Temporal and spatial evolution of different heavy metal fractions and correlation with environmental factors after prolonged acid mine drainage irrigation: A column experiment.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) has global significance due to its low pH and elevated heavy metal content, which have received widespread attention. After AMD irrigation in mining areas, heavy metals are distributed among soil layers, but the influencing factors and mechanisms remain unclear. AMD contamination of surrounding soil is primarily attributed to surface runoff and irrigation and causes significant environmental degradation. A laboratory soil column experiment was conducted to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of the heavy metals Cd and Cu, as well as the impact of key environmental factors on the migration and transformation of these heavy metals following long-term soil pollution by AMD. After AMD addition, the soil exhibited a significant increase in acidity, accompanied by notable alterations in various environmental parameters, including soil pH, Eh, Fe(II) content, and iron oxide content. Over time, Cd and Cu in the soil mainly existed in the exchangeable and carbonate-bound fractions. In spatial terms, exchangeable Cu increased with increasing depth. Pearson correlation analysis indicated significant negative correlations between pH and Cu, Cd, and Eh in pore water, as well as negative correlations between pH and the exchangeable fraction of Cd (F1), carbonate-bound fraction of Cd (F2), and exchangeable fraction of Cu (F1) in the solid phase. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between pH and the residual fraction of Cu (F5). Furthermore, the soil total Cd content exhibited a positive correlation with pyrophosphate-Fe (Fep) and dithionite-Fe (Fed), while CdF1, CdF2, total Cu, and CuF1 displayed positive correlations with Fep. Our findings indicate that the presence of AMD in soil leads to alterations in the chemical fractions of Cd and Cu, resulting in enhanced bioavailability. These results offer valuable insights for developing effective remediation strategies for soils near mining sites.

Efficient removal of heavy metals in water utilizing facile cross-link conjugated linoleic acid micelles.

Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) technology is an effective method to treat low-concentration heavy metal wastewater. However, the leakage of surfactants in the ultrafiltration (UF) process will inevitably cause secondary pollution. In this study, a biosurfactant of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) with conjugated double bonds was selected to bind its micelles by simple thermal crosslinking to obtain morphologically stable stearic acid (SA) nanoparticles. The pure SA nanoparticles were obtained by repeated dialysis. The stability of the SA nanoparticles was verified by comparing the particle size distribution and solubility of the materials before and after crosslinking at different pH levels. The effectiveness of SA nanoparticle-enhanced UF in removing heavy metals was verified by exploring the adsorption performance of SA nanoparticles. The dialysis device was used to simplify the UF device, wherein SA nanoparticles were assessed as adsorbents for the elimination of Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions from aqueous solutions under diverse process parameters, including pH, contact time, metal ion concentration, and coexisting ions. The findings indicate that the SA nanoparticles have no evidence of secondary contamination in UF and exhibit compatibility with a broad pH range and coexisting ions. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ were determined to be 152.77, 403.56, and 271.46 mg/g, respectively.

Precise prediction of the sensitivity of platinum chemotherapy in SCLC: Establishing and verifying the feasibility of a CT-based radiomics nomogram.

Objectives: To develop and validate a CT-based radiomics nomogram that can provide individualized pretreatment prediction of the response to platinum treatment in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Materials: A total of 134 SCLC patients who were treated with platinum as a first-line therapy were eligible for this study, including 51 patients with platinum resistance (PR) and 83 patients with platinum sensitivity (PS). The variance threshold, SelectKBest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were applied for feature selection and model construction. The selected texture features were calculated to obtain the radiomics score (Rad-score), and the predictive nomogram model was composed of the Rad-score and the clinical features selected by multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curves were used to assess the performance of the nomogram. Results: The Rad-score was calculated using 10 radiomic features, and the resulting radiomics signature demonstrated good discrimination in both the training set (area under the curve [AUC], 0.727; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.627-0.809) and the validation set (AUC, 0.723; 95% CI, 0.562-0.799). To improve diagnostic effectiveness, the Rad-score created a novel prediction nomogram by combining CA125 and CA72-4. The radiomics nomogram showed good calibration and discrimination in the training set (AUC, 0.900; 95% CI, 0.844-0.947) and the validation set (AUC, 0.838; 95% CI, 0.534-0.735). The radiomics nomogram proved to be clinically beneficial based on decision curve analysis. Conclusion: We developed and validated a radiomics nomogram model for predicting the response to platinum in SCLC patients. The outcomes of this model can provide useful suggestions for the development of tailored and customized second-line chemotherapy regimens.

Prediction of placenta accreta spectrum with nomogram combining radiomic and clinical factors: A novel developed and validated integrative model.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a clinicoradiomic nomogram based on sagittal T2WI images to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). METHODS: Between October 2016 and April 2022, women suspected of PAS by ultrasound were enrolled. After taking into account exclusion criteria, 132 women were retrospectively included in the study. The variance threshold SelectKBest and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were applied to select radiomic features, which was further used to calculate the Rad-score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to screen clinical factor. RESULTS: Based on 13 radiomic features, five radiomic models were constructed. A clinical factor of intraplacental T2-hypointense bands was obtained by multivariate logistic regression. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) radiomic model was 0.82 in the training cohort and 0.78 in the test cohort. After adding clinical factors to the SGD radiomic model, the AUC value of the clinicoradiomic model was significantly increased from 0.82 and 0.78 to 0.84 in both the training and test cohorts. The nomogram of the clinicoradiomic model was constructed, which had good performance verified by calibration and a decision curve. CONCLUSION: The presented nomogram could be useful for predicting PAS.

The use of SNAP and T1-weighted VISTA in cervical artery dissection.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Some cervical artery dissection (CAD) can't be easily confirmed by commonly used angiography techniques in clinical practice. We aimed to compare the abilities of the vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques including simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) sequence and T1-weighted volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (T1-w VISTA) sequence alone for evaluating CAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2017 to October 2020, 59 patients underwent MRI examinations including SNAP and T1-w VISTA sequences for cervical artery pathologies. SNAP and T1-w VISTA images were retrospectively and independently reviewed to evaluate their diagnostic performances of CAD by using the final diagnosis as the reference standard which was established by clinical history, physical examination, and all available images. The agreement between T1-w VISTA and SNAP in the identification of the imaging features of CAD, including intramural hematoma (IMH), intimal flap, and double lumen, were compared. The IMH-wall contrasts by T1-w VISTA and SNAP were also compared. RESULTS: CAD was confirmed in 43 of the 59 patients. T1-w VISTA and SNAP showed the same diagnostic performance, and their consistencies with the final diagnosis were good (κ = 0.776, p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity in CAD diagnosis were 0.978 and 0.750 for T1-w VISTA and SNAP. The IMH, intimal flap, and double lumen observed on SNAP were also determined by T1-w VISTA (κ = 1.000, p < 0.001 for all). The SNAP sequence showed higher IMH-wall contrast than T1-w VISTA (7.34 ± 4.56 vs. 3.12 ± 1.17, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SNAP and T1-w VISTA sequences had the same performance in CAD diagnosis, thus they were both recommended. In addition, SNAP showed better IMH-wall contrast than T1-w VISTA.

Intraplacental T2-hypointense bands may help predict placental invasion depth and postpartum hemorrhage in placenta accrete spectrum disorders in high-risk gravid patients.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is critical for delivery management. PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of MRI features in predicting the PAS, invasive depth and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in high-risk gravid patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2019 and November 2020, women with ultrasound (US)-suspected PAS were enrolled. With the exclusion criteria, 80 women were included in the study. Two experienced genitourinary radiologists reviewed and recorded the MRI features. The chi square test was used to compare the effectiveness of MRI features. Relative risk ratios were computed to test the association of intraplacental T2-hypointense bands with poor outcomes of cesarean section. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses based on the number and area of intraplacental T2-hypointense bands were used to predict PAS, invasion depth, and PPH. RESULTS: PAS was diagnosed in 56 of 80 women (70%). At delivery, 24 of 80 women (30%) experienced PPH (≥1000 mL). Intraplacental T2-hypointense bands were detected at MRI in 28 of 56 women with PAS (50%). The relative risk ratio of intraplacental T2-hypointense bands was 1.51 for PAS, 3.17 for depth of PAS invasiveness and 4.74 for PPH. The largest areas of intraplacental T2-hypointense bands for predicting PAS, invasion depth and PPH were 0.66 cm2, 1.68 cm2 and 1.99 cm2, respectively. DISCUSSION: The appearance of intraplacental T2-hypointense bands has important diagnostic value for PAS, its invasion depth and PPH. The area of the largest T2-hypointense band in the placenta can predict poor outcomes of cesarean section.

Radiomic Feature-Based Nomogram: A Novel Technique to Predict EGFR-Activating Mutations for EGFR Tyrosin Kinase Inhibitor Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a radiomic feature-based nomogram for preoperative discriminating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutation from wild-type EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. MATERIAL: A group of 301 NSCLC patients were retrospectively reviewed. The EGFR mutation status was determined by ARMS PCR analysis. All patients underwent nonenhanced CT before surgery. Radiomic features were extracted (GE healthcare). The maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR) and LASSO, were used to select features. We incorporated the independent clinical features into the radiomic feature model and formed a joint model (i.e., the radiomic feature-based nomogram). The performance of the joint model was compared with that of the other two models. RESULTS: In total, 396 radiomic features were extracted. A radiomic signature model comprising 9 selected features was established for discriminating patients with EGFR-activating mutations from wild-type EGFR. The radiomic score (Radscore) in the two groups was significantly different between patients with wild-type EGFR and EGFR-activating mutations (training cohort: P<0.0001; validation cohort: P=0.0061). Five clinical features were retained and contributed as the clinical feature model. Compared to the radiomic feature model alone, the nomogram incorporating the clinical features and Radscore exhibited improved sensitivity and discrimination for predicting EGFR-activating mutations (sensitivity: training cohort: 0.84, validation cohort: 0.76; AUC: training cohort: 0.81, validation cohort: 0.75). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful and surpassed traditional clinical and radiomic features. CONCLUSIONS: The joint model showed favorable performance in the individualized, noninvasive prediction of EGFR-activating mutations in NSCLC patients.

A 55-Year-Old Immunocompetent Man With Chest Discomfort and Night Sweats.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old Chinese man without significant medical history presented with progressive chest discomfort and night sweats for the past 2 months. He experienced nonexertional chest tightness and palpitation at night, not associated with dyspnea. These symptoms usually lasted for a few minutes and resolved spontaneously. He also reported night sweats but denied fever, chills, or weight change. He had never smoked and denied recent contact with anyone known to be ill.

ZFP36 Binds With PRC1 to Inhibit Tumor Growth and Increase 5-Fu Chemosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth common cause of tumor-related death worldwide. ZFP36, a RNA-binding protein, decreases in many cancers and its role in HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which ZFP36 inhibited HCC progression and increased fluorouracil (5-Fu) sensitivity. We found that ZFP36 was downregulated and PRC1 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. In vitro investigation presented that ZFP36 acted as a tumor suppressor, while overexpression of PRC1 increased cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion. Further investigations demonstrated that overexpression of ZFP36 inhibited tumor growth and promoted 5-Fu sensitivity in xenograft tumor mice model, which could be reversed when PRC1 overexpressed simultaneously. Luciferase reporter assays and Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that ZFP36 could bind to adenylate uridylate-rich elements located in PRC1 mRNA 3'UTR to downregulate PRC1 expression. Taken together, our findings identified that ZFP36 regulated PRC1 to exert anti-tumor effect, which suggested a potential therapeutic strategy for treating HCC by exploiting ZFP36/PRC1 axis.

Aerogels for the separation of asphalt-containing oil-water mixtures and the effect of asphalt stabilizer.

In order to separate the asphalt-containing oil-water mixture, an aerogel film was produced through supercritical drying of a polymer gel synthesized using the ring opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). The polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD)-based aerogels have a porous structure, super-lipophilicity and super-hydrophobicity which resulted in successful separation of the simple oil-water mixture, oil-water emulsion and asphalt-containing toluene-water mixture. However, the presence of asphalt decreases the separation efficiency by blocking the pores and acting as an emulsifier. An asphalt stabilizer was then employed to reduce the asphalt particle size and weaken the flow passage blockage, consequently improving the filtration speed and the asphalt content in the filtrate. The combination of PDCPD aerogel film with an asphalt stabilizer has great application prospects for separating asphalt-containing oil-water mixtures.

Value of TSCT Features for Differentiating Preinvasive and Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma From Invasive Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Subsolid Nodules Smaller Than 3 cm.

BACKGROUND: To distinguish preinvasive (adenocarcinoma in situ/atypical adenomatous hyperplasia) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) from invasive adenocarcinoma (IA) appearing as solitary subsolid nodules (SSNs) less than 3 cm based on thin-section computed tomography (TSCT) features to guide therapeutic approaches. METHODS: A total of 154 lesions that were histopathologically confirmed to have pre/minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (hereafter pre/MIA) and IA presenting as part-solid nodules (PSNs) or pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs) were retrospectively reviewed. The TSCT features, including diameter, area, CT value, shape, air bronchogram, margins, and location, were compared and assessed. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to determine the cut-off values for the qualitative variables and their diagnostic performances. RESULTS: Of 154 nodules, 89 IA, 53 MIA, eight adenocarcinoma in situ, and four atypical adenomatous hyperplasia lesions were found. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression of the pre/MIA and IA lesions were compared and analyzed among PSNs and pGGNs. Among pGGNs, a significant difference was found in the area (p = 0.004, odds ratio [OR] = 0.124, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.300-0.515) between the pre/MIA and IA groups. In PSNs, significant differences were found in the diameter (p = 0.001, OR = 0.171, 95% CI = 0.063-0.467) and CT value (p = 0.001, OR = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.993-0.998) between the pre/MIA and IA groups. According to the corresponding receiver operating characteristic curves, the optimal cut-off tumor area in pGGNs to differentiate pre/MIA from IA was 0.595 cm2. A higher CT value of the lesion (≥ -298.500 HU) and a larger diameter (≥1.450 cm) in PSNs were significantly associated with IA. CONCLUSION: Imaging features from TSCT contribute to distinguishing pre/MIA from IA in solitary subsolid nodules and may contribute to guide the clinical management of these lesions.

Evaluation of the blood supply and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for patients with liver metastasis using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of patients with liver metastasis using integrated 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. A total of 97 liver metastasis patients treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were enrolled in this study. The 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography images of liver metastasis patients were collected before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment. The efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of liver metastasis was evaluated according to the revised Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine cut-off values of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography parameters (Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean) for predicting the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Progression-free survival and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared. Correlation of Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean with blood supply and lipiodol deposition in the lesion was analyzed. Among three 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography parameters, the receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax with a cut-off value of 3.56 was the best predictor of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization efficacy. According to the cut-off value of Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, liver metastasis patients were divided into the Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax ≤ 3.56 and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax > 3.56 groups. Compared with the Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax > 3.56 group, the Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax ≤ 3.56 group showed a longer progression-free survival and a lower incidence of postoperative complications. The Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean in the lesion with abundant blood supply were significantly lower than those in peripheral liver parenchyma, while the Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean in the lesion with lack of blood supply were significantly higher than those in peripheral liver parenchyma. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that lipiodol deposition in the lesion was positively correlated with the Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean. The Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography may be a good tool for predicting the blood supply and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for patients with liver metastasis.

Interactions between interleukin-6 and myeloid-derived suppressor cells drive the chemoresistant phenotype of hepatocellular cancer.

Emerging evidence implicates an important role for myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. However, limited knowledge is known about the function of MDSCs in response to chemotherapies. In this study, we find that drug-resistant hepatocellular cancer (HCC) cells-derived conditioned medium significantly enhances the expansion and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs compared to their parental sensitive cells, which is demonstrated by increased level of arginase, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Next, we reveal that drug-resistant HCC cells-derived IL-6 activated MDSCs, which is demonstrated by using an anti-IL-6 neutralizing antibody that caused a reduced MDSC immunosuppressive activity. More importantly, the depletion of MDSC via the administration of anti-Gr-1 antibody or the blockade of IL-6 signaling sensitized 5-FU-resistant H22 hepatoma to chemotherapy in the immunocompetent C57BL/6N mice. In primary human HCC, IL-6 expression levels strongly correlate with an MDSC phenotype and chemotherapy response in HCC patients. In conclusion, these results describe a role of IL-6 in the drug resistance in HCC chemotherapy and suggest that MDSC-targeting treatments may be potential therapeutic strategy for HCC chemoresistance.

Juxtaglomerular cell tumor: A case report.

The current study reports the case of a 29-year-old female with a long-standing history of hypertension and headaches who presented to the Outpatient Clinic of The Central Hospital of Lishui (Lishui, Zhejiang, China). Abdominal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography were performed, which showed a left renal neoplasm, prompting a diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma or renal cell carcinoma. After a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed, a number of different diagnoses were suggested by several pathologists from eight hospitals. Considering the patient's gender, age, medical history, histopathological features and immunohistochemistry, a final diagnosis of a juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JGCT) was established. The present study therefore indicates that the possibility of a JGCT should be considered when young adults present with renal parenchymatous tumors and high blood pressure. In addition, pathologists must take clinical information into account to form a precise diagnosis.

Posterior mediastinal ectopic meningioma: a case report.

Primary ectopic meningiomas occurring in the mediastinal region are extremely rare. So far, only five cases of primary mediastinal meningioma have been reported in the literatures. The imaging characteristics and the clinicopathological significance of mediastinal psammomatous meningioma have not been detailed. Here, we report the case of a 42-year-old male with primary posterior mediastinal psammomatous meningioma. The clinical features, imaging, and pathological findings are carefully analyzed, and the relevant literatures were reviewed.

Evaluation of a chest circumference-adapted protocol for low-dose 128-slice coronary CT angiography with prospective electrocardiogram triggering.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of chest circumference-adapted scanning protocol on radiation exposure and image quality in patients undergoing prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered coronary CT angiography (CCTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred-eighty-five consecutive patients, who had undergone prospective ECG triggering CCTA with a 128-slice CT, were included in the present study. Nipple-level chest circumference, body weight and height were measured before CT examinations. Patients were divided into four groups based on kV/ref · mAs = 100/200, 100/250, 120/200, and 120/250, when patient's chest circumference was ≤ 85.0 (n = 56), 85.0-90.0 (n = 53), 90.0-95.0 (n = 44), and > 95.0 (n = 32), respectively. Image quality per-segment was independently assessed by two experienced observers. Image noise and attenuation were also measured. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. The effective radiation dose was calculated using CT dose volume index and the dose-length product. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between patients' chest circumference and body mass index (r = 0.762, p < 0.001). Chest circumference ranged from 74 to 105 cm, and the mean effective radiation dose was 1.9-3.8 mSv. Diagnostic image quality was obtained in 98.5% (2440/2478) of all evaluated coronary segments without any significant differences among the four groups (p = 0.650). No significant difference in image noise was observed among the four groups (p = 0.439), thus supporting the validity of the chest circumference-adapted scanning protocol. However, vessel attenuation, SNR and CNR were significantly higher in the 100 kV groups than in the 120 kV groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A measure of chest circumference can be used to adapt tube voltage and current for individualized radiation dose control, with resultant similar image noise and sustained diagnostic image quality.

Gastric schwannoma: CT findings and clinicopathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics of gastric schwannoma. METHODS: Eight cases of gastric schwannomas confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed by CT. We reviewed the CT findings of gastric schwannomas for the following characteristics: tumor location, size, contour, margin, growth pattern, enhancement pattern, the presence or absence of necrosis, and perigastric lymph nodes. RESULTS: The tumors were located in the lesser curvature of gastric body (n = 5) and greater curvature of the gastric antrum (n = 3) with a median size of 4.8 cm (range 1.7-11.4 cm). Gastric schwannomas appeared as submucosal tumors with CT features of ovoid (7/8 patients), well-defined (8/8) and exophytic (4/8) or mixed (3/8) growth patterns. On dynamic CT examination, the tumors displayed homogeneous enhancement in seven cases and heterogeneous enhancement in one case. Solid parts of eight tumors demonstrated mild enhancement during the arterial phase and strengthened progressive enhancement during the venous and delayed phases. Two cases had perigastric lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric schwannomas typically manifested as ovoid, well-defined, exophytic, or mixed growth pattern masses on CT. Homogeneous progressive enhancement on dynamic CT is a characteristic finding of gastric schwannoma.

[Surveillance and diagnostic values of ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging follow-ups in malignant transformation of cirrhotic nodules].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the surveillance and diagnostic values of ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-ups in malignant transformation of cirrhotic nodules so as to improve the diagnostic accuracy of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Retrospective analyses were conducted for US, CT and MRI features of 96 HCC patients confirmed by pathological examination or treatment. RESULTS: All patients (145 lesions) underwent US, CT, MRI examinations during follow-ups.US detected 62 lesions (42.6%) and 90 lesions on enhanced CT (62.1%) presented "fast-in fast-out" enhancement, pseudocapsule, progressive enlargement or increasing numbers in a short time. And 138 nodules on MRI (95.2%) manifested as decreased T1WI signal, increased T2WI and DWI signal, "nodule in nodule" on T2WI, fatty degeneration, change of enhancement patterns, pseudocapsule, progressive enlargement or increased number in a short time. CONCLUSION: MRI offers obvious advantages over CT and US (P < 0.05). US may serve as a routine follow-up mean for cirrhotic patients. Once lesions are found, enhanced CT and/or MRI should be performed for confirming a diagnosis. Cirrhotic patients without HCC should undergo MRI regularly to diagnose HCC earlier.

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the liver: CT and MRI features.

The purpose of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging features of epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the liver (Epi-HAML), with pathology as a reference. We reviewed the CT/MRI findings of six lesions of Epi-HAML and found absence of adipose tissue in the lesions. In addition, recognizing the imaging features of no capsule, and hypervasularity with central punctiform or filiform vessels as a characteristic enhancement may distinguish Epi-HAML from other hepatic tumors.

[Spiral CT diagnosis of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the computerized tomography (CT) finding of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction (EPISBO) so as to enhance its diagnostic level. METHODS: The CT findings of 35 EPISBO cases proved by surgery were retrospectively analyzed from August 2003 to October 2008. RESULTS: The main CT findings were as follows: (1) Incomplete small bowel obstruction; (2) Thickening and edema of focal or global bowel wall; (3) Local or diffuse effusion mainly around operative incision; (4) Without definite obstruction point or bent adhesive point; (5) Locally ring-shaped or delayed enhancement during an enhancement scan. CONCLUSION: Spiral CT has an important value in the diagnosis of EPISBO.