess the utility of deep learning analysis in diagnosing otosclerosis on temporal bone CT images. METHODS: A total of 198 temporal bone CT images were divided into the training set (n = 140) and the test set (n = 58). The final diagnosis (otosclerosis-positive or otosclerosis-negative) was determined by an experienced senior radiologist who carefully reviewed all 198 temporal bone CT images while correlating with clinical and intraoperative findings. In deep learning analysis, a rectangular target region that includes the area of the fissula ante fenestram was extracted and fed into the deep learning training sessions to create a diagnostic model. Transfer learning was used with the deep learning model architectures of AlexNet, VGGNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet. The test data set was subsequently analyzed using these models and by another radiologist with 3 years of experience in neuroradiology following completion of a neuroradiology fellowship. The performance of the radiologist and the deep learning models was determined using the senior radiologist's diagnosis as the gold standard. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracies were 0.89, 0.72, 0.81, 0.86, and 0.86 for the subspecialty trained radiologist, AlexNet, VGGNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet, respectively. The performances of VGGNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet were not significantly different compared to the radiologist. In addition, GoogLeNet and ResNet demonstrated non-inferiority compared to the radiologist. CONCLUSIONS: Deep learning technique may be a useful supportive tool in diagnosing otosclerosis on temporal bone CT. KEY POINTS: • Deep learning can be a helpful tool for the diagnosis of otosclerosis on temporal bone CT. • Deep learning analyses with GoogLeNet and ResNet demonstrate non-inferiority when compared to the subspecialty trained radiologist. • Deep learning may be particularly useful in medical institutions without experienced radiologists.

Ruptured Spinal Aneurysms: Diagnosis and Management Paradigms.

BACKGROUND: Spinal aneurysms (SA) are rare neurovascular pathologies with an unclear natural history and management strategy. We review the clinical and radiologic manifestations, management, and outcome of patients who presented with spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) secondary to ruptured spinal aneurysms over a 10-year period. We provide a literature review about this condition and its management. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with nontraumatic spinal SAH were collected from a single-center prospectively maintained database of patients with SAH between January 2010 and January 2020. Patients diagnosed with spinal aneurysms were reviewed. For each patient, demographic data, clinical presentation, imaging findings, management strategies, and outcomes are reviewed and discussed. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and January 2020, ten patients were diagnosed with nontraumatic spinal SAH (3 patients presented with isolated spinal SAH and 7 patients with concomitant spinal and posterior fossa SAH). Among those, 4 patients were found to have a spinal aneurysm as the cause of SAH. The aneurysms were located in the cervical regions in 3 patients (75%) and at the thoracic level in 1 patient. Two aneurysms (50%) involved the anterior spinal artery, and 2 aneurysms (50%) involved a radiculomedullary artery. One aneurysm was a flow-related aneurysm of the anterior spinal artery in the setting of bilateral vertebral artery occlusion and was treated by surgical clipping with good outcome. Three aneurysms were idiopathic pseudoaneurysms with a negative diagnostic evaluation for secondary causes. These pseudoaneurysms were treated conservatively; 2 patients did well and 1 patient passed away from severe intracranial vasospasm. Two aneurysms resolved on diagnostic angiogram, and 1 aneurysm was absent on initial angiogram and appeared on follow-up diagnostic imaging 3 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal aneurysms are rare neurovascular pathologies that should be considered in the setting of spinal and/or posterior fossa subarachnoid hemorrhage. Conservative treatment may be a potential safe alternative to interventional treatment. Before the initiation of surgical or endovascular treatment, spinal angiography should be repeated because of the potential for spontaneous resolution.

Brain Malformations at All Ages: From Aunt Minnie to Zebras for General Radiologists.

Congenital brain malformations comprise a spectrum of disorders that result from a variety of causes, including genetic abnormalities, ischemia, infections, and toxic exposures. Although most cases are discovered in infancy or childhood, clinically occult abnormalities may prove to be confounding, especially if first encountered later in life on imaging examinations obtained for other indications or in the context of superimposed pathology. This review article provides an overview of congenital brain malformations because they may be encountered at all ages for general radiologists.

Emergent spinal MRI in IVDU patients presenting with back pain: do we need an MRI in every case?

PURPOSE: Spinal MRI is the exam of choice for the workup of patients with suspected spinal infection. In this retrospective study, we assess the value of obtaining contrast-enhanced spinal MRI for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute back pain and a history of intravenous drug use (IVDU). METHODS: A retrospective IRB-approved, HIPAA compliant review of the imaging findings, reports and electronic charts of 167 consecutive IV drug-using patients (M/F = 96:71, mean age = 40 years) that presented to the ED with acute back pain over a 55-month period and underwent contrast-enhanced spinal MRI within 24 h. Fisher's exact test was used to identify statistically significant (p < 0.05) associations with MRI findings. RESULTS: Evidence of infectious spondylitis was demonstrated on the spinal MRIs of 39.5% (n = 66) of 167 patients, all of whom were admitted, and nearly half (48.5%; 32/66) underwent surgical or percutaneous intervention. Statistically significant differences in the decision to admit, blood cultures, and the type of treatment was demonstrated in patients with findings of spinal infection on MRI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of emergent spinal MRI in the workup of IVDU patients with acute back pain is justified despite the resultant pressure on MRI scanner, technologist, and interpretation time.

Acute Radiologic Manifestations of America's Opioid Epidemic.

The United States is in the midst of an opioid use epidemic, which has severe medical, social, and economic consequences. Addictions to and abuse of prescription and illicit opioids are increasing, and emergency department radiologists are increasingly being faced with the task of examining patients who present with opioid-related complications. These complications may be the result of direct drug toxicity or nonsterile injection of the drugs. Neurologic, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal complications may be evident at diagnostic imaging in emergent settings. Heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy, cerebral septic emboli, mycotic arterial aneurysms, soft-tissue infections, and infective endocarditis are some of the conditions that patients may be found to have after they present to the emergency department. In this article, the above topics, including clinical features, pathophysiology, imaging findings, and treatment options, are reviewed. Recognizing the limitations of diagnostic imaging modalities that are available to radiologists is equally important, as some conditions can be successfully diagnosed after the initial triage-for example, transesophageal echocardiography can be performed to diagnose infective endocarditis. The emergency department radiologist may be responsible for identifying acute conditions, which can be life threatening. Some of the more common emergent opioid-related conditions and complications are reviewed, with specific emphasis on cases in which emergency department radiologists encounter conditions for which additional expertise is required. Becoming familiar with the conditions directly related to the current opioid epidemic will enable the diagnosis of these entities in a timely and accurate manner. ©RSNA, 2018.

Expected Sonographic Appearance of the Spleen in Children and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: An Update.

OBJECTIVES: To update the imaging literature regarding spleen appearances in young patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study and included 112 patients age 0 to 21 years with SCD who had at least 1 abdominal sonogram at our institution between 1999 and 2011. Radiologic findings were compared between risk groups by χ(2) analysis. Findings were correlated with other imaging modalities when available. RESULTS: In our cohort, 35.7% of patients had autosplenectomy, and 8.0% had undergone surgical splenectomy. Only 5.0% of individuals age 0 to 5 years had autosplenectomy. In those who had not undergone surgical splenectomy or autosplenectomy, 76.2% had echogenic spleens, heterogeneous-appearing spleens, or both, and patients with the homozygous sickle cell anemia (HbSS) genotype were more likely to have an abnormal spleen echo texture. Patients treated with transfusions had echogenic spleens and had a higher frequency of splenic regeneration nodules. Most patients (80%) with splenomegaly did not require surgical splenectomy after 5.7 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty years ago, children with HbSS SCD were expected to have autosplenectomy by age 5 years. There have been changes in the radiologic appearance of the spleen in patients with SDC, likely due to improved supportive care and the use of acute and chronic transfusion therapy. We found that autosplenectomy is rare by age 5 years, and during childhood and adolescence, the spleen typically appears echogenic, heterogeneous, or both, depending on disease severity.

Implications of radiologic-pathologic correlation for gallbladder disease in children and young adults with sickle cell disease.

The purpose of this study is to describe gallbladder imaging findings in patients with sickle cell disease, and to determine how they correspond with occurrence of complications, need for cholecystectomy, and surgical pathology. This study is IRB approved and HIPAA compliant. Informed consent requirements were waived. We reviewed records of 77 children with sickle cell disease ages 0-18 years at the time of their first gallbladder imaging study. Demographics, hospital courses, and radiologic and pathologic reports were collected. Two pediatric radiologists independently and retrospectively reviewed the imaging studies. Statistical analysis was performed using kappa statistic, chi-squared test, and ANOVA F-test. Continuous variables were described with mean, median, variance, and range. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy (N = 25) were more likely than the patients who did not undergo cholecystectomy (N = 52) to have gallstones or sludge (100 versus 36.5 %, p = <0.0001) or other gallbladder or biliary abnormality (70.8 versus 1.9 %, p = <0.0001). Patients who did not undergo cholecystectomy more frequently had normal-appearing gallbladders and biliary tracts (63.5 versus 0 %, p = <0.0001). Ninety-two percent of patients with cholecystectomy had chronic cholecystitis on pathology, and 96 % had a complication, including chronic cholecystitis and sequelae of biliary obstruction. Young patients with sickle cell disease, cholelithiasis, and any other biliary imaging abnormality will almost certainly require cholecystectomy, and many will experience complications. The most common surgical pathologic diagnosis in this group is chronic cholecystitis, which has a variable radiologic appearance. Our findings support recommendations to perform elective cholecystectomy for children and young adults with sickle cell disease and cholelithiasis or gallbladder sludge.

Sonography of the pediatric scrotum: emphasis on the Ts--torsion, trauma, and tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the different scrotal disease entities in the pediatric population, focusing on acute scrotum, traumatic injuries, and testicular tumors. CONCLUSION: Many pediatric scrotal disorders can be well characterized on sonography. An understanding of the various disease entities, their clinical presentations, and the typical sonographic features should all be combined to make an accurate diagnosis.

Evaluation of the effects of oral water and low-density barium sulphate suspension on bowel appearance on FDG-PET/CT.

The purpose of this study is to assess which of five bowel preparation regimes offers superior bowel distension and to assess if these regimes adversely affect FDG activity on PET/CT imaging. The study conformed to HIPAA regulations. Ninety patients were divided into five groups of 18 who received no oral contrast agent (group A); 900 ml of water orally (group B); or 900, 1,350, or 1,800 ml of LDB (groups C, D, E, respectively). PET/CT examinations were assessed quantitatively (bowel diameter, SUV) and qualitatively (visual assessment grading scale) for bowel distension and FDG activity by two blinded readers. ANOVA was utilized to determine if a statistically significant difference (SSD) existed between the groups in terms of distension and FDG uptake. Qualitatively superior bowel distension was observed in group C (LDB) compared to B (water) and greater distension was noted with increased volumes of LDB in C, D, and E. Quantitatively there was an SSD in mean distension between groups C and B (P < 0.001 except duodenum). Qualitatively and quantitatively there was no significant difference in bowel FDG uptake among the groups (P > 0.05). LDB as an oral contrast agent provides superior bowel distension over water and does not induce increased FDG bowel activity.

Liver lesion detection and characterization in patients with colorectal cancer: a comparison of low radiation dose non-enhanced PET/CT, contrast-enhanced PET/CT, and liver MRI.

OBJECTIVES: To compare low-radiation dose non-enhanced fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) (NE-PET/CT), contrast-enhanced fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT (CE-PET/CT), and gadolinium-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection and characterization of liver lesions in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: In this retrospective review of imaging database of CRC patients with suspected liver metastases, 33 patients (22 men, 11 women; mean age, 63 years) evaluated with low-radiation dose NE-PET/CT, CE-PET/CT, and liver MRI were studied. The final diagnosis was established either by pathological examination or follow-up imaging over a period of at least 6 months for lesion stability or growth. The liver lesions were characterized on an ordinal scale of 0 to 6 (0 = absent, 1 = definitely benign, and 6 = definitely malignant). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to compare performance of the 3 imaging methods. RESULTS: A total of 110 lesions were present on follow-up. The detection rate on low-radiation dose NE-PET/CT, CE-PET/CT, and MRI was 73.6%, 90.9%, and 95.4%, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (P < 0.001) and CE-PET/CT (P < 0.001) had a higher detection rate than low-radiation dose NE-PET/CT. There was no significant statistical difference in lesion detection between MRI and CE-PET/CT (P = 0.11). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for characterization of detected liver lesions on low-radiation dose NE-PET/CT were 67%, 60%, and 66%, respectively; those on CE-PET/CT were 85%, 100%, and 86%, respectively; and those on MRI were 98%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. Comparative receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under curve of 0.74 for low-radiation dose NE-PET/CT, 0.86 for CE-PET/CT, and 0.97 for MRI. There were statistically significant differences in the accuracy of MRI, low-radiation dose NE-PET/CT, and CE-PET/CT for lesion characterization. CONCLUSIONS: When performing PET/CT, optimal detection and characterization of liver lesions require the use of a fused contrast-enhanced CT. Magnetic resonance imaging and CE-PET/CT have similar lesion detection rates. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best test for liver lesion characterization in patients with CRC.