Diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasound combined with multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) for pediatric intra-abdominal hernias: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasound combined with multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) for pediatric intra-abdominal hernias (IAHs), and to analyze the potential causes for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of IAHs in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 children with surgically confirmed IAHs. The diagnostic rate of IAHs by preoperative high-resolution ultrasound combined with MSCT was compared with that of intraoperative examination, and the potential causes for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis by the combination method were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-five cases of pediatric IAHs were categorized into primary (25/45, 55.5%) and acquired secondary hernias (20/45, 44.5%). Among children with primary hernias, mesenteric defects were identified as the predominant subtype (40%). Acquired secondary hernias typically resulted from abnormal openings in the abdominal wall or band adhesions due to trauma, surgery, or inflammation. In particular, adhesive band hernias were the major type in children with acquired secondary hernias (40%). The diagnostic rate of high-resolution ultrasound was 77.8%, with "cross sign" as a characteristic ultrasonic feature. Among 10 cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, 5 were finally diagnosed as IAHs by multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT). Overall, the diagnostic rate of pediatric IAHs by preoperative ultrasound combined with radiological imaging reached 88.9%. DISCUSSION: IAHs in children, particularly mesenteric defects, are prone to strangulated intestinal obstruction and necrosis. High-resolution ultrasound combined with MSCT greatly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of pediatric IAHs.

Primary renal sarcomas: imaging features and discrimination from non-sarcoma renal tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess imaging features of primary renal sarcomas in order to better discriminate them from non-sarcoma renal tumors. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with renal sarcomas from 1995 to 2018 were included from 11 European tertiary referral centers (Germany, Belgium, Turkey). Renal sarcomas were 1:4 compared to patients with non-sarcoma renal tumors. CT/MRI findings were assessed using 21 predefined imaging features. A random forest model was trained to predict "renal sarcoma vs. non-sarcoma renal tumors" based on demographics and imaging features. RESULTS: n = 34 renal sarcomas were included and compared to n = 136 non-sarcoma renal tumors. Renal sarcomas manifested in younger patients (median 55 vs. 67 years, p < 0.01) and were more complex (high RENAL score complexity 79.4% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01). Renal sarcomas were larger (median diameter 108 vs. 43 mm, p < 0.01) with irregular shape and ill-defined margins, and more frequently demonstrated invasion of the renal vein or inferior vena cava, tumor necrosis, direct invasion of adjacent organs, and contact to renal artery or vein, compared to non-sarcoma renal tumors (p < 0.05, each). The random forest algorithm yielded a median AUC = 93.8% to predict renal sarcoma histology, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 90.4%, 76.5%, and 93.9%, respectively. Tumor diameter and RENAL score were the most relevant imaging features for renal sarcoma identification. CONCLUSION: Renal sarcomas are rare tumors commonly manifesting as large masses in young patients. A random forest model using demographics and imaging features shows good diagnostic accuracy for discrimination of renal sarcomas from non-sarcoma renal tumors, which might aid in clinical decision-making. KEY POINTS: • Renal sarcomas commonly manifest in younger patients as large, complex renal masses. • Compared to non-sarcoma renal tumors, renal sarcomas more frequently demonstrated invasion of the renal vein or inferior vena cava, tumor necrosis, direct invasion of adjacent organs, and contact to renal artery or vein. • Using demographics and standardized imaging features, a random forest showed excellent diagnostic performance for discrimination of sarcoma vs. non-sarcoma renal tumors (AUC = 93.8%, sensitivity = 90.4%, specificity = 76.5%, and PPV = 93.9%).

The application of radiomics in predicting gene mutations in cancer.

With the development of genome sequencing, the role of molecular targeted therapy in cancer is becoming increasingly important. However, genetic testing remains expensive, invasive, and time-consuming, and thus unavailable for all patients. Radiogenomics aims to correlate imaging characteristics with gene expression patterns, gene mutations, and other genome-related characteristics. Due to the noninvasive nature of medical imaging, the field of radiogenomics is rapidly developing and may serve as a substitute tool for genetic testing. In this article, we briefly summarise the current role of radiogenomics in predicting gene mutations in brain, lung, colorectal, breast, and kidney tumours. KEY POINTS: • The role of molecular targeted therapy in individual cancer-precision therapy is becoming increasingly important with the development of genetic testing. • Radiogenomics may provide accurate imaging biomarkers as a substitute for genetic testing. • While the field of radiogenomics holds great promise, there are still a number of limitations that need to be overcome.

Vulval Aggressive Angiomyxoma in a 19 year teenager: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive Angiomyxoma is a benign, slowly growing, locally aggressive and recurrent tumour that occurs in the pelvic-perineal region of females in their reproductive years. It presents as a painless, soft, gelatinous mass and metastasizes rarely. Suspicion can be made based on clinical examination and radiological imaging but final diagnosis is confirmed only after histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The choice of treatment is surgical wide local excision. CASE PRESENTATION: We hereby present a case of a 19-year, unmarried lady, with a body mass index of 21 kg/m2, who presented with a chief complaint of painless mass in left vulva which progressively increased in size in the past one year. Clinical examination revealed a large, cauliflower like, exophytic mass of 10 cm × 10 cm size. Radiological imaging confirmed involvement of lymph nodes. Wide local excision with adequate tumour free margin and depth was used as a treatment modality. The diagnosis was confirmed via histopathological examination of the excised specimen. There is no recurrence in the patient up to date. CONCLUSION: Aggressive Angiomyxoma is a rare tumour and it is most often misdiagnosed. This report highlights the importance of considering Aggressive Angiomyxoma as a differential diagnosis of vulval masses and the two-step surgical approach for its treatment in low resource setting.

The relationship between pain and herniation radiology in giant lumbar disc herniation causing severe sciatica: 15 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate conservative treatment of giant lumbar disc herniation in patients with extreme pain and to assess temporal changes in pain levels and radiological findings with short-term follow-up. METHODS: A total of 15 patients with severe pain (as measured by visual analog scale [VAS]) due to giant lumbar disc herniation and without neurological deficits were included. All patients received conservative treatment and were followed weekly for pain and medication assessment. MRI was performed at baseline, second month and fourth month to calculate disc herniation volume. The changes in disc herniation and pain were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no relationship between pain and the regression of disc herniation in these five females and ten males with a mean age of 41.4 years. MRI results showed an average of 20.3% and 20.4% regression of disc herniation from baseline to second month, and second month to fourth month, respectively. Whereas, pain levels had reduced from an average of 90.8-13.53 by the second month, and to 3.13 by the fourth month, indicating significant success with conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the size of the herniation and the severity of the pain, patients with giant lumbar disc herniation should be encouraged to undergo conservative treatment, given that the patient does not have urinary-fecal incontinence, foot drop or progressive neurodeficit.

Tracing Lung Cancer Risk Factors Through Mutational Signatures in Never-Smokers.

Epidemiologic studies often rely on questionnaire data, exposure measurement tools, and/or biomarkers to identify risk factors and the underlying carcinogenic processes. An emerging and promising complementary approach to investigate cancer etiology is the study of somatic "mutational signatures" that endogenous and exogenous processes imprint on the cellular genome. These signatures can be identified from a complex web of somatic mutations thanks to advances in DNA sequencing technology and analytical algorithms. This approach is at the core of the Sherlock-Lung study (2018-ongoing), a retrospective case-only study of over 2,000 lung cancers in never-smokers (LCINS), using different patterns of mutations observed within LCINS tumors to trace back possible exposures or endogenous processes. Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing, genome-wide methylation, microbiome, and other analyses are integrated with data from histological and radiological imaging, lifestyle, demographic characteristics, environmental and occupational exposures, and medical records to classify LCINS into subtypes that could reveal distinct risk factors. To date, we have received samples and data from 1,370 LCINS cases from 17 study sites worldwide and whole-genome sequencing has been completed on 1,257 samples. Here, we present the Sherlock-Lung study design and analytical strategy, also illustrating some empirical challenges and the potential for this approach in future epidemiologic studies.

No added value of 2-year radiographic follow-up of fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: For fusion surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) consensus exists that a 2-year radiographic follow-up assessment is needed. This standard lacks empirical evidence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiographic follow-up after corrective surgery in AIS, from pre-until 2 years postoperative. METHODS: In this historical cohort study, 63 patients surgically treated for AIS, age ≤ 25 years, with 2-year radiographic follow-up, were enrolled. The primary outcome measure was the major Cobb angle. Secondary outcomes were coronal and sagittal spino-pelvic parameters, including proximal junction kyphosis (PJK) and distal adding-on. Change over time was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The major curve Cobb angle showed a statistically significant change for pre- to 1 year postoperative, but not for 1- to 2-year follow-up. Seven out of 63 patients did show a change exceeding the error of measurement (5°) from 1- to 2-year follow-up (range -8° to +7°), of whom 2 patients showed curve progression and 5 showed improvement. PJK or distal adding-on was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant changes in major curve Cobb angle were found during postsurgical follow-up, or in adjacent non-fused segments. The findings of this study are not supportive for routine radiographs 2 years after fusion surgery in AIS patients.

A fully automated method for late ventricular diastole frame selection in post-dive echocardiography without ECG gating.

Venous gas emboli (VGE) are often quantified as a marker of decompression stress on echocardiograms. Bubble-counting has been proposed as an easy to learn method, but remains time-consuming, rendering large dataset analysis impractical. Computer automation of VGE counting following this method has therefore been suggested as a means to eliminate rater bias and save time. A necessary step for this automation relies on the selection of a frame during late ventricular diastole (LVD) for each cardiac cycle of the recording. Since electrocardiograms (ECG) are not always recorded in field experiments, here we propose a fully automated method for LVD frame selection based on regional intensity minimization. The algorithm is tested on 20 previously acquired echocardiography recordings (from the original bubble-counting publication), half of which were acquired at rest (Rest) and the other half after leg flexions (Flex). From the 7,140 frames analyzed, sensitivity was found to be 0.913 [95% CI: 0.875-0.940] and specificity 0.997 [95% CI: 0.996-0.998]. The method's performance is also compared to that of random chance selection and found to perform significantly better (p≺0.0001). No trend in algorithm performance was found with respect to VGE counts, and no significant difference was found between Flex and Rest (p>0.05). In conclusion, full automation of LVD frame selection for the purpose of bubble counting in post-dive echocardiography has been established with excellent accuracy, although we caution that high quality acquisitions remain paramount in retaining high reliability.

The role of contrast fluoroscopy in modern day oesophageal imaging: A radiologist's perspective.

There has been a slow but steady decline in the frequency of contrast fluoroscopic studies performed all over the world, including oesophagography. This trend is attributed to the increasing availability of endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Other diagnostic modalities that are continually supplanting oesophagography are manometry and oesophageal pH monitoring. As a result, contrast oesophageal imaging as a diagnostic modality is gradually being relegated to the background by both the radiologists and other physicians. The aim of this paper is to consider some of the reasons responsible for the general decline, especially as it relates to the third world, and to review, in general terms, the role of contrast oesophageal imaging studies in the diagnoses of gastro-intestinal diseases, and the reasons for continuous use of this modality in modern medical practice.

Recurrent radiation recall dermatitis triggered by radiological procedures in a patient with breast cancer.

Radiation recall dermatitis is an acute inflammatory reaction that occurs on previously irradiated skin by usage of chemotherapeutic agents and other triggering drugs. The recall reaction is usually associated with drugs but may also occur following ultraviolet radiation. We report a patient with radiation recall dermatitis, triggered after imaging procedures that involved radiation.

Pulmonary barotrauma: assessment and investigation in divers.

Decompression illness (DCI) is an uncommon problem but can be significant in terms of morbidity and, very rarely, mortality. The mechanisms of DCI are pulmonary barotrauma and decompression sickness due to inert gas supersaturation. After the initial management phase, identification of predisposing factors is important to help advise divers regarding future risk and avoidance. Here we present four cases of DCI where pulmonary barotrauma was the likely causative mechanism. We highlight the important features in assessment for pulmonary barotrauma and advising divers on the risk of a recurrence.

Recognition and nursing management of children with non-traumatic limp.

Children with acute onset non-traumatic limp often present to emergency departments (EDs). The limp can occasionally be associated with medical emergencies such as septic arthritis and slipped upper femoral epiphysis but is often due to less severe conditions. This article discusses the common and self-limiting causes of acute onset of non-traumatic limp in children, such as transient synovitis, reactive arthritis, and benign acute childhood myositis. It also discusses more severe conditions, including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, slipped upper femoral epiphysis, Perthes disease, malignancies and non-accidental injury. Management and prognosis of these conditions are discussed in the context of guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The article includes two case studies that illustrate different presentations and the challenges that nurses who manage children in EDs are likely to come across in clinical practice.

[Prostate gland - what would urologists like to know from radiologists?] / Die Vorsteherdrüse ­ was möchte der Urologe vom Radiologen wissen?

A more than 100-year period, where the prostate was only seen and treated as a whole is coming to an end right now. Finally, high resolution imaging is providing deep insights and detailed information so that new therapeutic procedures can aim for the smallest targets within the gland. The long-standing wish of patients for individual noninvasive diagnostics and treatment of prostate diseases can now be fulfilled by providing new tailored concepts; however, in order to transfer the enormous amount of new information into the specific clinical patient situation, a closely knit interdisciplinary approach is required. In this setting, the traditional outpatient consultation service is overstretched in every aspect. It is now the time for new innovative constructs. The current one-sided service concept for urologists, radiologists and radiation therapists is therefore behind the times and the development of a "prostate management team" with equally cooperating partners from each specialty is the task for the future.

Direct Radiological Visualization of Loading on Four Flexor Tendon Repair Suture Configurations.

PURPOSE: To study the deformation of 4 suture configurations used in flexor tendon repair using fluoroscopy. METHODS: All flexor tendon repair techniques have a longitudinal component, a link component, and/or a transverse component. We had previously described 4 types of link components, namely an arc (grasping loop), a simple loop (locking loop), a complex loop, and a knot. The effect of loading on suture configurations using each of these link components was tested in flexor tendon from the first ray of porcine feet. Forty flexor tendons were divided into 4 groups of 10 each, and one-half of a tendon repair was simulated on each group using 0.5 mm stainless steel wire. The tendons were mounted on a materials testing machine, and tensile force was applied until failure. The deformation of the suture within the tendon substance was observed using an image intensifier, and the maximal load to failure was measured. RESULTS: The loading of the suture led to unraveling of the suture in an arc, constriction and unraveling in a simple loop, and initial constriction with no further change of the construct in the complex loop with no change in the knot design. The mean pullout strength of the complex loop was statistically greater than all the other 3 designs. CONCLUSIONS: Each of the link component designs demonstrated unique deformation characteristics. The complex loop design had the strongest grasping ability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study identified the differences in the deformation characteristics of the 4 types of link components used in flexor tendon repair. This knowledge may allow for the development of better flexor tendon repair techniques and the adoption of a more precise classification of flexor tendon repair techniques.

[Non-invasive assessment of fatty liver]. / A májelzsírosodás nem invazív jellemzésének lehetoségei.

As the result of various harmful effects (infectious agents, metabolic diseases, unhealthy diet, obesity, toxic agents, autoimmune processes) hepatic damage may develop, which can progress towards liver steatosis, and fibrosis as well. The most common etiological factors of liver damages are hepatitis B and C infection, alcohol consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver biopsy is considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of chronic liver diseases. Due to the dangers and complications of liver biopsy, studies are focused on non-invasive markers and radiological imaging for liver steatosis, progression of fatty liver, activity of the necroinflammation and the severity of the fibrosis. Authors review the possibilities of non-invasive assessment of liver steatosis. The statistical features of the probes (positive, negative predictive values, sensitivity, specificity) are reviewed. The role of radiological imaging is also discussed. Although the non-invasive methods discussed in this article are useful to assess liver steatosis, further studies are needed to validate to follow progression of the diseases and to control therapeutic response.

[Use of whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of and therapeutic response in multiple myeloma]. / Teljes test diffúziós mágneses rezonanciavizsgálat a myeloma multiplex diagnosztikájában és terápiájának követésében.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple myeloma is an incurable neoplastic disorder of B cells characterized by diffuse bone marrow infiltration, circumscribed bone lesions, and soft-tissue spreading. The role of novel functional imaging techniques in multiple myeloma includes initial staging of the disease, detection and characterization of complications, and evaluation of the response to treatment. AIM: The authors present their 2 and a half-year experience with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in staging and follow up of patients with multiple myeloma. METHOD: Conventional T1 weighted, T2 weighted fat suppressed and 2 b-values diffusion-weighted sequences were performed from skull base to symphysis in 27 patients suspected to have multiple myeloma. Apparent diffusion coefficient calculation was carried out in 3 cases. The final diagnosis of multiple myeloma was verified by bone-marrow biopsy. RESULTS: In 13 cases magnetic resonance imaging revealed the suspected disease. In one patient magnetic resonance imaging failed to detect the disease because of metallic artifacts. In 6 cases diffusion-weighted sequences showed additional information about bone-marrow infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with conventional sequences is a useful and promising functional imaging modality in the early diagnosis of myeloma multiple.

Documenting the de-identification process of clinical and imaging data for AI for health imaging projects.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of medical imaging, holding the potential to shift medicine from a reactive "sick-care" approach to a proactive focus on healthcare and prevention. The successful development of AI in this domain relies on access to large, comprehensive, and standardized real-world datasets that accurately represent diverse populations and diseases. However, images and data are sensitive, and as such, before using them in any way the data needs to be modified to protect the privacy of the patients. This paper explores the approaches in the domain of five EU projects working on the creation of ethically compliant and GDPR-regulated European medical imaging platforms, focused on cancer-related data. It presents the individual approaches to the de-identification of imaging data, and describes the problems and the solutions adopted in each case. Further, lessons learned are provided, enabling future projects to optimally handle the problem of data de-identification. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This paper presents key approaches from five flagship EU projects for the de-identification of imaging and clinical data offering valuable insights and guidelines in the domain. KEY POINTS: ΑΙ models for health imaging require access to large amounts of data. Access to large imaging datasets requires an appropriate de-identification process. This paper provides de-identification guidelines from the AI for health imaging (AI4HI) projects.

Advanced Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of Current and Novel Techniques.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary carcinoma arising from the liver. Although HCC can arise de novo, the vast majority of cases develop in the setting of chronic liver disease. Hepatocarcinogenesis follows a well-studied process during which chronic inflammation and cellular damage precipitate cellular and genetic aberrations, with subsequent propagation of precancerous and cancerous lesions. Surveillance of individuals at high risk of HCC, early diagnosis, and individualized treatment are keys to reducing the mortality associated with this disease. Radiological imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of these patients. HCC is a unique cancer in that it can be diagnosed with confidence by imaging that meets all radiologic criteria, obviating the risks associated with tissue sampling. This article discusses conventional and emerging imaging techniques for the evaluation of HCC.

Recurrent Metastatic Pulmonary Synovial Sarcoma during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue tumor. Exceptionally it can occur during pregnancy, representing a challenge in management and treatment given its notable aggressiveness and the not infrequent incidence of maternal death. We report our case of metastatic recurrence of pulmonary synovial sarcoma during pregnancy, with the aim to emphasize the decision-making, diagnostic, and therapeutic multidisciplinary processes and the evolution of the pathology. Besides, we focused on the analysis of the limited literature data available on the topic.